Challenge: Day 11

A Photo of Your Favorite Film

Oh goodness, I just love Sleepless in Seattle. For those who "knew me when," you'll know that I always say my favorite movie is Dumb and Dumber. It's a great movie and will be a never-ending source of jokes between my brother-in-law and me. But Sleepless (as we call it in our family...we're on a one-word basis with this movie), holds a special place in the movie section of my heart. I LOVE movies. I'm sure it stems from my parents love of them. We were always watching something at home or going to the movie theater. There isn't much else to do in a small town! I'm glad that I married into a family that loves movies, as well. If you know Gerrit, you know he loves his movies.

Anyway, back to Sleepless...I could probably quote it all the way through. This movie is one that my family has watched over and over again. I watch it when I can't fall asleep, which is kind of ironic given the title and theme. You can't deny the chemistry that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan have together. They are both just precious. The soundtrack is right up my alley. And who doesn't love a love story? *{warm fuzzies}* I could go on and on.....I'm stopping now for your benefit.

Another favorite of mine is While You Were Sleeping.

My family quotes this movie when we're together. When someone says something completely "out of left field" (which is often), someone else always says, "John Wayne was tall" or "These mashed potatoes are so creamy." If you don't get the reference, you need to go rent this movie. No, just buy it. You'll love it.

I know that someday, Gerrit will love these films the way I do. My kids will too, because I'm making them watch these starting the day they come home from the hospital.

Challenge: Day 10

A Photo of You as a Baby

This is little me at Christmas-time. I don't think it looks like me at all. But what I like about this picture is that I stole the hat off the bear and put it atop my own head. I look pretty pleased with myself. :)

For some reason, Gerrit really likes this one. So, I'll put it up for him.

Again, in the pattern of stealing, I am snatching a cracker from the jar. I guess I used to do this a lot. I'd get myself up there and take one. So crafty.....Supposedly, Gerrit was a mischievous little one, too. What does this say for our future child? Uh-oh....

Challenge: Day 9

A Photo of Your Family
(Dad, Mom, me, Gerrit, Courtney, Aubrey, Paul and Jozie)

Hard to believe, but this picture was taken over 3 years ago on Gerrit's and my wedding day. What a day, what a day. I think this is actually the most recent picture we have with most of us in it. And my sister, Carey, and her family are missing! Why? Well, let me tell you....Carey gave birth to her second child the night before the wedding.....2 months early! She and Courtney were supposed to be co-matrons of honor. We figured since she would only be 7 months pregnant at the time, that this wouldn't be a problem. If she got uncomfortable, she could sit down in the middle of the ceremony. But God decided Owen needed to come sooner. And that he did! Carey and Greg missed the wedding, but they had a big day of their own! Most importantly, she and Owen were healthy and he was a little trooper who has grown into a pretty awesome kiddo. Below is a picture of their family: Greg, Sophie, Carey and Owen.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we plan to take one big family picture while wearing ugly sweaters. :) I can't wait. I love when we're all together and I wish that could happen more often. I just love my family. They are pretty fantastic as a whole and as individuals. I feel very blessed that God chose to put me in this family.

And finally, here is a picture of the other side of the family. The in-laws! On either side of me and Gerrit are Ed, Gwen, Darcy (older sister), and Ahna (younger sister). The one person missing is Ahna's fiance, Rico. They're getting married this winter! Lord willing, I'll be posting pictures of their big day in the months to come.

I think when you start dating someone, it's really a test run with the family as well. I was relieved when I met Gerrit's family because they are wonderful people. They have welcomed me right in and treat me as one of their own. I appreciate and love them.

Aw, family. I get warm-fuzzies thinking about all of them. :)

Challenge: Day 8

A Photo of Your Favorite Band/Musician

*{sigh}* Frank Sinatra. Ol' Blue Eyes. The man. The legend. I don't think any musician will ever or can ever fill the position of my favorite musician the way that Frank does. There was a time that I swooned over 'NSYNC :), but their place in musical history has passed. Frank's music is timeless. You cannot be in a bad mood when Frank sings....well, unless one of his more solemn songs is playing. But that's just it! His voice just messes with the listener's emotions! He makes you feel the way he WANTS you to feel. Powerful stuff. My dad often sings Frank Sinatra songs, which is probably how I grew to love F.S. so much. When recorded, my dad's voice has been mistaken for Sinatra's voice. And since I like my dad so much, it was just a natural progression to like Frank, too. My entire family loves Sinatra. We can't help ourselves. It's in the blood.

Challenge: Day 7

A Photo of Someone You Love

I love Gerrit and this is a picture of him. :) This picture was taken on an RA staff retreat. Our staff was actually on our way to my house to stay for the weekend. Gerrit and I met as RAs. That was my second and his third year as an RA. He had been liking me on and off through out the beginning of that year. I had no interest in him at that point and just wanted to swear off men in general. On this trip, Gerrit's like for me was rekindled somehow. I don't know why....I'm pretty sure I wasn't sending out any vibes. It may have just been another month until I started liking him.

