Nuggie's song (Sorry, Keelan! It just fits!)

Lyrics

 The Lyrics, in case you were "Sattelite Blue"ing any of the words ;)

Phone rings, so many things running through my head

Casual check-in, small talk chat then she stopped and said

“I have news. Pinks or blues.  July is when I’m due”

My heart stopped beating, can’t wait to be meeting beautiful little you

Tears well, heart swells

Maybe life isn’t so bad

Pure joy, girl or boy

 Goodbye to all the worries I had

Sweet child, beautiful baby

Go on, go on and take me

Not yet born,

But so adored.

When I hung up from that call, I knew

That you were gonna change us all

That belly keeps growin’ now she’s showin’, one look at her you can see she’s glowin’

The time came for us to find out, Waited all day just to hear her say

“I have news. It’s not blue!” I’m closer to knowing you

My heart stopped beating, can’t wait to be meeting beautiful little you

Tears well, heart swells

Maybe life isn’t so bad

You were our Nuggie But now you’re Haylie

Goodbye to all the worries I had

Sweet girl, beautiful baby

Go on, go on and take me

Not yet born,

But so adored.

When I hung up from that call, I knew

That you were gonna change us all

The wait to see you seems to go on and on

But soon you’ll be grown up, going to a prom

Sweet girl, beautiful baby

Go on, go on and take me

Not yet born,

But so adored.

Sweet girl, beautiful baby

Go on, go on and take me

Sorely abandoned...

If anyone's been checking this, sorry you've seen the same thing since last Friday.  I'm not going to lie...I wasn't required to write this week for the class...so I didn't.  I just did finish a writing, but it's not sharable.  It's pathetic.
I’m working with my “Letter to Nuggie” to make it into a song.  With a baby sis who’s a talented songwriter, I thought, “Huh, can’t be that hard.”  It is.  So hard.  So, I’m working slowly, and certainly not surely to see if I can get this to work.  I’m hoping when I see her this weekend she’ll grace me with her expertise because I need not only musical help, but also help arranging the lyrics.  I’m ashamed to admit that I came up with only 12 lines worth of maybe-workable material, working for over an hour.

Ronnie's given me advice.  Leave it alone and it will come.  I hope, Miss Veronica. Otherwise, you've got a lot of work ahead of you with your poor, pathetic sis!

So to spice this up a bit, here's a pic of Sissy and I from the goregous wedding last weekend. :)

Fair trade

                I might not get much written today.  I’m sitting in the infusion suite at the clinic getting my bi-monthly infusion of Remicade, which I’m on for Rheumatoid Arthritis, typing with only my right hand.  I dread these days, not because it’s painful or difficult to do, but because I end up sitting here, usually alone for 3 hours, left with just my thoughts and wonders about my RA.  The images often associated with RA are twisted joints, giant knuckles and sometimes limpy walking or a hunched back.  Thankfully I have none of these.  Yet.

 I have to remind myself that I’m lucky.  Diagnosed at 19, I’ve had great doctors and aggressive treatments so, after 4 years with this stuff, I still have little to no joint damage.  Sometimes I get scared.  My last infusion, a lady sat down for her infusion next to me.  I couldn’t help but notice her hands, embodying the mental images described above.  I immediately wonder how long she’s had it, what treatments she’s tried, and how much pain she feels.  I could see for myself how much her large, swollen joints limited her movement and grasping.  Here’s a situation I have to allow myself to be overly confident, even boastful about: I’ve had excellent treatment from the get-go and will experience many new treatments, drugs, possibly even cures in my lifetime; I won’t be like that.  But there’s that little voice creeping into my head, whispering “How can you be so sure?”

Day to day, I am usually pain-free.  That’s why I sit here with a needle in my arm.  Sacrifice I’m willing to make for feeling like I’m 23, rather than 80.  Occasionally I get what’s known as a flare-up, which is concentrated pain in a particular joint or area of my body.  The main victims are my hands, hips, knees, and feet.  It will be interesting to see how I do when I have to go off the medication when it’s time to try for babies, but that’s a worry for another day.  For now, I’ll sit here patiently letting the meds pump into my body and count down the minutes until I’m “free” and can go have a nice dinner with Jeremy.

