I have a headache

I've been slacking! I had to have a break from the computer this week 'cause I was neglecting everything else. I've actually cleaned a lot and played with Katelyn a lot because of it, so it's good. It's been such a good week just being home again and getting all settled in. My quest has been to find and buy a crib. Katelyn has about 4 inches left in her little bassinette, I'm running outta time!


This is kinda what I'm looking for. But I won't talk about that anymore 'cause Ryan informs me that my blog is all babied out. I almost agree. Honestly it's just my life though, I love being a mom and thats just what I do. I also really love my house (I'll have pics of it once I put them on the computer) I don't mind cleaning 'cause it just makes it look so nice. I love cooking lately. Last night we spontaneously went to Tims and Arias (Matthews sis) and Matt and Ashley were over. We made sushi and noodle wraps with peanut sauce (thanks for the recipie Laur!) and oh man it was just so fun. I also love making cards lately. Both my cousins that live in town started selling Stampin up

It's a blessing and a curse. I can't wait to get pics printed and start scrapbooking baby stuff. Opps there goes that baby talk again. My mom is really into it and makes beautiful stuff.
Anyhoo, thats a lame attempt at being interesting. I have such a headache (could it be from playing Dr Mario for the past hour, no!) Keep reading I'm bound to be interesting in someway someday. Catch ya later. Oh and can I just mention that I've been reading your blogs lately (those who have them) and I love that too. Like I said, I spend way to much time on the computer. And that's not even going into ebay!

Theres no place like home

Hello everyone! We got home Sunday night and it's been a scramble trying to settle back in here. We're selling the other house we built and still finishing our house, it's crazy. So far our internet has worked well, so we will see how long that lasts. The tech that comes out to fix it knows us pretty well now, that's scary! It's dangerous for me to have internet, I'm totally becoming addicted to ebay! And I wonder why I don't get anything done in my day!


I have to drink my Izze while I post these long awaited pics, it helps put me back into trip mode. We bought a few to bring home 'cause we don't have them in Canada, waa. Flee go to Fred Meyer and get some, they're so good!


This is one of Matthews best friends Scott. He lives in Portland now and it was so good to spend time with him. He spoiled us and made us the most amazing pizza ever, thanks Scott!


I always gotta get a cute bath one in. I just can't get enough of the cute towels my bro got for her. The other one is a duck, and he has a matching one in his size, too cute.


K just ignore the travelling mom look in this pic and focus on the cutie little girl. I'd been in a car all day, the sun was in my face, and yea I don't have any pictures of me. I figure since this is my blog 'n all I should at least try to appear on it from time to time, even if it is a terrible pic.


Katelyn did so good on this trip. I was a little worried 'cause she just cried the whole time we were in Calgary a couple months ago. She adjusted to every new place and didn't get too tired of her car seat. What a good kid we have!

That's it for pictures for now. I'll take some of our house this week and put them on here. We're still doing the finishing touches and of course we don't have decent furniture or art yet. That just gives us stuff to look forward to.
Anyhoo, I just wanna tell you all a bit about our trip. I did keep you updated at the beginning so I'll pick up where I left off. I don't remember where I left off.... Did I talk about the Renewal Center? I think I did. It was great, ahh yes I remember talking about the wonderful orange shag. When we got home from there we all went out to McGrafs Fish House (sorry Roland if I spelled that wrong). We had decided to go up to Nathan and Erins the next day, so we had to get some serious hang out time with everyone before we left. It's always hard to leave. We feel like we have so much time, but things just fill up so fast. The food was to die for and it was so nice to just be together one last time. Then we were off the next day to the hills south west of Portland. Their house is just wonderful, we love staying with them. We get so spoiled. I remember posting something while we were still there saying how nice it was. We had such a great time with them. Clara is just so precious. We got to go shopping at so many amazing places. It was torture not being able to bring everything home with us. We just didn't have room.
On the way home we stopped at my aunts in BonnersFerry. It was so good to see them and she hadn't seen Katelyn yet so that was good. We got our last taste of delicious food that we can't get in Canada (Papa Murpheys) and then we were on our way. Oh did I mention that we got a 1.14 liter or Baileys for 13$ at the border, yeah we were pretty happy. After my aunts about an hour down the road we stopped at my grandparents for a bit. Again it was just so good to see them and let them see their great grand baby. After that about another hour down the road we stopped to see my other aunt and Uncle Doug and Norma. It was pretty late by this time, leaving from Portland and making tons of stops and finally staying over in Cranbrook. But even so we thought it a good idea to stay up 'till two with Doug and Norma. It was hilarious! We had some pretty good laughs. Norma spoiled us rotten with good food. Man, we are just so blessed! The next day we went to my parents about 4 hours down the road. For some reason this was just the longest day ever. We were starving we we got there and so grumpy. The next day we had late Thanksgiving with my bro, my best friend Amy, and Heather and dear dear family friend that is back from Scottland right now. The food was just unbelievably good and the company.... well it was almost as good. Ok just jokes, the company was the best part. Finally on Sunday we were going home, another terrible long day in the car. I think Katelyn was pretty sick of it by this point. She seemed so happy to be home, I wonder if she would really remember it?
My feet are freezing and my Izze has long since expired, so I'm off. I'll be back! Ciao

