30 weeks, Baby!

I saw a good friend of mine yesterday! Jordan came to St. Louis from her hometown of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. We met in Wyoming the summer that I moved cross-country and worked at Signal Mountain Lodge. After all our adventures, we're here in St. Louis, Missouri hanging out. We had a nice visit. Our lives are so different now. She's off again back to the wonderful wyoming wonderland, and we're having a baby!!

So, I hit the 30 week mark yesterday. The baby and I went to the doctor on Thursday, and everything is good! Glucose level is really good. Iron is good too. I only gained .5 lbs in 2 weeks, and we're up to 32 pounds. Our goal is to do that every 2 weeks now. I don't know how well that is going to go with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up.

Speaking of which, I am so excited about Thanksgiving. I get to see my family. And, we're picking up the crib and high chair. I am thrilled because it's been a while since I've seen my family, and I start to miss them.

Lastly, we finished our baby classes. It was informational, but I am guessing this is one of those things you have to experience before you know what it's like. Truthfully, I am scared. I have faith that all will go well, and we'll have a healthy baby come that special day. As for right now, I am enjoying spending time with Adam-- just us.

A Sweet Memory

We've been busy! October 14-16, 2010 Adam, Noah, and I spent 3 nights in Ozark, Arkansas under the harvest moon. We played in the sunshine and listened to amazing music from groups like Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, Brett Dennen, Infamous Stringdusters, 1 oz jig, and Keller Williams. The weekend was just so wonderful. Lucky for us, it didn't end there either.

With fall in St. Louis, Twilight Tuesday is free music in the park, and the last event of the season was Tuesday after we returned home. Wednesday, we went to see a special musical group at the Sheldon next to the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Thursday we started our baby classes... the sign that the time is coming soon that we will meet our baby. Invited to an Art Gala in St. Charles, Missouri, we crossed the Missouri Ocean, and saw several Baseball hall of fame members commemorate special sports artists that document their lives. It was a magical week. I spent it nearly stress-free with lovely husband.

Sunday: My dearest and I visited Forest Park for a walk. The leaves are changing yellows, oranges, fire reds, and soon I know that winter will be here. We carved pumpkins, and they are festive.

During these events, I remembered a sweet time in Chile that I wanted to write down. Adam and I were in Pichilemu. We'd taken a carriage ride into town from our cabana to go eat dinner. Before we caught our ride, we prepared wood for a fire on the beach underneath the stars. we hit the town, and sadly, I don't remember the meal we ate or what the surroundings were like. I remember Adam confiding in me with his thoughts and feelings and memories. I remember feeling so elated and overwhelmed with happiness because I was that special someone. Each time I think of this night, it returns to me that it was Valentine's Day, and without gifts for one another, my future husband gave me the moon, the stars, the ocean, all at once. If he could have lassoed the moon, he would've. That moment in my life is irreplaceable and unmatched. What's more beautiful is the fact that as simple as that moment was, it is the essence of life. The essence of my life.

The big 2-5

Saturday is my favorite day of the week. I have no impending dread of the next day, and I have the entire weekend to spend as I choose. I'm so thankful for that today.

This weekend is particularly special. Not really, but I am 25 years old. 25

and 25 weeks along. My mom was 25 when she became pregnant with me, and 26 when she had me. The same as me. This week (24) has been particularly difficult for me. I wore myself a little too thin probably did too much, and I'm just exhausted. We're deciding on purchasing a house... very stressful. I'm spent over it. I can't make a decision about it-- do I want it... do I not? We're going to be broke after we buy it. I'm going to release my mind from it this weekend. They can't eat me, they can't kill me, and they can't harass me. I'm going to let it be.

I also threw a baby shower for my sister-in-law, and it was beautiful. It was a challenge, though, for me. It was so nice and we had great weather for it too. I made all the food; I decorated; I cleaned; I love it.

I will try to add more photos of the tea party table too... It stepped straight out of an Antropology magazine-- lace and tissue paper, white and light... It is totally unique.

