More photos



Playing dress up with dada's tie.



Dada and Ryan sleeping together on Sunday.


What a mosquito bite under the eye can look like.

Lots of Photos


Us with Marc and Robin outside of Red Lobster. We were so happy to see them. It had been way too long!

Can you hear me now? Probably not since I am talking into the wrong end of the cell phone.

Ryan running to the dance floor. He can really shake his booty.

The group of friends we travelled with to Melissa and Tony's wedding.

Ryan sitting in his own chair that he got for his birthday.

Having some birthday cupcake. Ryan thought it was just okay. He likes things like pickles and chips (which we try not to give him) more than cake and cookies (which we also try not to feed him).

On Memorial Day, we celebrated Ryan's birthday with a party. We first took a trip to the parade where he put his foot up on the stroller. It was too cute.

Grandma Grabianowski

For those of you who have been praying and keeping up-to-date on things... my grandmother passed away this afternoon. My mum and dad visited with them last week and just left on Saturday. So, now I ask for prayers for my grandfather who, after 62 years of marriage, is having a hard time dealing with this and will need to make some tough decisions in the next week.

Thanks again to those of you who have been praying for us.

Crafty

I've been reading this book, "The Friday Night Knitting Club," by Kate Jacobs and it's inspiring me. I do want to learn to knit better than I can now, but need a tutor, I think. So, I've been doing other crafty things. I've been working on two crocheted rugs for our bathroom. The first is complete and looks wonderful. Now, to just get the second one done. Then, I plan to crochet two sweaters for two babies on the way. Oh, and then there's this purse that I want to crochet for myself and the top that I saw in the same magazine. The list is almost endless.

I'm also working on a surprise for sister-in-law for her baby. That seems to be a bit more challenging than I had expected. It's a sewing project and it's cut out, but that's as far as I've gotten. It's easier to crochet with Ryan around in the evenings than to get out the sewing machine to sew. He's too interested in where it plugs in and the parts that make it go.

But the project I should be working on is scrapbooking. I really want to display the entire first year photos of Ryan at his first birthday party (btw, he turned one on Tuesday, had no clue why were singing to him and just wanted his bottle) but I'm so far behind. We're doing the party on the 28th so that sister-in-law, who missed his birth, won't miss the first party. We're keeping it simple, some food, some cake, some fun watching Ryan. But, that darn scrapbook is not up-to-date! I need some motivation... any books about scrapbooking clubs? =-)

They called in "Sick"

It's a nice day outside today. The sun is shining, it's hot and there's not a cloud in the sky. It's the perfect day for someone to call in "sick." While I have never done this some people do, like the people who work for my husband.

See, today started out really good. Ryan woke up at an hour that I felt was acceptable (i.e. not 5 a.m.) and husband was off to work. Ry has already taken two naps, which is great because earlier this week he wasn't really interested in napping at all. The ironing is done and the house isn't looking so bad.

Husband was going to come home from work, we'd get the grocery shopping done, take a walk, watch a movie. But that's going to be another night because someone decided to call in "sick." You know, they're a mother and I bet they call in "sick" tomorrow too.

I'm really po'd about the situation. I knew when husband took this job there would be days like this, except I thought they would be when people were really sick. In addition to him arriving home around 8 p.m., I also decided not to take the car today. I mean, he'd be home at 4 p.m. and we'd get to do things together so it wasn't a big deal.

So, if you're the type to call in "sick" think about the other people missing out on time with their parent or spouse because chances are they aren't going to like you very much anymore.

The man on the couch, gram and Kathleen

Last night I got up to go to the bathroom and there was someone sitting on our couch. I went back into the bedroom and said, "Adam, I hate to sound stupid, but I think there's someone in our living room." He quickly got out of bed, pushed me further into the room and went to investigate.

There was no one sitting on our couch, but we both thought it coul have been a person. It was just the guitar case and a sweatshirt. The two items were placed in such a way that it really looked like a person sitting there.

In other news, my grandmother is slowly getting worse. I've expressed to others that I'm not sure how to feel about this since we weren't very close. I'm sad she's dying, but know that she's been suffering for the past eight years with strokes and heart attacks.

I ask prayers for my mum. I can't imagine what it's like to watch you own mum slowly die.

I'd like it if you guys kept my friend Kathleen in your prayers. She recently had a miscarriage.

Update

Mum made it to be with grandma. All of her siblings are also there. I can only imagine that this is a hard time for them and for Gram who knows that she has a week to live... well less now.

Just thought I'd give an update.

Grandma

My grandmother is dying. She and my grandfather live in Ohio. My mum is rushing to meet them today and we're praying she makes it in time for one last vist with gram. It's a tough thing when you know someone has been suffering for so long. You want them to be at peace, but you want one last time together. My mum is a wreck, as she should be.

Prayers greatly appreciated.

We're back!

We had a lovely trip in the Bahamas. My dad was very surprised to see us for his birthday. When we arrived he was cleaning fish in the kitchen and when I walked in he asked what Ry and I were doing there. He was very glad to see us. We had a lovely trip that included spending Papa's birthday with him. The flights there were wonderful and I thought it would be the same on the way back, but alas I missed my connection (due to no fault of my own, only the unhelpful people of a certain airline) and had to purchase formula from a CVS which I had to get to by cab. I didn't get home till midnight with no suitcase because I ended up having to get a flight to Portland and not Manchester. Suitcase came in last night... late... like when no one should ring your doorbell. But I have it back!

