Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Mission Impossible
We went on a double date with SuperDan's SuperParents to see Mission Impossible last night. It was such a good movie! (And I don't use that term lightly)
*Sigh*
The movie, like most action spy movies, takes place in a few different cities around the world. Of course it just happened to show two cities we've been to! Ah the excitement!
The first city shown was Budapest, Hungary. This city holds a special place in my heart mostly because it was such a horrendous experience! It's definitely permanently imprinted in my mind. Here's the story.
We were flying to Baku two and half years ago for our first visit. SuperDan, being the smart man that he is, decided we needed to find the cheapest route possible at all costs. And I do mean "all".
Sitora was almost 4 months old and it was her first plane ride. We drove 2 1/2 hours to Chicago, then flew across the ocean to Budapest. We had an overnight layover there and had arrangements to stay in a hostel. Not. Close. To. The. Airport.
We took a shuttle from the aiport to a different part of town where we scrambled to figure out the metro system. We had about 5 pieces of luggage plus Sitora in her car seat, mind you. These things are not meant to be transported by two adults on a metro. At least any sane person wouldn't attempt it.
We had to get off at about 3 different stops to change routes. (How my husband figured out the metro system on cue in a foreign country still never ceases to amaze me.) Mind you this means lugging our bags and Sitora in and out of subway cars and up huge flights of stairs. People were rushing passed us pushing and shoving. Finally we found our final destination and walked up and out of the metro. We looked around in amazement and were surrounded by huge ancient buildings, cobblestone streets, and busy people going this way and that speaking in a language we didn't understand. We used our handy map and asked a local if the street of our hostel was near. He pointed in the direction of a tiny alley and we gulped.
We proceeded to carry all our luggage and small child across the cobblestone streets searching for this unknown hostel. Have you ever tried pulling luggage along a cobblestone street? No? Oh that's right, only a crazy person would do that.
All of a sudden a Babushka (old Russian lady) came up to me and started lecturing me in Russian pointing her finger at Sitora. Her face was red with anger and I racked my brain for any possible reason for this nonsense. I decided she must have thought Sitora wasn't bundled up warm enough and kindly ignored her. She continued lecturing me as we walked off. What a warm greeting by a local. So kind.
Finally we found our hostel. I nearly passed out from exhaustion and slept soundly that night. We had to make the insane trek back to the airport the next morning bright and early, but it wasn't as bad that time after knowing the metro system better. Looking back we can laugh at ourselves, but at the time I was ready to strangle someone :)
The other city in the movie Mission Impossible was Dubai. This city is in the United Arab Emirates. Basically this city has "appeared out of nowhere" in the past 20 years due to oil and tourism. We visited there four times during our time living in Baku because of our visa problems. It became sort of a "home away from home" for us, since we visited Dubai more than we did America! We loved taking Sitora to children's playlands, sipping Starbucks coffee, and swimming at the beach. But the best part? Going up into the tallest building IN THE WORLD! They show this building in the movie when Tom Cruise is trying to climb up the side like a crazy rock climber. I felt the exact same heeby jeeby goosebumps as when we first looked out of the building when we went to the top! My hands went clammy and I felt tense all over while I grabbed SuperDan's arm for moral support. We were absolutely thrilled to watch a city we've been to. (And the fact that most Americans don't even know this city exists was pretty fun too...)
But while watching the movie, I started to feel an ache.
That traveling ache.
We've been on the move for 2 1/2 years like vagabond nomads. Always wondering how long we could stay in country, always wondering what the future held, always visiting a new place.
And now that we've been in America for 4 months, I'm starting to grieve our nomadic lifestyle. Isn't that crazy? It just became "the norm" for us... it was the only way we knew how to be a family... constantly on the go. And now that we've just "been here" for this long, I'm starting to feel panicked and claustrophobic. I'm sure a therapist could explain to me what I'm feeling in more elegant terms :)
But at the same time, I am at peace. I don't know where Father will lead us, I don't know what the future holds. I don't know when we will go or how or why. All I know is that He has a plan and it is good. The longer I wait for His answer, the more of my selfishness gets chipped away. The longer I wait, the deeper my love for Him grows. The longer I wait, the more open I am to anything He has planned. The longer I wait, the softer my heart grows toward Him. I feel like I'm being pounded like dough, over and over, until I am flat and completely usable for His purposes. Any of my preconceived ideas, my opinions, my wants, my hopes. They are all surrendered at His feet.
