George Clooney

Kiran took J's Time magazine off his nightstand, the one that has George Clooney on the cover. She brought it me, pointed to George, and said, "Daddy?"

Why yes dear, George Clooney reminds me of your daddy too.

My friend Jill

My friend Jill is a regular Martha Stewart. When we lived together in college, she took a map and made a lampshade. Merritt, Lauren & I looked at the map and saw....a map. Jill looked at the map and saw a lampshade. We love Jill for Jill even if she's not good with details.

She got married Dec 31 and it was the monogramming wedding of the decade. Jill has her own monogramming business and she monogrammed everything for this wedding! It turned out awesome. I used the monogrammed matches just yesterday. For her bridesmaids, she gave us pashmina shawls and monogrammed clutches that she made (did I mention she's crafty?).

(again I'm realizing I need to learn how to take up close pictures well- geez)

I asked Kiran to hold open the clutch to show you people the inside that is polka dotted (fun!) but she just wanted to put her cracker in it. So next time I'm at a fancy party with my clutch, I'll have a snack handy.

Plus, Jill made my awesome purse/diaper bag that I get compliments on nearly every day. I love it b/c I can fit a diaper and some wipes (which are big) but it has lots of inside pockets so I don't lose my keys and cell phone in it. Plus she lined the inside with plastic- huge bonus for a mommy with a toddler!!! I love having a unique bag that fits my needs.
(Doesn't this picture look better? I used the macro button on my camera.)

So....all that to say.... Jilly is coming down the mountain to do a bag party for us! Its not a traditional party at someone's home- you will not be pressured in any way, shape, or form to buy something. I'm not getting any perks for having this party (or am I Jill? A new bag would be great.... just saying). Jill will bring some of her bags she's made plus baby stuff and whatever else she makes. She does custom orders too so you can see fabric and order something too. And you can come and snack and ooh and aah and not buy a thing. It won't hurt my feelings (I can't speak for Jill though). Anyhow- I'm doing it b/c I think Jill is amazingly talented and I think you will be thrilled with her work. And I'm doing it because I'm an extrovert and I like to throw parties.

So the party is at 7pm on Thursday March 13. If you want to come leave a comment or email me and I'll send you an e-vite (no I'm not putting directions to my house on the internet).

Giant Cupcake

Remember the Giant Cupcake pan? My MIL gave it to me for Christmas (see sometimes it pays to put stuff you want on your blog) and I tried it out for the first time this weekend. I was a little nervous because I'm not the best baker or the most creative. I researched it a lot on the internet and bought double supplies hoping that would cover me. I had promised to bring the cake for my mom's birthday lunch on Sunday- I said a cake. It could be the giant cupcake cake or it could be the Bi-Lo cake we picked up on the way over there. No promises.

I got two cake mixes, whipped them right up and measured out exactly how much batter to put in each side of the pan. I turned the temperature down on the oven and baked it for longer.


I oh so gently sliced off the bumps that formed on the pieces while they baked and smooshed the rest together.

I purposely chose a chocolate cake so that I didn't have to ice the whole thing! I figured I could ice the top only and it would look like a cupcake. I'm glad I decided that b/c my wrist was really tired of squishing the icing on to the cake.

And viola- the first giant cupcake!


(I'm sitting here thinking I really need to learn how to take better food pictures)

Happy Birthday Mom aka Grandma aka MeeMaw


How are you going to hold five of them on your lap next year???

February 22

As I was writing the date this morning, I paused thinking this date seems so familiar. My mom's birthday is the 23rd so that wasn't it. Jonathan's grandmother's birthday is also the 23rd. What was it?

Oh yeah....that's our dating anniversary. We haven't really celebrated it since we got married. Heck most of our celebrating before marriage took place at various basketball games. But today.... today its been 10 years since we became a couple. A Decade. We were 16 years old, juniors in high school, and we had just spent the previous 7 months convincing everyone at school that we weren't dating- we were just best friends. Ha.

I remember Feb 22, 1998. It was a Sunday and we were studying. We had 5 out of 6 classes together that year. Nothing spectacular happened at all; things just changed between us. We both realized (ok I realized) that this was more than a friendship. I think its good that I couldn't see the next ten years at that point. I don't think I would have been as patient letting things work out as they did if I had known what the next years had in store for us. Perhaps it would have scared off 16-year-old me. Thankfully, we get to take life one step at a time- boyfriend/girlfriend, engagement, married life, married life in another state, married life in another country, parenthood.

