Beau begins his night call on the first on January and will be at it for two weeks. Night call meaning "graveyard shift." And it is because of this that we are still up...at 11:52pm ET. Well, I am. Beau is fighting falling asleep.
So the plan is to sleep during the day and be up at night. I don't know how well I will be able to adapt to the schedule. I need my sunlight! :D
As I sit here trying to stay awake I am watching Barry Watson's newest made for TV movie. He used to be so hot. I remember he was the main reason I used to watch 7th Heaven back in the day. What happened? Oh I do love made for TV movies.
Well, time to put the chili away. And make some coffee!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
New Years Resolution, or ResolutionS...
Another year is quickly coming to an end. I can't believe it has gone so quickly. Where did 2011 go? Such a very busy and blessed year.
Well lets see, Beau was sick over Christmas so we didn't end up making it to New Jersey. We didn't want to get family sick and so his mom changed her flight so she could come here and spend the night with us and give us our Christmas gifts. NO GIFTS...Right...Stinker...she went shopping for us anyway even though when she was here a few weeks ago she took us shopping at Macy's. I got a pair of boots and Beau got some really great shirts for work. But apparently the words "NO GIFTS, you've already given us so much" are lost on her. We love you mom...
And on top of that, Jaq and Trav bought us some goodies as well. We were VERY spoiled this year...
Jaq and Trav got us Apples to Apples (freaking SWEET) and one of our favorite movies!!!! Mom got me this BEAUTIFUL sweater, Beau got more dress clothes, and we both received Target gift cards. HECKS YES! And, the most precious gift, a beautiful album from our wedding. Oh my word, I cannot put into words how much I loved this. Beau and I just sat there and poured over it and I of course started crying. Not only is this such a thoughtful and beautiful gift, but it was even more special because it came straight from the heart of my mother in law. She went to a lot of work and a lot of people were in on this gift including our dear friend Jenna (you are a stinker). It is so funny because I had thought about putting a book together myself and I am sure that I mentioned that to Jenna. And she knew all along... Thank you guys for this beautiful and heart felt gift, it is the BEST!
Not only did we have a great night with mom, but as we were sitting around plugging away on our computers and talking, Beau received an email from Janesville. The much anticipated and very much prayed for email. Beau handed me his phone so I could read it and before I took it out of his hand, I saw the look of sheer and complete joy all over his face. I read it, squealed, and we both started tearing up a little bit. We have been praying so long and so hard for good news from Janesville in regards to getting electives there and being able to move back to the Midwest just as soon as possible. WHAT a blessing... basically, we aren't 100% moved as of yet, but our chances of moving as soon as the last weekend in January are about 98%. We are more or less just waiting for the paper work to be finalized and for our schedule to be sent to us. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!
That being said though, we are not totally out of the woods. We still are waiting to receive confirmation from them and therefore are still diligently praying that we do indeed get to move very very soon. REJOICE! Beau has instructed me to start looking for places to live and to start calling around so I think he too is very happy and optimistic. I have already found one place that is very promising. Close to the hospital, two bedroom, all appliances included, and...OLIVER can live there with us!!!!!!!! Thank you heavenly Father.
This was humbling for me. VERY humbling for me and it is because of this that I started to really think about what my New Years resolution was going to be. Every year I decide on one (or many) but I have never been very good at keeping them. But this year I want to be different, and here they are:
1) Start eating healthy, lay off the junk food, and work out on a regular basis. (a common one I know)
2) Set a routine for myself, start going to bed at a normal hour and get up with the sun (ok not quite, but much earlier than I do now)
3) Don't be afraid to speak my mind.
4) Try new recipes.
But these are the most important of all...
5) Make a greater effort to talk to my grandpa on a regular basis.
6) Make sure the ones I love, know how important they are to me.
7) Be a more attentive to those I love.
8) Give more grace.
9) Read my Bible and spend more time with the Lord.
10) Make a joyful noise.
I love Christian music, but I don't really know a lot of the songs, but I have come to realize that the Lord doesn't want me to sing only worship music. So as I have promised myself to learn more worship music, I decided that today I was going to turn OFF The Office and turn on some good music and just let the Lord know the joy in my heart. So I am sitting here singing to 80's music and LOVING it!
I realize these are a lot of resolutions, but life is far too short to not use every day that we are given. Being here in NY I feel as though I have lost touch with the person that I really am because I have been so bitter to our commitment to live here. Not so much bitter to the commitment of living here per se, but more so homesick in every conceivable way.
Oh, resolution #11...broaden my vocab...
God is so good, and I just want my heart to pour that out to everyone I meet.
I wish you all a Happy New Year and pray that the Lord does amazing things in all your lives this year and every year here after...
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Well lets see, Beau was sick over Christmas so we didn't end up making it to New Jersey. We didn't want to get family sick and so his mom changed her flight so she could come here and spend the night with us and give us our Christmas gifts. NO GIFTS...Right...Stinker...she went shopping for us anyway even though when she was here a few weeks ago she took us shopping at Macy's. I got a pair of boots and Beau got some really great shirts for work. But apparently the words "NO GIFTS, you've already given us so much" are lost on her. We love you mom...
