Miracle of Creation

The wait is finally over!
Friday at 4pm I got the phone call from Hollie that she was being admitted to the hospital, since she went over her due date they do a routine check up to make sure baby is doing good, she passed the stress test, but they did see he had low fluids so they wanted to induce her. She got induced that evening, we stayed til midnight, then left to let her get some sleep. Little did we know she wouldn't get that for another 3 days! Contractions started early Saturday morning, Dennis and I and most of the family headed back to the hospital.
Around 830am it was just Dennis, Marty, Hollie, the nurse and I in the room when we heard a pop and what sounded like a rushing river hit the floor. Hollie barely got out the words, "I think my water just broke" before Dennis went running out of the room! I will admit it was pretty amazing to be able to hear it, even the nurse looked at me afterwards and said that is the most distinctive water breaking sound she has ever heard, even she was excited!
After the epi and water break she quickly rose from 3cm to 7cm. We thought it was about go time. Unfortunately that was the fastest it would go. She plateaued after 8cm, even with the epidural Hollie was very uncomfortable with every contraction, but you could hardly tell, she barely showed any pain, she held it together and seemed so calm and relaxed the whole time. I wish I could say the same for Marty and the rest of us, with all the waiting and lack of sleep came a lot of pacing and a little worry.


The proud and calm parents to be

Even though we, along with most of her family were in the hospital for 24+ hours, we enjoyed our time. We played games, napped, ordered pizza, went in and out of Hollie's room, and helped each other through the emotional journey. We got way too loud too  many times, the nurses had to keep talking to us, surprisingly they never kicked us out!
Their OB Dr. Nathan was a great, great guy! He was so gentle, went with the flow, not overpowering and very very understanding. Even though he originally said if she wasn't progressing by 6pm that they would need to discuss the next steps, he continued to give her and baby a chance to come out, baby and mommy were being monitored the whole time to make sure everyone was okay, even with a large temp spike and babies dropping blood pressure they helped them both get through it. But once she just couldn't reach 9cm he knew there was a reason, at 10pm they collectively made the call for a c-section. I always envision a c-section as a last resort or a push by the doctor because they are tired of waiting, but I knew this wasn't the case, even though the thought of it scared me and I'm sure most, I was able to calm myself with the confidence that all options were exhausted for natural and it was time to get baby out.
Even though things didn't go as planned it was nice to know that everyone involved was able to stay flexiable, not get upset and just go with the flow. I found that to be the most important thing.
It was a beautiful moment in the waiting room as the family and friend comforted each other as we knew what was about to happen. Hollie got prepped and we all stood and waived as she was rolled to the surgery room.
At 11:11pm on February 11th, out came a beautifully healthy 8lb, 20inch baby. Deklin Paul Girvan was born. The miracle of creation emerged. As mommy and baby would be in recovery for a few hours, we stayed in the waiting room til we got the news that everyone was safe, healthy and recovering well. After the surgery we were informed that it was a very good thing she had a C-Section, and little baby wouldn't have fit, that was a relief.
Daddy Marty was in the room and uploading pictures of the newborn on Facebook. It was fun to all be crowded around our laptops seeing every new image of the baby pop up, ohhs and ahhs came out of all of us.
Dennis and I returned Sunday afternoon to be able to see the little one in person. I can't explain the feeling that I had the first time I saw his little face. All the expressions his plump lips would make, the soft noises that came out of him and even the excitement as I felt him gassy in my arms.
Just watching Hollie with her little miracle was so heartfelt. You just can see the pure joy and happiness in her face when she sees him or hears him. She isn't able to do too much moving or even sleeping yet, time will heal her, but she will have plenty of willing hands to help out. She is a strong and inspiring mommy!

After our visit Dennis and I headed to church, while we were waiting for the service to start, Dennis looked over at me and asked what we were doing tonight, we had no plans, he asked if we could back to see the baby again! We headed straight there after service!
As the boys went out for a celebratory cigar, Hollie said I could help her breastfeed her little one. I never thought this would be an experience that I would be involved in, but I'm so glad I was. It brought tears to my eyes to see the connection between mommy and baby, so see the caring way she comforted him, even though it was a bit frustrating for both of them, it was a beautiful moment that I was so glad I got to witness.
I can't wait to go back tonight, I am leaving work early to fit in another visit before my growth group tonight. :)

Oh and another bit of exciting news, before church Dennis and I stopped at Costco and I finally got my SLR! With the $100 off Costco special it was really hard to pass up the Canon T2i. I can't wait to capture more beauiful moments!