...and they call it PUPPY loooove!

March 16, 2011

                Warning: If you dislike dogs, or family pets in general, stop reading now.  You might barf.  I’m going there. I’m writing about my dogs.  And here’s the first barfalicious moment.  I shudder to call them dogs.  Boys, Babies: those are the names they get most often!  It’s painfully obvious now that I don’t have human children.  These two boys are my babies for now, and I’d like to think they’ll always be.   Dogs have such an innocent childlike demeanor, even as they grow up.  They’re over-the-moon excited to see me when I get home.   Not even the love of my life, Hubby dear, gets that excited to see me!  They lead simple lives, living for fetch with a tennis ball, a belly rub, or a neighborhood walk.  And although sometimes they’re a pain in the butt, like whenever Cody gets left alone and eats everything and anything in sight or climbs on top of us instead of barking to go outside, they bring Jeremy and I such enjoyment.  (Puking yet?)  We literally stop what we’re doing sometimes to look at them sleeping on their backs, spread eagle, or playing together outside.  We’re proud parents. J

                Cody and Riley are lucky boys.  They are brothers from the same litter, so they’ve never spent a day alone.  They have a large fenced in yard to play in, plenty of treats, especially when they show off their fabulous tricks, and more kisses from “Mom” than her own husband gets!  I have to think that Wednesdays are one of their favorite days.  It’s Jeremy’s day off and the boys get to tag along with everything he’s up to that day.  Today, they came along to drop me off at school, took a midmorning snooze with Jeremy, came along for the ride when Jeremy came to get me for lunch, spent the afternoon in our yard on a beautiful day while Jeremy put up another fencepost, came along again when Jeremy picked me up from school, and snuggled with me on the couch while Jeremy fixed dinner.  (Ok this last sentence makes ME sound like the lucky one!) 

I’m so happy that we’ve made these two dogs incredibly spoiled because they’re happy and don’t know any better.  It’s heartbreaking to hear about some of the horrific animal abuse that occurs.  My two babies are perfect “children” for us right now and I’m so excited our children will grow up with dogs.

And now, Cody, who is panting ever-so-heavily in my face, front paws up on the couch and happy eyes STARING at me, needs to go outside.  He’s been waiting so patiently for me to finish this, and little does he know, his normally annoying habit is now extremely precious and endearing.  *AWW!!*

Jeremy caught us catching some shut eye, all snuggled up!

But wait! There's more!

March 15, 2011

                Had a bad day?  Need a little pick-me-up?  Want to vent?  Need advice?  Call Mom.  She’s always there, willing to talk and support her daughter with suggestions or just a listening ear.  After a day which put me through a trial of trials, all I could think about was calling Mom.  She’d be a great source of comfort no matter what, but the fact that she’s a seasoned, successful teacher makes her advice and communication that much more valid and important.

                I’ve always had a close relationship with my mom.  As a small child, our extended family often referred to me as her wart, monkey, or cling-on.  I loved my mom and felt safest and most confident when I was with her.  When my baby sister was born, at 5 years old, I had a little bit of rebelling to get through before I could adjust to the change.  My weapon? Scissors.  My victims? Couch, blanket, clothing, hair, etc.  After her birth, at least I think, things got better.  I realized I really loved that little baby and that I wasn’t losing my mom after all.

                As I got older and realized I wanted to teach, my mom was the best role model for me.  And, the year I spent one period a day in her room as a Teacher’s Aide, I realized her success in teaching could also be for me.  I chose the best education university in the state, which, unfortunately, was also the furthest of the major universities away from my home, family, and Mom.  My mom got me through that first horribly homesick month of college.  I had a card or letter in my mailbox every single day of the month of September and, when I still hadn’t been “out” with friends, my mom offered me advice which, admittedly, ended up making my college years so fun.  “Go have a wine cooler, Brooke!”  Yes.   My own mother told me to go drink underage.  When I tell that story, most people are a little bit shocked, but mostly impressed.  My mom is real, level-headed, and COOL!

