Stackett

Gwennie

2012-02-03T17:28:00.000-05:00

Yesterday marked 6 weeks - which I cannot believe. Gwendolyn is doing great, getting bigger, smiling more and more and sleeping longer and longer. Last night she slept for 6 hours in a row! More sleep makes for a happier mommy! However, she has been laying in her cradle for the past hour and her eyes are still wide open... Today I screwed with her schedule though. I had a hair appointment at 2 so her late morning/early afternoon nap was cut short and I tried to feed her when she wasn't really hungry... And once we are off schedule - the way the rest of the day will go is unpredictable. So, to really throw a wrench in things I decided that today would be her first full day in cloth diapers and so far so good! Only one little leak. I think we both have to adjust to the extra bulk but I have noticed an improvement in her diaper rash already! So far I am liking the Rumparoozs cover with a pre-fold, fleece liner and a snappi. I think we are going to use Apple Cheeks for bedtime.

Month One

2012-01-19T11:43:00.002-05:00

We made it through the first month with flying colors! Gwendolyn is growing before our eyes and each day we can't wait to see the new facial expression she will make. She has gained about a pound and a half since she was born. Her cheeks and belly are filling out nicely. This month Gwendolyn has come grocery shopping with us, out to dinner, to the brew pub, walked across Lake Umbagog, met all of her aunties, uncle and grandparents and has gone on several walks up Bird Hill. We can't wait for the next month and more wintery adventures.

Watch out Sock Monkey!

Gwendolyn

2012-01-05T15:57:00.001-05:00

Our baby girl arrived safe and sound on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 11:15am. We could not be more delighted and are wondering where the last two weeks went. Brian returns to work tomorrow, which we are sad about but it has been wonderful to be home enjoying our new addition together for the last two weeks. We have not done much, but get to know Gwendolyn and adjust to our new life as a family of 3. Last night was one of our first outings. We ventured down the road to the Sunday River Brew Pub. Gwendolyn slept soundly on me in the sling the whole time. It was great to get out of the house and feel like normal people again. We could not be more delighted and cannot wait to hear every new sound she makes and see every new expression - she is full of them! We love you Gwenie!

5x7 Folded Card

2011-12-27T09:41:00.001-05:00

Happy Joy Christmas Card

Shutterfly has classic, elegant Christmas invitations for your party.

View the entire collection of cards.

41 weeks

2011-12-18T16:43:00.001-05:00

One week past our due date and I sit here and wait. I have had 3 non-stress tests this week and each one shows a very healthy and active baby. It was not until today that any contractions showed up on the monitor. I had two today! However, neither were painful and consequently not productive... Still effaced and not dilated. So, I continue to wait. This has been one of the loooongest and hardest waits of my life. Even harder than being a kid on Christmas morning and waiting for my Dad to complete his morning routine before we could venture downstairs. (It is only Christmas morning that he takes long showers, shaves extra close and takes time to make the bed...) The last 3 weeks while I have been on maternity leave I think about every cramp, every twinge, every kick and sorry to say every bowel movement. I ask myself as I lay wide awake at 2, 3 or 4 am - could this little crampy back pain contraction be it...? But nope - not yet. She just doesn't want to come out. And like the nurse explained today - why would she? Free food whenever she wants it, comfortable position, perfect temperature and she doesn't have to worry about her outfit or a bad hair day! Life in the womb must be glorious - carefree. I hope that I can preserve that utopia for her when she does finally arrive. So, if this little contraction I am having right now does not escalate into labor I will be going to the doctor again tomorrow. It is then that we talk about "a plan". I do not know what it will entail. How quickly they will want to induce me or how long they want to hold out... All I know I am ready to meet my daughter! Since we found out our due date I have envisioned being at my parents for Christmas Eve and Day with our bran new baby however, this might not be the plan. I have a hard time adjusting to new plans (always have) but I have a feeling that having a child is going to force me to be more flexible - right from the beginning!

A few pictures of the bump from our "Birth March" yesterday - a desperate attempt to get things moving. It was a beautiful morning!

What are you waiting for???

2011-12-09T07:21:00.001-05:00

I am sitting here at 7:20 am on Friday the 9th two days before our due date waiting, talking to the bun in the oven and wondering what is she waiting for? I have done everything I can imagine for her to make her debut and still we wait... Brian was off to work early this morning and did not forget to tell me to call him when I am in labor. He is pretty sure she is coming tonight since the 10th is a full moon. I am not so sure, I think she is content to just be carried around in a nice warm balloon of water - we have a lazy baby!

The check list is pretty much complete even though I continue to find things to add to it. I have cleaned the house upside down and inside out on multiple occasions, we are caught up on laundry, I finished my graduate school homework two weeks early, we found a Christmas tree and have it lit in our sunroom, bills are paid, arrangements for the pets have been made, Christmas shopping is done, new dishwasher has been installed, car seat fitted in the car, hospital bags packed, what else is there?? There must be something I am forgetting that needs to be done before she will budge... any ideas?

Despite my complete inability to patch 2 hours of sleep together and the growing discomfort of this growing baby, this pregnancy has not been bad. I have enjoyed most of it, a completely new experience for all of us. That being said, I don't want to be pregnant forever and more than that I really just want to meet our daughter! I had a dream that we had her and she was in a box under a heat lamp and her skin color was much darker than caucasian... The rest of the dream I spent trying to prove to Brian that he was the only man in my life... meaning?? He suggested it is because we call her names like Sheniqua and Bonqiqi - that made sense. Last night, Brian dreamt that we had her and she came wrapped in plastic... What is wrong with us??

Recent Projects

2011-11-30T11:51:00.001-05:00

This morning I finished the most recent knitting project and the first adult sweater I have ever knit. It was actually easier (easy pattern) than I initially thought it would be. Brian tried it on and the size is perfect, lucky guessing on my part. I also knit our baby bun her christmas stocking. My Mom knit all of ours so I decided to continue the tradition. It also turned out pretty good - another first, first sock project. I am finally branching out away from just mittens and hats!

I have also put in some hours with the sewing machine creating two bags also for christmas presents that I plan to fill with yummy goodies. Just trying to get a head start and do the handmade gift thing this year.

I cannot believe it is the last day in November - it is sunny and 60 degrees here today! Not very Christmassy...

38 WEEKS!

2011-11-28T22:21:00.001-05:00

This baby's arrival date is approaching very quickly. Today is 38w 1d and the doctor told me today, "she could be here any day"... Ahh, all of a sudden I felt like I had a lot to do again despite the frantic cleaning and scrubbing I did on Friday, completion of two knitting projects (to be shared later) yesterday and finally getting my shower thank-you's written and in the mail today. Today I also paid a few bills ahead of time and got a jump start on some grad. school homework. How much more can I plan ahead? - oh yeah that Christmas shopping I still need to do... Luckily I have found everything on Amazon and it is in my cart just waiting for me to click the button. I figure this can be done at any point even if I am in labor...

Like I mentioned before I saw my doctor today. She checked me for the first time and commented: "She is right there" - so things are progressing, I am getting crampier contractions but nothing to start counting yet. Tonight, when I reported this news to Brian he almost jumped for joy - he is sooo excited! Christmas might just come a little early for us this year :)

Last week we enjoyed a great Thanksgiving gathering at my Aunt and Uncle's farm in Jefferson, ME (the same place we got married). It was a beautiful day - sunny and freshly snow covered. We spent several hours outside sitting by a fire sipping cider (I was sipping cider, I don't know what everyone else had in their cups).

Tomorrow is for vacuuming, writing two grad. school papers and putting a few things in the car, just in case! And maybe seeing the new Muppets movie with the hubby!

Da Bump!

All is good in the baby cooking department!

2011-11-18T21:25:00.001-05:00

This afternoon I had a follow up ultrasound to make sure that she was still growing. First, it was confirmed again that yes she is a she! Always good just to double check. She has gained about 3/4 of a pound in about two weeks, she is now in the 38th percentile and my amniotic fluid levels are up. Today we had another great ultrasound technician. She took some extra time to get a few 3D pictures of her face. She was sucking her thumb most of the time and had her hands in front of her face, but we got a few. It was pretty amazing to see her sucking. I was a thumb sucker and am all for it! Here are pictures of the ultrasound pictures - not the easiest to see but you can see her nose and hands...

And a lovely preggo shot of me... I am getting huge!

36 weeks 3 days!

2011-11-15T20:16:00.001-05:00

Any day now.... maybe that is wishful thinking. Everything I have read says that first babies come late. UGH! She is getting stronger and bigger! The kicks are more powerful and starting to catch me off guard. I gained a pound between last weeks doctors appointment and this weeks so that must mean she is packing on the pounds too! We have an ultrasound on Friday to make sure that things are still progressing as they should. As of today she is still on the smaller side - but my doctor is not concerned. Before we know it she will be here!

Last week my senior advisee, Sarah Morse, dressed up as me on "senior faculty swap day". It was quite amusing. I am not sure why I am squatting in this picture but oh well.

Three more days of classes, exams and comment writing and I will be on maternity leave! Today I bought a puzzle, fabric, paint, thread, hardware and I still need some more yarn - lots of projects planned to keep me busy until whats her name arrives!

