Messy, Beautiful, Grateful...

Our Felicity: 3 months

2012-01-31T15:35:00.039-06:00

Today our girl is three months old...actually Dan and I disagree on this point. He says she was three months old at 12 weeks. I say she is three months old today. She was born on the 31st of October and today is the 31st of January so there you go! At any rate we both agree that for these past 90 some days our lives have been full of FeLiCiTy...

Three months...or 13 weeks and one day:

Her ears are still fuzzy and her eyes are officially brown. She smiles for real and has laughed a few times, but I am not so sure it was quite on purpose. Instead of chirps we now hear little pieces of her voice calling us from the crib. Most people say she looks just like her daddy, and her crump face still makes appearance but isn't quite as constant. She will finally tolerate two minutes or so of tummy time and can hold herself up for about five in the BuMbO.

The word of the month is most definitely HaNdS. She's grabbing her stuffed animal friends and any object hanging above her. Felicity just stares in wonder at her dainty little hands even to the point of crossing her eyes. Hilarious. But seriously I hope she never loses this sense of wonder...I hope she always finds something that causes her to marvel at the work of her Maker. It is so beautiful to see, and it makes me smile.

This month she successfully made it through Dan's ordination service and reception without a meltdown and even let us go out for a late night celebration dinner with Dan's parents. She also did a fabulous job with her first babysitters, Auntie Rina and Uncle David. We are so grateful and are looking forward to fulfilling our resolution of one date a month without our little cutie... even though we ended up talking about her most of the time :)

And finally for her newest nicknames...we affectionately call her ThE GiRl, LiTtLe CuTiE and our little PiXie. How she will ever know her real name is beyond me, but she certainly continues to uphold its meaning filling our hearts with great joy each and every day.

Our Felicity: 2 months...for real this time :)

2012-01-17T13:25:00.025-06:00

The other day Dan was commenting on how Felicity is like a time vortex. When we are with her somehow time is sucked into this swirling, whirling cloud of diapers, feedings, coos, naps and the ever-flowing fountain of milk spouting from her tiny mouth...Seconds turn into minutes that turn into hours, and before we know it a whole day or week has gotten away from us.

So before the girl is three months, I figure I should probably write down some thoughts on her second month, and hopefully at some point I'll actually be writing

about her in real time...one can hope.

Month Two with the Girl:

The BeSt thing about month two has to be the new noises our girl produces...especially when we hear them first thing in the morning as she's lying in her little crib. We call it chirping, and it sounds like she's sucking in air and squeaking at the same time. Usually it's followed by a sweet, quivery sigh that just melts our hearts!

Felicity continues to absolutely despise tummy time. She either revolts by simply keeping her head down or she starts crying two seconds after she lifts it up. I keep telling her this will help her crawl one day, but she doesn't seem to understand :)

We took our first road trip to KC for Christmas, and Felicity handled it splendidly sleeping most of the way and actually tolerating some bottle feedings to speed the trip along. The highlight was definitely having our first "conversation" to date with her at Quizno's. Love that sweet little voice!

This month Felicity successfully took her first bottle from Dan while we were at our friends' house. She attended her first ladies tea where she wore her first dress. She endured her first cold, and slept through most of Christmas morning. She did make it through opening up stockings, but that was about it. Of course she had lots of cuddle time with grandparents and her ten month old cousin Benji kissed her at least 10 times in a row...so cute! To top it off her newest cousin Lyla was born on the 22nd making this Christmas full of babies! We are looking forward to watching our little girl enjoy lots of cousin fun in the future.

After Christmas, I packed away the newborn clothes :( It was definitely sad, and it's hard to believe that this is just the beginning of saying goodbye to one season and hello to another...a good reminder to continue living in the present and treasuring these moments up in my heart. I'm so grateful for each and every one.

Our Felicity: 2 months

2011-12-31T13:00:00.033-06:00

How do you begin when the past two months feel like years and so many joys, tears, laughs, and questions have passed? I guess the beginning is a good place to start:

Felicity Renee Bailey entered our lives at 1:50 p.m. October 31, 2011 (more on that later...36 hours of labor requires it's own post or number of posts!).

Our lives are forever changed by her presence, forever more joyful, forever more terrifying, forever more grateful, forever more fun, forever more in need of wisdom and grace from God. I could go on and on...

So now to play catch up...

Month 1: "I just can't believe it. She's really ours. I never could have imagined her as wonderful as she really is." Just a few lines repeated over and over in our house the first month. We are in love, but let's be real. The first few weeks are rough, especially the first two. I don't know who cried more me or Felicity. I remember thinking I'd never prayed so much in such a little amount of time, about one topic in my whole life. Each day that passed saw the passing of my own discomfort, hormonal imbalance, and insecurity and the growing of a deep, deep love for our girl...

At two weeks we were completely taken with her dreamy eyes...coupled with her crinkly forehead, we gave her the nickname baby chimp:

Some favorite memories from month one include:

a furrowed brow from day 1. Our girl was cute + grumpy which equals CrUmPy.

Her first two nights at home she cried and wouldn't be consoled from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. It was like a three-ring circus up in here trying to find the silver bullet. Dan, my mom and I tried everything! Her pediatrician must have wanted to crack up when Dan and I asked him what was wrong with our newborn because she cried all night. He told us that her days and nights were mixed up and time would help. He then looked at Felicity and with all seriousness, in his Korean accent said: "You make your mommy crazy!"

Time with grandparents: the first week my mom and I were up with her at 3 a.m. I was crying because of all of her crying and all of a sudden we heard these loud sucking, smacking noises. She was going to town on her fist as I bounced her up and down. I've never laughed and cried so much at 3 a.m.! Pa Pa Jim and Grandma Thresa came around week three. I'll never forget how she followed my dad across the room with her little eyes as he put together our new IKEA storage. The week of Thanksgiving Grandpa Darrel, Grandma Val and Uncle Ben came to celebrate with us. She practically slept all of Thanksgiving day. Grandpa held her all through dinner. She was completely out!

Overwhelmed with gratitude: There are no words that could fully express the love and support we have felt from our friends, family and church family. Every time I thought the encouraging words, meals and gifts were at their end more would show up. I can't imagine going through this transition without the support of others. It is truly beautiful and a challenge for me to do the same for others. Thank you for every kind word, note, gift, prayer, and meal. We are so grateful and humbled by your generosity.

Out and about: The first time I took Felicity to Target I was doing my normal check: keys, phone, license, money. I suddenly had the feeling that I needed some sort of document to give me permission to take her out! I also remember feeling afraid that I had left her somewhere as I drove home. I can't tell you how many times I double checked that she was in the back seat. I will also never forget the first time I took her to ladies bible study. Picture this: a room full of women and a newborn baby. Do I even have to explain why this was one of the most hilarious things I have ever seen?

Bed time: One of our favorite times with Felicity is the bed time routine. We swaddle her up, pray for her, sing to her, and then make her watch mommy and daddy kiss :) It's a mystery to us but for some reason she just stares at us with those dreamy eyes, a cute little baby burrito, we turn the lights down and usually don't hear another sound from her until she's ready to eat again. It's truly amazing.

I could keep going, but this 2 month post is starting to get too long, and I haven't even gotten to her second month. I guess I just want to bottle up every little bit so I can hold on to it forever. Month two will have to wait for another day. I don't want to miss any more of today to tell you about yesterday :)

Treasuring every moment that I can,

Katie

Crock Pot Baby

2011-10-25T14:22:00.007-05:00

It seems our little lady is a SloW CooKeR. Her daddy affectionately referred to her as a crock pot baby yesterday :) We can't wait to meet her, but we're so grateful for the extra time to rest, nest, and enjoy each other. It's crazy to think a new season is about to begin. It has been a beautiful six years together...

...but Dan's ready to play with his little girl...

...and I just can't wait to hold her...

The AnTiCiPaTioN is truly beautiful...I can hardly wrap my mind around what lies ahead!

31 weeks and the quintessence of pregnant...

2011-08-27T19:02:00.022-05:00

It all started at the beginning of week 31 when I declared to our friends that the Moose Tracks ice cream in our freezer was FrOsT BiT and they might want to try another option. From then on it seems this week has been a series of events that confirm that we are at the height of this journey called pregnancy...impulse buys, less brains, more body, and many, many laughs!

Next came my first nesting purchase: the ExTenDaSauRuS:

This is the type of thing my husband usually brings home, and I roll my eyes and laugh,

but there was no stopping me when I saw this baby. I just couldn't help myself. Goodbye unreachable dust, cobwebs, etc.

This week also marked the first week of school. I have to say going to school with my sweet baby girl makes it so much more fun.

Thinking I had more than enough room to scooch by this poor boy in my class, I definitely underestimated my GiRtH. Before I knew it my belly was crashing into this poor boy. Of course all of the kids watching were giggling, and the whole class burst into laughter while I declared to said embarrassed fifth grader, "You've just been BeLliEd!"

Us on the first day of school.

Then there was the day I was grocery shopping at Caputo's and the chocolate covered CaNnoLiS just happened to be screaming at me from the bakery case. Needless to say I was done for:

Perhaps the most exemplary moment occurred at our dinner out at Chick-fil-A. Of course I was ravenous, but for some reason I couldn't seem to bring myself to get anything but those itsy, bitsy chicken nuggets. They're just too good to pass up so naturally when my dear husband left to go get a cup of water and Chick-fil-A sauce, I snuck a significant BiTe of his spicy chicken sandwich. Lucky for me my dear husband is often in some sort of dream land and suspected nothing when he returned. I thought I was in the clear until the end of our meal when this dear, sweet lady approached our table:

Dear, sweet lady: When are you due? You're just too cute.

Me: Aww, thanks. October 21st.

Dear, sweet lady: Yah, my husband and I were just sitting over there cracking up when he left, and you took a big bite of his sandwhich. I said to my husband, "Oh NO she DiDn"T"!

Dan: (very confused, not connecting the dots as to what dear, sweet lady is talking about)

Me: (cracking up at this point because clearly I've been caught)

Dan: (look of shock realizing the crime committed against him.)

Dear, sweet lady to Dan: Now you be nice to her and give her whatever she wants!

I still can't believe I got BuSteD. Unbelievable. Hysterical.

Basically Dan summed it up well when on the last day of week 31 he nonchalantly confessed, "I keep expecting the non-pregnant version of you to show up."

Thanks babe. I think it's going to be awhile until she returns. In fact, it's hard for me to believe she really ever existed. I guess we'll just have to keep laughing at the preggo version until the non-pregnant one decides to make a come back. : )

Hot Mess

2011-07-20T19:26:00.024-05:00

What do you do when there's a heat index of 110 degrees, neither of your cars have a/c and you're 6 months pregnant?...

1. You stay inside (of course) and have no choice but to come face to face with the guest bedroom you filled to the brim with all of the stuff you eradicated from your little girl's new room...

Baby girl's room...

Stuff you need to deal with that used to be in Baby Girl's room now transplanted to guest room...

2. Or you might step outside for a split second right after you get ready for the day because you realize week 26 is almost week 27, and thorough documentation of this pregnancy is worth the heat...

And yes, as a pregnant lady, this documentation must occur the split second after you're ready for the day because within minutes, it seems you're in shambles no matter how hard you try to hold it all together. If you wait too long you'll very likely have sweat, frizzy hair, some part of your clothes twisted or in the completely wrong place, and most definitely something spilled on your belly...ShAmBleS!

3. And if you really need to get out: grab as many ice packs as you possibly can, sit on them, shove them under your clothes, and be okay with the fact that your husband thinks you are insane...at least you're not burning up :)

4. Finally, thank God for ice cream, a house with a/c, and the fact that you're only 6 months pregnant instead of 8 or 9...

Fourth of July Fun

2011-07-05T10:11:00.037-05:00

We had a lovely holiday with friends, family, and our itty bitty firecracker :) ...

(24 weeks)

Giving thanks to the One who gives us freedom...

Interdependence Day with our Bloomingdale Church Family...

Fourth of July Breakfast...

Fernandez Fun...

Fireworks with the Rich/Murray/Riems...

Twins...

The End.

Like Christmas...