Family Adventures

Well our journey continues. We're now staying with Nathan and Erin near Hillsboro (where my mom used to live, weird eh?) This is their little girl Clara, she is so precious. It's been so fun to be with her. Last time we were here she was so shy with us. Now we can hold her and she can tickle us and yea all that fun kiddie stuff. We always feel so spoiled being here. Their house is absolutly goregous, and they are such good hosts. Oh and did I mention that Erin is 9 months preggy? Yea she's crazy to have house guests.
This last weekend we were staying in a cabin by Silver Creek Falls with the whole fam. The cabin had a very interesting "conversation pit" in the middle and six rooms coming off of this "pit". The common area was covered in orangy brown shag with insulation under it so it was comfy, well I guess that was the idea anyways. Nine month preggo Erin had other thoughts about how comfortable this was. Yea it was sketchy, not to mention all the kids and babies we had all over it. Hmmm could that be why Clara is a bit sick today, who knows. Other than the odd "pit" the weekend was incredible. It was badly needed for Matthew and I. It was a chance to fall on our knees once again and admidt how dumb we are. God is so good and forgiving and it is so amazingly freeing to just say yes to him. We're excited.
In other news Katelyn is changing so much everyday. She's rolling from her back to her side, almost to her tummy! She's spent time in jolly jumpers, exersaucers, all kinds of big girl things. If we had tried to do this trip a few months ago it just wouldn't have worked. She has slept in so many different places and just adjusts so well now. It's amazing to just watch her take it all in and keep growing and learning. Wow, I love her.
Just wanted to keep you a bit updated. We forgot our cable thingy for our camera so I'll have to wait 'till we're home to put more pics of our trip, sorry. Love you fam and friends!

Tons of Pics

Auntie Felicia got this precious outfit from India. The neck wasn't big enough so she's not even in it, it's just on her for this picure :-) Sept 26


This was at my Uncle Dons house. My cousin Lindsay and her fam are living there right now. Her son Josh is a month older than Katelyn and she could squish him, oh but wait 'till you see my nephew Roland Jr. Sept 28


And heres the little gaffer now! He's three weeks older than Katelyn (who is big for her age and weighs 14lbs) But Junior weighs more than 21 lbs!! This was the first time we'd seen him. Sept 30


Can you guess whos foot is whos?


Is this unappropriate? I had to get a pic of her bath at Nanas house, and she has Uncle Ryans bunny towel, it's so cute, the hood is a little bunny!


Oh my word these bushes right by Erics house (Matthews bro) were so completly full of blackberries (mom I tried to save some for you honest I did). My fingers and sweater were covered! I was obsessive, I kept saying, ok just a few more, just a few more. They were delicious!!


Bitter Beer Face, need I say more?


The first time our little drool face was in "The Bug" aka the exersaucer type thingy. Here legs were too short, pretty cute. Oct 1


My cutie neices Rosemarie (our flower girl) and Judy. Judy's eyes were crossed, it was so funny. This was taken just today, wow I'm good!

And that's all folks. We're having an amazing time here so far. We're not making tons of plans just doing every day as it comes. I want to go to the ocean and shop a bit. But the most important thing is being with everyone we love. It's such a huge blessing to get to spend this much time down here. We always feel so rushed when were here. Family is so important to me and this is just the best thing ever!
We love you all, talk soon! Oh and please comment 'cause I love knowing whos reading, thanks!

Road Trip!!

Hello hello. Well it's been awhile since the wee hours of morning have found me, but now here I am. I honestly thought I would never sleep more than two hours at a time again when Katelyn was born. Thank God I was wrong and in fact it only took 8 weeks until she was sleeping 8 hours. Now she sleeps 10 but for some reason she was up tonight so I decided to take this chance to say a howdy-doo. I'm at my Uncle Dons house in Kamloops on our way to Oregon for a couple weeks. I haven't been here since my aunts funeral in Jan. It's so hard, and yea if I even talk about it right now I'm just gonna lose it, so I'll wait. I'll just leave it at that.
So we're in Oregon until the 14th ish. In some ways it's the worst timing 'cause we're trying to sell the other house that we built. But for the same reason it's the best timing to just get away from it all. I've been more stressed this week than I have been in literally years. But I'm organized so I got everything done before leaving and don't have to worry about much. So far we've made awsome time on the road. We left yesterday at 9:30 and got here for a late dinner. It's been so nice to see my cousins, Linds, Shannon, Curtis, and the spouses and cutie kids. It's amazing how many babies are around now. It doesn't seem like that long ago us cousins were just a bunch of punk kids, and now here we are repopulating the earth. Fun times.
Anyhoo, my bed calls, so I'll be going. I'll be keeping you updated on our adventures. Tomorrow we'll stop and see Matthews aunt Eileen in Seattle and then probably go the rest of the way to Salem unless we're beyond tired. I'm so freaking excited to see everyone! Ciao for now!