And on top of that, Jaq and Trav bought us some goodies as well. We were VERY spoiled this year...
Jaq and Trav got us Apples to Apples (freaking SWEET) and one of our favorite movies!!!! Mom got me this BEAUTIFUL sweater, Beau got more dress clothes, and we both received Target gift cards. HECKS YES! And, the most precious gift, a beautiful album from our wedding. Oh my word, I cannot put into words how much I loved this. Beau and I just sat there and poured over it and I of course started crying. Not only is this such a thoughtful and beautiful gift, but it was even more special because it came straight from the heart of my mother in law. She went to a lot of work and a lot of people were in on this gift including our dear friend Jenna (you are a stinker). It is so funny because I had thought about putting a book together myself and I am sure that I mentioned that to Jenna. And she knew all along... Thank you guys for this beautiful and heart felt gift, it is the BEST!
Not only did we have a great night with mom, but as we were sitting around plugging away on our computers and talking, Beau received an email from Janesville. The much anticipated and very much prayed for email. Beau handed me his phone so I could read it and before I took it out of his hand, I saw the look of sheer and complete joy all over his face. I read it, squealed, and we both started tearing up a little bit. We have been praying so long and so hard for good news from Janesville in regards to getting electives there and being able to move back to the Midwest just as soon as possible. WHAT a blessing... basically, we aren't 100% moved as of yet, but our chances of moving as soon as the last weekend in January are about 98%. We are more or less just waiting for the paper work to be finalized and for our schedule to be sent to us. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!
That being said though, we are not totally out of the woods. We still are waiting to receive confirmation from them and therefore are still diligently praying that we do indeed get to move very very soon. REJOICE! Beau has instructed me to start looking for places to live and to start calling around so I think he too is very happy and optimistic. I have already found one place that is very promising. Close to the hospital, two bedroom, all appliances included, and...OLIVER can live there with us!!!!!!!! Thank you heavenly Father.
This was humbling for me. VERY humbling for me and it is because of this that I started to really think about what my New Years resolution was going to be. Every year I decide on one (or many) but I have never been very good at keeping them. But this year I want to be different, and here they are:
1) Start eating healthy, lay off the junk food, and work out on a regular basis. (a common one I know)
2) Set a routine for myself, start going to bed at a normal hour and get up with the sun (ok not quite, but much earlier than I do now)
3) Don't be afraid to speak my mind.
4) Try new recipes.
But these are the most important of all...
5) Make a greater effort to talk to my grandpa on a regular basis.
6) Make sure the ones I love, know how important they are to me.
7) Be a more attentive to those I love.
8) Give more grace.
9) Read my Bible and spend more time with the Lord.
10) Make a joyful noise.
I love Christian music, but I don't really know a lot of the songs, but I have come to realize that the Lord doesn't want me to sing only worship music. So as I have promised myself to learn more worship music, I decided that today I was going to turn OFF The Office and turn on some good music and just let the Lord know the joy in my heart. So I am sitting here singing to 80's music and LOVING it!
I realize these are a lot of resolutions, but life is far too short to not use every day that we are given. Being here in NY I feel as though I have lost touch with the person that I really am because I have been so bitter to our commitment to live here. Not so much bitter to the commitment of living here per se, but more so homesick in every conceivable way.
Oh, resolution #11...broaden my vocab...
God is so good, and I just want my heart to pour that out to everyone I meet.
I wish you all a Happy New Year and pray that the Lord does amazing things in all your lives this year and every year here after...
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Blessings...
Well, Christmas didn't turn out exactly the way we planned. Mom was set to get into New York yesterday and we were all going to take the train to New Jersey today. I had been sick for the past two weeks and was really trying my best to get over it before this weekend but I suppose it was inevitable that Beau would catch what I had. So now here he lies on the couch, miserable. I feel so bad, guilty. I wish we would have been able to make it down to be with family.
This is our first Christmas away from home. Well, not away from home, but the first Christmas we haven't been able to spend with family. It hasn't been easy being away from loved ones during the holidays, but there have been little treasures that have made it a little easier...
Christmas cards...our fridge is covered with Christmas cards and I am anticipating getting more in the mail judging by how many people have asked us for our address. I can't even describe how nice it is to get a little something from home. Yesterday we even got a card from my grandpa. I won't get into how much I miss him. But one other Christmas blessing we got in the mail was from my dearest friend Kim. I was so surprised and excited when I saw the handwriting. I knew exactly who it was from. So I ripped it open ASAP...
AHHHH!!!! She translated it for me. I even got an added postcard...oh Kimmy... I miss her so very much. She is my best friend, my sister and I love her dearly. It feels so good to know that she misses me as much as I miss her and that she makes the effort to send me little treasures from the other side of the world. Thank you my dearest Monkey.
A while ago I was thinking about the fireplace. There is nothing more homey than a fire in the fireplace and I remembered that there were screen savers that you could get that looked like a fireplace. This morning when I woke up Beau had shown me what he added to Netflix. Here is what he added...
AND one of the "episodes" even plays Christmas music. It blows my mind how well he knows me and the little things he does that make me feel so loved and special and appreciated. Not only is this little treasure a Christmas blessing, but being married married to my other half is the greatest Christmas blessing.
