Sadly, my lame little camera hardly does any justice to the amazing nature show... All the trees and bushes were covered in perfectly rounded ice droplets. Like millions of tiny diamonds! It was awesome!
Friday, January 27, 2012
winter wonderland
As you all know, winter is hardly a favorite season of mine. Cold, snow, ice....yuck, yuck, yuck. However, I do have to say, there are a few things about this frigid time of year that I do enjoy. Like, watching the kids happily play in all the fresh fluffy snow, and building forts and other masterpieces out of the more solid stuff that drifts with the wind. There are also certain days when the morning light brings a glittery display on top of snow and on trees. I love when everything is covered in that beautiful, sparkling frostiness. Wednesday happened to be such a day, and when Maija and I bundled up to go play, I brought my camera along to attempt to capture the magical scene.
Sadly, my lame little camera hardly does any justice to the amazing nature show... All the trees and bushes were covered in perfectly rounded ice droplets. Like millions of tiny diamonds! It was awesome!
Sadly, my lame little camera hardly does any justice to the amazing nature show... All the trees and bushes were covered in perfectly rounded ice droplets. Like millions of tiny diamonds! It was awesome!
it's a mom thing...
In the past couple of months, the baby boom all over my Facebook news page has been tremendous! Babies, babies, everywhere!!! It's so exciting to see and hear about the countdowns as all these awesome ladies prepare for their little ones to arrive, which of course is followed up by all the heart-melting pictures of the new bundles! I can admit all these babies leave me feeling a bit nostalgic about all those amazing moments and joy they bring. And it also makes me look at our three, growing, healthy, beautiful children, and think, "WOW!", we've come a long way! I hope you won't mind me pressing the rewind button...as I reminisce about tid-bits from my own journey into mommy-hood three (and a half) times around.
~I was barely 19 when Caleb was born. Crazy, right?!! I had NO CLUE what to expect, but I guess you can say, when the time came my "natural, maternal instincts, kinda kicked in... Thank God. Of course, my Mom was also there to help. (Probably struggling through serious bouts of shock, but she was there.) Again, Thank God. And on July 10, at 4:25 am, I became a mother for the first time. It's funny how in an instant, what I had originally (and foolishly) thought to be one of the biggest mistakes I had ever, or would ever make, was suddenly transformed into a pure miracle. After 9 long months, and swinging from what was honestly the most depressed place I've ever been to one of the most amazing, blissful places I can imagine, I had done it. I was a mom. A miracle was placed in my hands. A miracle that in one, quick moment, I knew beyond any shadow of a doubt, no matter what anyone else said or thought, was indeed no mistake. He was perfect. Beautiful. A healthy, 9 lbs. 10 oz. And in that instant he filled my heart and soul with a love that was absolute and completely immeasurable. Sure, the timing might not have been the greatest... but just look at Caleb now!?! He was MEANT to be.
~Shortly after Matt and I were married, our suspicions were confirmed that we were expecting again. In true M & M fashion, we had not planned on another pregnancy... but, hey! Caleb was almost two at the time, so it seemed like a nice fit for our little family. Obviously, there was another plan intended for us...as at 16 weeks we got the news that I had miscarried. I don't really talk about that experience often, as it was truly heart wrenching, but I do actually think about it quite often. So now when an expectant Mommy shares the news that their first major ultrasound was a good one, I breathe an extended sigh of joyful relief for them. Because I know what the alternative feels like. And for me, in those two days, from the moment the ultrasound tech. grew quiet and left the room, to when Matt and I walked out of the hospital on that warm July morning, I knew I was forever changed. It's difficult to put the thoughts and feelings into words, and it makes me tear up just thinking back on those very vivid memories... but, I find comfort in knowing that without the loss of that baby then, we wouldn't have Brady now.