61-80

Last night was my first growth group of the session. I signed up for two groups this round, I love groups! Last night was, Me, Myself, and Lies it is a book and DVD study group. We are watching the DVD series for Jennifer Rothschild (here is the book study). After searching through all the amazing groups Eastlake Community Church offers I decided on this one after watching the intro. Ever catch  yourself saying something mean and hurtful in your head about yourself? Your thoughts can shape yourself, this is a practical way to change your thoughts.
I didn't realize how much I needed it until I got there. All the ladies are so nice, I even knew one from my dog group and another cleans my teeth! When we sat down to do our introductions I started to get really nervous, I'm normally not a nervous person, but I caught my self having a mini panic attack. When it was my turn I couldn't talk, like voice shaking, caught in my throat, thought my chest would explode. My mind went blank and I couldnt' even remember how long I had been married! I stumbled and babbled, it was a complete mess. Once I was passed, (thank goodness), I caught myself calling myself names and mentally beating myself up for the horrible speech. That's when I finally stopped and realized, hello girl, that is why you are here!!! Stop it!!!!
I opened my ears, and shut my thoughts and listened to all the other ladies, the sweet girl next to me said she is pregnant and found on Thanksgiving and her due date is the week after mine would have been. I was crushed just a little, as I started to feel pity for myself, 2 more girls down, she explained how they are going through the adoption process. I think that was God's way of warming my heart and giving me hope again. I started to feel a little better. After the video and an ice-breaker, we all shared our prayer requests, something compelled me to speak up. I told the group, I'm not normally a nervous person, and started to have a panic attack during my introduction, I don't think it was because I didn't feel comfortable, I think because I felt vulnerable, I knew that by the end I would be sharing my secrets and confiding in this great group of ladies. I think that is what scared me, so I asked them to pray for comfort as this is really the first time I have been in a room of strangers and I was feeling a little overwhelmed. They were so wonderful and said a beautiful prayer and I know that God put me exactly where I need to be. I'm a little bummed I will miss next weeks group, but I have to admit I am super excited for Scentsy Spring Sprint in Portland (you will hear all about that after I go!)
Okay on to my thankful gifts:

61. feeling a friend's belly and feeling baby kick
62. the quiet of snow fall
63. waking up to white
64. sharing something in common with a friend
65. the sound of wind through the trees
66. watching Burton do his excited dance in the morning
67. steaming hot shower
68. spicy foods
69. the burn after a workout
70. sound of changing gears
71. feeling like a kid again
72. hearing others want to do a mission
73. the right song at the right moment
74. squinting in the sun
75. wood fire places
76. problem solving
77. doing puzzles
78. seeing our gorgeous mountain ranges
79. pink sunset
80. being called Auntie  

SuperBowl

I'm not a huge sports fan, I can bare to watch some, could care less about the ranks and players, but I do enjoy football. I enjoy watching it, only been to one game, but it is so far the only sport that I will actually watch on TV. I don't really know that much about it, but it is still fun never the less.
I'm normally following the Seahawks, I wouldn't say I'm a bandwagon girl, only because I watch them no matter if they are winning or losing, but of course I get way more excited and into it when they are winning.
Well this past season they didn't do too good, I couldn't tell exactly how bad they did, again I don't keep score! Not a surprise we didn't make it to the Superbowl. But of course we all still watch it anyways. Great excuse for a party!
This year we headed over to Hollie and Marty's which is always a treat, Burton loves playing with is puppy parents, we enjoy their friends and family, and I love their company. Today is Hollie's due date, so on Sunday she was ready, belly was hard, baby can barely move and mommy is tired. It was amazing to just hold her belly, you can every once in a while feel his little heel push out and when you push back he sucks it back in. I can't wait to meet him.


Had to capture a picture of the ready to pop momma :)

The other reason I love football? Well, I guess any party in general! I like to bring food!!! Both the dishes I brought I have tried before, but this time was the best!!!!


Taco Ring

The Taco Ring is probably one of the easiest, but filling recipes I can make. My mom makes this for most of her parties, so you know it is good! Here is the recipe:



Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 package (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix
1 c. (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbs water
2 8-oz packages refrigerated crescent rolls
1 medium green bell pepper
1 c. salsa

3 c. lettuce, shredded

1 medium tomato, diced
¼ c. onion, chopped
½ c. pitted ripe olives
sour cream

Directions:
–Preheat oven to 375°. Brown the ground beef, then drain. Add taco seasoning and water and simmer

–Unroll the crescent dough; separate into triangles. Arrange triangles in a circle on a pizza pan (I used a stone one, works great!) with the wide ends toward the center of the pan, overlapping each other. It will look like a large sun with the points hanging half off the pan. There should be a 5 or 6 inch opening in the center.