2011-06-13T21:57:00.014-05:00

Tonight I feel all of the wonder, magic, and anticipation of a child on the eve of Christmas. I can hardly believe that tomorrow we will get to see the form of our little baby. Little legs, tiny arms, a beautiful baby silhouette...

The last time we saw the baby was at 7 weeks, and he or she was no more than a tiny dot.

Needless to say it's going to be especially difficult to sleep swimming in the great JoY welling up in me...

The DaDdy is just a little bit excited too...

Other highlights of this past weekish (week 20 and 21)...

Lying in bed the night before the last day of school I felt the baby's nudging from the outside for the first time. I couldn't stop giggling even though Dan was next to me sound asleep.

Walking around our lake a perfect stranger asked "When's baby due?" There's definitely no hiding this baby anymore! In fact I'm wondering how he or she is going to fit in my shorty torso!

It's official. My jeans no longer fit, but I think we've finally made it to summer so I won't have to buy huge pants until fall :) Living in stretchy skirts, dresses, and my one pair of shorts that actually fit!

Reading and praying the Psalms for our baby.

Dan says he thinks he will be much better with the actual human being than pregnancy ;) In our house you will often hear him refer to me as Artemis the fertility goddess and ask me questions about my "gut". He's lucky to be so funny because not every man could get away with such comments!

Goodbye Bulldog. Hello Summer.

2011-06-07T19:32:00.032-05:00

Messy: It has been a hard year to say the least. Sometimes saying less is best, and this has been one of those years as far as school goes.

This AmAziNg card from my sweet friend Allison

pretty much sums it up. Basically she has the GiFt of finding the perfect card always:

Beautiful: Since August I've donned the bulldog Monday through Friday, and today the bulldog is officially off of this girl's skirt...It is a beautiful day indeed!

Grateful: I know that this trying year is serving it's purpose in refining this messy soul. We shall see what fruit it will yet bear. As for now, I'm grateful for the many times I was able to rely on the ONE greater than anything my 31 could throw at me for help and comfort. I'm grateful for the FoRgiVeNesS He continued to offer me on those many days I relied on my own strength instead of His. I'm grateful for my patient husband who graciously listened to my daily woes. And finally I'm grateful friends like Allison who pray, listen, and always seem to be there (with reinforcements) when I'm on the brink of losing my SaNiTy.

So Goodbye bulldog, hello summer! I will not miss you. I much prefer the poodle...And just because we're saying goodbye to the bulldog, it does not mean that our Ben and Jerry's days are over. There's always a place for ChErRy GaRcIa, always...

Mama Drama

2011-05-31T17:04:00.021-05:00

Messy: So this morning started off swimmingly...actually felt exceedingly joyful, energetic, and peaceful. When I got to school, I headed to my mobile as usual, but as I began preparing for the day something didn't feel right. My stomach ached, my head was spinning and heat rushed through my body. I knew I had to get out of my mobile and into the building, but I was afraid I wouldn't make it. I made my way to the building, but had to stop and sit on the pavement. My heart was RaCiNg, and I knew this feeling all too well. The same feeling I had as a freshman in high school before I face planted on the corner of my grandma's coffee table, out cold...

Somehow I pulled it together and made my way into the commons. I MurMuReD words about being sick and needing the bathroom while the head custodian and lunch lady filled me with orange juice, led me in breathing exercises and practically carried me to the bathroom.

I was shocked when minutes later I was feeling MuCh better and ready to carry on with the day. However, that quickly changed when 40 minutes later the scene replayed again. This time I went to the office, and in a matter of moments 6 paramedics and many colleagues who quickly jumped into MoM MoDe were attending to my every need. After refusing the ambulance, Dan came and took me home where I remained on the couch until our appointment this afternoon.

Beautiful: It's amazing how data, lesson plans, and behavior issues seem so meaningless in a moment like this. The anxieties of a regular school day FaDe and colleagues become moms, friends and nurses all at once. The love and care I felt in this silly little moment was tremendous.

Lying on the couch, each little baby fluttery flip brought a deep sense of peace and joy after such a DrAmAtiC morning. Now more than ever I'm realizing the great gift within me. I can't quite put it to words, but I know that this chaos has brought me to a place of deeper connection with our little baby.

I felt like a mommy for the first time today. The doctor was searching for the heart beat in all the wrong places, and I knew exactly where our baby was, not on the sides but in the center. Sure enough when she finally moved to the center the 132 rhythm filled the air and my heart. How beautiful to think that those tiny flutters are felt by me and me alone, what a gift.

Grateful: So many dear ones carried me today. Our downstairs neighbor Jen found Dan when I could not reach him, Ontarioville School became a family to me, and the paramedics were so kind. Though I did not call out to the Lord for help in the midst of the chaos, He answered me.

Before you call, I answer.

All of this happened before the kids came, I was able to make it inside and find people, and our little baby is safe, content, and fluttering more than ever. Stealing away all of my iron must be giving little Bailey a BoOsT of energy :)

Lord you are good. Thank you for being with us today.

For Real

2011-05-22T16:04:00.022-05:00

We are at 18 weeks with this little baby, and to be quite honest, I still don't believe we're even having a baby at times!

I'd have to say that the inability to believe it all is the most

surprising part of this whole adventure so far. I never would have imagined I'd be finding it so hard to fathom that God is creating this little life inside of me at this point in the pregnancy. It truly is a mystery, a miracle.

This week Dan looked at me and said, "You're huge! This isn't fake anymore." :) I guess after nearly six years of just us, the idea of three of us is something that will take a little getting used to.

This is for real.

Here is a picture at 18 weeks. In the words of one of my little darlings at school:

"Wow Mrs. Bailey! Your baby grew!"

This picture was taken at a picnic Dan and I had at a local forest preserve. What you don't see is the three geese that were encircling us the whole time nibbling on our blanket...crazy, bold birds!

Week 18:

Symptoms: daily headaches, difficulty sleeping (can't seem to figure out where that bottom arm goes when you sleep on your side?!?!...still perplexed even after Dan gave me a tutorial)

Food Aversions: still cannot handle anything with tomato or heavy seasoning

Cravings: none to speak of

Reading: Baby Wise

Looking Forward To: June 14th...we find out if our little baby is a boy or a girl!

New this week: It's actually beginning to feel like summer! Grateful for chances to be outside and be active...especially since I'm already feeling rather large...

The Daddy: This baby's daddy is officially the Reverend D. Joseph Bailey. Congrats love!

The Mommy: Loving that there are only two and a half more weeks of school. Woot!

Connecting: Reading and praying scripture over our little one. For some reason I'm drawn to the prophets. Hmm...

13 Weeks and 1 day...

2011-04-16T18:31:00.042-05:00

For the most part the last 8 weeks are a BluR. I have been in survival mode, just doing enough to get by...I am so grateful that the nausea and fatigue have subsided since last Friday. When my friend Marina told me that it would end "like that". I really didn't believe her, but she was right. It's like 12 weeks came and BOOM! It was gone...at least I'm hoping it's gone for good. I still don't actually enjoy eating how I did pre-pregnancy, but I don't despise it either...which is a HUGE blessing!

For 13 weeks, here are 13 little bits of life with baby...

1. Someone told me to get through the sickness, they hung a CuTe little baby outfit above them so here's what I've been staring at while lying in bed...

2. Week 10 Dan's parents came for a lovely visit. They were so sweet to bear with my tummy and tiredness. Thank you mom and dad Bailey for LoUnGiNg around with us and being such gracious parents! Next time I promise I'll cook for you, and we can go to restaurants that smell like food :)

3. The day after I told my principal I'm pregnant, my mobile ramp CoLlaPseD with myself and all of the children on board! Everyone was ok, but you can imagine her concern...

4. I told my class I was pregnant the day after their fifth grade How Boys and Girls Change lesson. It only seemed appropriate ;) (it actually just happened to be 12 weeks). The looks on their little faces were priceless! Now the girls just StaRe at my midsection whenever I walk by, and everyday they ask me if I want a boy or a girl and what I will name the baby. Some of them are actually hoping I'll choose their name.

5. The baby is currently the size of a medium-sized shrimp. This DisTuRbS me for some reason. Last week's lime was much more appealing! I much prefer the fruit comparison.

6. We've started perusing baby names whenever we get the chance, but I'm amazed at how NoThiNg really seems to stand out. The reality of our child living with the name forever really changes the game. I'm so glad we've got some time to mull it over. Praying that it just HiTs us. We shall see...

7. We ArE going to find out if Baby Bailey is a Boy or a Girl. :)

8. I'm so thankful for dear friends who are already sharing their wealth of WiSdoM and resources. I have a good amount of books that I'm currently borrowing. Here's my favorite:

Good luck Dan :) I'm sure you will be ReLeVanT in the midst of it all!

9. We switched over to a Midwifery...and since this is the first thing everyone asks when I say this...here's the answer: No, we're NoT planning to give birth in our home!

10. Hormones are RaGiNg! One minute I'm balling as Julie Andrews introduces The Sound of Music, and the next I'm so angry that it's snowing in April! Poor Dan. I have to say he is doing a good job of stepping into the chaos...
11. At EleVeN weeks our baby graduated from embryo to fetus, and we saw a baby bump for the first time! I was getting ready for bed doing my regular stand in front of the mirror and suck-in routine when suddenly...there was something there that CoUldn'T be sucked-in! I started laughing in a giddy sort of way, and could not stop! Dan watched wide-eyed and amazed...

12. Things I can't stand: Chinese food, anything tomatoey, Coca-Cola (major shocker!), sharp cheeses (also astounding!), and the SmElL of any ethnic food (so sad:() Things I can't live without: apples, oatmeal, lots of water, naps, hugs and encouraging scripture.

13. And finally the thing that has been beyond what I ever imagined is sharing our JoY with others and having them ShaRe in it with us. Maybe I'm just extra emotional, but seeing our friends and family light up when we tell them has truly been overwhelming in the best way. We are so blessed, so grateful.

9 Weeks, 2 Days

2011-03-22T19:28:00.013-05:00

A typical day in my 7 weeks until now life...

Wake up at 6:45 (that's 45 minutes after my arrival time at school in a not pregnant state!)

Consume half of my Kashi bar in bed dreading the second sounding of the alarm and feeling sorry for Dan having to hear my, "Crunch, crunch. Heavy breathing. Crunch, crunch".

Roll out of bed and get ready for the day only to get back in bed from 7:20-7:40.

Arrive at work, pray really hard for strength and energy to make it through six hours with my 30 darlings.

10:00 a.m. STARVING. Make my way over to the closet in my classroom, pretend to get books, but chomp down as many pretzels as possible hoping for once my students aren't paying attention to me!

12:00 LUNCH...YES! Try to act as normal as possible feeling too sick and tired to engage in normal teacher's lounge banter and hoping no one comments on the absence of my daily Coca-Cola.

Pray my way through the last hour and 45 minutes of school and dash out the door with the kids...never thought I would succumb to this, but Dan says I have 30 kids to take care of for 3 more months and one kid to take care of for 18 years....It's time to prioritize though I do think 18 years sounds a bit too short :)

3:00 Nausea and exhaustion...down for the count!

Needless to say these are crazy days, but I've never been so grateful and excited to be exhausted and sick...Who knew a little baby, the size of a grape could require so much energy! I guess God is using all of my gusto for this little baby...And I'm okay with that. :)

Week Eight

2011-03-16T19:33:00.032-05:00

It's difficult to even know where to begin. We've been waiting and praying for this for 13 months, and now that it's here, it's hard to believe it's true. I guess with each passing day of feeling nauseous and exhausted the reality sets in a bit deeper, but to think that God is knitting together an eternal soul within me is completely mind boggling!

Today marks eight weeks and three days. The days are long, but the time is flying by so quickly. Most days I find myself wanting to nothing but sleep, and my phone alarm clock has become my new best friend. So far my only craving has been french toast with strawberries and powdered sugar. I woke up one Saturday morning and had to have it!

Some days I feel like a little pooch is beginning to show, but it seems to come and go...must be bloating. I keep telling myself not to worry about the scale, but it is going up more quickly than I imagined. I'm totally not taking the "I'm eating for two" mentality, but I find that eating every three to four hours is a must to manage the tummy aches.