The years have been good to us. God has been good. More importantly, God has been faithful. I have never seen His faithfulness as much as I do now. I have never depended on His faithfulness as I do now.

Here's to 10 years!

I Have Never...

...voted for American Idol before tonight! I did it in honor of Adam & Andrea because we used to watch AI with them every week and they see it on a tape delay so they can't participate in the voting. It is a privilege to be in America and able to participate in the democratic process that goes into finding the next American Idol. Do I get a sticker that says "I Voted Today"?

Half of you were right....

We have a perfect, healthy baby girl on the way!! We were both stunned- I think we were just expecting to hear boy since so many people around us are having boys. But we are thrilled to have two daughters and hopefully they will enjoy each other. Now to find a name.... I have one I like but J isn't sold on it. So we are open to suggestions. William already suggested Buzz Lightyear, Bob and Smoky. So if you were planning to suggest those, he beat you to it.

Last Chance

Jonathan came home for lunch (twice baked potatoes that turned out really yummy- I love my Joy of Cooking book- thanks Uncle Tim!) and asked Kiran for the last time if she wanted a brother or a sister. Up until today, she has always just shaken her head no. But today when Jonathan asked her, she said something back. We both looked at each other and said that sounded like sister. So Jonathan said if you want a baby brother say Daddy and if you want a baby sister say Mommy. She immediately said Ammy. So....it looks like Kiran is rooting for a girl.

So the poll didn't really help me- it ended up exactly tied for team pink and team blue with 3 people (bren, lp and my dad) voting for both and Joey Brooks voting for other (although I am stoked that my favorite basketball player commented on my blog- I mean my favorite basketball player after Jonathan of course). I have no idea what we are going to see at our ultrasound (I know Dad-boy or girl not too many options). Its kinda like opening a present-or at least getting a little peek.

Kiran is going to stay at J's parents' house for the afternoon and night. I don't know what to do with myself after my dr's appt (and before Beth's book party). I can't remember the last time I was home by myself. Kiran often stays at a grandparent's home but it is generally b/c J & I both have something to do during that time. I'm so looking forward to a little bit of free time at home- I could clean. Nah I do that when Kiran's here. I could make some real progress on Grant's bedroom. That is a thought. I could stop by the library and pick up a new novel and lay on the couch and read the entire thing and not have to put on anyone's shoes or turn the toy on or turn it off or get a cracker or water no make that milk no water. Yea......

Ok this was a rambling post. There you have it. Adios amigos.

Dear Kiran

Dear Kiran,

Last night we hired the teenager across the street to come babysit you. It was a milestone of sorts. You pretty much take care of yourself; we knew you'd take care of the baby sitter. You stood at the back door and cried as we got in the car. But before we pulled out of the driveway, you had disappeared from the door, enticed by the promise of food.

When the babysitter was running your bath, you ran out into the den and grabbed your favorite book off the couch. It was the ladybug one- the counting one. You read that book multiple times a day-touching all the ladybugs, buzzing with the bee, talking about the fish. You ran back into the bathroom and promptly chucked your very favorite book into the bath. If you understood your actions it might not be quite so funny. The babysitter tried to save the book but its falling apart. We'll let you keep reading it until it disintegrates.

You were sleeping peacefully in your bed when we got home. You had your Santa and your blanket as well as another teddy bear in there. Somehow you convinced your babysitter to let you go to bed with your Bible- your other favorite book. I think it's your favorite because it has a handle but we'll just pretend its because you love reading about Jesus. You were sleeping deeply with the cover of your Bible in one hand and the inside pages in the other hand. It was a rough night for your books.

I'm thankful you love people so much and are so easy to take care of. That trait will enable your dad and I to go out more by ourselves. The saying goes that the best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother. We desire to show you that your father and I love each other. And it really helps that we can go out and not worry about you at all.

I love you. I love the things you do. I guess we'll start saving your allowance for a new ladybug book and Bible.

Love,
Mom or Ammy as you say

The Year of the....