But the most precious and priceless Christmas blessing of all is that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the blood of the lamb.
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:16-20 NIV
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie brown
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
This is our first Christmas away from home. Well, not away from home, but the first Christmas we haven't been able to spend with family. It hasn't been easy being away from loved ones during the holidays, but there have been little treasures that have made it a little easier...
Christmas cards...our fridge is covered with Christmas cards and I am anticipating getting more in the mail judging by how many people have asked us for our address. I can't even describe how nice it is to get a little something from home. Yesterday we even got a card from my grandpa. I won't get into how much I miss him. But one other Christmas blessing we got in the mail was from my dearest friend Kim. I was so surprised and excited when I saw the handwriting. I knew exactly who it was from. So I ripped it open ASAP...
AHHHH!!!! She translated it for me. I even got an added postcard...oh Kimmy... I miss her so very much. She is my best friend, my sister and I love her dearly. It feels so good to know that she misses me as much as I miss her and that she makes the effort to send me little treasures from the other side of the world. Thank you my dearest Monkey.
A while ago I was thinking about the fireplace. There is nothing more homey than a fire in the fireplace and I remembered that there were screen savers that you could get that looked like a fireplace. This morning when I woke up Beau had shown me what he added to Netflix. Here is what he added...
AND one of the "episodes" even plays Christmas music. It blows my mind how well he knows me and the little things he does that make me feel so loved and special and appreciated. Not only is this little treasure a Christmas blessing, but being married married to my other half is the greatest Christmas blessing.
But the most precious and priceless Christmas blessing of all is that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the blood of the lamb.
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:16-20 NIV
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie brown
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Christmas Came Early In The Waddell House...
I am so much like my auntie. She is infamous for not being able to hold on to a gift. I think I am much like her in that I delight more in seeing people opening the things I give them than I am actually opening my own gifts. I love the look on people's faces when they open that gift. How special they feel that someone knew them well enough to get them the perfect gift. I am not saying I am a great gift giver at all, but I do put my whole heart into it.
This year I had spending a lot of time on pinterest and craftgawker finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. I wanted to make gifts this year because a) I had the time to make gifts this year and b) I think they are more personal. I always loved the gifts that people made for me. I wish I would have brought my sewing machine back with us. But that being said, there really isn't a fabric store that is conveniently located.
I love to give gifts. I wanted to completely shower Beau in gifts this year. We have been through so much this year, and he is the most incredible husband. There is nothing he wouldn't do for me, and he has worked so very hard to get us home as soon as possible. What an amazing gift I have in him, and how the Lord must love me to give me the most incredible love. The deepest love, that I don't even have words to express. I am blessed to have my best friend, my soul mate, my everything as my husband. My cup runneth over.
There were loads of things I wanted to get him this year, but since a possible move is in the foreseeable future, we are bringing as few items into the apartment as possible (save for food). I did cave though and buy a tree and lights. We also had a budget this year for gifts. So...
I bought Beau a bunch of "spa treatment" goodies that I could do for him here at home. (Mmmm...my handsome husband). I of course wanted him to open his first so I could see the look on his face and when he opened it he laughed a little and said to open mine...
(Please excuse how nasty I look, I've been sick for days now)
Beau had made me a gift certificate for my very own spa day! (I love how there is an expiration date ;) ) Baby...
Our first Christmas as a married couple and I couldn't ask for anything more special.
Well, I have taken some Theraflu and am starting to get a wee bit sleepy so I am going to wrap it up for now. Its gloomy and drizzly today, perfect for a cold medicine induced slumber.
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
This year I had spending a lot of time on pinterest and craftgawker finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. I wanted to make gifts this year because a) I had the time to make gifts this year and b) I think they are more personal. I always loved the gifts that people made for me. I wish I would have brought my sewing machine back with us. But that being said, there really isn't a fabric store that is conveniently located.
I love to give gifts. I wanted to completely shower Beau in gifts this year. We have been through so much this year, and he is the most incredible husband. There is nothing he wouldn't do for me, and he has worked so very hard to get us home as soon as possible. What an amazing gift I have in him, and how the Lord must love me to give me the most incredible love. The deepest love, that I don't even have words to express. I am blessed to have my best friend, my soul mate, my everything as my husband. My cup runneth over.
There were loads of things I wanted to get him this year, but since a possible move is in the foreseeable future, we are bringing as few items into the apartment as possible (save for food). I did cave though and buy a tree and lights. We also had a budget this year for gifts. So...
I bought Beau a bunch of "spa treatment" goodies that I could do for him here at home. (Mmmm...my handsome husband). I of course wanted him to open his first so I could see the look on his face and when he opened it he laughed a little and said to open mine...
(Please excuse how nasty I look, I've been sick for days now)
Beau had made me a gift certificate for my very own spa day! (I love how there is an expiration date ;) ) Baby...
Our first Christmas as a married couple and I couldn't ask for anything more special.
Well, I have taken some Theraflu and am starting to get a wee bit sleepy so I am going to wrap it up for now. Its gloomy and drizzly today, perfect for a cold medicine induced slumber.
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Ah...Sick, AGAIN...