A few photos of our adventure...



Ryan and Muma pose with the Junkanoo man.



" I don't like the sand. It's icky!"



In the big Atlantis chair.



Ryan looking at fish in Atlantis on Papa's birthday.



Ryan on the plane playing with his new toy.

Random Stuff

I promised myself I'd find time to make more than one post this month. I don't want anyone to stop checking because I haven't made a post in a month!

I've managed to get some sort of cold. I thought I'd dodged the bullet, but I guess I was bound to get this cold since Adam, Ryan and little Allison all had it.

Easter

It doesn't feel much like Easter here. We'll still have snow on the ground tomorrow. I'm longing to see tulips and other such flowers dotting people's lawns and there are none. While it may not feel like Easter, it is. Church happenings point that out very much. You can't go to Good Friday service and not be aware that tomorrow is the day we celebrate Christ's resurrection. He gave us this spring.

I read a wonderful line in my devotional today. It was talking about how easy it may be for us to point our fingers at the phariseees and say how horrible they were for getting Jesus hung on the cross. BUT "There are no good guys and bad guys, just a race of sinners who are passionately loved by their heavenly Father and who have been undeservingly redeemed by his beloved Son."

Passinately loved -- loved so much that He would die for us. We who turn our backs on Him and shake our fists when the going gets tough were undeservingly redeemed. Hallalujah, what a Savior!

Traveling

If Ry's passport makes it in time, we'll be leaving for beautiful Nassau next weekend. I'm excited about going. I will miss Adam not traveling with us. I will worry that he won't wake up in time for work and eat very unhealthy meals while I'm away. I will worry until we get there that Ry will be a horrible almost one year old... kicking and screaming to get down. But when I am there, I will relax and enjoy my dad's 62nd birthday (it's a surprise) and I will let Nana and Papa spoil my little rascal to death. I'm excited to see friends I haven't seen in awhile and just be at home in the warm weather. Should be fun.

Packing

And because of said trip I have already started packing. I hope to bring everything we may need that dear old mum doesn't have. Ry has helped with the packing, mostly closing and opening the suitcase.

So there's my post. I've enjoyed reading yours (if you have a blog). I'll be back soon. Promise

Last night we had another crazy bit of snow. It's April! Make the snow stop! Last week we had some nice spring weather and now it's like winter again. Good news is that Ry hadn't played in the snow yet, so he got his chance and here are some of the photos.

UPDATE ON THE MCGEE FAMILY

So I haven't posted in almost a month. I didn't fall off the face of the earth. We've just been living at the doctor's office and feeling a bit tired.

Since January I've had my fair share of doctor visits. It started with blurry vision and a trip to the eye doctor. That lead to a visit with my doctor after two eye docotrs found nothing worng. Then somewhere along the way I had a CT scan and an MRI and lots of blood work.

Good news... there's nothing wrong with my brain!

Diagnosis: Hyperthyroidism. That same monster that made my wicked since during pregnancy has come back in the form of a thyroid problem. An ultra sound showed my thyroid is swollen with multipile systs on it, but not to worry... we'll look at it all again in 6 months. While we wait for six months to pass, I'm taking meds for my hyperthyroidism and crossing my fingers that the next blood test comes out normal. Fun thing about the meds, I dropped 5 pounds in one day after they upped the dose. YIPPIE!

Then we all had that awful stomach virus that is going around. Ry had it first and then we both had it. It was the worst thing ever! The Monday I had it I slept on the couch most of the day. Ry would crawl over and climb up on me for nap time. When he was awake he'd play some more by himself (he's so good) and come to me when he was hungry. It was a wicked tough day. Dear Husband worked that Monday, but had Tuesday off, which was nice for Ry to have someone to play with. Allison, the baby I babysit, missed two days and then I was deathly afraid she would get it even after super disinfecting our house and all toys. She managed to stay healthy, but the week after brought us a cold! We're all doing much better.

And the weather has been crazy. One day it's like spring and we walk outside sans jackets and the next it's horrible snow storm, like today! Oh Maine! How we love thee!

In other news... sister-in-law found out she is having a baby girl. We're very excited for them.

Ry is growing like a weed. His favorite word is still "hi." He's liked that word for many months now. Sometimes we'll be driving and talking and out of nowhere he just starts saying hi, then we say it back and it keeps going on and on. It's cute.

He's still not walking. I think he'll have it mastered by the time he turns one, which is just two months away!!! Time for another little McGee =-) But thyroid must be in control first, so we wait!

Ryan is now 9 months old... as of Thursday. Where did the time go?

Favorite Smell

My favorite smell is pipe smoke. I know it sounds weird but it's true. I could have written about how I really like the smell of carnations and how Adam always purchases those for me because he knows they are my favorite flower to smell, but I really like to smell a pipe burning.

I guess the reason I like the smell pipe smoke is because it reminds me of home. I can remember walking down Bay Street as a child and seeing old men playing chess or checkers on the sidewalk. They'd always be smoking pipes. Pipes and old men just seemed to go hand-in-hand and I couldn't wait to marry and get old so my husband could sit on the porch in a rocking chair and smoke a pipe.

Also pipe smoke reminds me of the Atlantis hotel piano lounge where my friends and I spent many a Sunday evening after church playing spades. So many people were either smoking cigars or pipes in there. Those times of playing cards with friends are some of my most cherrished memories of home.