34W, 3D

2011-11-02T21:50:00.001-04:00

The past 3 days have gone by quickly thank goodness. At the beginning of each week when I read pregnancy websites and my count down book the week ahead sometimes feels daunting. I am sure reading these materials doesn't help - thinking about the growing size of our Bun, the preparation for labor and delivery. I am making my mental list of things to add to our hospital bag and I need to write it down soon because with this pregnancy brain I cannot remember much these days. Some books say to bring everything from crossword puzzle books to baby nail clippers and others just a tooth brush and your own pillow if you want it. I think we will be somewhere in between. I am more concerned about what to bring for Brian than for me. I will be in a Johnny and rocking the hospital socks with the little grippers on the bottom. I want to make sure that he is comfortable, clean smelling and well fed and hydrated! I think I will probably make him a list too or just pack his bag for him - which will make me feel better!

The first half of the week has been the most painful yet - not surprising. The baby is getting bigger and pushing herself lower and lower. My waddling has become almost extreme! I feel like a penguin. At our appointment last week my doctor suggested that I stop working and take it easy at home - he explained this would be the only way to manage the pain. However, at this point with less than 3 weeks left of work before I go on maternity leave it would be more stressful to leave the loose ends then just go to work - so that is what I am still doing.

At this same appointment I was told that, "this baby seems a little small"... I think he came to this conclusion based on some poking around and the fundal measurement. So, just to make sure she is still kicking ass in the oven I have an ultra sound next week. I am excited to see her again - it has been 14 weeks since our last ultra sound!!

Tomorrow Brian and I go to our second birth class. The first was pretty good. We practiced some relaxation and breathing techniques and watched a short film about giving birth (we both teared up). I am sure more breathing and tears are in store for us tomorrow evening.

One of the web sites said that this week (34) the baby is about the size of an American Girl Doll... Just as a reference...

My mom has Molly packed away somewhere waiting for little Stackette...

Christmas is Coming...

2011-10-26T09:57:00.000-04:00

And this Mamma to be is getting fat! Like I told Brian this morning, I feel like a walrus. In reality I am just getting more and more pregnant by the day, this is the time for baby Stackette to pack on the pounds and it feels like she is growing exponentially. As I read more mommy blogs, everyone out there is getting excited to dress up their little goon or goblin this weekend. Since I am not quite there yet, and am embracing the fact that she is going to arrive not too far away from Christmas I have been thinking about our holiday card slash birth announcement. I can dress her up to look like a little wrinkled elf! In preparation I just finished knitting this little santa hat for the occasion. It is hard to tell how small it is in the picture, but think baby hat...

The next project is to knit her a Christmas stocking. My mom knit all of ours so, I think it would be fitting to carry on that tradition. I have the pattern picked out - just need to get to the yarn store, maybe this weekend.

Cloth Diapering

2011-10-17T10:26:00.003-04:00

Like many people my age (30...) we were raised in cloth diapers. Pre-folds, pins and plastic covers and a tube of Desitin near by at all times. I still remember that fishy smell.... I also remembering changing diapers of my younger siblings - yep my mom trusted me with the pins - maybe she saw this as some good old fashioned sibling bonding.

Before I got pregnant I had already made up my mind that I would carry on this tradition and also cloth diaper my children. It is obscene to think about 10 disposable diapers a day going into a landfill and not to mention the enormous cost. Yesterday, I read that on average babies go through 7,000 diapers by the time they are potty trained $$. Yes, just another cost of raising a child... Call me crazy but I am not scared to put my hands in the toilet to rinse out a dirty diaper or do 3 extra loads of laundry a week. So, as we prepare for baby Stackette we are starting our cloth diaper "stash". So, far our family and friends have been very generous and have not been scared about giving us diapers. I have only bought 25 infant size pre-folds for $.50 a piece! We decided to go the pre-fold and diaper cover route primarily because it is the most cost effective. I do have 3 all in one diapers, and several pocket diapers for those times when someone other than Brian and I will be changing a diaper and might be a little intimidated by the process.

But O' the technology - no more pins and yucky plastic covers. All in ones (AIO's) are a diaper and diaper cover in one for a one time use and then wash. A pocket is a cover that can be stuffed with a variety of absorbent soakers - thin, thick, depending on the time of day and your baby. It is our hope, that with diaper covers, most of the time we can change out the soiled pre-fold and then reuse the cover... For most covers a soaker can be added for night time and mostly do not need pins or Snappi's (new fangled diaper fasteners). I also have a variety of sized diaper covers - some One sized, that can snap smaller, some infant sized and others in medium and large sizes. I think that we will need to expand our stash a little as Stackette grows but we should be good to start. We have 25 infant sized pre-folds (xs) 24 smalls, 24 mediums and 24 large - we will probably need a few more large, but not yet!

I also need to give a shout out to my Mom. She took one look at some of the covers that we have and decided that she could make them! Look at what she has created:

One of Mom's creations

What a motivated Grandma to be can do on a weekend!

The start of our stash

Baby Shower

2011-10-12T10:16:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday 35 of my closest friends, family and family friends came to celebrate and shower our unborn daughter. I described this shower as EPIC. My parent's house was full of guests, my aunt kept the competitive baby games rolling (bingo, name meaning games and a game where you could not say the word "baby" - I quickly lost), guests enjoyed wine, beer and cider (I stuck to water) and the showering of gifts was unbelievable! I actually worked up a sweat unwrapping, oooing and awwing! The pressure was on: unwrap faster, pass that one around, Oh save that paper! My mom sat on the floor coaching me through the entire hour and a half it took to unwrap all the gifts. I am not trying to gloat, it was just, as I said earlier - epic. After the paper and bows were cleaned up guests enjoyed chili and cake! It was great to see family and friends who traveled many miles to be there and old family friends who you only get to see at gatherings like this. The whole experience was humbling - this little girl is going to be well loved!

I do not like being the center of attention, so this day was exhausting! On my way home with the car packed full, I called Brian just to warn him that he was about to be inundated with more baby paraphernalia than he could ever imagine. When I got home I backed the car up to the door and he took it from there. After half an hour of blog reading and decompression time I set to work on assembling out new changing table! But after that it was off to bed!

The next day, Brian initiated the unpacking, sorting and washing. It was cute to watch him go through all the gifts. The rest of the day was spent re-organizing closets, cleaning out, doing laundry and finding homes for everything. I can safely say that we are now ready for her to be born! (in more ways than one)

What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger...

2011-10-05T13:21:00.000-04:00

I would say that I have internalized this mantra. From childhood I remember my mom saying this to me. And to some extent it is very true, especially with this whole pregnancy and giving birth deal. Giving birth is a right of passage into womanhood and I believe I will come out being a stronger person when it is all said and done.

That being said I have been very positive and have not really complained about the aches and pains of pregnancy - It is all part of the journey. And maybe I thought it might make me less of a woman if I complained.

Where is this going?... am I doubting my goal of a totally natural childbirth? NOPE. I just need to complain... For the past 2.5 months I have had on going and increasing pelvic pain. It began as a soreness - like if you rode a bike for a distance and were not used to it. Then it began to become more sever. Now, at times it is almost unbearable. Functioning daily is ok, I am slow, I waddle and I cannot do too much. In the moment I feel ok however later in the day or at night the decisions to mow the lawn, rake leaves or even go on a long walk haunts me. At night it is the worst! As soon as I get in bed, something about how my pelvis re-alines itself is not ok. I find that laying strait on my back is the least painful position, however then my back aches... On either side is ok, but if I try to roll over - forget it! Sharp, Sharp, breath taking pain - down there... I use a heat pack, take hot baths which offer temporary relief but it wears off quickly. I get up in the morning relieved that I don't have to lay down any longer and frustrated with how tired and sore I am... (I know I know, the sleeplessness is all practice for when the baby comes - but I don't recall new moms complaining about it hurting to sleep) I have tried taking tylenol, it doesn't touch it.

I have complained about this a little to my OB - at first she nodded and didn't seem too concerned. Last week she offered to refer me to physical therapy which I refused for now - I don't have the time to drive half an hour 2 or 3 times a week... But when I go back in next week for my 31 week appt. I might just take her up on it. I might be desperate. Apparently, this is pretty common for pregnant women but it ranges in severity and is referred to as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) - (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelvic_girdle_pain) Right now, would I rather have had morning sickness?? Too bad when you get pregnant you can't choose which side effects you will have. Stretch marks or swollen feet? Morning sickness or PGP? Decisions decisions.

The ligaments and cartilage right in front are loosening causing instability and the pain.

Any thoughts or treatment ideas send them my way or if I am just wining and I really just need to suck it up please tell me that too!

Off to a field hockey game!

Productivity!

2011-10-02T18:01:00.000-04:00

Despite the constant rain this weekend, I got a lot of things done inside. The better part of Saturday was spent writing a grad. school paper and getting my mid-term grades and comments in. I then stood outside in the rain for 3 hours coaching field hockey - blegh.

This morning I finished getting the grades in and comments written, did a bunch of laundry and then got crafty. First, I made a button letter with our daughter-to-be's first initial... I cannot show you an actual picture of this project for fear of letting the secret out, but here is the one I got the inspiration from. Mine has a white frame to match the other framed artwork on the walls and the buttons are an assortment of warm oranges and pinks! I really like how it turned out!