                As a “real-live adult”, I try very hard to keep my life under control.  But, I respect my mom so much, I often find myself not only thinking about what she would say, but actually calling her to hear what she would say.  She and Dad accompanied Jeremy on our house-hunt, she gives financial advice, relationship advice, and career advice.  I’m sure I drive my husband crazy when I say, “Just a second, let me call and ask my mom.”

                So maybe I haven’t changed much from my cling-on 5-year-old self.  I still love talking to her, love her company, and she definitely makes me feel safe and confident.  “So for those pesky days when no one listens, people are rude and mean, and things just don’t go right, call Mom.”

 (P.S. That was my sad attempt at an infomercial on a fab lady, my mom.)

A beautiful occasion

March 13, 2011

                A whirlwind.  That might describe this weekend best!  It always seems that the things we are most excited for and anticipate for many months fly by the fastest.  Garett and Beth had a beautiful wedding, and I have a new beautiful cousin!  As predicted, I had a fabulous time with my cousins, mostly on the dance floor with some fabulous tunes!  I’m not sure about Garett and Beth, but I know that I took plenty of those “mental snapshots” and a few of them stand out the most.  To me, they’re most memorable when an emotion is attached to the “picture.”   

At the ceremony, as a bridesmaid, I had a direct look at my cousin, Garett’s face as he said his vows.   For my closest cousin, my brother, to look at my best friend with such love, adoration, and respect, with tears in his own eyes, moved me to tears as well.  I definitely have a snapshot of his handsome face full of love and pure, raw emotion.  When Beth said her vows, since I was standing behind and beside her, I could not see her face, but once again, could see Garett.  I thought how lucky I was to be standing beside such a great friend, while also getting to see my cousin’s reaction to my friend, his new wife.

At the reception, Ronnie and I, actually sitting out one dance, were watching Garett and Beth on the dance floor.  They were inseparable all night, enjoying their guests, the dancing, and the beauty of the occasion.  During this particular song, one which we could tell they both enjoyed, the two of them paused for a half-a-second and gave each other a sweet, blissful kiss.  Ronnie and I, both watching the moment, as if on cue, released an “AWWW!”  I first thought, “Oh darn!  Why didn’t someone catch that on camera?”  But then I turned to Ronnie and said, “THAT was a perfect mental snapshot moment!”  She agreed and I’m glad someone shares that adorable kiss, full of love and happiness “picture” with me!

And, as one of my not-so-sober cousins brought up more than once, “It’s nights like these when I realize just how great our family really is!”  Maybe I’m a little biased, but, Cousin, I agree!  We do have a fabulous family and I’m so excited for Beth to be a part of it!  Welcome to the family, beautiful friend.  Congratulations to the new Bride and Groom!

New memory time!

March 10, 2011

                The wedding is getting nearer and it’s about all I can think about!  Tonight we’ll be packing and getting loose ends tied up so we can hit the road at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning!  Not only am I excited for the wedding festivities themselves, but I’m also so excited to see my family!  Even though we’re very close in our relationships, we’re spread out pretty far in distance.  Garett’s older sisters Randi, Carly, and Kimi are like sisters to Brianna, Ronnie, and I, so we always have a good time when we get together.

                Thinking about my “half- sisters” brings me to amazing childhood memories, many of them out at my family’s farm.  When I was about 1, my mom and dad bought a “hobby farm” which was a nice house situated in the country on 15 acres with a shop, barn, greenhouse, swingset and BIG slide, and treehouse on the property.  The girls loved to spend the night at the farm with us, especially in the summer, because there was so much to do.  Kimi, who was closest in age to us, spent the most time with Brianna and I.  One summer, we spent an entire day cleaning, scrubbing, and tidying the tree house.  We made it our little home, setting up a “kitchen” and a sleeping area.  For some reason, we fell in love with the board game Clue that same summer.  We’d get our sleeping bags, board games, and of course, plenty of snacks, and head up to the treehouse for the night.  It would be 2 am, and Dad would just be returning from his night shift at work, yelling up at us to go to sleep already!

                Another fond memory is the above-ground pool and trampoline we got one summer.  I know now the pool wasn’t very big, but we spend hours in it, playing, swimming, and SINGING at the top of our lungs!  We also would study musical sing along videos, memorize the songs and dances, and perform them for my mom, or whoever could stand to watch.

