Artistically Speaking...

SUA

2011-12-16T22:07:00.005-05:00

* Note: I starte writing this post back in September - Sept 17 to be exact. Here it is december and I am finally getting around to finishing it.

I keep sitting down at the computer thinking that I am going to write about this particular topic - but then I find I have no words. I wrestle with it. I want to document for future testimony what an amazing God I serve and consciously take steps in declaring and living, not in my circumstances BUT in the truth of the loving, powerful God I serve.

Let me begin by saying that during my entire first trimester of this pregnancy, I kept having the feeling that something was going to come up in this pregnancy that would allow me the opportunity to 'walk in the opposite spirit' of circumstances that life would be sending my way. Now I know that most pregnant women worry - about everything and anything with the developing baby. I have asked God for help NOT to do that and doing fairly well at it - BUT to be completely honest - there was a part of me that was still looking forward to that 20 week ultrasound to hear that everything was ok.

Well the day of the 20 week ultrasound arrived. Everything was looking good. We decided to find out whether we would be welcoming a baby brother or sister to the family and found that we would indeed be adding a baby brother :) The ultrasound tech was taking measurements, showed us the heart beat and that everything was looking great as far as the heart was concerned. So far everything was looking good and then the "BUT"...

The "Everything looks great, BUT.... you have SUA." Single Umbilical Artery. This is where for some unknown reason, the umbilical cord instead of being made up of 3 vessels is only made up of2. (A normal umbilical cord has 2 arteries and 1 vein - mine just has 1 artery and 1 vein). Even though this is unusual, it is common enough that it has been seen to occur numerous times by my midwives. They offered for me to go for a level 2 ultrasound, since baby boy wasn't being the most cooperative in letting them get every single measurement. But the midwife suggested that they had been able to measure all the important organs that they would keep tabs on with an SUA baby. That and he was measuring within 2 days of his gestational age. To be honest, all this through me for a loop. And it's kind of weird because nothing really bad had been reported, just something to watch - but growing a baby is an emotional thing. Mind mind was spinning, will my baby be ok? The main thing they were concerned about is if baby boy would receive enough nourishment and continue to grow. So that tempted all kinds of thoughts of what if my baby doesn't grow? etc. The other issue that was found was a low placenta, this too they wanted to keep an eye on.

As I sat there while the midwife went to print out some more info on SUA, my thoughts were in a whirl - do I go for the level 2 ultra sound? Is everything really ok... what does all this mean... When the mid wife came back in, I continued to ask every question I could think of so that I wouldn't lay in bed that night plagued with 'what if''s. Then the midwife made a very interesting comment. It was one of those moments that you know it isn't the person in front of you speaking to you but God himself speaking to you through another's voice. I don't know if you have ever had that happen or not, but it is a wild experience. As I was listening to her speak, I remember thinking - she has no idea what she is really saying to me or that this is really God speaking to me through her. What she said was regarding our decision on the level 2 ultrasound, "If having the level 2 ultrasound would be what brings you peace, then that's what you should do. It's really just a matter of what brings you your peace" WOW. Now remember - God had graciously given me a heads up that I would have the wonderful opportunity to move in the opposite spirit regarding circumstances surrounding this pregnancy. In one sentence, I was reminded, in a powerful way that I had a choice in the moment. I could get my sense of peace form man's invention (the level 2 ultrasound) or I could decide that it didn't matter what it would show anyway, and choose to get my peace from God. We chose at the time, not to have the level 2 done, believe in God's goodness and move in the opposite spirit. Now I know I have said that phrase a number of times in this post... move in the opposite spirit... so what did that mean for this moment? For me it ment moving in the opposite spirit from FEAR. Fear that my baby wasn't ok, fear that things were beyond my control fear that my body wasn't doing what it was supposed to do ... the list goes on and on and on.... So now, here is the chance to say God, my baby is fearfully and wonderfully made, you are his provider, you are his nourisher - lots of baby's are just fine who have SUA. I choose to believe that the placenta will move and that baby will grow just as he needs too. I choose NOT to let any of this steal from me the months of JOYFILLED anticipation for this baby. My prayer was that this "let's watch item" would not make me anxious for the birth of this baby just to be able to sigh a relief of whew that's over - but I wanted to ENJOY this pregnancy with out feeling like a little dark rain cloud was hanging over my head. Then it hit me, the opposite spirit of fear is hope and hope in God does not disappoint, hope is the joyful anticipation of the works of God.

So here it is December... and you are probably thinking oh, she has all the answers everything is great. Well, not exactly. I have now had 3 more ultra sounds. The 2nd one was just to check the placenta and take a few growth measurements. Growth was looking steady (yea!) placenta had moved far enough away in all measurements BUT... 1 measurement was still a little close. AAGGGGHHH. So again, things are looking great, BUT.... another ultrasound was needed in 4 weeks. Fast forward to the next ultrasound.... placenta is way far away from - YEA!!! Growth is looking good, baby is in the 39th%... BUT....here was again- great news ... BUT (can I just say that I am getting really really tired of the BUTS?????!!! Lord, can I just get a definitive answer???!!!) The BUT this time was that the growth of baby's head was lagging behind the rest of his growth. Just something to watch they said. I chatted with my midwife, asking, what does this mean... she assured me that there wasn't anything on the ultrasound that concerned her as far as brain development it was more a concern if baby was getting enough nutrients because of the SUA. Or it could be, baby boy has my small facial bone structure, or it could be that they just weren't able to get a good reading on the ultrasound. The main decision that would need to be made was if baby boy needs to be born earlier so that we can feed him on the outside. But... it meant another ultrasound at 35 weeks.

So, I had my 35 week ultrasound this week. Tuesday to be exact. Baby is still growing, still in the 38th-39th %. Belly measurements are great (means he's getting food) His leg bone was actually measuring a week ahead - baby boy has some long legs (I guess those recessive tall genes that I have are making an appearance) and you guessed it... BUT... his head is still measuring small. So now the midwife and Dr.s have referred me to UVA for a level 2 ultrasound. The best case senerio is that baby's head is so far engaged that the pelvic bones are causing a inaccurate measurement or again, that he has my smaller bone structure. I was hoping to have the ultrasound yet this week... BUT....it is scheduled for next Wednesday.

So what does all of this mean? I don't know. I believe that it is more opportunity to believe that God has everything in His hands. It is for me to continue to walk in joyfilled anticipation of this little boys arrival. it is for me to say "NO!!" to the thoughts of worry, concern, what ifs ,ect. It is for me to look to God for my peace, not hold on by my fingernails until next week's ultrasound to get peace. It strikes me as ironic that here we are the Christmas season - a season of remembering the PEACE Christ was fortold to bring. I feel even more challenged by the Holy Spirit to really 'live' in that peace despite the unknowns for the pregnancy. To speak the life of Jesus Christ over my child, to believe, really believe that God can take care of my developing little boy much better that I can through worry and fear.

If you live close by and are like 'I had no idea this was going on' you're not alone. Up until now, I haven't really told very many people. Not because I am afraid, or that I want everything to be ok before I share the story BUT... ( and this is a good BUT) I have really felt like I have stepped into a new level of peace with everything. With every ultrasound, I was faced again and again with the same challenge... and everytime there has been a upgrade of peace made available to me. I choose to believe that everything is going along as it should be with this pregnancy. I am enjoying this pregnancy. I love feeling baby boy move all.the.time. I am enjoying cute maternity clothes. I an enjoying praying for and blessing my baby. I am enjoying watching Glenn pray for and blessing baby boy. Don't get me wrong, I have my moments of worry, fear and doubt BUT God in an amazing way has just provided so much peace. He has given me so much opportunity to receive His grace, His peace in navigating this whole world of limbo that is this pregnancy while ENJOYING the journey.

Well my level 2 ultra sound was scheduled for wednesday the December 21st and I had my weekly checkup with my midwife the day before. As before we discussed my upcoming ultra sound and my midwife's 'gut feeling' was that everything would be ok BUT... she went on to discuss the possibilities of the 'not quite so ok' outlook. I shared with her that I was looking forward to having some definitive answers come out of the ultrasound....well she burst my bubble by kindly letting me know that there was a REALLY GOOD chance that there would NOT be any definitive answers and that UVA would probably recommend additional testing or monitoring of the baby 2x a week until he is born and that there was a good chance that they would need to induce me before my due date. And that since baby was an SUA baby that if there was any sign of distress durring delivery - it would mean a C-section for sure. This whloe thing puts me at a greater chace for a C-section. Bummer.... goods news followed by that "BUT" again....ughhhhh! Lord help me to find that place of peace you have promised.

Wednesday: Level 2 ultrasound. The tech was super sweet and kindly explained everything she was seeing. Glenn was there with me, and amazingly I felt very peaceful - I didn't even feel that apprehension of "ok, when is the BUT going to come???" I felt very calm and at peace as the ultrasound tech started measuring and looking at every part of baby. What she kept saying over and over and over again was " that looks normal, that looks normal, that looks normal" as she identified each part she was measuring. She did say that baby boy's head was measuring small but when she looked at his brain development, everything looked normal. he informed us that if baby boy wasn't getting enough nourishment, then he (just like we would if we weren't eating) would be thin all over - and our baby boy wasn't thin - in fact he has a nicely filled out tummy (that's a good thing!!) She finished and then had the Dr. come in to consult with us. The Dr. was amazing and so personable - he basically looked over the ultrasound and said the same thing as the tech. He explained that at this stage in the pregnancy, he doesn't get overly anxious if the only thing is the head measuring small because of positioning of the baby. So it was ALL good news. no "if's, and's or BUT's!!" We left UVA praising God for his faithfullness and provision.

Well this week, I met with my midwife today - as she read over the roeport she confirmed what we had understood last week - which was that UVA did NOT recomend any further testing or extra monitoring. Which means - just my normal weekly appointments until baby arrives! This is great news as I am in the middle of moving my store this week and life is just really, really full at the moment. (more on that at another time, as I am seeing God move in great ways and walking in levels of peace that I would not have been able to experience otherwise.)

Below is a note I wrote as I was in the middle of documenting all that is happening... and even toough baby boy isn't born yet - I have decided to go ahead and post his story thus far... I do look forward to what God is going to do through his labor and delivery. But His grace has been so good that I just have to share....

*I don't even know if I will post this today. I may wait until the story is completed. What I don't want is a lot of people coming up to me feeling sorry for me. I want to hold onto the HOPE that within me through the grace of our LORD Jesus Christ!

Just a few notes

2011-11-23T09:22:00.002-05:00

Just a few notes as to how life is going these days:

~Addison loves to sing! She curretly sings her ABC's, all of her nursury rhyme cd, Jesus Loves Me, and a few of her own creation.

