After a long hiatus...

...we definitely do have news! And more news. Initially, this blogging hiatus resulted from pregnancy nausea, as during the duration of that, I have little energy or desire to do anything besides the necessary.  We discovered I was pregnant the day after my birthday, on February 25. I am now almost 29 weeks, due around November 6 with our second boy! Nausea has passed as of 19 weeks, praised be God, and I am feeling quite well. Baby boy is doing well and kicking non-stop, it seems. We are so happy that Michael will have a robust playmate!

 

In other BIG news, the Steele family is now living in Austria (you'll note the blog title change reflects this)! I am still getting over the shock of it myself. :) Andrew was unexpectedly laid off from his job in early May, and after going back and forth between job prospects and the idea of returning to school, this is the course he has chosen. He has been accepted to the International Theological Institute located in Trumau, which is about 20 minutes south of Vienna. After the decision was made in mid-June, it was a rush to have a big garage sale and exit our rental home. We then spent a week camping on the Olympic Peninsula with my Mom's side of the family for our annual family reunion and then spent a few weeks with my family in Dallas before we flew out last week. We were able to see my paternal grandparents, and finally introduce them to Michael. It was so lovely to be able to spend quality time with everyone before we departed. All the 7 Stone siblings were even in 1 place at 1 time for a few evenings! Michael loved spending time with his aunties and uncles.

Our flight from Dallas to Amsterdam was about 9 hours and went very smooth. Michael was extremely well behaved and slept twice. We were fortunate to have a row of 4 seats to ourselves. We arrived in Amsterdam 7:30am local time and after we used the internet and phone to confirm our pick-up ride, we went right to sleep in something called the "Yotel-Motel." It is basically a hotel located inside the airport, and is comprised of small cubicle rooms which include a bed and bathroom. We all slept deeply for 5 hours and felt much better.

After, we walked about the airport, picked up some coffee and sat down to eat a meal. Michael enjoyed waving and calling out loud hellos to almost everyone who passed; he also enjoyed watching the movement of the airplanes.

We boarded our flight to Vienna around 8pm; a quick 2 hour flight with Michael sleeping the whole time. Upon our arrival, we were dismayed to see that my suitcase was not anywhere to be found. All other 5 pieces of luggage had arrived. I filed a claim while we waited for our ride from ITI. Unfortunately, the guy waited inside the airport for us, while we were waiting curbside for 1.5 hours. We did not yet have a working cell phone for Europe, and were quite exhausted trying to juggle the stroller, car seat, 4 pieces of luggage, plus 4 carry-on's, and keep Michael's spirits up. Thankfully, we found each other and after a short ride, we arrived in Trumau. And 4 days later my suitcase arrived - this pregnant woman had been getting very anxious...thank the Lord!

 

Our first few days here have been mainly filled with grocery shopping, unpacking, and lots of sleep. We have walked around the town a bit, and rode into a larger town nearby with some other students for shopping. More updates soon...we miss our family and friends! And learning more about complete trust in God every day...



We're alive and back!

So...4 months and one big life-change later, I'm back to blogging. It wasn't due to the fact of having a baby in the house (although that could in itself be a worthy excuse ;), that this space has been dormant. As many of my readers know already, the Steele's have relocated clear across country, back to our "home state" of Washington. The Lord has provided Andrew with a great job at a wonderful parish in North Seattle. The 2 months following Michael's birth were filled with organizing the move, finishing up current jobs and obligations, finding a new abode, visiting friends and family, and of course, packing. Timing was perfect - I needed to be able to be at home more with Michael, and Andrew was feeling very strongly called to serve in the Church. And so, here we are, back in the beautiful Northwest and loving it here. I miss my FL friends very much and my church choir...but keep them in prayer and am thankful to be able to be in close touch with some of them.