                When we sold the farm so that Dad could build us the new house in town, it was a VERY sad time.   We’d spent our summers and all of our Christmases out there and we didn’t know how we’d live without it.  Of course, we soon had a beautiful big house to make new memories in, but at the time, we were heartbroken.  However, since our family is so close, and probably because of all of those fun times at the farm, we can make every opportunity we spend together enjoyable.

                So, Saturday night, we might not be playing Clue or swimming in a pool, but with a glass of wine, our favorite songs, and a dance floor, I know we won’t be disappointed!  Can’t wait!

Nerd Alert! =)

March 9, 2011

                Today is a great day.  I finally made it back to school and I got to see my Mom, Dad, and little sister!  They were in town because Ronnie was competing in the Regional Science Fair with her partner Scott and their project titled, “An Investigation of the Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Snake Venoms ”. (Say THAT 10 times fast!) Our hometown has a very well-known, respected science program, one which my older sister and I made our way through as well. 

I was able to make it to the Civic Center, where the awards ceremony took place, to find out how Miss Veronica Gillund and her partner did.  I was delighted to see my family and amazed to see my “baby sis” looking like a sophisticated professional WOMAN!  After a lot of waiting it was FINALLY time for the Grand Awards for the high school students.  Second place went to another team from Ronnie’s school.  That meant either first or third for my Ronnie.  Third place? Good job, better luck at state.  First place? Bragging rights aaaand and all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles and the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).  A nerd’s paradise.   “And the First Place Grand team project award goes to….Veronica Gillund and Scott Bye.” AH! She won!  Mom, Dad, and I relived the same excited feelings we felt when my sister and I won my junior year and my friend and I won my senior year.  It’s sort of a legacy in our family; team project wins at regionals to go on to ISEF.  A very nerdy, geeky legacy, but a legacy nonetheless.

As we were eating dinner after the excitement was over, Mom and Dad recalled the night they were eating with Ronnie after Brianna and I had won our trip to ISEF.  Ronnie, a fifth grader at the time, said to them, “Well, I guess I have some pretty big shoes to fill.”  Yes, Ronnie, you did, but you might have just stepped out of those shoes, rather than just filling them!

                To Ron and Colleen, you made some smart girls.  All three earned their way to ISEF!  To Veronica Ardelle Gillund, you beautiful smarty-pants, you!  Congratulations!

Sick and pathetic!

March 8, 2011

                After two weekend days spent on the couch or in bed and now two sick days from school, I think I’m finally feeling somewhat human again.  The sinus infection I got last week somehow mutated into a nasty monster of sickness.  I have to wonder at the timing I have.  The week off between classes I was finally recovering from the strep throat I got mid-February.  Then, class began again, and this sinus infection descended upon me.  Stress and fatigue are sickness’ best friends.  I am hoping I really do start to feel better, otherwise it might be difficult to enjoy the wedding this weekend.

 So this isn’t just an opportunity for me to whine about how sick I’ve been.  Rather, I’d like to brag a little.  My husband has been so fabulous to me over the last few days.  This weekend, even though he was working, he took over the laundry and did it all.  He’s brought me medicine, water, and whatever food I’ve attempted to get down.  Last night, he worked an overnight shift, getting home at 4:30 a.m.  This morning, I intended to go to school, but when I was in the shower, got very dizzy and felt like I was going to pass out.  Jeremy got up and took me to school at 6:57 a.m. so that I could make substitute plans for the day.  When we got home, we slept for a while and then Jeremy once again, put his sleep aside to take me to the doctor. 

He’s now back at work, about to come home for his lunch break, and, for the 5^th or so day in a row, wifey doesn’t have dinner ready like normal.  So even though I’ve been miserable lately, there’s someone else who has suffered a bit.  Hubby Dear?  “Sorry” and “Thank you”.  You’re proving those “in sickness” words. J

Here's to the birthday girls who've blessed our lives!