~She also has 2 train sets that MUST be running all. the. time.

~Baby boy is constantly moving - it's a distraction sometimes how much he moves. I know I only have less than 8 weeks left and people are constantly commenting that 'I have a ways to go' but honestly, between now a my due date I have the following 'activities' : Thanksgiving, Christmas (and that's Christmas while running a flower shop), New Years, a Big Bridal Show and then Baby's due date! And that doesn't even take into account a couple of things that are going on unrelated to the holidays between now and the end of the year. So, I feel that I'll blink, and bam! It will be baby's birthday.

~ I am currently HUGE, I think most people are surprised that my due date is ' so far away'. But then again, I think most 7 1/2 month pegnant women feel that way.

~Addison will pat my tummy and tell me that "Baby is sleeping" so precious :)

Thanksgiving day is looking to be a full one with lunch at my parents house and then dinner at Glenn's parent's house. It will be full and fun.

~Some differences between this pregnancy and Addison's: more heart burn this time and I had more morning sickness as well as bouts of not being able to stay asleep at night. But overall it hasn't been a difficult pregnancy. Due to some things that the midwives wanted to keep an eye on, I have had 2 extra ultrasounds so far and pictures to boot! It's been a special gift to be able to catch extrat glimpses of little boy. (With Addison, I only had the 1 ultrasound at 20 weeks).

I know there are more things that I coul dpost - but these are a few of the things I wanted to jot down so that I remember the unique time in my life.

A Sunday Evening...

2011-10-02T19:00:00.000-04:00

It's a typical Sunday evening, and as I sit here typing, Daddy and Little Girl are downstairs running trains. The sounds that floats up from the basement include girly laughs, train whistles and the sound of daddy's voice explaining all the different parts of the train.. .oh, and the log loader, can't forget the log loader. Sounds of counting and colors also abound. Such sweet sounds to this mamma's ears!

I'm also thinking about this new life growing everyday inside of me. I'm now 6 1/2 months and it feels like time is just flying by. It could be because I'm keeping up with a 2 yr old. Or it could be that I'm still knee deep in weddings while throwing in a dash of homecoming weekends (the university included - which kept me hopping last weekend) and Daddy is entering a really busy season at his job. November is looking very welcoming at this point - at least for now it looks like it might be a slower pace for us.

Little baby on the inside seems to be doing well - growing, growing, as my expanding size can attest to. But really, I love every kick, every punch, every flip... it reminds me in the middle of all the craziness that is my life right now that there is indeed a new life, a new addition coming to our family a new blessing that God has for us.

Potty Time - Part II

2011-09-05T19:57:00.003-04:00

Well, there is nothing like a road trip and a few days away from home to see how well potty training is going.

I am happy to report that Addison made it the 3+ hours of travel (including a stop for dinner) with dry pants (YIPPIEE!!!!!)

She also did really well at the Lake house. Even with all the distractions of lots of people and cousins to play with - she still remembered to go to the potty. Even when we were out on the boat - she used the brand new potty closet on the boat. Then for the trip back - we made it all the way home with no accidents. Yea Addison!!!! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!

And this Momma is saying "whew" I think we might be on the home stretch :) I told my husband that if #2 is a boy - Daddy gets to do the potty training ;)

Potty Time!

2011-08-24T16:25:00.002-04:00

Yep. It's THAT time at our house, potty time. With a new little one on the way, due to arrive in January, I really want Little Girl potty trained so that I only have one in cloth diapers. One in cloth diapers is enough extra laundry. So here we go on the wild ride of potty training.

So far so good - not too many accidents. Little Girl does well getting everything in the potty and what with the reward of *gasp* getting to wash our hands after wards - she even tries to go to potty when she doesn't need to just so she , it's actually kinda cute. So now onto adding the under pants. Great hing is we are already at the point where she will go when she needs to, most of the time I don't know that she's gone until she comes running up to me insisting that she be able to wash her hands! It's just too cute.

TWO!

2011-08-08T17:16:00.000-04:00

Little Girl is offically 2, as of yesterday.

Back again

2011-07-25T16:51:00.003-04:00

Wow! I so did not realize that it has been since April since my last post. But there are reasons... there are always reasons. The main reasons being that in March I had a miscarriage at 6 6 1/2 weeks. Sad. So sad BUT God's grace over that time was AMAZING and all I can say is that He was able to bring joy and good things from that experience.

The second thing is that I am pregnant (again) and am now 15 weeks. Baby #2 due in January. I have been really nauseous and so extremely tired. Throw in an overseas missions trip at 11 weeks and BAM! You now know why i haven't had the chance to update. :)

Addison is doing well - she cracks me up and makes me smile every day! Her newest thing is counting to 2 - without prompting. Just today she walks up to me saying "one...TWO....one two... pens" Yep. She walked up and handed me 2 pens :) She is also fascinated with babies.. in real life, in books, in magazines, in pictures. I hope this bodes well for the baby that is going to be joining our family.

Sorry for the short post but I am supposed to be working ;)

new stuff

2011-04-21T21:29:00.000-04:00

So I wanted to take a moment and document some of the 'new' things addison is doing.

Today she stipped herself of all her clothes from the waist up and the ankles down :) She has be helping me get herself undressed but this a first of her doing this all by herself.

She loves to put on mine and glenn's shoes and walk around in them.

anymore, every time we go to leave we HAVE to take her play stroller with a stuffed bear in it out the door. She will go and get it all together and park the stroller by the front door waiting for me to open it. The stroller then and bear then rides in the truch with us.

whe are are convinced that she has made up her own language... nowadys you can hear me say "use mommy's words so i know what you want" but at the same time she is a wonderful communicator!!!

she still LOVES music... in fact she asks for her music all the time.... and what is her favorite - why Robin Mark's latest CD, the Smoothe Jazz and Classical Jazz and Classical music stations. If fact when she goes to bed we MUST have her nursuy rhyme cd playing AND her musical aquariam at the same time. If she isn't quite all the way alseep when one stops - it MUST be started again :)

she likes to use wipes to 'wipe' her bunny or bear

she likes to clean!!!

such a funny girl!!!

Art Show Opening

2011-03-20T17:15:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine has her artwork on display at Cross Keys Vineyard. Addison and I went to the show's opening today and really enjoyed the beautiful paintings done completely in....NAIL POLISH! That's right, she expresses her creativity with nail polish and the result... beautiful with a side of glitz. If you have a chance check out her website at www.ThePolishedCanvas.com

Art Show Opening

2011-03-20T17:15:00.000-04:00

Time is going by...

2011-02-21T11:01:00.005-05:00

Time is going by...like water in a river, never standing still, always moving. Looking the same; but not the same as it is always new water flowing by.

I feel like that is the way life is right now. Time is flowing by, a lot of days look like other days. Routines are the same. Different yet the same. Slowly change happens, but when you look back you SEE the changes that escaped you on the day to day basis.

Sometimes when I think about times of transition, I think of big life changing events. Like getting married, having a child, losing a loved one, changing jobs. But in reality, transition is happening every day. God promises that EVERY time I come into His presence, I AM changed. I am transitioned to become more like Christ. Right now I am just more aware of the transitions that God is briging about in my life. Some really obvious & some so deep that it's not always easy to 'see' or to grasp or even to explain - but it's there nontheless.

Like water in a river, seemingly the same but always new, always changing.

Update on Addison

2010-11-21T20:46:00.003-05:00

Finally an update on little girl. She is 15 mos old and she is getting so tall! She curently wears 12-18mos clothing. She walks and runs everywhere and is much more able to give in to her need to dance much easier now. She loves it when I out on her shoes, espically the "clompy" sounding ones as she like to 'tap dance'. When I hold my arms wide and say 'give mama some love' she will stop what she is doing and RUN towards me and THROW (litterly) herself into my arms :) oh how that melts this mama's heart :) :)

Funny story from last week....

While at the dinner table, Addison was done eating and decided that she wanted a drink from my tea glass - after sereval 'drinks' we felt she had had enough, so Glenn, (thinking that she was just facinated with the cup that didn't have a sippy lid) took her sippy cup , took the lid off and handed it to her as it was still just a 1/4 full. She looked at it, then proceeded to put ALL of her uneaten hamburger and green beans into the cup and then she put the top back on the sippy cup and proceeded to drink it!!!!! More than once - she drained the liquid from the cup - Glenn and I practically fell out of our chairs laughing!

That said, Addison has such a great sense of humor. I love it!! Sometimes she will look at me very intently with a serious look on her face and babble a long conversation of baby language. Then she gives me her 'I've just told you a joke look' throws her head back and laughs. I usually join in with her and when we stop laughing, I tell her it was a good joke ;)

Award from The Knot

2010-11-16T17:30:00.002-05:00

This year Artistic Florist, Inc. received the following award from The Knot.com. All I can say is wow, what an honor!

Weddings, Weddings, And still More Weddings

2010-09-13T10:32:00.003-04:00

If you thought that wedding season was over - you would be sadly mistaken. Late summer and fall weddings are on the rise in popularity and this fall is no different. I have been well occupied with estimates, contracts and of course making the flower bouquets and arrangements! Here are a few photos form some recent weddings.

Vine styled chair decor (above)that then translated to the table as part of the centerpiece (below).

So Much

2010-08-17T10:24:00.003-04:00

So much is spinning around in my head these days... so much. Too much to try and write down. So much that the Lord is speaking to me - calling me to - wooing me to become.

I don't want to say that "I'm busy". Not because I am just sitting around twidling my thumbs, watching TV and eating bon-bons. That is so NOT what I do with my days. But I don't want to get caught up with the idea that I just can't do anything else. I want to SLOOOOOOW down. In fact, the Lord has spoken to me about sloooooowing down a number of times over the years - and somehow, everytime He has said that - my life seems to speed up - what is with that???!!!

But as I was talking to someone I very much respect the other week about something the God has called me to start up. He said to me ' with all the other responsibilites you have ..... you are going to start something else?'

To which I believe that the Holy Spirit responded - even though it came out of my mouth -
"When God calls you to do something, even if you feel/believe that you don't have time, room _____ (fill in the blank), to NOT do it is death." Not a literal death, but something in you dies when you don't fulfill God's calling. Because let's face the truth, whatever God calls you to do, ultimatly brings LIFE. So in moments when Iwant life to slow down, maybe I need to pick up thse things God has said will bring me life - regardless of how crazy it looks from the outside.

So here's to being CRAZY.

Almost a year

2010-07-26T15:34:00.003-04:00

My really good friend and I decided )spur of the moment no less) to do a photo shoot of our daughters before her second child arrives. It just HAD to be super hot and muggy and both the girls refused to take their afternoon naps. Sounds like a recipe for disaster with a capital "D". Here's a few of the shots - you tell me??!!!