I wish I could shake this persistent sore throat I have. Last week I had this terrible sore throat and it lingered for a few days, I chalked it up to just drainage. I had an awful ringing/stabbing in my ear so I just self medicated with tea and cough drops and eventually it went away.
Here's the thing. When I used to work in the doctor's office I was exposed to sick people all the time and so I built my immune system to the point where I never ever got sick, not once in a three year time span. But, since I am not around too many people lately, I am sure I can't fight off things as easily as I used to. I am sure there are lots of things that Beau picks up at the hospital and brings home with him. This most recent "bug" has been playing ping pong with us. I was sick last week, then Beau was sick, and now I am starting to feel like poo again. I am not sure, but I am thinking its a cold lingering on the horizon just waiting to pounce. Probably when I have stuff I need to do, or when we have plans to visit our friends or family. Mmmm...so here I sit, Vix slathered all over my throat and my big thick purple scarf. Bwa...
Beau...oh my goodness, I cannot put into words how much I love him. This totally doesn't go along with the "Ah...Sick..." theme, but (as a friend of mine wrote on her blog) its my blog and I am allowed to let my mind go wherever it wants... but I digress...
Beau...the LOVE of my life. Last night he came home earlier than he has been. He started his Ambulatory Care portion of his surgery rotation and so his hours are not as long. Its such a blessing. He was home by around 5 last night and I just wanted to snuggle up in his arms and not move from the couch the rest of the night. We had dinner and then he jumped up and was so excited. He said not to come over to the table because he was working on my Christmas present. Baby... he sticks an envelope under the tree, one that I can't see through! I love my husband more than anything in this world. He is so good to me, so perfect for me. He is truly my soul mate.
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Here's the thing. When I used to work in the doctor's office I was exposed to sick people all the time and so I built my immune system to the point where I never ever got sick, not once in a three year time span. But, since I am not around too many people lately, I am sure I can't fight off things as easily as I used to. I am sure there are lots of things that Beau picks up at the hospital and brings home with him. This most recent "bug" has been playing ping pong with us. I was sick last week, then Beau was sick, and now I am starting to feel like poo again. I am not sure, but I am thinking its a cold lingering on the horizon just waiting to pounce. Probably when I have stuff I need to do, or when we have plans to visit our friends or family. Mmmm...so here I sit, Vix slathered all over my throat and my big thick purple scarf. Bwa...
Beau...oh my goodness, I cannot put into words how much I love him. This totally doesn't go along with the "Ah...Sick..." theme, but (as a friend of mine wrote on her blog) its my blog and I am allowed to let my mind go wherever it wants... but I digress...
Beau...the LOVE of my life. Last night he came home earlier than he has been. He started his Ambulatory Care portion of his surgery rotation and so his hours are not as long. Its such a blessing. He was home by around 5 last night and I just wanted to snuggle up in his arms and not move from the couch the rest of the night. We had dinner and then he jumped up and was so excited. He said not to come over to the table because he was working on my Christmas present. Baby... he sticks an envelope under the tree, one that I can't see through! I love my husband more than anything in this world. He is so good to me, so perfect for me. He is truly my soul mate.
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Monday, December 19, 2011
Home Is "Here" For The Holidays...
Last week was so nice. Beau's mom got into town on Thursday and Beau got off in time that we were both able to meet her at Penn Station. When we got home we threw in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and just sat and caught up for a while. Poor Beau is so used to heading to bed early though and he did his best to stay up and talk with us.
Friday we decided we needed to go shopping. Mom was needing to get some Christmas shopping done and I really wanted to take her to Macy's. Its almost a necessity if you are in New York during the Christmas season. As we were walking up to the infamous department store there were people EVERYWHERE, even for the time of day it was very crowded. Everyone was huddled around the window display. It. Was. BEAUTIFUL. I wish I would have had my camera with me. I knew that all the department stores had a tradition of decorating their store windows, but I had no idea the decor would be so elaborate. I can't even describe how beautiful and magical it was. On one side of the building they had a "Yes, Virgina" window display. I was DELIGHTED as I loved that movie. When I say display, I mean story line. There are a series of windows along each side of the building and each window display is a part of the story. The one that was so captivating told the story of how Christmas wishes come true. Oh my goodness I wish I would have recorded it. The music even...wow. Let's just say Bloomingdale's doesn't have anything on Macy's.
After standing and watching the story unfold for a while, we decided to fight the crowd and head into the store. It was INCREDIBLE. I hadn't been there since my brother came to visit back in April. They were of course all decorated for Christmas and it was breath taking. It reminded me of A Christmas Story when they go to see Santa. We spend about 5-6 hours on the shoe floor ALONE. And the line to see Santa? Oh my goodness...probably MILES long, and that is no exaggeration as the store itself takes up most of an entire city block.
Mom spoils us. Always. Her visit this time was no exception. She was in the shopping mood and she got me these incredible boots and Beau some dress shirts and ties. Isn't it funny how our wish lists change as we get older. I remember when I used to go through the Sear's Wish Book when I was little and circle or star all the toys that I wanted. Now its house stuff. I am sure the closer we get to starting a family, I will start wishing for baby stuff.