My brother Will goes to this one Chinese restaurant so much that when he arrives without his fiance they say "Oh Will where your girlfriend?" Since Will keeps them in business, they gave him a Chinese calendar which informed us all that this is the Chinese Year of the Rat.

Gross.

So I am taking it upon myself to declare this year instead....dum dum dum

The Year of the BOY.

See pretty much everyone I know that is due in 2008 is having a boy.

1+1=4 just had twin boys
Our friends from college are waiting on their twin boys any day now *edited to say TODAY they are having their boys
Hillary is having a boy in March
SB is pretty sure she's having a boy in April
It's a Mom Thing is having a boy in May
Lauren and Chad are having their first baby early June- its a.....wait for it.....Boy
J's brother and wife are adding another little Caskey boy
Two other friends in the same SS Class with It's a Mom Thing and Lauren and my SIL are due in June and having boys (that's 5 boys in one month in that SS class!)
Bethany is having baby boy #2 as well as Michelle

Have I convinced you yet??? I do know one girl from that same SS class in G'ville that is due to have a girl really soon. Jeni is waiting on her little girl any day now too.

As it stands 13 boys to 2 girls. I have two friends in Spartanburg who have had their big ultrasounds and chosen not to find out the gender! Actually one of them is having her second baby and both times her husband found out but she doesn't!! How he keeps that a secret is beyond me!

So we have our ultrasound next Tuesday..... I thought I'd put a poll up because what is the fun of having a blog if you can't poll your readers every now and again.

Which team is gaining a player?
	Team Blue
	Team Pink
	Team Blue and Pink (that's for you Dad)
	Other (please explain)
Free polls from Pollhost.com

You can vote and be anonymous but I would love it if you would leave a comment telling me which one you voted for and why. I have no mother's intuition with this one but I feel like I need to at least have a solid guess before next Tuesday.

Today was supposed to be the day....

I was down to one lone Zofran tablet in my prescription bottle. I hit 19 weeks today well past the 17.5 weeks that I was when I stopped throwing up with Kiran. So I decided not to ask for another prescription at my dr's appt last week because I was certain all this mess was past.

Let's just say... today did not go as planned. I threw up or as my nephew says I spilled a few times in the morning. I couldn't keep any food down and gatorade only stayed down a little while. Finally after spilling all morning, feeling just awful, and not being able to keep any food in my stomach, I called the OB nurse and talked it out with her. I ended up getting another prescription called in. I took my last Zofran and slept for the hour Kiran slept. When I woke up, I felt like a completely different person.

So I have 45 days worth of medicine which should take me well into my 25th week. I'm praying that by then my hormone levels or whatever is causing this crazy spilling will have leveled out. I'm hopeful that I won't need any more medicine and will feel good! I really enjoyed being pregnant last time once I got through the sickness and I'm looking forward to that. I am really thankful that the medicine works so well because I know for some people even the medicine isn't enough to help them feel better.

Kiran was really great about playing by herself and letting me go night-night on the floor all morning. She also entertained herself while I was otherwise occupied. See?


That would be two bags of cotton balls.

One time when I was sick, she brought me her Santa (the blanket head thing she sleeps with) and her blanket. Then she just sat there with her hand on my arm. It was so sweet I almost cried. And then I threw up.

Decals

Today I put decals on the rear window of my car.


I just got the Furman one for Christmas. And we picked up the OBX one on our honeymoon in 2003.

But this Brisbane one. This one I've been saving for a special place since I lived in Brisbane for a semester in college. In 2001.

Favorite Photos of 2007 Part 3

Here is the last installment of my favorite photos of 2007.


This is 9.5 month old Kiran eating sand at the beach at Litchfield, SC. We were able to go to the beach with Jonathan's family and enjoy some quality time with them.


It had been 14 months since Dad and two sons were in the same place at the same time. One of the biggest highlights of 2007 was returning to America and getting to spend time with our families. It was special to share Kiran with all her aunts, uncles and cousins that she hadn't even met before.


This beach picture was from the Edisto Beach Extravaganza of 2007. We spent a week beachfront with my parents, my siblings, my niece & nephew, my aunts, my uncles, my cousins. 20 people total. It was so fun. I choose this picture because it reminds me of that week but also because Kiran is just fascinated by the sand. It really symbolizes that childlike curiosity to me.

