tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76842236936579280822011-11-17T14:33:58.400-06:00Welcome to a gallery of "all things beautiful." Beauty – whether it takes shape as a famous painting or in an ordinary moment – is often lost in the busyness of life. This blog is my attempt to capture, behold, and breathe "all things beautiful."kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.comBlogger1121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-3534180612487892132011-11-13T21:45:00.000-06:002011-11-13T21:45:13.203-06:00

It took quite a bit of coaching to get Matthew to wear his Halloween costume this year. Who could blame him? He spent the night before throwing up. Once Daddy talked him into it, he started to get used to the idea though. By the end of the night he was counting his candy (not eating it because of the before mentioned tummy bug). But all in all a successful Halloween!   

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-26625586109192365732011-11-13T20:45:00.000-06:002011-11-13T20:45:18.250-06:00

The theme of this year's birthday: trains.  He was so excited to see Thomas waiting for him when he woke up.  Plus, one super cool bike! Just checking things out with Grampy.  Back to playing with Thomas.  Birthday breakfast. A big Thomas from Aunt Debbie and Uncle Joe. When his friends came over for his birthday party, Grampy was giving rides around the house.  Little man in the big chair

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-73910928175398736982011-11-03T20:14:00.000-06:002011-11-03T20:14:34.602-06:00

I'm armed and ready with a bunch of excuses as to why I haven't blogged in FOR-EVER! It's not that nothing exciting is happening and I have nothing to blog about. Quite the opposite. My biggest excuse is that I am in school taking classes in web design. This takes up every last free minute I have. Free minutes only happen at nap time and bed time. Along those lines I have been working on another

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-14771371159501534162011-07-18T12:38:00.000-06:002011-07-18T12:38:31.590-06:00

We made our annual trek to Chicago and Michigan again this 4th of July. It was a lot of fun. I came home tired. I realized just how much introvert time I get as a stay-at-home mom. This trip consisted of visit after visit with family and friends. It was so great to catch up with people and though I felt filled up emotionally, I was physically drained coming home. Here are some pictures of a my

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-57157613799457326612011-06-05T20:32:00.002-06:002011-06-05T20:37:16.348-06:00

My sister and brother in-law came to visit us over Memorial Day with their little boy, Noah. Matthew and Noah are exactly one year apart to the day. We both think it's fun they share the exact same birthday. What are the chances!? We had a ton of fun and took a zillion pictures. I decided to collage some of the events of the weekend and post in batches. (Click on the collage to see in a larger

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-81122651683567402292011-06-05T12:22:00.000-06:002011-06-05T12:22:23.480-06:00

I could not let the month of May go without mentioning a couple of other significant things. First was my birthday. It was a really great day. Greg sent me to Starbucks by myself in the morning so I had time to read and enjoy my chai without listening to a whining toddler. Then we went garage sale-ing. I've never been before and it was a lot of fun. Greg did the negotiating. We got a lot of kiddo

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-72647516980672601632011-05-09T18:38:00.000-06:002011-05-09T18:38:51.445-06:00

My dear husband took me out to dinner for Mother's Day. While we were attending to a toddler who kept throwing the crayons, his milk, and basically anything he could find on the table Greg asked me a few "mom" questions. (Incidentally, he wasn't feeling well. Typically the throwing isn't so bad until the meal is over.) Greg: What has been most surprising to you about being a mom? Me: The first

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-14798946425819711682011-05-02T15:42:00.000-06:002011-05-02T15:42:49.697-06:00

This last weekend we hosted a Zeway House Gathering. It was a post-trip follow-up for all the people who supported us in numerous ways. I loved setting up for this event and seeing everyone have a good time as they were able to learn more about this ministry. I think the great thing about Hope in Ethiopia is that you don't have to go to Africa to make a difference. And of course there is always a

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-56033989345444791582011-05-02T15:21:00.000-06:002011-05-02T15:21:30.577-06:00

He's growing up...!  This is "Monkey Pack." Monkey Pack stays on Matthew's back forever it seems. Doesn't it look like he's ready for school!? Say "Cheese!" This is the first good one I've got of his teeth coming in. All at once!  More normal smile. Chilling on the couch.  Planning his great escape. Reminder: Keep the door locked.  Yes, folks he's losing his pants again! This is a very common

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-11663359629663438582011-05-02T15:05:00.000-06:002011-05-02T15:05:52.142-06:00

Here are some fun shots of Matthew enjoying Da's birthday about as much as Da did!  Notice how the shorts keep falling off... Further... And further... This was a gift for Matthew from Grandma and Grandpa. A real hit!