Next, I made a decorative autumn centerpiece (not an original idea either). I put on my boots and rain coat (which barely still zips) and went out to collect sticks. This project did create a mess in my kitchen and if it was not pouring out I would have done it outside. This came out well too - I am loving the "mulled cider" candle.

This idea came from: http://sweetsomethingdesign.blogspot.com/2010/11/charlie-brown-thanksgiving.html

This afternoon I put my prefolds through their last wash (4 in all) and folded them and put them away. I am not sure if they are going to stay in these dresser drawers but until we get the changing table they will live here. Our diaper stash, as it is called in the cloth diapering world, is growing. I think we will need a few more one-size diaper covers but that's it! I never knew I could be so excited about diapers!

29.5 and counting

2011-09-29T20:49:00.001-04:00

We made it! We are in the third trimester and things are good. Last week I went to the doctor for the dreaded glucose test. I was expecting the worst, so I chugged the first half of the bottle of sugar juice and realized it wasn't that bad.... but also glad I didn't have to drink any more than I did. I found out on Monday that my blood work came back negative for gestational diabetes but that I am anemic. So, I am now taking an iron supplement with my daily prenatal vitamin - not-a-big-deal. I am not sure if it is all in my head but I have felt less lethargic at the end of the day since I have taken the iron - coincidence, maybe.

The baby room is coming together - a few more small additions last week. A little wooden fairy doll (aww), baby monitor, crib mattress, art on the walls, mobile hung, cloth diaper collection growing.... you get the gist. I am starting to feel like if she came early we would be ready - but it would be stressful. Tonight I forgot to pick up detergent - I was planning on washing the pre-folds (4 times) diaper covers, crib sheets and some baby clothes. Brian laughed at my stressful sigh... I am just feeling like we have to be ready even though I know/hope we have lots of time still.

Last weekend my mom and I traveled to the Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine. This is always a highlight for me. This Maine fair is one of a kind. It attracts farmers and growers from all over the state, crafters from all over New England and has the best food. The best part is, there are not scary carnies! Just adorable animals!

Baby Stackette is being more and more active and getting stronger and stronger, as I rest my computer on my belly she often shakes the whole thing - but whenever I am sure she will kick again I call Brian over and just like that she stops... He is starting to get a complex.

Other than that things are good - school, students, grading, grad. school work, house work, etc....

3 years!

2011-09-20T08:04:00.000-04:00

Today is our 3 year anniversary. Time has flown by - it seems like just last month I was stressed about the catering, rentals and pulling the whole thing off - instead this summer is has been the baby on my brain. As we look forward and await the arrival of our daughter in just 3 short months I cannot imagine having anyone else by my side. Brian and I have a great companionship, we lean on each other, love each other and are not afraid to remind each other about reality when needed. This is definitely going to be an exciting and important year for both of us. Happy Anniversary Honey! I can't wait to see what is in store for us during the next 33! I love you!

Valances and Rocking Chair

2011-09-19T11:15:00.003-04:00

It was WONDERFUL to have the weekend off. I did not leave the house once. I got caught up on some much needed sleep, laundry and almost with the mowing. One highlight was taking a hot bath on Saturday night - this might sound strange, but it was the first time I have taken a bath in our house! It was wonderful and I think it helped me sleep. More baths might be in my near future.

Despite the bathing and chores, I also made some more headway with the baby room. Saturday I hung the valances - nothing a little wood glue, bandsaw and a hammer and nail couldn't solve! I also painted the antique rocking chair. Yesterday was laundry and lawn care day but I also reupholstered the chair and once Brian got home we reattached the springs and wahlah it is done! I am quite pleased with how it came out - my first time upholstering and making a square cushion cover... I'll let you be the judge.

chair before

Chair after

Valances hung

It was a great weekend and productive weekend - the best kind in my book. Now it is back at it, molding and shaping young minds :) I hope everyone has a great week!

Baby bump and room update

2011-09-16T22:13:00.001-04:00

As we are transitioning to the third trimester I thought it was time to share some bump shots and some pictures of a few "nesting" projects.

Before school started I was in a big rush to get our stairs finally painted and that project put to bed. I was not going to tackle the baby room until I finished that one. Here is how they turned out, I am very pleased.

upstairs landing primed

and painted

Then it was on to Stackette's room. We moved the mattress out, emptied a bookshelf, cleaned out a dresser and then it was off to the races painting the trim and walls. Here are some shots from the process.

rocking chair, valance and curtain fabric

Two days ago Brian wired the ceiling fan and made the box valances. I covered them yesterday and attempted to hang them but failed - they are still on the floor waiting to go over the windows. Tonight I rallied Brian again to put the crib together. We got the crib as a hand-me-down however the previous owners misplaced the hardware - good thing I married a handy-man! I am glad to have that done, the room is starting to come together. I can't wait for the fun stage of hanging things on the walls and filling the drawers!

crib and fan

valances waiting to be hung

Last a blurry baby bump self-portrait... Lovely!

My next project is to paint and reupholster the rocking chair for the room...

That's all for now, this tired mama needs to get to bed!

The Great Provider...

2011-09-01T20:47:00.001-04:00

Nope, not God.

The provider I am referring to is my little bun's Daddy. Since I have become pregnant and even more recently when I have become obviously pregnant, Brian has put on his "I am the provider in this household pants". Some days he does not let me lift a finger - which is nice at first and annoying later. He has been obsessed with getting our house ready for this winter. Wood is split and stacked, the oil tank has been topped off. He is researching new snow removal methods and just this morning I was treated to pancakes, chopped peaches, bacon, orange juice and coffee... Needless to say, he has been wonderful! Seeing him transition into the Daddy role makes me love him even more!

Today we visited the birth center at Stephen's Memorial hospital. This center is very small (4 rooms), personal and very liberal! Each room is equipped with a jacuzzi tub, birthing ball, chair and all the doctors and nurses work to accommodate the mother and father's needs and desires, not matter the birth plan. Sitting in a room today, made it all seem much more real - that will be us in 3.5 months! I cannot wait for this little bambino to grace us with her presence and to watch Brian be the Dad he is so excited to be!

Week 26

2011-08-28T22:14:00.000-04:00

Irene visited us today, like she did to many people on the east coast. We got lots of wind and rain but nothing too damaging. The power and internet are still working, so I have nothing to complain about. Brian was home because of the storm - so we used to day to lounge around, fold laundry and begin tackling the nursery. I organized the room some, cleaned out a few drawers, moved an old desk out and scraped the scary wallpaper boarder off. The room is now ready to be painted. Luckily we have until December to get it all pulled together because school is about to start and my free time is going to evaporate. Stay tuned for updates.

Kerplink, kerplank, kerplunk

Yesterday, before Irene came to town, my Mom and sister went for a hike. We hiked up Rumford White Cap - a local favorite. It has a bald cap, above tree line with a fantastic 360 degree view. Not only was the view spectacular but the top is covered in blueberries. The granite face, spruce trees and view was an illustration right out of Robert McCloskey's Blueberries for Sal, a childhood favorite. Luckily we saw no mama or baby bears. I picked 4 quarts of berries and this morning made blueberry muffins for our rainy breakfast. The hike up was not that bad despite nearing the third trimester however, coming down was a little slower for me. My back has been starting to bother me and after the berry picking and hike up I had to take it slooooow, but I made it baby bump and all.

Berries!

Hazy view with Irene looming

Hike down

23.5 Weeks

2011-08-12T14:30:00.000-04:00

All is well in pregnancy land. This has been a great week for me, baby and Brian. The indigestion has subsided (knock on wood), Brian and I spent the last 10 days together doing things around the house (me cleaning, him splitting wood), on Caldwell Island and at a beautiful wedding in Boothbay Harbor. It was wonderful to just spend time together, enjoy the summer and relax. Two days ago we really felt her moving around. It was early in the morning and I woke Brian so he could feel - he was very excited. Apparently we haven't really felt her until now because of the way the placenta is positioned - she is well cushioned. Oh dear, she is a princess already...

Baby bump shadow

Sunset over Caldwell Is.

The question of the week has been, "have you picked any names" and although we have a list and it is becoming narrower we have not decided on any and when we do we are not going to tell anyone. My mom doesn't even want to know... It is going to be very hard for us not to tell but, I think we can do it!

The beginning of school is quickly approaching and I am realizing that the three stretchy skirts and two pairs of sweat pants that I have been living in are not going to cut it. Usually, I am excited to do some "back to school shopping" but not this year. I know maternity clothes have come a long way but still...

Partay...

2011-07-31T18:15:00.000-04:00

Our "gender reveal" party was a great success and a ton of fun. Brian and some other men were introduced, reluctantly, into the world of showers. But they were all good sports and I think might have had a little fun. Mrs. O and Mrs. L went way over the top for this one. Pink and Blue everything. A decorated baby tree, diaper cake, punch, onezies, cupcakes, favors, etc. We are so lucky to have such caring friends and family.

The cupcake filling revealed that we are having a GIRL! We are very excited and have starting thinking about decorating the nursery and looking at names. Brian even got a baby name app... I think that is pretty endearing. Here are some highlights of the decorating, prepping and more decorating Mrs. O and Mrs. L did for us!! Thank you!!