My husband was sweet enough to help me- and I received sweet notes for the hard work that we put into it. It's nice to be appreciated.

Half. Way. Mark.

Today, I am 20 weeks pregnant. I've thrown up... a lot. I've slept... alot. And, I've had some moody, crying, hormonal spells. I will not say that these have been the high points in the pregnancy. But, I will tell you that sharing the ultrasounds and having Adam notice my changing body for good have been very sweet and rewarding.

I've been very happy with our situation, although, maybe in comparison to others, it's not what they would do. We live modestly and very simply. We live a virtuous life.

We have a small, cute, clean apartment with plenty of room to make our little changing life work. We save our money... we won't be buying state of the art cribs or brand name clothes that the baby will grow out of in a few months. It's the fact that my husband and I will love our child... we will love each other, and we will provide the necessities and lovely toys for years to come. My husband and I will shape a life that will understand love... the greatest motivator and joy in the the whole world.

May 21, 2010

I found out that I was pregnant on this date. Boy... what a surprise! My husband was estatic, and I well, was just a mess. I had alittle time to adjust and to realize that this is what I always wanted, and now, I have a family... not a broken one.

I am today, 15 weeks, and I am sharing our news with the world

. We have had 2 ultrasounds, and our baby is growing so fast in my belly. I am getting bigger, and the baby is too.

the one following is my favorite: Look at that spine and back of the head..... love it!

There's our 13 week ultrasound pictures..... they are wonderful.

Photos from Paris

Catching up

I've been working and sleeping lately. I guess it goes like that.

I figure I should

catch up just a little bit bef

ore I share our next piece of news.

We went on our honeymoon....

This is in Amsterdam... in the Dam Square.

We walked this city... saw The Museum Van Gogh.

Ate wine and cheese in Vonderpark....

Saw Yonder Mountain String Band play at the Melkweg Event Area. here's a few more photos of Amsterdam.

Next Paris! What I had been so excited about since arrival! I loved it.

Mr. And Mrs. Lenz

Hi all! We're officially a couple!

We're married... all legal! We might as well have just already been married, but we have finally arrived.

So, The day was just perfect. Memphis weather... no rain! It was nice, comfortably cool, sunny afternoon. Our vows and our ceremony were perfect. We had baked pasta and wine... and everyone was merry.

We had a brunch at Beverly's house and had all the family there. It was wonderful! Popovers with Strawberry butter, breakfast casserole, and cheddar grits! YUM! We hopped on a plane and headed over the ocean once more... Amsterdam, Holland. Holla!

This week

We're about to take the big plunge... well, that's what some call it. I would like to call it a shared expression of our own personal bliss that we experience daily. It's our life. It's our relationship. Now, it's our marriage. We're getting married on Saturday, the first day of Spring. I'm just thrilled.
Yesterday was our last day of our premarital counseling. We passed. Our officianto, father, father-in--law is to marry us, and I have a big feeling that there's not going to be a dry eye in the place. I know that I'm working on my vows, but seems like there's not always words to describe our feelings to one another.
Yesterday was Sunday morning. We have a great weekend. We've kinda started celebrating already and we invited Louie and an uncle of Adams over for dinner on Saturday night. I cooked dinner, and Adam and I cleaned the house. (It desperately needed it, and I felt so proud of our home.) Louie's been living in Chile for 3 years without a visit home, and he was glad to be here with us. I made filet's marinated in worchester, onions, spices, oil, water and bay leaves. I broiled it in the oven for about 30 minutes (flipped once.) Served with Italian spinach (an elegant taste) and roasted parsnips. Incredible! We went and listened to Jake's Leg at Llewyellns' Pub in Webster Groves and danced our butts off. It was great. We saw a couple there that just got married that day, and we congratulated them.
We made it home pretty late, and I went to bed. Sunday Funday! I woke up and my future husband just looked over at me and said, " I turned over and I am so glad that you're here next to me." I lost it. I am so fortunant to be loved, and to be loved whole-heartedly.
We have a love that is bigger than the both of us, and we share it with everyone we contact. I read this little Mother Teresa writing, and I felt moved by it- I shared it with Adam because this encompasses his life:
"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your husband or wife, to a next door neighbor. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. Kindness in your warm greeting." - Mother Teresa
I am a witness to his life and his love. I am his woman. He's mine.
It's a happy time in our life, and I am soaking it up.
Here's to the last week of being "single." Ciao!