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-86188003269663277492011-05-02T14:59:00.000-06:002011-05-02T14:59:35.216-06:00

We did a LOT on Easter weekend. Greg's parents came down to celebrate with us. The celebrating started on Thursday with Greg's birthday. On Friday Greg and his dad painted our fence in the backyard. On Saturday we went to an Egg Hunt Extravaganza. Then of course on Sunday we celebrated the true meaning of Easter. It was fun and we made lots of memories. As a kid we would spend most of Holy

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-22767615537241575322011-04-20T20:04:00.001-06:002011-04-20T20:04:37.015-06:00

I am sad to report that we took no photos at the pediatrician's office this time. :( It was sort of a "thing" we did but we completely forgot today. Must be because this time we were focused on wrangling a toddling kiddo wearing only a diaper in the exam room. It was pretty funny to see how differently he interacted with Dr. Holmes this visit. Once he warmed up, he started handing Dr. H toys

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-49277906937085638672011-04-14T18:10:00.000-06:002011-04-14T18:10:42.305-06:00

I now understand how hard it is to discipline your kiddo when they're doing something funny. This is an older video of Matthew, Ozzie and a snack trap. This is a common problem around our house that we're working on...in the meantime, we're laughing!

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-44017684707955281142011-04-14T18:01:00.000-06:002011-04-14T18:01:42.308-06:00

Yes, he's 17 months old and just started getting teeth! I don't think it's just a preemie thing either cause my mom said my teeth didn't come in until I was a year old. They are sorta coming all at once - two on the bottom, two on top. Honestly, before they came I was starting to get a little worried. I've heard horror stories about going to the dentist cause they're impacted. I really take a lot

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-31851061260131937762011-04-14T17:56:00.000-06:002011-04-14T17:56:13.172-06:00

This was not only Matthew's first haircut but it was my first time to give one to a baby. I cut Greg's hair all the time but it's really not the tricky, as you can probably tell. I just use a clippers on his whole head. I didn't want Matthew's that short. I mean it's taken him a loooong time to grow what he has! I called my friend Cheryl for tips. Probably the most helpful was to keep him

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-81708924394510873892011-04-14T17:47:00.000-06:002011-04-14T17:47:09.269-06:00

Matthew has a huge fascination for Greg's medical equipment. He loves playing with the stethoscope and otoscope. Too bad they're such expensive toys cause I think this kid would play with 'em and be entertained all day long if we let him!   I should have caught a picture of him getting his lungs and ears checked cause it's not all fun and games anymore.

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-5189063843373989132011-04-14T17:30:00.000-06:002011-04-14T17:30:08.071-06:00

And Why You Haven't Heard from Me. Since we got home from Africa I feel like my life is on fast forward. Matthew is not just walking he's running! When we met at the airport he walked to us all on his own. It's incredible to me that once he finally meets his milestones, he masters 'em! Must be part of his personality...and I'm hoping it's not perfectionism coming from his mama and da! I've

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-71770139594657527882011-03-20T13:36:00.000-06:002011-03-20T13:36:30.667-06:00

Many of you are asking me how our trip to Ethiopia went. I haven't had time to process much of it, let alone write about it. In the meantime you can follow our team post-trip at http://zewayupdate.blogspot.com/. More later! ~Kathy

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-56824108705154423432011-03-01T21:51:00.000-06:002011-03-01T21:51:14.758-06:00

I know the point of a milestone is that you mark the point-in-time when something significant happens along the journey. However, I am just now getting around to posting Matthew's two latest developments that happened one week ago. On Tuesday February 22nd Matthew took his first couple of steps on camera and we found a tooth poking through! He's 16 months and it was a BIG day! Here's the video

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-90548098577330093382011-02-16T15:26:00.000-06:002011-02-16T15:26:51.541-06:00

Yes, we do get snow here. Even the dog won't walk in it. Brutal, I know!

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-51695020831289378172011-02-16T14:38:00.000-06:002011-02-16T14:38:11.001-06:00

This is often what happens to Matthew when he's using his walker. Perhaps this is why he's not walking yet? The kid needs to put a little more meat around his belly!

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-23423286641251282011-02-16T14:20:00.000-06:002011-02-16T14:20:46.840-06:00

For a few months now we've been adjusting to Greg's crazy, new work schedule. He's working three 12-hour shifts each week, plus building comp time for our trip to Africa. It's hard on him and lonely for me. I'm thankful to have built some more friendships in Austin which helps sustain me throughout the week, but we still miss Dad. Even Ozzie longs for Dad to come home. This is kinda what it's

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-29117514155779420002011-02-16T14:10:00.001-06:002011-02-16T14:29:22.505-06:00

Matthew was invited to his very first Valentine's Day party and he had a blast! I put on his red firetruck shirt and we headed to Claire's house to hand out Valentine's Day treats to our little friends. We enjoyed lunch together...sort of. Laura had the kids set up to eat at a little picnic table. They spent most of the time climbing on and off the table, flipping back off the table (since there

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-5879500107226947472011-01-27T14:55:00.000-06:002011-01-27T14:55:00.345-06:00

We had our 15 month well visit yesterday at the pediatrician. I really, really thought Matthew hit the 20 lb mark but he did not. :( 19 lbs 10 oz. I feel like all I do is try to feed this kid but he's still not gaining like we want him to! We may need to send him back to his Grammy's house because I think he likes her cooking better than mine. :) The positive side of things is that he gained

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-54451269725637264832011-01-26T15:47:00.000-06:002011-01-26T15:47:04.889-06:00

We've been busy preparing for our trip to Africa. We got our our passports up-to-date, started collecting items for the packing list, and this past Wednesday we went to the travel clinic to get all of our shots. By the way, no fair that Greg only needed one shot while I got stuck with five! It was a hard appointment for me but not just because of the shots. I didn't realize it when I