The wash tub is a heirloom from my dad's family. The dress Addie has on is one that was crocheted for my mom was she was a little girl. Needless to say my sister's and I all wore it, my nieces and now my daughter.

I love the laugh that accompanies the face.

Etched in the side of the washtub is my dad's family name ...I love heritage shots!

A June Wedding

2010-07-05T21:16:00.005-04:00

Check out this citrus wedding that I did at the bgining of June. Thaks to Jason Michael Photography for capturing such great shots!

New Pictures :)

2010-06-26T19:45:00.005-04:00

.....of something other than Addison. What can I say, I have the cutest little girl ;)

But, contrary to what my blog my communicate, I have still been working at the flower shop. In fact I have been working lot at the shop. Spring has been a busy one with weddings and other flower related things. So I thought I would take a post and share some pictures of the other facet of my life.

It's been a long time...

2010-06-18T15:45:00.004-04:00

...since I posted! Great day! It's been since April. In my own defence, our weddng season kicked off this year in April and it has been non-stop ever since. And not just weddings - graduations, proms, funerals, parties, oh, and did I mention proms??! I am so thankful for the business, but it sure will be nice to have a little break here soon.

Addison is growing so fast! She had her first ever ear infection (first ever being sick too!) But Dr. Z checked her ears onThursday and said everythng looked great, all clear. Since my last post she has offically learned to crawl. She discovered on Wednesday that she could climb the stairs - not just one or two but ALL of them :) Much fun for mommy. So with this new mobility, I moved my desk/laptop set up upstaris to remove the ever so enticing cords away from little fingers. So now I have the joys of re-organizing everything. Not my strong suit. I could re-decorate a whole house, design a wedding in less time than it takes me to organize my desk . Addison continues to amaze us every day with her budding personality and love of books and all things detail! She does seem to have some of her daddy in her as she likes to not only pull her blocks out but she loves putting them BACK IN the basket! (I certinly hope she keeps this trait! )

Easter

2010-04-21T10:08:00.003-04:00

So I'm a little behind in posting Easter photos....Addison was more interested in the grass and daffies then in looking at the camera. Oh well, at least I got a great picture of her hair bow :)

Sleep??

2010-03-22T12:31:00.003-04:00

I used to know what that was... but I'm guessing every new parent thinks that way :)

Addison amazes me with her ability to NOT sleep and yet be a happy baby. The past several weeks, I have been thankful if she slept for 2 hours straight! She has been in the habit of waking up every hour on the hour through the night. And this made for one. tired. mommy.

BUT, thankfully this week she started sleeping for 7 to 8 hrs. In a row. Without waking. YAY!!!

And if it is possible - she is even HAPPIER than normal! I am so thankful for such a happy little girl - her joy is so contagious!

this little red jumper is on loan from my sister - it was one that was bought for her when she was a baby and her 2 girls wore it. It is so neat to see my little girl in this dress!

Old is New

2010-02-23T09:02:00.002-05:00

This cute cute cute dress that Addison is wearing is a dress that I wore as a baby that my mom saved. We just had to take pics of her in it because there are pics of me in this dress.

If I remember correctly, a friend of the family hand smocked this dress, which makes it even more special :) I was surprised at how nicely the style looked on Addison - super cute!!!!

And the girl has so so so many expressions, I just HAD to post more than one pic :) And if you are wondering about the precious hairband/bow my friend Crystal made that for Addison. The coolest thing is that the bow is on a clip that can be changed out to different colors, flowers etc. (Thanks Crystal - it has added the perfect touch to so many of her outfits and I'll have to show you the photographers pics with the white bow and blue feather :)

The BIG Snow

2010-02-14T19:44:00.003-05:00

The view from our front porch the morning after the Big Snow...

Addison's 6th month bday

2010-02-14T17:14:00.002-05:00

We celebrated Addison's 6th month birth (which was Sundat Feb 7) by taking a trip back to Churchville to "dig out" Nana & Grandad Yoder. Addison sitting by herself in Nana's bird/deer watching chair.

Following Nana & Daddy up the driveway... taking a snooze...

Playing at Nana & Grandad's

Happy 6 Months!

2010-02-07T21:55:00.004-05:00

Today Addison is offically 6 months old!!!!!! Where oh, where did the time go?? (I know I didn't give it to the peach)

Our little Favor Baby has already witnessed several big snow storms, has been introduced to flower arranging, is sitting on her own, eating cereal like a champ (and some applesauce too), has rolled over, can pick up cheerios, uses her thumb and 1st two fingers to pick up, play and put her binky in her mouth, can hold her bottle, knows what the bottle means, knows what the spoon and ceral bowl means, is getting closer to sleeping throught the night, is extreamly alert, loves looking at/studying people, 'talks' up a storm, laughs alot, giggles, leans to people that she wants to hold her, loves to growl (yep, you read that right growl ~ she does it mostly when she's happy, kinda like a purr), loves to visit her grandparents...and....and... there's so much more but we'll leave it at that.

Dedication Day

2010-02-02T18:10:00.006-05:00

Addison's dedication was a cold snowy Sunday, but one filled with the love of Family. Both of our families were there including BOTH of Addison's great-grandfathers! She is one blessed little girl to be surrounded by such an extended family. We were blessed by all our family who stood in support with us as we presented our little girl to the Lord. We couldn't have asked for little girl to have done any better. She was so calm as Merle carried her around. She was so attentive as the pastor prayed a blessing over her - you would have thought that she understood every word her was saying. She then thought she might like to have his notes to eat! It was all so perfect, so cute :)

The dress A. is wearing ia the dress that my Mom was dedicated in. Then my sisters and I were dedicated in it and finally all of the grand girls. It was awesome to carry on the tradition.

NEWS FLASH!

2010-01-29T10:16:00.003-05:00

Addison rolled over yesterday!

Only one time, and she was not overly surprised - in fact she acted like "what's all the fuss about??"
Secretly, I believe that she's been rolling over in her bed when we're not looking ;)

We've been busy getting ready for Valentine's Day and Addison's dedication on Sunday. We had some pictures taken with her in her special dedication dress that was my mom's baby dedication dress, then myself and my sister's and finally all the grandgirls - how special it will be to have Addison carry on the tradition of these fine women/girls. I love it - I guess I'm just entirely too sentimental!

Little Addison Girl

2010-01-06T09:41:00.002-05:00

Little Addison Girl, you are growing sooo fast! Mommy can't hardly believe that you are 5 months old. Right now as I type this you are demonstrating your talent for growling :) You are so good at growling, you have 3 -4 different growls. And you smile as you growl! You recently have started eating a little bit of rice cereal in the evenings and you have caught on quick and love to eat your cereal. You can sit for a little bit on your own and are so strong! You are such a cutie and Daddy and I are so blessed to have you in our lives.

When You Just Don't KNow What to Say.... Say Thanks

2009-12-30T00:21:00.005-05:00

I have a friend who lives in Texas. Everytime she comes home to the 'burg to visit family, we try to have lunch or coffee or something. It's always a great time to catch up and I love hearing about her most recent Operation :) trips. About a year and a half ago I commented on a unique bracelet she was sporting - she informed me that this lady salvaged antique typewriters and made jewerly out of the antique keys. **how cool** Those of you who know me well, know that I was an Art major in college and that one of my concentrations for my degree was in metalsmithing/ jewerly making. So I loved the creative idea and recycling that was giving new life to old, old typewriters - and how neat to wear a "piece of history"

Well this Christmas my friend and I had scheduled to have coffee the week of Christmas - but she happened to stop by my work the Friday before as she was afraid that our lunch date would be canceled due to the impending snow storm... and she wanted to give me a gift. She said that ever since I had commented on her bracelet she had been looking for one for me - but since the letters spell out words (duh) she was looking for a particular word for the bracelet for me.

This is what she gave me.

How many times can I post about something that has blessed me on a deep and very personal level?? Hmmm... seems like EVERY post here recently! Her comment was that when she thinks of me; this is what she thinks of.

I have to say - I love it . I love the creativity - I love the history - I love the thoughtfulness of the friend who gave it to me.... again,

I have no words.

Full

2009-12-10T10:55:00.002-05:00

Life seems so full to me right now - what with owning/running my own retail business, holidays, family, friends, husband and new baby! oh.. and a few Christmas weddings along the way - not to mention upcoming Bridal shows and teaching workshops... yikes! how did life get this busy??!

I keep trying to slooooow down. I promise, I really do. But somehow.....

Anyway - I can't believe it has been a month since I posted, and I thought I would give an update. And although life is Full. LIFE IS GOOD!!! Addison is growing, growing growing! She is a great eater! Still nursing every 2 hours - she will be 18 weeks tomorrow and we have her 4month check up on Tuesday. I can't wait to see what she weighs in at or how long she is... she seems very long! She loves people! In fact when new people come her way - she doen't cry, doesn't fuss (unless she's tired or hungry) she just looks at them. She really looks - intently- studiously at them - taking in all their detail almost like she is memorizing their face so that when she sees them again she'll recognize them. She talks constantly - giggling, squealing and laughing all the time! She is so alert - I can't get over how much she enjoys interacting wtih people. She lights up when she sees her daddy too!!!

Enough for now - I could go on forever enumerating the wonderful things about my little girl but I'll stop for now.

Speachless

2009-11-10T16:41:00.010-05:00

Yeah, I know, hard to believe that anything could make me speechless. The last time I was rendered speechless - it was when my husband proposed to me and I was so speechless that he wondered if I was going to say "yes" - but that's another story for another day...Recently something happened that left me speechless and blessed beyond words. I struggle, even now, to put my thoughts and feelings into words...

In my last post, I shared with you about the amazing gift my thoughtful husband gave me the day our daughter was born. It was so sweet that I purposed in my heart that whenever someone commented on my necklace that I would honor him by sharing the story.

Not long ago, I was talking with a lady I know. As we approached our destination, she commented on my necklace. I proceeded to share with her the beautiful story of where it came from.

*******************

Now I love jewelry, and one of my most favorite things is to purchase jewelry in conjunction with a special event, a trip etc. For example, I have a beautiful pair of handmade silver and peridot earrings that I bought at a cute shop when I went to a friend's wedding in Old Town Alexandria. So every time I wear the earrings, I think of her and her family and another dear friend that I re-connected with - so many great memories. I have a necklace that my husband bought me when we were in Venice - so every time I wear that, I think of the wonders & sights and sounds of Italy, as well as the good friends we were traveling with. I share this so that you can understand why the story behind my necklace is so important to me as well as the story that follows...