March 7, 2011

Cheers to the birthday girls!  That’s right: there are two special girls celebrating birthdays in my family.  One was yesterday, and it was truly her birth DAY.  My brother, Roman, and his wife, Jen, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl yesterday, March 6!  After a long journey to get to that little miracle, I know the two of them must be so relieved and over-the-top excited.  I am so proud of their perseverance.  Jen, this summer, was telling us about the charms she had on her bracelet.  Ronnie and I asked what one was her favorite.  She pointed to a very simple yellow and white gold charm.  I can’t remember the name of the charm exactly, but it was something like “the bumpy road.”  Roman had given it to her after one of their unsuccessful pregnancies.  At the time of our visit, Jen was pregnant with the little peanut she just gave birth to.  The outlook on this pregnancy finally looked good and she glowed as she talked about the future.  Ronnie and I were amazed then, as I am now, at her postitive attitude and utter determination.  This beautiful little girl that has just been born is so very lucky.  She has amazing parents who went through so much to have her!  Congratulations, Roman and Jen, on your beautiful new bundle of elation (joy just didn’t seem like a strong enough word!)

That other birthday girl is kind of like my baby.  My little sister, Ronnie, is 18 today.  I remember the day she was born so well.  When she was born, I was in Kindergarten and only had school Monday, Wednesday, and Friday every week.  This meant I got to spend Tuesday and Thursday at home with mom and baby sister.  I loved helping mom feed her bottles and snuggling in for an afternoon nap.  That time passed so quickly, just as the rest of her 18 years has.  The feeling is bittersweet: I am sad my little sister is no longer a baby, but I wouldn’t trade the friendship we have, either!  She has grown into a breathtakingly beautiful woman with smarts and talent I’m very envious of.  My hometown recently had a talent show, for which Ronnie danced (with her dance team, a dance she had choreographed), sang, played guitar, and played piano.  So amazing!  I’ve also had the honor of getting to listen to most of the songs she’s written.  I hope someday she’ll be able to share her amazing “Taylor Swift”-like talent with more than just her family.

This summer, Ronnie is living with Jeremy and I so she can work and save up for her first year of college.  I’m so excited for this time to live with her again, since it’s been a while since I moved out of Mom and Dad’s house!  So, even though I’m in awe at how old my baby sister is, I’m so excited for her to enter this new phase of her life, and join my older sister, Brianna, and I in the adult stage of life.

So Happy Birthday to the beautiful little miracle that just blessed us through Roman and Jen, and Happy Birthday to the beautiful young woman that blessed our family 18 years ago!

Baby, baby, baby, oh!

March 4, 2011

It’s a girl!!! Brianna’s ultrasound was today and I had baby on the brain all day!  She finally called to share the news, first, that baby was healthy and possibly even a little further along than we thought, and second, that it was a girl!  The same overwhelming feeling of joy I felt when she called to tell me she was pregnant washed over me.  Now, we have just about as long to wait until she’s born and I’m hoping it flies by!  I can’t wait to hold my niece, rock her to sleep, and stare at her for hours!  Like Mom always admitted doing with her first niece, I think I’ll also borrow her and pretend she’s mine.

When Ronnie goes to college in Bozeman this fall, she’ll get lots of baby time and I’m a little jealous!  Hubby will have to get used to visiting Bozeman about every other weekend!  But, even though I’m beyond excited for Baby to get here, I need to remember to treasure this time as well.  I’ve spent a lot of time already with Brianna on the phone looking through cribs, bedding, and other baby necessities.  It’s so fun to anticipate this beautiful addition to our lives. 

Over President’s Day weekend, I was supposed to go to Beth’s bachelorette party in Livingston.  Long story, short, I didn’t make it with the road conditions how they were and Brianna and Keelan were driving to Sunburst for the weekend.  So, since I couldn’t celebrate with my friend, I decided to hop in with the two of them and have a little family time that weekend.  I am so thankful I was able to be there because of the special moment Brianna, Ronnie, Mom, and I shared Saturday night.  We pulled out our favorite childhood books, talked about when we were babies, sang to Brianna’s belly, and took our fair share of belly rubs.  Ronnie, Mom, and I took turns reading the story You Are Special by Max Lucado “to” the baby.  The book has always been a favorite of ours and it felt great to share it with the special bundle in Brianna’s belly!  I look forward to more moments like this and especially to the beautiful babe’s birth.