Here's the short version of how I began to like him: I was frustrated with my "love life" or lack thereof. I started praying on my way to class one day. I said, "Lord! I'm sick of men! I've over trying to find the right one. Here's my extensive list of qualities I want in my future husband. Do what you will!" And I listed all the things I wanted in my husband, down to the nitty gritty nonsense qualities. All of a sudden, I was struck with the thought: I'm describing my friend, Gerrit. Oh crap....I'm describing Gerrit." You see, I just wasn't ready for this! I didn't think God would reveal that specific man so very quickly and I CERTAINLY did not think it could be the guy that I looked at as a sometimes obnoxious older brother (we had a friendship full of teasing and sarcasm). But alas, God softened my heart and showed me the amazing man that Gerrit was/is. It's like God and Gerrit plotted it out. They won me over.

There are many people that I love. I cherish each one in a special place in my heart. I love my family so much. I love my friends dearly. My life is full of people that I love. I'm a lucky lady. But there is no one that I love as I do my husband. Of course, I strive to love God above all others. But I also believe that He made me to love this man. Yes, He put me on this earth, in part, to love Gerrit. I was made and designed by God to be Gerrit's wife. And I am just so glad that He did.

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.
~Anne Bradstreet

Challenge: Day 6

A Photo That Makes You Laugh

For obvious reasons, this picture makes me laugh. If you don't recognize the beauties in the picture, they are my mom, sister Carey, me, and sister Courtney. I imagine that Carey must have been on a break from college and had come home to visit. What a perfect time to do facial masks! I'm sure my dad thought this had to be documented and was all the more eager to do so since he wouldn't be haunted by this picture in years to come. I'm guessing that Courtney was the most reluctant to pose for this one, being the cool teen that she was. I just thought it was cool, but I had a feeling I'd be embarrassed later. By the looks of it, I was still in my stretch pants phase. Seriously, I don't think I wore jeans until I was in 6th grade.What I especially love are the haircuts we are proudly wearing, my mom's sweet puffy paint sweatshirt, and the scary wide eyes we are all displaying.

Oh dear, I hope this picture makes you laugh, too.

Challenge: Days 4 and 5

Sorry, I was gone pretty much all day yesterday. So, I will do Day 4 now:

A Photo of the Last Place You Went on Holiday

(or vacation, as we say in America)

Here we have Gerrit, me, and Evie at Buffalo Phil's in Wisconsin Dells. We met Evie and her husband, Tim, last year through our church's House Group. At the end of this past summer, they invited us to go to Noah's Ark water-park with them. You may remember that Gerrit and I went to Wisconsin Dells and Noah's Ark for our one-year wedding anniversary. We love it there! We couldn't pass it up. After our fun-filled day at the water-park, we went out to eat at Buffalo Phil's with some of Tim and Evie's friends who met us there. If you get to wear a cardboard hat while you eat, you know you're in for a good time. We had a great couple days with Tim, Evie and their son Raef. We're happy they're in our lives.

And now for Day 5:

A Photo of You

This request is so vague! But in honor of the Winter Wonderland we woke up to this morning, here is a picture of me in the snow. Along with some of my favorite girlfriends, I was in the northern part of the state visiting my bosom buddy Mandy. Mandy lives in a far away state now with her husband, Adam. :( So, we had to take advantage of her time in the home land. And what a wonderful time it was!

Me, Mandy, Rachel and Jess

The snow there was so pretty and untouched. Something had to be done! We trekked outside to take pictures and ruin the landscape with our footprints. Jess was our photographer (except for a few shots of all of us that Mandy's mom, Kay, took. We love Kay!) In the photo of me above, Jess called out, "Hey, Cassie! Turn around!" I knew exactly what she was up to, so I put on my cheesiest senior picture smile. Ironically, the picture turned out with me looking all nonchalant when actually I was trying to be funny and posed. Jess is just that good!

I miss Mandy something fierce. Naturally, I really like these pictures because they bring back memories of the wonderful few days we got to spend with her.

Challenge: Day 3

A Photo That Makes You Happy

Well, I deliberated (with myself) over this one for awhile. There are several pictures that make me feel happy. Being the sentimental gal that I am, most of my albums are full of pictures that make me happy for one reason or another. Lots of pictures of Gerrit and I came to mind. But I think he might pop up a lot in this challenge. So, I want to give you some variety now.

I love this picture. It was taken during my freshman year in college, obviously after playing in the rain and mud. My friend, Brittany (who is just above me here), decided the weather needed to be taken advantage of. After some fun of our own, we discovered Kristin and Jamie had the same idea we did. Kristin (bottom right), however, decided to make our little trip in the rain a mud fight. She smeared the mud all over my face! She was an RA and was also the older sister of my roommate, so I had to be okay with it. :)

I just think this picture encompasses everything I loved about that year. Everything was new and exciting. Playing in the rain was a totally acceptable thing to do. Why not put off homework for a few hours.....or days???? (Sorry, Dad.) I don't remember what else was going on that day. I don't remember my assignments. I don't remember what day of the week it was or what I did after I was dry. But I remember the feeling I had when this picture was taken. And I remember having so much fun with my dear friend, Brittany. If I could time travel, I would love to do this day again.