***********************

My friend was genuinely excited for me as I shared the story of my necklace-for the birth of my daughter, and the thoughtfulness of my husband & all the emotions that come with the birth of a child . We parted ways for the afternoon. About 10 minutes later there was a knock on the door. This dear lady was standing at the door with her hands behind her back. She proceeds to tell me that she had something to give me - that she had bought a pair of earrings, but when she thought about wearing them she said God told her she was going to give them away this weekend. She shared with me that as she listened to my story she believed that God wanted me to have these earrings.

When she handed them to me, I was speechless.

Overwhelmed.

Blessed beyond words.

For in her hand was a pair of silver Tiffany&Co. earrings that would match my necklace.I am exceedingly blessed. No words. Just thankfulness.....and an overwhelming sense of God's love expressed through this awesome lady and her gift. Now, every time I wear these earrings, I will think of this sweet lady, my friendship with her and a God who endeavors to bless me in so many ways.

A Gift to Remember

2009-10-28T22:04:00.004-04:00

I gave birth to Addison in the wee hours of a Friday morning in August. Later that same day, while I was in the ladies' room - a mysterious gift bag appeared on my pillow. Inside the gift bag was another bag - a bag with the above logo. Inside that bag was a silver box - engraved with my name, "wife" and "mother" It was a gift from my husband in celebration of Addison's birth. Inside the silver box was a beautiful Tiffany necklace with a silver heart - a heart that was to be engraved with our daughter's name and birth date.

What a thoughtful gift that made me feel so loved, cherished appreciated. It was made even more special to know that while I was waiting for little girl those last days, my husband was making plans of his own to bless & surprise me.

All of which I was :)

Because She's Just so Cute

2009-10-21T08:16:00.004-04:00

What better way to celebrate my 100th post than with pictures of the cute little girl that had completely changed my days...
And I KNOW that her furture is so bright - the girl's gotta wear shades :)

This Past Weekend

2009-10-19T12:58:00.003-04:00

Was a big wedding... Enjoy the pics!

Cute Girl

2009-10-07T09:02:00.001-04:00

What's in a Name....

2009-09-23T17:12:00.003-04:00

I have always thought how great it would be to pick out a name for my child - I thought no big deal - there are lots of names that I like. However, when it came time to pick out a name for little girl - I was at a loss. For a couple of months I liked one name, then I didn't like it so much. The I would like another name. My husband finally suggested that we each create a list of names and then we would compare it. Were any the same - NOPE - not at all. So then we decided that we would each create a "top 5" list. Which we did. Then we rated our own list and then the list of the other - any agreement - not really.

So we waited - hoping a great inspiration would strike.

Back in February, when I first realized just how frustrating choosing a name was going to be, I said to God - " You know Lord, it would be really nice if you named the baby - in fact could you just tell Glenn in a dream what we should call Little Girl" As the months went by, I found myself asking that over and over - "Lord, could you tell Glenn her name in a dream" Now why was I asking for it to be in a dream???!!! I don't know - it's just the way the prayer came out of my heart.

March, April, May passed - still we were no closer to a name. June came, then July - still no name. And Baby Girl was due July 29th! Honestly, it really started to get embarrassing, people were now asking 'So what's her name" To which I would reply "We haven't decided" and then their response would be " Oh, so you are keeping it a secret?"

Nope - we're just that lame - we haven't landed on the right one yet;)

We did, however, decide on a middle name "Elizabeth" in honor of Glenn's sister who introduced us and so is somewhat responsible for all of this. And as it turns out Elizabeth is a family name on both sides of our families.

Even during labor - my midwife asked what her name was going to be...

Now back up 2 weeks before Little Girl arrived.... Glenn comes to me and says - "you I had a dream the other night, and ever since then I've got this name stuck in my head and I just can't shake it." Now this name was not on either of our short lists. And I perked up and paid attention as it was a name that came to him in a dream - I didn't say anything to him at the time- I wanted to wait it out and make sure there weren't any other names that might show up in a dream. Quite honestly I was caught off guard.

So there we were, in the labor room, Little Girl had just been born. The midwife asked "So do we have a name?" My husband looked at me and said "Do we?" To which I replied "Addison"
He asked me if I was sure - and I replied "Most defiantly, I asked God to tell you her name in a dream and He did"

My husband told me I was holding out on him. maybe I was - just a little - but I had to wrap my brain around the fact that God had indeed granted me my request - He named my little girl.

Addison Elizabeth: Addison is of Old English origin with the spiritual connotation of "In God's Image" Ez 36:27 "And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes & be careful to observe my ordinances."
Elizabeth is of Hebrew origin that means "Oath of God" with a spiritual connotation of :"Consecrated"

So I take this as a promise from the Lord, and a small glimpse of the wonderful plan He has for her life. I am honored and blessed that He has entrusted us with the care, teaching and up bringing of this precious little girl.

Pics - as Promised

2009-09-22T08:06:00.007-04:00

So last Friday Saturday was spent working on transforming EMU's Discipleship Center (yep - the one on the Hill). Now for those of you that live areound here, you may be thinking to yourself - "the discipleship center???!!!! for a WEDDING!!!" And for those who don't live around here - I snapped a few pics of what it normally looks like.

BEFORE:

Not so pretty - kind of dirty - spots in the carpet, ugly blinds on th windows and a strange window inside the building that is on the 'front' wall where the ceremony is to take place.

AFTER:

Maternity Leave??!!

2009-09-18T21:06:00.002-04:00

I have to laugh a little bit when I think back over the past six weeks (That's right my little Addison is 6 weeks old today) and my Maternity Leave - or half leave or sometimes-go -into-work-leave. It started with Addison being a week old and my leaveing her with daddy that Saturday to - yep- go into the shop for a bridal appointment. Then, in sibsiquint weeks, going in to do wedding work on Thursdays, Friday's and Saturdays. Today is no different - I spent a full workday hanging fabric for a big wedding tomorrow.

And tomorrow it's another full day of work delivering and setting up all the flowers.

(It looks beautiful and i'll post some pics)

Check it out!

2009-08-20T18:13:00.002-04:00

www.glimpsephoto.wordpress.com

Samples from today's photo shoot with Glimpse Photography. These are so amazing that I can't wait to see all the proofs!

Welcome Baby Girl!

2009-08-09T09:12:00.003-04:00

Glenn and I welcomed Addison Elizabeth early Friday morning (August 7) at 2:17 am! She was 7lbs & 3.8ozs and 20" long. Not bad for being a week + overdue!

I would love to share her birth story - but it's a long one and at the moment I'm really tired and think that I might fall asleep here as I type! Suffice it to say that it started with my 41 week appointment (Wednesday afternoon) that included an ultrasound to check my amneotic fluid levels and a non stress test to check out Addison's heart rate... and ended with her birth Friday morning at 2am with the midwife commenting that Addison's labor/delivery was 'unconventional'. Through it all we saw God's provision, favor, mercy and grace at every turn!

We are blessed beyond measure - Addison is a gift the is exceedingly, abundantly beyond anything we could have imagined!

Still Waiting~

2009-08-05T09:32:00.000-04:00

Patiently. At least I hope it is patiently.

Not Yet

2009-07-30T16:36:00.002-04:00

So little girl has decided to take after her mommy and be fashionably late :) I'm not really all that bothered. I've got some things I'd like to do this weekend, so if she wants to wait until nest week I'm fine with that. Since opening my shop 13 years ago - I've learned to take each day as it comes - and most importantly - I've learned that things don't always go according to MY shcedule. I've learned to go with flow of the day - if I have plans, well, they are subject to change at a given moment, a given phone call. So I've adopted the same attitude with the arrival of Baby Girl. I took the due date 'under advisement' and haven't focused too much on THE day. In fact it was rather fun last night, when at Target, I ran into 4 ladies, 3 of which were prgnant and some had just fould out if they were having a boy or girl. When they asked my due date - to which I replied it's today! They just couldn't believe I was out and about on my due date! I just thought it was funny!!!

So here I am, working on a wedding, waiting for baby and focusing on enjoying the last few days of 'togetherness' that Bay Girl and I have :)

Happy Thursday to you all!

For those who are wondering...

2009-07-26T20:20:00.000-04:00

still pregnant... no baby yet

Blessings..

2009-07-23T18:59:00.005-04:00

So recently I have been feeling VERY blessed. I've posted before about the blessings my friends and family have heaped on me with wonderful gifts for Baby Girl. But I wanted to take a moment to recognize some random blessings I have received:

One being a brand new Sony 19" flat panel TV that won from Costco! Wow - was I ever surprised. I remember sitting thanking - Lord, it would be really nice if I won that TV - next thing I knew, they were calling my name as the winner! Wow - thanks Lord ;)

Another being this:

A beautiful bassinett for the living room. Someone that my husband knows insisted that we take the bassinet that she was done with...this was so, so beyond anything I could have imagined when my husband had told me about it.

And for those of you who would like to see the latest tummy...

Week 39

2009-07-21T21:06:00.003-04:00

Here it is week 39 (well as of Wednesday the 22nd) and baby and I are just hanging out:)

Today was exciting as I received my new cloth diapers - in quite the array of colors! Just another item that brings me one step closer to being ready for baby girl.

I also saw my midwife. Good news is baby is in a great position, blood pressure is good, weight is good - basically everything looks perfect. Yea! that makes this momma to be very happy. Right now as I type this, she is just moving around, and moving around and moving around some more - it's gotten to be quite distracting but I'm trying to soak up and enjoy every minute of it as I know that my time of feeling her move inside of me is drawing to a close. And while that is a little sad - I'm so, so looking forward to meeting this little girl!

The Baby's Room

2009-07-19T19:44:00.006-04:00

So Ta-Da, here it is - the baby's room! I snapped a few quick pics. This is one corner of the room that has the antique rocking chair that I'll be using in the middle of the nite ;) The pictures on the wall are a Victorian costume painting/sketch that I did in college, a poster print of a Da Vinci sketch of Mary, baby Jesus, Elizabeth and John that I got at a the musem in England where I saw the original and the 3rd is an antique mother/daughter print.Wall hanging, antique chair and dried flowers...I just love the texture in the wall hangingDresser that used to be in my mom's room when she was a teenager (it was in my room too as a teen)

I love this little shelf - the figurine is a music box & the little purse was a wedding gift...

This is a one-of-a-kind handcrafted stained glass mobile that one of my employees made for Baby Girl. It is the neatest thing! She makes jewelry and stained glass windows I just love it!!!

Here's the handmade cradle that was made for Glenn and his siblings with the Baby Girl's new quilt displayed on the wall and her collection of stuffed animals on the floor beside it!

The matching diaper stacker ...