~Brady, Brady, Brady. I have to say the journey through a pregnancy after having a miscarriage is such a mixed bag of emotions. Every twinge, pain, "unusual" symptom throws you into a super scary "what if" mode. While, at the same time, each week that comes and goes is a joyful accomplishment. It's exhausting! It took me a while but when the personal milestone weeks of 14, 15 and 16 were safely past, I finally let hope sink in that this time we might be ok. I can clearly remember being in the waiting room on ultrasound day. My nerves were so on edge. It wasn't until the tech had pinpointed that glorious little flutter on the screen, that I allowed myself to breathe. A strong heartbeat... we could see it... hear it... and everything else checked out perfectly as well. A boy, with a big head! And the October 24 due date was right on target. So on target in fact, that at 4:25 am on October 24th, I rolled out of bed, and barely made it to the bathroom when I was surprised with a sudden jerk...followed by a gush of fluids! WHOA. I think I stood there for a good minute, gathering my senses and putting the puzzle pieces together. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!"..."Honey? It's time!" I've never seen Matt so quick to be out of bed, dressed and in the car! Less than ten hours later, at 2:06 pm, our big-headed (OUCH!), healthy boy was in our arms. Another miracle... and another MEANT to be.
~March 2008, brought us one last surprise...another + sign on the ol' pregnancy test! Here we go, again! This time around I felt noticeably more tired. But then again, keeping up with an almost seven year old and an almost four year old probably helped out with my exhaustion factor! Everything was going great, and then our Dr. picked up the heartbeat for the first time with the fetal doppler, she confidently declared, "there SHE is!" Of course, us having already had two boys, were not as confident. The 20 week ultrasound also proved to be only semi-helpful in confirming Dr. Mickelson's theory. Baby # 3 was not going to give a clear view of anything gender related! Our tech placed her vote in the girl category as well, but I would not be convinced until I saw for myself! So, on November 20th, at 1:16 pm, after only a few hours laboring, and with one final push, we learned not to question Dr. Mickelson! It was a GIRL! I don't know who said it first, but I'm pretty sure I was the one who shouted it loudest. She seemed like such a peanut compared to her brothers. 8 lbs. 1 oz. is small for one of our babies! It took me several hours of simply staring at that little pink hat atop her perfectly round head to really believe that we had a girl. She was MEANT to be. And she made our family complete.
So I guess that is my little walk down memory lane... The journey that has brought us our three miracles; our three greatest joys. The only word I have to sum it all up is, GRATITUDE.
~I was barely 19 when Caleb was born. Crazy, right?!! I had NO CLUE what to expect, but I guess you can say, when the time came my "natural, maternal instincts, kinda kicked in... Thank God. Of course, my Mom was also there to help. (Probably struggling through serious bouts of shock, but she was there.) Again, Thank God. And on July 10, at 4:25 am, I became a mother for the first time. It's funny how in an instant, what I had originally (and foolishly) thought to be one of the biggest mistakes I had ever, or would ever make, was suddenly transformed into a pure miracle. After 9 long months, and swinging from what was honestly the most depressed place I've ever been to one of the most amazing, blissful places I can imagine, I had done it. I was a mom. A miracle was placed in my hands. A miracle that in one, quick moment, I knew beyond any shadow of a doubt, no matter what anyone else said or thought, was indeed no mistake. He was perfect. Beautiful. A healthy, 9 lbs. 10 oz. And in that instant he filled my heart and soul with a love that was absolute and completely immeasurable. Sure, the timing might not have been the greatest... but just look at Caleb now!?! He was MEANT to be.
~Shortly after Matt and I were married, our suspicions were confirmed that we were expecting again. In true M & M fashion, we had not planned on another pregnancy... but, hey! Caleb was almost two at the time, so it seemed like a nice fit for our little family. Obviously, there was another plan intended for us...as at 16 weeks we got the news that I had miscarried. I don't really talk about that experience often, as it was truly heart wrenching, but I do actually think about it quite often. So now when an expectant Mommy shares the news that their first major ultrasound was a good one, I breathe an extended sigh of joyful relief for them. Because I know what the alternative feels like. And for me, in those two days, from the moment the ultrasound tech. grew quiet and left the room, to when Matt and I walked out of the hospital on that warm July morning, I knew I was forever changed. It's difficult to put the thoughts and feelings into words, and it makes me tear up just thinking back on those very vivid memories... but, I find comfort in knowing that without the loss of that baby then, we wouldn't have Brady now.
