...sillouettes of Christmas...

December 12, 2014

Last year, I attended St. John's Lutheran production of Sillouettes of Christmas. It is an hour long dramatization of the story of Christmas, with spoken word, song and dance. I had never seen anything like it, and was so moved by it, that I wanted to see it again this year and take some friends. So my sister-in-law, Heather, and her friend, Courtney, spent this evening with me enjoying a fresh take on an old classic.

The musicians and singers were wonderful, and I was surprised to hear some new songs. Do they redo the program every year? Seems like a lot of work. But what sets this apart for me is the dance. The dancers are behind a giant screen which is lit from behind. That means, all you see through out the story, are the sillouettes of the dancers. It is beautiful, and leaves quite an impression.

Here are some photos:

Angels dancing

Mary and Joseph heading to Bethlehem

Have you ever seen anything like this? What draws you into the spirit of Christmas?

...the last date of the year...

December 11, 2014

For Christmas last year, I followed this Pinterest post and made Andy a special gift of twelve dates for each month of the year. We loved being reminded each month to spend some quality time together, and tonight marked the last one for the year: Go see Christmas lights.

St. Louis has so many places with wonderful light displays, but this time around we chose Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park. It was so impressive! Here are some pictures.

So many lights!

Carolers!

The toy company

Wishing it would...(but only for Christmas)

Look!! The Christmas Hippo!

Yes, please...

XOXO!

Afterward, we drove to our favorite house off Ladue Road which sets it's lights to music. We haven't been in several years, and we were delighted to see that it has grown to include the surrounding houses. I love when people work together toward great things.

Have you seen any amazing light displays this season?

...advent...

December 10, 2014

Several years ago I bought this advent wreath in the hopes of using it as a way to draw closer to God during the holiday season. This was the first year I took it out of the box. I've got good intentions, but my follow through needs work.

I found some daily scriptures on Pinterest, and so Andy and I have been spending a bit of time together remembering why we celebrate Christmas. Some days we end up doing a few at a time, since we tend to forget as it's not a habit, but I'm glad we've started this new tradition, nonetheless.

Truthfully, my faith over the past few years has not been the fire that it once was. Struggling with all this personal turmoil, it has been difficult to know how to approach God. Most people run to God in their time of need, I tend to hide, wanting to work out all the issues and then present them to him neatly packaged. I know that's not how it works...

As I'm faced with this new chapter of being a mom, I'm terrified, and I've been driven to my knees more than once over the past few months. Prayers that this one will survive. Prayers that I can be a patient, loving, and selfless parent. Prayers that my baby will love God. Prayers that my child won't die.

I wonder if Mary had any of these thoughts as she carried her own child.

With each passing day, I feel less in control, and it's been causing me to turn to the only one I know who can provide a peace that passes understanding.

Which was probably his plan all along...

Where are you in your relationship with God today?

...o, Christmas tree...

December 9, 2014

After halting all progress due to a frustrating lights experience, our tree is finally finished!

I come from a clan that appreciates a brightly lit tree. That "rule" stating you should have 100 lights per foot of tree, is completely dismissed in my family. The more blazing, the better!

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to add the lights, though. It is a nauseating process (literally, it makes me a bit sick) as I twist and turn the strands of lights around each individual branch. This year, I decided to take my uncle's suggestion, and I strung the top of the tree separate from the rest of the tree, so that I can put it away with the lights still on it. Make it will make the rest of the process less harrowing next year.

Putting on the ornaments was easy, since I only have ones from my childhood and others that students have given me through the years. My favorite ornament is still the golden cello, that my family bought for me my senior year of college.

As we spoke on the phone before my Christmas break that year, my parents asked me what I wanted for Christmas. Exasperated at all the work I had to do before I could begin to think of break, I sarcastically commented, "Oh, I don't know: I'd like a job when I get out of college. I'd like to know what I'm going to do with the rest of my life. I'd like a car. I'd like a husband. I'd like a cello."

I guess they figured the only thing they could actually get me was a cello, so my whole family pitched in and got me one that year. The ornament on Christmas morning was to let me know that it would be shipped to the school. I did end up taking lessons many years later, though life has since halted that process. Though it currently sits in storage, it is always a reminder of how much my family loves me.