So Congratulations are in order.  To the new Mommy and Daddy, Brianna and Keelan, here’s to Barbie dolls, Easter and Christmas dresses, and a new ray of sunshine in your life.  To the Grandparents, my Mom and Dad, here’s to a new generation of GIRL, spoiling your Granddaughter rotten, and joy of seeing your own daughter become such an amazing mother.  Finally, to my little sister, Ronnie, who will make the most fun, exciting aunt ever!  Congratulations on Little Miss Haylie Marie!

There are lady carpenters in Montana.

March 3, 2011

As I sit down to write today, there’s something on my mind.  A big pain in my head, known as a sinus infection.  And sinus infections always remind me of my dad.  When I was little, I remember Dad’s face writhing in agony from massive sinus infections and headaches.  He’s even admitted he sometimes wanted to perform a little surgery with his drill to relieve some of the pressure! Yikes!  I never had these sinus infections until last year, my first year of teaching.  They are horrible!  Well I don’t plan on writing today only about my poor pathetic sinuses.  I did inherit my rotten sinuses from my dad, yes, but what else did I inherit or learn from him? 

I was blessed in this life with a fabulous set of parents.  I have no complaints about either of them.  My mom is one of my best friends, but I know I would definitely be a different person had my dad not have been a contributor, too.  I was fortunate enough to get to work for my dad as I was growing up.  First, when he was building our house (I might add that this was from the ground up, while also working a full time job. Superman? Possibly.) he let my sisters and I help.  My little sister, Ronnie, was only 5 and wasn’t able to do much, but Big Sis, Brianna, and I helped quite a bit.  In that time, he trusted us with hammers, tape measures, drills, nail guns, saws, and any other extremely dangerous tool necessary for a home build.  Dad was, and is, such a careful person, that he always taught us how to use the tools safely.  Then, while we worked, we heard stories, listened to music, and learned about our dad as a person and child, not just “Dad.”  To this day, if I hear The Mamas and the Papas Greatest Hits CD, I go back to sheetrocking and insulating our rooms and bathrooms in the house upstairs.  He showed us his favorites, and you can be sure there was plenty of the Beatles and a little of the Beach Boys played too.

 In 2003, Dad retired from the U.S. Border Patrol at the ripe ol’ age of 50.  His intention was not to retire, but to change careers.  He began his own construction business.  Brianna and I were delighted: Instant summer jobs!  Almost every summer since, I’ve worked for Dad for various lengths of time, but regardless, I’ve learned SO much about him and construction.  Recently, I noticed our school’s year-old windows had daylight coming in the sides.  I knew, from working with Dad, that the caulk had shrunk and needed to be cut out and replaced.  It only took the engineer at the school 2-3 months to get a window guy to the school to confirm that Mrs. Knowles, that crazy Kindergarten teacher, was right! When we bought a new construction house last year, we didn’t grimace at the unfinished and unfenced yard, lack of garage, or unfinished basement, because we knew Dad would be able to help.  He spent his weekends for many months working at our house instead of resting or relaxing. (This is the guy that “retired”  7 ½ years ago!) 

But, because of his knowledge and all I’ve learned from him, I can handle some of the situations that arise from his expert teaching.  It’s a great skill to have!  We always joke about a statement made by an elderly man from our hometown we consider family.  While helping dad with an addition on their modular home (Dad and I donated time to finish this for them; another quality learned from Dad, generosity) Cliff came out to “inspect.”  While watching me work, and being at least a little impressed, I’d assume, he said, “You know there’s lady carpenters in Wisconsin, too.”  When he left, Dad and I shared a good chuckle over that one.  But thanks to Dad, there are lady carpenters in Montana as well!