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-79019745142133867792011-01-24T15:41:00.000-06:002011-01-24T15:41:09.342-06:00

We have some exciting news to share! (No, we're not pregnant.) We're going to Africa this March! It was very hard to come to this decision but we have our tickets and that means we're really, really going! Greg has done some medical missions type of work in Zambia and South Africa. He considers his time in Africa as one of the top three most significant experiences in his life. He always knew he

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-74836520967278855352011-01-17T18:59:00.000-06:002011-01-17T18:59:50.536-06:00

I'm posting this before the end of January though I admit it is very late! We spent Christmas in New Jersey with my family this year. It was great to all be together after two years of separate Christmases. My sister and brother in-law were there with their new baby, Noah, who was born the same day as Matthew only one year later. My grandma was there along with my Uncle Dan. My parents have this

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-2899826730014432852010-12-12T17:49:00.000-06:002010-12-12T17:49:57.234-06:00

It takes me forever to upload our video files. I finished a batch a couple of weeks ago and am just now getting around to posting my favorites. Some of these are older ones of Matthew, but favorites nonetheless. Go ahead, grab a snack, and enjoy!

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-64284681000526176662010-11-29T20:41:00.000-06:002010-11-29T20:41:12.815-06:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over we're on to Christmas...and it's a race! This year it is coming quickly! My shopping is well underway but I need to start working on our annual McClelland family Christmas card. This year Shutterfly is offering 50 FREE Christmas cards to bloggers! I just recently learned about this promotion from a fellow blogger. Check out this link and take advantage of their

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-7632459013662258812010-11-23T20:29:00.000-06:002010-11-23T20:29:41.625-06:00

I love the feeling of gratitude. Much like the sound of the word, when I'm feeling grateful it settles down deep inside me in a great big way. It makes me feel grounded. Content. Assured. Assured that the One who provides all for which I am grateful for is indeed great, and big, and good. So here it is, in no particular order, all of the things I am grateful for this year: My health. It's one

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-37411353989714958032010-11-09T19:52:00.000-06:002010-11-09T19:52:19.499-06:00

One year ago today we brought Matthew home. The night before he was discharged all three of us slept in at the hospital. It was the first night all of us slept in the same room together. One of the NICU nurses came to check on him every couple of hours to make absolute sure he was ready to go. He passed his tests. The next morning I was filled with excitement and fear as the nurses untethered us

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-15969349135917311312010-11-06T18:58:00.000-06:002010-11-06T18:58:14.660-06:00

We have a little twerp! I don't mean that in a negative way. I mean it in the most endearing, a-little-bit-worried-mom way. Matthew had his one year well check yesterday. I was sure that he would weigh 20 lbs by his one year appointment! He's been feeling heavier to me but maybe it's just that my left arm and upper back are getting tired from carrying him around everywhere. We even booked the

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-80062542584603373442010-11-05T19:27:00.000-06:002010-11-05T19:27:37.018-06:00

Last weekend we did all things pumpkin! Nothing like holding out for Halloween weekend to get us in the spirit in a hurry. On Saturday morning we went to Sweet Berry Farms with some families from church. It was our first time out there. The route we took to get there was so beautiful. There weren't bright and vibrant colors on the trees like there are up north but the rolling hills were beautiful

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-28113292933083419552010-10-28T17:56:00.000-06:002010-10-28T17:56:49.705-06:00

I've been using a new decorating accessory that I absolutely love. It's called Uppercase Living. It's vinyl wall art or custom expressions. The reason I love it so much is it's easy-to-use, relatively inexpensive, and it personalizes your room in an instant. I created a phrase for Matthew's nursery that corresponds with his lambie theme. I added a little lamb but am not sure if it takes away

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-43309000268785080612010-10-26T18:59:00.001-06:002010-10-26T19:44:54.296-06:00

Last Saturday Greg ran a 1/2 marathon in New Braunfels to raise money for adoptions. He did a great job. He beat his goal time and finished in 2:23:23. Matthew and I were the proud spectators. It was very early and someone was VERY tired though he didn't sleep until we got in the car to go home. Off to the races... You can tell he's sooo tired. (Matthew not Greg!) Watching for Daddy

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-75464010537483707142010-10-26T18:47:00.000-06:002010-10-26T18:47:12.716-06:00

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-86755385272339017782010-10-26T11:58:00.000-06:002010-10-26T11:58:02.105-06:00

Our dear friend Amy came to visit us last week. She originally came because she got tickets to see Sufjan Stevens the night before Matthew's birthday. The way things shaped out with the tickets, she gave them to Greg and me and stayed with Matthew! What a good friend to fly all the way down to Texas to babysit! I wouldn't have accepted if she hadn't been so adamant. Really, what's just how

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-79004073194665583462010-10-25T17:36:00.000-06:002010-10-25T17:36:06.245-06:00

We've been waiting for nice weather and a bike helmet for Matthew to go riding with us. Well, we got a helmet for him but it just didn't go that well... He did really enjoy the ride though...without his helmet! What a fun Sunday afternoon activity. We'll have to do this more often before it gets too cold.