I'm officially obsessed. These pics were from last week when we went for a walk in the fridged tundra that we live in. She doesn't like her touque very much 'cause it covers her eyes, it's so funny. She's such a munchkin. The other pics (me, and her in her goofy chair) I just took today. you can kinda see the kitchen which isn't done yet. we still have a few cabinets and side panels to put up. I love my kitchen I don't know why I ever leave it. As a matter a fact I'm gonna go make some dindin for my hubby now, so you know where I'll be. Ciao for now!

I'm a little slow

K so I totally didn't figure out how to line up the text with the photo on my last post (still haven't figured it out) but you get the point. So theres some pics for now of our cutie girl. Love you all and I'm a geek so I'll be back yet today I'm sure, yay!

Yipeee I figured out how to put pics on here all my my self, I'm so smart! Anyhoo, this pic is already a few weeks old, she's already out grown this shirt! Ok, now that I've figured this out I'm gonna put some more on here. Yay!



This was our camping trip this summer, so fun! Theres was tons and tons of raspberries and saskatoon berries everywhere. We sat by the river and Katelyn was great. It was so fun to get out and be normal again.

I HAVE INTERNET!!!

Oh man, I'm so excited to actually be sitting in my own house typing this up. It really makes my life so much easier. I feel like I can actually talk to you guys now and keep you updated. I feel so bad. I haven't even talked to my brother since I've been back from Calgary, but all that will change now. I'm picking up my camera from a friend this afternoon then I can post tons of pics of the house and my wee little tot. She's not so wee any more though. My friend Linds got her a Bumbo chair and she sits in it now and looks so huge and it's just hilarious. She intentially grabs at toys and sticks them in her mouth. We can get her laughing pretty good too. It's been so so so much fun being a mommie lately.
We've been in our house for about 3 weeks now, and we're slowly getting settled still. I love our house, it's amazing. I could just live in my kitchen, it's my new best friend. Anyhoo, I love you all and I'll definitly be updating more lately, so keep checking. I'll be posting pics later today.

Packing Up

Hello all!

Once again no pictures, and a super quick post, so sorry! I just want to keep whoever reads this thing updated. So this weekend we're going to Edmonton for a wedding. I'm excited to just get away, and do lots of shopping, yipee! You have to understand that Grande Prairie is definitly not the shopping capitol of the world. So we're hopefully getting a crib, and going to Ikea for lots of new house things, yipee! We are moving outta our tiny place next Friday! Yay. Notice I didn't say moving into our new house. We're hoping it will be done, yikes! Hmm what else is new. Katelyn is huge! She's growing so fast. And if it's even possible shes cuter all the time. We're just loving being her parents, shes so sweet. Oh and did I mention she usually sleeps about 8 hours a night now! Wow, what a good girl. But of course she chooses this time to be sad so I should jet and go feed the poor thing. Love you all, and hopefully we'll get our camera soon (we've been saving visa points for forever to get a camera) so we'll have new pics soon, yipee!
Holls

Heading Home

Oh man, I'm going home tommorow, it feels like I've been here for forever! It's 12:30 ish, Katelyns awake and grumpy, my room is absolutly a disaster, I have to pack and I have to leave here at 6am! Crazy much, yeah I think so. My mom and her friends threw me a wonderful amazing shower tonight. It was all the ladies from my old church and it was just a wonderful reunion for all of us. I loved seeing everyone, and of course Katelyn was so spoiled. She actually stayed awake for most of the night which was nice for them. Usually people see her when she's sleeping, and her little eyes are just so precious awake.
Anyhoo, I'm just keeping myself occupied while little munchkin is awake, but I think it's safe to start packing now. I feel bad letting her cry right now 'cause everyone is sleeping. So she gets spoiled and gets rocked to sleep all the time here, lucky girl. Just wanted to say bye for now 'cause as you all know I'm terrible at updating this regularly. I've had an amazing time here, but I'm definitly ready to go home. I miss my hubbie SO MUCH!! Love you all!

Beautiful Girl

Hey guys! Heres some new pictures finally, so sorry it took forever. As you can see our little Munchkin is growing fast. On monday she was 9lbs 14 oz and I think she's grown 5" or so!
We're visiting my fam in Calgary right now. My bro and sis are both home from Egypt this weekend, and my grandparents are coming up. Family is the best thing in the world to me, so I'm pretty excited for this weekend. It's just so nice to be with everyone and connect again.
Last night my friends had a get together/shower thing. It was so fun, and Katelyn was so spoiled! For such a small girl she has a lot of stuff! It's a good thing we're moving into our house soon, oh man.
Katelyn spends a lot more time awake during the day now. She's so cute with her big blue eyes that try to take everything in. She smiled for the first time last week! Praise Jesus, it was amazing! We're having so much fun (most of the time). It's the most amazing feeling to love this little June Bug.
We love you all and will talk to you soon! Keep emailing, even though I'm terrible at replying I so enjoy hearing about what you're all up to.