Quick recap: March 9 - Michael's birth; March 12 - Andrew is offered the job; April 1 - Easter Sunday, Michael's baptism, Mom and Laura's family visit; June 10 - Corpus Christi, my last day at my church job (little heartbreaking), Andrew sets out with the U-Haul, Michael and I flew to Dallas to visit my family for a week; June 18 - Baby and I are reunited with Hubby in Seattle, our new home; June 24-26 - camping trip with Andrew's brother's family (SO nice to live closer to the majority of our extended families); July 18 - Elizabeth arrives for a month's stay; July 29-Aug. 4 - Holst family reunion at Jedediah Smith State Park in N. Ca.; August 23 - Elizabeth leaves. It was quite the whirlwind the last couple of months to say the least. Things have calmed down now for the most part; we are functioning more on a routine, Andrew is quite settled and comfortable and loving his job - doing great work (they love having him there), I know where the necessary grocers and stores are located, and Michael is a happy, chubby, almost 6-month old baby! When did THAT happen? He is doing great and we are so in love with him. I plan to keep you family and friends more updated on his growing/learning processes through this blog.

Well, that's where we are...very thankful to the Lord for where He has placed us, and we hope to do much to serve Him and His Church here. I promise to be back soon - especially now that I am a full-time homemaker/mother I should have time to fill you in on the adventures of our life. I must admit, I still have a few boxes to unpack and things to organize, so it may be a little while yet before I settle into a blogging routine. (Looks like Blogger has been updated - hope I can figure out the new settings...I'm also thinking a new blog layout is in order.) God bless you all.

"How numerous, O Lord, my God, you have made your wondrous deeds! And in your plans for us there is none to equal you."

Psalm 40:5

Back in business.

Hi Folks,

After a considerable hiatus, I'm back to the blogging world.  I retreated for a few months to focus on getting closer to the heart of Jesus :) my jobs, home, and self, and now as summer quickly approaches, obligations are lessening, leaving me with time to say hello and to share a few pictures from the past months!

Rewind. Christmas was a quiet one for us this past year; due to my church job, we were obligated to stay in town over the weekend. My choirs did wonderfully and the congregation was very appreciate of our efforts. I also had the pleasure of helping out with the children's Christmas pageant - the kids were delightful. Lots of great families at this parish; we are very much enjoying getting to know more parishioners as the months go by. Hubby and I got away for a few days after Christmas - thankful to spend some much needed time just for ourselves! Laura's clan went to CA for the holidays...I really missed seeing my family this Christmas season...here's to next year!

Hello 2011 - We trade in Andrew's '94 Chevy truck and get a '05 Toyota Camry. Goodbye 'ole bessie, you served us well.

It's been a busy spring....both teaching, my church job and giving private voice lessons kept me on my toes.  I had a very successful Holy Week/Easter - my choir did superb. It is certainly one of the most rewarding jobs in the world to provide beautiful liturgical music for Mass, especially during such beautiful and holy seasons.  My students also had a few successful events this spring, performing for a Fashion Show held at AMU, and singing for the Mass for the Feast of the Annunciation at Ave Maria Oratory, the latter of which was a highly anticipated event, as Bishop Dewane presided at both the Mass and unveiling of the Annunciation Sculpture which now graces the facade of the Oratory.

Andrew too had quite a music-filled spring as he was hired in the fall by Opera Naples, and so was kept insanely busy for a few months both performing in their Young Artist group and in two operas, in one of which (Carmen) he played the principal role of Dancario, and was really superb.  In addition, he has been teaching voice at AMU and taking a few continuing education classes. 

My brother Ben graduated on May 7, and Mom came down for this occasion and to spend a week.  It was SO lovely having her here, especially for Mother's Day weekend.  We spent time doing crafty projects around the house, going shopping, cooking, enjoying wine and chocolate and watching movies...ahh so relaxing.  Laura and co. came down for the weekend, which added to the fun.  Her boys are getting extra cute and entertaining by the day, and we look forward to welcoming Baby Girl Dilanji in September!!

2 more weeks of teaching, then summer will truly start for me.  We have a few weddings to attend this summer, family to visit, and hope to plan a few get-aways just for us.

Hope all is well with you!  Nice to be in touch again.  :)  God is good!

Lately

- Last week was a busy one with going back to the job(s) full swing after surgery.  God's strength is limitless!

  - Incisions are healing well; I've found that Vit. E really helps with the itching.

- Had some lovely days with this one - beach, errands, lots of movies, games, heart to heart talks. 