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-60371729565235519242010-10-18T19:08:00.000-06:002010-10-18T19:08:32.783-06:00

The CAKE!

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-61288122780492844112010-10-18T18:57:00.000-06:002010-10-18T18:57:02.063-06:00

Well we are entering into a week of celebrating Matthew's first birthday! Even though his actual birthday isn't until Wednesday, today he celebrated with three of his closest friends from playgroup: Claire, Jack and Wesley. I am so glad he napped (twice!) today because it made for a fun time for Matthew and Momma! The theme of his party was football, which his dad proudly came up with. We asked

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-89262040903779718762010-10-14T14:24:00.000-06:002010-10-14T14:24:18.572-06:00

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-82464898467999409182010-10-11T18:18:00.000-06:002010-10-11T18:18:29.934-06:00

This past week Greg and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. This is the first year we didn't "get away" to celebrate but it certainly ranks as one of the sweetest yet. Greg came home with a bouquet of fall flowers and a bottle of wine. We reminisced over a home cooked meal of Santa Fe Chicken - a recipe that we cooked together back when we were dating - and Spanish Rice. It was nice to have a quiet

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-81097431311314772672010-10-02T18:49:00.000-06:002010-10-02T18:49:29.535-06:00

All my security, my destiny What lies ahead is found in you All my hopes and dreams, my thoughts unseen All my wants are found in you What I dread and fear, all that weighs me down All my trust is found in You You’re my sustaining breath, all that gives me strength All life-giving is found in You -Aaron Ivey 

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-33450002013446979012010-09-23T09:10:00.000-06:002010-09-23T09:10:37.906-06:00

Last weekend Matthew went to his very first friend birthday party. Jack turned one! We met Jack through church when he was only four months old (Matthew was three months). Since then we've enjoyed getting together for playgroup. Here are some super cute photos of all the babies lined up in front of their party favors. Notice the utter distraction. No one is looking at the camera. Jack, the

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-84953541475547285142010-09-21T19:02:00.000-06:002010-09-21T19:02:42.710-06:00

Last Saturday St. David's hosted a NICU reunion. We already had a busy day planned but this was something we did not want to miss. It was an opportunity to celebrate a healthy little baby boy after his rough start to this world. They had food, entertainment, and a chance to meet the nurses. Unfortunately none of the nurses that cared for Matthew were there while we were. We did see one other

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-52932593368050011402010-09-21T14:39:00.000-06:002010-09-21T14:39:04.128-06:00

This post is a little late but I do want to show pictures from our trip to Charlotte, North Carolina over Labor Day. We went to visit my sister, Beth, and brother-in-law, Frank. They are expecting their first in October - 10/10/10 to be exact! And it's another boy! We wanted to be sure and get this trip in before the baby came, that way we got a nice tour of the city. In fact, Beth and Frank gave

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-84167703315929027202010-08-28T07:43:00.000-06:002010-08-28T07:43:48.168-06:00

I came across this incredible story yesterday. Apparently a mother was able to revive her premature son after holding him for two hours kangaroo style. He was pronounced dead after being born at 27 weeks. This story really hit home for me after delivering Matthew prematurely and also from reading up on attachment theory. It underscores how important it is for babies to be held and communicated

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-36673576821733125282010-08-20T09:51:00.000-06:002010-08-20T09:51:53.942-06:00

He got louder. "Writing a story isn't about making your peaceful fantasies come true. The whole point of the story is the character arc. You didn't think joy could change a person, did you? Joy is what you feel when the conflict is over. But it's conflict that changes a person." His voice was like thunder now. "You put your characters through hell. You put them through hell. That's the only way

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-74801867361829932392010-08-07T07:34:00.000-06:002010-08-07T07:34:36.736-06:00

Last weekend we finally did a family photo shoot and I am so happy we did! It was a beautiful day at Round Rock Memorial Park, Matthew was in a great mood, and the pictures turned out amazing. I am going to unashamedly ask you to post a comment to this link so that we can win a free 8x10 photo: http://www.illuminatephotography.com/blog/?p=3014 Even if you don't think Matthew is cute, please just

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-78607320501780010112010-07-23T09:55:00.002-06:002010-07-23T09:55:53.638-06:00

This week and next Matthew and I are taking parent/child swim lessons at the Y. I got the idea from my mom who took me when I was six months old. I think swimming is a great skill to learn early on. I want Matthew to have a respect for the water and to also fully enjoy it. He loves to splash around and actually does kick his legs quite a bit when I have him on his tummy. He also started to push

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-71163304892419849932010-07-23T09:55:00.001-06:002010-07-23T09:55:36.046-06:00

Nine days up north pretty much wore us out! Vacationing is not what it used to be when you have an eight month old to lug along. He was a great sport though. He slept in three different Pack N' Plays throughout the trip and met lots of new faces everyday. Here is a collection of photos from the trip. All of us Simpson girls plus Matty getting ready to go to the shower. Playing with Aunt

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-8532225003624355312010-07-23T09:55:00.000-06:002010-07-23T09:55:09.824-06:00

Okay, so this post is way late but an important day nonetheless! Greg absolutely loved his first Father's Day. He said that it was even more fun than his birthday. It was really fun for me to see him enjoy it so much. That morning I made him pancakes for breakfast, which was a real hit. Then we opened gifts before heading off to church. At church everyone kept telling him, "Happy Father's Day!"