And no your eyes do not deceive you - the walls are 2 different colors! Two of the walls are a light grey and the opposite 2 walls are a sage green...another shot of the stained glass, cradle and quilt & another antique Victorian print

Current changing table with a view and the satin & sheer sage curtains.

So I guess we're ready now to just add Baby Girl:) I'll be 39 weeks on Wednesday!

38 Weeks Today

2009-07-15T08:26:00.001-04:00

.... wow .... only 2 +/- weeks to go :)

I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be ...

37 Weeks

2009-07-09T08:06:00.003-04:00

Wow - 37 weeks!!!! The reality hit me a little bit more on Sunday that I'm not always going to be pregnant. I know that sounds silly - oh, course I won't always be pregnant. But I don't know if it's because this pregnancy has gone so fast or if I have just been accepting everything as it comes but it is like I have just come to completely accept the round figure I'm sporting and the amazing movments I feel everyday of Baby Girl moving as just a part of every day life. But on Sunday, Glenn and I went and took the Family Birthplace tour - now being a florist, I have been on the maternity floor numerous times - but I had not spent any time in the delivery rooms - especially with a labor and delivery nurse showing you all the options they had available for delivery. Somewhere in my mind the thought occurred to me - I AM going to have this baby - and sooner rather than later! I'm due in 3 weeks!!! yikes!

Most people recently have been asking how I'm doing - and honestly, except for my ankles and feet bearing a strong resemblance to an elephant's.... I feel great! I'm a little uncomfortable when I have been sitting for awhile and then stand up - it's like baby has to reposition herself from me sitting to me standing. But overall, I still feel good! Hopefully, I'll get a chance to snap a photo this week to add to this post :)

Work Baby Shower

2009-06-29T20:11:00.003-04:00

My sister, who is also my manager at work, pulled together a Baby Shower that incorporated the ladies that work for me + a few other friends. They decorated in pink and even made me a Miss America style sash the said "Pregnant Princess" - ha ha ha ha Sparkly baby shoes :) - in purple, of course

This baby blanket (below) was stitched and made for me by my grandmother Miller when I was a baby. It is one of 2 blankets that I named and carried evreywhere!

Ths is the "Naked Baby" cake that was just too funny for words!

More flowers :)

2009-06-28T11:23:00.005-04:00

Hope you enjoyed them as much as I did ! I just love the play of texture with the all white and greem

Baby Showers :)

2009-06-17T16:21:00.013-04:00

Detail from the amazing Carousel Baby Cake :)

So this past week end I had 2 baby showers! The first was one that the ladies from work had for me - it included home made pizza and a naked baby cake (more on that in another post when I have pics to go along with the explaniation)

The other one was one that several dear friends from church did. It was beautiful! And such fun... I'll let the pictures speak, for they are so much better than any words :)

How cute, cute is this fruit stroller! My sister-in-law Joy made this.See the belly? This too cute dress was from ,y younger sister Lara along with adorable red shoes!

What a beautiful table!My sister-in-law April made this diaper/toy wreathAnd a true belly pic for all those who have watching for one - me at 33 and 1/2 weeks!!!!

I left the shower feeling amazingly blessed and much more prepard for the arrival of Baby Girl - thanks to all who made the day a wonderful time with friends.

Fabo Flowers

2009-06-08T12:39:00.006-04:00

June

2009-06-03T15:36:00.002-04:00

Can I just say how happy I am the it is now JUNE! Finally, I feel like I can relax and enjoy being pregnant! Not that I have enjoyed thus far, but I do feel like so many other things (mainly work) has been taking up so much of my mental energy that I haven't had yime for much else. So it is with great anticipation that I have looked forward to June. And now that it is here, it's hard for me to believe that it IS June. Now, to focus on what we are going to name this Baby Girl of ours - everyone keeps asking about the name. And well, no name yet - not that we haven't tried - just nothing has stuck. I keep saying that we'll have a name eventually - at least before we leave the hospital! *ha ha ha*

I have some cool pictures to post soon of some really amazing weddings we did this past month and maybe a belly shot or two ;)

Sugar and so forth...

2009-05-21T17:11:00.003-04:00

Yea! I am offically at 30 weeks! Baby Girl is kicking and moving as I type this - I was commenting to my husband the other night, that I have become so accustomed to her moving, her patterns of movement and timing of movements - that I expect them as a normal part of my day. I told him that I will miss that once she's on the outside. All in all, this seems to be a very easy pregnancy. Sure my back hurts now and then, I get tired fast and I feel like I sleep alot, oh, and I keep forgetting about this tummy of mine - that is until I drop something *chuckle*. But other than that it has been smoothe sailing. God has answered so many of my prayers concerning this pregnancy - and I had some specific ones even before we were pregnant - all I can say is that He is faithful and so so so good to me.

The other week I totally failed my blood sugar screening for the 3rd trimester - so I had to do the 3 hour test. And thank you Lord! - all my test levels were well below what they needed to be! (thank you friends that were believing with us that they would be normal)

So now - 10 weeks or so to go! (and a few weddings in between!)

Still Here .... somewhere, I think

2009-05-12T10:17:00.003-04:00

Yep - I'm still alive - still breathing - still pregnant :)

I do have a pic (belly shot) to post.... sometime.....

if April showers bring May flowers then May flowers bring Weddings, funerals, proms, and graduation... oh, and nurses week. (whew) all at the same time ;)

So one day I'll get a chance to update - maybe June????? Ha ha, hopefully before that!

Weekend Away

2009-04-14T13:33:00.007-04:00

So for our anniversay, we went to PA to see Frank Loyd Wright's Falling Water. Now all you art buffs know that you study this particular house in every Art 101 class as well as other classes. It was awesome to see it in person and stand in the space and experience the feel of the arciticture.

Whoa~

2009-03-31T11:53:00.004-04:00

23 weeks and whoa - where did that tummy come from!!!

Seriously, in less than a week I believe I doubled in size! Even my neice said to me on Sunday, "Sissie, your tummy has gotten bigger since the last time I saw you!" Yep, indeed it has. I had a feeling baby was going through a growth spurt :)

But I have the best husband, who whenever I comment on the expanding tummy he responds:

"But it's suppose too - there's a baby in there!"

Ah, how nice. Some days I just need to hear that - Thanks lovie for the reminder that it is all for a purpose :)

21 & 1/2 Weeks!

2009-03-23T11:05:00.003-04:00

Boy does time fly! I can't believe that I'm 21 weeks! (or in month terms, 4& 3/4 months.) March is almost over and I'm gearing up for Easter. Which means more bridal appointments, palm branches, palm bud, tulips, orchids and Easter Lilies!

I'll try and remember to take a picture today of baby belly todate. For some reason I have been so lax about taking pics - maybe that has more to do with the fact that I don't like pictures of me - or maybe I'm just tired??!!

I'm at work for a couple of hours and then off for the rest of the day - hmmm... I think I see a nap in my future!

Happy Monday!

As Promised - Pictures

2009-03-16T17:46:00.004-04:00

Of Thistle, that is. ;)

Sorry for no ultrssound pics - I'm off today and don't have a scanner at home.... maybe tomorrow.

Cool Timing

2009-03-14T19:44:00.002-04:00

So with this whole pregnancy thing - from the time before conception- I have been actively confessing the Lord's timing in the whole thing. Honestly, it's this daily (sometimes hourly) confession of His timing and His providence that keeps me from going over the edge of worry. I had to laugh when I realized that God had timed the baby so perfectly, that I was well over the 1st trimester of fatigue and nausea before my busy weeks of Valentine's Day. Imagine my surprise when it clicked with me that I have my first ultrasound on Monday (I'll be 20&1/2 weeks). Why is that so special? Because today is my birthday, and my Monday morning 8:00am ultrasound appointment is the first appointment following my birthday. I know that my seem small, but to me it is a wonderful birthday present and a beautiful reminder that God has the "how" of everything figured out and I don't have to worry about it. So on those days that I try and take control, I love having these small reminders of just how well God has it all in His hands and that I can sit back, relax, enjoy the journey and not allow worry to steal the joy of this special time in my life.

Thistle!

2009-03-12T16:59:00.001-04:00

In our wedding this weekend, one of the feature flowers, if you can call it a flower, is blue thistle. Your heard me right, thistle. It looks so cool - I can't wait to begin the bouquets and arrangements and will post pics after the wedding!

Yikes!

2009-03-10T14:26:00.003-04:00

Wow, tomorrow I am 20 weeks pregnant! It's hard to believe - the time has gone by soooo fast. And when I look at my calender, I know this last half will go just a quick!

I am finally staring to show a belly and not just look fat - I am sure those of you who have multiple children are thinking 'are you crazy!' Maybe I am, just a little (wink). But in all honesty, I want to enjoy every facet of being pregnant. I want to enjoy the baby belly, the maternity clothes, the way food consumes more of my thinking, the way I feel little pulls or tugs that remind me that, yes, I am pregnant!

I am looking forward to having my first ultrasound next week and I am so excited to finally "see" this little one. I feel like it will help this reality to settle in. Since becoming pregnant, I have only seen the midwives twice and the nurse educator once - so the idea has seemed a little abstract up until these last couple of weeks when the belly decided to make it's appearance :) I am sure as this pregnancy continues, it will become more and more real to me...in fact I may have felt the baby move... but I just guessing at this point :)

Random Photo

2009-03-04T14:56:00.002-05:00

For some reason this bouquet/photo always makes me happy. Not sure why - I just like it so I thought I would share it with you.

May you feel God's smile on you today - because you make Him happy.

The Special Night

2009-02-23T16:27:00.011-05:00

My Valentine's Special Night Out (not on Valentine's) was awesome!

It started with both Glenn and I being ready at 6:00pm. At 6:15, the rental car showed up, complete with bubbly and champagne flutes. (Don't worry, it was non-alcoholic) As my husband opened the car door for me, there on my seat was a beautiful longstem red rose dressed in pretty ribbon.

We headed to the Staunton Grocery, a very nice upscale restaurant, where my husband had a 5 course tasting arranged for us. The food itself was delicious - but the presentation was stunning in and of itself. The neat thing was even though we both were having the tasting menu, both of our tastings were entirely different. (So we also tasted each others!) Of course, my favorite was the desert! Mine was an orange carrot cake on a caramel sauce with a side of gelato (yummie!) Glenn had a baked whole pear with a caramelized sauce and rich milk chocolate - it made for a stunning combination of texture and flavor as it mixed on your palette! We also had handmade sodas that were out of this world! The main course of beef (for me with a reduction sauce and fancy mushrooms) and pork (for Glenn with a wonderful herb crusting and reduction sauce) were both amazing! Dinner was slow paced and relaxing. Glenn and I were able to have wonderful conversation - we didn't feel rushed or hurried - in fact when we went to leave, we realized we had been at dinner for over 3 hours!