At this point, the next big step is finalizing our doctor/midwife options. We're praying for clarity and confidence in our choice. So many things to consider...yet, I still find myself asking, "Is this for real?"

Top Ten of the first Eight Weeks

1. Dan's expression walking out of the bathroom with the test.

2. Baby's first dance party at Nita and Adrian's wedding.

3. Sharing the JOY with friends and family.

4. Dan's nightly talks to the baby always beginning or ending with, "This is the Daddy".

5. Popsicles and crackers in bed.

6. Praying for our baby as he or she develops.

7. Baby's first gifts from Grandma Kathy and the Murray's

8. First doctor's appointment and picture of our peanut.

9. 3 Saturdays in a row of Bailey family drama.

(Julie and Alex's wedding, Baby Benji, We're Pregnant!)

10. Gratitude for God's perfect timing.

Eight Weeks...Let the belly documentation begin!

I Love You Truly...

2011-02-14T18:24:00.016-06:00

This summer Dan and I headed to St. Louis to celebrate my grandparent's 65th wedding anniversary with the whole family.

We surprised Grandma Betty and Grandpa Wayne by singing a song that was sung at their wedding years ago. It goes like this...

I love you truly. Truly, dear....

Life with its sorrows, life with its tears.

Fades into dreams when I feel you are near...

For I love you truly. Truly, dear...
This Valentine's Day I'm so grateful for my husband who loves me and my grandparents enough to wear my grandpa's old, wool, supper skinny uniform in 100 degree weather :)

I am grateful for the beautiful example of love shown to me by my grandparents these 28 years.

I am grateful for the love of Jesus Christ that allows me to truly love each day.

Happy Valentine's Day dear friends. May your hearts overflow with love this day and always...

Blizzard 2011: Compounders Unite

2011-02-12T13:00:00.001-06:00

Some of you may not know that Dan and I basically live on what we affectionately call the CoMpOuNd. We and several other young pastors serve at Bloomingdale Church and live in its parking lot :)

This is what we see outside our front door after a BliZzArD:

...And this is the front of our house after a blizzard...
We are so blessed to live and work with some of the most AmAziNg people EVER. Though our schedules often don't align because of school, work, and differing ministries, when we do get together, our times are sweet.

The morning after the BliZzArD just happened to fall on Dan's shoveling day at the church. Here he is all suited up and ready to go, a daunting task before him...Nice boots eh?
You can imagine our delight to see fellow compounders making there way out of their toasty homes, battling the cold and mountains of snow to help with the shoveling operation...

Here's Amber, QuEeN of the Compound:

Jen and Marcello shoveling away...
Our downstairs neighbors. CuTe roommates :)
And we certainly cannot forget our friend Larry who technically doesn't live here but may as well with all the SnOw we've had this winter...We love you Larry! Even if you do try to run us over for fun ;)
With many hands, the load was much easier to bear.

When the job was complete, we even took a minute to stop and say hello to Pastor David and Marina who we'd like to think were watching and laughing at us from FloRiDa on the surveillance cameras...
We even had a little time to play...

All in all it was a brilliant day despite the nearly two feet of snow and the ensuing HaT HaIr...
Lovely, isn't it?

Thank you friends for making this blizzard so much fun and relieving my husband of a heavy burden. We are so grateful for you! Here's to you and the glorious goodness of life on the CoMpOunD...

A Christmas Tour

2011-01-02T13:08:00.024-06:00

Dear Grandma,

I took these photos for you. Dad said you would like to see some decorations...Plus, they are one of my favorite parts of Christmas at dad's house. Always so BeAutIfuL...

For anyone who is not my grandma, I hope you enjoy too.

This is my favorite tree with the top hat :)

Here is Molly sitting in her chair. She's really not supposed to be there, but she just fits so well I couldn't bear to reprimand her...

The dining room...

The living room or family room (I never know which name is correct) and Isabelle...

The family room/living room...I love the chair legs. So fun. :)

And the game room/extra sleeping space when the house is full (hence the mattress)...

One of my favorites, but it doesn't stand a chance of being in anything but a state of complete ChAoS. You can imagine why...

And that's all I've got. Hope you enjoyed the tour Grandma (and anyone else who made it this far).

Love,
Katie

R.O.Y. G. B.I.V.

2010-11-07T17:01:00.023-06:00

This Halloween we went to a CoLoR PaRtY. If you weren't here to experience the FuN, I highly recommend borrowing this ingenious idea from our super cute friend AmY...

All you need are some CoLorFuL decorations...

Colorful SnAcKs...

I personally adore these scrumptious WhOoPiE PiEs made by our other adorable friend MeLiSsA...
Of course you need colorful GaMes like CoLoR PicTiOnArY. Thank you PaUl...

And last but certainly not least, you will need some colorful people...

StYliSh...
...or RiDicUloUs will do...

That's really all it takes to have tons of FuN...

P.S. Squeezing everyone into an extremely PiNk bathroom also helps...

The End

No More Magic Door

2010-09-26T19:06:00.039-05:00

So I haven't quite FalLeN off the face of the earth...at least not yet. I've just been consumed by Mobile #5 and the 31 little darlings inside. Here's a picture of my dad and Dan checking out my MoBiLe back in August...
Dan suggested that I announce to the parents at curriculum night that class in the mobile will begin at 10 a.m. and end promptly at 2:00 p.m..... He's brilliant basically :)

I'm enjoying my 31, and of course I absolutely love teaching the BeSt grade EvEr...FifTh, but I am missing my dear friends at Spring Trail and the students and families there.

What follows is a photo of how extremely sad I am to not have my friend LiZ next door to me this year.

Every day I drink from this beautiful cup that she passed on to me when I was leaving last year.
It was given to her from the wonderful teacher who retired and left Spring Trail before I arrived, and every time I drink from it I remember how Liz could always make me laugh on really difficult days, took care of me when I needed a rain coat or to be told to go home, let me unload my life, and made sure I kept wearing HeEls and BliNg...She's amazing, and I miss her terribly.
I'm so grateful for the privilege of teaching on her team and sharing the MaGiC door between our classrooms for a time. Having a new job is a blessing, but it's just not the same without her...I miss you Liz!

And so it Begins...

2010-08-12T17:11:00.000-05:00

Not sure Dan knew what a CoMmiTmEnT marrying a teacher would be...

He moved 20 or so boxes of my stuff from our garage into my new mobile...what you don't see is the additional boxes of previous teachers' sTuFf he moved out of my mobile so that our sweet custodian wouldn't have to do it. She was grateful and so am I. Boxes and boxes of books are NoT pleasant...

Unpacking and Organizing. Yikes!

And this my friends is how you cope...

Thank you to our new friend Jim for this FaBuLoUs mix. It made the sweltering heat and endless boxes much more bearable :)

After a week of this, I forgot to take an after shot. I just wanted to get out of there and take in what bit of summer remains...

I'm sure there will be more than enough time to enjoy the finished product of Mobile 5 come August 23rd, but until then I'm keeping my distance!

Ree and Katie

2010-08-06T23:10:00.036-05:00

Our friends Nita and Adrian gave us a fabulous gift for our FiFtH anniversary: The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond...My new obsession :) Thanks guys...

It's a BriLLiaNt gift really because I love any excuse to wear my favorite apron, try new ingredients like leeks and kosher salt, hang out with people I love, and eat DeLiciOuS food.

It's good for Dan too because he thinks I'm cute in my apron...Plus he likes trying new things and hanging out with some of our FaVoRiTeS while devouring yummy food...

It even made coming home from vacation a bit less PaInfuL knowing great times were to be had in my kitchen with PW, Nita and Adrian and my beloved.

My first aTteMpT: Potato-Leek Pizza and Hot Artichoke Dip...

RaVeNoUs...

Ahh MuCh better now...Round Two: chicken spaghetti...

And for my third PW meal: SpIcY pulled pork with mom...and HoT artichoke dip AgAiN(because it's just that wonderful)...

So far sooooo GoOd... I only wish I could have each of YoU over to enjoy some cooking by me and Ree...but mostly Ree. I just do what she tells me, and it all seems to work out :)

Drive By

2010-07-02T21:54:00.011-05:00

Today we had the pleasure of seeing Uncle Patrick, Aunt Natalie and my four AmAzInG cousins. We had a delightful lunch at one of Chicago's favorites, Portillo's :)

Italian beefs, cheese fries, chocolate cake and laughs were had...

My FaBuLouS cousins...

So FuNnY....

Aunt Natalie, it was so good to see you in person. Until we meet again blogging will have to do!

Thanks so much for dropping by for a drive by lunch...Dan and I truly enjoyed our time with your family. Our time was SwEeT though it was short and lacking in sweet tea ;) Love you guys!

The End

P.S. I think this blog post with pictures may have taken me less time than one of Uncle Patrick's Tweets :)

Fun Five

2010-06-30T14:58:00.017-05:00

For pretty much every special occasion Dan and I have a tradition of getting at least two cards to honor the event...one serious and one FuNnY.

This year when I was picking out my FuN card, one particular card ScReAmEd, "I'm the one!!" It was the PeRfeCt card...At the same time, I thought to myself, "If Dan sees this one, he won't be able to resist!"

And guess what? I was right about both things. Amazingly enough Dan did get the same card...

...and it was the PeRfeCt card because I'm definitely loving this man...

...until I CrOaK :)

The End

All Packed

2010-06-11T09:51:00.011-05:00

Here lies my classroom (minus the peat moss and charcoal)...all packed up and ready for a new adventure come AuGuSt...

...but for now it's Bye, Bye Spring Trail :(...HELLO Summer :)...

A Reason to Celebrate...

2010-06-10T10:53:00.056-05:00

Here is our BeAuTifuL friend NiTa and her good BoYfrIeNd Adrian...he's our friend too, but for this story, I feel like the title good boyfriend is more fitting :)...

We were thrilled when Nita told us that she was going to be baptized...our excitement grew even more when Adrian told us that he would be throwing Nita a SuRpRisE party to celebrate this glorious occasion...see, I told you he was a good boyfriend ;)

Of course I was also excited for a good excuse to try my hand at making one of Martha Stewart's exquisite CaKeS...

....oh how I LoVe thee lemon curd...

...did you know that I have an oBsEsSiOn with layer cakes?...
...I digress.

After a slight scare with the baptismal tank, followed by several people hauling in BuCkeTs of water to fill it, Nita shared her beautiful StOrY of Jesus' power and love in her life and her desire to LiVe for him...plunged in to the waters and raised from their depths, she painted the picture of His transforming grace offered to each one of us...the old is gone, the new has come...I can't think of a better reason to CeLeBrAtE...

So we did...

Thanks be to God for great friends, His work in their lives, and their good boyfriends who know how to throw fun parties... We love you Nita and Adrian!

My Husband the Birder...

2010-06-07T17:43:00.033-05:00

Bird Man Dan on the lookout for his new found ObSeSsIoN...

He BeCKoNs them...Come forth ye birds or the AiR...

Delving into to the DePtHs of many DuPage County Forest Preserves....

Taking note of the ExQuIsIte songs, colors, size, flight patterns, and markings of these MaRvEloUs winged creatures...

Satisfied with his findings for the day, this BiRd MaN leaves with a smile having enjoyed a delightful afternoon with his wife and new found FeAthErEd friends...

The End

My 28

2010-05-29T13:23:00.007-05:00

Worlds MoSt BeSt teacher...They make me smile...even if their grammar is a little interesting:)

Back in It...

2010-05-22T21:13:00.027-05:00

Okay, so today as I was checking out one of my friend's blogs I noticed on the sidebar that the last time I posted was over a month ago. That made me sad, and I just wasn't okay with this realization so....I told myself I just needed to post something today...AnYtHiNg...just to get back in it because I've been missing this hobby of mine, and I just can't seem to post because I feel like there's a long list in my mind of things I ShOuLd post, but I haven't had the time to be thoughtful, creative, concerned with grammar etc....So... since I don't have the time to think much about it, I'm not going to fix my ridiculously long run on sentence above. Instead I'm just going to post my something without making it perfect because if it has to be perfect I won't be posting until school's out, and I just can't accept that :)

So here's my post...

One day in April I came home from work to find that Dan received free tickets to Da' Bulls...

