A Lost Habit

My blogging has steadily decreased over the last couple years. I attribute this in part to grad school, and in part to other social outlets like Twitter and Instagram, where I can share bits and pieces of life as they happen. Lately, however, I find that I miss the reflection that comes from writing this blog, and the outlet to share pictures and document life's adventures in a more meaningful way.

As we are about to embark on one of life's biggest adventures, parenthood, I find that I really want to re-establish this habit of writing and sharing. I realize that my time is about to get stretched even more, but I also feel it's important to create this journal and scrapbook of sorts on the joys and challenges of our lives, and have a place to look back and see all that God accomplishes in time.

So here's hoping that I can re-establish this discipline, and that it won't be thought of as a chore, but something I can truly enjoy again. To jumpstart this, here's a mini-update on life recently.

We are waiting for Margot. I am feeling huge and increasingly uncomfortable. I woke up last night at 3am thinking I was having my first contraction (it felt just like people described), but then realized it was just gas... I'm sure you wanted to know that.

 Kyle is taking finals. This semester has been very taxing (not that you'll find him complaining), and next semester doesn't look any better, particularly when you factor in a new baby at home. The poor man has pretty much every minute of every day scheduled, which makes for a pretty exhausting regimen. Remember last Spring when I wrote about how insanely busy he is? Well, it's worse now. We are both looking forward to the day when there is even an hour of free time to relax with each other, invest time in others, and enjoy life. One more semester and a summer of Bar prep to go!

That about sums it up for us. I am looking forward to Kyle being on break, which will allow us to do some fun things like go see The Hobbit. Oh, and having a baby. That'll be pretty good, too, I guess.

Their Big Adventure: Las Vegas

Dad and Diane are now in Las Vegas! I've never been there, but I hear that it is a spectacular sight to see, even if you don't like to gamble.

When Diane sent me this picture, I thought it was a giant aquarium! The more I look at it, the more I think it looks like a scene from Wall-E.

They are having a wonderful time, and I know they appreciate all the prayers and well-wishes.  I do, too.  Thanks for all the love.

Their Big Adventure: Colorado

Dad and Diane have been travelling since Friday afternoon.  Diane sent me this pic from Glenwood, Colorado.

They've been texting me throughout each day, updating me on what they are seeing.  Diane always greets me with a "Good morning, sunshine!" Dad ends every text in "Love, Dad."  They are precious.

I am so thankful they are getting to take this trip!

Whitaker Music Festival

Kyle and I packed a picnic and headed over to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, just down the street from our house.  We met up with some of my classmates and their men to partake in the free concerts that happen every Wednesday night at the Bo.Gs, as I like to call them.






It was the most beautiful night of the summer, so far.  The temperature was perfect, no humidity, full moon, fireflies galore.  It was a super sweet little picnic with my man and my friends.

Plus, I finally got to use my picnic basket.  We got it as a wedding gift, and after nearly 5 years, we finally got to show it off.  It received many oohs and aaahs.  Thanks to whomever purchased it for us.  I can't remember who you are anymore.  I should've taken a picture, it was so pretty.  Next time! Hopefully not five more years...



If we get more nice weather, I would love to go back and do this again.  It was free and full of happy people and it was awesome to enjoy the beautiful, fragrant gardens.  Oh yeah, and some band played, too, but we couldn't hear them.  It didn't matter.  The company was too good.

Engaged: Keith + Loni

This weekend, not only did I have the spectacular privilege of hanging out with my brother and soon-to-be sister, I also got to talk with them about all things wedding and marriage and even take their pictures.  We had a blast roaming around the city together.



Loni and I had our own little adventure on Friday while we drove around the greater St. Louis area like mad women dropping of resumes for her at a bajiliion dentist offices.

She's a hygienist, you know.  Can't you just tell?  Look at that beautiful smile!