Favorite taste

This favorite was a lot more difficult than I first imagined. There are a lot of things that taste good.

I discussed this with dear husband and he helped me come to my senses. It's curry. I love curry, especially curry chicken. But I like curry in general. I love the spicy flavor. I like curry in Indian, Jamacian and even American foods. I just like curry.

When my parents come to visit, mom must make a big pot of curry chicken. At this point, I don't even have to ask anymore... it's on the menu that week. I can eat the entire pot, but won't. I often find curry tastes better the next day when the spices have had time to get, well, spicier!

A fond memory of a particular curry dish is that my mom always made it when we had guests over. Everyone loved it. I love those family gatherings. I love people so I also loved it when she prepared it for missionaries who visited our church. My husband says we sit around the table too much in my family, but to me that's where it all takes place, where you find out about a person's day and about that project at school. And it's even a better event when there's curry.

Favorite Sound

I love that sound when someone walks up to a chalkboard and takes their long finger nails and just scratches from top to bottom.


Just kidding. Typing that gives me the shivers.

I do, however, enjoy the sound of a full choir. I'm not even sure it would matter what they were singing as long as there was that harmony that comes along with a choir... a good choir.

I have a huge confession to make. For all of you who are GC grads... please no laughing... but sometimes I go online and listen to WGRN when it's time for chapel in hopes that the choir will be singing. I know, I know... all those years of cursing having to go to chapel and here I am years later sneaking in via radio... well the internet. Once when I was listening, to my delight, it was the choir. I loved the GC choir. I loved the Messiah production. I loved every song they ever sang. To me it's the most beautiful sound in the entire world. To me anyway =-)

Favorite thing to see

My first post is going to be about sight. I decided on sight because recently I have been experiencing vision loss in my left eye that is pretty much unexplainable. I've been to two doctors and have no diagnosis so far. I've told Adam so many times that I'd rather be deaf than blind because while I wouldn't be able to hear anything I wouldn't miss seeing him or Ryan or any of the other pretty things in the world. Plus I know sign language so that's a plus. I'll blog more about sight loss in a few days... maybe when there's more to tell than this.

My favorite thing to see is a sunset on the beach. I particularly like the sunsets seen in the Abacos while vacationing with my family. I can remember being really young and going up to the second floor of my grandmother's house in Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, opening the shutters (there are no real windows) and waiting the sun set over the water. I did this very thing the day she died. I was 15-years-old then.

Since that time we've made it back to the Cay numerous times. I've photographed MANY sunsets on the water. Many of them have sailboats in them. I love how each sunset can be different. Some are very yellow, some orange and some a beautiful hue of red.

I think seeing a sunset if very peaceful. I can't ever remember a stressful vacation on the Cay. Days are spent reading books, fishing, snorkeling and driving around in a golf cart. Nights are spent playing card games and talking with family.

I also like sunsets in Nassau at the beach. We often went to the beach in the late evenings during the summer and we'd be walking to the car at sunset. It's just a really pretty event that isn't duplicated in any other sunset I've seen.

I wish I had a photo to post here, but none of them were taken with a digital camera. But that's my favorite sight and I hope I am able to see many more of those in my lifetime.

A Week of Favorites

My friend Kathleen is doing a week of favorites on her blog. I like the idea and figured I'd steal it. She stole the idea from her friend
Bree

Anyway I thought it was a great idea. I'm not sure if I'll go with the five senses as much as I think I will just post some of my favorite things this week.

That's all she wrote

I haven't posted anything here lately. It's probably because I don't really know what to write about. Nothing seems blog-worthy. I suppose an entry need only be a few lines, but I feel compelled to write more when I am here.

Maybe I'll just put some randmon items here and that will be good enough.

@ Christmas was quite and small. It was perfect! Loved the food. Loved being with the family.

@ The sister-in-law is three months pregnant. The mother-in-law had a dream about someone having twins, but as of today at sister-in-law's fist ultra sound, there is only one baby in that womb. They will be finding out whether it's a girl or a boy at 20 weeks. Father-in-law, of course, wants a girl. Brother-in-law wants a boy.

@ Allison has arrived. She has been with me for two weeks now. Babysitting her is so different from Ben. I love how her parents are so interested in EVERYTHING and that they show up the same time EVERY DAY! She's a grazer though, eating one or two ounces every hour. That's the only thing driving me nuts. She's wicked cute.

@ Ryan is jealous of Allison. When I'm feeding her, he's trying to get up onto my lap.

@ Ryan has mastered crawling and is pulling up on things. He's getting so daring. I can't believe he's 8 months old already. In some ways, I'm don't want him to learn how to walk on his own. I just want him to stay little.

@ Husband has two new job offers! The man is confused, as I think he should be, so prayers are requested here. Both are great jobs, but if he leaves WM again I doubt they will EVER hire him back... this would be the third time if that's what he decides. Sigh.

@ Been trying to lose lbs from the pregnancy that is now 8 months past. Managed 4 so far. It's not easy when you have a love affair with chocolate. And low-fat and sugar-free chocolate are not the same!

And that was all she wrote =)

Ryan at yesterday's party wearing an Elf bib given by a great aunt and playing with the Barbie SUV... he was playing with the convertible first, but this was cute. He just wants a car to play with... doesn't matter if it's girly.