–Spoon the meat mixture evenly onto widest end of each triangle cover with cheese. Bring points of triangles up over filling and tuck under wide ends of dough. (Filling will not be completely covered).

–Bake 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.

–Shred lettuce, dice tomato, onions, olives, green pepper, and whatever other items you want to put inside. Place them in center of the taco ring and use that as your toppings!

Of course you can see I didn't put all the pretty toppings in the middle otherwise Dennis wouldn't have eaten it. I put all the stuff on the side, and it went just as fast!



Ham sammies

2 packs of Hawiian rolls
1.5 lbs of ham

1.5 lbs of Swiss cheese

Put it all together

(I usually fold one piece of ham and cut the cheese into 4's and put 1 on bottom and 2 on top of ham)

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 mins

For the sauce

3 sticks butter (melted)
4 Tbls brown sugar
2 Tbls yellow mustard
2 Tbls poppy seed
2 Tbls Worcestershire

Stir together, melt again if needed
pour sauce over the sandwiches

bake for another 5 mins

I got a ton of compliments on this recipe, I got this one from my friend Natausha, I found some other versions online, but they had mayo and onions, no thanks, why mess up perfection!!

I can't wait for the next party/event so that I can bring more goodies!!!!



Beauty

Along with our attempt to be more active we are trying to be more conscious of how we spend our money. We are not, not doing things in this effort, just watching what we already do and try and save a little moolah.
Last weekend was the Boat Show (The Boat Show, The Boat Show, the big Seattle Boat Show) hahaha.
Anyways... we love going to this every year, we normally purchase our tickets way in advance online and receive free parking, although this year they didn't have that offer, it actually cost you more money to pre-purchase tickets... and where is the advantage to that? So we decided to park at our marina in Seattle and ride out bikes to the Lake Union Boats A Float, and then take the free shuttle ride to Qwest field for the Boat Show.
Great idea! We had so much fun, the ride from our marina to Daniel's was simple, flat and perfect. After the disappointing Boat Show (nothing really grabbed us this year).

We hopped on our bikes and decided to go for a longer ride. We passed our marina and continued to follow this great trail that followed along the lake, we rode in to Ballard, watched the sunset and just marveled in so many things that we see every day but look so different. Like the way the sun setting lights up the buildings surrounding the lake and makes them look like gold treasure. The way a bare tree looks up against a falling building cover in art. The blare of a sailboats horn to signal the opening of the bridge. The way other bikers ride by you with such ease. The sound of your chains changing gears. Looking over and seeing Dennis' smile. The feel of the wind in your face.

Picture stop, had to get the bikes and space needle in.

I know that I am loving the times that we spend together, we laugh more, connection is growing and every day when Dennis calls me at work he asks where we are going to ride to that night.

Last night we took the bikes out again to do more training with Burton to run along side us. After coming to some very close calls with the cars, he finally started to get the hang of it. I think a trail ride is much better than the urban stroll!

We will be back at it tonight :)

Training

I have been serving on the Data Team at Eastlake Community Church for almost 3 years now. I love, love it. We are the behind the scenes team that sorts, scans and enters the blue Connection Cards after every service, we also enter membership applications, 201s, growth group attendees, growth group leaders, and any special events. Last year when we expanded to 2 new campuses, I was able to be "promoted" to scheduler, along with my other duties. Basically when someone was to join our team, I get assigned to schedule them for training. Which sounds super easy, even as I write this I'm like wow that sounds easy!
But it is a little complicated, and sometimes you get a ton all at the same time. But I still really enjoy it. More recently I have been able to add to my list of responsibilities. So for the last 2 training sessions I have been trainer in training :) The amazing and fantastic, she can do anything, Becca is in charge of the training and does so much, way too much for the Data Team. She has been my leader and the top trainer. I will be the 3rd trainer now, frees up the other ladies since training is every Thursday and we are all volunteer.
Last night was my first training session all on my own! I was a little nervous, I kept reading my notes and when I rushed out the door, I forgot them!!!! Ahhh how can I train with none of my notes? I get to the room at church and open our Data Team cabinet and what do I find?

I loved my motivational note from Becca. She is such an amazing person, always knows what to say, when to say it, and is so faithful, she tells me all the time she is praying for me, and when things are really bad and she doesn't even know it, she asks me about it.

Anyways, along with this little pick me up post it, is all the training materials, notes, even the key to our fill ins (yes true Eastlake style!).

I was fully prepared to rock it! As soon as my ladies showed (I only had to train two last night) I started feeling very comfortable, and Becca showed up to support me and do Data work in the corner of the office (she said she wasn't listening but I hope she was :) )

The only thing that was a little nerve wracking? One of my trainees was a wife of one of our Pastors! I knew that before, but I will admit I was a little intimidated! She was so sweet, very pretty and very encouraging.