3 weeks

20 days until I am Mrs. Adam Ryan Lenz. We've been planning our wedding and our future. We had an epiphany at our marriage counseling session about a week ago-- "If people spent as much energy in their marriage as the spent in planning their wedding, there wouldn't be any marital strife." Adam and I have had some real eye openers in our counseling. We know each other pretty well already. Thanks to almost 3 years together and 2 years living together. We're compatible, I'd say.
We've been in the counseling now since January 14. We've been dedicated to learning and openly listening to our mentors. Adam's Dad is our counselor, and our officator. He's our lifeline. The only way he would marry us is if we did counseling. We agreed whole-heartedly. So, Every Sunday we fellowship and learn. We take tests and answer questions regarding our tie. We learn that our relationship is healthy and honest.
We even had to write a mission statement. We did eloquently. I'm not going to share that here, but I am sure our counselor has big plans for this.

As of now, the boutoneirres are made. The invites are finished, mailed, and received. We're attending a bridal shower in Somerville this coming weekend. We've got pinwheels to make. And, I've got to find my perfect ring for Adam. This time is counting down.....

Linens came in last week- And, recipes are finalizing. Snickerdoodle cupcakes with 7minute frosting! Baked Pasta with Salad; french bread; and Antipasta!
My dress and accoutrements are to a T. Everything is falling in order. I'm getting excited, but I am more excited about being the wife to a good man.
All's well--- Honeymoon and vacation for 2 full weeks in the lovely Amsterdam and Paris.

All who Yonder, are not lost.

What a weekend! Adam and I saw a very special music group that we love called Yonder Mountain String Band. It was incredible. The group was here Friday and Saturday night, and I begged to go to both nights. So, we did.

Before I continue though, I want to explain that this group is special to Adam and I. We saw them at Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming for our first date. It was magical. I love Yonder, and then I get to know my love right there under the stars and in the mountains that eve. From then on, everything was different. Yonder set the atmosphere for the start of our relationship, and they bring that special feeling right back every time we see or hear them. Glorious grass sound.

So, We went both nights. They played two completely different sets. The 2nd night was the very best though, and I learned new songs that I hadn't heard and songs that aren't as familiar. We danced both nights away, and enjoyed meeting people from all over. We had a ball.

Lastly, though, since were getting married in a couple of weeks... We're having our honeymoon too. We're going to Europe-- Amsterdam, Paris, and the Alps. Amsterdam is the first stop and luckily, Yonder will be there too... Jammin in the Dam. It's funny how things always work out.

Have a good Monday.

January 20, 1010

How amazing! This is my second week in a row writing. Wow, look at that.

Things are going well. Adam and I are in our pre-martial counseling weeks, and I'm learning a lot. We see now that we are gaining some tools for a healthy future. I am thankful for that.

So, Now. Okay, I told you that we live in St. Louis. It's a nice city. CITY. It's so much bigger than where I grew up. I never knew cities could seem like whole states. I mean, you drive through Wyoming and see as many people as you would on a bus in a city. There's traffic, people, and middle fingers. In Wyoming... trees and sage. It's so incredibly difficult to put a small town girl in a big city and adjust easily. I work about 10 miles from my house in the city, and some mornings it seems like farther. One thing that is great about the city is all the cultural events and live music. Although all the people I love to listen to in music visited us in Jhole. But, it's more often here in St. Louie. I guess I'm slow to adjust, but that's all I can do-- is keep trying.