Upon arriving we were super excited to take our picture with Michael Jordan :)

....and this guy with his humongous arm span...

Of course going to an event like this is never really free...nachos are a must...

We couldn't believe it when Scottie Pippen made his Hall of Fame appearance...the crowd went wild and so did we...

To top it off the Bulls even won :) and this guy had his all time top score...

It was an unexpected night of fun even though I almost cried when everyone was laughing at the guy on the Celtics who accidentally scored for the Bulls...It was so sad :(

The End

Thirst

2010-04-02T23:05:00.021-05:00

This is the sermonette Dan shared at our Good Friday service tonight. I asked him if I could post it because I found it an inspiring and powerful portrayal of the messy yet beautiful death of our Savior for you and me...

As you sit in silence in this place tonight, I invite you to search your heart. Are you thirsty? Does your heart thirst for something greater than this world has to offer? Are you tired of dwelling in a dry and weary land where there is no water? Then come with me to a place called Golgotha, the place they call “skull”. Come with me to the foot of the cross—the driest desert but also the deepest stream.
Our passion narrative for tonight comes from the gospel of John, chapter 19, verses 17-18 and 28-30.

So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17Carrying his own cross, he went out
to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18Here they
crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
28Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would
be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." 29A jar of wine vinegar was there, so
they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and
lifted it to Jesus' lips. 30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is
finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Nailed to the cross, Jesus was aware that he had accomplished everything his Father sent him to do. Everything spoken about him in the scriptures had come to pass. There are at least 100 prophetic scriptures which speak of the Messiah’s ministry. Here is a sampling of five especially relevant to tonight (all written between 700-1,000 years before his birth).

Is 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar
with suffering.
Indeed, Jesus was rejected by his very own people, traded for the murderer, Barabbas, that they might put him to death.

Ps 41:9 Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who sared my bread, has
lifted up his heel against me.

Indeed, Judas, one with whom he no doubt shared countless meals, conversations, and journeys betrayed him for thirty pitiful silver coins.

Is 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is
silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Indeed, as Jesus stood before his accusers, he did not defend himself, though certainly he could have. He listened to their twisted stories in silence, content to wait for his Father to vindicate him when the time was right.

Is 50:6 I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to
those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.

Indeed, the very ones Jesus loved and even created flogged him, jeered at him, and spit upon him; and though he had hosts of heaven at his command, he endured it in love for those he came to save.

Finally, Ps 22 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of
joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. Dogs have
surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands
and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.

Indeed, they nailed him to the cross, cold iron penetrating skin and nerves. He was lifted up, the weight of his whole body supported by jagged spikes, his raw back grating against splintery wood. Heaving and writhing in pain, they continued to mock him; and even in his stupor of mind-numbing pain, his most natural response was to bless and not curse, to offer forgiveness to the very ones who produced his agony.
Knowing that he had accomplished the totality of the mission for which he was sent, Jesus uttered a very simple yet deeply profound and ironic statement: “I thirst,” he said. Now to be sure, he was experiencing a physical thirst beyond what any of us could ever imagine. Scourged, forced to carry his own cross, crucified, and hanging beneath the blazing Jerusalem sun, he would have been parched beyond belief. As the Psalmist prophesied, “My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.” But it would seem that there is even more in this simple statement, a deeper thirst even than that produced by his physical agony. Here on the brutal cross, deep in his soul he thirsted for the first time for the presence of his Father, but found none to quench him. Thirsting for God, he found the cross to be a “dry and weary land where there is no water. As Jesus took on himself the sin of the world, the Father hid his face from the Son and poured out on him the wrath we deserved for our sin. And so the cry of his God-parched soul recorded in another place was, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Tragic and yet beautiful irony: this one who offered living water to the masses, this one who promised that those who drank his water would never thirst again, now found himself cutoff from the fountain of life, cutoff from the very source of living water. And he did this for us, friends—for you and for me. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” He was punished that we might be pardoned. He experienced hell, that we might be spared its torment. He was made sin, that ours might be washed away. He was poured out, that we might be filled. His soul thirsted in vain for God that we might drink from the river of the waters of life.
And after he did all of this for us; with a loud victory cry he announced, “It is finished!” And he gave over his spirit to the care of God. When after his death the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, blood and water flowed out like a fountain—a symbol of his undying love and one last offer of living water to all who thirst.
And so, as we sit encircled around this cross tonight, I close how I began. Are you thirsty? Does your heart thirst for something greater than this world has to offer? Are you tired of dwelling in a dry and weary land where there is no water? Then hear the words of the one who died in thirst to offer you living water. Today is the day to receive him and drink deeply of his salvation.
It is finished!
I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End.
To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.
Let anyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.
Amen.

Sunday Afternoon...

2010-03-28T16:28:00.005-05:00

I just couldn't help myself. I love this man and the sweet peace and rest of Sunday afternoon...

Ready...Set...Sew!

2010-03-24T12:49:00.015-05:00

Today's the day...I can hardly contain myself! I kind of can't believe it's true, and I don't think I'll really believe it until it's over...I'm learning to sew!

Hopefully by the end of the day...

I won't be so intimidated by this,

this bag of notions (?) won't seem so mysterious,

and something wonderful will be made from all of this!

I have a feeling I'm being a bit ambitious, but we shall see...

Twins

2010-03-23T18:44:00.010-05:00

Of course I was sleeping in long after Dan today because I'm on SpRiNg BrEaK :) We were ever so surprised to find that we were TwInS when he came home for lunch...I guess it was just the perfect day for green and grey...

It turns out it was also a great day for taking ridiculous pictures of Dan...all because I can...Oh how I love you Spring Break! :)

Katie Bailey and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad, Day

2010-03-16T17:34:00.029-05:00

It's official. As of today I am "honorably dismissed" from my position as a teacher in U-46. I knew it was coming, but there's just something horrible about signing on the line and having to face my 28 darlings the rest of the day.

Here I am sporting my PiNk, standing strong with the other 700 or so teachers who were released today...pink slip in hand (I know, it's not even pink)...and a pink bag filled with chocolate from my sweet colleagues and friends at school who also wore head to toe PiNk in support of hundreds, like me, who were RiFfeD today.

I consider it a tremendous loss to leave students, teachers, friends, and families that have captured my heart in many ways, and though I have not lost heart, and I am hopeful for the BeSt, today was undoubtedly a No Good, Very Bad Day...there's just no other way to put it.

The End.

Back to Normal...

2010-03-15T16:48:00.024-05:00

Whew...The ISATs (our state assessments) are FiNaLly over! This is what I came back to after lunch on Friday:

These are the little things my 28 DaRliNgS do that just bring a smile to my face and warm my heart. Can you tell they were happy to be DoNe? They did a terrific job, and I'm so very proud of them no matter what the outcome :)

Go here to see us celebrating with a ViCtoRy DaNcE...just promise not to judge me for not keeping up with my classroom blog...it's a work in progress.

At any rate, I'm so glad to be back to NoRmAl...well, as normal as you can get in a fifth grade classroom for the MoNdaY following Daylight Savings Time and leading up to Spring Break...Four more days to go!!

Hope...

2010-03-10T18:08:00.010-06:00

It has been another LoNg winter in the Chi, but today gave me much hope that there is indeed a LiGhT at the end of this bleak and dreary tunnel otherwise known as WiNtEr...

SuNshInE...How GloRiOuS!

Rescue

2010-02-28T14:58:00.044-06:00

Last month I had the opportunity to attend an event called ReScUe hosted by one of the most compassionate people I have ever met, and someone I'm honored to know.

Going in, I knew the night was going to be HeAvY, and that was an understatement for sure. The subject at hand was HuMaN TrAfFickInG. AKA: Slavery in the 21st Century, the ExPloItaTiOn of men, women, and children for labor and/or sex.

I wish I could fully share the night's experience with you. The speakers, dramas, video clips, images, etc. were heart breaking, startling, and quite overwhelming. My heart was stirred.

Here's only a bit of what I didn't know:

- 27 millions people are in some form of sLaVeRy right now.
- 50% of these people are ChIldReN and 80% are female.
- Nearly 18,000 victims are trafficked into the U.S. each year (50/day).
- The average age of entry into the commercial sex industry is 12 years old.
- U.S. citizens account for 25% of SeX ToUriStS worldwide.

This issue is not something that just happens OvEr ThErE. It is close to home, in our very own country, and I didn't know ...but now I do, and I can't ignore it.

So what do I do?...

I tell you. I pray. I penetrate darkness with the light of TrUtH. I hope. I give. I speak. I love. I pray some more. I ask. I cry. I remember and not forget. I advocate. I trust in the One who is greater than all these things. I fight. I don't listen to the voice in my head that says this issue is too big. I educate myself. I move.

What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

If you are interested in speaking for those who do not have a voice, loving those who can do nothing for you in return, penetrating darkness, making a difference and joining the fight, please visit the International Justice Mission site, and let your voice be heard. It will take one minute of your time, but it could help spare many little ones a life of pain, exploitation, and utter darkness. Your voice matters. Let it be heard.

Oh Happy Day!

2010-02-22T18:43:00.007-06:00

The Girl Scout Cookies have arrived!... and ThIs is what happens when you have absolutely no self control... even though I'd like to blame it on being a teacher:

We'll see how long these tasty morsels last...Thank you Girl Scouts for making our lives so much more delicious!

Chinese New Year

2010-02-14T17:40:00.069-06:00

This weekend we went out with some dear friends to bring in the ChiNeSe NeW YeAr...

Our friends NiTa and AdRiaN never fail to EnRiCh our lives by giving us new experiences so we knew that when they invited us to join their friends for a Chinese New Year celebration it was not going to be your Americanized KuNg PaO ChIckEn and CraB RaNgOoN...Oh no, we knew that this was going to be the ReAl DeaL.Ten courses of pure ChiNeSe DeLiGhT...

The aPpeTiZeR:

...and SoUp....

...the MaIn CoUrSeS and SiDe DiSheS begin...

...DeSsErt...

...and last but certainly not least...

...and even though I don't take such things seriously, it just so happens that mine was true:

It is with an extremely full stomach and great joy and gratitude in my heart for my dear husband, friends, family, and Savior that I wish you a very Happy New Year... ChInEsE style.

Paradise and Peanut Butter Pie...

2010-02-10T16:32:00.043-06:00

Once upon a time in a far, faraway land... a LoVeLy little family took my love and me to a place very near to what I imagine PaRaDiSe might be...

This MaGeStiC place was overflowing with food fit for a KiNg...

PooLs stretching for miles and miles...

BaLlrOoMs made for being swept off your feet...

...Palms and SuNshIne as far as the eye could see...

...SoOtHiNg melodies...

...and the most MaGniFiceNt desserts on planet earth.

As I sit here staring out my window at the BleAk Chicago sky, this place seems like a DiStaNt dream to me now. I thought about how I might somehow transport myself back to this time and place and escape the reality of WiNteR for awhile.

My first thought was... ChOcoLaTe PeAnUt BuTteR pie...a life changing experience given to me by my sister at the aforementioned place of paradise...

But where could I go to attempt to recreate this moment in time that seems so far out of my grasp? To whom could I turn but to none other than the PiOnEeR WoMaN...I was pleased as punch to find a recipe for this ChOcoLaTe PeAnUt BuTtEr pie on her site...In fact it's chilling in my FrIdGiDaiRe at this very moment!

...And I'm happy to say that in the time it took me to relive my West Palm Beach BrEaKeRs experience via blogging, I'm ready to relive it once again with this DeLicIouS treat...

Afterall, one can always dream...

Pure Masculinity...

2010-02-08T18:05:00.009-06:00

Thanks to our fabulous friends Adrian and Nita, Dan has now climbed the highest heights of manhood...Behold, PoCkY MeN's...

I'm pretty sure he'll finally be able to grow a full beard after devouring this fine box of bitter chocolate on a stick...Thank you friends for the laughs and the sweets...I tried one too. One can only hope my voice doesn't drop an octave and my ability to multi-task doesn't fade away as a result ;)

M to the A double T

2010-02-06T16:05:00.001-06:00

Dear Ratty Tatt-Tat MatT,

I'm a bit behind in posting this, but I wanted to give you a ShOuT-OuT on (or rather, in close proximity) to your BiRthdaY...So without further ado, here's a list of some of the things I love so dearly about YoU...