CHRISTMAS EVE

It's Christmas Eve! Maybe there should be no "!" at the end of that sentence. While I am happy, I am also wicked tired. On Friday night we were out 'til 2:30 and dear young Ryan woke up at 6 the next mornining, or the same morning. We were with friends and it was well worth being up so late. I loved every minute of our visit.

I managed a two hour nap and then had to do the mommy and wife stuff. You know, cleaning bottles, packing a diaper bag for later, cleaning house. Then we were out again. Off to a family party for Adam's grandmother. It was nice. We played poker and won. Well, the first game Adam's mom got me out on the first hand. Then Adam came in second. The second game Adam and I were the last two and we just split the money. The game had been going forever so we just ended it. But while we were there Ryan of course got hungry, so I went to get a bottle and there were none! I had left them at home on the stove. I had formula though and lucky for us we were in a home with lots of babies. Thank heaven Ryan was a good baby that wasn't picky about which type of bottle his milk came in because we would have had to drive home 40 minutes with him screaming. He just drank it like a good boy. Then I went to change a diaper... had diapers, but no wipe. I felt like disorganized mommy.

While we were there Ryan ate some Banana Yogurt... the baby stuff. The kid is so sensitive to milk and I never thought he would get sick if I gave him this stuff. He did great. Ate the whole jar! Loved it! We wake him up for his 10 p.m. feeding and he pukes and pukes and pukes! I felt so bad for him. We were standing him up in the tub and he was shivering and we were trying to get him all clean and everything, but it was awful!

This morning he's better. And it's a busy day. Church this morning. Out shopping this afternoon because dadda hasn't finished his shopping yet. Then church this evening with the grandparents. Then dinner at the cousins and home again!

I've enjoyed this weekend so much. I got out of the house! More to come next week too since I don't have Ben anymore. Though it won't necessarily be getting out of the house as it will be seeing friends. Kathleen, my friends Marie and Tanya are coming over for a knitting lesson! Maybe I'll actually master purling!

Merry Christmas all!

Just in case you never read the comments... this person kindly helped me figure out where the thing on GC was... enjoy!


Blueis said...
You can find a link here...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032633/

Then on More students going to christian colleges.

GC on The Today Show

Our dear old Alma Mater was on the Today Show this morning. I just happened to turn it on at the time when they were mentioning something about Christians and Christian Schools and there was Greenville College! Our old neighbor Eugune Dunkley was there. Old Dr. James Lang (back in 1982 when I was in Atlanta I tested a peanut for Jimmy Carter) was there teaching a class. There was the old Methodist Church, which I know has some new name now and there was the Library and many other things! Nothing is on their website about it and I couldn't find anything on the Today Show website either.

Anyway, just thought I'd share.

I FINALLY GET IT!

I got one of those Christmas forwards where you’re supposed to fill in the blanks. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? You know what I mean. I filled it out, but was really stuck on question 14. I wrote and wrote and wrote and question 14 was two pages. So, I deleted the other stuff and decided I would share question 14 with you.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?

Especially this year, the most important thing is that the real meaning of Christmas not be lost in all the “hustle and bustle” of the holidays.

In my devotional this week I’ve been reading about how John the Baptist was so important in the story of Jesus. He was the one who pointed the way to the Messiah… he paved the way. We’re supposed to be the same. Our lives should say, “Look not at me, but at the other one, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.( John 1:29)” Adam and I are the ones who will point the way for Ryan to see Christ. So, the meaning cannot be lost or muffled. We are now the voice crying in the wilderness. We are the ones who, by our example, show that Christ is the real meaning of Christmas. And though Ryan’s so little I hope he gets some meaning out of the story of Christmas this year, even if it’s that Mary had a baby and he was special to the whole world.

While last Christmas I identified with Mary being heavy with child on her way to Bethlehem, this year the entire story has a whole new meaning for me. I see it in a different light. I think I finally understanding the waiting in hope for a savior. The entire story, from the time that God made the covenant with Abraham to the birth of the Messiah finally clicks. These people were yearning for HIM. Just look at Simeon. In Luke 2 it says he was a righteous and devout man who was waiting for the consolation of Israel… waiting for the Messiah. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die till he saw His Savior. So, he’s waiting in the temple and Mary and Joseph bring Jesus and he says, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” This guy’s whole life was devoted to waiting and looking for the savior. He waited and waited and then, the savior came. How happy he must have been!

This Advent, I truly understand the meaning of this waiting. Just think of all the hymns. Think of the words to “Come thou long expected Jesus” and “O Come, O come Emmanuel.” I bet these writers had a moment like I am having this year. The light just came on for them.

A hymn I truly love is a Catholic one, at least I think it must be because I have never sung it at my non-denominational church. It’s called Waiting in Silence and I feel like this hymn says it for me when it comes to understanding Advent. I’ll share the first verse with you…

“Waiting in silence, waiting in hope; we are your people we long for you, Lord. God ever with us, Emmanuel. Come, Lord Jesus, Maranatha!”

The rest of the hymn talks about thirsting, longing and seeking for the Messiah.

That’s how it was for the Israelites. They felt they truly needed a savior and they were looking for him anywhere. They were desperate.

This should be our lives!

Let’s face it though. The Messiah came, he saved us and we go about our lives. We’re too busy to spend time with him. We’re too busy to spend time with the one who loved us so much that he would die for us. How absurd!