Discovered that she really enjoys her desserts! We shared some tasty ones.

Sanibel/Captiva Islands were beautiful.  Only 7 people on this particular beach! Want to go back soon.

- Post Catherine's visit, I have been swamped with catching up tasks around the house and for work.

So much music from the church to organize/sort/file, but making headway.

- With hubby's school and jobs also settling into full swing alongside mine, I appreciate more the time we have together. And I miss him more often! :)

- Realizing how much guidance, love, and affirmation young people need...I pray and hope that I am able to be some source of these things for my students.

- Slowly, slowly, settling into a routine, but now fighting off a cold, so organization and scheduling have been on the back burner. Hoping to get there soon...

- Been able to catch up with a few dear friends lately and it's been wonderful!

I am so blessed in the way of friendships.

- Laura is coming to visit for a few days next week with the adorable nephews; I have Friday off, so we have some fun activities planned.

I.need.rest. On that note...

"Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope."

 Ephesians 3:20

Slow but steady recovery

So, the surgery was successful. The dr. removed the cyst and found a great amount of endometriosis throughout the regions of my abdomen, most of which she was able to remove.  My reproductive organs are safe and sound - miraculous news to me because of all the endo that was present and I've read so many horror stories - thanks be to God.  And thanks to all of you; I know that my smooth surgery can be attributed to your prayers!

All in all, it was a great first surgery experience for me.  I was very calm and peaceful all morning (which surprised me because I had some major freak-out moments in the days before); my dear dr. had to perform an unexpected c-section so my surgery was 2 hours late, but hubby and I had brought books and so snuggled in the waiting room and read together - I napped a little; after I was admitted and prepped, my dr. prayed a Hail Mary with me (ahhhh), they wheeled me in and put me under.  3 hours and 4 incisions later, I woke up in post-op. to a lovely older nurse from Romania who provided me with gentle, firm, and attentive care for the duration of my hospital stay of 9 hrs.  She was so kind and compassionate I intend to write her a thank-you note, as some of the other nurses were not going around with smiles on their faces, so to me, it made all the difference to have the one I did!  I experienced quite a bit of pain and dehydration, but that suffering was put to good use through prayer, I hope :) 

Recovering at home has been slow but steady.  Hubby has been so wonderful in taking care of me, as usual - he's always the best nurse.  The biggest struggle was making it through my church job this past weekend, but hubby stepped in with his gorgeous voice to sing while I played, so that helped tremendously.  Ben stayed with us for a week's time, and was helpful in making some eats, taking the trash out, and entertaining me - thanks, Ben! 

Despite the pain and restlessness, time in bed has been good for me; you know, that old "Be still and know that I am God."  Lots of time for prayer and reflection - which has resulted in much gratitude for my life, my health, my suffering, my God, my hubby, my jobs, my family, my friends....everything with which He has surrounded me - I am indeed very blessed.  Snippets from books, movies, Skype w/family and friends, and cross-stitching have also filled my down-time.  Nice to be able to indulge in the pleasures of life without any interruptions or time restraints!  And all the naps have been lovely.

It was back to school for hubby this Monday.  It will be a busy semester for him, but he is eager to commence his MA studies.  I feel bad that I have not been able to send him off with breakfast and a packed lunch; next week, hubby.  I've been missing him - yay for commuting to Ave together starting next week when I'm back in proper shape and form for my teaching job.  :)

First choir rehearsal at St. Raphael's tonight! Looking forward to begin forming this little choir by easing them into some easy chant and polyphony.  "Slow but steady" seems to be an applicable mantra for this week!  Hope some newbies show up.

My sister, Catherine comes to visit us soon!  She arrived in FL yesterday and is currently spending time with Laura's little family.  We'll meet in the middle on Sunday to take her into our custody, looking forward to having some fun sister time with her.

"Oh Lord, how great is the depth of the kindness which you have shown to those who love you."
Psalm 30:20

Following a brief hiatus...

And I thought we were going to have a relatively slow summer?!? Its many events have been enjoyable however...