Also, we're honeymooning in Europe. I am so excited about that. We are going to fly into Amsterdam-- head to Paris. We'll wrap it up in the French Alps skiing. Yes. Delightful.

I will be getting some pictures and things for the blog to show my little projects for my wedding. But, for now, I will leave you with a photo. An ultimate evening in St. Louis Summer.

St. Louis Life

Hi again. So, I definately haven't been a dedicated blogger. I really enjoy writing, but my life somtimes seems not conducive to writing a blog. However, maybe I will try this again. My facebook profile provides alot of bleeps into my life, but it isn't me explaining myself. All it is a montage of pictures. And pictures are great, but they seemingly don't express what words can.

Today is January 13, 2010. Wow, 7 years since I graduated high school, and nearly 4 since I graduated college. My life looks nothing like it did or I thought that it would from the day that I graduated high school. And, that's okay with me. I have seen the pure essence of life in these last years, and I love life.

So, here's what's next. I am getting married. And, I know I already wrote this previously, but I am so excited about things to come. I had my dress handmade, and it's gorgeous. My very talented art friend is doing our photos, so they will be one of a kind. My roommate from college and my sister(MOH)are bridesmaids. my niece-to-be, is the flower girl and nephew-to-be is the ring bearer.
I am a DIY bride, and we've got some good ideas. I will continue later....

Today

Today I decided that I was going to share my little momentum from few posts past. I changed this around alittle bit, and decided to keep whats posted here. Anyway, I will be writing more. I've got several blogs I periodically follow, just because it is nice to see a little slice of other peoples lives. Well, here's mine.

This is my new family. Since on August 29, 2009, Adam asked me to marry him. What an amazing life!

Long Journey

Hi Again... So, here we are and it has been at least 4 months since I have written again. I have got to start using this because I know it is a good release for me. Once again, I am going to try.
Alright!

I have been around the world again-- things didn't go quite as planned in Chile. Now I live in Dogtown, St. Louis, Missouri. It's different, and challenging for me. I haven't been my normal self lately, and I have noticed that moving and relocating is not the easiest thing for me to do. I got a job serving at a sushi restaurant on Laclede's Landing near the Arch. I have the potential to make some good money, but it is still a challenge for me to work in that sort of industry. I don't have a career right now, and I don't know that a career is neccesary for a 24 year old.
Chile was great, and I learned a lot about myself. I am just stressed out for the most part-- and I need to get my head on straight.
I will keep working on it. I love Adam... I do love my life.... I am just in transition right now, and it is not the easiest thing for me right now.

I forgot that

Hi! Well, Man, what a long summer. I totally need to write on this more. I love to write and this would be a great outlet for me to do so. So, here goes again for my second try. All those thing that I mentioned previously are still a very big part of my life with the exception of Wyoming. I moved back to Tennessee because Adam and I are moving to Chile. I have 3 months back in the great South, and off to the REAL south, South America. So, Here's what I have been up to though for the last couple of months:

Traveling-- Mexico, Utah, Memphis (in August).
Wyominging-- meaning, what it is that I do in Wyoming: camping at Leidy Lake (my previous spelling was incorrect.), cooking great meals, working, hiking, playing, and photographing.
Moving--- I moved back to the lovely state of Tennessee right during the height of cotton season. I guess its right that you can't ever take the country out of the girl. :)

So, for food: Last night I felt like I was right back in Jackson cooking. I made Elk burgers and easy Oreida crinkle cut french fries with vegetables. It wasn't a magificent meal, but it was good. For the Burgers (which is the only thing I really cooked.) Take regular beef hamburger meat and elk about 40:60, and season with creole seasoning, old bay, fresh ground black pepper. Mix. Add bread crumbs and mix again. Add an egg and form patties. Cook!! So wonderful with any cheese desired. :) Enjoy!

Oh, and I spent the entire weekend cleaning my new place. I am living with a girlfriend of mine, and it is an old house. I got down with the cleaning products and it seems a little more like home. Also, just another hint: the DOLLAR TREE has fabulous frames if you just look hard enough. And, Earthy is my forte! I will hope to add pictures soon. My cameras are out of commission.