Do you have any favorite ornaments with special memories?

...deck the halls...

December 8, 2014

I have been slowly setting up our Christmas decorations since the weekend before Thanksgiving. It takes me quite a while to decorate anything, as I have no vision for decorations, I only know when I hate how it looks. So here are a few of the decorations that I settled on.

Above the bookshelf. Andy added the Cardinals plush baseball.

My sister-in-law, Tammy, makes these snowman families. It's me and Andy!
Next year, we'll add a baby and a Buddy!

The mantle. A bit sparse, but I'm still working on it. Notice Buddy's stocking!

My mom made this for me. It's all hand stitched and oh, so beautiful!

A gift from a student. Our Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

As each year goes by, I keep adding and subtracting, changing and rearranging. Not unlike how my life moves.

Are you all decorated for the holidays? Any suggestions for my house?

...afternoon tea...

From last years tea. I failed to take pics this year...

December 7

It's always nice to be a bit girly with your girlfriends. 

Last year, Karen, Laura, Betsy and I celebrated Christmas and our friendship at The London Tea Room in downtown St. Louis. It was an incredibly fun time, and I would recommend it to all, at least once! In fact, it was so great, that we decided to make a tradition of it. But, instead of heading to the tea room, we decided to make our own little afternoon tea delights.

I was in charge of bringing the tea, and vanilla bean scones. It was my first time ever making scones, and they were amazing, if I do say so myself. You can find the exact recipe here, from the Baker Chick. Sadly, I completely forgot to take a picture, but they looked exactly like hers. (Actually, mine might have been a little less proportionate, but that didn't affect the taste!)

Andy and I have several teas already, so I packaged them the night before, and then headed into Teavana to score a few more. Some people love Teavana, and some people hate it. My sister, Rebecca, says she likes her tea to taste like tea, not fruit and flowers. I like my tea to taste like fruit and flowers, and there's no better place to find a new flavor than Teavana! My new favorite find? Pumpkin Spice Brulee! It's so smooth and delicious! 

It was a great afternoon, with some super cute little men joining their mommas for tea. Before I knew it, I was rushing out the door to get back home, as I had lingered longer than intended, a great sign of wonderful company.

Have you ever been to afternoon tea? Should we make a date?

...getting to know you...

The introvert in me would rather stay home than attend a holiday party that would force me to smile and appear interested and mingle with people I barely know. But pushing myself out of my comfort zone was why I started this blog, so I knew that I couldn't miss my tap teacher's open house/baby shower/holiday party.

I walked through the door and handed over several baby onesies that I had purchased just 30 minutes earlier, and handed over the fruit platter that I had brought for an appetizer. The fireplace was piled high with clothes, diapers, toys, etc, all for an organization called Whole Kids Outreach. It was nice to see such generosity.

When I first arrived, I tended to stay by the food, knowing full well that it was there where I would never be without a conversation. But Christine introduced me around and the women welcomed me in. I was surprised to meet a couple of girls that were my own age. I was shocked to learn that some of the women had been dancing together for 15 years!

But mostly I was impressed with the level of comradery that these women felt toward each other, and humbled that they were inviting me into it. One woman commented about how the recitals were like going into battle together, since it was so nerve-racking. They told me war stories about their failures on stage, and we all laughed together.

Have you been stepping out of your comfort zone recently?

Again, my very first dance recital will be Saturday, April 18. I'll be 35 weeks pregnant, but I hope you'll still come and enjoy the show!

Are you interested in joining the adult tap class at Dancing Thru Life? We're only just starting to learn the dances for the recital now, so I bet you could still sneak in!

...week in review...

Thank you all for your kind responses and texts and emails to our big news.

The very next day a nurse came to the house to administer a "physical" of sorts for life insurance. I never really saw the need for life insurance before, but due to the fact that we are expecting (and I watch way to many ER dramas) I'm feeling it necessary to make sure Andy and the baby are taken care of should something happen to me. Soon after, we boarded a plane for the east coast to spend the holiday with my family, something that I haven't done since college.

Playing Scotland Yard with Andy and my mom on Thanksgiving Day.
We found it buried in the attic closet, so we thought we'd give it a try,
since we're sort of obsessed with Sherlock, at the moment.