That was my excuse and because I am not perfect, it could be my excuse again. Then I decided this Advent that I would make time. I mean, I make time to watch a movie with Adam. I make time with read books to Ryan. I make time to play games online. I make time to cook and eat. That’s all for my physical life. And my poor spiritual life was dying. It was starving. I think my hunger brought me here though. I wanted to fully understand what I would be teaching Ryan. So, at church I picked up a Christmas devotional that was free and I can’t put it down. I had to make myself not read the entire thing the first night. But through reading that and reading the scriptures that go with it – I feel I fully understanding now.

So, Come thou long expected Jesus, o come, o come, Emmanuel!

A Picture is worth a thousand words


Well I hope so becuase the images below are filling up space and making up for not blogging very often. I hope you enjoy. Here's our Christmas tree. It's a little one this year, but it's just right. It's on a small end table so that Ben and Ryan won't destroy it =)

I clap my hands (a trick I learned from Ben) and then I eat them... yum!

"Hey, only one person at a time in the laundry basket, mum."

Ryan playing in the laundry basket.

Ryan on the move... he's good at crawling!

Ryan eating the lense cover to my camera.

Ryan eating a block.

The story is below, but here are more of the lights!

Adam took me to see Christmas lights in Lebanon on Thursday night. He saw this house on the way home from Rochester on Tuesday and wanted me to see it. I can't believe how many lights and lawn decorations these people put out. The photo doesn't even capture it all. It was COVERED. And there is a house a garage and Mike's Takeout all on the same plot that were just covered. They had every inflatable Christmas lawn decoration ever made plus tons of lights, a nativity, a santa, a grinch a sign that said "Santa stop here" and that's not even a dent into the decorations... it was pretty, but imagine the electricity bill!

THE PARTY WAS GREAT!

Just a quick update. I ended up wearing brown pants, a green/blue button up long sleeved blouse and high heels. Some people showed up in jeans. But I think the clothing I chose was just right. We had a blast! Ryan stayed with his grandparents. Anyway, we went to Anthony's in Portland, which is kind of like the Royal Dump in St. Louis. It's a dinner theater kind of thing. They sang songs from musicals like The Producers, Cats and host of others. We had a five course meal which was so yummy. We sat next to Adam's boss, rather, he sat next to us, and had a great time laughing and talking. I'm glad it's over with. Thanks for the advice. I'm glad there are people who actually read my blog!

Adam's secret Santa liked the purse I made for her (you can see it on my crochet blog) and Adam's boss was his secret Santa and gave him some really cool stuff over the four weeks. I am excited about making the fireside chili that he gave Adam.

This week Adam had yesterday and today off. We're busy working on Christmas cards and the like. Our tree is up as of Saturday and I'll have photos of that and the ever cute Ryan on here soon.

Merry Christmas to you all. And if you happen to read this and know I don't have your mailing address... send it!

Sugguestions wanted

Adam is taking me to his office party this year. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal. I mean, how hard is it to show up, mingle and eat? I guess the issue is that I haven't the slightest idea what to wear, the main reason being that I still have about 5 pounds to loose since having Ryan. Pants are too tight, a dress seems too formal and that leaves jeans. I asked Adam what we are supposed to wear and he said he called and they said something along the lines of Khakis and a sweater. I think I have three sweaters that fit, all of which I would say are frumpy, and no khakis, just jeans.

This past weekend we had to go to an event that required dressing up and I have to admit that I wore a pair of maternity pants (from the early months) and a maternity jacket that was size small so it really didn't look like one. However, the fact that they were maternity clothes just put me in a rotten mood. It'd be okay if I WERE pregnant, but I'm NOT pregnant. It's actually rather depressing.

I have no idea what to wear. I spent today, Tuesday, stressing over this issue. I want to look nice. Who doesn't? I especially want to look nice because these are my husband's co-workers and I don't want to be the frumpy-wife-who-just-had-a-baby lady. My options right now consist of that maternity outfit and a dress that is too formal. GRRR!

So it comes down to the fact of buying something or creating an outfit out of some items in the closet. Will it be black pants, a nice sweater and heels or is that still too casual? A skirt? (it's supposed to be wicked cold on Saturday, so I'm not leaning toward this option) Or??? I have no idea.

Suggestions are very welcome because I officially hate clothes!

Your Aura is Blue

Your Personality: Your natural warmth and intuition nurtures those around you. You are accepting and always follow your heart. You in Love: Relationships are your top priority, and this includes love. You are most happy when you are serious with someone. Your Career: You need to help others in your job to feel satistifed. You would be a great nurse, psychologist, or counselor.

What Color Is Your Aura?

Wow, that GC education paid off...

I GOT A CALL FROM AN OLD FRIEND...

That's the first line to a song that I once knew....

Anyway...

Last night we got a weird message on our answering machine. A woman's voice said, "Number one, it's number two. I got your message. Tag you're it. My cell phone didn't ring this time when you called. It's sitting in front of me. Hopefully you'll get this and I'll talk to you soon."

Weird huh? Neither of us know a number one and don't recall being nicknamed number two.

Anyway, that got me to thinking about friends and how bad I am at keeping in touch. Most people have blogs these days so I just read the blog. I figure, or hope, they read mine and that way, we are keeping in touch.

Let's face it though, it's just not the same. Today, I was hoping to get an e-mail from someone. Anyone. And then I got a phone call from an old friend. He's actually a former teacher turned friend who lives in Florida and is working on his PhD. We caught up as best we could. It had been almost a year since we last talked.