Wherever you send me Lord, I will go.
*Sigh*
The movie, like most action spy movies, takes place in a few different cities around the world. Of course it just happened to show two cities we've been to! Ah the excitement!
The first city shown was Budapest, Hungary. This city holds a special place in my heart mostly because it was such a horrendous experience! It's definitely permanently imprinted in my mind. Here's the story.
We were flying to Baku two and half years ago for our first visit. SuperDan, being the smart man that he is, decided we needed to find the cheapest route possible at all costs. And I do mean "all".
Sitora was almost 4 months old and it was her first plane ride. We drove 2 1/2 hours to Chicago, then flew across the ocean to Budapest. We had an overnight layover there and had arrangements to stay in a hostel. Not. Close. To. The. Airport.
We took a shuttle from the aiport to a different part of town where we scrambled to figure out the metro system. We had about 5 pieces of luggage plus Sitora in her car seat, mind you. These things are not meant to be transported by two adults on a metro. At least any sane person wouldn't attempt it.
We had to get off at about 3 different stops to change routes. (How my husband figured out the metro system on cue in a foreign country still never ceases to amaze me.) Mind you this means lugging our bags and Sitora in and out of subway cars and up huge flights of stairs. People were rushing passed us pushing and shoving. Finally we found our final destination and walked up and out of the metro. We looked around in amazement and were surrounded by huge ancient buildings, cobblestone streets, and busy people going this way and that speaking in a language we didn't understand. We used our handy map and asked a local if the street of our hostel was near. He pointed in the direction of a tiny alley and we gulped.
We proceeded to carry all our luggage and small child across the cobblestone streets searching for this unknown hostel. Have you ever tried pulling luggage along a cobblestone street? No? Oh that's right, only a crazy person would do that.
All of a sudden a Babushka (old Russian lady) came up to me and started lecturing me in Russian pointing her finger at Sitora. Her face was red with anger and I racked my brain for any possible reason for this nonsense. I decided she must have thought Sitora wasn't bundled up warm enough and kindly ignored her. She continued lecturing me as we walked off. What a warm greeting by a local. So kind.
Finally we found our hostel. I nearly passed out from exhaustion and slept soundly that night. We had to make the insane trek back to the airport the next morning bright and early, but it wasn't as bad that time after knowing the metro system better. Looking back we can laugh at ourselves, but at the time I was ready to strangle someone :)
The other city in the movie Mission Impossible was Dubai. This city is in the United Arab Emirates. Basically this city has "appeared out of nowhere" in the past 20 years due to oil and tourism. We visited there four times during our time living in Baku because of our visa problems. It became sort of a "home away from home" for us, since we visited Dubai more than we did America! We loved taking Sitora to children's playlands, sipping Starbucks coffee, and swimming at the beach. But the best part? Going up into the tallest building IN THE WORLD! They show this building in the movie when Tom Cruise is trying to climb up the side like a crazy rock climber. I felt the exact same heeby jeeby goosebumps as when we first looked out of the building when we went to the top! My hands went clammy and I felt tense all over while I grabbed SuperDan's arm for moral support. We were absolutely thrilled to watch a city we've been to. (And the fact that most Americans don't even know this city exists was pretty fun too...)
But while watching the movie, I started to feel an ache.
That traveling ache.
We've been on the move for 2 1/2 years like vagabond nomads. Always wondering how long we could stay in country, always wondering what the future held, always visiting a new place.
And now that we've been in America for 4 months, I'm starting to grieve our nomadic lifestyle. Isn't that crazy? It just became "the norm" for us... it was the only way we knew how to be a family... constantly on the go. And now that we've just "been here" for this long, I'm starting to feel panicked and claustrophobic. I'm sure a therapist could explain to me what I'm feeling in more elegant terms :)
But at the same time, I am at peace. I don't know where Father will lead us, I don't know what the future holds. I don't know when we will go or how or why. All I know is that He has a plan and it is good. The longer I wait for His answer, the more of my selfishness gets chipped away. The longer I wait, the deeper my love for Him grows. The longer I wait, the more open I am to anything He has planned. The longer I wait, the softer my heart grows toward Him. I feel like I'm being pounded like dough, over and over, until I am flat and completely usable for His purposes. Any of my preconceived ideas, my opinions, my wants, my hopes. They are all surrendered at His feet.