Dad has taught me another important thing.  Mom’s family is full of strong women.  Strong women, at least in our case, tend to be slightly “sassy.”  Thankfully, I’m one of those strong women in Mom’s family, but I have that other personality trait too.  Dad, who was surrounded by 4 women in our house, often chose to be quiet and stay out of it!  However, I’m thinking he did some observing in that time.  He’s reminded me that not everyone is as strong as my mother and sisters, including my husband.  Sassy Brooke needs to tone it down because the greatest guys in my life, though big and tough on the outside, are soft, gentle, and kind on the inside.  Though giving his daughters “away” to husbands couldn’t have been easy, he’s still molding and shaping who I am, even as a wife to my own husband.

And although it feels like I’m only getting started on Dad, my required time is drawing to a close.  Time to get dinner fixed, finish other homework, and take my next dose of antibiotic for that dang sinus infection I’ve got.  Thanks, Dad.  Really, though. Thanks.

The one about JRK

March 2, 2011

I’m finding myself thinking about this assignment often.  Throughout the day, I think of things and then hope I remember them to write about.  Last night, as I was brushing my teeth, I thought of two really good things to write about.  I forgot them.  Dang.  And now, after having the first two writings flow right out, I’m having a harder time picking a topic.  So, I asked my husband, “Jeremy, what should I write about?” His reply? “Me!”

So I’ll write about my husband.  I’d like to say I could sum him up in a few words, but I’m not sure I can!  What attracted me to him from the beginning was his bright, happy smile and his incredible sense of humor.  He’s not the kind to crack jokes, but he’s witty and sarcastic.  The dry kind of humor I totally enjoy.  The first night we met, we also realized how much we both loved music.  The setting: Mid-April, in a bar.  Let’s not mention my age, ok?  The company: My best friends Beth and Coley (yes, the same Beth that’s marrying my cousin in 10 days!), Jeremy, and his ‘crew’ of fellow baseball boys.  Jeremy and I had lived on the same floor all year, yet we’d never introduced ourselves or formally met.  He was what some people call a “hermit” the first half of the year.  He was shocked when I burst out with the beginning lyrics to a song he and his “bestie” had requested, which had not yet played.  That song, ironically all about cheating, ended up being “our song” because of that little instance.  And, when the crew of us got back to my dorm room, and Jeremy decided to play DJ from my computer, he was ever-so-impressed with my music selection. (I’ll have to thank my Dad for that broad appreciation for many musical genres). 

After that night, it was only 5 days until our first date and kiss, 6 days until we were “official,” 2 ½ weeks until we said the “L” word, and 7 ½ months until we were engaged.   We progressed quickly, but like they say, “When you know, you know!”  Almost 4 years later, and after 1 ½ years of marriage, I’m so happy I took that guy I liked by the hand and didn’t worry about how quickly our feelings and relationship developed.  I married my best friend, cliché, I know, but it’s true.  There’s days he drives me crazy, but he’s my rock, my support, my smile, and my number one fan.  So, yeah, I kind of like him, too.

The one about "Nuggie"

March 1, 2011

My older sister (16 months older than me) is 20 weeks pregnant right now.  On Friday, we will find out if the baby is a boy or a girl!  I am so excited to find out, and make my new niece or nephew a quilt!  She’s been trying to pick the names before she finds out so we can call the baby by name as soon as we know the gender.  However, she and her husband can’t seem to agree on the name.  I’m hoping the baby is a girl, partially because they do have a girl name picked out, but also because of the way girls seem to stay closer to their families when they grow up.  For now, I’d like to borrow her baby as mine.  Although my husband and I plan to have kids of our own, it’s just not the right time for us right now.  So, I will write to that baby in my sister’s belly, the one we lovingly nicknamed, “Nuggie.”

Dear Sweet Nuggie

Before you were even big enough to kick your Mommy, Auntie Ronnie and I gave you the nickname Nuggie.  Although your Daddy is not a fan of the name, it stuck, and I want you to know that I think about you so much!  When your Mommy told me she was going to have you, I cried tears of joy.  She didn’t know if she was going to be able to have a baby so soon, but you blessed us all with your life! 

This summer, when you are born, you will have so much family to meet! But, I want to tell you a little about your Mommy.  I am her little sister, but we were so close when we were little, she was more like my built-in best friend.  We dressed the same, we played with the same toys, and loved our days together, especially at the farm.  Your Mommy grew into a beautiful young woman.  She is one of the smartest people I know.  She is driven, logical, and brilliant.  Your Mommy is kind, loving, and worries more about others than herself.  She is a great science teacher, and her students are lucky to have you share her with them!