#1 One of my earliest memories of you is making forts on your bunk bed in the LitTle house...SoMeOnE else (I won't mention any names) wouldn't let me on his bunk, but you were so kind to humor me...Thank you for allowing me this privilege...I'm so glad to have some memories with you in this place to overshadow the TrAuMa I often endured having WaLtnEr the crazy cat walk all over my face in the middle of the night!

#2 How could I not have the highest admiration for one who produced this BuNdlE of crazy, cute ridiculousness...

...and this one...

...not to mention this one...

I'm so grateful to have such darling nieces :)

#3 I love that there are very few people in the world that can ApPrEciAte the hilarity found in the following sequence of pictures as much as you will...

#4 You look really FlY when you ice skate...

... I'm just waiting for you to bust out with a triple axle, sow-cow, double toe loop with a twist ;)

#5 It's quite possible you have no recollection of this, but when I was in eighth grade, you gave me a heart to heart about BoYs. We were sitting on the steps of our PiNk house in Florida. What you said stuck with me. Thank you for speaking so HoNeStLy to me that night. I truly believe your words helped protect me from a lot of potential heart ache. I really appreciate that.

#6 You help make my DrEaMs a ReAliTy. Case in point: The ShiGgY ShuFfLe...

This moment of FaMiLy FuN would not have been possible without your MiX. I look forward to the Re-MiX when we meet again.

#7 Thank you for bringing the secret to a natural, brilliant smile in every photograph to our family....Inhale....Aaaaaand, SmILe...

Works every time!

#8 When I'm with you, I feel free to be me...sounds CheEsY but it's true. Believe me, not everyone would allow me to perform my BrItTnEy routine in the middle of a car wash parking lot with no shame! It's so good to be loved even when I'm actin' the fool...

#9 To this day, I still remember with great fondness sitting at home watching PoIsOn music videos with you and a plate of CheEsE, ChErRiEs and BrAuNsChweigEr while Chris was at the real concert. You will never know how unbelievably cool I thought you were for this moment, and I'm still trying to figure out how in the world you ever got me to enjoy braunschweiger?!

And finally #10: I love ya just for being my brother...I'm so grateful that you have added these memories and many more to my life. There's not a single person that could take your place. Happy Birthday...a bit late, but as Grandma J says, "Better late than never." Love you Matthew!

Bling, Bling...

2010-02-03T18:48:00.034-06:00

It is quite possible that my engagement ring has never seemed so BeAuTiFuL to me as it does today. Let's just say I have been given the blessing of living, in a small way, the Parable of the Lost Coin...

Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and LoSeS one. Won't she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and SeArCh carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin." In the same way, there is JoY in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents.

After a long day with my 28 DaRliNgS, following a night of searching, I am too spent to ReLiVe the tale at present...coming soon, but I can say that in a small way I have been awakened anew to the deep JoY of finding that which is lost and the SoRrOw that comes while longing for its return...

The Socks vs. Me...

2010-01-30T15:10:00.002-06:00

I took this picture earlier this week in an attempt to EmPaThIzE with one of my Blogger/Facebook Buddies...You know who you are :)

I dedicate this post to you and anyone else who continually BaTtLeS the infamous sock BrIgAdE that is an ever present ThReaT to the organization and cleanliness of my home and many others throughout the world...

How is it that the SoCkS never cease to DeFeAt me and ObLiTeRaTe any sense of order I strive to maintain?....How is it that every week I throw up my hands in SuRrEnDer as the SoCkS overtake my life?...

Perhaps it is one of those MysTeRiEs in life too great for me to ever CoMpReHeNd...How is it that the socks AlwAyS win?...

ABC...Baby you and Me!

2010-01-24T20:00:00.001-06:00

So...last year we resolved to be faithful to our date night, but we realized we often ended up going to the same places and doing the same old things for lack of NeW ideas. Too often we wound up wasting the night away, finding ourselves still at home when the night was nearly over. :(
It just so happened that I ran into this BrIlLiAnT idea from an AmAzInG girl I knew in HiGh ScHoOl: A-Z Dates...dating through the alphabet!
We realized that if we had one date/week, we could make it through the the AlpHaBeT two times...well, that was a bit OpToMisTiC, but I'm glad we set a high goal because we did actually make it through the alphabet once :)
You'll notice we really like to eat good FoOd...a little too much at times. Around Q I'm a bit rounder than I prefer, but seeing the pictures from our date helped me to get back into shape by Z...
At any rate, we had a fabulous year of LoViN' in large part to this creative idea...Thanks Melissa!

I envisioned having music to this video, but I couldn't quite get it to work...so if you would like the video viewing experience I had in mind, just go down to the bottom of the page, and press play before playing the video :) Enjoy, and I hope that you'll try it with someone you love some day...

Too Late

2010-01-14T17:04:00.017-06:00

I was just about ready to do a True Confessions entry on how my Christmas tree was still up and how I had AbSoLuTeLy no intention of taking it down anytime soon...how plugging the tree in and seeing its cozy, warm glow makes getting up at the DreAdFuL hour of six a.m. a little less painful, etc....

When much to my SuRpRiSe my love met me at the door on Tuesday, our tree in hand, hauling it to be disposed of in a location that shall remain UnDiScLoSeD (I'll simply say that I am a rule follower...Mr. Bailey is not ;)). It should also be noted that the tree was still wrapped in LiGhTs while it was headed for destruction! The scene was quite hilarious...scads of pine needles and ornaments everywhere...I must have said something to the effect of "No! I can't believe it's over...our tree, our beautiful tree!" about ten times...

I so wish I had a picture of Dan carrying our light adorned tree out of this place...such DeTeRmInAtiOn!

At any rate...after all of that I'm afraid I still have a true confession to make...

We haven't sat on our couch all week... I just can't bring myself to pack up those lovely ornaments...

The Twelve Wonders of Christmas 2009

2010-01-03T17:05:00.002-06:00

Christmas Wonder #1: Third annual InTeRnAtIoNaL types hymn sing...

Christmas Wonder #2: A WhItE Christmas...

Christmas Wonder #3: The first annual reading and InTerPreTatiOn of The Night Before Christmas...

...on Dasher on Dancer....

...That shook when he laughed like a bowl FuLl of JeLly...

Christmas Wonder #4 : Lots of games...

Just in case you were wondering, this is what ChEaTeRs look like...

And the Cranium QuEeNs are...

...and we didn't even have to cheat!

Christmas Wonder #5: PuRe Cuteness...

Christmas Wonder #6: Catching up with FrIenDs...

Christmas Wonder #7: FaBuLoUs Food...

Way to CaRvE it Ben...nice knives...

Somebody LoVeD the mashed potatoes...

Christmas Wonder #8: Plaza LiGhtS...

Christmas Wonder #9 : Dinner with our PaReNtS...

Christmas Wonder #10 : Spending more of life in CoZy, CuDdLy pajamas...

Christmas Wonder #11: An Owl Creek (the name of Dan's parents' house) Christmas...Not even a broken leg could stop The Queen of OwL CrEeK from having Christmas...

Christmas Wonder #12: Gingerbread CrEaTiOnS at the Riems...

These are our dear friends on staff with us at Bloomingdale Church...so much creative energy...Here was one of my favorites...Smurfs...

...On the left we have the first place MaStErPiEcE by Mark and Kora...and on the right our second place CrEaTiOn...Dan and I thought the judges were going to be the senior pastor and his wife so we made an appeal to them by creating the journey of children at our church finding the way to eternal life, but it turns out our attempts at brown nosing failed us when it was decided we would all take a vote for the win...Way to go Mark and Kora! Yours really was worthy of first!

...and that concludes this year's TwElvE WoNdErS of ChRiStMaS. It was difficult to narrow it down to just twelve. We're so grateful for our wonderful friends and family that filled our lives with so much LoVe and ChEeR this Christmas...it was a very MeRrY ChRisTmaS indeed!

Hackett Packet

2009-12-20T17:55:00.012-06:00

Tonight we come together for the third annual wanna-be missionary carol sing starring the HaCkeTt PaCkeT. In keeping with our mission to DiMiNiSh in size each year until we completely DiSsoLvE, we will be CoMmiSsiOnInG two of our UnItS on this very eve.

To help you understand the degree of yule tide cheer and revelry we will be experiencing on this night, here are som pics. from last year's event:

Anticipation...

2009-11-30T20:20:00.002-06:00

The first year we were married Dan and I didn't have much money so we made it a tradition to buy one Christmas decoration for our home each year. We picked this Advent Calendar up at a market in Cambodia two years ago, and already it is becoming one of our most TrEaSuReD yule tide traditions.

With our schedules quickly FiLliNg, the temperature rapidly DrOpPiNg, and the sun RaReLy shining, I find the days of Advent are ones that I'd rather curl up on my couch with a good book, burning fire, and a cup of FrU-FrOo coffee instead of heading into work.

It is on such days that I find great JoY in something so seemingly SiMpLe. I love how the small act of moving just one nativity piece a day, be it a sheep, a shepherd, or a king stirs up great HoPe and AnTicIpaTioN in my heart...

The KiNg is coming, and as we remember his HuMbLe entry into Earth so many years ago, it reminds me on those "I wish it was a SnOw DaY" days that he is coming again soon.

So tomorrow morning as we stand before our calendar placing the lone sheep on the scene, I eagerly expect that He will stir my HeArT and give me the StrEnGth to walk out the door and face my WorLd with his LoVe, the love of the coming KiNg.

I'm Full...

2009-11-28T16:20:00.009-06:00

Please ignore my DiRtY hair and just feel the LoVe...

My HeArT is full and so is my BeLly. Happy Thanksgiving.

Kids say the funniest things...

2009-11-21T14:27:00.024-06:00

FrIdaY afternoon, our amazing ThiRd GrAdE BuDdiEs were making their weekly visit. The BuDdiEs were hard at work finishing up their How To books...you know, How to Make a PBJ, How to Make a Paper Airplane, etc. My FiFtH GrAdErS were supposed to be leading their third grade buddies in the effort.

As I walked around the room to ensure that everyone was on task, I stopped at a table of four boys working together on their book...well, one boy was working on the book while the others were being SuPpOrTivE observers :).

In an attempt to EnCouRaGe a TeAm effort, I simply said, "The whole group is supposed to be working on the book. Why are ThReE of you just watching G do all the work?"

Their response: "We're taking turns coloring the book 'cuz we already stapled the pages together."

My response: A PuZzLeD look followed by...."That's why you're supposed to StApLe it once it's FiNiSheD so that each of you can work on a page instead of just one person working on OnE page while everyone else sits and does NoThiNg".

Their response: Completely PuZzleD...

My response: A look of DiSbEliEf because no one in the group has thought to solve this problem by taking out the staples and passing out the pages so that everyone can be On-TaSk and the project can be completed in an efficient manner.

I calmly take the book from G and begin pulling out the staples by HaNd because I'm HaPhaZarD like that.

Their response: Utter AmAzeMenT. Seriously...You would have thought I'd just made something VaNisH into thin air...

One of the students who appeared to be the most puzzled KriNklEd his face as if seriously PoNdeRinG the matter and said in a high pitched tone of utter PeRplExiTy...

How'd you do that Mrs. Bailey?....
Did you have trainin' to do that or somethin'?

My Response: Of course I ErUpTeD into laughter at the thought of me and every other teacher in the WoRLd receiving training on how to pull staples out of paper by hand...as if this is some high-level SkIlL that all teachers must show competence in before being crowned with the HoNoR of teaching these little ones.

Through the LaUgHteR I replied, "Actually, no, I didn't get training in this. Believe it or not I just figured it out on my own."

CoNfuSioN still on his face, the student replied, "oh" and began working on his part of the book.

In these sMalL MoMeNts I'm ReMiNdeD of the great JoY found in what I do. I'm EnCouRaGed that even though my job can sometimes seem ChAoTiC, out of control, and OvErwHeLmInG to me, my clientele still think I'm a HiGhLy QuAliFieD GeNiUs, and I'll take that any day....even if it is just for tearing staples out of a book by hand.