10 Toes, 10 Fingers and very Flexible

2011-07-21T13:38:00.001-04:00

Yesterday's appointment was very exciting. Our little one is getting pretty big! 9 inches from head to foot, 9 ounces and very wiggly. He or she cooperated for most of the appointment but did not want his/her heart looked at. I had to lay on my side, cough, the technician poked all trying to get him/her to rollover. Finally, the baby obliged and we were on our way with great news, some new pictures and a dvd in hand. To my surprise Brian was actually excited to visit the baby Gap. We each choose an adorable infant outfit.. it is obvious who choose which one :)

Here are some of the shots from yesterday:

Foot

Face, Chest and Arms

Gymnast?

Half Way There

2011-07-19T17:36:00.000-04:00

Sunday or Monday (I never remember, I always think Sunday and Mr. Stackett thinks Monday) marked our 20th week of baby in the womb. That means that it is all down hill from here, right? Just as we hit this mile stone things start to feel more real. The indigestion is still around, but I have figured out ways to better manage it - pretty much just eat. My belly is starting to feel tight, rumbly and sometimes achey. Those long ligaments on either side of my uterus twinge when I sit up too fast or make a quick movement. These are just constant reminders that it is just not me anymore but someone else is along for the ride.

Tomorrow is a BIG day!! We have our thorough anatomy ultra-sound, find out the results of the unnecessary NT tests and get to know the sex of the little one. Brian is hoping for a girl and I really do not have much of a preference or inclination - so I am rooting for a girl too. Either way it is going to be exciting none the less. Brian is unaware of this but after our appointment I am hoping to go visit the Baby Gap and pick out our first baby outfit together... and maybe check out the maternity department... The rest of the afternoon we will be out on Casco Bay with my parents enjoying the sun!

Today is my first official day off of the summer and so far I am enjoying "summer vacation". I was very productive today - hanging laundry on the line, painting my toe nails outside in a well ventilated space, doing some grad. school home work and taking several "gender prediction" quizzes online... I was hoping to find a couple quizzes for entertainment sake like the ones we used to take in Seventeen Magazine that revealed if you were a good kisser or which type of boy you were attracted too; all of which were very accurate. Well, these "Is your baby a boy or girl" quizzes I am sure are just as accurate! Out of the 4 quizzes I took 1 said Boy and 3 said Girl... "So, I've got that going for me..." - Caddy Shack.

I feel a little like I am 5 and it is Christmas Eve - it is going to be hard to sleep tonight thinking about tomorrows appointment... We won't be sharing our news until Monday - at our "Gender Reveal Party" thrown by Miss Oh' Apostrophe herself.

So excited, think PINK!

You say turnip I say avocado...

2011-07-03T20:48:00.001-04:00

***Warning readers in the healthcare profession - self diagnosis below***

Today marks week 17 - we are into month 5 and almost half way there. This seems so strange since this past week was the first time I actually felt pregnant. Last week I shopped for my first maternity clothes, not with much luck, saw my OB for an update and am anxiously awaiting our appointment on July 20th to find out the gender of our turnip or avocado. The 17 week articles I read did not have much overlap with fetus size but all agree that at this point libido will return, breasts will continue to enlarge and my abdomen will start popping out... so far all have been true. Although I am not sure if our fetus is actually the size of a turnip or an avocado, I am voting for avocado... I don't feel like I have a turnip inside of me, at least not yet.

So far, the hardest part about being pregnant has been remembering to take my vitamins, I feel that I have been pretty lucky. But this past week, I was wearing stretchy waist bands and larger shirts but have also had some very unpleasant bouts of indigestion. I know this is common at this point however, I feel like it is becoming more common each day. I have always had flare ups when I was dehydrated or hungry mostly in the afternoons. Laying on the couch or any flat surface with my knees bent, a snack and a bubbly drink helped. However, at times it is worse and the pain travels up my left arm and into my neck - yes strange, but not uncommon for abdominal pain (from what I hear). So, these symptoms have been more common lately and despite the snacks and constant hydration and looser waist bands I have found little relief. I am blaming this on hormones, since that seems to be the cause of all bodily changes during pregnancy. I am just wondering if an ant-acid can conquer the hormones. Right now I am drinking peppermint tea... I hope I don't have to spend each afternoon of the summer on the couch with my knees bent drinking ginger ale. But I guess many pregnant women have it much worse. I should just stop complaining and drink my tea.

15 weeks and counting...

2011-06-21T18:49:00.000-04:00

This week marked the 15 week mark and the week where I feel like my body is really physically changing... I think I am popping out! Although I am still able to zip most of my pants and shorts - my favorite part of the day is when I can come hope and put my sweat pants on! I am also constantly feeling like I am full or some weird type of pressure - I guess this is something else I will have to get used to on top of the constant feeling that I have to pee.

I am drinking tons of water - does not help my peeing situation but I think it helps with fatigue. Sleeping is better than last month - but sleeping on my stomach is getting less comfortable...

Not only is the baby constantly changing but I am beginning to feel the direct results of being pregnant. I think next week I am going to have to break down and do a little maternity online shopping... Anyone have any great places for less expensive maternity clothes? Do sizes change? This is all new territory!

The baby is about the size of an orange and weights about as much as a grapefruit - go figure! This is the week of the citrus.

Hail Stones Hit Close to Home

2011-06-01T19:34:00.000-04:00

Luckily this afternoon while I was still sitting through painful faculty meetings and Brian was at work a fast and potentially dangerous storm hit Bethel, Maine. There was even a tornado warning... Luckily we made it through almost scratch free. I came home to find the deck furniture a little damaged, pieces of the gutter on the deck and leaves everywhere. But no broken windows or skylights! I but some of the big hailstones in the freezer just for fun.

Ironically enough, probably 20 years ago today a hail storm hit my home town. We were not home, I was at a friends birthday party. But we came home to find skylights broken, leaves and glass all over the house. I remember being confined to my room as my mom tried to clean up all the glass. I remember my uncle's red convertible was heavily damaged and other people's cars were dented and windows were broken.

So, I am thankful that today our little house in the woods only sustained a few damages and our cars were not in the driveway!

12 weeks

2011-05-26T13:14:00.000-04:00

I am still feeling great but as this school year comes to a close I am extremely tired by the end of the day. I have been in bed by 8 the last two nights - it isn't even dark yet... I try to get some work done in bed, either comments for my students or some grad. school homework but I am not very productive. This morning I had the opportunity to sleep in... the 3 extra hours were needed! So, I hope tonight I can get that work done that keeps getting put off!

The fetus is a size of a vienna sausage apparently - what a great image...

Reading my weekly pregnancy book this morning, the author offered some sympathy if only one pair of pants still fit... Luckily I do not have that problem yet. Right now everything is still fitting normally. I have noticed my desire to put an outfit together has diminished, I just really don't care, humm. Does that mean by week 24 I will be living in my PJs?... only time will tell.

Ok well less procrastinating and more comment writing!

It is Time

2011-05-19T13:22:00.000-04:00

It is time to make the formal blog post ... wait for it, wait for it...

I am pregnant!

Yes, 11 weeks today! Brian and I are very excited and a little scared. This is the most responsibility we have ever been given! It is so great to be able to share our news. It is great talking with friends and colleagues about what they have to lend us, cribs, swings, etc. Brian and I have been talking that we hope our initial contribution to this child's life in terms of furniture will be minimal. I have lots of stuff to blog about - but I have to get through this last week of classes first. I need to focus on grad. school work, grading projects and essays and writing comments before I can blog anymore. Stay tuned for more blogging...

Anyone have any ideas or comments about registering? Do it? Don't do it? Not really necessary?

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-06T11:02:00.000-04:00

This post is in honor of my wonderful Mom. This year is a big one for my mom, her oldest child (me) turned 30. She commented on my birthday, "wow you are getting old but I am staying the same age!" My mom has found a way to stay young. Her and my Dad are very active, enjoying Maine winters skiing or snowshoeing, the summers on the boat and all the time they spend in between gardening, landscaping and enjoying themselves. Friends have commented, "your parents are so fun" and sometimes I think that they do have more fun that Brian and me - at least more of a social life!

I want to thank my mom for all the tireless hours she has spent helping me and all of my siblings. She sat for hours at our kitchen island coaching us through statistics, novels, lab reports, history essays... and the life lessons that she taught us. We learned at an early age not to take anyone or anything for granted. We worked hard for what we wanted and thanked those who helped us through... we would not be the happy and successful young adults we are today without her guidance and constant support.

So, Mom! Thank you! and Happy Mother's Day!

Thinking About Summer!

2011-04-26T20:29:00.000-04:00

Tick Tacks :)

2011-04-21T10:34:00.000-04:00

My friend Emily and I used to gobble these little breath fresheners by the handful in high school. I think part of the allure was the cute little tick tack box they came in. Sometimes still, I will grab a box and mail them to her or buy some just for old times sake. Since I teach history and I always wonder - Huh? who invented the tick tack? Was it originally sold as candy or a breath freshener? Maybe in the late 1960's people really had a hard time with bad breath... But here is some history taken directly from Wikipedia.com about the history of the Tick Tack... ENJOY

The Tic Tac was first introduced in 1969.^[1] Besides the original Fresh mint flavor, several new varieties were added including: cinnamon (or "Winter Warmer"), orange (in 1976), spearmint, peppermint, mandarin, wintergreen, orange and lime together (from 2005 to 2009), cherry, passionfruit (in 2007), pomegranate (in 2010), and lime. Its grape flavor was eliminated in 1976 because of health concerns about the red dye amaranth (FD&C Red #2), a suspected carcinogen. The Orange Tic Tacs continued on their own without the Grape. In 2005 a limited edition flavor of lemon was introduced.