I wish I was a better writer so that I could put words to my thoughts and feelings of that night. For today, I will have to be satisfied with the single words that come to mind:

CHERISHED

LOVED

BELOVED

BEAUTIFUL

And for those who have asked - here are some pics of me at 17 and 1/2 weeks. Note: the part that is "popping" isn't necessarily my belly (although it is catching up!)

Like I told Glenn the other day, "I know I'm pregnant, but right now I just feel fat." I can't wait to actually have the 'baby bump' so that people will know that I'm pregnant. But, truly, I am just trying to relish each stage of this whole life creating thing because already it seems to be going by so very fast! Soon I'll be having my first ultrasound at 20+ weeks!

And, no, that is not a tattoo on my arm - I had a rather large vase that jumped off the shelf at Valentine's Day and decided to use my head and arm to break it's fall before it crashed into a million pieces on the floor.

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT!

2009-02-21T14:13:00.002-05:00

Of my special dinner out/date night with my hubbie! He's been out of town all day, so I can't wait to see him and spend a relaxing dinner with him.

Recovered

2009-02-20T08:27:00.003-05:00

Valentine's Day is officaly almost a week past *yippiee*

I am thankful to say that we all survived and it was a good holiday. My dear Husband did a great job of encouraging me to rest and sleep (and those that know me well - EAT!) as much as possible considering that I was on my feet 9-12 hours a day.

Not only that, but on The Day, after it was all over and I was all comfey, clean and in a fluffy robe - he gave me a V day gift. Now note that we don't typically celebrate until the following week because it is just toooo crazy. But there, sitting on my pillow was a beautiful cloth covered gift box with the cutest bear with ribbon embroidery on it's tummy. Inside was bath salts, bubble bath, bath gel, chocolates and a really neat book. I was surprised and felt so loved and taken care of - but it didn't stop there. He said there was more. More??!! This is enough, why more?? He then told me that he had a very special date night planned for this Saturday the 21st.

Wow. It was so unexpected. I was overwhelmed. I was close to tears. I can't explain how his demonstration of love affected my heart. Even as I type this, I am still overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness. You see, not only did he help me after he got off work and on Saturday - but he was having a very busy week of his own at his job. So to know that he had thought of me in the midst of all the craziness both of our jobs entailed, when I personally was just trying to have the energy to make it through - I was blessed beyond words. Beyond words.

Needless to say, I am soooooo looking forward to tomorrow night!

I have the BEST husband in the world!

So it Begins...

2009-02-09T14:53:00.005-05:00

In case you haven't looked at your calender recently - this Saturday is Valentine's Day. For a florist - this is a very big deal. It means long hours, endless numbers of dozen rose and other arrangements and, well to put it mildly, lots of of flowers.

So today, on my day off, I stopped in to do a couple of quick things....several hours later - I finally get to continue with my day off. *grin* But I can't complain. In fact my heart is that I don't want to complain. In fact, I have been asking the Lord for a BUSY V-Day. That he would inspire men that the beauty of flowers speak volumes and can do something in a woman's heart that she can't even describe. (If you've read the book Captivating - I think it has a lot to do with Stacey's explanation of the need for beauty)

So in a 'down' economy, I'm believing God for a great holiday that will provide not only for me but for my regular employees, and those that I have hired that might need the extra boost during these winter months. I'm believing for a blessing that flies in the face of everything that the news has been telling us. I'm believing for the favor of God for this week. Not just for me but for all those working for me as well. That this will be a holiday for us as well - that my store will be filled with a party-like atmosphere and that all of us would be a blessing to those we are serving this week.

My prayer is that you would experience Valentine's Day in a new way. That God would amaze you this week with some beauty of his creation - just for you, because you are worth the extravagance of heaven.

Factor this...

2009-02-07T17:20:00.003-05:00

At a recent Dr's appointment with my midwife, I got the results of recent bloodwork. I was looking forward to finding out my blood type - Now I don't know why I never knew my blood type, I guess I didn't think to ask.

Imagine my surprise when chatting with the midwife, she casually mentions that I'm RH- . HUH? Did I know that? Ummm, nope. But ok, so I'm A-.

As she launches into the explanation of how a negative Rh factor is handled, in the back of my mind I find myself saying "ok Lord, that's something that you'll just have to take of for me" and immediately, any uneasiness and worry went right out of me. Thanks Lord.

So yes, there are things I need to be aware of and watchful for - and other than additional shots later in the pregnancy and after delivery - no big deal. And after the past year and a half of lots of shots for allergy therapy (which is 4 shots at a time that are painful!) This will be nothing.

I joked with my husband that at least if someone were going to be Rh-, at least it was me since I don't mind shots anymore.

Land HO! Part II

2009-02-02T12:08:00.008-05:00

As mentioned in the previous post - things were moving quickly! After securing a loan, what with all the weirdness with the banks ( they practically asked for my first born - you know then one that wasn't concieved yet?!) but no problems, just a lot of excess paperwork.

Anyway, we were (notice the word WERE) scheduled for an end of October closing. The seller had pushed to get the access road (right of way) in to the property so that we could close and we were under way - last thing to do before we could go to closing was that the seller needed to get the deed approved by the powers that be.

Enter an appearent set back.

Without going into lots of detail lets just say that governmental agencies took their time to approve the division. When faced with a screeching halt to fast moving plans - yikes!
"ummm Lord, what's going on here? I thought this was your blessing, your favor... this situation doesn't look like favor." My husband and I chose to believe that God was still in this. That in the midst of this God would show more favor and we kept confessing that in the end we would see where this turned out for good for us. Because, really, we weren't planning to build right away, so what's the rush. The biggest inconvience was that we were left with loose ends - we were 1/2way land owners. We couldn't call it ours - because it wasn't but in a way it was ours because of the contract and out intent to buy - life, where the land was concerened, was in limbo.

I don't know about you, but I HATE, yep, you read that right - I HATE limbo. And guess what, we were living in limbo. Not that it has been the first time we've been in a peroid of exteneded limbo and I'm sure won't be the last. But maybe we learned something from the last time, because this time around, limbo wasn't so bad. Maybe it was because we chose to REST in God and believe the He was ACTIVELY working on our behalf. We started to choose to look at anything positive concerning the limbo peroid. Things like, we wouldn't have payments until later, we really were not in a hurry, we wanted to extend grace to the seller who was in an even more difficult place. And wouldn't that be nice for the seller not to have paranoid buyers breathing down his neck over a situation that was beyond his control??!! Hmmm... maybe there was opportunity to call down God's favor not on just ourselves, but on the seller as well.

Needless to say, God showed favor. God worked everything out. God brought us to closing. As we left the closing, our realator tells us that this was one of the most complicated and oddest land closings he had seen. And not because of us, not because of the seller - we were all good - just other factors beyond any of our control - but as it turns out NOT beyond the long arm of the Lord.

This whole situation reminds me of something I heard Grahm Cooke say in a message regarding our inheritance. He said " Sometimes you have to fight for it!" I believe that was something great God was teaching us - how to fight for our inheritance. We believed we had heard from God concerning this piece of land - and so we fought for our inhertiance - one way was not by throwing a temper tantrum when things were weird, but by showing grace (a fruit of the Spirit which are mighty weapons of spiritual warfare), resting (rest is a weapon) and believing that we were in the middle of God's favor and confessing that God would cause things to turn out better than before.

So how did God make things turn out better????

We don't start payments until March, we were able to save up extra durring the months we were waiting to close and we ended up with a better interest rate in January than we would have had in October.

So this is part one of a dream - a dream bigger then us. But then God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond what I can ask for or even dream. Lord, I want to dream big -

Land HO!

2009-02-01T15:12:00.008-05:00

Once upon a time, last July......

Randomly, Hubby and I have been on the lookout for land. Not hunting like Captin Ahab. Just casualy looking ~ dreaming really.

Sometimes God has a way of making reality better than dreams.

Exhibit A:

While keeping up with listings on the MLS, I came across a property that was a little bit bigger than what we were looking for BUT still in out general price range and the general area we would want to be. We drove out one evening, and while hubby liked the general area, he wasn't overly impressed by the lot. But we did have a random question about it. So wifie called the listing realtor to ask questions.

Enter Exhibit B:

Realtor answered said questions but then chose to mention that there happened to be another parcel not yet listed because they just divided it off a larger tract. Interestingly, it was more secluded ( a fact that Hubbie liked, which means we drove back out to take a look)

As we pulled onto to lot, we liked the fact that it had 2 groves of walnut trees and was gently rolling which would bode well for a walk-out basement (something we would love to have in a house) After hiking up to the top of the hill, I turned around to see what kind of views the parcel offered ....

Stunned. Amazed. I uttered one word - wow!

Now, I do realize that when purchasing real estate, it is always good to go back for a second or even 3rd visit. So we did. We got others people's opinions, their thoughts on the good, the bad and the ugly concerning the lot.

Interestingly, the more we visited, the more we fell in love with the place. We weren't all 'head in the clouds' , we were looking at all the potential downfalls of the property too...and wondering about potential neighbors....

Enter Exhibit C:

Driving back to measure how long the driveway might need to be, we passed the person who would be our next door neighbor.... this person looked familiar to me.... this person WAS familiar to me.... this potiental future neighbor is in fact our accountant.

Hmmmm....makes you think doesn't it?

Things have been moving fast, or at least it feels fast.

This has been a whirl-wind, but then God is in the whirl-wind.

To be continued......

Hubby walking on the land - this would roughly be the view from the back of the house.

A Taste of Favor

2009-01-21T15:23:00.005-05:00

Pollyanna.

Did you ever see that Disney movie? A young orphan girl, living with an aunt, adapting to life with a smile on her face. What I have always liked about this young girl was her ability to not only find the good in any given situation but to search for it in all situations.

As I have been pondering the idea of living under the Favor of God, I've come to realize that I have for a long time been IN God's favor. I'm just now in a season of me learning to recognize His favor that is already there and to ask for more. To search for His favor that I know must be there because He already said that it was. And what God says IS truth.

Anyway, all that to be able to share a neat little bit of favor God showed me yesterday. My mom and I had just returned from a nearby thrift store where I had been hoping to maybe find a few maternity clothes, cheap :) Now a dear friend had already loaned me some of hers, but I felt I needed a few more pieces since my due date isn't until the end of July and hers was last spring. No sooner did I get back from a disappointing excursion (meaning I didn't find anything!) When the same dear friend called with an offer.