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-77264255605485363092010-06-11T08:49:00.000-06:002010-06-11T08:49:17.963-06:00

Last Saturday I had a couple of girlfriends over and we cooked...all day! We made nine meals in six hours. What a sense of accomplishment to have my freezer stocked with food for the next month. Each meal contains from four to eight servings. Since there's only Greg and me eating, we're set for quite some time. The beauty of this is that during the "whinny hour" of four to six when my child

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-11194499278500501762010-06-07T13:16:00.000-06:002010-06-07T13:16:40.830-06:00

I am no longer working and therefore I've needed something to occupy my time outside of being a mom. I really do love being a mom but sometimes I feel like I need a distinction in my identity - something that is totally separate from Matthew and something enjoyable and creative. So, I started sewing. It's not like sewing isn't something associated with being a homemaker, which is where Matthew

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-66077958527291033922010-05-28T19:02:00.000-06:002010-05-28T19:02:08.254-06:00

One year ago today I was 14 weeks pregnant and curled up on a gurney just brought into the ER of Scripps Mercy Hospital by the paramedics. I don't remember many details of the environment around me because my eyes were closed tightly as I tried to block out the pain. I thought I had a muscular skeletal problem that needed chiropractic treatment. Instead I found out I had two pulmonary embolisms.

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-11086371645009119522010-05-21T19:27:00.000-06:002010-05-21T19:27:11.251-06:00

For those of you who enjoyed the former video of Matthew trying to eat his toy ball, here's Part II:

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-75883991526111977442010-05-21T12:28:00.000-06:002010-05-21T12:28:13.909-06:00

Last weekend we went to Chicago to celebrate Greg's 40th - this was my birthday present to him. We left early Saturday morning (and when I say "early" I mean the middle of the night which is very hard to do with an infant). We got home late Monday morning and Greg did a sprint to get to work by noon. It was worth it...Greg says so too! It was sooo good to see friends. It had been well over a

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-51873670670170971262010-05-21T09:30:00.000-06:002010-05-21T09:30:16.864-06:00

On Mother's Day May 9th, 2010 our church had a baby dedication. We decided to dedicate Matthew on that special day. It was so significant for me because even though we intended to raise Matthew to know and love God, that day signifies our commitment to it in front of everyone, family and friends. Prior to the dedication I was reading about Hannah dedicating Samuel to the Lord. In her case it was

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-22672726080734751192010-05-20T08:49:00.001-06:002010-05-20T08:50:42.792-06:00

We've enjoyed lots of fun over the last month. It all started at Orange Beach where my family vacations each Spring. I love it there. It is such a beautiful stretch of sand mingling with blue, green ocean water along the Gulf. I usually come back well rested and well read. This year not so much. I learned that vacationing with an infant is a totally different experience. I woke up around 6:30 am

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-5294941610036803022010-04-26T19:34:00.000-06:002010-04-26T19:34:11.757-06:00

Last week while we were on vacation Matthew turned six months! (Beach vacation photos to come!) Where has the last half of a year gone? I am enjoying being a mom even more than I imagined. I've heard so many people use the word "hard" to describe motherhood, and while there have most certainly been those moments, so far I'm having a blast - if only other things in life came as easily to me!

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-83133080218686739602010-04-06T14:25:00.000-06:002010-04-06T14:25:36.574-06:00

We're a bit obsessive about the number of pictures we take of Matthew so I'm trying to make it a little easier to post and view them. They are now linked to Picasa albums along the right side of this blog. Or, here's the link to 5 month shots if you'd like to check 'em out!

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-63772978180539632402010-04-05T20:27:00.000-06:002010-04-05T20:27:18.414-06:00

Watch the beginning of this clip very closely. Greg says he's "making out" with his new toy. It was an Easter gift from his grandma and grandpa and a very big hit with him! On a deeper note it was especially significant to experience Easter with Matthew this year. Greg read Bible stories leading up to and on Easter from a Bible storybook each night before bedtime. As I listened to the stories

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-67240718550015477752010-03-17T21:23:00.000-06:002010-03-17T21:23:54.085-06:00

Gosh it's been awhile since I've updated my blog! We've had places to go and people visiting. Plus my hard drive crashed, which set me back for a little bit. I am so glad that I recently backed up all of our photos and videos of Matthew. I don't know why I didn't back up the rest of my documents. I must have "mom brain" or something. Here are some of the highlights from the past month or so.