We spent the rest of Friday afternoon and all of Saturday morning at Target and Bed, Bath, and Beyond working on her bridal registry.  Loni and Keith had already made a good start at it, but sometimes walking around with someone who's been married for a little while, who knows what you might need, is helpful.  It was fun to see what their tastes were and all the things they picked out!

When Keith arrived on Saturday, we spent the afternoon all over Tower Grove Park, Soulard, and Lafayette Square.  There were a few places I had been eyeing for the better part of a year thinking that they would make fabulous spots for photos.

We met Loni's sister, Lindy, and her hubs, Adam, for dinner at one of our favorite places, Square One Brewery.  They were in town celebrating their 5th anniversary, and I loved meeting them!

On Sunday, we had an all-day adventure just trying to get brunch somewhere! It was painful, but the crepe I had at the end of it was worth the whole grueling experience.  Sadly, shortly after we returned, Kyle started getting sick.  It could have been the food, or one of the many objects we found floating in our water glasses.  Let's just say that the restaurant we picked was probably not up to code for cleanliness.

Overall it was a fabulous weekend, and I was so sad when Keith and Loni had to leave.  Here's hoping that they'll find jobs here and live close by!

If you want to see all the pictures from the engagement shoot, and you're my friend on FB, you can see them here.

Wall Ball

Amidst the many, many things we did this weekend, Kyle and I went to the Wall Ball.  It was a fundraiser where dozens of local artists (and hundreds of onlookers) gathered and each created some form of artwork during the event.  They held a silent auction and donated the proceeds at the end of the night.  They had live DJs spinning, a huge bubble bus outside the building, drinks and appetizers, and more colorful people than there were pieces of art.  It was a pretty cool event and we really wished we could bid on some of the pieces.

One of my favorite parts of the event was this little photo booth where you could put on crazy props and make stupid faces and they take your picture and make you laugh.  If I had known about something like this when we got married, we totally would've had this at our wedding!



In this picture, you can totally see us in the background.  It was at about that moment that I was nudging Kyle saying, "Look! I want to do that!"  It was free, so he obliged.



And yes, those are my bare legs, not white tights, in case you were wondering.  What can I say?  I have a husband who's into skin so white it glows.

Kyle's birthday, a recap.

The sun was shining warm and bright on Saturday morning as we slowly got up out of bed.  The kitchen window full of sunflowers set the tone for our day.

We got cleaned up and headed downtown to Rooster, a great little restaurant for a weekend brunch.  We both ate delicious meals and shared a crepe with nutella and strawberries.  I'd like more right now.

We then walked a few blocks over to the London Tea Room, one of Kyle's very favorite places in the city. We shared a pot of sencha green tea, which I turned out to dislike, but it was a lovely time anyway.

(At this point, Kyle was probably already tired of pictures.)

From there we made our way over to the stadium, but not without stopping for pictures along the way, of course.  Some with my phone.  Some with my dear Canon.

The game was a bummer.  The Cardinals lost by a 7 or 8 runs, I think.  I spent way more time people-watching, as usual.  It was fun just to be there on such a gorgeous day over opening weekend.

After the game, we walked down toward The Landing to eat sushi at The Drunken Fish.



I don't really like sushi, but Drunken Fish offers many alternatives.  I ordered a BLT roll (yes, that is what you think it is) and it was delicious!

We completed the day at our favorite place, The Gelateria.  Kyle and I had peach and chocolate gelato, respectively, then finally went back home to relax and watch Dr. Who.

It could not have been a better day!  We basically ate our way across downtown St. Louis, but hey, that's our favorite way to celebrate!

Spring Break, Part 3

On Wednesday of our break, we decided it was time to get up and out of our pajamas and do something fun.  The weather was nice and there were a couple things we'd wanted to do since we moved to St. Louis.


We got dressed and headed out into a gorgeous day.

First stop, the Zoo.  I had not been to the St. Louis Zoo since I was in high school and I didn't remember just how huge it is!  It doesn't seem possible that such a big place exists in the middle of our fine city.