Have a great day!

It's been a week...

I returned back to Wyoming from Memphis on Tuesday of this week, and boy, was that trip a whirlwind?!? I flew from SLC to PHX, from PHX to MEM. On the first leg of that flight though, I saw Zion and the Grand Canyon. It was beautiful. When I got to Memphis, it was raining... hard. I got a new haircut, which I have been desperately awaiting, and we went to my Grandmother's house. There we ate angus beef burgers with special accouterments, and strawberry shortcake!! After this, we chatted and hit the hay. It was a wonderful homecoming.
The next day, we saw my uncle's new house, and headed for my oldest family friends' home. We were going to stay there for the remainder of the weekend. Memphis in May Music Festival was in full swing, and my man, Adam, was driving down from St. Louis to meet my family, and see some good music. Boy, did we ever have such an eventful weekend.
Sunday morning, my adopted mother, as I call her... "Beverly" cooked brunch for my mom, sister, Adam, my uncle, aunt, and 2 cousins (Erin and Brooke) as well her own family ( Beverly, Paul, Hunter, and his girlfriend Jessica. She made breakfast casserole, cheese grits, popovers with strawberry butter, granola and yogurt, sweet tea and OJ.... It was sooooo good!
Adam and I said our goodbyes, and headed to my dad's house, where I showed Adam my sweet motorcycle, and VW van. He met my dad too. After this we went to Boscos for brews. Then, Downtown for O.A.R. and the Black Crowes. It was incredibly fun.

Here we are! This is right before The Black Crowes played. :) He even let me borrow his coat. What a gentlemen.

So Now, I am back to work, and looking for another job. I am thinking of serving or hostessing just because I can make good money and work pretty easy hours. Well, see and I will keep you updated.

Also, Tomorrow I am going to be adding pictures of these barrets that Beverly makes. They are handmade pieces of art. They are victorian style and amazing. Look tomorrow!

Chile Later--

I'm back. And, I told you that I got two amazing jobs here in Jackson. 1) I am a nanny for two families. Each of the families has one little boy, and they share my services. They boys are both 1 year old and super cute. Isn't he adorable? He's super cute and happy-- very precocious too. This is what I do 5 days a week. I love it because I have time to myself and I am able to read, write, or whatever.
This week has been so beautiful out since the weather has finally broken. We had 600'' of snow; which is alot of freakin' snow. I will be the first to tell you. ;) Speaking of snow, that refers to my other job. I worked at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort as a ski tech for children's skis. I worked with my roomie from last summer there too. It was just seasonal as well, but I got my ski pass since I worked full time at the end of November and December. It is the most expensive pass in the nation. $1600. That's a savings, huh? I work alot, but it's rewarding. We pay alot to live here, but it's worth it most of the time.

Now, that you know what I do, my off time is spent outdoors usually. I guess that is what I chose because I had to live in such a small space in college, at my resort job last summer, and in this condo over the winter. I shared the loft--- Boy, oh, Boy, there is no privacy there!
But, I did do a good bit of cooking and some of my best work was there. I often shared because there was always enough too, and the girls just liked to try what I made. Adam made some pretty amazing concoctions as well.

Last night, we had Marinated Venison Medallions, home baked whole wheat biscuits, and a salad. The marinade set it off. Try this:

1/2 fresh lime; juiced
1/4 cup cilantro
1/8 cup basil
soy sauce
olive oil
1/8 cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp red pepper flakes
a heavy dash of dry red wine (Pinot Noir)
Refrigerate for as long as possible and cook on hot grill or as you so choose.

The salad and biscuits speak for themselves... what a fun and easy dinner!

