officially...

on maternity leave- with no baby, yet:) I was planning on taking leave starting in two weeks, but after a weekend of feeling pretty terrible, lots of contractions, and back pain- I waved the white flag today. I don't know why this was a difficult decision for me. I think I wanted to be able to work right up until delivery. I, of course, would have preferred more time on the back end- when Annie is actually here, but this is they way the cards have fallen, and I for one am happy to be home today. 

So, it's rainy here today, and I plan on a good solid rest, if my back will permit me one.  I would really like to get into a good book, so yall have been great before- PLEASE leave some suggestions. pretty please.

thank you

carrie, les, and jacks.....

for taking a weekend to come to Tulsa to spend time with me. I loved every second of it and wish the time had not flown by so fast. I loved listening to your stories, where those stories are leading you, and I feel so happy to be a part of them. 

LOVE YOU!!!

will somebody

make me these ? I don't really have a huge appetite ( I am really looking forward to WANTING to eat again), but man these look GOOD. I will be making these this holiday season...

stories

Sorry the blogging is rather boring these days.  I have definitely hit the home stretch of this pregnancy, totally wiped out, and ready to be able to turn over in bed with out causing a minor earthquake:) I must say, though, that I have an amazing husband- that josh. He cooks, cleans, and keeps me sane. He really is keeping things afloat here. He was telling me the other day- "remember that first year in Birmingham- remember how you did everything? You really kept us from sinking."- I was like, really? I don't even remember it feeling like that.  I guess marriage is like that- letting the other one rise to the occasion when you are seemingly sinking. I am glad Josh feels like I did that for him- because he is definitely doing that for me. He's been strong and brave and selfless. me=lucky.

With that said, we have had a really nice weekend here. We totally scrooged out on Friday, turned the lights off and watched a movie while the little kiddos ran PAST our house. We had candy and all, but we were tired, and felt like being lazy, and it was nice.

Yesterday, I had energy out of the blue, so we went for a nice walk, ran and got a smoothie, dropped in on the cousins- and ended up at a little jam session which was really, really fun. It felt good to "unplug", get outside, drink fruit, and listen to music and people who love to play it. Josh even joined in on the singing with some Townes Van Zandt, and I was proud:)

There are glimpses that all will be well, here, at least for the time being. Sometimes (like earlier this week), I just feel so overwhelmed with sadness and what we gave up to come here, that I feel like there just is not a way forward here. But then, we meet people bit by bit, and the faces look less like aliens, and more like friends- and I am reminded that I am always living in the the middle of the story- that it is not over, that even the dramatic sad parts are necessary in any story- usually the most important, even. 

alas, it is the sabbath. may you find some rest today, where ever you are.