"Eat, Drink and Be Married..."

Street Maternity Style Mamas...

2013-05-22T08:10:00.001-04:00

I already wrote about my obsession with real people/street fashion. It's weird, because magazines aren't doing it for me. I'm all about the blogs - caught ya looks.

But thought I would share some maternity street fashion that I am loving! I follow most of these women's blogs. Loving the look of effortless, chic, comfortable pregnant wear - especially when your belly is HUGE. It's not always comfy - so when I see women wearing things that make that third trimester look totally delightful...I love it!

(Of course, I had to add, Tamera Mowry - I LOVED HER PREGNANCY STYLE!)

Never enough rest...

2013-05-19T08:49:00.002-04:00

It's early Sunday morning. Here lately, my body will only let me sleep in segments. I had a great sleep. I woke up early. But I'm cool with it, because it's given me a chance to plot out my hibernation today.

Yesterday, my dear dear friend, Nana, surprised me with a intimate get together with about six women from church. It was a fantastic time... great food, advice, beautiful flowers (she is a natural flower designer), and a fantastic NYC location. Everyone looked beautiful.

That said, today, after church - I am hibernating. I'm catching up on my blogs. I am finishing my book. I have gotten my love of reading back with a vengeance [I need to update my book blog]...I'm gonna sit and listen to the rain - drink hot tea and plenty of water with lemon...and sit completely still. I may get a visit from my friend, May, which would be nice! Only dilemna is finding sweats that fit. MIKEEEEEEEEE...I'm putting on your sweats again (my uniform is his big comfy sweat shirts and boxers)

Anyways, one thing I have realized in this last trimester of preganancy is there isn't a such thing as too much rest. Yes, too much sleep causes headaches (haven't experienced too much sleep - but it's what I hear), but resting...you can't give me enough. I am needy for rest and pampering - manis, pedis, massages, back rubs, long hugs, and pillow cuddles...

I'M ABOUT TO CHIIIIILLLLLLLLLLL OUT!

2013-05-16T15:06:00.001-04:00

Tonight - I am all about lights out.

No gym.
No work.
No cooking.
No cleaning.
NO NOTHING, but chillin'
No guilt.

"I neeeeeeeddd a vacaaatiiiooon" (Jeezy voice)

Hope you are doing well.

P.S. Just a little plug - I got asked to be a pregnant model on a news show :) They thought I had great legs and liked my look --- I couldn't do it...but thought that I would publicly say it. My family members think that there is something wrong with me, because I never take or do amazing opportunities - almost like I am afraid of success or something....

Maybe they are right.

Who knows? We all make mistakes and are flawed... I guess.

Third Trimester

2013-05-13T14:43:00.000-04:00

The doula and midwife says that now is the time to slow down...my third trimester of pregnancy. Start taking life easy.

My job is in it's third trimester as well and it is ramping up - full force.

Conflicting - absolutely.

I literally feel so busy at times, I feel like my head may fall off.

I cannot complain through - life is absolutely fantatistic. I feel great for the most part. Pregnancy is treating me well - my husband is phenominal (decorating the room, reading to the baby, catering to my every need) and my boy is an active fetus for sure. He is constantly moving, kicking, elbowing, etc.

All is well, but I'm extremely busy and I have some doubts about things. Part of me really misses my old life - the days of having hours to read in bed/couch with a cuppa tea, sit in cafes, do arts and crafts, dive into a home decor project, bake, and design beautiful delicacies. And it's not like I can say it's a season "oh, this summer I will go back to the days of chill," because as I continue to hear "it gets real after the baby." But in the busyness I feel so blessed, because there are so many lessons in all of this. There is major preparation happening.

The lessons that I'm learning and trying to stick to daily are:

The importance of prioritizing - what's most important? What must get finished? Do that first.
Do what I can do. Pray for productivity. Stay focus. Do it. The other things have to just simply fall off of my plate until I can get them done.
Listen to my body and my spirit - this one is the hardest for me. It's super hard to listen to me first and not listen to the demands of others - but it's an important lesson. At the end of the day, I must take care of me and my child - it's no one else's responsibility. God gives me signs and talks to my spirit and body and let's me know when enough is enough - I must pay attention to that and respond accordingly. Point blank. It is a skill and it is something that must be learned, but it is mandatory.
Stay Focused - when my time is literally being sucked up...it's so important to stay focused. No side convos (esp. negative ones), random internet searches, going off task, paying attention to what's next, etc. - it's about focusing on what needs to be done at that moment. Grindig it out and getting it done.
Timing myself - timer on - I must sit here and do this task for 30 min. Never noticed how much I get up/run around --- timing myself has been a lifesaver. Gives me reason to sit in one spot and work...vs. doing 1,003 things at a time.
If emotions aren't needed - emotions aren't needed. Most tasks outside of the home don't deserve emotions attached. Emotions cause me to lose energy - instead of the thinking about how much I don't want to do something and getting upset about it - I just get it done - if it needs to be done. No need to feel anything - it has to happen anyways.
Take care of home first. You already know what that means. My marriage, son, faith, and homebase are my priorities - when they are right - I feel good.
TAKE care of ME first, too :) Man, when I am at my best - I give my best. That's that. When I am stretched and stressed - I am a hot mess. I need to carve out daily time to get myself right.
We are all out here trynna make it - no need to judge, condemn, or gossip about anyone or situation - it's energy that doesn't need to be spent, judgement that doesn't need to be hashed out, and purposeless. Absolutely purposeless (and many times just toxic) - I'm so sensitive about my emotions now days - because they are so connected to my son.
What goes in counts - what I allow (emotion-wise) into my body (music, stress, negativity, etc.) affects my son's life as much, if not more than, the food I eat.
LADIES ROCK - so many women have stepped up during this time!!! Women - the sisterhood is sooooo real!
My man is amazing - I've always adored Mike (12 years I've been in love with that man), but boy watching him in the role of "father" has been an experience that makes me love him more than ever...I didn't think it was possible. It is. I can't wait to see him with our son...

There are other lessons, but I am out of time and space... more later. PLEASE understand these are the lessons that I am learning - I have not quite figured it all out...but thought I'd share.

Peace be with you,
SSS

Ponderings of Me...

2013-05-09T15:16:00.001-04:00

woooossaaaahhhh...

Do you ever have so much to do…you just sleep.

I do.

Sometimes, I have so much to do – I just choose to do nothing at all.

Like, here lately I’ve been literally crazy at work…so after work, I work out, take hot showers, sleep, read all night…anything but stressful stuff.

It’s nice, because I do feel like at home, Mike and I have built our own little family traditions and rituals. No longer trying to keep up with others or one another… it’s nice. Going home (in Jerse) is starting to feel like our little sanctuary.

It feels really good.

To be honest, on Monday, Mike had to get me together. It's nice to have a partner that knows you well enough to tell you “to get it together- prioritize – worry about our son!” in a way that gives you a firm wake-up call without being hurtful.

Definitely helped me calm down. Here lately, I’ve been jotting down my thoughts during school – it helps me breathe. There is so much to do at all times, but I’m definitely heeding the advice of Mike and my friends – I’m taking one thing at a time. Making sure that I am taking with me daily the peace of the Lord, for sure. What can get finished will get finished – what cannot will not.

I guess I realize that I have to do what's best for me and my family, my relationships... just be true to myself. Being a crazed workaholic is not it - while being a slacker is not either. It's all about the perfect balance I guess - if there is a such thing.

Being nicer to myself, studying myself (what makes me feel productive, alive, at peace, etc)...

Well, with that I must go...I'm tired of the computer for now.

We DID it!

2013-05-06T08:46:00.000-04:00

Mike and I sought out to have a ridiculously chill/productive weekend at home.

It felt like months since we actually stayed home...actually when I think about it...it was months.

I needed quiet and peace. He wanted to work on Ace's room.

On Saturday, neither one of us really hit our goals. Although I had an amazing time, at Latin Heat exercise class (with a girlfriend) and Starbucks - after Mike and I ran all of our errands - it was spent. It was evening - we ordered in - watched the Floyd fight (I slept) and...that was that.

BUT on SUNDAY! God is good. After church and a date with a girlfriend...Mike and I returned home to meet our goals! And boy, did we succeed. His accomplishment way more impressive than mine. I literally layed around and read a book - from start to finish (363 pages)!!! Woooo-hooo - hadn't done that in long time. It felt incredible.