Beau was going to meet us in the city so we could go to the Hard Rock for dinner, but his surgery case was pushed way back and so we decided we'd just head home and have dinner ready for him there. So we headed back to Queens and stopped at the produce store and picked up lots of fruit. Then we headed back to the apartment and Mom started on her amazing potato soup. When Beau got home we started "Miracle on 34th Street" but ended up talking more than paying attention to the movie.
Saturday our good friends were in the city just for day and we met up with them in Little Italy for lunch. It was so great seeing them. Noah is Beau's best friend from childhood. They're more like brothers and its so fun seeing them together. Truly kindred spirits.
From there we went back to Macy's so Beau could pick out some shirts. Then we jumped on the subway and headed towards Rockefeller Center to see the big Christmas tree. Talk about a crowd! We almost couldn't get out of the doors to the building because of the people. But we were able to get some pictures!
We were there about as long as it takes to get a couple pictures and then we were out of there. It was getting late and we were all tired from the shopping and being around so many people. We got home and watched The Eagle and then had an Office marathon. We got to bed late and then on Sunday...
Beau made is famous pancakes. Oh how I LOVE it when he makes his pancakes. Secret recipe, but let me just tell you, they would chance your life if you ever were to have them. Then mom started packing up and we took her to the airport. She is only gone for a few days though, and she will be back on the 22nd to spend Christmas with us and our brother and sister. Such a blessing that she is able to spend the holidays with us. Makes us feel closer to home.
Today is cleaning day. Top to bottom. Still no word from Janesville. I don't even know what to think anymore. All I know is that we have such a longing in our hearts to be home and that the Lord knows our hearts, so I have to resign it to Him. It is out of our control at this point and really all we can do is sit and wait for her to get back to us. I just need to find some things to keep my mind busy in the mean time. Beau will for sure be in Janesville for six weeks in February so I will be home and hopefully working. Hmm...
I can't believe Christmas is only a week away. So much to do and so little time!
In God's Love,
Beau and Kenz
Thursday, December 15, 2011
A Special Visitor!
Beau's mom is coming today to spend a few days with us. I am SO looking forward to spending time with her and to just have family so close. Its such a blessing that she has been able to spend so much time with us over the past couple months. Not only is she here for Christmas (well, early Christmas) she was here for Thanksgiving and she will be coming out again next month. It helps so much as we get so homesick. It makes the time here go faster for sure. I love my mother-in-law. We are so much a like in many ways and it will just be nice to have her here. I know Beau is over the moon that she is going to be staying with us for a few days.
I sent her on an important mission before she made her way from Jersey to NY. Mission: find and purchase Brach's Ribbon Candy and deliver to final destination. Well, she text me a while ago and apparently she was unable to find said candy. I am beginning to wonder if it (like many other things) is a Midwest thing. However, Archway cookies (one of my FAVORITE Christmas cookie makers) has since stopped selling in the Midwest and now sells strictly in New York (go figure). I was tempted to go hunting for them, but since my new goal is to again lose all the weight I lost for the wedding and tone myself up, I decided against it. The LAST think I need is sweets sitting around. Not that I necessarily love sweets, but when they are cheaper than health food...well...you can guess what happens.
To get into the holiday spirit I have instead added all my favorite Christmas movies to Netflix. Tonight is Beau's favorite National Lampoons Christmas Vacation! OH YEA!
Its quite pleasant here. I think I could get used to more mild winters. I HATE the snow, unless I am INSIDE looking at it out my window with a big cup of something hot, a nice fluffy blanket, a good movie or book, and Beau and or Oliver to snuggle with. I have to admit though, I am a lover of white Christmases. It just doesn't feel like Christmas unless there is snow on the ground. Checking the forecast though it looks as though we are in for either sun or rain all the way up til the 25th. If it could only hold out one more month! I do NOT want to attempt driving in a blizzard again this year.
Miss you friends and loved ones. I hope you continue to have a blessed holiday season.
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
I sent her on an important mission before she made her way from Jersey to NY. Mission: find and purchase Brach's Ribbon Candy and deliver to final destination. Well, she text me a while ago and apparently she was unable to find said candy. I am beginning to wonder if it (like many other things) is a Midwest thing. However, Archway cookies (one of my FAVORITE Christmas cookie makers) has since stopped selling in the Midwest and now sells strictly in New York (go figure). I was tempted to go hunting for them, but since my new goal is to again lose all the weight I lost for the wedding and tone myself up, I decided against it. The LAST think I need is sweets sitting around. Not that I necessarily love sweets, but when they are cheaper than health food...well...you can guess what happens.
To get into the holiday spirit I have instead added all my favorite Christmas movies to Netflix. Tonight is Beau's favorite National Lampoons Christmas Vacation! OH YEA!
Its quite pleasant here. I think I could get used to more mild winters. I HATE the snow, unless I am INSIDE looking at it out my window with a big cup of something hot, a nice fluffy blanket, a good movie or book, and Beau and or Oliver to snuggle with. I have to admit though, I am a lover of white Christmases. It just doesn't feel like Christmas unless there is snow on the ground. Checking the forecast though it looks as though we are in for either sun or rain all the way up til the 25th. If it could only hold out one more month! I do NOT want to attempt driving in a blizzard again this year.