So, everyday I kind of attempt to prepare for every night-- that is, if we are cooking. I recently took a trip to Kaua'i, Hawai'i with one of the families' for whom I work, and the cuisine there is amazing. Poke', sushi, Ahi, are influenced by essences of Polynesia, Thailand, and Japan. I have heard this type of cuisine called fusion. The family had a personal chef come over to the house and cook and amazing meal. We had op ah fish with coconut rice and watercress as our main dish; a raw fish salad with cucumber salad; and for dessert a banana caramel flambes'. It was incredible. So, one of the night's that I kept the boys, I took some things that I learned from the personal chef and tried it out.

I took Jasmine rice and cooked it regularly.

Then, I saute'ed garlic, sweet maui onions, red peppers, and grape tomatoes in a pan. I let them break down alittle where they were soft, but not mushy. I then added some cilantro and sweet basil. I mixed some coconut milk with a little sugar just to taste alittle sweet, and warmed it in the pan. (It wasn't very thick, but the flavors the milk took on where layered. I just seared Ahi in the pan... It was marinated in ginger, lime juice, and soy sauce for about 1 hour. I like it on the raw side, but cook to taste!

Here's just a picture of one of my dinners while in Kaua'i. SUSHI! :)

Who I am and what I am about:

Hi! I am embarking into the journey of my life. I graduated college 1 year ago, and I moved away from my home and alma mater within a few days of graduation. I left Memphis, Tennessee headed West for Grand Teton National Park. I crossed the great Mississippi and traded for these rugged, jagged, majestic mountains ----->. I lived in the Park and worked at a resort as a housekeeper-- what a job for a recent college grad, huh? Well, it was wonderful. I wasn't there for the job as you well know. I was there get out there and hike, camp, kayak, trail run, horseback ride, canoe, whitewater raft, and sit and admire the view. You hear about and often read people's experiences where they simply conquer the outdoors or have some experience that is life changing. My life is very different, but I think I am different because my appreciation for the ability to do these things is so great. I left a flat, hot, humid town and this is what I got. I met some amazing people, and I worked hard. I was able to transition to this place through the resort lifestyle because my housing was taken care of. When the summer ended, some fellow workers and my roommate and I found an expensive two bedroom + loft condo that we would live in during the winter. Boy, that seems like forever ago.

Last summer, I was able to do things inexpensively. I lived in the most beautiful part of the country. The sad things is that it is often looked over- flown over- or never even heard talked about. I embraced it, and fell in love. I am here to stay for alittle while. I met a good man whom I fell for; I got 2 better-than-housekeeping jobs for the winter in town (Jackson, WY). And, I was able to make the move of a lifetime away from Memphis.

My boyfriend's name is Adam. And I met him on the 4th of July last year at a great live music party at a place called 43 North. We danced to the Dead, Johnny Cash, and other covered music, and we just lived the moment. He left for St. Loui' the next day and we didn't really chat at all. On his way back to the Cowboy State, he called and left me a message that just simply said- " Hey, What's up? This is Adam. I am on my way back, and I wanted to give you a call. I have been with my sister's and such while I was home, and I understand if you didn't want to talk, but I would like to take you out. " I called him.

He cooked me dinner the first date, and the next night we went to Targhee Mountain Resort for a bluegrass festival where my favorite band played. Yonder Mountain String Band. It was wonderful. We camped out that night and I saw so many shooting stars. It was beautiful and natural. We let things go.
This is in the National Forest at our favorite camping spot called Lightey Lake. It is close to Togotwee Pass. Isn't it beautiful?
So, after the "season" is over, most people take a vacation for this "off-season." Adam took me to meet his brother who lives in Chile. I hadn't been abroad since I was young, and I was super excited. For two weeks, I visited my family in Tennessee and then November 1, 2007 I left for St. Louis to see Old Crow Medicine Show and Warren Haynes with Government Mule. November 5th, we left for Chicago to fly to Miami and on to Santiago.... Chile is so different from America, but it has such a rich diverse culture. Being in this place with Adam gave me a new enriched view on life. He told me he loved me in a place called La Boca on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was indescribable.
So, I have more to tell about my last year of life. Especially about this trip... I will add more pictures too.