Meanwhile, Mike was able to put together our baby room - literally plan the theme, paint the room, decorate, and everything. I am soooooo proud and impressed by him :) Whatta guy! I actually owe him an apology - I wanted to go with this awesome designer - Mike pushed back and wanted to do it himself. We met with the woman - amazing ideas - but MikE just really wanted this project. As his partner, I saw the importance of this to him, so I reluctantly handed him the reigns - HE KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE BALLPARK. He was right. I've already told him how amazing he is, but guess this is my public declaration.

Last night, we both went to bed INCREDIBLY late - feeling super accomplished, productive, and full of joy...

This morning is a different story...LORD, I NEED MY CUPPA'JO!!!

Be blessed y'all!
SSS

Devotional: Tea Cupp Prayers

2013-04-30T07:53:00.002-04:00

Joel Osteen - Daily Quiet Time

The last two months have been incredible: I've sat courtside at a Knicks game, ate food prepared and served by famous chefs in a room full of celebrities, I've bathed in the suns of Puerto Rico, laughed with my girlfriends, watched the most twisted movie ever at the Tribeca Film Feastival, and completely indulged in the beauty and blessings of pregnancy...that said...

In the quiet mornings or late at night, I feel slightly empty. I miss the Lord. Yes, I still attend church and I pray (and I know that He is with me), but let me be clear, I am not filling up my spirit (my innerwoman) with the delights of the Lord. My conversation, what I watch, listen to, and what occupies my mind are not Godly. I know it sounds as simple as "wake up early" or "turn off the television" - but (EXCUSES ALERT) even when I do those things I find myself empty or wanting to be elsewhere (mainly bed).

I don't like reading right now - I think my brain is exhausted.
I have a Blackberry that won't connect to my car - so no Christian Pandora.
I already have to wake up sooooo early - so I go to bed super early and can't seem to wake up in the mornings.
There isn't much time in my day to take breaks.
I no longer live that peaceful life where there was "time" and "peace" and "brain energy" and "inspiration" to just sit around wtih a cup of jo' and read (outside at the park/at the kitchen table with the sunlight coming through the windows) devotionals.

Or so I say...

All I know is that I cannot continue this way. So, when I went online looking for devotionals for expectant mothers and ran across this...I stopped in my tracks...what needs to happen, Lord?

Toothpaste Troubles

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Jude 1:20 (NKJV)

I am thankful for morning sickness. Morning sickness reminds me of the beautiful baby growing inside of me, an eleven year prayer finally answered! However, morning sickness makes me, well…sick!
I’ve never been this sick before with my other pregnancies. The littlest things can make me ill…like toothpaste.
Toothpaste, the mint cream that keeps away cavities, was always so refreshing before I became pregnant. Now, the smallest amount caught in the back of my mouth, can cause me to lose my supper, rendering my tooth brushing efforts useless.
This little tube called toothpaste makes me wonder, are there other things in life that seem beneficial, but may become hazardous? For example, cell phones and Facebook keep us in touch with friends and allow us to call for help, truly quite useful. But do they take us away from quiet time with Jesus? I have a niece who gave up Facebook for Lent (good job, Emily!). What else steals our time…the internet, morning paper, soap operas, movies, sports?? Perhaps we need to give them up regularly for time with the Lord.
I know I still need to use my toothpaste to keep away cavities, but I go easy on it now. Let’s also “go easy” on these other distractions that may be necessary, but can be harmful to our spiritual lives.
Today’s TEA CUPP: What necessity in your life is actually hurtful right now? What is keeping you from a pure walk with Jesus? Give it to Him! Give it up!

And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. Matthew 5:30 (NKJV)

Perfect Sunday

2013-04-28T20:54:00.002-04:00

Was gonna write about my perfect Sunday, today :) - brunch with Mike and Spence, Central park time, baby clothes shopping, "wine"/cheese restaurant, and lots of kissing and convo...

But ran into these pictures - the day we found out about baby Ace. Such a great day. We were soooo excited.

Finally, getting down to the nitty gritty

2013-04-25T15:15:00.000-04:00

Of my to-do list.

I am so happy. I am finally being productive and chomping down on my to-do list :)

I find that if I put on a little Ella Fitzgerald, sit in a quiet room with a cup of water w/lemon or a little tea...I'm so productive.

Also, I've told you that here lately I've been very inspired by the 50's and 60's woman...a productive powerful woman that has style, grace, and elegance. So, while I sit here with my pretty pen and little notebook (crossing off my to-dos) - I feel a sense of accomplishment and romance.