Then, I got on the computer again. This time I was the one writing the e-mail. If you read this blog and you haven't received an e-mail yet, expect to sometime soon. And tonight I got e-mail. It was refreshing. It was from a dear friend who I miss so much. We get along so well and now we live so far apart. I keep hoping for a new friend like her, but none just yet. The thing is, I don't think I will have a friend that is just the same. She is special in her own way and I like that about her. And we talk about things I probably wouldn't talk about with other girls.

The friend who called asked about friends here. We have some. They are nice. We get along well, but we don't go out all the time like our friends from Illinois. It seemed that with Kyle and Sarah we did something almost every week. If nothing else I would get excited about something and leave an extreemly long message on the answering machine. And well, that's kind of what made me want to write this post.

Friends, no matter what nickname you have for them, are precious and deserve more than to read your blog to find out about life. So, write a friend a note or give them a call. I'm sure they'd love to hear from you!

P.S. There's no snow here yet and I'm sad about this!

HAPPY TURKEY! I made the bib this week. I love to crochet and I thought this project was really neat. He'll only wear it a little, but it's still cute. Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving... we sure feel like we have a lot to be thankful for, not just today, but everyday. Gobble, gobble!

A year ago

A year ago this Thursday makes one year since our lives were changed by the loss of a job. I say changed because it put so many things into perspective for me. It changed the way I think about a lot of things.

The first thing I've learned is that we live and we learn. We may think we know it all, but we're learning all the while. We make good decisions and we make bad decisions and we live with those choices.

I've learned that you can make plans about how life will go and then they don't go that way at all. By the time Ryan would have been born we would have saved up enough money to easily pay the hospital bill and make it through a few months of not having a job to enjoy the new baby. Instead by January we had no money in our savings account and were wondering how we would pay the bills for the next month. I was rather tired of hearing people say that God would provide and that we'd be okay. I didn't feel any of those things at that time.

Of course I was able to get a job and still have a job and each month we make it, sometimes we make it with some money left over and other things we just get by. But I have learned that God will provide. He sees us through to the next season (1 Kings 17:10-16). Speaking of God providing, just this week Adam received a paycheck from WM. One we weren't expecting. One that will help see us through.

I've also learned that there are people in this world who truly have the mind of Christ. They take to heart those words that say we are to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty... (Matthew 25:35) even when they are in one of these positions themselves. And there are those who pray without ceasing or becoming weary of heart (thank you from the bottom of our hearts!).

I've learned that no amount of chocolate will heal wounds caused by harsh words said in the heat of the moment. Those chocolates have been given and I've eaten just about all of them. Instead, healing comes with forgiveness... and it's not always easy, especially when people often speak without thinking. But we've all done that before. We're all in need of forgivness and we all need to give that same forgivness.

I've learned that it doesn't matter how much you prepare financially, mentally or physically, NOTHING can prepare you for the love you will feel when your baby enters the world. It's an incredible love. When you hold your baby in your arms and look at him or her and feel that love, you know that no amount of money can buy that love. You don't have to think about that love... it's just there. My mother-in-law once told me that on my wedding day I might have thought I loved Adam as much as I possibly could, but that our love would grow and grow and grow. Her words are true and I feel they also apply to how I feel about Ryan. I love him more each day.

A year ago my faith was weak. But through everything I've learned I know that God is with us. My faith has grown by leaps and bounds, but I suspect that just like the love I have for Adam and Ryan will continue to grow and though I feel I cannot possibly love them more than I already do, so will my faith continue to grow, more than I can possibly know.

While last year I may have not felt I had anything to be thankful for this year I do. And I haven't just felt that thankfulness this week, I've been feeling it for a long time. It's just nice to put it into words.

THE MORNING AFTER

And Maine is still the same old place this morning. Same old govenor and no TABOR. We vote and nothing changes... no wonder people don't bother to vote (though I do plan to keep voting). So we continue with the highest taxes in the nation and a govenor who created a health care plan that is super expensive, but is for those who cannot afford regular health insurance (I laughed when I got the pamphlet on it. The plan costs $360 a month, that is more than my COBRA payment). High taxes drives people and businesses out of the state and then our economy is as bad as Louisana. Oh, and pissed with all the dumb people who voted for the Independent and Green party candidates... they know it's a wasted vote!!!

Adam says we'll eventually move to New Hampshire. I say let's hit Colorado. They have TABOR and a growing economy. Sigh.

THIS ELECTION DAY

At this particular moment in my life I am thrilled to not be working as a reporter. Election day is one of the busiest days for a reporter. At least it was that way for me. You wake up early to vote (if you haven't done an absentee ballot), visit the local polling places in your community for photos and quotes and work on other stories while waiting for the polls to close. Then the polls close and you wait for the votes to be counted. At about midnight you stumble back to the office to write up the rest of your story so you can meet deadline the next day. You get home and attempt to sleep and then get up early to go put a paper together so it's ready for the press.

This is the day reporters live for. They thrive on breaking news and election coverage, especially if they have the "scoop" on someone who is running for office. They live for deadlines and love being under pressure. At least 2/3 of the reporters I know feel this way.

This year, there were no columns about voting issues. There was no in depth interview with a town manager in hopes of understanding a ballot issue. There were no two sides of a story that had to be written. No calls were returned because no calls were made and it's wonderful!