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-9559058280378417642010-03-03T15:47:00.002-06:002010-03-03T15:56:17.316-06:00

I finally downloaded all of the videos we've been taking of our two "creatures," as Greg affectionately refers to both the baby and the dog. Honestly Matty's videos aren't as interesting as Ozzie at this point. All Matty does is grunt and drool. When we do pull out the camera to catch him doing something, that we as parents at least consider entertaining, the moment passes by too quickly. It's

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-28163057890480923142010-02-08T13:16:00.005-06:002010-02-08T15:41:05.702-06:00

I probably need more variety in what I'm reading lately since it's been mostly parenting books on sleep and the first few years. Greg has a ton of pediatric books floating around the house because of his job and I found in the American Academy of Pediatric's book, Caring for Your Baby and Young Child that it has milestones for each age. Things like: brings hands within range of eyes and mouth,

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-30971767016860809892010-02-08T13:06:00.002-06:002010-02-08T13:15:42.134-06:00

So, in the last couple of weeks Matthew has moved from here...To here...The transition has gone really well overall. There were a couple of nights that he reverted back into his pack n' play because he wouldn't go back to sleep after a couple of hours, but mostly everyone is sleeping better. This morning when Greg went into the nursery to get Matthew he was sucking his left thumb rather

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-61379905260530547702010-02-01T14:47:00.009-06:002010-02-01T14:58:10.401-06:00

We recently donated Matthew's preemie clothes to the NICU. Before dropping them off we took a few pictures so you can see how much he's grown. Lately, I am having a hard time retiring his clothes. I want to hang on to him being little as long as I can.

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-42193546064340489052010-01-27T11:52:00.006-06:002010-01-27T14:42:51.823-06:00

Last weekend Greg's sister Debbie came to visit. Here she is meeting Matthew for the first time.Matty is wearing the onesie he got from Aunt Debbie for Christmas. It says, "Mommy's Little Stinker." So true!Here's Greg showing off the bib Matthew got from Aunt Debbie. It says, "My Auntie is the Best." He also got his first pair of Robeez from her. They are the cutest little lion shoes!

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-45350667936041337782010-01-18T16:30:00.000-06:002010-01-20T17:02:43.836-06:00

I have forever been trying to decide how to use all of the apples my mother in-law left us (thanks JoAnn)! My favorite show on the Food Network is the Barefoot Contessa. In one of the episodes Ina makes a Butternut Squash Soup that calls for apples so I gave it a try! It was super yummy and pretty easy to do, with the exception of cutting the squash. (I'm just lucky I didn't chop a finger off.)

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-16319209950531124742010-01-14T17:53:00.002-06:002010-01-15T13:58:54.321-06:00

I've been living in this tension lately of whether or not I let my child sleep too much. He's a newborn and newborns sleep a lot but the book I'm reading says only keep them awake for two hours and then soothe them back to sleep. That doesn't seem like very much time awake.A couple of days ago Matty literally slept most of the day with hour to two hour windows of "wakeful time." I started

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-65711558158736226622010-01-14T12:49:00.008-06:002010-01-14T13:16:24.471-06:00

Over the last couple of weeks we've had a few of our dear Chicago peeps drop by. It was so wonderful to see them - it almost felt like we were home again. Thank you guys for visiting. We miss you dearly.Jen, You are an expert in sleep training. I am implementing your tips and they are working!Ames, Good job bouncing him to sleep! He's so content in your arms.Cleary, You're a natural. He looks

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-60247512655274226572010-01-14T12:26:00.003-06:002010-01-14T13:15:59.481-06:00

"I said to my soul, be still, and wait without hopeFor hope would be hope for the wrong thing; wait without love,For love would be love of the wrong thing; there is yet faithBut the faith and the love and the hope are all in the waiting.Wait without thought, for you are not ready for thought:So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing."from T.S. Eliot’s East Coker,the second

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-61881970745759836882010-01-08T11:20:00.021-06:002010-01-08T13:22:44.233-06:00

This post is primarily for the grandmas and great grandma who feel like they are missing out on Matthew's growing up.A few days after his birth next to Greg's hand.A couple of weeks later next to my hand.Fitting in preemie clothes quite nicely.Growing out of preemie clothes rather quickly.Still a little guy but looks like a little old man with a sprig of hair sticking out on the side.Becoming

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-43327886864066761962010-01-05T15:22:00.002-06:002010-01-05T15:38:07.967-06:00

1) Got married.2) Had a baby.3) Moved to Palatine, IL. (Those who live in 60067 will know why that one made the list.)4) Moved far away to Austin, TX.5) Adopted a dog.6) Lost my college roommate and dear friend in 9/11.7) Lost my faith working for a Christian organization/found my faith working for a Christian organization.8) Was divinely connected with the girls who would later call ourselves "

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-45052864881695532822010-01-02T17:09:00.006-06:002010-01-02T20:39:20.415-06:00

This year we were more aware than ever before that we are a family unit. First we added Ozzie, our cocker/springer spaniel mix. Ozzie was our baby - and our practice round for having a baby - up until Matthew's birth in October. Now Ozzie is just a dog, but both of us agreed a very needed member of our family as he brings us a ton of joy by his personality, loyalty and ability to quickly

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-48981144996407764152009-12-10T08:00:00.005-06:002009-12-11T15:59:26.806-06:00

I say this a lot since Matthew was born. I wonder... if he has gas? I wonder... if he needs his diaper changed? I wonder... if he's just tired? I wonder if... he is really smiling at me?The one thing I do know is that I don't know anything for certain when it comes to this kid. Yes, he is mine and I do know that in general when he's grunting and snorting in his crib it's not that he can't breathe