Hope you are enjoying your day.

My Shield...

2013-04-24T12:39:00.000-04:00

It's crazy how God works.

My mom had a major coffee addiction when she was younger. So during all of her pregnancies - she totally lost all taste for coffee. Protection. Caffeine consumed in large quanitites is not good for the baby at all.

They say that nausea in the first trimester protects our babies from a lot of harmful foods and found that those that experience it have a lower miscarriage rate.

Then there is the emotional aspects of pregnancy - I have found that there are so many studies pointing to the emotional weight on babies. Literally, the baby is deeply affected by his/her mother's emotions, voice (yelling vs. singing), and even the chemistry between mom and dad.

All that said, I have found my emotions and moods completely stabilizing (not so much on the road- I find I really have to work on road rage). But as far as stress, negative transference, and overall purposeless negativity - it's like the Lord is literally balancing me out. It's crazy...I literally have a block up. Yes, there is some trying involved - but there is a calming force - a peace that completely inhabits my body. My entire body just gets really calm and I just sit there in the eye of the storm.

It's so amazing. It makes me feel so close to the Lord....

And can I be frank...there is another little peaceful secret: I've been watching 19 and Counting.

There isn't anything more soothing than watching the Duggar family serve, sing, and eat big family meals...

My Random Thoughts...

2013-04-23T14:54:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, in one of our team meetings - collegues started talking about the "mortgages" that they have to pay. My skin began to crawl... why am I almost 30 and a mortgage freaks me out. The idea of a house is great. I like houses. I grew up in a house. But I'm sooooo not ready for a house.

Speaking of which, Mike wants to move internationally for 2-3 years. He's in talks with his company. I said, "it sounds good." I love traveling. I love being free. I always wanted to live internationally, BUT I am getting really cold feet. I keep asking him about the 6 month program - he's not feeling it - for real. I am such a family/friend girl - I really don't know if I can spend that much time away from my loved ones, especially (God willing) because I will have a little one(s).

Today, I saw one of my students mothers watching my student walk to school. The mother was standing on the bottom of the hill - looking at her daughter make the trek to school. I got seriously misty eyed - thinking "one day this will be me. My baby will be a little boy going to school - out of the security of my care."

I am so excited about meeting my son, but part of me thinks I am going to miss being pregnant. It's like our own little world - mine, his, and Mike's. That man is constantly on my stomach - literally I am used to sitting in a public space - with Mike around my stomach talking, rubbing, or laughing. It's totally usual for me to fall asleep with Mike holding on to my stomach or reading "The Purpose Driven Life" to our son. Not to mention, this is the first time in my life that I have a solid stomach :). I love looking at it - I've never had a hard stomach. NEVER. So this feels good...mighty mighty good.

What I'm feeling right now...

2013-04-22T12:23:00.001-04:00

A lot of happy things - it's my lunch break. A time of rejuvination - but I'm also still feeling bad for Porsha. A.Yancey and I set up a RHOA Reunion 3 date - I didn't get to see the whole season - but this was something for us.

Anyways, I feel so bad for Porsha. She really stood up for her husband and her marriage - she put herself all the way out there. Just to recieve divorce papers (publicly) a week later. My...my...my. No ONE deserves that...marriage should be about honesty.

From Porsha's lips:

Porsha explained on Andy Cohen's show that divorce was not her choice:

"When I got married, I meant it for life. I always said I would never get a divorce unless he cheated on me. I had to find out from my attorney if it was true, he had to look it up online. And yes, they're still living in the same house together. But she said that doesn't mean they speak and it doens't mean she's still cooking eggs and hamhocks. She says she spends time away with friends and family in Atlanta and "It's a difficult situation right now. It's something I did not want. I had asked previously can we work this out, can we go to counseling."

She went on to say:

"What you saw at the reunion was a wife trying her last try. When you are married you have to put 150% into your marriage no matter what. And if it doesn't work, you need to be able to walk away and say I tried. It aint always gonna be easy or a happy situation, but when you have made a vow to that man and the child you have in your home, you owe them that. So I feel like it was a betrayal that I suffered from and that's something I'm going to have to move on from. At least I feel like I put in my best at the end of the day."