Other innovations have included holiday gift packs for Christmas, Easter, St Patricks Day, and Valentine's Day.

Since 1980, its tag line has been "The 1½ Calorie Breath Mint." This has changed since the size of each individual piece was increased and the caloric value increased to 1.9 calories.

During the 1990s, "double packs" were introduced, featuring a regular Tic Tac container with two flavors inside. Available combinations were Tangerine and Lime, Orange and Grape, Berry and Cherry, and many more.

In the UK, Ireland, Italy and Australia Tic Tacs are noted as being less than two kilocalories with the slogan "Two hours of tic tac freshness in less than two calories". A more recent, humorous TV advertising campaign encourages potential purchasers in the UK to "Shake your tic tacs". The most recent advertising campaign features the slogan "refreshing little lifts".

In Canada, New Zealand and Australia, the Tic Tac slogan is 'it's not just a mint, it's a tic tac'. In 2006, Tic Tac introduced a Bold edition with stronger flavors. With 1.9 calories per mint (advertised as having "less than two calories") it comes in two flavors, Mint and Fruit.

The orange Tic Tacs featured in the 2007 film Juno are in an orange box because the movie was filmed in Canada and Tic Tacs there are in colored packaging with white color candies. In the USA the candies are orange and the packaging is clear. Film promoters distributed boxes of the mints prior to the film's release.

In 2008, Tic Tac introduced Tic Tac Chill, which are slightly larger than ordinary Tic Tacs and come in a dual-opening packaging, using the traditional living hinge or a sliding opening on the front of the case. These come in three flavors, Exotic Cherry, Berry Blast, and Paradise Mint. Tic Tac Chill mints are also sugar-free, the Exotic Cherry ones instead being sweetened with xylitol and the Paradise Mint ones being sweetened with aspartame.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tic_Tac

I Feel Like Lentils

2011-04-15T12:50:00.000-04:00

I Want Spring Damn It!

2011-04-14T10:30:00.000-04:00

It is April 14th and the majority of my yard is still covered in snow... It is melting quickly but I want to get my hands in the dirt. I want to go buy annuals without the fear of frost. I want to stop making fires in the evening to take the chill out of the air! Is this really too much to ask?

In desperation for spring I splurged a little - in hopes that I can plant some pansies in the next couple days. I bought two new ceramic pots and three terra-cotta flower boxes. I think a mix of round and square will look great on our back deck. Now if only I could start planting... I need more color in my life.

New Wheels

2011-04-04T20:01:00.001-04:00

My old Subie was finally condemned. With 216K for miles and the need of constant TLC she just couldn't pass another inspection. My mechanic said, "Well, I'll take your money to fix it, but it really isn't worth it..." you know when the car mechanic says that to a woman it must really be bad... I asked about fabbing a piece, welding, struts, etc. and I think he understood that I was more than your naive female driver.

So, I parted ways with the old gal, cleaned her out and washed my hands of it. I finagled a deal from the same mechanic and he cut me a great deal on another slightly newer and less tired Subaru... Almost the same car but 5 years younger! I went and picked it up today... It is nice to have a car with a legal inspection sticker again - phew!

1981

2011-03-23T05:45:00.001-04:00

Yes, I am now officially 30. The day has come, I am officially OLD. Or as my sister put it so nicely, "you are no longer a young adult, you are just a plain old adult". Humm... Thanks Liz, I will surely remember that when you turn 30 in just 3 short years!

Some exciting things happened 30 years ago. Jerry Seinfeld made his first appearance on The Tonight Show, Sandra Day O'Connor is the first woman elected to the Supreme Court, the Delorean was rolled off the assembly line, MTV was launched on cable tv, the Rolling Stones begin their "Tattoo You Tour", the Boeing 767 makes its first flight and Antigua and Barbuda gain independence from the United Kingdom.

Some not so nice things happened too, there were still a lot of issues between The US and Iran (huh), Pope John Paul survived an attempted assassination, the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded, Margaret Thatched was ruling GB with an iron finger and Ronald Reagan succeed Jimmy Carter.

So, Happy Birthday to me - I hope the next 30 years are just as exciting and fulfilling!

Last project from spring break...

2011-03-22T06:44:00.006-04:00

My dear friend Emily is due any day now. Her little baby boy is still quite content in the womb, despite Em's comfort level. Today she finally, received my package in the mail so I can post about the baby sweater I knit last week. It was a great project - quick and easy! Here is the link to the pattern: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90344AD.html?noImages= I would recommend Lionbrand.com to any knitter. They have lots of free patterns.

Anyway, I was psyched to get a text from Emily today thanking me for the little sweater. I can't wait to see it on Baby O!

Back to School

2011-03-21T13:32:00.004-04:00

It is the final trimester! I am back at school after a long and relaxing March break. Today is full of faculty meetings, planning time and the first lacrosse practice of the term. However, we are in the beginning of a nor-easter... So, I am anticipating a few kids not making it back in time... lucky for them.

Today, we have had a lot of time to think about integrating technology. I went to a workshop about Turnitin.com and then lead on about Nooletools. There were other workshops that were about organizing Google docs, Prezi and Voice Thread. It is all exciting stuff, really changing how teachers teach and students learn. Imagine not having to make notecards for a research paper? Or not making a poster for an oral presentation (although I do miss the scissors, glue sticks and magazines)? Finally, testing your essay for any possible plagiarism before you hand it in... getting all comments digitally and shared via google docs; where you can chat with your teacher online as he looks through the essay... Times are changing!

What will school look like when our kids are in high school? Covering your books with brown paper after the first day of school is the way of the past! Those nights were always great bonding moments with my Mom... Can parents and their children bond over google docs or digital books? Will every student have a tablet or kindle? I am feeling old... I do turn 30 in two days! EEEK

I also love cleaning!

2011-03-14T15:24:00.001-04:00

I did it, I finally bought a new vacuum! I went back to Sears ready to buy a Kenmore, but when I got there the price had changed. The new price was $45.00 more so I decided not on the Kenmore but a Electrolux. I love it. It is much quieter, smaller and lighter than the Kenmore. I just finished vacuuming the house. It took me half the time it used to. No more vacuuming around each tile with the small hose extension from the upright! I am looking at this new purchase as a life changing investment!

I love throwing things away

2011-03-06T17:31:00.001-05:00

I do not know why, but I feel so much better when I get rid of clutter and useless object that have entered our house some how. I think this is why I was so happy to get rid of the carpet yesterday. I took it to the dump and it is now out of my life forever!

So this morning, after watching a little HGTV for inspiration I headed out and first stopped by Sherwin Williams to get some paint chips. After talking to the hubby (he was very excited to talk about this) we have decided on.

Celery for the stair treads

North Star for the upstairs hallway

and Extra White for the trim (same as downstairs)

After the paint store I stopped at Mardens! Mardens is a hit or miss reminisce store. However, they have a great fabric department with very reasonable prices. I browsed around with only a basket to limit myself. I found some bamboo kitchen utensils, some funky sponges that can be washed in the washer and then some glass food storage containers. My mom has been telling me to get rid of the pastic ones. BPA is not nice stuff. So, when I got home, I got to throw away many of our old containers. I only kept a few. I hope to build up my collection of glass containers.

Finally, I found some great Batik fabric for a table cloth and some fun green/white polka dot. It did not take very long and I had a new, bright and fun table!

But the day would not be complete without some homeowners chores. Since it has been raining our driveway turned to a sheet of ice. Our town provides free sand but you have to go pick it up. So, I loaded some 5 gallon buckets and a shovel in the back of my car. I only found 3 buckets but it was just enough. So, now, when the temperature drops tonight we won't have to use crampons in order to get to our cars.

What should I do tomorrow?

First Spring Break Project

2011-03-05T17:11:00.001-05:00

It has been a while since I tackled a home project. When we moved in 2 and a half years ago I went crazy scraping wallpaper, painting, organizing, etc. For the most part our house was quite livable when we bought it.

However the more I look at the wall to wall carpet the covers covered the stairs and still covers our living room and the bedrooms, I despise it! It is dirty, collects pet hair and dust and makes the rooms feel smaller. So, today I decided to take on the stairs and landings. I was pleasantly surprised to found decent wooden floors below the carpet. I was ready to settle for plywood. This project took most of the day, but I think it was well worth it.

I did discover that the floors and steps need to be sanded before I paint them but that can wait for another rainy day. Now I have to decide if I am ready to take on the bedrooms too which will involve moving a lot of furniture... Where there is a will there is a way!

Here are a few photos of before, in the middle of and after the carpet removal.

Pre-Removal

First Peak Underneath

Tools and Damn Tack Board!

Done, looking down

Upstairs Landing

I made it back

2011-03-02T10:47:00.000-05:00

I am out of the woods and am right back at it. Faculty meetings, grading and comments to write. My face is wind burt and I have bizarre itchy bumps on my legs... All in all it was a great week. I had a fantastic group of 9 girls. They were fun, hard working and thoughtful. I would go back out in the wood with them anytime!