Miss you friends and loved ones. I hope you continue to have a blessed holiday season.
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Nothing Feels Better Than A Squeaky Clean Home...
I am a neat freak. Well, I like things really clean. And in 500 square feet the littlest mess makes the apartment feel a lot smaller.
But I have another reason to clean today. Our mom is coming tomorrow for a Christmas visit!!! We have been so blessed being all the way out here. Not only do we have our family in New Jersey, but our mom travels a great deal and we've been luckily enough that has visited about three times since we've been here. Its been so nice!
Christmas is coming! And I always think of Charlie Brown's Christmas, not only because of the adorable pathetic little tree that Charlie picks up for the Christmas program (much to everyone's dismay) but also because of Linus and his recital of the true meaning of Christmas. I posted the clip a few weeks back. Watch it, it can't help but warm your heart.
Its a late night for Beau so I a sitting here watching "Yes, Virginia" munching on apple slices, and am rather proud of myself for accomplishing so much today.
I even went out and bought a tiny tree. Its our first Christmas as a married couple and I wanted to make it as special as I could for Beau.
Here is our tree:
Its only about 2 feet tall, but its absolutely adorable with the lights on it.
I hope you are all looking forward to spending time with your loved ones.
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
But I have another reason to clean today. Our mom is coming tomorrow for a Christmas visit!!! We have been so blessed being all the way out here. Not only do we have our family in New Jersey, but our mom travels a great deal and we've been luckily enough that has visited about three times since we've been here. Its been so nice!
Christmas is coming! And I always think of Charlie Brown's Christmas, not only because of the adorable pathetic little tree that Charlie picks up for the Christmas program (much to everyone's dismay) but also because of Linus and his recital of the true meaning of Christmas. I posted the clip a few weeks back. Watch it, it can't help but warm your heart.
Its a late night for Beau so I a sitting here watching "Yes, Virginia" munching on apple slices, and am rather proud of myself for accomplishing so much today.
I even went out and bought a tiny tree. Its our first Christmas as a married couple and I wanted to make it as special as I could for Beau.
Here is our tree:
Its only about 2 feet tall, but its absolutely adorable with the lights on it.
I hope you are all looking forward to spending time with your loved ones.
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Oh The Cookery...
I have had this incredible urge to bake up a storm lately. Since we've lived here we have yet to purchase the ingredients necessary for any baked good. Flour, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, baking powder...basically we run on essentials.
Every Christmas my mom and I have baked cookies and taken them to our friends. One of my favorite holiday treats is GINGERBREAD! Oh I LOVE it! Mmmmm Mmmm Mmmmm! So as I was writing out the shopping list last night, I added Gingerbread.
I have recently discovered the amazing website: foodgawker. A-MA-ZING. I think I opened about 20 tabs with recipes I wanted to try out. Everything from pesto to Rose and Orange Blossom Shortcake cookies, to Povlova, to Crinkle Cookies. I wanted to make them all. I wanted to take a weekend and bake til the kitchen was filled with sweets. But what do I do with them after? I don't necessarily like sweets per se, but I do love to bake. Maybe next year...
I do have a Chocolate Pound Cake and Beer Bread mix up in the cupboard ;)
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Every Christmas my mom and I have baked cookies and taken them to our friends. One of my favorite holiday treats is GINGERBREAD! Oh I LOVE it! Mmmmm Mmmm Mmmmm! So as I was writing out the shopping list last night, I added Gingerbread.
I have recently discovered the amazing website: foodgawker. A-MA-ZING. I think I opened about 20 tabs with recipes I wanted to try out. Everything from pesto to Rose and Orange Blossom Shortcake cookies, to Povlova, to Crinkle Cookies. I wanted to make them all. I wanted to take a weekend and bake til the kitchen was filled with sweets. But what do I do with them after? I don't necessarily like sweets per se, but I do love to bake. Maybe next year...
I do have a Chocolate Pound Cake and Beer Bread mix up in the cupboard ;)
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Sick Day...
Last night I was starting to get a head ache. Who knows where it came from. Yesterday being Wednesday I had to move the car. So I got up and decided that I would go to the grocery store in the morning and take my time so I wouldn't have to move her twice. I went to the store and picked up groceries and thought I was doing pretty good on time when I pulled up in front of the apartment and the clock said 9:45. "I'll just sit here that way if the cops come, I can drive off and avoid yet another parking ticket." So I sat there. 10:00, good... I haul the groceries upstairs and glance at the clock on the microwave... "WHAT! 9!" And then it dawned at me that we don't drive enough to have set the clock back in the car. So I throw the groceries in the fridge and run out. By this time it is pouring rain and I didn't have my umbrella!
So I end up driving around for an hour because I didn't have my umbrella and there wasn't a single place to park within two miles. Driving around was worth it. It was so cold and nasty yesterday, I didn't want to risk catching a cold, especially since Beau doesn't get any sick days this rotation. And lets face it, hes just too kissable ;)
Oh and then there was the toilet...I wanted to to get the fridge cleaned out. We still had Thanksgiving left-overs hanging out in there and before they got REALLY nasty I decided to flush the old mashed potatoes. Flush? Yes, I know...my friend said the same thing, but we flush because the apartment already has a funky smell to it, I didn't want the garbage smelling like nasty rotten potatoes! So I throw them in the john. Ker-plunk... A solid mass, no breaking down. Stupid me, I decided to flush. BIG MISTAKE. Water ALL over the floor! Lets just say I felt like I was about to artificially inseminate a cow as I pulled a bag up over my elbow and went for it. Ick... "its just potatoes, its just potatoes, its just potatoes..."