We bought our first house!! We still look around in awe at what God has provided here in BS. It was so obvious to us that God had his hand in every step by how everything fell into place exactly as needed. We moved back to America in June on faith that God was leading us back but not having any definite plans. Jonathan interviewed for a job in late June, was offered the job in early July and started mid-July. We closed on our first house on August 30. Now if we could just find a church home...

I don't think I need to explain why I choose this one. My little roaring lion.
I think this is my fave shot of the two of us. It was Halloween night. Kiran was having a ball with all the trick-or-treaters that came to our house. She had long since lost the lion outfit. Plus, this was the day after we found out our family was expanding. So that made me pretty happy as well.We ended 2007 in the High Country celebrating Jill's wedding to Craig. My parents kept Kiran so we had a really nice weekend away with my college roommates. It was also a homecoming of sorts for us since we lived in the High Country for the year before we moved overseas. We both fell in love with that area and keep asking God to provide a way for us to move back!

2007 was awesome, hard, full of change but full of promises fulfilled. I wonder what my pictures of 2008 will show.

Education 101

Yesterday I started going through my notebooks from all my education classes at Furman. I could have saved a lot of trees if I had known how to print front and back in college. But I'm saving all that clean backed paper now for printing and coloring purposes. And I've found a few things in my Art Ed notebook that will be useful for upcoming art projects with Kiran. I'm recycling anything I can and throwing away the rest.

But I'm actually in a grieving process of sorts. I didn't realize how hard it would be to get rid of these notebooks. I guess they are my last link to my education degree and teaching career. I worked for 4 years to earn that degree and then taught my heart out for 2 years. I haven't taught in 2.5 years and I haven't missed it. I wanted to be passionate about teaching...but I wasn't. I was passionate about my students and they were the reason I got up in the morning and went to bed early at night (school starts early). They helped me survive and thrive (and Miss Lucas at Happy Valley- oh the Lord knew what He was doing when He brought both of us there for that particular year).

I don't see myself ever teaching full time again. The only teaching role I see myself taking is one to my children. I use my education degree every day with Kiran already, and I know it will only be used more as she gets older and as I have more children. I am thankful for that knowledge I have due to my college education.

I think I will have a career outside the home again someday. I don't at this point in my life have an idea of what it will look like. I know that being a stay at home mom is my passion. It fits in a way that teaching never did. I love what I do. I feel productive, fulfilled, purposeful. I am not saying that I am always productive, always satisfied, always purposeful. But most days, I go to bed very peaceful and content about the place I am in and the goals driving me forward.

But I grieve the ending of a season. Change is always bittersweet isn't it?

Baby Appt

I saw my OB again today. Everything is fine. I love hearing the heartbeat- 150 today. They took blood for the Quad screen. I absentmindedly scheduled our insurance medical tests for today too. So I had blood taken out of both arms. Nice.

My next appt is my ultrasound scheduled on the 19th. Two weeks from tomorrow. We are hoping Baby Grant will cooperate and show us what he/she is! I keep flip-flopping back and forth in my mind. With Kiran, I knew just knew that it was a girl. I haven't had that at all this time. Everyone I know that has found out what they are having lately is having a BOY. Hum............

Super Bowl

J & I are watching the Super Bowl at home. alone. So in our solitareness, we were reminiscing about some of our favorite Super Bowl memories.

4 years ago, we watched the Super Bowl at Brian & Annie's house. We had the halftime show on and were sort of watching it. Janet Jackson was performing and all of the sudden we said
"Did she....?"
"What the...?"
"No it couldn't have been...."
"Yeah it was."

Last year J and Brett got up at 4:30am and hosted a Super Bowl party in our den while Kiran, Merritt & I slept away.
Well that was the best of the memories.

But this weekend has been very lucky for us. We went to the Wofford-Furman basketball game on Saturday. While the game was atrocious, some guy hit a half court shot and each adult for a free pizza from Papa John's. Thank you dude- whoever you were.

And this morning at church, the pastor threw out these footballs and I got a lucky one that was marked. I got a free super bowl t shirt and plastic mug.

I'm thinking about going to buy a lottery ticket.