Thanksgiving was spent with family and friends, eating, playing games, and...shopping. I know this will not sit well with many friends, but yes, after Andy went to bed at 8pm, (8pm!!!) I went out with my brother and sister-in-law and nieces and snagged a few Christmas gifts. I've always said I'd never shop on Thanksgiving, but it was nice to spend time with people whom I love that I rarely get to see.

Black Friday was spent shopping with my family, and we somehow ended up with a stroller and a pack n' play being shipped to us. (They came this week, and as we put them together, we became even more excited for the little one that will rest inside them.)

On Saturday we woke up at 3am to get ready to catch a flight out at 6am. We piled onto the plane and taxied down the runway...only to be towed back to the gate area moments later. We were de-boarded to let the maintenance crew do their thing, and 30 minutes later were herded back onto the plane, and once again sped down the runway...only to be towed back to the gate area moments later. They decided to rebook us, and we ended up on a puddle jumper to Philly and then back to St. Louis (and by puddle jumper, I mean 9 rows...9.) We made it home by 5pm, climbed into bed, and slept away the evening.

Andy had the middle seat of the back of our plane (row 9).
As you can see, lots of leg room!

I raced around on Sunday, hoping to snag the last of the weekend deals for gifts, and Andy watched the Cyber Monday deals. Tuesday, the stroller came, (and a Christmas gift from Burger's Smokehouse from my sister and brother-in-law - we've already eaten several parts of it!) and Wednesday the pack n' play came, so those days were spent trying to figure out how to put them together, and rejoicing when we they were accomplished. My boss sent out an email announcing our pregnancy on Tuesday afternoon, and so we've been celebrating with the families that I teach (some have known me for as long as I've been there!)

Today, Andy let me buy my first maternity piece. I'm beginning to look a bit frumpy and disheveled at work wearing my regular clothes (pants held together by a rubber band with shirts that are riding up my ever-blossoming bump making it look like I'm wearing a midriff.) It's comfortable, and my belly doesn't hurt anymore, so that's nice. Still, I'm hoping to keep the clothes to a minimum, as I'm sure my many maxi skirts should be able to get me through the majority of this pregnancy.

Your excitement has brought us so much joy over the past week! Thank you for that! Without a doubt, this little one will be coming into a lot of love!

...the big news...

Buddy's going to be a big brother!!

Baby Kuhn

After many years, and many heartbreaks, Andy and I will be blessed with a little one this coming May. We are surprised, overwhelmed, and as the reality sinks in, we are slowly allowing ourselves to be swept up in the bittersweet joy of it all.

I hope you'll all forgive me for not being more on top of my blog during the past few months. Though my nausea was manageable, my exhaustion was not, and I found myself sleeping when I wasn't working, or running, or eating. (I was 10 weeks pregnant when I ran the half marathon.)

I feel that the fog of fatigue is lifting, and I'm hoping to finish the year strong. Thank you all for coming on this journey with me. I can't believe the year is almost over!

I hope that you, too, have had an amazing year! Remember, there's still time to do whatever it is that you had planned on, and if it can't be finished, at least it can be started. To me, that has proven to be the most challenging part.

If you do, tell me about it so I can encourage you! Again, thank you all for taking the time to read this silly little blog. You have encouraged me more than you know.

Buddy's photo shoot. You can see it was getting old.
Let's just say that he got so many treats!

...adventure date...

I bundled up and took Buddy out to go potty one morning this week before 6am, and I noticed he began to pick up two paws off the ground as he sniffed around. Concerned something was stuck in his little paws, I picked him up only to realize that he was shivering. I hugged him close and quickly ran back to the house and bundled him in a blanket. Poor little guy!

Yes, St. Louis, winter has arrived, unwelcome though she may be.

With the unbearable chill, Andy and I needed to get away. We had heard of this awesome little island in a warm part of the world and made a last minute decision, to take some time off and check out this adventure island, where we could test our skills in archery, fencing, wakeboarding, canoeing and more.

It was more fun than we realized it would be.

Upon arriving, we got settled and then headed off for our first sport, fencing. High above the water, we stood on a circular platform and battled one another for first place. Andy won the first bout, but I crushed him on the next two. It was so fun to watch him slip and fall into the warm waters below.