And then there is this unbelievable stress we are under right now. I know I talk about this all the time, but it is so near and dear to us right now. Home. Be it Iowa or Wisconsin we don't care, its a hell of a lot closer to our friends and family than NY is. We just want to get HOME. Our last day here is to be January 27th. The countdown has begun, but we are still unsure of what February brings. Please pray for us. Please pray that we hear soon. Please pray that we get to move home.
Today my mom writes me an email telling me Oliver had gotten out again. I panicked. My head had already been pounding and I had been queasy since I woke up this morning. I didn't need to hear that my dog had ran away. My Oliver, I love him so much. I don't know what I'd do without him. But thankfully, she text me. He was home and snoring away...he definitely has earned his nickname of "Shithead."
But then I went down to the mailbox and there in the mail was my FAVORITE Christmas movie "A Christmas Story" ( I can't wait for Beau to get home tonight so we can watch it together and have Hot Toddies!) AND a homemade Christmas Card from my momma. Inside signed "Mom, Dad, Dylan, and Shithead" How I love it. And how it makes my heart break to see them.
My momma's home made Christmas cards...stamped with love...Well, time to take a shower and take some more excedrin and hope this migraine goes away before my husband gets home. I just really want to snuggle up tonight.
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Getting Ready For Christmas!
We hadn't intended on decorating for Christmas this year as all our decorations have taken up residence at my parents house. But its our first Christmas as a married couple, and because of that I really wanted to give Beau a Christmas. Especially since we can't make it home this year.
So...the other day I made my first attempt at really driving in the city. There is a Target about eight to ten miles down the road from us and even though I had gone with the intention of loading up on groceries and groceries only, I caught the Christmas bug when I turned on the radio to a NY station that plays "All Christmas music, all the time." I though to myself "I'll just look and see what they have."
I made a bee line to the Christmas decorations and scooped up a container of brown and gold Christmas bulbs and a strand of Christmas lights and then I was OUT of the aisle. My thought process was this: if I go to the decorations aisle first then I won't be able to talk myself into things while I was shopping for groceries. I was quite proud of myself when I triumphantly left with said items.
All day yesterday I was extremely anxious for Beau to get home (I am every day but yesterday in particular). I walked down to the grocery store because the weather was beautiful! I made sure I scrubbed the apartment top to bottom and then made the chili early enough that it could sit and simmer and make the apartment smell delicious. Beau text me and told me to pick out some Christmas music. DONE. All was ready when he got home! So we had chili and watched some TV and had a Hot Toddie and I look over at him and hes starting to drift. Now was the time. Not a moment could be wasted.
I jumped up and hauled out the Christmas decorations. Beau: laying on couch now... So I started to unwind the lights and pulled a chair over and very dramatically looked around the apartment trying to figure out where to put them, clearly incapable of doing it on my owe due to my vertical short comings. I think he finally picked up on my obvious distress as he managed to pull himself up off the couch. Poor guy. Early morning+Hot Toddie= one worn out medical student ready for an early bedtime.
Here are our decorations:
And here was Beau after we ran the strand of lights:
Clearly it was too much activity for him. Out...
So while he snoozed I did this with the bulbs:
We didn't really put a lot of emphasis on decorating, but its festive and I think Beau appreciates the thought behind it.
Today we were going to go to Rockefeller Center and take our picture in front of the tree to send out in our Christmas cards this year. But as I picked out an outfit and applied my makeup I was quickly getting out of the mood to take the train into the city, try and find someone to take our picture, and then get back on the train and walk home. Thank goodness Beau felt the same way. So we attempted our own photo shoot this year. It worked well. Even though we were limited to basically one pose, at least we were able to change out outfits. Overall, I am happy with what we came up with. Next year we will have our tree and I am sure SNOW so we can come up with more pictures to work with.
Another new thing we did this year: picture Christmas cards. Our sister uses a website each year that she uploads her own pictures on so we thought we'd give it a try this year. I am excited to see how they turn out. If they look nice, it might be something we do every year. I love Christmas cards, but when I write them out individually, I tend to procrastinate and, well, it takes me FOREVER to get them sent.
Here are some of my favorites:
Not too bad...thank you iPhoto!
I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas season! Christmas Day will be here before we know it!!!
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
So...the other day I made my first attempt at really driving in the city. There is a Target about eight to ten miles down the road from us and even though I had gone with the intention of loading up on groceries and groceries only, I caught the Christmas bug when I turned on the radio to a NY station that plays "All Christmas music, all the time." I though to myself "I'll just look and see what they have."
I made a bee line to the Christmas decorations and scooped up a container of brown and gold Christmas bulbs and a strand of Christmas lights and then I was OUT of the aisle. My thought process was this: if I go to the decorations aisle first then I won't be able to talk myself into things while I was shopping for groceries. I was quite proud of myself when I triumphantly left with said items.