Your Grandma is another amazing woman.  She is my Mommy and she is wonderful.  She will take care of you, love you, and help you grow into a beautiful person, too.  She’s a teacher too, and she’ll make sure you’re one smart cookie!  Your Grandpa is smart, patient, and ever-so-loving.  He has a special name for you too!  Your last name is James and he nicknamed you “Sweet Baby James.”

 Your Mommy’s family is full of strong bonds, love, and beautiful memories.  For now, little Nuggie, you’ll be OUR baby.  I can’t wait until the day when you can meet a cousin from my own tummy, but for now, it’s sweet, beautiful  you.  And Nuggie?  You’ll help make the best memories we’ve shared yet!

For now, your excited, loving Auntie,

Brooke

Entry the First

So my current Masters class requires me to write for 30 minutes a day.  There's no restrictions or requirements for this writing time.  "Just write!"  I find myself writing about family, friends, and my life, and thought it might be fun to read.  So here are my first writings!

February 28, 2011

                I love writing and find that I never take the time to do it.  I’ve always wanted to be the girl who wrote in her diary every night, but never lasted longer than a week.  I would love to sit down and write lyrics and music to a song, as my younger sister often does, but have never found myself successful at that task.  As a teacher, I know its importance and my students, through their first year of formal school in Kindergarten, develop into pretty good little writers.  However, it is something that people get better at the more they do it, and often some kids don’t enjoy writing. 

                When I think about what I enjoy writing about, it’s memories, family, and those that I love.  I’ve definitely had a “sunshine and lollipops” childhood and life so far.  Of course everyone has their ups and downs, but thankfully, my “downs” have been few and manageable to deal with.  Some memories I know I could write on and on about are my summers with my family and Mom’s twin’s family at the lake cabin we rented, camping in the mountains, my Grandma Jean, family Christmases, college memories, my husband and I’s dating days, and our wedding day.   My day-to-day life is fairly simple and would not give me that much to discuss, besides my career journey, this masters class, and my husband and two “furbabies” (two Sheltie dogs named Cody and Riley).

                It’s memories that make me come back to something I’ve had long discussions with my dad about and tried to comprehend.  It’s something that’s, on the surface, easy to understand, but its depths are so complex.  For some reason, when I reminisce, I always come back to time.  It goes slow when you want it to pass quickly, it flies by when you’re enjoying the situation.  Yet no matter how it seems in the present, time quickly passes anyways.  My sister, Ronnie, who’s almost 6 years younger than I, will turn 18 in one week.  How did we get from my mom’s belly growing, her exciting birth, and feeling so proud to feed her a bottle, to a beautiful, talented, successful young woman, about to graduate and begin her own college career?  Wasn’t it just me who was graduating and beginning college in a big city?

                One evening, about 6 months after our wedding day, my husband and I were watching “The Wedding” episode of the sitcom The Office.  In it, characters Pam and Jim are finally getting married.  Throughout the episode, they decide to take “mental snapshots” so that they can remember specific moments of their day.  This made me literally burst into tears.  My husband had no idea why I was crying over a TV wedding!  I explained that I felt like we missed the chance on our day to take these mental pictures.  He helped me realize that we didn’t literally have to hold up an imaginary camera and say “click.”  Our wedding day, so full of family, love, and happiness, was perfect, and we both have vivid memories from it.  We took our own mental snapshots, without the pretend camera. 
     Because of this silly little instance, I try to remember to take more mental snapshots.  While hiking together this past summer, I “clicked” on the beautiful scenery, the feeling of my husband’s hand in mine, the smell of the fresh mountain air, and even what I was thinking at that moment.  My best friend, Beth, and my closest male cousin, Garett, will be getting married in less than two weeks.  I want to share my story with them so that they take in their own mental snapshots of their day, and I plan to “click” on many memories.  I feel blessed that my cousin (my mom’s identical twin’s son; so we always said we were really half- siblings J) is marrying my best friend, and I look forward to seeing our families blend and celebrate together.