A couple highlights - we found a dead bat and a dead moose. We got to slide down half a mountain on our second to last day. We got a couple great vistas that always makes the drudge uphill well worth it.

That being said, my house is a mess! Brian did a great job picking up before I got home but once I got back all my gear exploded all over the house. Sleeping bag, therma-rests, laundry, etc. This afternoon I plan on writing a few comments, get a handle on the laundry and put the camping gear away!

Then I think I will be going shopping for a new vacuum cleaner! I want a canister, my upright is just not cutting it. Any suggestions? I am thinking...

Off to the Woods...

2011-02-19T20:00:00.000-05:00

This is where I will be for the next 9 days. I will have a group of 9 girls and we will be conquering some of New Hampshire's White Mountains. We should have some good views of the Presidential range while we are up there. I am hopping for lots of sunshine and mild nights. I will be back blogging next week sometime. Cheers!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T17:23:00.000-05:00

I know that many people do not like Valentine's day, either they are reminded that they are not romantically involved, bitter, or see it as a waste of cards, flowers and chocolate. I however, despite agreeing that it is a "Hallmark Holiday", do like Valentine's Day. I like that I get to be creative and make handmade Valentines for my sweetie and friends, bake some brownies and wear pink and red together!

However, in our house it is bitter sweet. February 14th is the day that Brian's mom, Gina, passed away. Today will be 4 years. I cannot believe time has gone so quickly. Gina loved Valentine's Day, for some of the same reasons I do. So, when I make Brian his Valentine I feel like I am also paying tribute to his mom. So, today, it is not all about the candy, flowers and cards but about remember who you love and not taking them for granted.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Zumba!

2011-02-01T21:26:00.000-05:00

Yes, I did it, I just had my first Zumba class. I was looking for something to inspire, motivate, and get my ass to work out and when I got an email about a Zumba class beginning at my school, I replied instantly. I have heard about Zumba, but did not really know what to expect. So.... what did I think? I think a) I am uncoordinated (but I knew this) and b) I hope as the classes go on they get a little more intense, I want to be sore the next day!

The class was made up of local teachers from Gould and the area public schools. Some had taken classes before and some had not. The had nots migrated to the back of the class, I was to going to shake my butt in the front row! Especially because on more than one occasion I was shuffling, hopping, clapping to the left when everyone else was going right... But it is safe to say I was not the most out of shape or confused participate, so that made me feel good. I broke a sweat and it tore me away from my computer or couch for an hour that I would not have been doing anything athletic. The second class is tomorrow, if it does not get snowed out - I will step up my game and ZUMBA!

Graduate School

2011-01-26T20:39:00.000-05:00

I am currently 3 weeks into Grad. school. I am at the beginning of a masters in Educational Leadership. I am going to school at The University of New England - but don't actually have to set foot inside the institution. I am taking all courses online, which is very convenient because a) we live in the middle of no where and b) working where I do, I barely have enough time to fold my laundry...

So far the work I have had to do has been busy work - like paragraphs and introductions on discussion boards, but tonights assignment really made me think. Our professor posed a question on the discussion board: "Do students have to like their teachers?" At first I looked at the question and rolled my eyes, of course not, I thought. But, as I thought more and asked a few colleagues what they thought the gears started to turn. I remember from the beginning of teaching that I was told, "students are not your friends". This was important advice since 7 years ago when I began teaching I was only 3 or 4 years older than some of my students... but now that I am so much older and wiser I still think no, but there must be mutual respect and trust. This is what I elaborated on in my discussion this evening. I won't bore you with all of my pedagogical ideas, but the point of this is.... I am getting more excited about taking courses. I like to think about things, research and form arguments and I think I will get as much out of it as if I was sitting in a classroom. Besides, sitting on my couch with a cup of tea is way more comfortable!!

If anyone is interested in this topic or idea I would recommend Sizer and Sizer's book, The Students are Watching they talk about some good stuff!

She Shrunk!

2011-01-22T15:40:00.000-05:00

Is that the same dog?

Not the Best Timing

2011-01-21T18:40:00.001-05:00

Chloe is beginning to resemble less of a Standard Poodle and more of a muppet! She is one shaggy beast, now we are starting to really get the questions, "Is that a Labradoodle?" I am always quick to respond to these questions with, "no she is a Standard Poodle" but I want to say, "nope, just the real thing, no designer dog here!"

When we were first thinking about getting a dog and researching poodles I ordered a few books and in one, the grooming section, there was a picture of a very very shaggy, dirty and matted poodle and the caption read:"An unkept poodle is the saddest thing on Earth". We still joke about this, but despite our lack of attention to constant grooming and fluffing, she is one happy dog!

So, tomorrow Chloe goes to the groomer at 10am - coincidentally enough we are supposed to have some of the coldest temperatures in 2 years this weekend, burrr... I hope this doesn't make me a bad dog owner!

A Walk in the Woods

2011-01-15T15:44:00.006-05:00

Chloe and I set off to a snowy afternoon walk in the woods behind our house. Here are some of the things we saw:
Snowshoe Hare Tracks
Snowy
Woodpecker holes
Snowy face
Apples
Clothes line pulleys?
Home sweet home

Life Goes On

2011-01-12T21:39:00.009-05:00

Some days you wake up and the stars are just not alined in your favor. That was Brian's day today. He had the day off, slept in a little and set off to do some errands and get things done around the house which included some major snow removal. But, on his way out, his truck died... (dead alternator). So, he called a friend, took care of battery stuff and got my car. Then he carried on with getting errands done and came to have lunch with me and pick me up from work (half day for me because of the snow storm). We had lunch and were headed out when we got to my car and it had been plowed in. I drive a subaru outback and in most instances like this I don't panic because I can get out. But there was so much snow under the car we couldn't push through. So, Brian was kicking the snow out from under the tires when he kicked his leg the wrong way and heard a pop - which left his gasping. Meanwhile some nice Gould community members helped to dig us out. We were finally freed from the snow bank and off to the hospital... after some thinking we decided to try the local clinic first. They took us in, an x-ray, knee brace, and some pain killers later we were on our way home. BUT - our driveway was still not cleared and my perviously ambitious husband now on crutches certainly was not going to do it. So, I helped him hobble up our driveway. We got the snowblower going (another whole story) and off I was. I successfully took care of the snow removal duties, got Brian in dry clothes, comfortable and made it in the house right as it was getting dark.

Days like this when things just keep happening one thing on top of another reminds me of Judith Viorst's book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, one of my favorites from my childhood. I remember my mom reading this to me when I had a bad day as a kid and as I went to bed I always thought, my day was not as bad as his...

Anyway, we are home, warm, safe and that is all that matters. Brian will need to take it easy for the next couple weeks and we will get his truck fixed in the meantime. So, life goes on. What will tomorrow bring?

Saturday Classes

2011-01-08T10:39:00.005-05:00

It is the weekend, right? I am currently, sitting in the library, at Gould Academy, where I work and am proctoring study hall. Yet again, we have Saturday classes. This morning I taught Research Methods of Art History and one of my three sections of West and the World (European history). Getting out of bed this morning was challenging, and choosing an outfit to wear almost as difficult. It was one of those days where you pull something out and put it on and then walk out of the room only to turn around and start all over.

So, the clean room thing has been working!! Brian did roll his eyes, but he has been putting all clothes away! Right now, the only garments not folded and put away are my first outfit, there just wasn't enough time for that this morning, since I snoozed one extra time!

This afternoon I am planning on catching up on some Grey's and Private practice and baking some banana bread since frozen bananas are taking over my freezer!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T17:44:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year to all! I have kicked off New Years eve day with implementing my first resolution: laundry! Last night we were just talking about how our room was a fire hazard and that we are apparel organizationally challenged. It is both our our flaws, I have to say before I began sharing a bedroom with Brian I was more anal about laundry, dirty clothes on the floor, folded sweaters, etc. But now... the flood gates have opened and I have actually caught myself thinking, "if I just keep pulling from the pile I might never have to fold anything..."

But not anymore - I am going to get my butt back into putting everything away once I am done wearing it, and folding the laundry right when it comes out of the dryer. I think this also might prevent so much dust from accumulating in our bedroom. I am not sure if Brian is as enthusiastic about this as I am - well actually, I doubt he is, and once I mention it he is going to roll his eyes take of his shirt and throw it on the floor. Oh I love my husband!

The Stackett Workshop

2010-12-24T11:16:00.013-05:00

Brian and I have been busy this month making Christmas gifts. I with my needles and him with the lathe. Here are a few highlights:

Cowl

Mittens

Fur-dannas for my advisees and stocking stuffers. These are very easy, just fleece triangle sewn onto a bandanna. Nice for skiing and snowboarding, less bulky than a neck-warmer.

Brian turned these adorable birdhouse ornaments to go into gift buckets.

Just a little more work on the mittens and this workshop will be closed for the holidays. Now it is time to pack the car and head to my parent's house.

Merry Christmas!