Don't feel bad for him, though. He dominated in our next event, wakeboarding. While it was fun, I'm just not as brave and daring as him, and doing all the flips and spins is a little too much for me.

Overall, Andy won wakeboarding, archery, golf, and power cruising, I brought home the gold in fencing, basketball, table tennis, bowling and my most favorite: frisbee! Yes, I beat Andy at his own game! He was a good sport about it, of course.

I've posted some pictures below so that you can relive our adventure!

Andy getting some serious air!

Look at the determination in my face!

Andy's jump shot...

vs. my jump shot!

Of course this "island" was Wii Sport Resort, because, one, this place only exists in video games, and, two, if it did exist, Andy and I couldn't afford it!

But seriously, it doesn't matter that we were in the family room curled up in front of the TV. We had an amazing time playing and laughing together!

Do you have any unique date ideas that require more creativity than cash? I'd love to hear about them!

...intermediate tap...

Have I told you that I was moved into Intermediate Tap II? No joke, although to watch me you'd think it was.

At the beginning of October, my teacher at Dancing Thru Life, Christine, suggested that I move into the Intermediate class since the focus in the beginner classes was on balance and I seemed to do just fine there. I went to one class, tripped and stumbled my way through, and she still felt that it was the class for me. I was reluctant, but excited for the challenge.

Oh, what a challenge it's been!

Each Wednesday, I walk into the studio with women twice my age who are more than impressive and quite intimidating in their skills. While they gracefully glide across the floor, I tend to trip and stumble, while still managing to make the correct tap sounds (just not the correct tap moves.) To be honest, I've caught some staring at me, and more than one laughing at me. (No, no, not laughing at me, laughing with me. I'm usually laughing the hardest, anyway.)

I'm only just starting to make a few friends. While, in the beginner's class we were all new, many of these ladies have been dancing together for years. There have been many moments when I felt like I didn't belong...until this past week.

Rita sent me the steps in an email so that I could practice during the week. (My biggest issue is remembering the order of steps.) Many of the ladies noticed I was under the weather and gave me small encouragements and well wishes. (I've been battling a monster cold virus since last Thursday.) And they included me in their Thanksgiving plans conversation. It's always nice to feel like you belong.

There's no class next week, and Christine says she'll have everything picked out for our recital after Thanksgiving. Oh, yes, for those of you in town, my very first dance recital will be Saturday, April 18, 2015. Mark your calendars!

Taking a dance class has been on my list of goals for longer than I care to share. I'm glad I took the plunge this year, and I can't imagine a better studio for adults than Dancing Thru Life.

What goals will you be able to cross of your bucket list this year?

...taking stock...

Most people wouldn't consider baking an adventure, and maybe I shouldn't call it that either. Maybe my baking is more like a comedy of errors. I have frequently forgotten ingredients and misread directions, only to end up with a complete (and usually burnt) mess on my hands.

But not today. Today was a total win!

The only spice we put on our chicken is lemon pepper (we're creatures of habit) and the best lemon pepper seasoning we've found is at Penzeys. I signed up for their magazine, which boasts a handful of recipes and a free spice. Sitting on the couch, I'll flip through it, visions of well baked meals dancing in my head, but I've never really tried a recipe, until I happened upon the Oatmeal Toffee Cookies. I couldn't resist.

I gathered the ingredients this weekend and set aside some time this afternoon to bake them. I diligently followed all the instructions and added my own creative flair (instead of toffee, I used caramel bits, and I didn't add the cranberries or walnuts.) They were wonderful right out of the oven, but even better tonight after they had been sitting out for a while. Sweet, chewy goodness.

coooooookies!

This year has been a great exercise in stepping outside of my comfort zone. I've surprised myself more than a few times, and, though I haven't always been ecstatic with the results, the fact that I've tried so many new things has made me more aware of the possibilities before me.

What have you learned from all you accomplished this year? How will you take that into the coming year and expand on it?

Looking for the recipe? Stop into any Penzeys and grab a complimentary copy of their magazine. Or contact me and I'll type it up for you. If I can do it, so can you! (I also tried the Chicken and Broccoli Casserole from this magazine...totally botched it. One success at a time...one success at a time.)