Wherever you send me Lord, I will go.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
23 weeks
Oh little Junior... how I wonder what you will be like.
Feisty, strong-willed, and animated like your big sister?
She loves you already. I have a feeling you two are going to be good friends.
I feel you kick all the time, but especially when we are in worship or prayer times. You must love worship music just like your big sister did when I was pregnant with her!
I can't wait to meet you so I can show you the world. Your Daddy wants to wrestle you and take you deer hunting. I want to snuggle you and build Lego towers together. Sitora wants to help take care of you all by herself. I appreciate her willingness but at this point all babysitting on her part will supervised ;)
You sure are getting big in there! I read that you weigh about a pound now. How tiny your little fingers must be.
Just a few more months and we'll see each other face to face. Will you look handsome like your Daddy? Will you be born with a full head of hair like your sister was? Oh the anticipation!
I fold and unfold your little clothes and dream about seeing you in them. I can't wait to wrap you up in your brown puppy blanket! I hope you will like snuggling up in the sling so I can walk around the house with you all day long.
I know those nights will seem long when you wake up at 3:00am to eat... but they are special moments that I will treasure forever.
We are waiting for you.
Feisty, strong-willed, and animated like your big sister?
She loves you already. I have a feeling you two are going to be good friends.
I feel you kick all the time, but especially when we are in worship or prayer times. You must love worship music just like your big sister did when I was pregnant with her!
I can't wait to meet you so I can show you the world. Your Daddy wants to wrestle you and take you deer hunting. I want to snuggle you and build Lego towers together. Sitora wants to help take care of you all by herself. I appreciate her willingness but at this point all babysitting on her part will supervised ;)
You sure are getting big in there! I read that you weigh about a pound now. How tiny your little fingers must be.
Just a few more months and we'll see each other face to face. Will you look handsome like your Daddy? Will you be born with a full head of hair like your sister was? Oh the anticipation!
I fold and unfold your little clothes and dream about seeing you in them. I can't wait to wrap you up in your brown puppy blanket! I hope you will like snuggling up in the sling so I can walk around the house with you all day long.
I know those nights will seem long when you wake up at 3:00am to eat... but they are special moments that I will treasure forever.
We are waiting for you.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Perfect accessories
My mother so graciously gifted me a Kohl's card for Christmas... so I bounced up and down begging SuperDan to take us on a family date to Milwaukee so we could go shopping today.
It was the best decision of my life!
Well... ehem... okay... that's exaggerating a bit, I know.
But seriously.
I found the perfect accessories for my vintage collection and nearly passed out when I first laid eyes on them. Could it really be? And they were on sale! Oh the joys.
My mother has this unique talent (which came from my Grandmother) of buying the perfect gifts for others. She just knows me. This owl ring and flower pin? They have my name written all over them. Mom, you are the bomb. Christmas was complete this year because of you. *sigh*
To top it all off, we ate at Subway and shared a peppermint mocha from McD's (tastes totally like Starbucks... for basically half the price) while the Señorita munched on chicken nuggets and fries. Delightful.
I think I fall in love with my husband more every day... especially after having a child. Watching him play with her just melts my heart... it is more romantic to me than roses or diamonds. The saying is true... love grows with time.
The only downside of the day? When I was waiting for my man to pick me up in front of Target and three gansta boyz tried hitting on me. Hello... do you SEE my pregnant belly?
Family dates are wonderful... when can we do it again?
It was the best decision of my life!
Well... ehem... okay... that's exaggerating a bit, I know.
But seriously.
I found the perfect accessories for my vintage collection and nearly passed out when I first laid eyes on them. Could it really be? And they were on sale! Oh the joys.