All day yesterday I was extremely anxious for Beau to get home (I am every day but yesterday in particular). I walked down to the grocery store because the weather was beautiful! I made sure I scrubbed the apartment top to bottom and then made the chili early enough that it could sit and simmer and make the apartment smell delicious. Beau text me and told me to pick out some Christmas music. DONE. All was ready when he got home! So we had chili and watched some TV and had a Hot Toddie and I look over at him and hes starting to drift. Now was the time. Not a moment could be wasted.
I jumped up and hauled out the Christmas decorations. Beau: laying on couch now... So I started to unwind the lights and pulled a chair over and very dramatically looked around the apartment trying to figure out where to put them, clearly incapable of doing it on my owe due to my vertical short comings. I think he finally picked up on my obvious distress as he managed to pull himself up off the couch. Poor guy. Early morning+Hot Toddie= one worn out medical student ready for an early bedtime.
Here are our decorations:
And here was Beau after we ran the strand of lights:
Clearly it was too much activity for him. Out...
So while he snoozed I did this with the bulbs:
We didn't really put a lot of emphasis on decorating, but its festive and I think Beau appreciates the thought behind it.
Today we were going to go to Rockefeller Center and take our picture in front of the tree to send out in our Christmas cards this year. But as I picked out an outfit and applied my makeup I was quickly getting out of the mood to take the train into the city, try and find someone to take our picture, and then get back on the train and walk home. Thank goodness Beau felt the same way. So we attempted our own photo shoot this year. It worked well. Even though we were limited to basically one pose, at least we were able to change out outfits. Overall, I am happy with what we came up with. Next year we will have our tree and I am sure SNOW so we can come up with more pictures to work with.
Another new thing we did this year: picture Christmas cards. Our sister uses a website each year that she uploads her own pictures on so we thought we'd give it a try this year. I am excited to see how they turn out. If they look nice, it might be something we do every year. I love Christmas cards, but when I write them out individually, I tend to procrastinate and, well, it takes me FOREVER to get them sent.
Here are some of my favorites:
Not too bad...thank you iPhoto!
I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas season! Christmas Day will be here before we know it!!!
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Libby, You Are One Classy Dame
When I was younger I was such a history nerd and no doubt THAT is the reason I went chose the path as a historian once I went to college. But when I say history nerd, I mean history nerd.
I remember there would be topics I would hear about and then I would be stuck on them for forever. First it was Kate Shelly and how she shaved the passenger train. Then there was the Titanic. Anything and everything Titanic I could learn about, I did. And then there was WWII, and then Ellis Island.
I don't remember how old I was at the time. Still fairly young, way before high school even. I would go to the library and pour over the coffee table books that were filled with pictures of immigrants coming to our country. I would think about how it must have felt to spend weeks, even months, upon one of those cramped passenger liners and I would try to imagine how I would feel if I were a immigrant way back then. How I would feel when I saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time and fully grasp everything she stood for.
When Beau and I first moved to the city, she was the first thing we saw as we went over the bridge and it was INCREDIBLE. Even though she was teeny tiny and I had to squint to see her, she still took my breath away. And I started to feel a little bit like someone starting a new life in a very big city so very far away from everyone and everything I knew. Wow...
When my brother came out to visit this past spring we had gone down to Battery Park and I wanted so badly to go. Beau and I had gone down to the park a few times to just sit there and look out across the harbor. She may be old, but she has always meant something to me. And she has such a huge place in my heart. It gives you so much pride as an American as you look out at her.
Beau had always know how much her symbolism means to me and so a couple weeks ago we bundled up and headed down to the harbor. We were boarding the boat and we were going to get a close up view of...her...
Shes so beautiful...
I was just so excited. And the closer we got, the more emotional I became. Perhaps it was because of all the different languages I could hear being spoken around me. I wondered if maybe their ancestors came to America this way, and I thought about my ancestors who saw the same thing I was seeing, so many years ago. They too were filled with so much hope and promise. They came to America looking for a better life.
As we boarded the ferry to take us to Ellis Island I was just so extremely pumped. Jumping up and down like a little kid. Walking through this extremely historically significant building was just so incredible, almost sacred in a way. I almost felt as though, if I were there all alone, I could stand in the middle of the grand hall and hear all the voices from the past. Mmm...
And as we made our way back to Battery Park, this is what you see:
America...That tall building is where the World Trade Center once stood and is now the site of the 9/11 Memorial. To the far left is the Empire State Building. I just thought it was so incredible. How different it must look now. Can you imagine coming from a country with virtually no sky line to this? How intimidating and scary it must have been. Will I make friends? Will I find work? Where will I live? Will anyone speak my language? The struggles our ancestors must have faced all to be FREE. It makes so sad to think that our great country once held so much promise and "hope." What a drastic change. I wish everyone could place themselves in the shoes of those who came here long before we were born, long before our grandparents or great-grandparents were born. Maybe then we wouldn't allow ourselves to be walked all over by an increasingly corrupt government. Its just sad.
And on that happy note...
We are so blessed to live in this great country. Don't let your freedom be taken from you.
In Gods Love,
Beau and Kenz
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)