Finally an update!

Ok ok, I know it's been forever! I'm sorry, but seriously I never realized how busy I would be. Also I hate posting stuff without pics and theres no way I have time to figure out how to get that done. But I will say that Katelyn gets more adorable everyday. She's getting so chubby and oh man I just wanna nibble her all up. When she's awake she's way more alert, and I can tell a smile is coming any day now. I weighed her on Monday and she was 8lbs 10 oz, the little chunker! I would also post pics of the house if I had time 'cause it's acutally a house now! We're hoping to move in Aug 15. It's really coming along and I'm so excited to move in. Our apartment now fits in our whole garage at the new house! It's a little cramped to say the least.
Anyhoo, this is a super quick update just to let you know that we're alive, well, and so happy. Everyday I feel more like myself and I enjoy this little Bug so much more as time goes. I can't believe she'll be a month already on Friday! Happy Birthday Katielou! Grammie and Pappa Hildebrant are up this week and they brought our niece Rosemarie as a huge surprise! (She was our flower girl) So it's been such a good week having them here. Also I don't know if I mentioned during all the excitment that Matthews sis Aria and her hubbie Tim moved here. So we're having a Hildebrant shindig, it's great.
Munchkin is waking up so I'm gonna get off this thing. I promise I'll make a real effort to post pics again soon, don't give up on me! Also another side note, I'll be in Calgary the end of this month for awhile, yipee! Hope to see some of you there. Love you all!
Holls and Katelyn, hanging out at the library:-)

Welcome To The World Katelyn!

HELLO!!!! We are so so excited to tell you all about our sweet baby girl Katelyn June Hildebrant. Right now we’re sitting in our living room which is finally a bit tidy after oh so many days. Matthew is singing to our little June Bug. It’s amazing how many goofy songs get sung in this house nowadays. It’s late and we’re sleep deprived, but sustained by the amazing energy that God is giving us. Katelyn thinks this is a fun time to play with Mommy and Daddy and doesn’t see why sleep would be a priority. Oh and now after her nice bath she just made a big lovely poop. Man!! My sister Felicia is such a huge sweetie and is posting this on my blog for me. It’s been a crazy change of schedule since her birth and I know I won’t be around the next for a while, so ya.
Ok so she was born Wednesday June 14 at 12:51 in the lovely afternoon. She weighed 6lbs 6oz and was 19.5 inches long.
So that’s all the general mumbo gumbo, now heres the long and wonderful story of her birth and her life so far. So her due date isn’t until tomorrow. Because she was measuring small I was completely expecting to go overdue, maybe even two weeks. I was not ready at all for her birth. I didn’t realize how unready I was until we got home from the hospital. So on Tuesday night my water broke and a few hours later contractions started. It was a long long night. I threw up a lot (even the delicious peach smoothie Matthew made me). Contractions were very consistent the whole time, but never lasted very long, praise God for that. We called our doula (birth coach), Heather in the morning and she came on over. Contractions were pretty close by the time we waited for what seemed every red light and then a train. But were were finally at the hospital to find out I was already 8 cm dialated, praise God! We hoped to have about 2 hours of labour left and then go home in the morning at the latest. But while I was on the examing table in the hall way signing forms between now very intense contractions, we realized it wasn’t to be so easy. Katelyn was breach, and not only that, her little foot was sticking down there too. I cried and my heart hurt so bad. It was so important to us to have a natural birth and this was such a huge disapointment. I had never even thought about having a C section, it just wasn’t ever an option. We insisted on an ultra sound before doing the C section, but our fears were confirmed. We very quickly had to come to terms with this. From the time we got to the hospital (11:30) until she was born was 1.5 hours. For this hospital to act that fast is just amazing!
Matthew got to get all scrubed up and come to the OR with me, I almost didn’t recognize him. I had to get an epidural and then try to figure our what on earth they were doing to me. It was the weirdest feeling ever! When she was born they took her to a table to get her breathing and everything. This was so hard for me. I had wanted her delivered right onto my bare tummy. I got a quick kiss and then she was whisked away to be with Daddy while I had to stay in recovery. Tears are streaming down my face as a write this, and it’s not just the crazy emotions, it was so painful for me to endure this. I had also wanted to nurse within the first hour (and she was ready, she sucked on Matthews finger the whole time) By the time I got to her she was so tired she just didn’t have it in her. As a result we got a slow and shaky start to nursing (but she’s a little piggy with the milk I pump for her) But tonight was just the most amazing incredible bestest night of my life, she actually nursed for the first time, oh man it was just incredible! So I’m praying that her next feeding will be another huge success. I have to stick in a huge apology here for Ryan and anyone else that is completely sicked out by all this gross talk, sorry but it’s part of the beautiful miricle of life.
Alright, so anyhoo. After the birth we just cuddled our new little girl in our hospital room. We had to stay until Saturday which in the end was probably good for us. The hospital staff was just amazing and it was a good chance for us to relax…..ummm in a weird non sleep kind of way, and to just learn. It’s so so good to be home, and we’re finally feeling a little more settled here. Katelyns stuff was all over the stinkn house, and now it’s at least a little more contained. Actually it’s kinda the other way around, it was all packed up nice so we couldn’t even use it. Now it’s spread all over the house where it needs to be.
I’m getting really tired and it’s just retarded that I’m not in bed, so I’m just gonna talk about the most important stuff for a sec, then I’m gone for another week or so until I get to a computer again. Important stuff: My heart is just so … I don’t know how to explain it. I’m a mom, some of you will understand. Theres something about it that you just can’t explain.