My mother has this unique talent (which came from my Grandmother) of buying the perfect gifts for others. She just knows me. This owl ring and flower pin? They have my name written all over them. Mom, you are the bomb. Christmas was complete this year because of you. *sigh*
To top it all off, we ate at Subway and shared a peppermint mocha from McD's (tastes totally like Starbucks... for basically half the price) while the Señorita munched on chicken nuggets and fries. Delightful.
I think I fall in love with my husband more every day... especially after having a child. Watching him play with her just melts my heart... it is more romantic to me than roses or diamonds. The saying is true... love grows with time.
The only downside of the day? When I was waiting for my man to pick me up in front of Target and three gansta boyz tried hitting on me. Hello... do you SEE my pregnant belly?
Family dates are wonderful... when can we do it again?
Monday, December 26, 2011
CHRISTMAS!
Gingerbread houses
Christmas carols
Sugar cookies
Opening presents
Christmas Eve service
Glistening white snow
Calling relatives
Staying up late
Finishing Advent
It's been a blessed Christmas indeed :)
Christmas carols
Sugar cookies
Opening presents
Christmas Eve service
Glistening white snow
Calling relatives
Staying up late
Finishing Advent
It's been a blessed Christmas indeed :)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Yes I did
I wore my hat in gloves in public.
It was a bit scary, but way too much fun.
Why can't we dress like this anymore? Modest and fancy... love it. Let's start a trend.
It was a bit scary, but way too much fun.
Why can't we dress like this anymore? Modest and fancy... love it. Let's start a trend.
Winter Moon
I am in love with Mindy Gledhill's new Christmas CD Winter Moon. It's absolutely delightful. She is by far my favorite independent artist. For those of you living in Utah, I am exceedingly jealous. She lives there and her tours are frequently in Salt Lake City. Every time I visit Utah she isn't touring! One of these days I'll see a concert. One of these days...
That red dress? I'll take one please. Yes thank you.
That red dress? I'll take one please. Yes thank you.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Lightroom
Oh dear. I am afraid I am never going to come out of my editing cave.
Lightroom has cast it's spell upon me and I am forever hypnotized.
I re-edited a whole CD of pictures for a client once we got the software installed on our laptop. I spent way too many hours on that project, but that's all part of the learning process when you do something for the first time! It's well worth the effort.
Now all I need is a vintage couch in a field for a "studio" and I'm set.
Lightroom has cast it's spell upon me and I am forever hypnotized.
I re-edited a whole CD of pictures for a client once we got the software installed on our laptop. I spent way too many hours on that project, but that's all part of the learning process when you do something for the first time! It's well worth the effort.
Now all I need is a vintage couch in a field for a "studio" and I'm set.
DIY Christmas cards
I know Christmas is only 11 days away, but there is still time to make homemade Christmas cards for the ones you love!
I'm not talking about the mass cards you send out to hundreds of folks at the holidays. I'm talking about the people closest to you, the ones you will most likely see on Christmas day or wish you could be with.
Making cards can be quick and easy... and you can use your own special touch to make it that much more special.
Here are my homemade Christmas cards for this year. If you are interested in doing a project like this, here is how!
Items needed:
Instructions:
Don't just sign your name on a card, put some thought into your message and tell that person how special they are to you. Everyone needs encouragement and uplifting words in life :)
Have fun crafting!
Christmas is coming... I can hardly wait!
I'm not talking about the mass cards you send out to hundreds of folks at the holidays. I'm talking about the people closest to you, the ones you will most likely see on Christmas day or wish you could be with.
Making cards can be quick and easy... and you can use your own special touch to make it that much more special.
Here are my homemade Christmas cards for this year. If you are interested in doing a project like this, here is how!
Items needed:
- Stationary - cards and envelopes
- Hemp
- Ribbon
- Stamps and stamp pad (Wal-Mart sells special holiday stamps!)
- Special scrapbook glue
- Super fine sharpies (or whatever pen you prefer)
Instructions:
- Cut out ribbon to desired length and glue across the top of the front of card.
- Cut out about a 6 inch piece of hemp, tie it into a bow, then glue it on the ribbon.
- Use your stamps to create a merry greeting (I used my ultra fine sharpies to color in the little owl stamp).
