Feeling Blessed

I'm sitting here in my newly renovated kitchen, at the island, with spruce candles lit all around me.  Sinatra is singing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" in the background, and I'm feeling very blessed!

I would say there's a chill in the air, but by most people's standards 68 isn't chilly.  For Hawaii, that's close to frigid.  Now it's raining, and my hot chocolate in my nutcracker mug tastes better than ever.

This is the first time I've been able to really sit and reflect in my new home.  It's actually quite comfortable now, and I enjoy being here.  I've had such a busy few months since the start of school.  These few moments before church on a Sunday morning are precious to me.

I was feeling a bit under the weather this past week, and had to miss two days of school because of flu symptoms.  Other than the congestion and sinus stuff, I've felt ok since.  I still barely feel pregnant.  Baby is tucked VERY low, so regular clothes are starting to get a little uncomfortable.  I'll soon be investing in some comfortable skirts and modest elastic pants with no shame.

At 15 weeks, I still haven't really had any cravings other than the usual for me -- chocolate.  Mike says he's pretty sure it's not a pregnancy craving, and I think he's right :)  As far as typical pregnancy symptoms, I can't really complain.  Slight queasiness in the first trimester, and aversions to nasty smells.  I also have had a VERY strong gag reflex to just about anything in the mornings, but have only come close to throwing up a few times.

I know I still have 25 weeks to go, but pregnancy hasn't been bad at all.  Usually I forget I'm with child.  I'm barely showing.

Me and my stunnah shades :)  Hard to believe it's December, huh?

On another note, coaching soccer this season has been really fun!  Sometimes I ask myself why I decided to commit to it, but busy seasons come and go.  I'll remember this team for a long time.  Getting to know the girls has been awesome!  And even though we had a losing season, I was able to watch the girls grow individually and as team.  They came together from three different schools and got to know and trust each other quickly.  Here's just a sample of their quirkiness.

Practice - Bun Day Monday

End of season pool party at my house

Good times :)

Coaching solo while Rene' was in AK.  Under the lights at Kamehameha!

Last topic:  HOUSE

Since there's so much to talk about, I'll save that for a separate post.  

I'm so ready for our trip to Florida.  It will be a much needed break from school and wild children.  I'm ready to stand by my sister, Anna, as she commits herself as Steven's wife!  Only a few more weeks, sis!  

Love you, Anna!

A Day of Thankfulness

It’s been so long since my last update.  For anyone who’s following (which is probably nobody at this point), I apologize.  Life has been very busy, and I have been lazy.  I started coaching soccer with a friend from school back in October, so I usually don’t get home until around 7pm every night.  The season goes through December, so only a few more games left!  It’s been a fun experience and I enjoy working with the girls in a setting other than school.  It creates great bonding opportunities, but coaching is a big commitment too. Thankfully, I'm just an assistant coach!

HOUSE NEWS
We have finally moved into our house, but haven’t unpacked yet!  The first few weeks of November were a little rough.  We showered outside by the pool.  The water was warm, but the air outside a bit nippy.  Now we are happily showering in our upstairs guest bathroom which has beautiful six inch tiles for the tub surround.  I splurged on a cute shower curtain from Bed, Bath & Beyond and look forward to the day I get to add the finishing touches to everything.  We are still waiting on both the upstairs vanities and have to decide what we plan to do for countertops.  The last thing before carpet is finishing up the master bath tile work. 

The carpet is scheduled to be installed on December 6^th, so hopefully all of the construction is finished by then!  Once that’s in, I think it will feel much more like a home rather than a construction site.  We are currently sleeping on an air mattress that we borrowed from someone at our church.  It’s really comfortable, but I can’t wait for carpet!

We are hoping to buy a dishwasher this weekend and an over-the-range microwave.  We’ve decided to wait on a stove and refrigerator.  The white will have to do for now while we save up for stainless steel.  They both work perfectly fine, so it shouldn’t be an issue.  We had our sink hooked up last night too, so I finally have a place to wash dishes now if the issue arises J

There are so many other things that can and will be done eventually: trim throughout, touch up paint, cleaning windows and screens, crafting mirror frames, window coverings, closet and pantry shelving and doors, pressure washing the back pool deck, staining the front door, decorating (everything), etc.   The good news is that none of that is essential to living here.  They are all things we want to do eventually, but can also wait until we save up more money and have more time. 

BABY NEWS
In addition to decorating and putting the finishing touches on the house, I now have a baby room to think about.  Mike and I found out that we’re expecting a little one in early June!  It’s all very exciting and overwhelming at the same time.  I have been feeling extremely exhausted these past few weeks as the baby is in the cooker.  I wouldn’t say I have morning sickness, but I get queasy when I smell certain things or don’t eat often enough.  I haven’t actually thrown up yet, so that’s good J  I’m thirteen weeks today on this lovely Thanksgiving, and I have so much to be thankful for! 

More news later.  Enjoy the pictures J

Downstairs bathroom before the vanity and toilet.

Baby Wolfe :)

Kinda blurry... but you get the idea ;)