...energy...

...well, do you?

Richard Wilkins, an Australian TV presenter once said, "Miracles start to happen when you give as much energy to your dreams as you do to your fears."

I tend to spend more time considering what might go wrong, versus what might go right. I think of all the ways I could fail, while failing to recognize the ways I could succeed.

What about you? Just something to think about as you start your Monday...

...the art of deduction...

We tend to make assumptions before we know all the facts. We form a hypothesis in our minds and then seek facts that will support our hypothesis.

Sherlock Holmes would never do this!

I'm not sure if it's the distant and arrogant (yet swoon-y) demeanor of Benedict Cumberbatch, my love of all things reasonable, or my insatiable hunger for mystery that has recently caused me to take great interest in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, but I simply can't get enough of it.

The St. Louis Science Center is currently hosting the International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes, and I have been desperately seeking an opportunity to go. That happened today!

This is a well crafted exhibition, allowing us to fully participate in solving the crime. First, our powers of observation were tested in a small room, as we searched for articles amidst Sherlock Holmes possessions. Then, we learned about several different aspects of detective work, like ballistics, etc, to help us along the way. After examining the murder room (and taking copious notes) we performed a series of tests to confirm our findings.

Though the cost is steep, this is definitely worth the price of admission. Andy and I both agreed that it was a super fun way to spend the afternoon. Don't miss out! The game is afoot!

Here are some pictures from our adventure!

Oh, it's been solved!

Classic

Andy matching bullet trajectory

The murder room

Learned about all this stuff

Classic Sherlock!

Sherlock and Dr. Watson

Are you a mystery buff? What's your favorite series?

...corn mazin & punkin chunkin...

I had an aunt an uncle who were determined that their children would not grow up afraid, so, whenever we were over at their house, scary movies were usually playing on the TV. Poltergeist and Children of the Corn are a part of my childhood.

Children of the Corn was particularly terrifying to me, and to this day, though it is obviously ridiculous and utterly un-scary, I am only able to view it as my nine year old self. Thus, I have steered clear of corn fields my entire adult life.

But today, I pushed my fears aside and wondered through the corn maze at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Yes, it was daylight, and it wasn't a haunted corn maze (though they do have one of those as well) but it was a big step for me. With cute little CORNundrums to find throughout the field, I had a great time. (Though I might have scolded Andy once or twice for getting too far ahead of me.)

There were some farm animals about. I'm hoping this guy doesn't
lose his head come November 27.

At the start of the maze. Not too creepy looking.

Honestly, it was a beautiful day for it.

A little too close for comfort...

Autumn - the most wonderful time of the year.

There was a group of middle schoolers on a field trip, and we had heard their gleeful screams as their classmates chunked pumpkins, so Andy was desperate to get over to the field and give it a try. So we hopped on a hayride headed toward the punkin chunkin patch.

Don't cross him!

I got as low and as far back as I could, but I barely made
it across the field. Andy on the other hand, nearly hit the
bucket on his first try.

The punkin chunker was out of commission, but it looks like fun!

We drove away happy, giddy, like kids. Brookdale Farms is only open for a few more days if you'd like to try your had at punkin chunkin before the season ends. If not, put it on your list of activities for next year. They also have a haunted corn maze and hayride, and zombie paintball.

For more information on Brookdale Farms, click here.

...Howl-o-ween...

Dipping the batter, our cupcakes, Andy with all the ladies...

At the beginning of our marriage, Andy nearly refused to make a meal unless I was standing over him telling him exactly what to do. At one point, exasperated that he needed so much help, I can remember telling him that I wasn't going to help him anymore, and that he needed to "use his imagination."

It was around that time that we decided we needed to take a cooking class, and we began to scour our local grocery stores class offerings. It wasn't until today that we found a food we wanted to learn about that also matched our availability: Autumn Cupcakes!!

We made Pumpkin Apple cupcakes, Boston Creme cupcakes, Apple Pie cupcakes, Butter Pecan cupcakes, Decadent Chocolate cupcakes, and Banana Cream cupcakes, all from scratch. (If you'd like a certain recipe, I have those as well, so just let me know.)

We were both exhausted for this early morning class, but enjoyed all that we learned, the instructors, Sally and Dennis, and our classmates. It was a great way to spend time together.