Top 10 Signs You Have an Amazing Father-In-Love...

2009-11-15T15:45:00.001-06:00

10. You know you will never be in want of LiGhT BuLbS because he's the proud owner of WaTtS Up.

9. He welcomed you into his family despite your ShrIekInG LaUgH that woke him from his SluMbEr many a night throughout your high school years.

8. DeleCtaBle food is his SpEciaLtY. Whether he's preparing his famous SmOkeD meat, CiNnAmOn RoLls, PoTaTo casserole, LaSaGnA, or taking you out to one of his favorite ReStaUraNts, you know you're in for an incredible meal when he's around.

7. Whenever he talks to his SoN on the phone, he always remembers to send his LoVe to the "beautiful BrIde".

6. You can always count on the mini-fridge in his office to have your favorite beverage, CoCa-CoLa-ClaSsiC.

5. He is an eXeMpLaRy GrAnDpA, and you look forward to watching your own kids AdoRe him one day.

4. You see so many of your most TrEaSuReD qualities of your HuSbAnD in him...love of LeArNinG, KiNdnEsS, LoYalTy, desire to LeAd the FaMiLy to a deeper love of ChRiSt...just to name a few...

3. He LoVeS his wife and treats her like QuEeN...a good example for any SoN!

2. Every time you visit, he gives you a BrEaK by providing your husband with a KiLleR back MasSaGe.

1. His HuG and KiSs on the FoReHeaD make you feel WeLcOmE and LoVed like one of his very OwN.

ThE EnD

A very Happy BeLaTeD Birthday to you Dad Bailey! I am so grateful to have you as my FaThEr-in-LoVe. Thank you for all you have done and still do to make our FaMiLy such a blessing to me. I am grateful for the many ways you have InFluEnCeD Daniel in becoming the man he is today. I know any list I could make could not contain all of the LoVe, PrAyErS, and BlEsSiNgS that you have given to us. It's my HoNoR to CeLeBraTe you!

Love,
Katie

Attention Husbands of the World...

2009-09-26T16:03:00.022-05:00

So if you're a HuSbaNd, and you're leaving your wife for the weekend, and it just happens to be the end of an ExTrEmEly overwhelming week...you know, the kind that leaves the kitchen looking like this:

You might want to be PrOaCtiVe and SmArT about the situation.

For example, you might want to leave your wife a voice mail like this one so she's not surprised that you left her with the T.W.D. (this term was created by my dad: Toxic Waste Dump) you two have created over the course of the week:

"Hi Honey it's me. I just wanted to call before I leave to apologize for the mess that I'm leaving. I feel really sad about it. I can clean on Sunday when I get back and,
hopefully I can make it up to you with a date Sunday night."

Though acknowledging the situation in this way is good, you might not want to assume that a voice mail totally covers your tracks.
It does prepare her for what's to come, but let's be HoNeSt when she walks through the door and sees first hand the MeSs you and she have been trying to IgNoRe all week...and all she really wants to do is ReLaX... and she realizes that you are ReLaXiNg around some GoRgeOuS lake surrounded by trees turning their leaves into the BrIlliAnT shades of AuTuMn...and though the idea of you cleaning on Sunday sounds good, you know that in reality there's no way she could stand herself any longer if she left it until then...

You might also want to leave something like this:

Honey Love,
I miss you already. You are my love. I'm so sorry it's still a TrAsH PiT.
Please forgive me. I'll clean on Sunday. Think about our date on Sunday.

Love,
Grizz
...that way when she sees this:

...She'll MuSteR up a GrAciOuS attitude instead of FrUsTrAtiOn. SmIle and LaUgH instead of RoLl her EyEs and SiGh. She'll probably even forget the about the mess and MiSs you terribly...And who knows...maybe her just knowing that you recognize that she got the CrUmMy end of the deal this time might help her AtTaCk those dishes with GrAtiTuDe and LoVe as she thinks of her SmArT and PrOaCtiVe husband.

Ode to Christopher...

2009-09-21T18:23:00.039-05:00

How I LoVe thee my BrOthEr dearest...Let me count the ways...A list of TeN things that make me GrAteFuL to call you BrOtHeR on this day of your birth and every day of the year...

Number 1: You're the only person in the world that I continually catch UnaShAmeDly checking themselves out in the mirror. I can't blame you...you come from a GoOd LoOkIn' family...

Number 2: Even though you sometimes implement ToRtuRe TaCtiCs, you still remain, in my opinion, an InCrEdiBle UnCle. I secretly can't wait to watch you work your MaGiC on my own children one day.
Number 3: You're really CoOl...SeRiOuSly...what were you thinking bringing along your sixth grader sister to the CrAnBeRriEs CoNcErT when you were a college kid? Did you know that was my first concert ever?...I'm glad I get to forever share that memory with you. I never hear DrEaMs without thinking of you my BrOtHeR.

Number 4: One time when I lost a FrIeNd you were the OnE who came to be with me. You put aside your busy schedule to be a BiG BrOtheR. Thanks for just being there. I know others in the family would say the same...

Number 5: As you know FoOd is of the UtmOsT importance in our FaMiLy, and I have to say you do your fair share of CoNtrIbuTiNg to the PaLlaTe PleAsInG meals at our gatherings...give me some of that SwEeT ChiLi !

Number 6: You are the SloWeSt eater on the face of the PlaNeT...I love that I can FoReVeR make fun of you for that :)

Number 7: You picked a RoCkiN' wife...seriously, I'm so thankful you chose ChRiStiNe. She fits in PeRfeCtlY with the Family, and I think she is HiLaRiOuS, CrEaTiVe, FuN, and CaRiNg...all essentials if you ask me.

Number 8: Basically you've always been one of my FaVoRiTe people to HuG. Thanks for putting up with me even in my most AfFeCtiOnAtE of moods.

Number 9: You truly CaRe about and LoVe each member of our family, and you ShoW it. You are one of the best LiSteNeRs I know, and I AdmIrE you for the way you take time to get to know and care about each one of us. You always make sure we have some QuAliTy talk time when we are together. I really VaLuE that time with YoU.

And FiNaLly Number 10: You put up with StuFf like my MaRiaH CaReY AlL I WaNt for ChRisTmaS song and dance...

and ThiS...
...ThIs...

...I can't forget to mention ThiS...

...somehow you're even managing to put up with ThiS...

...ThiS....
and EvEn this...

Yet at the end of the day you somehow manage to LovE us all...you're the BeSt. Thank you for being such an InCreDiBle brother to me throughout the years. I'm grateful for the opportunity to CeLeBraTe you on this day.

I love you Christopher,

Katie Did

Still in Shock

2009-09-19T14:14:00.012-05:00

It's Saturday morning, I wake up, and Dan is already over at church starting his day. I pull myself together just in time to deposit checks at the bank before heading to watch one of my FifTh GrAdeRs bowl.
This weekend happens to be rather full so I'm wondering how I'm going to fit everything in as well as relax, clean the house, grocery shop, make meals, etc.
As I watch fifth graders get BoWliNg scores I will never in my life achieve, the smell of bowling alley food tempts me. Somehow I resist the GrEaSe BoMbaStiC food even though the only thing I can imagine throwing together at home is a microwaved/baked potato with cheese, broccoli and deli ham...TeMpTiNg, I know.
After being a cheerleader for three rounds of bowling, I say goodbye and take my growling stomach to the car and begin not looking forward to my sink full of dirty dishes and my throw whatever we've got on a potato because we haven't been to the store in awhile lunch.
As you can imagine I was thrown into a total state of shock as I walked into our house and smelled something DeLiCioUs...then I remembered we live below Mark and Kora so it was probably their something delicious I was smelling...
Dan was standing at the sink WaShInG the DisHeS that I was dreading only moments ago so I decided to expect the best and ask what he made that smelled SO good. You must understand that Dan's specialties usually include deli sandwiches, BLTs, and breakfast so when he proudly said, "I made a YuMmY ThAi DiSh" my jaw just about dropped to the floor. I couldn't imagine anything I would rather have for lunch at that moment, but I had to see it to believe it...
It turns out he DiD indeed make a yummy Thai dish! Not only did he make lunch, he actually went online and found a recipe for pad Thai and tweaked it a bit because of our lack of groceries...Even as I sit here with a FuLl BeLly I still can't believe it...what a PleAsAnT surprise...even if Dan says it was really more for him than me...I'll still take it.

A Garden Story

2009-09-18T16:16:00.028-05:00

Once upon a time there was a LaDy named KaTiE who dreamed of having a GaRdEn in the NeIghBorHoOd CoMpOuNd...

So she talked her husband into digging up the sod with her in their CoMpOuNd yard...

After a bit of SwEaT and ToiL, the plot of land was ready for Dr. BeArD and his TiLleR...

A few days later fellow CoMpoUnDeRs joined the effort...

After a bit of TrEe BeArDiNg...

...AmErIcaN GoThiCinG...

...And yes, PlaNtiNg...

The NeIgHboRhOoD waited in ExPecTatiOn to see what GoD would bring forth from the EaRtH...

Only time would tell if their SoWinG would indeed ReAp a BoUntiFuL HaRveSt...

And this concludes Part I of our GaRdeN story...to be continued soon and very soon...

I Love Me Some Cassie!

2009-09-17T17:23:00.012-05:00

For those of you who don't know... CaSsIe is da BoMb! We met last year at Halloween time so this was our first year to CeLebRaTe our BiRthDaYs together. Aside from having birthdays exactly one week apart, we have a lot in common even though we are a few years apart...I won't say how many :)

Anywho, I love HaNgInG out with my CaSsiE girl on Tuesday nights. She's a girl after my own heart!

She's SuPeR fun to ShOp for!

Plus she knows me well...see what I mean...

I also love that she made me this card in StUdY HaLl...

Cassie, you are so ThOuGhTfUl, CrEaTiVe, and KiNd. I hope that you will have a fabulous year Miss EigHteEn...

Thank you for being a BlEsSiNg to me and many others as you LoVe with the love you have been given. You are BeAutIfuL my friend. May your BeAuTy continue to increase with each year...

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with EvEr-InCrEaSiNg GloRy, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
I love you girl,
Katie

2009-09-13T16:45:00.022-05:00

The other day Dan and I were at the StUpE having ice cream. For those of you who didn't go to WhEaToN, the Stupe is ThE place to go for IcE CrEaM. We decided to stop there and reminisce for a bit after ringing the tower bell (more on that later)...

We forgot that when you say one scoop at the Stupe, it's really the equivalent of three. Neither of us could finish our mound of ice cream, but as our cups were sitting there, Dan decided to use them as an IlLuStRaTiOn of us.

He grabbed the camera and started taking pictures of the cups. I thought he was documenting the ridiculous amount of ice cream left after we had eaten a good amount but, I was wrong. He remarked that looking at our ice cream cups said a lot about us and our differences. I then took a closer look at this:

I've marveled recently at how much easier it seems for Dan to lose weight than it is for myself. So naturally at first glance, I thought he was pointing out that I had ScARFfeD down more ice cream than him. Thus proving the point that I have far less WiLl PoWeR. All of this is true, but it wasn't his point. He directed me to look closer still...

HiS cup...

My cup...

I still can't figure out how this stuff seems to happen to me or better yet how I'm completely OblIvIouS to it, but I'm so grateful I have a perfectly CiViLiseD husband to point out that I'm a ComPleTe SloB!

It's a good thing he also shares in my ApPreCiaTioN for SiTuAtioNaL CoMeDy...Otherwise I don't know how he'd put up with his DiSaStEr of a wife!

just a thought...

2009-09-09T20:48:00.008-05:00

Have you ever been on your way to a friend's house, family get together, church, etc. and gotten into a BiG FiGhT with the husband? I hate when that happens. You get to your destination and put on your HaPpY FaCe for the sake of those around you, but inside you are BuRnInG.

Well, tonight as I watched MrS. ObaMa admire her husband's enterance, I wondered if her and the President ever get into ArGuMenTs on the way to CaPiToL HiLl. It's silly I know, but I know it happens to everyone else so why not the FiRsT LaDy?! I wonder how she does it. How does she watch as the WoRlD admires her husband and goes BoNkErS over the man who quite possibly just got UnDeR her SkIn.