Friend: "Are you busy? Could you get away from work?"

me: "yep - not too bad we're all caught up"

Friend: " Well, Kohl's is having 30%-40% off their maternity AND I have a 30% off in addition to that coupon"

Me: " I'm on my way!!!!!"

I mean, wow, clothes on sale AND an extra discount a friend was willing to share. As it turned out, they didn't have a large selection BUT I found several summer pieces for less than 5$each!!! (Thanks friend!!)

I mean really, capri maternity pants for 3-4$
A couple of summer maternity tops for 2-6$

It was unreal , it was great ..... it WAS God. The neat thing about all of this is just the small ways God takes care of me. He knows that in the spring and summer I work most Saturdays, so I can't really go to yard sales - so it was like God provided me with a January yard sale via Kohl's.

I know it is easy to see God in that bit of favor, but my prayer in the coming months is that I will search out His favor. That I will ask and keep asking for His favor in all areas of my life. And not just for me, but for my extened family, friends, customers, people I come in contact with - because Pollyanna changed a town by having a "Pollyanna view" of life. One that looks for and searches out the good in all situations, one that has a happy, joyfull heart. One that looks for the good in everyone, who sees light and life. All the things that God is.

I want to be like that.

Just call me Pollyanna.

My New Best Friend

2009-01-20T11:45:00.002-05:00

So since about mid-December, I've been dealing with all day queasiness. *yuck* Thankfully nothing more than that on the morning sickness end of things, but distracting notheless.

I decided to give the B-Natel suckers a try...

and by golly they work!!! So even though I'm on the tail end of the morning sickness era, they are so handy to have in my purse, pocket or car.

It's my new friend that I never leave home without!

Bridal Show - Part 2

2009-01-18T18:54:00.005-05:00

Our display at last week's Bridal show - it's a little hard to see, but our main center piece was 2, three foot tall vases with French tulips in them, stacked one on top of the other and crowned with an arrangement of white and cream tulips, amerylisis and exotic greenery. My husband had to place the top piece as it was a little beyond my reach on the ladder.

Beautiful bouquet of Cherry Brandy roses, green and red hypericum berries, pheasant feathers and a collar of skimma berries. Some of the roses had a clear crystal stone set in the center of the rose.

Bouquet with draping ivy, anemones, lisanthus and hydrangea.

For the nature lovers - a crescent cascade bouquet of all different kinds of greenery accented with berries and sticks!

All in all, both shows went well. It's a big investment, but it's a great time to let our creative minds run wild!

January = Bridal Shows

2009-01-08T08:26:00.003-05:00

Ahhh, January, the month that retail workers look forward to - it means the freezy of Christmas has passed and those hard working floral designers can take a much needed rest, right?!

Nope. Not for this group. As you have probably noticed in earlier postings, we do a lot of weddings. And well, January is the month of BRIDAL SHOWCASES. Basically, it's the home and garden show of the wedding industry - only there's 3 or 4 of them right in a row!!! Last week we had our biggest one (well for us, as our workload is doubled because we decorate the runway as well as our 'booth') and this week we have another one.

Now Bridal shows aren't so bad, as we get to explore the depths of our creativity and do all those things that a florist dreams of doing. So in that respect it is a lot of fun.

So what's not fun about all of this??? Glad you asked. Bridal shows are always on Sundays. Which means 2 seven day work weeks in a row for me and a lot of time on my feet. And I miss church.

But like the holidays, i just tell myself, it's just a season and God will provide. And judging from last week, He did provide me with the energy I needed, no headaches (I always have raging headaches by the end of these shows - allergies :( ) and plenty of help to set up, take down and clean up.

Thank you Lord!!!

now, how far off is Valentine's Day?!!!!
(less than 5 weeks)

Christmas Joys

2008-12-29T15:35:00.003-05:00

So the other night my husband and I were in a neighboring town to drop some items by a friend's really cool downtown store. While there my husband asks our friend.....

"So where's a good place to take a pregnant woman out to eat?"

It took our friend a moment, but then he was able to come up with a few suggestions.

So, in case you are wondering....

Yep, we are looking forward to welcoming an addition to our lives.

December

2008-12-18T10:16:00.003-05:00

I am so looking forward to Christmas!! It is one of my favorite times of the year. However working in a flower shop seems to bring extra craziness to the holiday. There are days when I wish I worked someplace that was slllooooowwww durring December, because i feel like I'm just moving from one thing to the next.

But then other days, well, lets just say that doing flowers can be so rewarding. Like yesterday. I wish I could go into all the detail, but sufice it to say that I enjoy makeing other people's Christmas season special. Sometimes it is so much more than a flower arrangement - sometimes it is just the connection, the relationships God has given me through my job. Days like yesterday remind me that, I like people.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

2008-12-03T19:00:00.005-05:00

Sunday night, Glenn, myself and my niece Rebekah put up and decorated our Christmas tree. It always delights me to see Christmas anew when you catch a glimpse of it through someone else's eyes....

Below: decorating the tree

Making sure ALL the Christmas lights worked

Yes.... I helped too

Something you don't See much any more...

2008-11-30T19:09:00.005-05:00

An actual key for a hotel room.

I guess that's what you get when you stay at an Historic Inn.

Hubbie & I spent a couple of days there seeing Sight&Sound's

"Voices of Christmas". And nearby there just happened to be 2 outlet malls. (Seriously, I had no idea the outlets were there until we passed them!! And for those who are curious, it was a Rockville Outlet and a Tanger Outlet) Needless to say, we just about finished up all of our Christmas shopping before returning home.

Finding Rest...In the Midst of Activity

2008-11-17T21:06:00.003-05:00

This seems to be a reoccuring theme for me lately. Rest durring activity. Hmmmm... for some reason those two words 'rest' & 'activity' don't seem to go hand in hand - they might seem more comfortable across from each other on different ends of a tug-o-war rope. Have you ever felt that way? The feeling of being pulled in 2 seemingly different directions by the need/desire to rest and the activity that you find yourself imersed in? For me this seems to have been a struggle over the past - oh, I don't know - MY WHOLE ADULT LIFE (tee hee hee)

But if I think about it - why not rest in the middle of activity? It's obviously not something I can bring about myself. And somehow I thrive in the middle of activity. I love activity. So how do I obey the command from God to rest when sometimes I'm most at peace when I'm active?

Interestingly enough, our bodies are in constant activity even when we are at rest (and sleeping) Hmmm.... so maybe, God DOES have the ability to grant rest in the middle of Godly activity. Because I know that things done in my own strength just wear me out. But there is something about doing things in God's strength that is just energizing. For example, tonight, I was really, really tired. I had planned on going to a ministry night at church - but I felt too tired and worn out to go. Now from past experience, I KNOW that if I make myself go I'll be blessed. And blessed I was! In fact on my way home I again marveled at a thing that I have noticed about me before - Prayer energizes me. Talking about the Lord energizes me. Being around people who challange me to go deeper into the heart of God energizes me.

As I look back over my life, I can see a distinct difference on the inside of me. I can remember being overly worried and a bit high strung (on the inside). I think I worked really hard at not letting it be seen on the outside. But nowadays, I know there is a peace that only comes from God. A peace that can and does reign in the midst of chaos. So I just love this phrase - 'rest in the middle of activity' it speaks to me that God can and will provide rest and peace for me as I go about the activity of my day. That maybe His word to me of 'slow down' is more of slowing my innerself down. To speak to my soul to be quiet and know that He is God. To stay in that place of rest on the inside even when life demands otherwise.

So today, I will be at rest .... in the middle of work. Today, I will be at rest..... when things appear chaoitic. Today I will be at rest with 2 phones ringing off the hook as we get ready for the Thanksgiving rush. Today I will be at rest.

Today - I WILL be at REST.

Because, Rest is a weapon.
(and that is for another post ;)

2008-11-10T08:25:00.005-05:00

What a whirl-wind weekend. Is it really Monday?. Is it really time to go back to work? Recently my weekends have been short - really short. As in, a mere 4-5 hours short. You may think I exagerate - that maybe it only feels like it's short. Nope. I truly mean 4-5 hours short. Typically I work Monday-Saturday, with weddings or other events on Saturday. But last month, I had a wedding or event just about every Sunday. I have had more Sunday events this year than ever before. And while it's nice - it does make for a short weekend with my husband.

This weekend though, was a little different. I was able to take Saturday off and head out of town with ladies from my church for a retreat weekend. It was awesome. I saw the Lord show Himself in incredible ways to these precious ladies all weekend long. There really is nothing that can compare with seeing God love on people you know in real, tangible ways. It makes me teary eyed to think about those times this weekend.

So even though I had to rush back Sunday afternoon, go straight to work (didn't even go home first) asnd then go decorate for the March of Dimes Chefs Auction, then come home rush around and get ready to attend said fund-raiser. I would do it again - in a heart beat. Just to NOT miss the amazing things God was doing in all of our lives this weekend.
*Just to NOT miss the connection with other ladies.
*Just to NOT miss being challanged in my Faith.
*Just to NOT miss the joy I saw released in hearts this weekend.
*Just to NOT miss playing spoons with a group of ladies who LOVE to laugh (you guys did my heart good! how fun to act like little girls, and enjoy the monemt!)
*Just to NOT miss watching a group of ladies bless lepers in India with shoes and such, because they caught the vision of the power of blessing.
*Just to NOT miss seeing seeds of life sprout all over the place.

Thanks Lord for not letting me convince myself NOT to go. I know that I personally so NEEDED that time away. And even though this morning, I'm tired - I know that there was a deeper refresing and rest that took place in my inmost being that words cannot even begin to describe.

I know that each person's experience is their own. This is mine. I know without a shadow of a doubt, that God, in His wisdom, set a choice before me. In my case, this weekend was about sacrificing a much needed weekend of physical rest, to press in to God for spiritual rest. For me, it was a choice of trusting God to give me the rest I needed - in the midst of activity. A visiting speaker recently said, God is a God of rest BUT He rests in His ACTIVITY. I have been meditating on that recently, and I believe God gave me a taste of that this weekend. Lord, I ask that you bring on more or your REST in me in the midst of ACTIVITY!

Fall Weddings

2008-11-02T21:01:00.001-05:00

Are realy quite beautiful....

Stay tuned for more pics to be added

Interesting Day

2008-10-28T16:25:00.002-04:00

So today has been interesting. Thanks to a visiting Senator, our main road infront of the store has had a lot of traffic. And now, our street is closed. We were not even being allowed to traverse our street just to get our store (as in a delivery driver returning from deliveries)!

So we had to scramble to get all of our deliveries out before they closed our street. And unfortunalty, we had to turn down some last minute funeral orders because we couldn't get pout AND get back in.

So what do we do with this extra time? We decorate for Christmas. Yep, Christmas is here. We have installed our first tree.