~Brady, Brady, Brady. I have to say the journey through a pregnancy after having a miscarriage is such a mixed bag of emotions. Every twinge, pain, "unusual" symptom throws you into a super scary "what if" mode. While, at the same time, each week that comes and goes is a joyful accomplishment. It's exhausting! It took me a while but when the personal milestone weeks of 14, 15 and 16 were safely past, I finally let hope sink in that this time we might be ok. I can clearly remember being in the waiting room on ultrasound day. My nerves were so on edge. It wasn't until the tech had pinpointed that glorious little flutter on the screen, that I allowed myself to breathe. A strong heartbeat... we could see it... hear it... and everything else checked out perfectly as well. A boy, with a big head! And the October 24 due date was right on target. So on target in fact, that at 4:25 am on October 24th, I rolled out of bed, and barely made it to the bathroom when I was surprised with a sudden jerk...followed by a gush of fluids! WHOA. I think I stood there for a good minute, gathering my senses and putting the puzzle pieces together. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!"..."Honey? It's time!" I've never seen Matt so quick to be out of bed, dressed and in the car! Less than ten hours later, at 2:06 pm, our big-headed (OUCH!), healthy boy was in our arms. Another miracle... and another MEANT to be.
~March 2008, brought us one last surprise...another + sign on the ol' pregnancy test! Here we go, again! This time around I felt noticeably more tired. But then again, keeping up with an almost seven year old and an almost four year old probably helped out with my exhaustion factor! Everything was going great, and then our Dr. picked up the heartbeat for the first time with the fetal doppler, she confidently declared, "there SHE is!" Of course, us having already had two boys, were not as confident. The 20 week ultrasound also proved to be only semi-helpful in confirming Dr. Mickelson's theory. Baby # 3 was not going to give a clear view of anything gender related! Our tech placed her vote in the girl category as well, but I would not be convinced until I saw for myself! So, on November 20th, at 1:16 pm, after only a few hours laboring, and with one final push, we learned not to question Dr. Mickelson! It was a GIRL! I don't know who said it first, but I'm pretty sure I was the one who shouted it loudest. She seemed like such a peanut compared to her brothers. 8 lbs. 1 oz. is small for one of our babies! It took me several hours of simply staring at that little pink hat atop her perfectly round head to really believe that we had a girl. She was MEANT to be. And she made our family complete.
So I guess that is my little walk down memory lane... The journey that has brought us our three miracles; our three greatest joys. The only word I have to sum it all up is, GRATITUDE.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
food for thought
"Life shrinks or expands
in proportion to ones courage." ~ Anais Nin
This is another favorite quote of mine... and, bonus, I just love the name Anais Nin. Come on, say it with me, "Anais Nin". Isn't it just fun to say? :)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
a (not so) big idea
"I like to listen.
I have learned a great deal from listening carefully.
Most people never listen." ~Ernest Hemingway
So yesterday I shook the cobwebs off my teeny-tiny corner of the blogging world, and quickly flew through a post to "update" you on our last few months. It was good. And, I suppose, needed to get me back into the flow. But if I'm being truthful, the real reason for my decision to breathe life back into the Saari page was another idea for a post that was lurking in my thoughts. I have not yet pinpointed why this "idea" has recently blasted into my mind, but it seems worthy of a little investigation!
What is this big, blasting idea?? A day of listening. (*insert mysterious, "dun-dun-dun" music here*)
To listen is defined as:
1: to pay attention to sound (ie.listen to music)
2: to hear something with thoughtful attention; give consideration (listen to a plea)
2: to hear something with thoughtful attention; give consideration (listen to a plea)
3: to be alert to catch an expected sound (listen for his step)
Huh. Impressive right?
---Wow. Yep. She's nutty! Who cares? We are all listening all the time... what the heck does she mean, "a day of listening?"... Whoop-dee-do What so great about that idea?---
Stop. Just for a moment or two. Now. Breathe. Listen. Really listen...
What do you hear?