Ok, I’m finishing this up on a different day now. I was getting so grumpy and tired for that last bit. God has been doing amazing things in my life and it’s not right to talk about all that when I’m just grumpy grumpy. I have learned so much about myself in this process. I’ve learned that I’m a control freak (ok I knew that one already, we’ve just been working it out a lot more). I have a really hard time letting people help me. I also get upset when I ‘should’ be doing something, like picking her up and carrying her stuff, but I can’t. I just hate being weak and having to admit it. I have been forced to just be completely weak and dependant on God. I strive to be dependant on God all the time, but I’m learning this lesson in such a huge way right now. I’ve been given this amazing miracle and I cannot be the one who controls her and cares for her every need. She is in Gods hands alone, wow! I really have to remind myself of that all the time. I am getting so much more emotionally balanced. The first few days home from the hospital were pretty rough. I woke up one day and she wasn’t in our house (Daddy was taking care of her at the place my parents were staying). I totally freaked out crying, it was like a panic to find her. That just wouldn’t happen now, it’s all good. I know that’s mostly to do with crazy emotions. But it’s more than that. Katelyn is being taken care of all the time by her creator who loves her so much. Oh that’s another cool thing. To think about how much I love this girl, how I could literally stare at her until I just can’t keep my eyes open (and even then some) To think about what she means to me, then to think God loves me more than that! Wow, that is such a sweet promise. And God loves you guys more than that too. He want’s to just gaze at your face and have you look at him. He wants to care for you in such a stong way, he just needs us to eat and be taken care of. We cannot do it on our own, we would just die. I don’t know if I’m saying all that’s on my heart, it’s just so full of joy. I just wanted to share with you guys our little June Bug and what Gods doing in our lives. I definitely didn’t talk enough about how God is blessing me. My husband is the most amazing man ever. I never expected him to be such an incredible daddy, but then how can I be surprised. Wow just to watch him with her is so beautiful, k now I’m crying again, wow. He is so gentle with her. I wouldn’t be able to function if it wasn’t for him. He never complains and just does everything, oh man. I can’t even put into words how amazing he has been. It really just sounds lame to try to write out what kind of husband and father he is. I hope you at least have a glimmer of understanding. He doesn’t just do little practical things like diaper changes. He takes the initiative and is involved in Katelyns life. He got a nurse at the hospital to teach him to bathe her ‘cause I couldn’t do it. He got to give her her first bath and didn’t let the nurse just do it for him. He is awake and helping at every feeding. He not only reminds me to eat, but brings me food in bed. He is like me and loves organizing stuff, so we’ve been having fun buying baskets and putting away little pink clothes and setting up a diaper station. Mommie no longer has a dressing table for hair and makeup, it’s now for our little princesses bum.
We’re trying to make baby announcements so you can all have a beautiful pic of our girl for your fridge or wherever you put stuff like that. So I seriously gotta get going, and get some sleep while I’m at it. I love you all. Please give out my blog address like crazy to anyone who doesn’t have it, spread the love. Sorry this is so long and kinda unbalanced, you understand. Love you all CIAO!!!

Happy Birthday Honey!