I Can Type Again...sort of

2008-10-24T07:59:00.003-04:00

Last Friday I was working late. Too late. Well too late to be dancing with a very hot glue gun.

Needless to say, Mr. Glue Gun and I had a disagreement of sorts, that is, 'where the glue should go after leaving the glue gun in it's melted state.'

You know how there is that old saying about not running with scissors? I think there needs to be a new one added about not using a hot glue gun after 10:00pm while still at work (when your day started at 7:30 am)

I know, I know - what in the world was I thinking using a hot glue gun at that time of night (I was thinking I wanted to get my project done and GO HOME!)

And those who know me well, I know you're thinking - Who gave that girl a High Temp hot glue gun? I thought you had a LOW melt hot glue gun (which still burns, by the way, still painful, just not as extreme)

Back to my story~ Having burned 2 of my fingers really bad, I decided to call it a night and go home. After bathing my fingers in some cold mustard from the fridge, I washed them off and took a look at the damage. Deciding that I preferred sleep over a field trip to the ER, I asked God to take the pain away and settled into bed with throbbing fingers.

The next morning was an early one, thankfully I awoke quite rested (thank you God!) Amazingly, my fingers were no longer throbbing! I unwrapped them, and made a face at what I saw (I will spare you the details). I threw some neosporan on, grabbed some gauze & some latex free taped and proceeded to tape my 2 middle fingers on my left hand together (the glue had run down between my fingers). so stability was important in my little task as I had a long day of wedding installation ahead of me and needed the use of both my hands. It is amazing what you can accomplish and push through when you have no other choice!

By late afternoon, I was done with my work day and heading home. As I was talking to my mom, she suggested that I stop by a friend's house (who is a nurse) and have her take a look.
Low and behold, during the day I had grown a blister ( a big one that I still have) on the one finger that I had not pulled off the glue - the other one I had made the mistake of pulling the cooled glue (along with other things) off. When she asked if it hurt, I was amazed to be able to say 'no' it was a little sensitive as we were messing with it - but no continuing pain! She bandaged me up, gave me some wonderful homemade peanut butter fudge (that was worth getting hurt for *wink, wink*) and sent me on my way.

Monday morning, I answered the phone to take an order. Only then did I realize how hard it is to type with 2 fingers taped together!! Those of you who have gotten emails from me recently - I apologize for all the typos! Hope you got a good laugh (I did!!) In fact I'm laughing now as I find out how quickly I was adapting to typing with only 3 fingers on my left hand. My 2 fingers are trying to figure out which keys to hit!!!

So today is day 1 of my fingers being free of the gauze wrap. They are venturing forth into the world today armed only with a band-aid.

They are free to type again!

Bridal Show

2008-10-13T12:14:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a Bridal Show.....

How do you like our display?

Making Room

2008-10-09T10:05:00.002-04:00

At the auction yesterday, I bought another floral cooler.

I need to make room for it.

So today will be spent cleaning and re-arranging so that there is space for the new member of the family.

Yea! for more cooler space :)

An Odd Thing...

2008-10-08T16:37:00.002-04:00

So earlier today I was at an auction. As I walked to my SUV, I stopped to talk with another shop in my industry. As we were talking, I went to brush my hair out of my eyes because it was rather windy. As I did so my contact popped out. The last I saw of it was it floating away on a gust of wind - never to be seen again.

Trust me, I looked!

So now, Forever engraved in my memory will be the sight of my beloved contact carried out of my reach, dancing on a gust of wind.

Just Because I Like It -

2008-10-04T17:33:00.001-04:00

Our Weekend on the Island

2008-09-29T18:56:00.001-04:00

A Weekend Away - To Play :)

2008-09-23T11:13:00.005-04:00

So the other weekend Lovie and I took off Friday morning to head to a small island on the bay for a few days of R & R. For those of you who know me well - yes I did go by work early, early Friday morning to finish up a few last things and then hit the road - But other than a phone call or 2 to answer questions I was mentaly on vaccation!

Saturday we decided to play kids and went to Bush Gardens. Can I say that it has been YEARS since I have been to an amusement park. (I think the last time I went was with Lourdes and Cindy - do y'all remember the 3 musketeers drawing we had done there?)

Anyway, after a full day at Bush Gardens, I can now say that at my 30-somthing age -

I STILL LOVE ROLLER

COSTERS!!!!!

I guess I still am a kid at heart.

Gettysburg

2008-09-04T12:16:00.003-04:00

So my husband and I took advantage of me haveing 2 days off to make the trek to Gettysburg. It was a beautiful weekend - wonderful weather for touring outdoors.

The Visitors center is newly opened as of this past spring and the museum was well done and very informative. It made it a lot easier to understand the battlefield later on. For history buffs (which would describe the 2 of us) it was fun s well as educational!

While the cat's away...

2008-08-24T18:06:00.005-04:00

.... the mice will play.

note to self - when you ARE taking a day off, be sure that you leave plenty of work for the mice to do or else they will PLAY. I came back to work and was greeted by the following display :

Exhibit A: Appearently while I was at the hospital attending my hubby, Barbie came by and placed a last minute wedding order.

note the scale of said bouquets..... Here is the Bridal and Bridesmaids bouquets
Bride Barbie with Jr. Bridesmaid....I guess the gals have just done 1 too many weddings this season....

Secretly, I LOVE the creative display that this is :)

Interruption

2008-08-21T13:15:00.002-04:00

These cute little guys decided to interrupt our workday. One of the girls stepped outside for a bucket and came running back in saying "There's kittens outside under your truck!!!" So of course we all had to take a look-see. A couple of the braver kittens consented to being held - all while the Mama cat was close by watching.

Fair Night

2008-08-13T14:57:00.004-04:00

So last night we went to the County Fair. As we were sitting in the loooong car line to get into the fair, my husband made an interesting statement:

"I bet that before we leave tonite you will have stopped and talked to at least 10 people."

Really??!!
But isn't that the point of going to the fair?
So while hubby parks the car, he lets me out to stand in line for tickets.
As, I head towards the gate I hear my name called - wouldn't you know the guy parking cars was someone I knew. 1 down 9 to go
When we got into the car to go hame later that night, I asked Hubbo if I had talked to 10 people ~ his response:
"I quit counting at 10."
Enough said.

and I'm Off~

2008-08-08T13:54:00.002-04:00

Early, that is :)

That's right - it's Friday and I'm leaving early - since I completely forgot to take my day off on Wednesday, I'm taking time today to leave work and enjoy a little bit of this glorious afternoon!!!

Happy Friday one and all!

A Day Off

2008-08-06T13:03:00.002-04:00

Ha Ha - I laugh at the thought.

I came into work early today to get a few things done before a morning meeting - so it was a bit of a whirl-wind and then meeting for 2+ hours and then back to work.

Back to work - only to realize that I wasn't scheduled to work at all today ~

So here I am on my 'Day Off' at work cleaning and organizing for upcoming events while waiting for some clients to come by that really wanted to meet with me about some funeral pieces. So here I sit (for a moment) typing, wanting to go home but not having a vehicle to go home in (and that is a whole 'nother story for another time).

BUT maybe, just maybe I'll get to leave a little early .... that remains to be seen.

All things Veggie

2008-08-04T11:40:00.004-04:00

Sometimes life amazes me. Other times it just amuses me.

Today, it amuses.

As I was cleaning house yesterday, I found myself humming/singing a tune. You might think that it was a worship song from that morning's church service or maybe a song from the radio. Alas, no.

So what song was issuing from my lips, you ask?

It was Veggie Tales. Madame Blueberry's song "I'm so Blue" to be exact.

Now to completely understand and appreciate the complete craziness of this, you need to know that I have no children, I have no reason to have Veggie Tales in my head. No reason that is until you factor in the crazy people I work with and their love of all things Veggie Tales. In, fact, as I type this I have already listened to 3, count them 3 Veggie Tales sing along CDs and it's not even lunch.

I think there is no hope for removing Veggie songs from my mind. So I will continue to hum/sing Veggie songs at odd times.

So to my neighbors, please don't think of me as the crazy Lady next door - just give me grace and know that it's not craziness - it just the repercussions of working with creative people all day.

Ranting is over... calm has returned

2008-07-30T15:33:00.003-04:00

Thank you one and all for listening to my ranting ~ calm has indeed returned and the computer is working correctly.

All is good in the floral world.

For now.

The weekend is yet to come.

However, as promised Kristen, I found it!!!!!!!!

The wonderful Jack -in-the-Box made out of flowers.

a Moment of Ranting

2008-07-29T11:57:00.002-04:00

Pardon me for a moment as I give way to ranting...

Why is it that when you need to call tech support for your computer, that what ever the problem is, it takes FOREVER to get it fixed???!!!

Case in point. I have a POS system at work that is a florist specific program capable of wiring out flowers to other stores, processing credit cards and a bunch of other stuff specific to the floral industry. For the past couple of months we seemed to be have a small 'glitch' of sorts. Knowing I needed to call tech support, but sensing that this problem was going to take awhile, I put it off until I had a good chunk of time to spend on hold and waiting while a tech worked on my system.

Well, yesterday was THE DAY. As I picked up the phone to call, I commented to my fellow workers that I would be awhile.

Little did I know that 'a little while' would turn into 3+ hours (and only about 30minutes was spent on hold) the rest of the time was me watching the 3 different tech people log into my pc and try to figure out what in the world was going on with the program.

Now two of the tech people asked me how long this had been going on - I explained that I had been on the phone already for over 2 hours and the problem wasn't fixed and that I had not had a 2 hour block of time to sit on the phone.

Now I am sure you are asking yourself, 'well why didn't you use a head set so that you could do other things while waiting?' rest assured, I was. But every time (I kid you not) every time I walked away form the computer - the tech decided that was the moment that he/she had a question and/or that I needed to be at the computer to see if something had printed off.

Don't get me wrong - I like computers - they make my life easier(most of the time) and the tech people I work with are great. It's just that I am convinced that my presence somehow interferes with a computer's abiltiy to run properly.

Maybe it's the pollen that is always on my finger tips?

wait, that's it!

My computer is allergic to flowers. I wonder if it could get injections too, to help with it's allergies.

Just for the fun of it

2008-07-25T11:12:00.004-04:00

Kristen - this one is for you (I'm still trying to find which folder that Jack-in-box flower is in) But in the meantime, I hope you enjoy!

Yes, your eyes do not deceive you - that is indeed electrical equipment.

Something cool and refreshing~

2008-07-23T13:50:00.003-04:00

memory candle at the wedding
cabdle garden accented with flowers as a centerpiece

calla lily centerpiece
This arrangement greated guests as they entered the country club