- On the inside (or on the back in my case) cut out a piece of paper smaller than your card and glue it on. Then write a holiday message! Get creative, don't just use a plain black pen/sharpie to write your message. Try green or red for fun!
- When you're all finished, write your loved one's name and put a stamp on the front.
Don't just sign your name on a card, put some thought into your message and tell that person how special they are to you. Everyone needs encouragement and uplifting words in life :)
Have fun crafting!
Christmas is coming... I can hardly wait!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Boy or Girl? The answer revealed!
We walked into our ultrasound appointment this morning with anticipation and excitement. I think it was even more sentimental bringing Sitora with us so she could see pictures of the baby too! My mother-in-law and Danny's 6 year old little sister came along as well which made it even better :)
As the technician took pictures of the baby's brain, heart, stomach, legs, nose, and chin, I felt myself overwhelmed with love, joy, peace, gratitude, and complete awe in the sovereignty of Father. Only He alone could orchestrate such a miracle. This baby is only half-way formed in the womb, and yet it is a living, breathing, active little person with a personality all it's own. My heart skipped a beat as we took our first look at baby's little face.
It took my breath away.
Welcome to the world little baby boy! We can't wait to meet you :)
Here's a cute video of our little man kicking me. He is in a hilarious position - he's sandwiched in half and seems to like it just fine!
And the winner of the contest? Not many of you guessed boy... but from those who did....
Julie - you are the winner! Check out my website here to pick out which picture you want for your personalized stationary and let me know what message you want printed inside! Also email me your home address so it can be shipped directly to you. You can facebook me or email me at javamammacasey at gmail
We are absolutely elated! A little boy. A little boy. I keep saying it in my head... It seems so surreal!
As the technician took pictures of the baby's brain, heart, stomach, legs, nose, and chin, I felt myself overwhelmed with love, joy, peace, gratitude, and complete awe in the sovereignty of Father. Only He alone could orchestrate such a miracle. This baby is only half-way formed in the womb, and yet it is a living, breathing, active little person with a personality all it's own. My heart skipped a beat as we took our first look at baby's little face.
It took my breath away.
Welcome to the world little baby boy! We can't wait to meet you :)
Here's a cute video of our little man kicking me. He is in a hilarious position - he's sandwiched in half and seems to like it just fine!
And the winner of the contest? Not many of you guessed boy... but from those who did....
Julie - you are the winner! Check out my website here to pick out which picture you want for your personalized stationary and let me know what message you want printed inside! Also email me your home address so it can be shipped directly to you. You can facebook me or email me at javamammacasey at gmail
We are absolutely elated! A little boy. A little boy. I keep saying it in my head... It seems so surreal!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Guess the gender and win!
Boy or girl?
Tomorrow we find out!
Comment below on your guess of the baby's gender. If you are correct, you will be entered into a random drawing to win a free set of personalized stationary from my website here!
I'll announce the winner sometime tomorrow :)
Tomorrow we find out!
Comment below on your guess of the baby's gender. If you are correct, you will be entered into a random drawing to win a free set of personalized stationary from my website here!
I'll announce the winner sometime tomorrow :)
It's sweet to be three
*Sigh*
I love my life.
Taking pictures of an adorable three year old is just up my alley. Mostly because I have my own little [almost] three year old at home, and I know how to "work it" :)
We sold our farmhouse last summer, but we kept half the land. Boy am I glad about that. I was able to shoot these photos on our land. I don't know how long we will keep it, but as long as we have it I'm gonna use it!
This little girl is special. Special indeed. Natalie, you are a princess. Your beauty shines from the inside out and your Creator King is so in love with you!
I love my life.
Taking pictures of an adorable three year old is just up my alley. Mostly because I have my own little [almost] three year old at home, and I know how to "work it" :)
We sold our farmhouse last summer, but we kept half the land. Boy am I glad about that. I was able to shoot these photos on our land. I don't know how long we will keep it, but as long as we have it I'm gonna use it!
This little girl is special. Special indeed. Natalie, you are a princess. Your beauty shines from the inside out and your Creator King is so in love with you!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Vintage finds
While living overseas I would just drool over blogs where girls shared how they found vintage items at consignment stores and the like. I wanted to thrift store shop so. badly.