Howdy

I feel rather unmotivated to keep this updated for a few reasons. One being the fact that it's just too much work to put pictures on. We don't have net at our house and we don't have the camera program thingy that we need on Maffs old work computer. So you see, it's difficult. The other reason is that half the time I feel like I'm only writing to myself because of the lack of comments I get. But as I thought about it I said to myself "Self, why did you start this blog in the first place? The first few entries weren't even written with people in mind, I never thought people would read this! So why does it matter how many people do or don't care, I'll just write for the pure enjoyment of it."
And so here I am again, with not much to say, but I enjoy typing and wasting time. I'm at work and have exactly 7.5 days left here. That makes me so sad. I love my job and I'll miss the girls so much. I'll miss the people that come in too, I love this town and being part of it. I know that once the baby is here it'll be different I won't miss work as much 'cause I'll be so preoccupied, but the first few weeks will be odd. Sniff. At this point I am planning on coming back, but I'm open to change if something drastic were to happen. The baby is growing so much! I'll have to post a picture this week so you can see the difference. I actually feel quite pregnant now (most the time anyways, sometimes I still forget my condition). The baby likes laying on the right side of me, this results in a very odd shaped tummy for mamma. It's kicks are a lot more defined now, sometimes painful and always surprising. Anyhoo, I know Ryan hates hearing all this baby stuff, so I'll spare you any more details.
The weather has been so nice here! It's incredible. My poor hubbie got a bad sunburn this week. It's funny 'cause last week my dad was up to build and it was so windy. As soon as the new work week began without him (once he'd gone home) it was hot, sunny and calm. Now he's on his way back for a few more days, and wouldn't you know it, the winds picked up again and it's supposed to rain. Haa haa! So anyhoo, house stuff is going pretty good. Of course it's not as fast as we'd like, but everyone here is so stinkin busy. We're praying the trusses will be here by Friday for both houses. Again, I really need to post pictures!
Last weekend was the town garage sale. This is kinda like the parade of garage sales that communities do in Calgary, only it's better. Lot's of people sell hotdogs and homemade cookies, and theres people on Main Street selling stuff too. I love just walking around and running into so many people you know and talking. I bought a bunch of super cute baby clothes. Other than that I just kept thinking about moving in a few months. I do not want to move anything more than we already have. But oh man I'm looking forward to moving. I can't believe how much room we'll have, I'm pretty sure I'll just feel lost for the first bit. But it won't take long to fill it up. In some ways I'll miss our little place. It's so comfy and easy to clean. And I don't have to walk far from the kitchen to the couch, that's important!
We have a new girl at work. So far it's going great! We don't have to close for lunch anymore, which is so so so much better. Her name is Kristy and I think she'll fit in here well. Man, I'm gonna miss it here. I'll have to go for walks a lot and pop by.
I don't think there's anything else terribly exciting going on. Todays Matthews birthday, yipeee!! I made waffles with whip cream and blackberries today, oh man it was yum! Tonight we get to go to Golden Star, it's his fav. Anyhoo, this is long and dull, I apologize. Next time will be short and sweet. Love you all!!

Gameboys are not water proof!!

Sorry I haven't been updated you on my life lately! It's not because I'm too busy or anything, sometimes I just don't know how interesting my life is, so I spare you. But this week has actually been a bit interesting, at least to us. Oh, the other reason I haven't been updating is 'cause we don't have our computer right now which means, no pictures until then.
We started building the house this week! And by we I don't mean me. I've been working and that's been a bummer 'cause I wish I could be around more to see everything that's happening. So the one house that we're selling has walls and I haven't seen it for 24 hours, so most likely theres a lot more there that I don't even know about. We're framing both of them at the same time, then finishing ours first so we can move in by the 15th of Aug. It's still hard to believe that it's our house. Crazy crazy.
My dads been here all week (to frame of course) and it's been so nice. Our family hangs out a lot more when he's here to initiate things. We had a bbq at Serenas on sunday, dinner at Grandmas on Tue and now dinner together again tonight. That's how it was last year, we were always together, I miss it so much. I can't wait to have a house to invite everyone to all the time, yipee!
The babys getting a lot bigger, which unfortunatly means that I'm also getting bigger. I'm finding that all my clothes are either way to small ('cause they're not maternity, just bigger normal clothes) or way to big ('cause they're maternity which still don't really fit that well). I love being pregnant. I've had lots of energy and just love feeling the baby move, it's so cute! My back is still bothering me, but I'll live. Last night I had a bath, and played gameboy in the bath, I'm addicted. But when I turned the shower on and still had the gameboy it, well, just don't try it yourself, not a good idea. It still works though!
Anyhoo, I get to go eat lunch soon, so I should pretend I'm getting some work done before that. I'm going to Calgary this weekend. I'm driving my dad home Friday after work, and my friend Adrienne is getting marriend on Sat. and my sis is coming home Sun, yipeee!!! I'm so excited. I'll probably stay 'till Tue. I'm trying to get excited 'cause at the same time it's hard to leave Matthew. We still haven't been apart since we've been married. We had to spend so long away before we were married how is it fair to be away now? I'm sad. I'll miss him . He has fire training this weekend, and his papa will be here (again!)
Ok, so hopefully I'll see some of you this weekend! As for the rest of you, I miss you and hey in a few months I'll have a house and a baby, what a good excuse to come visit!

My aching back

That's right, my back hurts. I'm getting it fixed tomorrow though, yipee! I can hardly wait. We went to a movie tonight and I could barely sit through it those seats were so uncomfy. We saw benchwarmers. Hmm... is all I can say. At first I thought it was a try hard Napolean, but it definitly improved. It had some gay humor in it which I just find lame and not funny AT ALL!
I'm not working this week, but I'm busier than I would be if I was working. I've been doing errands in town. We're starting to make our adorable baby bassinet this week, it's so cute. If you wanna see a picture it's on www.cariboo.us it's the top left picture called the classic bassinet. I'm also trying to get junk in our house packed up so we have a bit of breathing room before this baby gets here. It seems like it's coming so fast!

This was Christine and I in Salem having some hot chocy, delish! I also need to show you how beautiful it was there!