As a woman that definitely has the "I'm not going anywhere" mindset --- it's really hard for me to see this happen to another wife. I get it. I'm in it and being blindsided like this is...literally a nightmare.

Porsha, and every other person blindsided by loves' betrayal - my heart and prayers are going out...it could happen to any of us. THE WORST.

Copacabana via 1960s

2013-04-18T14:46:00.001-04:00

Fashion Inspiration: 1960s Copacabana

Snack time fun...with the students :)

Why? I am obsessed with the look of the 60s right now. Rolled pants, strips, colorful accessories...

I love the look of structure, but with crazy bright colors. It's this crazy mix of Martini and Hail Mary's...bright nails on manicured hands...it's my complete inspiration. I may just be channeling Norma Jean here lately - either way... feeling the Copa-vibes...

Lucy and Ricky

A little tropical feel - even though these are from Mike's trip to India

Little details make me smile

Midwest Girls!

2013-04-17T12:13:00.001-04:00

I moved to New York right after college in 2006.

This after spending two summers in New York - doing magazine internships.

All this to say, I have been in New York/eastcoast for a long time; however as I've stated before and forever - I am a Midwest Girl!

It's funny though, because when I first moved to New York, I was constantly reminded of my Midwestern roots.

"You sound mad country." "Where are you from, I can tell you are not from here?"

However in the last two years, I really haven't had the questions. Could be my blank stare on the train, my slight smile, maybe even my body language...not sure what it is...

This has changed though in the last month to two months of my pregnancy. I cannot tell you how many people have commented on my Midwestern roots due to my pregnancy happiness. It's the weirdest thing. I have had so many people tell me, "you are so happy - you are so Midwestern," you are such a Midwestern pregnant woman," etc.

It's funny, because I know New York women that have been pregnant and they were happy and excited as well, BUT I guess Midwestern women have a rep for loving this phase...

And I must say, if pregnancy happiness is a Midwestern stereotype - then I completely fit the mold. I am totally loving pregnancy (now). The second trimester has been a blast!!! I rub my tummy (he's a kicker and calms down when we rub him), call him "my son,"I EAT (breaking some rules and gaining "too" much weight - according to the doctor), I pamper us ( i.e. massages home and professional), I wear maternity clothes (or clothes that work with the bump), I rest A LOT, and I constantly talk about my little family of three... I am so happy. I feel beautiful. I am blessed. It doesn't help that Mike is OBSESSED with the pregnancy, too. So, our little apartment is constantly buzzing...

And let's not get on Ken and Lynne, my cousin A.Yancey, grandma, brother/sister, and my baby loving girlfriends - they are totally pumping me up and enabling my complete and utter bliss.

Now for me to get to my "to do" list - nope, still didn't get through it - I did knock a few things, but...pray for me, Saints.

Slept Last Night...instead of...

2013-04-16T10:47:00.000-04:00

6:30 am - look behind me....soooooooo much to do!!! Today is clothes day.

Literally came home at 7:00 pm.

Mike had dinner ready, in fact he was in the middle of pouring himself a glass of wine.

I stopped him and asked if he would cuddle with me (and Boukie/Ace/Baby Steel - gets him every time) for literally 5 min. He agreed.

I threw on some sweats. He grabbed two separate blankies - we buried ourselves in the covers. He rubbed my stomach and I rubbed his hair...

Woke up at 10:30 pm - hungry. Ate. Watched Modern Family. Prayed. Washed up. Sleep by 11:10 pm

It's 6:00 am.

I haven't unpacked my clothes from the recent trip, I haven't folded my clean clothes (big hamper), and I haven't worked on either one of my writing projects...not to mention...I have a great idea for a tasty dessert...ANNNNNND Mike and I are working on our retirement benefits...my part of the deal is not finished. Then don't get me started on my mother's request for addresses and registry - she's sooooo right. Birthing classes, baby room design, and home/baby projects...all incomplete.

BUT boy, I feel sooooo rested. Pray that today, I am able to get to some of my home/personal projects. I have a weekly plan - just pray that I get to it :)

I'm baaaaaaacccckkkkk!