There were so many cool animals to see, and I took about a gatwillion pictures.  I won't bore you with all of them.

Next stop, the Cathedral Basilica.  Can I just say, AMAZING?  It really is an incredible structure.  It's open all day, so the next time you're driving down Lindell and you have 20-30 minutes to pop in and look around, you really should.  It's a beautiful place with a unique part in the history of this city.

By the time we got done being tourists in our city, we were exhausted.  That night we went home and crashed on the couch with a marathon of Parks and Recreation.  Another glorious day on our break!

August Gate at the Mardi Gras Family Carnival

Our church volunteered all day at the Mardi Gras Family Carnival.  This was a family event and a lot of fun!  Kyle and I worked the "robes" station, where kids could come and make their King Rex Robes.  Apparently, Rex is the king of Mardi Gras.  Who knew?  All the AG volunteers worked hard and seemed to be have a great time talking to kids, their families, and making colorful things.



It was a fun day and great to be out as part of the community.

If you can't see the photos, click here.

One Year

Inspired by a blog friend, I decided it would be beneficial (for myself) to break down our year.

January:  We spent New Year's Eve at the Corson's house, and made brisket for friends on New Year's day.  I continued to nanny for the Horst chil'ins.  I began my last semester at SIU.  We completed our applications to law school and grad school.  The waiting game began.

February: We celebrated my birthday and Valentine's Day (or Birthentine's, if you're nasty) by going to St. Louis for the weekend.  We stayed at the Cheshire Lodge, had a date at The Fountain on Locust with our newish friends, Josh and Kim, visited the art museum, and discovered Gioia's Deli.  I spent the month wondering where in the heck God was going to send us or if we would stay in Carbondale for a few more years.

March: I spent the first half of the month anxiously awaiting news from graduate schools.  I started feeling like we weren't going to be staying in Carbondale and treasuring our time there.  Over Spring Break, I got my first acceptance, and it was to SLU!  I was at my grandma and grandpa's house when I got the email on my phone.  We all screamed and smiled and cried and jumped around the kitchen.  It was a really special moment.

April:  After three acceptances and two rejections for me, we were feeling like St. Louis was the place God was calling us, though all the details weren't exactly in place yet.  Kyle still hadn't heard from SLU Law (and a few other schools), but planned on just getting a job in the STL area and re-applying because we were so sure we were supposed to be there.  We had a marathon day of apartment searching, signed a lease, and the next week Kyle got his acceptance to SLU.  Crazy lessons about stepping out in faith were learned.

(I took not a single picture in the month of April.)

May: A month of celebrations and new beginnings.  Had a great celebratory night with classmates meowing around Carondale.  Graduated and moved to St. Louis on the same day with the help of many friends and family.  Started attending August Gate, where we knew we should go even though we'd never set foot in the doors.  Started graduate school at the end of the month, and began a painful summer of living away from Kyle while he finished up his job in So Ill.


June: A haze of school and loneliness and driving back and forth between STL and So Ill.  Oh, and threw a bridal shower for my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Hope.

July: A haze of school and loneliness and driving back and forth between STL and So Ill.  Oh, and threw a bridal shower for my dear friend, Ellen.  Then we both stood up with her and Bradley at the end of the month at their wedding.  It was our last hurrah in Carbondale.  Saying goodbye at the end of their reception left many of us in tears.

August: Kyle came home to Saint Louis for good!  We celebrated the end of a long, hard, lonely summer.  We got a puppy!  Celebrated 4 years of marriage.  When we first began praying about going on with school together, we just prayed we'd be in the same city.  God went further.  He put us in the same city, at the same school, and our buildings right next door to one another.  Unbelievable goodness and grace. No accident there!

September:  Traveled to Virginia to celebrate the wedding of our brother and sister, Kent and Hope.  It was fun to travel with family, and even more fun to gain a sister in the Bass family.  Went to school.