This is a road right by the Hildebrant house that we drove by all the time, I would just gawk everytime we drove by. Then on our way home we went through the Ice Parkway south of Jasper and had the sudden desire to go snowboarding.

It was an incredible drive. I have so many more pictures to post but it's way past this girls bed time. I love you all and I'll talk to you soon.

Back in Town

Oh man! We're home, and it's kinda good to be here. We had such an amazing time with Matthews family visiting, shopping, and of course eating. So yea, it was bittersweet I guess. Matthew ended up getting really sick while we were there, poor little duffer. So anyhoo, we stayed an extra day so he could sleep a little longer before hitting the road. We stayed with Ro and Christine most of the time, then headed up to Portland area to stay with Nathan, Erin, and Clara. Oh man, it was good to finally spend time with them, usually it's so rushed. Clara was so cute, I'll post pics as soon as we get our computer back (it's getting an improvement with Matthews oldest bro Eric). Nathan and Erin haved moved into their beautiful house since we were there last. I felt so spoiled the whole time, it was awesome! It is definitely a dream house. We were very inspired for ideas for our house. I looked at decorating mags while there and think I have the baby roomed planned, I can't wait! Only 2 months and it'll be here already! It's hard to believe.
On our way home we stopped at my grandparents in B.C. I missed the rest of my fam by about half an hour, I was so sad! Then we kept driving up through the Ice Parkway (which by the way costs 18$ for about 2hours of very windy driving) but it was almost worth it, it was just gorgeous. Again, I'll post pics when mr. computer is back. By the time we were home we'd had two 10hr days and I did most of that for my sick hubbie. I was exhausted and am just now semi recovering. Work has been pretty slow this week, it's boring. Both of us are feeling a little overwhelmed right now. Matthew is volunteering for the fire department and building a house for the first time. I'm bearing him a child, still trying to work with Mary Kay and keep up our little household. It may seem trivial but sometimes things seem big in your own eyes you know? But we know whos hands all our problems are. Even more than that, we need to look at the big picture and remember what really matters, that's something I've been reminded of a lot lately. The Kingdom of God is what were living for, not this dingy world. That's exciting.
Well folks, that's about all I got in my right now. I'm working and still haven't had lunch (for a pregnant lady that's a miricle) Matthew was sweet and brought me a sandwich, but didn't put cheese on it. Honestly does he know me at all, me the one who could just take bites outta a brick of cheese. Crazy. Love you all, and I'll be back soon if this boring work week keeps up.

Hey dudes!
These are my cutie nieces Rosemarie and Judy. I love them, it's so good to get to spend time with them. We're staying at their house so we get to see them lots. When we first got here Rose was wearing this very same p.j. combo (the jammies on the head thing) so I thought it was funny to find this pic on their computer. Obviously it's something that happens a lot. Judy is so big now and so different than she used to be. God is healing her of Downsyndrome and it's amazing to watch. She interacts so well and is such a joy to be with. I love these girls. I'm supposed to be comparing prices for baby stuff right now so I gotta jet. Love ya all

Beautiful Oregon

Here we are in Oregon, it's goregous! I'll post a pic when we get home. It's green everywhere, so warm and all the blossoms are out. It's so so beautiful. We're staying with Roland and Christine who we often refer to as our "spiritual mommie and daddie" they teach us so much and are so encouraging. It's been so nice to relax with the fam, I love them all so much. We're also trying to get some shopping done for baby stuff. I feel so unprepared. I'm realizing how soon this babe is getting here! So I bought a few cute clothes and we're looking at furniture 'n stuff. It's fun, but kinda stressful. Baby's moving a lot today, I think it's all the bad stuff I'm eating. Costco hot dog and huge piece of cheese cake, all in one day! I'm a rebel when I'm on holidays.
Deb, are you gonna be at Grandmas this weekend? We're staying at their house on Sat night and probably leaving around 10 after breakie on Sunday. I'd love to see you guys if you'll be around! I don't know how late we'll be going through on Sat, but maybe on Sun if you're up we'll see you.
Anyhoo, sorry 'bout that side note. My tummy looks mutated right now, it's so odd! The baby just shifted all over to the right, I'm very lopsided.
K, just wanted to let you know how awsome the weather is here to make you Canadians jelous. Love you all! Ciao!