2013-04-15T11:13:00.000-04:00

And more pictures and stories from my trip to Puerto RRRRRRico to come... Just know that it was the most amazing trip ever... there were so many pregnant women there. I felt so beautiful in my bathingsuit with my round belly... When expecting - go on a babymoon FO'SHO! No questions. Every woman deserves to have some time romanced, pampered, and laying by the beach. It is different than any other vacay - no drinks and no extreme sports (we did some rainforest tours/hikes - which were incredible) -but there is nothing like feeling sexy and free. I would defintely say, go at the middle to the end of second trimester - energy is there, taste for food is there, and you actually look pregnant...so you get all the pregnant attention and quick girl chats... Well, enough for now - more later for sure!

Baby moon...

2013-04-08T09:02:00.002-04:00

Be back soon... Xoxoxo

Traveling...a moment in the thoughts of me...

2013-04-04T12:11:00.001-04:00

Fly me to the moon Let me play amoung the stars Let me see what spring is like On jupiter and mars

-Frank Sinatra

This is totally random...I didn't start here...I just let my fingers lead the way. No editing in this...no rereading...don't want to change a thing. Hope you can understand my ramblings :)

My hubby's job takes him all over the country and the world. He travels from India, LA, Panama, Toronto, London, other places in Europe and the US... it's seriously the coolest job ever. Not to mention, he gets to stay at the best hotels in the world.

I would love to just spend a year traveling around the world, staying at great hotels, and eating the finest foods ever. Just a meal of wine, smoked cheddar, olives, and toast while lying in a huge bed (that I don't have to make) with reading material...sounds incredible.

There isn't a big family meal had in the Stone household where my father doesn't bring up - the moment when I told him that I wanted to take a year or two and travel around the world after college. He laughed and told me to get real. He found that ridiculous. I had told him about my traveling aspirations for forever - but when I was a freshman in college and stayed true to my two childhood dreams (NYC and traveling throughout the world)...he let me know that NO child of his was going to be jobless after college - so I majored in journalism and international politics - my job would be to travel around the world writing. I would start in the PeaceCorps...it all sounded great...until my mother got really emotional about me living in a different country all by myself (I even tried to do a semester abroad and it was just too difficult for her)...okay, okay...it was my mother and my love for Mike...and the obvious need in America... that kept me in America and moving to New York City (my love) with Teach For America. I'm happy with my decision, but....still when I see Mike getting ready in the mornings to board a flight (bags in hand, cool outfit, black car waiting in the front), while I stumble in the dark with the coffee machine in my pjs...getting ready for my daily routine...I feel a twinge of envy.

I love this line (from April’s issue of Travel Leisure, one of my new fav. Magazines) written by Luke Barr,

"At Plage Keller, meanwhile, athletic waters adjusted our bright-yellow beach umbrellas, tracking the sun throughout the day, and took orders for refreshments, drinks, and lunch. My wife and friends and our kids sprawled on our chaise longues drinking Badoit and reading Gillin Flynn and Hilary Mantel novels. We were on vacation. We were in Provence.”

I love those lines. Anyways, it could be the fact that I was conceived in Jamaica…but traveling is in my veins. My mother actually says that conception explains – a whole lot of my “granola-y” personality – “me and your father were in a very natural phase: trips to Jamaica, barefoot days, running and picnicking in parks, pitching out, living in very hippie neighborhood, we weren’t about the big corporate man…it was a good time…all the things we did.” I will say, that many of the things that my mom did while pregnant with me (that I can’t share – heck, they were 25 and living in Clifton) are totally against the pregnancy rules of today – but I love hearing about them and how much she loved that time. I can look at pictures of her at that time – BIG hair, round belly, an effortless cotton pull over dress, and a huge smile. My father is usually in the background smiling twice as big as my mother – in a tight tee (with some random slogan), a pair of sweat pants, and a baby fro. Their happiness inspired my pregnancy release…

My pregnancy release: I decided about a month ago that I didn’t want a 2013 pregnancy – full of dieting, who looks like they are barely pregnant, war stories, and superwoman aspirations. It wasn’t fun. It was stressful. It wasn’t the fun pregnancy stories that I was used to. So, I let go. I decided I am going to be 110% pregnant – eating healthy but totally indulging, not trying to hide the weight gain, but celebrate my belly and curves, and I’m going to enjoy it for what it’s worth…and boy has it been incredible…

Like I am flying to the moon, playing amongst the stars, seeing what spring is like on jupitar and mars...