June 17-19 We move into our new house.
June 17-21 Laura, Gabe, and boys visit and help with some unpacking.
July 1-5 Andrew to Salt Lake City for the National Association of Teachers of Singing bi-annual conference.
July 4-8 Melissa drove up to Gainesville to spend time with Laura's little family.
July 5-12 Andrew to Washougal, WA to await my arrival at my family's.
July 12-28 Melissa flew out to the W coast and much fun was had with her family, relatives, and Andrew's family.
August 3-5 We drove up to visit Laura's clan for a few days - they've just moved into a lovely house with lots of room for little feet to run about.
August 4 Andrew is approved to teach an Acting-For-Singers course at Ave Maria University. (In addition to his 7+ voice students! Will we ever see each other? :)
August 6 Melissa confirmed her return to teach music at Ave's grammar and prep. school which begins Monday of next week!!

In between and among these summer adventures, we've encountered the usual joys, sorrows, stress and frustrations of earthly life...but have been attempting to approach each one with prayer and trust - the rewards are abundant.

We plan to make the most of the few days we have left before everything shifts into high gear upon Andrew's return to school August 24. Our new home is slowly but surely getting unpacked and settled into. I hope to get EVERYTHING finished by the end of this month. Catherine Stone comes to FL to visit August 31-Sept. 11 and both the Steele's and Dilanji's are very VERY excited to see her.

I am very determined to ease into the fall with a calm frame of mind and spirit and organized home life, leaving plenty of time for relaxation, prayer, rest, and personal care. We hope to catch a few more of these before our evenings are enveloped with studies, class prep., music planning, etc.


Hope all my readers are having a beautiful and blessed summer!
Especially my dear brother, CHRISTOPHER STONE.

We LOVED spending time with you and are very proud of the man you are becoming. Please come visit anytime - we can not offer you mountainous hikes, but jet skiing, kayaking, swamp biking, sailing, and alligator hunting awaits you! We love you.
(Are you blushing from the shout-out yet?)

We're moving

Just a quick update...since I got my new job (located 45 min away), we have been on the lookout for a rental home that would make my drive shorter while still being close to Ave Maria for Andrew's schooling/work. We went to look at a few yesterday, applied for one, and were approved today to move in NEXT week. We are looking forward to living in an actual home (3 bedroom, 1 office/den, 2 bathrooms, garage) and amazed that we can get it very close to the price of what we are paying now for our little townhouse. It sounds like Laura and Gabe may be able to come down next week to help with moving - it would definitely make it more fun!

Some reasons why I am excited about this place:

-I will have a shorter drive to work; for organ practice, early Sunday morning Mass, for last minute funerals/weddings, ect.
-The kitchen has 5+ cupboards vs. 2.
-2 separate walk-in closets in the master bedroom.
-Lots of room for visitors.
-Lots of room for parties.
-There is room for a piano.
-I can hang curtains.
-The lanai has room for more than 2 people and a barbecue for Andrew.
-I can finally do some gardening; fresh flowers, herbs, tomatoes, peppers - yes please!
-This house has bathtubs! Bubble baths and Epsom salts here I come...
-We will no longer be wall-to-wall with our neighbors; in fact, no one else lives on this street.
-Closer to the airport.
-The house is less than a minute off the highway to Ave Maria.
-All in all, we will have 'elbow room' (no more small town living). However, we are thankful for the time we have spent living in Ave.

Here's a little preview of our new digs (yes, the lawn needs to be mowed!); more to come of course, as we move in and settle.


Now begins the packing rush...

Done!

As of Wednesday night, both Andrew and I were done with the labor of our undergraduate years! It still hasn't quite sunk in yet, but I'm sure by this evening, when we don our robes and caps for the Baccalaureate Mass, it will seem more real. Mom, Mary, Laura and family arrived yesterday, and it is so fun to have the house filled with the sound of little feet, giggles, and play. We are missing those beloved family members who can't be here with us, and we thank you for your love, encouragement, and prayers.

It is a lovely time. No more pressure from papers or finals, family is here, summer plans are being concocted, changes to our lives are on the horizon...more on that later. For now, graduation, party, friends, the beach, and nephews will comprise most of this weekend - ahhh...