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-79032874295480475682009-12-04T12:37:00.008-06:002009-12-06T20:40:55.681-06:00

Now that we've started to settle into life with Matthew, we've begun doing more normal things. Like this week we started decorating for Christmas. Greg hung snowflake lights outside. I made a Christmas tree skirt for our tree. We're still using our short little Charlie Brown tree this year but I'd say it's just an accomplishment to get the thing up and decorated. I am really looking forward to

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-10223192453488046012009-12-01T17:11:00.005-06:002009-12-04T12:34:32.012-06:00

This was the last week of my Lovenox shot. I have mixed feelings about this. I am glad I no longer need to inject myself daily. Although I admit I didn't do it everyday. Sometimes I forgot. Sometimes Greg gave it to me when I was just too discouraged and frustrated by the whole inconvenience and prick of pain that it caused. I am also glad that I will no longer have big, ugly bruises and

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-26162747243286606062009-11-27T18:36:00.003-06:002009-11-27T18:47:22.805-06:00

Today was Matthew's original due date. Wow, seems like he's been here with us forever. I already can't imagine life without him. Just like I can't remember what it feels like to have a good night's sleep!Also significant about today... Six months ago to the day I was in a hospital in San Diego just diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. I feel like I've come a long way from that scary discovery.I

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-88178278588711217662009-11-26T18:49:00.013-06:002009-11-26T20:51:44.922-06:00

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. The things I am most thankful for are my health and and the health of my son. And I am thankful for a husband who supported me through the year. I don't know who else would have put up with so much nausea and so many sleepy days in bed. You did so graciously honey.Today we got to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family. Here are some pictures from the day

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-32173625701888234912009-11-25T14:43:00.005-06:002009-11-26T13:25:47.304-06:00

Yesterday Uncle Frank and Aunty Beth arrived in Austin. They are here to meet Matthew and celebrate Thanksgiving with the rest of my family. This is the first holiday we've all been together in a couple of years - nothing like a baby to bring everyone together.Aunty Beth fell fast in love with Matty. Here are some videos of Matty hanging out with her. Ozzie snuck in there too. (Sorry they are

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-72750531486121565742009-11-23T18:18:00.007-06:002009-11-25T12:49:03.647-06:00

Matthew has now met all of his grandparents!He got to meet his Grammy Simpson while he was sill in the NICU. She came to help out right after his birth. She really helped mommy more than Matty at that point. It was nice to have someone to drive me to the hospital when I was still recovering. It took up a greater part of our day as we were making a couple of trips - one for the morning feed and

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-64433601238551741252009-11-19T14:06:00.006-06:002009-11-20T17:14:56.133-06:00

One of the nice things about living in Austin is the warmer fall and winter weather. I plan to take full advantage of this and take Matty and Ozzie for lots of walks. Here are some pictures from our first walk with Matty last week. He was a little fussy in the afternoon but after jiggling around in the stroller for awhile he calmed right down.Even Ozzie got to go along.Thumbs up to getting Matty

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-62948287979356908132009-11-18T16:45:00.007-06:002009-11-18T18:56:54.161-06:00

Okay, last night was rough. Apparently we've been pretty spoiled. Matthew was sleeping in three hour stretches and only whimpering when he was waking up to feed. Last night he was cranky from nine until midnight. Nothing was working to calm him down. Finally I woke Greg up and told him I was ready to jump off a cliff. The whole night was touch and go. I am really hoping that he was just congested

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-89803549496461260632009-11-12T08:55:00.007-06:002009-11-13T20:24:40.829-06:00

It's time I write out the story of Matthew's birth so that I don't forget the series of surprising events. Many of the events I would like to forget, but somewhere in the whole mess of this early delivery there are some really beautiful moments too.When I learned that I had a blood disorder one third of the way through my pregnancy my doctors began preparing me for a challenging delivery. My OB

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-84240651504769356632009-11-11T18:22:00.007-06:002009-11-11T18:33:30.984-06:00

Matthew came home on Sunday November 8th. Here are some shots from his big day...Getting ready to leave the hospitalIn the car on the way homeJust arrived safely homeMatthew and Ozzie meeting for the first timeMatthew sporting his "Daddy's Biggest Fan" shirt

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-46498200552170207342009-11-05T17:30:00.007-06:002009-11-05T18:05:27.485-06:00

Well another week has gone by and Matthew is slowly growing. He now weighs 5 lbs, 4 ozs! Although he seems to no longer have episodes of apnea and bradycardia, he is having some feeding issues. I guess this is pretty common with preemies but frustrating as a parent nonetheless.I have been pumping breast milk religiously. When I'm there for Matthew's feeds, he latches on just fine. The challenge

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-88811190307344497142009-10-28T08:11:00.001-06:002009-10-28T08:13:35.561-06:00

Hi friends and family, I am happy to report that this past Tuesday at 9:47 am our little boy arrived. His name is Matthew Scott McClelland and he weighed 4 lbs 14 oz. The reason for the low weight is he was a preemie at 34 weeks. The short version of the story is Kathy started bleeding Monday night. We later learned that she had developed preeclampsia, had a partial abruption, developed HELLP

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-86519208477216583912009-10-24T07:51:00.005-06:002009-10-24T08:15:13.376-06:00

This was me at 32 weeks pregnant:Here are some first videos of Matthew Scott McClelland born on October 20th at 34 weeks: Hard to believe he came so early!