Red Lobster

2013-04-03T11:31:00.001-04:00

Was my absolute favorite restaurant. Story goes (my father tells me it always) - when my parents announced my mother's pregnancy with Kenny - I was all smiles. Happy to be a big sister. Then one day, while driving home, my father told me that we would not be able to frequent Red Lobster as often as we were when Kenny was born. He listened for my response and all he got was a fragile "okay" with a sniffle. He looks in the rearview mirror and I am looking out of the window...tears slowly gliding down my face. He tapped my mother and she looked at me, too. They silently looked at one another and my father began making his way to Red Lobster - it broke his heart.

To this day, we still go on daddy/daughter dates there. This Easter, Mike and I found ourselves at a Red Lobster - wanted to share with our son a little bit of home...comfort love food.

I enjoyed it too much and ended up getting a tummy ache...but GOODNESS gracious it was worth it :)

So haven't written...

2013-04-03T11:21:00.004-04:00

4.2.13: With my boys - 23 weeks :)

Saturday enjoyed a day with the girls in New York City...
Got a litte sick on Sunday - so couldn't write...
Monday went to the doctor, because I still didn't feel great and wanted to check up on my son...
Tuesday - MIKE'S BIRTHDAY!!! He is actually 30 years old - isn't that crazy?!?! We went to the Best Chef of 2013 event.
Wednesday on top of it!

Thank You, God

2013-03-29T17:05:00.000-04:00

For sacrificing your son for me...

With the amount that I love my son already and he's unborn...I cannot imagine the act.

Have a blessed Good Friday,
SSS

P.S. Saw this video of beautiful mothers and daughters combo...made me excited about my years to come...

I'm soooo into...

2013-03-27T12:38:00.001-04:00

Pencils right now. I've always really enjoyed an old school pencil, but here lately I like obsess over a pencil with a very sharp edge. I am digging regular pencils and colored pencils. I enjoy writing with them - I think because it feels like I can break out in a drawing at anytime. I also enjoy the look - when all my pencils are together - I love the uniform color of the cluster. It's odd and weird, but I am obsessed more than ever. My kids tease me - because there are usually like 3-7 trapped somewhere in my hair (if pulled back), pocket, or little briefcase.

Maybe they make me feel craftsy.

Maybe it gives me that little old school teacher feeling that I yearn for...

I don't know - all that I do know is that I am utterly obsessed with pencils "write" now.

Awesome Series

2013-03-26T13:45:00.004-04:00

From the History Channel - The Lost 40 Days

It was absolutely terrific. If you enjoy history - you will enjoy the series. You don't have to be a believer or follower of Christ to watch.

According to the Bible, Jesus came back from the dead and walked the earth for 40 days before ascending to heaven. But the New Testament reveals little about this defining miracle of the Christian faith. Using tools of history, technology, science and faith, HISTORY tells the little-known story. Long-buried non-Biblical sources, such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, the Secret Revelation of John and the writings of the Jewish historian Josephus yield astonishing information and detail about these seemingly lost 40 days. Could Jesus' words in these ancient manuscripts contain some of his most important teachings, even though they were not included in the New Testament? The producers also build upon the CGI image of the crucified Christ created from the Shroud of Turin in The Real Face of Jesus to visually depict the moments when Jesus appears to his followers in resurrected form.

Also there is the special, The Bible, that beat all other shows (cable and noncable) on Sunday (record numbers - like 14.8 million people) ...it's apparently super delicious. It's on the History Channel as well. It's part 1/5. I've already tivo'd it - ready to veg and watch.

Proud of myself...

2013-03-24T17:26:00.001-04:00

Three Days of Campin'

2013-03-21T13:02:00.002-04:00

I'm back. Great time. Camping in the mountains with my students (8 in. of snow) and collegues. It was nice - learned the first day the importance of advocating for me and my son - so didn't do any of the fun activities (Zipline, hiking, rock climbing) - I have done them all before and will do them again...but not while Ace (the first) is so vulnerable! Heaven's No. But being in nature is honestly my favorite thing in the world - it refreshes me and brings me to my true self more than anything else in the world...so I loved being out there. No computers, cell phone service, and no work (well...it was work).

My family loves to rent out big houses and go somewhere remote - one year we did a huge log cabin during Thanksgiving - thinking that that would be a great for next year (2014). I can't wait to see Ace in his little snowsuit surrounded by nature and love.

my breather...