Preggo and creepy uncle pics

Alrighty folks, this is just gonna be a bunch of pictues, yipee!! Ummm that is if my computer decides to work. I'm just waiting for the pics to upload. I don't have time for this! We're leaving for Oregon in hopefully one hour and I still have to pack and make supper and finish the laundry, ack! I'm so so excited to get in the car and go! I'm reading a good book right now, and knitting a baby blankie. So I'll have lots to keep me sane.
Ok, this pic I tried to take of myself today after church but couldn't figure out the timer. Just as I was about to give up Leah came over and saved me. Otherwise you'd be seeing a lot of weird angle pictures of my face and my belly and not a whole lot that would make sense. This shirt makes me feel fat, but hey I'm pregnant I guess thats normal. This other preggy pic was taken a few weeks ago, and yes I believe I did have bare feet:-) I'm going to update the "hole" post with a pic so scroll down there. And the last pic is my new little "nephew" Joel. He's actually a second cousin, but who really keeps track?
Ok, we've had lots of adventures with Matthews facial hair this week. I don't remember if I've already mentioned this, but just in case I haven't I'll update you on the situation. So he's joining the volunteer fire department and as a result has to be clean shaven, waaaahh!!! I love my husbands face, I'll miss his burns 'n stuff. So heres his burns going bye bye and his lovely face minus the hair. He looks so young to me. It's really weird to get used to.
I'm still so so bad on the computer, I can't believe how ignorant I am! I don't know why these pictures aren't going where I want them to, but you get the point. K, gonna jet now. Love you all, and look at previous posts for a couple more older pictures.

Soon and very soon

Ok folks, my lovely sis taught me how to post pictures finally (since Ryan is apparently ignoring me lately) so now that I know how to do it I'll take a picture of my big bowl full of jelly (well it's not really jelly, it's actually a cute little baby) and post it yipee! Just to prove that I really know how to do this, here's a pic of my favorite little girl ever. This is Andreas daughter Rayah, she'll be two this Tuesday! This picture was taken in the fall before she lost some baby fat. She's getting to be more little girl and less baby everyday. She's a very good big sister now and always points to her little bro and repeats "Joel Joel Joel" until whoever she is talking to acknowledges her. Aww so helpful. Ok, I gotta jet, I have a cake in the oven. Ciao!

Church Plant

Hello hello

I'm so thrilled that people are actually reading my blog! Thanks Auntie Deb and Felicia for your comments, you have no idea what a joy it is during my boring work day to see those little gems. Well, I come to you on another boring work day with an exciting topic that I haven't even mentioned yet!
We go to a little Mennonite church in the farm country in an even smaller town than the one we live. I love our church! The past couple years we've been busting at the seems and have decided to have a new church in the bustling city close by. Ok yea, for those that don't know, it IS NOT a big city. It's a dirty loud trucker/oil city. For some reason my heart just loves it though (sometimes it's a challenge, but there's something about it that's home). Anyhoo, the meeting started out as planning meetings and have since become so much more. A group of about 20 of us meet once a month for worship and prayer (we still attend the "parent" church as well). It has been so refreshing for M and I to be part of this. We are seeing a true church, the closest thing we've experienced to what we imagine the new testament church to be like. We take turns hosting the meetings and usually sing, share, pray, and of course eat. We are Mennonite after all. This weekend we're having a casual get together with the kids as well (who usually stay at home) and having a potluck, should be good. We are just leaving this in Gods trusting hands, and excited to see what will happen with it. We don't care at all about 'typical' details like a building and childcare. Those things will be taken care of in a way we can't imagine right now.
Yesterday I took a spiritual gifts test, and was very surprised by the results. One of my highest spiritual gifts was Faith, followed by apostles/.... something else I can't remember. But it talked a lot about how I'm a pioneer in the church area. I know this is something that has grown in me drastically the past few months. If I had taken the test before this church started I would have been intimidated by the questions it was asking me about church planting, and as a result would have scored low in that area. Now as it is, I feel excited, challenged, and exhilarated. We're definitely committed to this and don't know at all what that means.
So yea, I just wanted to share that with ya'll (borrowing the Yankee language of my traitor sis) 'cause it's on my heart and I'm excited. I'll keep you updated fer sure.
Next week we're going on a long long road trip to Oregon to see M's fam. I can't wait to just talk and shop and eat and talk and talk and talk. I love his family. I'm so blessed by lots of sis-in-laws (two of which are also pregnant right now). His brother and sis-in-law Roland and Christine (who's little girl was our flower girl) are kinda our spiritual mom and dad. it will be so good to be with them and learn and be encouraged. I feel so lazy lately, I need to be pushed right now. I guess I'm just thinking about being a parent and what kind of family I want this baby to come into. My main thing I'm realizing is selfishness and how terribly hindering that is to a child. So I have less than three months to clean up my act before I'm a Mommy. Oh boy, that's crazy!
On our way home we're hoping to stop at my grandparents house YIPEE!! I love them! And hopefully I'll get to see my 'rents and aunts and uncle and cousins too, oh man I love my fam. My grandparents have been such an incredible example to all of us, what a blessing. They are prayer warriors and I believe their prayers have held this family together. I'm sure we'll never know the extent of what God has kept us all from as a result of their prayers.
Owww I picked a hang nail and it's bleeding!!! Ok, I'm at work hence the reason this is somewhat random and interrupted, sorry! It's getting to be that time of day where I need to get some work done. Adios all, and tons of kisses! Oh one more thing, I've officially changed my email to hollhil@gmail.com sweet, talk to ya later!
P.S. M is sick :-( I think he has the flu. Also, our hole is no longer just a hole, it now has concrete, yipee!!