While I miss writing for a newspaper and mingling with the people in the communities in which I once worked, I am trilled to be at home today. Instead of being the one gathering the information, I will simply absorb it as it's broadcast on the local news channel this evening or maybe tomorrow morning. I'm at home and not feeling stressed. I'm at home with Ryan and I'm not attempting to be reporter and not throw up at the same time (last year morning sickness was well underway on election day). I get to play with Ryan and Ben all day long. I get to be mommy. I love being mommy. My stressful days include a teething baby boy who can be consoled by playing choo-choo train and by being given raspberries on his tummy. My deadlines are flexible, making sure he's fed on time, that he naps and plays and has lots of cuddles.

While I enjoy my current job on this election day, I do sit here wondering who will be elected this year. A big part of me is pleading that Baldacci is ousted and that TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights, an initive to limit spending) is passed. Adam went to work this morning fearful that Baldacci will win and even though TABOR will pass, Baldacci will rewrite the entire thing this year with the legislature. We'll see about that. I still have hopes that Woodcock will win and that our super high taxes will be lowered and horrible economy will get a boost.

But I won't be waiting around at the end of the evening at a polling station in Kennebunk. Instead I will be putting little Ryan to sleep and snuggling up with Adam. Sounds so much better than getting home at 2 a.m.

Our little cutie all dressed up for a walk. His first tooth has just broken the surface today! The second is on it's way. Now to worry about being bitten in the shoulder which he uses as a teething "toy".

This was the day before Halloween. Ryan got dressed up in his bear snow suit to go on a walk with us. It's the closest he got to a Halloween costume.

Okay so there are two Halloween photos here... the other two will have to wait until later since this wonderful site is having issues this evening.

So... a McGee update:

I'm loving the weather and I am really sad that the fall leaves are, well, falling. Someone mentioned snow this weekend when I was at the doctor's office (having an allergy test and getting new asthma meds -- haven't needed an emergency inhaler in three years and on Monday I had an awful asthma attack) -- I'm not sure I am ready for the snow. If it shows up at Thanksgiving, that's good, but before seems too early.

Adam is still busy working three jobs (though I still don't count cleaning the office as a real job). We had a nice restful week with my parents and brother last week. Ben's parents (the boy I babysit for) are under contract for a house in Waterboro. They are working out what will happen if they do get it in terms of keeping me for daycare. The good thing is that the husband has to drive to Wells for work, so Sanford is on the way, which means I may keep Ben, but maybe for just three days a week instead of five (his mom has Monday's and Tuesday's off). And on Jan. 29 or Feb. 1 I will get Allison. She'll be four months then and I'm anxious for the extra money, thanks to our friend Kristen. I get to meet Allison soon, which is really exciting.

That's all the excitement for now.

This outfit was given to us for my first baby shower last Christmas. I thought Ryan was really cute in it. It says My little pumpkin on the bib and romper. We did no trick-or-treating. I don't think Ryan would have even understood. Instead we went to Mass for All Saint's day (the vigil) and Ryan screamed and screeched during the singing and prayers!

A very happy Ryan playing with Mr. Jack-o-lantern. He was wearing a shirt that had a ghost on it.

The family came for a visit. We had a nice time together. Spent a few days in North Conway and a few days in Maine. It was very nice to see them. I think this is going to be my parent's Christmas card this year... they, of course, want to show off Ryan!

Ryan was more interested in playing than having his photo taken. Oh well... he's still cute!

Ryan after eating some peas. He's not so sure what to think of them yet, but he loves rice cereal and applesauce.

The McGee's: Vanessa, Nick, Pauline, Roger, Memere, Me, Adam and Ryan! Memere is loosing her memory, so we had a small visit, which really cheered her up.

Okay, I swear we aren't bad parents. BUT, Ryan woke up on Saturday at 5 a.m., drank and bottle and wanted to play. We had to get ready to go to Brunswick, so we put him in the exersaucer to play. One minute he was squeeling in delight and the next he was fast asleep. After the photo we removed him, kissed him and put him in his carseat!

Our Friends Steve and Sarah had their second baby on Monday. Here's little Madison. She is perfectly healthy and weighed 6 lbs 10 oz and was 20 1/4 inches long.

Wildlife

Yesterday was a good day.

At first I didn't think that Saturday was going to be all that exciting. For one, I had to wake up with Adam at 5:30 and drive to Brunswick with him for work, wait around while looking in shops for 1 p.m. and then have the rest of our day together. I wasn't too happy about the early morning part, so I was dreading Saturday.

It started out bad. Ryan woke up at 5 after being stuck in the slots of the crib for the last time! We got a bumper later on Saturday to prevent this. Anyway, so it was 5, Ryan was happy and awake, I was sleepy and wishing we didn't have to go with Adam.

We got ready, got in the car and went to BK for breakfast. There was no food in the house and we needed something fast. The day began to get better... yummy food and a little coffee to wake a sleepy mumma.

On Route 4 Adam suddenly slammed on the breaks. I looked up wondering why the guy in front of us wasn't going and then followed Adam's finger to the moose. A MOOSE, A MOOSE! I have finally seen a moose in Maine.... first time ever since living here for almost three years!!!! I was beginning to think that the only moose I would ever see would be the one that's stuffed and in LL Bean. The moose was majestic. He was HUGE... as along as the car he was standing next to in the used car lot and way taller. His antlers were beautiful. I was so excited about this that I couldn't remember were we put the camera, so by the time I got it out, said moose had crossed the street and wandered into the woods. I was slightly disappointed at this, but glad to see the moose.

