Spring?

We are back in Portland with no other trips planned for the near future... and it looks like Spring outside. It's a little defeating to know that it is not the season of flowers and growing warmth, but rather months and months of cold rain that await us. :) Our piles (soooo much!) of snow have dwindled significantly. I was able to drive to church today without chains, and Josiah and I even took a walk in the 'hood to get some fresh air!
Whew! This little family has had a really awesome and really intense last month of life. Our time in MN was sooo GREAT. (minus the flu -- which Patrick and my sister also received in our time there... sick.) We were able to spend a good chunk of time with my brother Tim's family and hang out with the kiddos. There was a lot of cookie baking, coloring, and even a little sledding (it was about -15 the whole time we were there, so going outside for longer than 10 minutes seemed a little life-threatening).
Then the whole fam came together on the 20th to celebrate our LORD's birth early. We sang Christmas carols, opened presents, and shared a great meal. My family (on both sides) are some of my FAVORITE people... seriously some of the most fun, loving, funny people I've had the pleasure of meeting and Patrick, Josiah, and I are SO BLESSED to be tied to them FOREVER. :) It was really hard to leave this year... and I am counting the days (not quite literally) until I can see them again.
Some really BIG, FUN news is that Josiah FINALLY decided to start walking!!! My mom and I were chillin' in her living room, playing with Josiah - when he just got up and walked across the room. (I KNEW he was holding out on us!) It's been fun to see how much he has improved - Patrick even has him kicking a soccer ball now. It was a great gift that my parents were able to be part of a milestone in Josiah's life... Patrick was three days late. :(
After a three hour delay in Denver (which was NOTHING compared to what others survived during ARTIC BLAST 2008) - we arrived bumpily back into Portland. Our pilot bravely drove that huge airplane over drifts of snow to get us to our gate. Some amazing people dared the roads of ice and came to pick us up and bring us home. (At first I thought everyone was really pansy about all this snow - but once we got home and found the inch of ice covering our car I realized I'm glad for the pansiness) ;)
Our plan to head up to Patrick's side for Christmas day was postponed as we searched everywhere for chains and thawed out the car (and our apartment). We received the GREAT JOY of Patrick's brother's family staying with us at Patty and Bill's -- so it was a party the entire time. Josiah was hooked up with sooooo many books.... and some other pretty awesome toys, too.
I think the best Christmas present Patrick and I received was getting to spend time with our families over the holidays -- it was such a JOY. I'll try to poke at Patrick to get some pictures up from our journey!
Now we are settling back in to life and anticipating the arrival of our friends, the Stepanians, this weekend!!!

Minnesota

Josiah and I have safely arrived at my parent's beautiful home in northern, northern Minnesota. Being here is kind of like being in Narnia - the animals don't talk, but there is a lamp post, and snow hangs heavily on the trees, and everything is peaceful. My dad and I have taken Josiah outside a couple times -- it has been sooo cold that it takes longer to get the kid ready than we can actually stand to be outside. Yesterday it was -7 (we didn't make it outside that day)! He seems in awe of all the white stuff... wasn't too sure about being pulled in the sled, but LOVED riding the four wheeler with Grandpa up and down the driveway.

We miss Patrick like CRAZY and cannot wait for his arrival Monday night. My dad and I plan to drive down, pick him up, and then make the 6 hour drive straight up again. Josiah will get a solid day with just Grandma - and she is "tickled pink" about that.

Last night I was struck with an awful episode of stomach flu - and today has been a lot of resting and soda crackers. I'm feeling a lot better - and we're praying and hoping that it doesn't make its way around the family. It was one of the most miserable experiences I've had in a while... thankfully I had my own mom here to take care of Josiah and make me homemade chicken noodle soup. Should have gotten that stinkin' flu shot..... grrr..

Cutting the apron strings.....

Starbucks' apron, actually. That's right - today was my official LAST DAY as a barista. After pulling espresso shots for the last five years of my life Patrick and I have decided to try having me stay at home full time with Josiah. It was a bittersweet morning as I shared the news with our faithful customers - but they are all excited for me. It's so great to have the opportunity to look back at this experience and see how much these people have impacted me.... they all cared for me really well throughout our pregnancy and share in our joy as I share little tid-bits about Josiah. There were so many times that I just hated this job and wanted to quit more than anything.... and I'm so grateful I made it to a point where I can leave in a healthy manner.

Tomorrow Josiah and I leave for MN!! I can't believe it's really happening tomorrow.... my sister will be at the airport to greet us and by 6pm (MN time) tomorrow night I will be giving her a huge hug. FINALLY. She will finally get to meet Josiah and fall head over heels (of course) and I will finally get to speak to her belly where her and Ryan's little one grows so that their baby comes out knowing my voice. :)

Patrick will be joining us on the 15th, but in the mean time he has a LOT of studying to do. We are SO CLOSE to finishing the first semester of seminary! Patrick is doing so well and I'm sure he'll be stoked to share all of his thoughts with you, dear readers, soon.

Our Thanksgiving was quick.. but we were REALLY BLESSED to see Mom and Bill, Grandma and Boppa, and Chuck and Wes. We even got to steal a little time with Stew and Jenny (Patrick's brother and sister-in-law) -- so we are THANKFUL, to say the least. We look forward to seeing all of them again for Christmas this year!!!