Writing, writing, writing

The thing about blogging is, you're supposed to write something. So, yeah. It's been a little while since I've written, but not necessarily because I didn't have anything to write about. It has been an interesting journey, this past month. This is the first year have have participated in Great Lent. So, I've been *trying* to do some reading up on it, along with books about Orthodoxy, devotionals and being in a Bible Study. So, a lot of meditating on religious matters, and just a lot of everyday things going on, along with a not-so-motivated me, has meant a drawn out process that didn't really accomplish a whole lot. But, sometimes learning new things slowly helps you think about what is important in life and helps the morphing into a new creature a little easier on self as compared to going cold turkey or "biting off more than I can chew"....

In any case, I have learned some things about church history and tradition, a lot of which I have always wondered about, and now know why certain things in the church I grew up in always bothered me- it's because those things were not the way it's supposed to be. Things such as how often to take communion and what that exactly means in the first place. Other things like worship, holiness, being set apart from the world, not building up treasures here on earth, the honor in martyrdom (though in some cases I think even this was a matter of pride for some), confession, the commandment to forgive, church government that does not sway in the face of societal changes... the list goes on in more and more detail as I learn more and ask more and so, I am satisfied that I am growing on this journey, be it irritating at times and dissatisfying at others; I know that even the 'boring' parts of life are needed foundations on which to measure other things. There is always something to learn. So I am happy.

This year we will be attending Pascha at the church we've been attending, the name of which is St. John Chrysostom Antiochian Orthodox Church We are getting excited about celebrating it this year. You can look here to read what Pascha is. This year Pascha falls a week after the western church's schedule, so we get to celebrate 2 weeks in a row. It has been an interesting adventure so far, and we are looking forward for this most blessed and holyday to arrive this year!

Happy 5th Bday!!

Nathaniel turned the big number 5 this year! I can hardly believe it! It seems we just celebrated Ariel's 5th yesterday. But time slips away so quickly when you blink! This year, the 28th was a Saturday, so that worked out nice for us. We had a fun family birthday party here at home. The kids helped to make the cake and decorate. Aunt Monica made the party hats and we all had a great time.

Hey Hey Hey!

It's Fat Albert! Whoa! Maybe not. But maybe so. I am pathetically out of shape and out of clothes that fit right. I am especially out of patience with not being comfortable and with people asking if I'm prego. Just 'cause I LOOK 6 months pregnant, doesn't mean I am! *ah* tricky, I know. If you can't trust your eyes, what can you trust? Well, you can trust me when I say, NO! It ain't happenin'.

New routines are not hard to design. Now, finding one that you can stick with is another story. I have currently been working on getting my spring cleaning done- somedays much better than others- but, I have yet to add exercising back on the list. Until I do, I am afraid that unwelcome questions will still come my way. It doesn't get on my nerves so much as the power of suggestion makes me think about our decision to stop at 2 kiddos...

I am sure that the questions will never really stop, because even 'back in the day' when I weighed a whooping 105 lbs people asked me if I was prego. It all comes with the apple body shape. Ah well, there are worse things in life by far, so it's time I stop obsessing over it and just get back into shape. Maybe I would do it faster if I had someone to kick my butt. I'm up for a fight- just not against myself.

Things Lost

Among things lost in this house: a sock to my new pair, now gone. The fresh smell of laundry gives way to the freshly used cat litter now floating its' fragrance down the hall. All humidity and soft skin has given way to bloody noses and alligator skin for the winter. And last, but most importantly (to me anyway) is the fact that Germany is no longer a living part of my children's memory. It has gone the way of the inevitable of such young minds... a simple believable fact that Mommy and Daddy tell them about, but of no substance or reality. They still remember Aidan. Ariel still remembers Sebastian. Nathaniel still is lonely for Amelie and Elias. Sometimes Christine too, which he thinks is the best teacher ever.

But gone are the memories of the streets, the food, the smells, the neighbors' smiles and comments, the language altogether, and even Irena. I could not believe that Ariel did not remember Irena. In just under a year, all is lost, except for what we tell them of it. Just last month Ariel could tell me who was who in her picture book, but not anymore. It was just a strange and saddening moment to me to hear her say she didn't know who Irena was. It was like at that second Germany became an illusive dream that didn't really happen. Like all things, it was already lost to time. Sometimes time gives healing, other times joy, but this time sadness.

Gwendolyn Elyse

She's here!







Gwendolyn made her debut last night at 8pm. We had the privilege of watching big brother, Dominic, at our house so the kids could play and have fun. They sure had fun, but Dom was still wondering where his parents could be. At bedtime, he got to see a pic of his new sister, but it made him cry to see mommy on the phone.


Today we made two trips to the hospital to visit and meet his new little sister. He was excited to see Mommy and Daddy, but he was not cool with the baby and having to stay in the room. So, when we went back the second time, Ariel and Nathaniel came with us and they were oogling over the baby, which made Dominic more interested in her. We refer to Gwendolyn as Dominic's baby, so he will feel involved and protective... it worked for a minute anyway. He shoved Nathaniel away from her, and was trying to get her out of Ariel's arms. It was cute. Rebecca will definately have her hands full next week when Daniel goes back to work!






Gwendolyn arrived after about 16 hours of labor, and weighed in at 8lbs, 2oz & 21 in long. A 14 inch head proved that she was much easier to push out than Dominic, who's radius was nearly 16 inches. He still has a big head. : ) She has lots of black hair, as you can see, and a cowlick in the front, just like Uncle Jonathan. Tomorrow they will be released from the hospital, and more visits will ensue, which will sure be fun! The kids have the day off from school tomorrow, so it will be a great family day.