Tree of Christmas Present

2010-12-15T20:15:00.007-05:00

Little Oscar (the new kitten) has only broken one ornament so far and the tree has been up for almost a week. I am currently, sitting in Holden Hall, one of the boy's dorms on campus, checking them in and out of the dorm, making then turn facebook off and get their homework out. Some nights it entails breaking up wrestling matches, wiping tears or taking technology away - this is Duty...

Anyway, back to the Christmas tree. So, it still might look a little thin or spindly to those of you who prefer the well manicured and farmed christmas tree variety, but I assure you, this is the best one we have found yet! And next year there will be video... Brian liked that idea. I can just picture us tromping around in the woods with the chain saw, tripod, and camera.

Tomorrow I am going to making Christmas gifts for my darling advisees, which they won't appreciate. Remember when you were in high school and your mom would make you take cards or gifts to your advisor and teachers and you grudgingly agreed but it was the last thing you wanted to try to carry from the parking lot to school when you were trying to balance your hockey bag, school back pack, etc. Well, there is none of that here.HAHA. I think it is time for Christmas break. I will stop venting now.

I do love Christmas, but it is hard at work when you don't feel appreciated not by the kids and their parents.

Christmas Trees Past

2010-12-12T13:34:00.004-05:00

These are just a few of the past Christmas Trees Brian and I have shared. Exhibit A, a mini fake my mom sent me in college that we decorated our first Christmas together, living in a 3rd story apartment in Easthampton, MA. Exhibit B, last year's. If you think this one is spindly than imagine what the first two we cut looked like...

This years is up, lit and decorated! Stay posted for pictures...

Maybe Ill try again - with the Holiday spirt for inspiration

2010-12-10T10:34:00.002-05:00

I am getting ready for the WEEKEND! except I have classes on Saturday morning so as we call it in the boarding school world, today is a "fake Friday". I am most excited to set up our Christmas tree and then I need to clean my house!

Last year Brian and I went out in the dark to find our tree, in our back yard. We had snow shoes, head lamps and a hand saw. Since we were after the true organic, Charlie Brown tree, we had to use a top of a tree. We cut one down, it was a little more spindly than it first appeared, we left it and moved on. The second was the same and then we finally found one that was a little more filled out. It was decorated and beautiful - it caught a few people by surprise when they saw how much space we had between branches...

This year we went out in less snow and in day light. Brian and I spotted it in the distance. The tree was 30 to 40 feet tall. Again, we had a hand saw... For this sucker we needed something that ran on fossil fuels. We went back to the house and got the chain saw. The tree fell, and we took the top nine + feet and carried it back home. As we were walking home we talked about how we need to write done the stories of how we get our tree each year and that next year, we should bring the camera. This is always something I look forward to doing as a little family.

So, the house is not yet decorated except for two wreathes I made two weeks ago. I have intentions to make another big one and add lights to put on the side of our house - maybe that will happen this weekend too..

Despite some holiday stress (no shopping has been done) I still love the holidays!

winter camping

2010-02-19T12:42:00.003-05:00

I am about to set off on a 9 day 8 night adventure into the Maine woods. This might sound appealing to a few - however when I add in that I will probably be taking 9 to 10 junior boys with me, what do you think now?

I have everything packed - tarps, pots, stoves, matches, ice ax, saw, ridge lines, ground cloths, food and personal gear - clothing, lots of polyester! and snow shoes. But there is very little snow up here right now so snow shoes are going to be a little tricky. The forecast is looking pretty good, mid. 30's mostly sunny. The only danger is Rain. Rain while winter camping is not much fun, it is hard to dry things!

I am leaving Sunday mid- day and returning March 1st. I am getting a little anxious about this trip, but once we are out there it will be great. The hardest part for me is sleeping - it is hard to stay warm. Lost of jumping jacks and hot water bottles before getting into bed.

Wish me luck! maybe I will blog more when I get back, but no promises!

Julie and Julia

2009-10-08T11:00:00.007-04:00

Earlier this week was girls night. Two of my girlfriends and I went to see Julie & Julia. It was wonderful. I did not want the movie to end. Meryl Streep was brilliant. Sadly, Julia Child was a little before my time, but from what I knew about her - Streep really did a great job taking Julia on. I wonder what Julia would have thought of this movie? Julie Powell also gave me new inspiration in many ways. Fist, blogging - she was dedicated and blogging gave her purpose. Second, cooking. I love to cook and challenge myself with new recipes. I only wish I had the time to do more, and finally, marriage. Now in my second year of marriage, it is not always easy but Julie and Julia both never let their love and admiration for their husbands fade. Being in love changes with time but I still cherish every moment with Mr. Stack and hope that we too will grow old together. I am not sure if he will let me recreate such hilarious Valentines - but I will try...

So, if you have not already seen this movie, check it out! I also want to read the book - had I known I would have read it first. So, hats off to Julie Powell, thanks for this!

Gould...

2009-09-30T22:44:00.004-04:00

Gould Academy

This is my life... I mean where I work. We are in full swing at school, teachers are tired and the adolescents are making out - the hormones are flying. This is what it looks like out my classroom window right now. The leaves are in full color! But it is still sad to feel the days getting cooler and the sun is rising and setting later and later and later.

This is my fourth year at Gould and the time has flown by, however I feel like I am just getting my feet under me and am able to stay more than one or two days ahead of my students. Also, the more I teach the more I like it. The stress of just getting through each day lessens and I can spend more time getting to know kids, working with advisees, coaching etc.

This winter will be a first for me, coaching alpine prep. skiing. I have skied all my life however have never coached the sport. I have coached everything else I have played but skiing. So, this winter I will be doing a lot of standing around in my ski boots on the hill, hauling gates, and trying to teach kids to ski faster, make better turns, and work harder... This year we will be on the mountain every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9-12 and then M,W,F in the afternoons.

Things are good at school, but I am still looking forward to the weekend and some personal time with my Hubby!

The Summer Has Passed Me By!

2009-09-20T20:31:00.005-04:00

Where has all the time gone. I don't know, but the nights are getting quite chilly and school has started. So, that means less time to blog but more incentive to procrastinate, so here I am!! And I was inspired not only to renovate my house but to also blog thanks to Emily...

This summer began with ACL reconstruction surgery and a lot of rain. We had some of the rainiest months this summer. So, sitting on the couch for the first 3 weeks of my summer break didn't make me feel too guilty. My husband waited on me hand and foot and took care of all the chores, it was wonderful. But soon I was on my feet doing physical therapy and back to the laundry, vacuuming, and dishes.

Once the sun came out in August we tried to sun bathe and enjoy every ounce of vitamin D we could absorb. We spent a lot of time with my parents on their boat, the Violet Frances, in Casco Bay which was always great.

Brian and I spent the last weekend there of the season this past weekend which just happened to be our anniversary weekend. We were not able to get to Hurricane Island but the Goslings are second best. We ate some of our wedding cake and toasted to a great year. Although Brian joked that my one year warrantee for him will be up at mid-night. I think he is a keeper...

Enjoy a few pictures from the summer and I will try to be better about blogging!!

wow almost two months!

2009-05-28T18:10:00.004-04:00

Just in case you were wondering - the Eggplant parm. came out wonderfully. Brian even packed the left overs for lunch the next day.

Since March 31, spring has come to Bethel. The grass is green, leaves are out, flowers blooming and the bugs are biting! We have been busy with home imp

rovements, landscaping, and enjoying the extended amounts of day light.

This is the last week of school and before long the kids will be on their way home! I am

scrambling to get everything graded and all the comments written. But I can almost taste summer vacation!

BUT... on Thursday June 4th I will be going under the knife to have ACL reconstruction surgery. So, the first part of my summer will be spent on crutches and laying low. I am trying to get gardens ready and things set before my physical activity will be limited. I tore my acl on Easter Sunday skiing.

The skiing was great, but it was not my ideal way to end the season. But with good physical therapy I should be ready with a bran new acl for next season. It just means I will have that much more time to blog!

Thats about it - 6 more comments to write and 14 exams to grade!!

Getting crafty in the kitchen

2009-03-31T10:35:00.008-04:00

By the end of last week our shelves and refrigerator were practically bare. We had not been grocery shopping in a while and instead of stocking up, we had just been picking up odds and ends here and there. So, on Saturday I broke down, drove 30 minutes to the big grocery store and piled the cart high. Our small local store has a poor produce and meat section, so I got adventurous and grabbed a few things that are hard to come by in the woods of western Maine. I bought lots of greens, fruit, and when I was trying to find something other than the old Broccoli stand by I came across Eggplant. Mr. Stackett is not picky when it comes to veggies, so I wasn't worried. But last night while he was making dinner and ran across the eggplant he exclaimed, "Eggplant..." So, tonight I am charged with concocting something soo great that he will not even notice that there is eggplant in it. I looked to see what Martha's recipes had to offer, my other favorite, Barefoot Contessa, and a few recipe blogs and all in all no one has really been brave enough to truly experiment with eggplant -so it is, Eggplant Parmesan for dinner tonight! You are all welcome. Anyone have any great eggplant recipes they want to share?

Lacrosse season is here

2009-03-24T10:13:00.003-04:00

As I made my way back to school today and sit here and prepare for my classes this afternoon. I cannot help being excited for coaching when classes are over. This spring I will be coaching the JV girls lacrosse team. Many of the girls will not have ever held a lacrosse stick let alone played a game with it. My hope is that by the end of May they will love the game as much as i do. They are all anxious and nervous. I remember those feelings at the beginning of every sports season but also remember how much fun I had and also - although cliché, the things i learned about myself in the mean time. So, this afternoon from 3:30 to 5 I will be out on the turf field with a bunch of awkward young ladies. Wish me luck!