Now that I'm here... in the land of thrift stores galore... I can shop my little vintage heart out! Well, mostly window shop :) Have you seen the prices of vintage items these days? Sheesh! They are old for goodness sake! I only go for the deals. But I still dream over the items I can't afford.
Here are my favorite finds so far.
1. Pride and Prejudice Novel by Jane Austen
2. Northanger Abbey Novel also by Jane Austen
3. Hat
4. Gloves
*The bird necklace really isn't vintage... it's from Claire's... but it has the look I am going for.
I used to be against the original Pride and Prejudice movie about nine years ago. I thought it ridiculous and absurd and refused to watch it. When the new movie came out with Keira Knightley a few years ago, I agreed to watch it. Mostly because it was the short version and Keira was in it.
I loved it. Plain and simple.
Two years ago I finally watched the original version with my sister-in-law. Loved it even more.
Two weeks ago I finally read the book. Totally obsessed now.
When I found this copy of Pride and Prejudice I fell in love immediately. Look at the pictures! They are gorgeous.
Ah, the moment we all love. When Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy express their profound love for one another after months of misunderstandings and confusion!
I will now venture into unknown territory and read another Jane Austen novel I have not heard of... Northanger Abbey. Supposedly she never got the chance to see it printed in her lifetime. What a pity! Jane started writing at a time when it was not seen as respectable nor proper for young women to be authors. She wrote anonymously. Now she is honored for her literary classics after her death. Doesn't that always seem to be the case? Important people become even more famous after they pass away.
My hat and gloves. How I love them so!
Yes. I will be wearing them in public soon. I'm just waiting for the opportune moment.
Now that I'm here... in the land of thrift stores galore... I can shop my little vintage heart out! Well, mostly window shop :) Have you seen the prices of vintage items these days? Sheesh! They are old for goodness sake! I only go for the deals. But I still dream over the items I can't afford.
Here are my favorite finds so far.
1. Pride and Prejudice Novel by Jane Austen
2. Northanger Abbey Novel also by Jane Austen
3. Hat
4. Gloves
*The bird necklace really isn't vintage... it's from Claire's... but it has the look I am going for.
I used to be against the original Pride and Prejudice movie about nine years ago. I thought it ridiculous and absurd and refused to watch it. When the new movie came out with Keira Knightley a few years ago, I agreed to watch it. Mostly because it was the short version and Keira was in it.
I loved it. Plain and simple.
Two years ago I finally watched the original version with my sister-in-law. Loved it even more.
Two weeks ago I finally read the book. Totally obsessed now.
When I found this copy of Pride and Prejudice I fell in love immediately. Look at the pictures! They are gorgeous.
Ah, the moment we all love. When Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy express their profound love for one another after months of misunderstandings and confusion!
I will now venture into unknown territory and read another Jane Austen novel I have not heard of... Northanger Abbey. Supposedly she never got the chance to see it printed in her lifetime. What a pity! Jane started writing at a time when it was not seen as respectable nor proper for young women to be authors. She wrote anonymously. Now she is honored for her literary classics after her death. Doesn't that always seem to be the case? Important people become even more famous after they pass away.
My hat and gloves. How I love them so!
Yes. I will be wearing them in public soon. I'm just waiting for the opportune moment.
Friday, December 9, 2011
My first wedding!
I am excited to announce that I have officially photographed my very first wedding! Eeek! Aaack! I am bursting at the seams with happiness! I've been waiting for this moment for a very. long. time.
I haven't tried photographing a wedding before this because I felt inadequate. But thankfully my sister-in-law and her fiancé trusted me enough to give it a shot on their special day. Thanks David and Livi- it was an honor and a joy :)
May your marriage bring you closer together as a couple, and ultimately bring you closer to Father.
I haven't tried photographing a wedding before this because I felt inadequate. But thankfully my sister-in-law and her fiancé trusted me enough to give it a shot on their special day. Thanks David and Livi- it was an honor and a joy :)
May your marriage bring you closer together as a couple, and ultimately bring you closer to Father.
"I love you, for putting your hand into my heart and passing over all the foolish, weak things that you can't help dimly seeing there, and for drawing out into the light all the beautiful belongings that no one else had looked quite so far enough to find."
-Roy Croft
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