Afterwards I felt great, I hope I did a good job, but I know that I love it, I love helping others and am very passionate about the Data Team.

At first I was wondering what I got myself in to, I hate training at work, I have no patience for it. I get way out of my comfort zone when I have new employees, it isn't cause I don't know what I'm doing, unfortunately I know the collision business inside and out, I can do and know most positions with in my office, but I don't have a passion for it. Knowledge doesn't equal happiness. I know this. I love what I do (I work with numbers and solving problems all day!) but at the end of the day it is just my job.

That is why I'm so happy that I have the Data Team to put my passion in to and Scentsy Wickless Candles that I can thrive in. Scentsy has been doing amazing for me, I have 9 team members, great customers and super fun hostesses. I can already tell that this year is challenging my comfort zone and God is leading me to my purpose.

Active

I never thought I would be the one complaining about getting older and not being fit. But I feel like one day I woke up and was like "When did I stop trying?" That must have been the day my muffin top appeared and my skin started sagging in places I didn't think could sag!
Back when I used to do promos and "modeling" I was in shape, fit and feeling good, but the one thing that I didn't like was, when I was out running, at the gym, or doing hot yoga, I may have been with friends, but I was not spending time with my husband. I decided I would rather be with him and connect than think me being fit was more important than our relationship.
So in turn I now find myself sitting on my growing ass watching way too much t.v., eating all the horrible things he can get away with and not feeling too good about myself, but I'm with my hubby :)
After much trying to get him to motivate us (in his defense, my job maybe mentally exhausting, but his has been physically trying, so he hasn't needed to work out), he finally decided to feel better together!!!
We decided that when I get home from work the T.V. is off, if he wants to watch it all day that is fine. We need another hobby then right?
Last night we headed to walmart and after destroying their bike department, I can't believe not one employee came to yell at us, as we proceeded to take every single bike down from the racks and ride their flat tires around. We actually had a blast trying, testing and playing with the bikes. Every bike I loved I couldn't touch the floor on. Dennis even said to me, after this I finally realize how short you are! hahah thanks honey!
I really wanted the classic Schwinn look, the long sleek body, with the large tires and raised handle bars. Sort of like this:

Every style that I just loved didn't come with gears, which Dennis insisted I needed. (and after attempting to climb a hill I'm thankful for!) So after some frustration I finally found the bike I wanted. Dennis was easy, he tried three and was good to go!
So we drove home (we had to take the cars home!), tested Burton out on a short ride around the complex to see if could even follow along side us. He didn't do too bad, but he needs more practice.
Once I got home though I realized that Walmart forgot to give me my bike bell (had to have one of those!) and our bike lock. So we hopped on our bikes and rode to Walmart, than to Taco Bell (You may think we are defeating the purpose, but we would have went there anyways, atleast now we worked for it!)
Once we got home (after burning thighs and realizing that I need more work on getting up hills) we remembered we had no where to store these pretty new bikes.
This is where they ended up:

Yup that is the dining room again! On the right is all my Scentsy boxes (I have lots of stock and business supplies), on the left is my craft table aka the dining room table! I guess it works for now.
Can't wait to see where these bikes will take us, and hopefully we can motivate each other to not let them collect dust.
As we were riding along, Dennis yelled out, this is better than watching T.V.! Wahoo!!!! Can't wait to be active together and feel good!

All you need is the right tools

Dennis came home after my craft day to find me exhausted and barely any projects finished. After I whined that we don't have enough room for my sewing machine, he told me I could take over the dining room table now (Scentsy already overflows in the dining room, but I try and leave the table empty.. not anymore!). He is such a good husband :)
Sunday after a fun day with my dad planning an up coming road trip (more on that next time!), and a fierce game of dominoes, we stopped by my mom to grab her extra sewing machine. Luckily for me, my mom always wants the newest and best machines (she has 4+ sewing/embroidery machines). I was able to snag the last one she wasn't using.
Even better? Oh ya, since mom works at JoAnn fabrics she is always buying stuff on sale and never really having a need for it, until her baby girl comes and raids her stuff. I was able to snag up an awesome pink rotary cutter! Check out my new tools:

This bad boy can even do embroidery! I can't wait to get the attachments (once they are found).

I also stopped by mom's work yesterday and picked up the rest of the felt I needed to finish my scarf. Here the glorious finished project!

I was really hard to take a picture of it, I hope you can see the detail, it is super fun. I already have 2 other colors of felt, so I can make more!