The day got even better. I was able to find Ryan two cute outfits (which he really needs now that it's cooler) on super sale at Carter's outlet. I just happened to be there for the 75 percent off. I wasn't going to purchase, just look and then I stumbled on huge savings. We also got an LL Bean winter hat for his HUGE head (it's 18 inches already!) for later this winter. He has hats that fit now, but we wanted to use my coupons for free stuff before it expired. So, a free hat and mittens for Ryan.

Then, I stopped by Adam's work to use the potty and they saw me and let him leave early, which allowed us to make seeing his grandmother, who hasn't been well, for a nice visit and cute family photos.

Then, while picking up the bumper at Babies R Us (no where else sells them separately) they were offering free photos at Kiddie Kandis and we took advantage of the freeness and got really awesome photos of Ryan. Of course they tried to sell us stuff too, but we just took the free stuff and may go back later for other photos.

We had dinner at Nick and Vanessa's house (Adam's brother and sister-in-law) and had a good time.

On the way home on the road by the landfill I saw a shape of some animal on the hill. I asked Adam to stop and back up so we could see it. Well, it just wasn't one, it was an entire family of deer just grazing on the hill. No photos of his wonderful moment either since it was too dark, but it was just awesome watching them. Two big ones even kissed! It was wicked cool.

So, that's our wildlife adventure on a wonderful Saturday that I had been dreading and I have no photos to prove it. But, in case you were wondering, moose do exist. I had my doubts before, but know they exist now.

Things I love about fall

I decided since fall is my favorite time of year that I would complie a short list of the things I love about this season.

I experienced my first fall in Greenville and I haven't stopped loving it yet.

1. Crunching in the leaves.
2. Fall foliage – I love how the colors are so breathtaking in purples, oranges, reds and yellows.
3. Cinnamon scented candles… and pumpkin ones too
4. White hot chocolate
5. Cooler temperatures. It's more fun walking outdoors without sweating
6. Warm comfy pj’s and slippers
7. Flannel sheets
8. Apple pie
9. Thanksgiving - a great excuse to see family and eat lots of yummy food.
10. Weenie roasts and hay rides.

Frustration and Faith

I hate it when people give you the run-around. It's been happening with this one organization for what seems like too long now. First it was that I should keep breastfeeding so I wouldn't have to get their vouchers for formula. I feel I did fairly well on the breastfeeding front, considering I pumped my milk for three months. I was sick of pumping, sick of being up around the clock to do so and felt I had done okay for the first go at it (even my doctor gave me a pat on the back, reminding me that both of our medical problems right after delivery and the ones still going on didn't set us up for a great start... we aim higher next time).

Anyway, then come to find out Ryan has issues with formula, but it's too late to turn back the clock now that the milk is dried up. So, the organization says get a prescription from good old Doc and they will make sure I get the one he can tolerate. Well, today, I show up with the script and they said I need a note of diagnosis! So very frustrating.

*Big deep breath*

On another note, I've been reading about faith. It's so easy to have faith in the good times, but when your back is up against the wall faith is hidden in the deep dark corners of life and we try to draw on other things, like logic, reason and past experience. Hebrews 11 can't say enough about the people who had deep faith in God. How would Moses know when he raised his hands that the waters would part? He just had faith and it happened. The list in that chapter is a good one. I've enjoyed reading it over and over again on my study of faith, so I share it with you so that maybe you will find a nugget of gold for yourself.

Here's Ben wearing Adam's hat. While exploring our kitchen and coat rack the hat feel on his head. Ben cried. So, I had to show him that hats are fun to play with.

Ryan was very excited to be in his exersaucer on Friday morning. He's trying to hold Louis the Lobster in his right hand =)

We also saw Fr. Dan (the priest that married us). He met Ryan for the first time. We ate wonderful double chocolate chip cookies and Maggie's Yummy Burritos.

This weekend we went apple picking with Jeremy, Maggie and their daughter Marianna.

Sarah and Kyle with Ryan.
Okay this photo of our Labor Day get together is a bit dark, but it's the only one of all of us together!

Little Ben!

BLESSINGS

This past weekend was lots of fun. Our dear friends Kyle and Sarah were visiting. We had lots of fun. We played Dutch Blitz, ate Shain's of Maine ice cream, ate at Fi Wood Chinese restaurant, had a bbq, played guitar hero, talked, talked and talked and the girls made jewlery and played with Ryan and the boys played Magic.

When Kyle and Sarah left on Monday night, Adam and I both agreed we were sad to see them leave. We had a lovely time and still agree we are, dispite distance and a bad habit of not keeping in touch, closer to them than many of our other friends. When we get together, we can talk about anything and it always seems like old times.

Sarah made new friends with Ben, the boy I babysit. I am pleased to write here that he will be around a lot longer than I was thinking. His mom said she was leaving his dad and then I suppose that changed over the weekend when he promised to go to counseling with her. I really hope things work out for them. This is her second marriage.

And, in January I will be taking care of a little girl who will be three months old then. Adam and I will be back to what it was like when I had a newspaper job, though we have some debt to take care of before it's really back to old times. I have to say we feel really blessed. God continues to provide in so many ways. We've really learned a lot about ourselves and our finances through our situation. We just never thought one of us would get fired and were one of the many people in this country who weren't saving money like we should have been. While there was money in the bank, there wasn't three months of living in the savings.

Anyway, we are just so thankful and we appreciate the many prayers that have been said for us.