It amazes me when I pause and actually try to hear what is going on around me. There is so much we take in all day long - not really processing or indulging in it. I think back to one winter night a couple of years ago... it was a cold night, the wind was howling, and our power went out. In that moment, the house grew so incredibly quiet. There was no hum from the fridge. No soft tink - - tink - - from the ceiling fan. Nothing but the wind outside... naturally I was more worried about a lack of power and therefore lack of operating heat source to really sit and marvel at the beauty the wind can bring in its song, but it somehow made a dent in my memory. Another evening I can recall quite vividly was much warmer and pleasant. A busy summer day had come and gone. Kids were tucked in. Matt was already at work. And I found myself resting on the front steps. (I do this a lot if you care to know!) The neighborhood was unusually quiet, which being the country girl I am, pleased me quite a bit. I remember sitting there for what felt like a long time, simply listening to the warm breeze rustle through the leaves. That has always been a favorite sound for me. The wind in the leaves. Anyway, what these particular memories share is the sound...listening in the moment...processing...enjoying.
When we actually pay attention, there is a true symphony waiting to amaze. Whether it is in the every day noises... or the sounds of the stillness... something incredibly special or something super ordinary... Just listen.
So, I guess this is why my idea of a day of listening has intrigued me so much. I want to really listen...to hear...and attempt to document all of those moments - big & small. To appreciate them. Just to see... Will I feel a difference?
Tomorrow, I will do just that.
Spend the day listening.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
rewind...in fast forward!
I stand, well sit actually, before you, hand raised and admit, I am guilty of neglect. The ol' Saari page has really collected major dust bunnies this time. Day to day happenings are enough that the blog has come up quite short in attention. Although there is A LOT to catch up on after the, ahem, complete and utter lack of any posts since... ohhh whoops! October. I don't really feel like going through the hundreds of pictures and telling the wonderful stories of each particular event! So, in typical "little bit of life" fashion we'll just call this a rewind in fast forward post!!!
October:
- A fun baking adventure with Charity & Cupcake Couture! So glad I was able to go down to help her! Can't wait to do it again!
- Brady's 7th birthday! Holy moly.
- Halloween party & trick-or-treating adventures...this year we had Green Lantern, Iron Man, and Woody from Toy Story!
November:
- Caleb's first orchestra preformance
- Deer hunting
- Maija's 3rd birthday! Again, holy moly.
- Thanksgiving travels to Grandma & Grandpa. O's.
- Lots of wonderfully mild weather! And NO SNOW!
December:
- Matt turns 30! He'd say don't even mention it...and "holy moly" would be replaced by something else which I won't include here as it could be deemed "inappropriate.
- Lots of misc. events... Fargo Force hockey, school play, basketball practices, Christmas Tree hunt 2011.
- Brady broke his toe the first day of Christmas break. Luckily it was a very slight fracture, and all it required was a special walking shoe for a couple weeks.
- Christmas! Grandma & Grandpa B. came to visit!
- New Year's Eve brought the Gunderson crew and Grandma & Grandpa O. to Moorhead
- Again, gloriously mild weather and having almost NO SNOW all month long was AWESOME!
January:
- HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2012 bring you an abundance of laughter and happy memories with those you love!
- Joyous news from The Tuttles! Miss Taitum Jane arrived on the 6th! Beautiful and healthy! YAY!
- First bball game for Caleb and the 'Lakers'. Slow to start, but finished strong. Always fun to watch!
So, that is my lame attempt to bring you up to speed on the basics around here. Naturally, there is much, much more to fill in all the gaps, but maybe that will be another post another day! Maybe even with pictures! Maybe.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
to pucker or not to pucker...
"When life gives you lemons; make lemonade."
Great idea, right? But, what if your lemons are really sour? Or rotten and moldy? Then what are you supposed to do with them? You certainly don't want to make lemonade. I say, throw them into the garbage disposal and relish in the grinding sound as those stupid lemons are obliterated into pulp and washed down the drain. Added bonus: your disgust in said wretched lemons will be eased with the satisfying notion that they are gone. And maybe, just maybe, your disposal will be lemony fresh!
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