What strength it must take to stay composed as the cameras zoom in on her every expression. I salute you MiCheLle ObAmA for your grace and composure...it's hard enough at church. I don't know how you do it in front of the entire PlaNeT. Just a thought...

love, LoVe, love my Birthday Weekend...and my Husband...

2009-09-06T13:14:00.044-05:00

FrIdaY...

Saturday...

Teasing me with my gifts...so CrUeL...

Sunday...

And since they made a HoLiDaY WeEkeNd to celebrate my birthday....

...Monday...

And last but not least...Birthday CaKe!

ThE EnD...

...and the BeGiNnInG of what I'm HoPeFuL will be a year of learning, love, laughter, and gratitude. Thank you LoVe for making my birthday so special. You're the BeSt...

Happy Birthday to Me

2009-09-06T06:08:00.012-05:00

In honor of my birthday, I've decided to indulge myself with a new playlist. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you can see 27 years of music, one song for each year of my life.
I'm the type of person that hears not only a song when it plays but a host of memories that go with it flood my mind. I had so much FuN checking out the billboard charts for each year of my life and choosing my FaVoriTeS. So many memories are evoked as I hear it, and I hope that you will find some JoY in listening to it as well...
Song number one is from 1982, number two is from 1983, etc. There are 28 songs because I've officially begun my 28th year!
Here are some of my memories in the list...can you guess which song goes with which?

Riding in the car with DaD
Watching MTV with my brothers....when it actually had music videos :)
Dancing at my WeDdInG
FaVoRiTe movies
Making up dances in my BaSeMenT with my childhood BFF
The LoVe of my LiFe...DaNieL
Working my FiRsT JoB and spending most of the money at AbErCrOmBiE
Dancin' it up in my CaR with one of my most favorite people in the world
6th grade end of the year picnic
spending hours memorizing LyRiCs with a friend
Working out at CaRdInAL FiTnEsS in the beginning of our marriage
Mourning the loss of a FriEnD
SiNgInG my heart out in the car on my way to school
ChErRy CoTtaGe RoOmMaTeS

I could go on, but for now I will leave you to explore the list. I would love to know if any songs stir up memories for you...and I highly recommend this little activity for anyone who's sickeningly NoStaLgIc or just wants an excuse to put songs you would normally not admit to enjoying on your blog! Enjoy!

If you absolutely DeSpIsE 80s/90s music or pop music...please feel free to press pause at the bottom!

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-09-04T15:57:00.005-05:00

Today is my mom's birthday, and though I do not have her official birthday post completed, I wanted to at least say Happy Birthday! You're the BEST mom in the world, and I will tell everyone why soon...
Love you mom,

Kate

Window Seats & Alligators = True Love

2009-08-19T22:35:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite JuNkfoOd movies (one you can't consume regularly but you CrAvE from time to time) is The Wedding Singer. Here's just one of the exchanges that I love between the main characters played by Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

Robbie : She wasn't the right one, I guess.

Julia : Did you have any idea she wasn't the right one when you were together?

Robbie: I should have. Uh, I remember we went to the Grand Canyon one time. We were flying there and I'd never been there before and Linda had, so you would think that she would give me the window seat but she didn't and... not that that's a big deal, you know. It's just there were a lot of LiTtLe ThiNgS like that. I know that sounds stupid...

Julia : Not at all. I think it's the LiTtLe ThiNgS that count.

Recently the Hubster and I were at a Gator Farm in Florida...

We had a BlaSt on our AiRboAt ride...and even got to see some of the FiNgEr BiTeRs up close in their natural habitat, the EvErGlaDeS...

We were thoroughly entertained and amazed at the gator show that followed...

And then came the opportunity of a LifEtiMe, a chance to hold a GaToR. Of course we were totally PsYcHeD. It was $2 per person to cradle a small reptile so I scoured my purse for four bucks but was only able to come up with $2, enough for OnE chance to hold this coveted creature.

Me: Honey, you can hold the alligator.

Dan: Are you sure?

Me: Yes, I'm sure. I know you ReAlLy want to hold him. I want you to hold him.

As the Alligator man said his final words I rummaged through my purse just to be sure I didn't have two more dollars...sure Dan would be oblivious because he was listening to alligator man and usually focuses on one thing at a time :)

Dan: Kate, you're gonna' hold that gator, and I'm gonna' take your picture.

Me: No way, you're holding that gator.

Dan: I've already decided. It's done. I want to see YoU with that gator.

And as that gator was within my grasp, I posed for Daniel, and in my HeArT I was reminded that ThIs is TrUe LoVe...seen in alligators and window seats, the things that count, the LiTtLe ThiNgS...

Thank you Honey for loving me in all things big and small. You're definitely the right OnE for me.

$ DuPage County Fair $

2009-08-14T15:20:00.014-05:00

Admission to the DuPage County Fair:

$10 a PoP...unless your husband WiNs 4 FrEe tickets from the Library Summer Reading

Program

Massive RaBbItS for your viewing pleasure and AmUsEmEnT:

FrEe with admission

Riding the FeRrIs WhEeL:

A sTeEp $4 per person...but definitely a MuSt do CaRnIvAl classic

Meeting WiLbUr and all of his FaRm friends:

FrEe with admission and a bit of SteNcH

A FuN-FiLleD DaY with FrIeNds...

...CrAcKiNg up at the PiGleT swimming races...

...and the pleasure of TrEaTiNg Nita and Adrian to their FiRsT EvEr CoRnDoG:

PRICELESS

ACHOO, ACHOO, ACHOOOOOO!!

2009-08-11T22:15:00.010-05:00

For nearly twenty-seven years of my life I have managed to be allergy free. However, those years of BLiSs are now over, and I am confronted almost daily with ItChY eyes, StuFfy/RuNnY nose, and of course, ACHOO, many, many SnEeZeS.

So many sneezes, AcHoO, that I wake up in the middle of the night sneezing without end...so many sneezes, AcHoO, that my upstairs neighbor says she hears me sneezing all morning...So many sneezes, AcHoO, that one day after one of my attacks, Dan declared, "That's it I'm making you an appointment. You're going to the AlLeRgiSt!"

My sneezing was making him CrAzY...or maybe he was really tired of seeing me look like this(WaRnInG, this is ReAlLy BaD):

I mean, ReAlLy, it's pretty bad when you're sneezing so much you actually capture it with your camera!

At any rate, I went to the allergist with great HoPe of a cure as each little NeEdLe pricked my back and arms, but the result was devastating:

Doctor: You are allergic to CaTs and DoGs.

Me: I don't have any cats or dogs.

Doctor: Well then, it might be the WeAtHeR. We've had an usually cool summer. I'm afraid you'll have to just wait it out with some nose spray...none of the usual allergy medicines usually work with your condition.

My thoughts: What?! You've got to be kidding me!

And let me tell you people, as I sit here now with my roll of toilet paper, watery eyes and stuffy/runny nose, AcHoO, I am DuMbFoUnDeD and ever so aware of my HuMaNiTy, AcHoO, with each and every sneeze and blow of the nose.

And though I'm always grateful for the reminder of my human state and my need to DePeNd on my CrEaToR, I'm hoping He'll decide just as my husband did, AcHoO!, that He's tired of hearing my sneezing.

The End...AcHoO!

P.S.

On Blogging and Getting Over Myself...

2009-08-07T08:35:00.002-05:00

Since I've started BlOgGiNg, things in life that at one time might have HoRriFieD or EmBaRRaSseD me have morphed into opportunities to LaUgH HyStEriCalLy, not take myself so SeRiouSly, and be GraTefuL to those in my life who make it far more InTeResTinG than I could ever manage on my own.

Allow me to explain by sharing a somewhat recent incident that occurred at our cousin David and Heather's wedding. It think it IlluStrAteS my point BeAutIfuLly...

The location was GoRgEOuS...

The BrIdE was RaDiAnT...

The company was DeLigHtFuL...

And to top it all off, I had my HaNdsOmE HusBaNd at my side and a NeW dress I had been saving for the PeRfeCt occasion...

The night was nearly MaGiCaL as we LaDiEs enjoyed TwIliGht in the garden...

Then suddenly, the UnThInKaBle happened, and my state of SeReNiTy quickly turned into this...

ReD, that's right, I said ReD wine SpLaTteReD all over my brand new dress! In great confusion, I turned to see my extremely apologetic brother BeN and his nearly EmPtY wine glass sitting on the table.

Now you see... at one time in my life, this incident would have HaD the potential to RuIn my entire evening, BuT this time, instead of being EmBaRrAsSeD and HoRriFiEd, I found myself enjoying the moment and taking advantage of this opportunity fully realizing its BloGgInG potential...See what I mean...

All I could do was LaUgH as my SwEeT sister tidied me up!

Having recently blogged about said sister, she did this dirty job with JoY realizing that doing so would most DeFiNitEly give her another appearance on yet another Blog Post... Thank you for your HuMbLe service dear sister...

In the end, it turns out a bit of SoDa WaTeR and SaLt does WoNdeRs on ReD WiNe dress disasters. I danced the night away without a care in the world...

And thanks to my place in the BloGoSpheRe, I can sincerely say words that at one time in my life would have been UnImaGinAbLe:

ThAnK YoU Ben for spilling red wine on my FaVoRitE, NeVeR BeFoRe WorN DrEsS.

I dedicate this post to you and consider myself forever InDeBteD to you for giving me a MeMoRaBle story to share instead of the standard slideshow of pictures I would have come up with on my own.

A Long Overdue Birthday Present for You Thresa!

2009-08-04T22:30:00.011-05:00

Here are 5 attempts at poetry to HoNoR one who ApPreCiaTeS a good LiTerArY work...Though your BiRthDaY was a bit ago, and I am delinquent in posting this PrEsEnT, I hope you will enjoy hearing some of the many ways your life has AdDeD to mine as much as I enjoyed thinking about it!

Poem #1: NaMe PoEm

Thank you for noticing my early TV obsession,

kicking my BuTt off the couch,

and taking me to many a DaNciNg LesSoN.

Home Make-Overs are your specialty.
From FaIrIeS, and PoEmS to BaRbiEs, I adore all of the rooms
you have created especially for me.

Restaurants like Pappasito's and Beverly Hills Cafe are some of our favorite places.

Thank you dear Thresa for giving me a LoVe of delicious cuisine

and FoOd RuLes to follow while StuFfiNg our faces!

Each ChRiStmAs is filled with MaGiCaL fun.

From the PiNbaLl MaChInE to the MaRshMaLloW guns,

when you're around, there's always a SpEcIaL gift for everyone.

Suggesting spectacular MoViEs and BoOkS could be your profession.

Without you in our lives,

we would surely not have such an incredible LiTeRaTuRe collection.

All of these things and many more that you do,

make it a joy to love and appreciate you!

Poem #2: CinQuAin

Thresa

creative, thoughtful,

giving, learning, uniting,

welcome, surprised, amused, known

Boss

Poem #3: HaiKu
The following Haiku addresses a deeper human experience as Haiku's often do. For this Haiku, I've chosen a human experience that Thresa has perfected: ShOpPiNg

ShoPpiNg for DreSsEs

SpArKleS and BloSsOmS abound

PrInCeSs you make me

Thank you Thresa for the many times you have used your ExPeRtiSe to help the WarDroBe of myself and many others! When I wrote this poem, I was thinking specifically about the time you helped me buy my dress for my JuNiOr PrOm...I felt like a PriNceSs, and it was in that dress, that my PriNcE ChaRmInG began to sweep me off of my feet!

Poem #4: A DiAmAnTe of two of my favorite memories with you!

NYC

magical, cultural

exploring , shopping, wandering

Broadway, Christmas, Ribbons, Blossoms

twirling, enchanting, sparkling,

princess, pink

Wedding

Poem #5: LimEricK

Several of my AbSoLuTe favorite things to eat in this world are prepared by the one and only you! For those who haven't tried these DeLiGhTs, I can assure you my attempt at poetry does not do them the justice they deserve...you just have to taste 'em to experience the full pleasure they bring to the palate!

Your chocolate chip cookies are second to none

Multiple chips in my mouth oh such fun!