Buddy the ewok!

As soon as I was able, I finished sewing Buddy's Halloween costume. Lots of my ideas came from BeautyBren28 and her super cute vlog. Buddy was so good to stay in his costume for pictures. In fact, he went trick-or-treating with the kids tonight and even got a dog treat!! Some people are so thoughtful!

We loved spending time with friends this evening, playing silly trivia games and making s'mores. Because Andy had to go to work, he didn't dress up, but at the last minute, I pulled together a Marty McFly costume. Unfortunately, we forgot to take a picture.

Did you dress up for Halloween? Hope yours was safe and happy!

...Race Day, part 2...

What Lombard looks like on google maps vs. real life.

When we woke up around 4pm, we headed back toward Union Square for an Italian meal, and then decided to ride a trolley to Lombard Street. Named the crookedest street, Lombard actually looks like this on Google maps, and they aren't joking. We took the Powell/Mason trolley to the base Lombard, and realized that we couldn't see much, so we started to walk up the hill, which a local told me later that evening, was the steepest hill in San Francisco. Yes, this was only a few hours after running a half marathon.

Needless to say, I made my way up slowly. Andy was way ahead of me, but I didn't mind. When we reached the swirly part of the street, it was lined with cars filled with tourists filming their decent down this landmark. It was pretty funny to watch. Several tourists asked me if I lived on the street as they slowly drove past. I would just smile and shake my head no.

When we reached the top of the hill, we took the Powell/Hyde trolley back to Fisherman's Wharf. After a few minutes of discussion, we decided that our time would be best spent riding the trolley. It's actually really quite fun, like a roller coaster ride, depending on your driver. One of the drivers would just hold let the car plummet down hills before slowly applying the breaks. I squealed more than once on that ride.

We bought some goodies at Ghirardelli Square, and then headed back to the hotel, delighted that we had stayed out past 9:30pm. It had been a big day, and we were ready to head home.

We were asleep within moments of our heads hitting the pillow...

...Race Day...

I've had some health concerns over the past month and a half which have kept me from adventuring. My doctor cleared me for the race, but I wasn't to push myself, get overheated, or get dehydrated. My regular running pace had gone from an easy 10 minute mile to a labored 13 minute mile. I was deeply concerned I wouldn't make it to the finish line. My stomach was a mess of knots that morning.

I had been raising money for the A21 Campaign, an organization that seeks to abolish modern day slavery in the 21st century, and so many friends donated to the cause. I had committed to wear silly race attire for each increment of money that I raised, so I pulled the silly socks and homemade tutu on as my final act in getting ready.

We had a quick breakfast at IHOP before finding a bus that would take us to the starting line. As I began to line up with 24,999 of my peers, Andy texted me encouraging words and found a place along the course to cheer me on. How sweet and kind and faithful! There are few who would wake up so early to show their support. (I can't tell you how excited I was to see Andy just a few miles in. I ran a bit faster just to get to him sooner.)

I was in the third wave of runners, so, though the race began at 6:30am, I didn't even cross the starting line until sometime after 7. Unlike Andy, I made no friends, but offered a few smiles here and there. I stopped along the way to take pictures, and walked up one obnoxious hill, but ran the majority of the race at an easy jog, smiling, laughing.

The morning was a mess of fog. Though it was intended that we'd be able to see the painted Ladies and the Golden Gate Bridge, you really could barely see the runners in front of you.

All along the course there was encouragement. Whether it was cheerleaders, a marching band, a drum line, or water and electrolytes, Luna bars, orange slices, etc, you never felt like you had been running that long. Then, of course, there was the chocolate mile, where they pass out, you guessed it, chocolate, to motivate you to the finish line. The entire event was so well organized!

After I crossed the finish line, I waited for my Tiffany necklace medal and then headed to the line to get my picture with the firefighters. I decided not to wait in line for a massage or food and flowers, as I really just wanted to go back to the hotel and have Andy hold me for a while. We waited in the line, chatting with people around us, and were soon headed back. As I took a shower, Andy got pizza from our favorite little pizzeria. After a good 40 minutes of yin yoga, we crawled into bed and fell asleep for a few hours. It was about noon.