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-55197641849572546242009-07-29T07:53:00.009-06:002009-07-29T08:21:02.914-06:00

After much debating I think we've finally settled on some colors and patterns for the baby's nursery. One of our first baby gifts was from my mom. It is a soft lamb with a music box inside that plays "Jesus Loves Me." Then she confessed her secret - that she was sewing baby quilts before Beth and I were even married and that one of the patterns she had was a lamb. (Nice mom!) She offered to sew

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-33636157039686393852009-07-16T08:14:00.004-06:002011-06-05T12:21:45.859-06:00

I haven't posted in five months. I haven't been particularly busy but I've been pregnant and hibernating. I am 22 weeks today and am kind of starting to feel better. The first trimester was a nightmare. I was sick constantly. I really had no idea you could feel so terribly nauseous for days on end. I have a whole new sympathy for people fighting cancer. Not to be so dramatic but at times I felt

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-86132676348399264412009-02-23T21:59:00.003-06:002009-02-23T22:07:35.872-06:00

1) Use Less Water - I do not need to shower as frequently when working alone. All of my meetings happen over the phone.2) Low Fuel Consumption - My car only leaves the garage for trips to spin class, yoga, and the grocery store. Although I have been known to escape to Starbucks for a little pick-me-up!3) Less Paper - Instead of sending dozens of e-mails, agendas, marketing plans to the printer

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-33554439003753042442009-01-29T15:26:00.003-06:002009-01-29T15:44:49.635-06:00

I feel guilty saying this but boy am I glad the holidays are over. Nothing seemed quite right this year. Opening gifts in 70 degree weather with just Greg, me, and the dog didn't seem much like Christmas. We were thankful to get home for New Year's. It was great to be with friends and family. I felt like my emotional tank was refueled after coming home. Thank you Amy for the "Love Group Brunch."

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-91640500323755351672008-12-18T16:37:00.008-06:002008-12-18T20:33:12.263-06:00

The past nine years of my life in Chicago made sense. I got up every morning at the same time and went to my job, which I worked until 4:30 or 5:00 pm. I came home, worked out and occasionally hung out with with friends. The weekends were more of the same. That was about it. But at least I had structure...and friendships. Here - nothing.Here, I get up whenever I start to feel guilty that I am not

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-585960728955824252008-12-09T12:15:00.002-06:002008-12-09T12:53:32.966-06:00

No, it's not Ozzie Osborn! Nor is it Ozzie Guillen, although he is black and white just like the White Sox! Ozzie is our newly adopted cocker spaniel. He comes from a farm in Abilene, TX. He was neglected - left out in the sun with little to no attention. Well, you can bet he's getting a ton of love and attention with us!For all he's been through, he's a good dog. He hasn't had any accidents in

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-73635425916943500192008-12-03T11:53:00.013-06:002008-12-03T14:53:09.660-06:00

This is the first year I hosted Thanksgiving - except for the year we all got sick and ended up with Boston Market in my tiny Brockway apartment. This was much better! I used many of mom's traditional recipes which include a LOT of cheese and cream in everything! Greg was the turkey and mashed potato maker. Everything turned out great - it was the juiciest turkey I've ever had! Of course we had

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-3923598959417732292008-11-08T15:44:00.009-06:002008-11-11T11:03:29.155-06:00

I was excited to learn that the Texas Book Festival was the weekend after we moved into our new home. (As many of you know, I am a sucker for a good book!) Greg and I spent both Saturday and Sunday on Nov 1st and 2nd attending author sessions and browsing book tents. It's incredible to discover how many talented writers are out there that we had never heard of before. Suffice it to say we

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-47782687800666274262008-11-07T09:28:00.005-06:002008-11-07T09:38:04.490-06:00

The POD survived the long haul from Chicago to Austin! We had no idea what shape our furniture and dishes would be in when it arrived on the other side. With the exception of some scratches, everything came out okay!Thanks again to everyone who helped us fit everything inside - Dad McClelland and Allison specifically!

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-70574803281092212692008-09-26T13:45:00.004-06:002008-09-26T14:03:52.994-06:00

"Faith is believing what you do not see. The reward of faith is to see what you believe." - St. AugustineAfter a long, grueling job search Greg was offered a position in pediatrics in Austin, TX. We wrested with the idea of moving so far away. Not having as many options in Illinois caused us to be more open. Not only is this an option, it's his dream option - working with kids and serving an

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684223693657928082.post-39849582522816698842007-11-22T18:41:00.000-06:002007-11-22T18:54:40.556-06:00

Sometimes in observing holidays we forget their origins and therefore the true meaning attached to the dates themselves. This November, the 22nd day of two thousand and seven, let's remember just how much we have to be grateful for...Washington, D.C.October 3, 1863 This is the proclamation which set the precedent for America's national day of Thanksgiving. During his administration, President

kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15927945763326976887noreply@blogger.com0