That white chicken chili

Makes taste buds go silly.

I just can't bear saying, "All done."

The End

There you have it! FiVe poems all about YOU! There may or may not be a significance to the number five...I'll never tell! But for the final time until next May I wish you a very Happy Birthday Thresa! Thank you for all of the wonderful ways you have blessed me and many others in your life thus far, and I wish you many more years to come!

Love you,

Katie

These are my People...

2009-06-28T18:00:00.000-05:00

So there's this country song that goes something like, "These are my people, this is where I come from...it ain't always PrEtTy, but it's ReaL....wouldn't have it any other way"...

I think we can all relate to the fact that when FaMiLy gets together, BiZzArE things happen...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting some of my family, and of course my camera was working overtime! To keep it InTeReStiNg...or at least EnTerTaInInG for me...I've decided to share the photos and stories that aren't the PrEttieSt of the bunch and may seem a bit UnConVeNtiOnAl , but they fill me with TeNdeRnEsS for my family and GrAtItuDe that ThEsE are My PeOpLe...

#1 Photo Op. in a hotel lobby whose name will remain anonymous...

These are my people invading a hotel lobby full of plush chairs and plenty of space for our big group...what the picture doesn't tell you is...no one in my family was actually staying at said hotel! Of course I made this known to everyone as they joined our party. They would see the drinks and say "at least we're buying drinks"...I would then point to SoMeOnE's purse...not naming any names here...and they would laugh as they glimpsed the wine bottle inside...ThEsE are my PeOpLe...

#2 The Topsy Turvy

This is an upside down tomato plant. If you're like Dan and me, you've seen commercials for these things and guffawed and thought, "who buys these things"?! You can imagine my AsTonIsHmEnT to find this dying tomato experiment in my Grandparents' backyard...You can also imagine the entertainment I found in watching this:
It took three men from my family to move this baby to a place where it could get more sun...as they're doing this, of course I'm wondering "do you ReALly think that what an UpSiDe DowN tomato plant needs is sun?" I sincerely hope the BeSt for Grandpa's tomato plant, but if nothing else, it was worth a GoOd LaUgH...

#3 My People love DeSseRt...we come by it naturally...

Grandpa loves when everyone comes to visit because he gets some extra SwEeTs...This picture epitomizes my grandma and grandpa...I love them to pieces!

#4 Sometimes I like to HaRaSs my people...actually I'm known for it. A few examples:

Forcing my mom and grandma to HuMoR me by taking this picture...one day they'll thank me for it...pretty darn CuTe if you ask me!

Playing paparazzi to my Uncle Dave as he tries to enjoy his meal...My people really AdOrE me even though they sometimes tell me to "Get outta here"...you can clearly see the LoVe in his eyes...

#5 My People also enjoy HaRaSsiNg me... Oh cousin Deirek...I know you love me so...you just cant' stay away from me...

Thank you cousin Colby for stealing my camera and taking completely PoIntLesS and somewhat DiStuRbiNg pictures of food and such...

I know the ArTisTiC GeNiUs of the above macaroni and cheese shot is a lot to handle so I will spare anyone who has made it this far in this post the other masterpieces from the day...

If you're still with me on this post, don't worry, I'm done with silly AnEcdOteS from my most recent visit...but I'd like to end by sharing my FaVoRitE thing about my people... My people LoVe and LaUgH a lot...ThEsE are my PeOpLe...and I LoVe 'em for it!

SUMMERTIME

2009-06-11T09:29:00.026-05:00

...BiTTeR

SwEeT...

Can't Sleep...

2009-05-26T23:54:00.004-05:00

The end of the school year is here and what a surprise, I cannot SleEp. There are so many things that run through my MiNd this time of year. There's the normal StUfF that seems to plague me most when things at work get HeCtiC, and there's the EnD of the year StUfF that must be held in a delicate balance...you can't do too much too soon because school isn't over, but you can't wait until the last hour because you want to be OuT the door AsaP. I keep saying I need to make a BiG FaT list and just go at it...if nothing else maybe it will just help to get it all out there...

Start and finish AvErAginG grades.
HoUnD those notorious ones who still have MiSsInG WoRk
Make a LiSt of all of the BrIlLiaNt ideas I've had throughout the course of the year. The conversation in my mind usually sounds like this, "Well that was a BiG, FaT FloP...next year I'll do this instead". I have to write them down to avoid repeating said FloPs.
Do DiShEs...we have no clean SiLvErwArE...YiKeS!
Make AwArDs for the FiFth GrAdE Spelling Bee, Track Meet, Brainiacs, and Art Show.
Write a LeTteR to my kids' parents thanking them for sharing their TeRrIfiC kids with me this year.
OrGaNiZe my files so teaching the same grade level next year will be to my GreAtEsT benefit.
Somehow get my kids from the 1920s to the end of WWII in 10.5 days...without them DeSpiSinG me for it!
Figure out an end of the year GiFt for my kids and MaKe it.
R.S.V.P. for the EnD of the YeAr PaRtY...do I want ChIcKeN or PorK?
Sit down with Dan to plan our AnNiVeRsArY.
Somehow figure out where we can have a GaRdEn without getting EleCtrIcUteD upon digging.
Write NoTeS to my kids.
Make those DoCtoR appointments I've been putting off for a few years now...Seriously another summer cannot pass without me taking care of some silly things.
Make a SliDeShOw so all of the pictures I take throughout the year can be put to good use.
EnJoY my last few days with them in the midst of the ChAoS...SaVoR how truly DeLiGhtfuL my group of 27 is this year.
Try to SlEeP so I can end the year a KiNd and PaTieNt teacher, wife, friend, and person.

With that, I'm done for now...Just thinking about all of it is making me TiReD :) Who knows maybe I should have been doing the above mentioned things instead of just writing about them, but it's too LaTe for that...I'm off to BeD!

Celebratin' a Sister

2009-05-23T16:30:00.008-05:00

SiStEr Katie, ToDaY is your Birthday, and to honor you on this GloRioUs day of your birth (not too many years ago), I would like to tell the WorLd how superfabulous, beautirific, and awesomazing you are my dear sister.....just in case they don't already know!

So without further ado, here's a ToP TeN for you!

1. About four years ago, I not only married a terrific man, I gained an AmAziNg sister. Even though you already have two of the BeSt sisters around, you opened your arms to invite yet another. Thank you for always including me as a SiSteR. Being your sister is a beautiful GiFt to me.

*See what I mean?! You're so thoughtful to reach your arm over to assure me that I'm a sista'.

*Exhibit B: Sister dresses.

2. Speaking of GiFtS...I used to dread shopping for them until I got to shop for YoU! Seriously, you're one of the only people I can shop for without having doubts about my purchase...most likely it's just because you just look so darn CuTe in EvErYthInG! At any rate, you bring great JoY to my Christmas shopping experiences, and I LoVe you for it!

*Marines tee, Mayan Princess Earrings, and Beauty in Brown

3. We have a mutual ObsEssIoN/AdOrAtioN for each other. I love being StaLkeD by you, and I love StaLkInG you. On more than one occasion I've opened my facebook to find 30 something notifications...I always smile because before I even click to see who it is, I know it must be YoU. It is such a relief to me that I can comment on ToNs of your pictures and not feel like a WeIrdO because you do the same to me! Thanks for letting me StaLk you...thanks for being my StaLkeR!

4. I AdMirE you for many things, but on the top of my list is definitely ThiS...

You LoVe and AdOrE your family. You take such good care of your HuSbAnD and DaUgHtEr. Your DeDiCaTioN, ReSpEcT, and PrIoRiTiZaTioN of your FaMilY is BeAuTiFuL.

5. QuEeNs for LiFe...need I say more? I look forward to our upcoming KHS CoMeBacK.

Here we are before we even imagined we'd be sisters...you're a returning Queen, and I'm a sophomore who thinks you're really cool...and I need a scanner because taking pictures of pictures = blurry! BUT my point is...next time we'll be ridin' in the same car!! :) AND you will be QuEeN Katie Anne Bailey Londono, and I will be QuEeN Katie Ann Eades Bailey! It's an honor to share a NaMe and a CrOwN with you!

6. Even before your brother was my love, YoU were preparing him for me. For example checking his PoStUrE and WaRdRoBe. I give a great deal of credit to you, his beloved sister, for the way he takes care of me. Thank you for being a LoVinG sister to DaN. It benefits me more than I'm sure I realize...

Here's a BeFoRe shot of Daniel looking a bit IntErEstInG...

and AfTeR...He looks much CoOleR with the addition of his stylin' scarf from none other than his dear sister...

And here you go again loving your BrOtHeR and thereby loving me...

...and finally, you help me keep him in line with a DiRtY LoOk from time to time...

8. You are ThOuGhTfuL and SwEeT. I remember getting birthday calls and cards from you even before I was married to Dan...now that's thoughtful. I will never forget coming to Barstow to be your assistant for a week. There was a refrigerator full of CoKe and ingredients to make my favorite dessert in the world...CheEsEcaKe. Thank you for taking the time and interest to get to know my little quirks and blessing me with your thoughtfulness.

9. You are SiLLy, FuNnY, and FuN! I think pictures will do this one more justice than my words:

10. And finally...with all of these things in mind and MaNy, MaNy more, I honor you on your birthday because even if you weren't my SiSteR, I would most definitely want to be your FriEnD.

Thank you Katie for being WoNdErFuL, LoVeLy, InCreDibLe YoU. You are truly a BleSsiNg to me, and I wish you the HapPiEsT of BiRtHdaYs and many more to come.

Love your sister and friend,

Katie

Perfect Timing

2009-05-04T20:38:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year...

warm weather + one more month of school + a full year of learning/creating curriculum for a new grade level + 27 kids who know summer is near = Though I AdOrE my little darlings, I'm ready for a change of pace...Bring on the gardening, sleeping-in, and good books!

It's that time of year...

The PeRfEcT time of year to find this in my school mailbox on MoNdaY morning:

It's the time of year when SwEeT fifth grade darlings, OvErCoMe by warm weather and the prospect of summer, seem at times to be more interested in AnYtHiNg but their teacher and her CrEaTiVe lessons. It's the PeRfEcT time to know they were thinking of their teacher on the way to school...at least long enough to stop and pick these...

It's the PeRfEcT TiMe to have SwEeT DaIsIes beside the stacks of homework waiting to be graded...

I LoVe my JoB. The InCrEdIBle KiDs I teach are more than enough to give me JoY in what I do, but it never hurts to have lovely FloWeRs on your desk...KuDoS to the SpRiNg TrAiL PTO, my students and their wonderful parents...PeRfEcT timing.

Nice to See

2009-04-30T19:08:00.012-05:00

Tonight as Dan and I walked into the Bloomingdale Library, I was blessed by five words from a middle-aged woman I don't even know. As she walked past us she smiled and said, " A GeNtLeMaN. Nice to see."

All at once I realized my hands were securely in my pockets and Dan had just opened the door for me without skipping a beat. I was struck by the CaRe and LoVe shown to me by my husband through this simple gesture. I was struck by my presumption that this is the way it should be as my hands were firmly in my pockets...I never even thought of removing them because I have just come to subconsciously ExPeCt this gesture from Dan.

Isn't it ReFrEsHiNg that a few simple words from a stranger can open our eyes? In the business of our lives, I so often don't stop to ApPrEcIaTe the little things that show great LoVe.

I want to be the stranger that NoTicES and AcKnOwLeDgEs the little things. I want to be the friend and wife that others/Dan expect these little acts of kindness and love from.
I am GrAtEfuL for Dan who does so many little things that I know I take for granted and to this stranger who used her words to help me NoTicE.

The Paralyzing, Anxiety Filled Decision Making Process of an American Consumer Observed:

2009-04-25T14:52:00.007-05:00

This is what happens when you just happen to have your camera in your coat pocket and your husband insists on going to Walmart on a Friday night...You observe the HiLaRiTy of our lives...

"Why is it so stinkin' hard to pick out ButT PaPeR?"

~Daniel J. Bailey

It's a wonder we accomplish anything SigNiFiCanT in our LiVeS when just picking out BuTt PaPeR requires so much time, energy and CeReBraL activity.