Challenge: Day 2

A Photo of Yourself a Year Ago

I believe this picture was taken in November of last year. I know we were out with Adam and Maria (since that is the lovely Maria with me). I think we were out celebrating a birthday. Good times!

Hmmm, what was going on in my life then? Well, I'm just going to be honest. I know that I was starting to feel sad about not being pregnant yet. Pregnancy seems to come oh-so-easily with my immediate and extended female relatives (whether they are trying or ehem not). I assumed it would come easily for us as well. Around that time, 5 women at work (YES! 5!) announced their pregnancies. It seemed that every time I logged onto facebook, someone else was sharing their pregnancy news. While I was happy for those ladies, I felt sad for Gerrit and I. As I'm sure you know, it's hard to wait for something when you want it so badly. God sometimes lets us learn the hard way that He is in control. But I know it's a reminder I needed/need daily. Since I have the ability to cry easily these days, it makes me a little teary thinking about it. I feel a little tug of sadness in my heart for the Cassie in this picture and joy now at where God has brought us. At the same time, I know that our road to get to this point has been easier than for many others. I am counting our blessings and want to be sensitive to those still struggling.

In other news a year ago, I was just a couple months away from figuring out that I have a thyroid issue. I finally had an explanation as to why I was having chest pains and was gaining weight. Every girl likes to hear that her weight gain is probably not her fault! Seriously, I wanted to broadcast: It's a thyroid problem; I'm usually a skinny person!!! I was also experiencing tremendous relief that I wasn't having a heart attack!

These are things I didn't share on the blog because I thought they were too personal for the time, but it's nice to be able to share them now. As Paul Harvey would say, "That's the rest of the story. Good day."

A Photo Challenge

Oh my goodness, here I am again. And so quickly since the last time! I thought I would hop on now before I lost track of time/got too tired to blog. I was just on my friend Jenny's blog and she is doing a 30-day photo challenge. She asked if others would like to join her. I thought this would be a good way to get me in the habit of blogging more often...or it will be an epic failure on my part! Stay tuned!

Day 1: Your Facebook Profile Picture

Eh, I'm not in love with this picture. I just so rarely think to change it. This was taken before I headed out to a wedding. I had used my newly purchased straightener for the first time and was happy with the flatness of my hair (since it has a tendency to poof). Now you know.

A Clever Title Encompassing Many Topics

Welp, here I am again. I'm a bit sleepy right now, so I think the witty banter might be at a minimum tonight. I know I usually have you in stitches. My apologies.

Last weekend was, of course, Halloween. My sister, Carey, and her husband Greg hosted their annual Halloween party. I stole this picture of us from her blog! Thanks, Carey!

Gerrit was a creepy dude that he called "Death." I did not approve because I don't like ANYTHING scary. He was/is sooooooooooo proud of this mask. Apparently it has been a dream of his to be something scary for a Halloween. The mask is now hanging and staring at me in the very room in which I am typing. I'm not thrilled about this. I was a butterfly. I have not always wanted to be a butterfly, but I really like the purple, feathered, sequined mask....cause, who wouldn't?

In other news, I came home from work a couple days ago to find these waiting for me:
It made me sing, "What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man...." The note reads:

For My Precious & Loving Wife,
Whom I Love So Dearly
And For Our Beloved Growing Child,
Whom We Are So Anxiously Waiting to Meet.
Love Always,
Gerrit

I could just blush. He's the sweetest. I really don't brag enough about him, but he's pretty awesome. I'd like to keep him.

And in Pregnancy News, this is a picture of me at about 12 weeks on the day we heard the heartbeat for the first time! Now, it may appear to you that I am "showing," but before you make comments about my growing belly, I think this is just the stuff I can't suck in anymore. Proceed with caution! :)

Like I said, that day we got to hear the heartbeat. I was a little worried that maybe I'd just been experiencing a pregnancy-like tumor this whole time. The Midwife got out the doppler tool to hear the heartbeat. It actually took longer to find than I thought it would. She could hear it because she knew what she was listening for. But since Gerrit and I weren't hearing anything, she went to get a more sensitive doppler. And lo and behold, a quick little thumpthumpthumpthump could be heard! The Bean is really in there! It was a pretty surreal experience that I can't quite pin an emotion on. Something like excitement/relief/oh-my-gosh-there's-a-human-in-there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today, I am 14 weeks along. I am officially in my 2nd Trimester (crazy). I am feeling better for the most part. It's really strange how symptoms can be so prominent one day/week and then nearly disappear the next. The symptoms, though very uncomfortable, were at least some kind of confirmation that I am pregnant. So, now that many of them are fading, I'll be anxious to go to our next appointment to make sure it's not a tumor again! :)