Experiencing Kosovo

What a beautiful winter we've had! I sit here now with the sun streaming in the window, and I can hardly believe it's February. I don't mind not having much snow this year. Yes, the pristine white is breathtaking, and when the sun glances off the snow it brightens the dark areas of the house wonderfully. But, I'm anxious for spring and summer and all that will come with these seasons. A new baby, moving out of our current house, my parents coming home from Africa, vacations with friends...there is much to look forward to! As for now, though, winter is not half bad and I'm enjoying the time that's given. We had a couchsurfer in from Kosovo. His name is Noar, and he is intelligent, humorous, inquisitive, intrigued by film and the supernatural, great at Catchphrase, and he speaks impeccable English. In the couple days he was here, we toured downtown Toledo, ate at the superb San Marcos restaurant, shared both lighthearted and serious conversation, and enjoyed an evening introducing our guest to our Toledo family and friends. Though we only had a short time with Noar, we felt disappointment in his absence but also joy in having formed a friendship with such an interesting individual. We made tentative plans to visit Noar in Kosovo and experience his region of the world in about a year and a half. We hope to make it happen indeed!

Marvelous Uncertainties

I meant to record our holiday happenings on the blog, but time got away from me. They were wonderful, however, with a fantastic Ugly Sweater Christmas Party with friends and Christmas Day with Scott's family. This was the first Christmas where Emerson got truly excited for what was going on- it's so fun to watch your kids grow up. However, the holidays have come and gone and a new year is here. I love a fresh beginning! Usually I stress over what my New Year's resolutions will be, but oddly enough, on New Year's Eve, I got sick about 11pm, therefore ringing in the new year cuddled up in bed with Scott and Emerson. I thought I'd be disappointed, but I took it to mean I wasn't supposed to make any resolutions, but simply to continue in living fully and abiding in love. It was a release! We spent New Year's in the Florida Keys, enjoying ten days in the beautiful sun with Scott's family. Since returning, we've settled back into our wonderful lives here in Toledo. Scott's work at Hoen's Greenhouse is slow during these months but still fulfilling. I've been working on Blondie and Wookie, making some changes I'm excited about. Starting this week, in fact, representing B&W, I will be the official baker for Plate 21, an excellent coffeeshop here in South Toledo. I'm so excited for this opportunity, it's a true blessing. And we have a little one due next month, the 25th of February, so we are anxiously preparing as a family for this new addition. This is a year of marvelous uncertainties!



My Beautiful One

Cross your fingers for me, but I think the Blondie and Wookie's website should be officially published tonight! I am quite excited. I've had the desire for a long time to have my own business. Nothing big or flamboyant, just something to put a creative hand to and make a little money while being able to be at home with my kids. While the finishing touches are being put to the site, I took some pictures of Em that might be featured on the main page. Here are three of my favorites, hence, my beautiful one.

Trick or Treat for My Sweet

I love Autumn. I feel instantly festive whenever I'm outdoors; I wish it lasted longer! When the sun touches the trees for the last time before evening, it takes my breath away. The only negative thing about Fall right now is that it makes me yearn to own acres of land. That isn't possible now, but maybe by next year I can take my lovely kiddos to frolic through the autumn colors on our 6-acre parcel. We could walk through our own forest, feeling patches of sunlight warm our faces as we brave the almost-winter chill. Light coats, thick scarves, snug boots, worn mittens...even the attire of Fall is magical.
Halloween is such a fun time to enjoy autumn. This was Scott and my first time taking Emerson out trick or treating. We were accompanied by family and friends, and it was a fantastic evening. Em was dressed as a little German boy- a very easy costume to pull off. He was frightened when we first started walking house to house, but once he realized he was getting something for his plight, he began running from place to place! As his satchel began to fill with candy, his running became more and more lobsided, but his temperament remained upbeat. Though, on the last portion of our walk home, he consented to being carried by our lovely friend, Noelle. We met back at our headquarters, Brandon and Steph's home, and we shared our treasures with one another along with pizza from Jojos. The evening ended in laughter, conversation, and the children running off their sugar-highs.
Did I mention I love Autumn?

Another Beginning

For those who followed my last blog, RootedWanderer, and kept track of our unforgettable travels, I'm glad you're back! And for the newcomers, welcome. I considered simply continuing my RootedWanderer blog, but it was difficult to pick up where I had left off. Those six months were a lifetime of their own, and now we've moved on.
To our surprise, we ended up back in Toledo, OH. We thought one of the purposes of our travels was to find our new home. Instead, we realized that, for now, our home is here. We want to grow with the friends and family we have here, to experience things with this tightly woven community, so full of life and love. We have some amazing visions for our time here, and I'll reveal those in more detail as time goes on.
Here's what is happening at this point in time: I'm pregnant, a little over five months. This is a little scary for me, but my excitement is growing as I imagine having another little one to love as much as Emerson. Until June, when our rental lease is up, we are living in South Toledo, a couple streets away from my brother, Jason, sister-in-law, Rachel, and my nieces, Vaelyn and Amia. We love living near them and also in close proximity to most everyone else we hold dear. After June, though, we hope to purchase some property locally and start building another dream of ours (again, I'll reveal more later). Scott is working at Hoen's Greenhouse. This is practically a dream come true for him, because he gets alot of experience doing the things he wants to do the rest of his life. And he works with two fantastic friends of ours, Brandon and Stephanie Paxton, so while the labor is hard, work is a place he thoroughly enjoys. I am a stay-at-home mom with Emerson and our other little bundle, so work is also a place I thoroughly enjoy! Emerson is almost three and is such a gift. I love spending time with him and discovering the world all over again through his eyes. I clean a couple houses to bring in some extra income but am planning a small home business, due to open next week. I'm very excited at the prospect of working from home, both for the extra money and the creative outlet. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
So, that's a snapshot of this point in time. Oh, I love the simple life.