October: Really started making better friends at church and at school.  Praise God.  The summer was so lonely, even though friends at church reached out to me, I definitely was not myself then.  October finally clicked and I started feeling more like me.  School started getting harder on us, and it became very clear that our dog was really, really bad.  We knew he was our "Marley."  We hosted a Halloween party that seemed like a pretty big success, but we forgot to take pictures.


November: A haze of school and puppy-wrangling.  In John Mayer-fashion, I wonder if I am going to make it through to December.  I got to travel to Philadelphia for my first ASHA convention with classmates and faculty.  Spent Thanksgiving with Kyle's family in Anna.  Got to celebrate with Keith and Loni the night of their engagement.


December:  Completed our semesters by the grace of Jesus.  When the semester ended, we mostly spent our days at home wrangling our bad, bad dog, cooking, watching all the TV we missed during the semester, and enjoying each others' company.  Christmas in Springfield with my family.  As things slow down, the pain of infertility creeps back in as it always does when I'm not insanely busy.  As always, I'm ready for a new year and thankful for a God who is faithful and isn't done with us yet.

Hello? (tap tap) Is this thing on?

Heeyyy-o! Do I really need to explain why I haven't posted in over a month?  Yes?  Remember that little thing I'm doing called "graduate school?"  Well, it got the best of me, but now I've conquered another semester by the grace of God, and I'm on to a brighter future... at least for a month until it starts all over again.

Anyway, a lot happened in the last month.  The most exciting to me is that my little brother (in-law) got ENGAGED over Thanksgiving!  Yeah, I am pretty thrilled about this.  Not only am I just generally excited about having another girl (we picked up Hope earlier this year) in the Bass family, but it just so happens that I am CRAZY for Keith's bride-to-be, Loni.

I had the privilege of being there the night they got engaged.  Kyle and I parked our car at a distance and hid until Keith gave us the "all clear."  It was a damp, soggy night, and our sweet Loni managed to cry off every ounce of makeup, but she still looked incredible!  It was such a happy time, and now we have another family wedding to plan!



Also in the last month I have been to Philadelphia and back.  I went to my very first professional conference, the annual ASHA convention, with dear classmates and a few faculty members.  We had a blast there and I learned so much.  Some of the topics were way over my head, but others were very useful, particularly for my thesis.  We got to meet a lot of famous-to-us people, including Barbara Hodson (!!!), which I'm still freaking out about.



It was really fun to be surrounded by thousands of SLPs and audiologists.  We got tons of free stuff and there were companies with booths set up who were hiring left and right.  It's nice to know that I'm in demand and that I'm going to have a job when I finish!

Philly became one of my favorite cities.  It was so big, and so much more city-like than St. Louis.  This is not a knock to my small city, but it just had a totally different feel.  I can't really explain it except to say that it was fun and I liked it.  One of my favorite parts (a favorite for all of us who went, I think) was the Reading Terminal Market.  I've never seen anything like it.  It was an old train station converted into a market place with tons of vendors.  You could find everything from baked goods, to fresh fish, to ice cream. We ate there nearly every meal since it was right across from the convention center.



More recently, the end of the semester brought much celebration, both at home with my man, and out on the town with my classmates.  This past Friday night, my classmates had a fantastic night out together.  These things tend to bring out my more extroverted self and I am caught on friends' cameras looking ridiculous, but having fun!


(Photo courtesy of the lovely, Martina)


(Photo courtesy of hot mama, Jamie)

I am so, so happy to be making better friends in my program.  We spend every day together, but nights like Friday are what really bring out the bonding.

Our plans for the next month are to enjoy being school-free, visiting as many friends and family as possible, and getting some unfinished projects done around home.  Kyle is already halfway through a thick novel, and I have editing pictures, baking, and piddling.  It's going to be a great month!

Hopefully you'll hear from me again very soon.