A few of my favorite things

2009-03-21T09:32:00.004-04:00

All this sunshine in Maine has been making me very happy - I have finally been able to crawl out of the winter Doldrums and think spring. I am anxious for all the snow to melt, to get out in the gardens, plant my flower boxes, mow the lawn, and go for hikes without snowshoes. The vitamin D has gone strait to my head and I am happy - I am not even dreading going back to school on Monday (my birthday). I always thought late summer/fall was my favorite season but this year I am thinking spring (until the black flies come out). This will be our first spring in our house. It will be great to watch things turn from brown to green all around us. We are currently in the throws of mud season! I have given up on keeping my car clean and have been getting better at driving up our dirt/mud road everyday.

Anyway, back to my point, since I am in a good mood I wanted to share a few of my favorite things - the things, besides sunshine, that keep me ticking! Here are my top 10.

1) my husband

2) my family - Mom, Dad, Lizzie, Sarah, and Kev

3) Chloe and Monty

4) great friends

5) oceans

6) mountains

7) our house

8) sun sets

9) bon fires

10) projects

The order is apt to change due to the situation but that just about sums me up. Just a simple girl from Maine. What keeps you ticking?

Where have I been?

2009-03-20T11:11:00.002-04:00

Since I last posted I have been busy and not so busy. February ended and began while I was out in the woods. Myself and 9 other faculty members took the junior class (broken up into groups) into the Maine and New Hampshire woods for their Junior 4-pt. winter camping expedition. Myself and my co-instructor had 9 junior girls. We hit the trail early Sunday morning 2/26 and headed west into New Hampshire. The first night was by far the most eventful. We received 24 to 36 inches of snow. This meant that at 2 am we had to crawl out of our tent and shovel the kids out of their shelters. We dug and dug and eventually found them all snuggled up under their tarps. The next 8 days went by fairly quickly, but there were definitely times when I was counting down the days until I could come home and sleep in a real bed. It was very slow going - we had to adjust our plan and cut it very short. Instead of trying to make 5 miles a day we went about 1.5 miles a day. The snow was very deep and breaking trail, tiring. But we made it back all safe and sound on March 2nd. And once my comments and grades were in later that week I was on spring break...

I bought a few more gallons of paint and laid into the kitchen. Now the cabinets and trip are all white white and the walls a light neutral. Prior to the paint the cabinets were dark yellow and although the walls were neutral every angle was a different shade of off-white, now the kitchen/dining space feels much more connected and brighter! Since our house is post and beam, the support beams and ceiling are natural wood - so any of the walls that do exist need to be bright to contrast the wood. Since that project has been finished I have been hanging out with my sister (home for spring break) my husband when he has a day off and a few friends. School starts on Monday and the final trimester begins. The spring will fly by and hopefully the snow will continue to melt! Happy spring!

winter love

2009-02-18T16:18:00.002-05:00

The past week has been a busy one - two more days of classes and then the winter term is over! But I have comments to write and grades to calculate and 9 days to spend in the woods before I can finally relax and enjoy March break. I am looking forward to being able to relax at home, see friends and family and get caught up on blogging! But for now - here are some pictures from the past week.

101

2009-02-04T19:29:00.002-05:00

101: Operated large farm equipment

Like Never Have I Ever, Without the Drinking

2009-02-04T08:28:00.005-05:00

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea. - was in the middle of one!
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping - Brad's pond...
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - not yet, I am still hoping that maybe some day
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - I have tried 3 times
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades - by Pulling Boat
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - do fish count?
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Married your best friend

It is done!

2009-02-02T16:13:00.003-05:00

After many hours of scraping, pealing, dapping, priming, and painting the living room is finally done. This past weekend my mom and I devoted all of Sunday to getting the room done. I no longer have to live with the blue sponge paint and awful wallpaper boarder! Enjoy the photos of the before and after! (note: the before is from the previous owner)

Fun in the snow!

2009-01-28T21:14:00.006-05:00

This winter in Maine has been a snowy one. Snow + homeownership has presented lots of new challenges for the Stacketts. We have to heat our house - and are doing so primarily with our Vermont Castings wood stove. We use a kerosene monitor as backup. Other challenges include snow removal. We have a lawn tractor that has a large snow blower attachment that works great - however the motor is currently being repaired, so tonight after we get 20"+ we will be relying on someone to come plow our driveway. This is hard for both of us because we want to be self-reliant and do everything ourselves, but we are learning that is is ok to lean on others too. We also have been shoveling the roof - but there is not much more room for all the snow...

Trying not to get our cars stuck in the driveway has been another fun adventure that we have both gotten a few good laughs out of. Brian, unfortunately, does not have a 4 wheel drive vehicle so, he has to take extra precautions. However, my all wheel drive Subaru Outback is a tank in this weather and I can get through about anything. But... there was one day when I managed to get it and my sister's Honda stuck within 10 minutes of each other. I called Brian and said, "guess what I just did?" he replied, "Ut-oh, what?" - thinking I just got in an accident. I explained that not only did I get one car stuck but when I was trying to maneuver the second card around to try and pull the first out I drove off the side of the driveway into deep snow and got the other car stuck as well. He laughed, I laughed and he said, "well you better call triple A" I agreed, and within 15 minutes a man in a jeep with studded tires and a winch showed up and yanked both the cars out! I love AAA, they have come to my rescue a number of times.

The man who ate cold beats!

2009-01-26T16:05:00.007-05:00

For three summers prior to meeting Brian (my husband) I worked for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, sailing adolescents around Penobscot Bay on 30' wooden sail boats. I spent many foggy days bobbing up and down in very cold water.

The best part of these courses was getting to Hurricane Island where we would have a chance to stand on solid ground, run around, rock climb and the students would spend 36 hours scattered around the island on their "solos". This is when the instructors got to catch up on some sleep, with old friends, and kick back - and even sneak in a warm shower!

On one of my solo breaks during July of 2004 I met this new guy on the island. When there is a new person introduced to the tight group of outward bounders everyone takes note. I found out his name was Brian, he was from the Land Program, and he was living at the Blue Door - humm... this meant two things 1, he was a rock climber and 2, he would be on the island all summer. For a few days we coexisted on the same small island without really talking to each other. I was more interested in catching up with old friends. However, I began to realize that he was trying to get my attention. The next couple days he asked to sit next to me at lunch (very sweet) offered me beer when the workday was finally over, and other small gestures. However, my solo break was over and I was setting sail again.

Very soon after though, I was put on another course and had contracted a very bad cold. I worked through it continuing to jump in the frigid water every morning. But soon, it was finally time to sail to Hurricane. I arrived sick as a dog - was taken to the hospital via "fast boat" given some antibiotics and sent back out. I arrived and was very pleasantly greeted by Brian. The rest of that day and night we hung out at the Blue Door. I was staying right down the path at the White Door. At a lull during the evening he asked me to come sit next to him and I did (I was interested by this point). He asked me if he could come cuddle with me at my cabin. I did not know what to say - I had never really been hit on like this before (Brian's style was much different than what I was used to, (I had just graduated from college) but not in a bad way) I said yes.

He came and cuddled and only kissed me once that next morning. However, that day I had to get back on the boat and sail to the mainland. But I knew I would be back to see him again. We exchanged phone numbers and wrote letters during the time we were apart. By the end of August I couldn't think about anyone else.

The weekend of August 29th came around and I had a few days off - I gathered a group of people together and we headed out to the island via fast boat for a few nights and one last hoorah of the summer - it just happened to be Brian's birthday. We all partied, ate cake and watched the stars long into that evening. The next morning we said goodbye to the island for the summer and headed back in to base. While we were milling around, not wanting to say goodbye to our great friends Brian sat on my lap eating cold beats - and for some reason it was at that moment I realized that I loved this man.

That day we had to part ways and get back to our respected homes (an hour away from each other). I went to my parents and then very quickly back to the hospital (I was still sick) where I was diagnosed with pneumonia and given a bunch of drugs. Brian and I arranged to spend the weekend together. I called and left him a message and he told me later that he did not know who it was because my voice was different. All summer long he only knew me with a sick hoarse voice and had never heard what I really sounded like.

We dated long distance all that summer and both went back to work for Outward Bound the following summer. Then that fall Brian moved to MA to live with me. After one year we moved back to Maine and have been here ever since!

Right back at it

2009-01-24T10:43:00.003-05:00

I woke up this morning motivated to tackle the wallpaper boarders (more than one) in our living room. I mixed up the wallpaper remover, got my scraper and started in. However, now 45 minutes into pealing, scraping, spraying - my goal of stripping and edging the room might not be met today. But the blue sponge paint must go - maybe by the end of the weekend...

Our Little House in the Woods

2009-01-23T19:25:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my blog!

This past summer my then fiance and I purchased a very cute little house in the woods of western Maine. We moved in and had to immediately start stripping wall paper. The single older lady who lived here prior to us had a very different taste for decorating. But the place is finally feeling like our home - and we are making through our first winter, now as a married couple.