The March That Wasn't

Most of you heard that I was going to a march in Washington DC last week. Well, the march didn't happen. It was cancelled because of impending hurricane Irene. I think the decision to cancel the march was a bit hasty. It was beautiful in DC the day the march was to take place and it didn't start raining there until the following evening. I found out the march was cancelled right after I arrived out there. I was quite upset and disappointed. The march is being rescheduled for November, but I highly doubt I can attend. The march is called Step Forward for Orphans. The purpose of the march is to raise public awareness about problems in international adoption. There are some policies that are delaying the adoption of children and making it more difficult for families to adopt internationally. Basically, children are being negatively affected- left to languish in orphanages. I hope the march will bring about some needed changes.

Even though I didn't get to march, I did get to spend time with my good friend, Deb. Deb and I went to high school together and have been friends since. We had a fun day in DC. We walked thru the Smithsonian American History museum. We then headed to Georgetown and did some shopping. After that we went to a free concert at the Kennedy Center. The concert featured a gospel group, an acapella-style group (Naturally 7), and Frederic Yonnet (jazz harmonica player). I don't get to concerts much and this one was alot of fun. Naturally 7 impressed me the most. The group members imitate instruments to make music. I've included a link to give you an idea of their music. http://www.students.ch/magazin/tv/318/Naturally-7-live-Jericho
Very fun.

After the concert we went to an Indian restaurant. Again, not something I do very often. Even though Deb and I seem to live very different lives, we enjoy spending time together and learning from each other. I thank God for the blessing of Christian friends!

Ten Years Baby!

I still look 22, right?
Didn't have a tux for Nate to try on. And Caleb took this picture.
She'll be a beautiful bride someday- and she better wear Mommy's dress!
Ten years later and still rocking the dress!

Today is our 10 year anniversary! Such an odd feeling. Nate and I had a lunch date while a friend watched the kids. It was fun to talk about our memories of the wedding. I then went home and tried on my dress. I haven't had it on since our wedding and it still fits! The kids were very interested in the odd dress Mom had on. I don't believe they have seen a wedding dress before. I told Julia she could wear the pretty dress when she was bigger. Why else am I preserving this thing?!

After lunch I hauled out the wedding album and video. Nate refuses to watch the video, but my boys watched it with me! Caleb had SO many questions about weddings. Like, "Why does everyone stand for the bride?" and "Why did you get married where you lived, why not where Dad lived?" and "Why does everyone clap for you?" I should have just told him, weddings are all about the GIRL. Caleb also wanted to know why the honeymoon wasn't videotaped and what do people do on the honeymoon? Ummm. The boys had fun spotting our relatives in the video and commenting on who looks different 10 years later. I think watching our wedding video is giving them a better idea of what Tim and Jenny's wedding will be like. (Oh, and speaking of that wedding. I had to take the boys in to get fitted for a tux. We were in an air-conditioned store and Caleb started complaining within 2 minutes of how hot he was in the tux and when can he take it off?? Oh my son, you have no idea what is coming.) I was slightly embarrassed to watch the video with my sons because of all the kissing! Holy cow, young Nate and Stacy get a room already! I'm so old and prudish now. :)

I love Nate so much and it is amazing to look back on our experiences of the last 10 years. We can't wait to see what God has in store for the next 10 years!

Denver

Skiing at Breckenridge- God's creation is so amazing!!
This is how I felt when skiing- although Steph assured me I didn't look like this :)
Steph was kind enough to let me use her goggles
Who said Moms can't have style?- Um, I only have style b/c Steph dressed me!
My "twin"

I just had a great weekend! I went to Denver this past Thursday-Sunday to spend some time with Stephanie. It is such a treat to travel by myself. Although apparently I relaxed too much because I left my carry-on at the security checkpoint. I am so used to checking luggage that after going thru the metal detectors I grabbed my purse and walked away to get lunch. As I sat down to eat my lunch I realized I didn't have my carry-on! I was very embarrassed to tell the guards I had left my suitcase behind. They didn't give me too much grief. My sister has a really cute apartment and it was just a relaxing place to be. I arrived in town on St. Patrick's Day so we got to watch all of the crazy, drunk people downtown. And the altitude did affect me. I had only one margarita and let's just say I was feeling it.

On Friday, we went skiing at Breckenridge. It was a beautiful, sunny day and I was loving it. I can understand why people would want to ski every weekend out there! I also enjoyed that Steph and I have similar skiing skills. We would rather enjoy a leisurely ski down the mountain than dying, I mean, challenging ourselves on harder runs. We both have a high sense of self-preservation. :) Even though we went down the "less challenging" runs, we were still sore by the end of the day.

I also had a chance to meet some of Steph's friends on Friday night. I was afraid I would feel really old, but it was fun. It helped that most of the group had graduated from Calvin or were from the midwest. This evening was also my first foray into the world of "skinny jeans." Skinny jeans have been popular for a little while, but I had no desire to join the fad, mostly because I would have to buy new boots and flats because regular shoes don't look good with skinny jeans. Way too much of a financial investment for me. :) Anyway, Steph convinced me to wear her skinny jeans and boots. I'll admit I looked cute, but I was very self-conscious walking down the street. I felt like everyone was staring at me, until I realized every other woman was dressed just like me. :) The highlight of my evening was when I told someone I had 3 kids and they were shocked. They said I was too skinny to have 3 kids. Thank you skinny jeans!

I was surprised how many times people commented on how alike Steph and I look. I know we have similarities, but I have never thought we look that much alike. One lady asked if we were twins and which one of us was older? I know she was trying to make me feel good, but it still brought a smile to my face. :)

Steph took me to a breakfast place called, Snooze. We waited an hour, but it was worth it! I should have taken a picture of my meal. I had sticky bun french toast with cream cheese icing drizzled over it. It was awesome.

I love my sister so much and I thank God for our friendship! She is a funny, smart, beautiful and God-loving woman. I am so proud of you, Steph and thanks for a memorable weekend!

Happy Anniversary!

It's our 8th anniversary today! I wish I had a digital picture of our wedding to post. We look more 'mature' since 8 years ago and our love is more 'mature' too! Last year we celebrated our anniversary in CO at my family reunion. This year we celebrated close to home and had a great day! I got a pedicure/manicure today. Nate's company gave gift certificates to the spouses when Nate got his license last month. Very nice! My sister is here for a couple days and she watched the boys tonight while we went out to dinner. We love free babysitting!

I love Nate and I'm looking forward to many more anniversaries!

The Big 3-0

As you know, I turned 30 this past Saturday! I had a wonderful birthday, thanks to this handsome man. Nate planned a great party for me. He reserved a room at the local bowling alley and about 45 people attended. About half of that number were children under the age of 4! It was like a romper room with kids running/crawling all over the place.:) It was great and the kids (and adults) had a blast. Nate planned some group games. For example, people got up and told two truths and one lie about me and people had to guess which one was the lie. Nothing too embarassing was brought to light.:) We then had an Italian buffet dinner and of course an awesome cake! I love cake. Nate also asked everyone to bring 30 of something as a gift. I got a ton of Jelly Belly's (they're my favorite candy) and chocolates. I'm tempted to weigh the bag of Jelly Belly's. That way if I gain 20 lbs in the next couple of months I'll know where it came from! I also received some funny and thoughtful gifts. One of my friends was kind enough to remind me that I'm only 20 years away from joining the AARP, fabulous!;) When I get some pictures of the party I'll post them. Thank you to all of you for being a part of my life!