Month of Ups and Downs...

I'll touch on each of these soon in their own separate blog posts, but here are a few highlights of our past month:

-Up...I got cast in one of the shows at Theatre in the Park! You can guess based on this blog post that I was very pleasantly surprised to see my name when they posted the cast lists for the season. Was honored to play Sister Margaretta in their first show of 2011 - one of my personal favorites (for obvious reasons), The Sound of Music. SUCH a blast...they are already onto their 2nd show of the season (my, how time flies!) and I am so happy to now be a part of the Theatre in the Park family!

-Down...we said goodbye to our baby, Norman, over Memorial Day weekend. He was suffering from cluster seizures and we had to make an agonizing decision to put him down. One of the worst experiences we've had to deal with as a couple (rivaling Memorial Day weekend 2008, when we miscarried our first baby)

-Up...we completed the process to become licensed foster parents! We cannot wait to welcome some kiddos into our home, yet our hearts break as we realize their world will be rocked by whatever circumstances lead to their need for temporary care

-Up...we had great times with several groups of visitors who came to town to see The Sound of Music. My best friend Gretchen, along with her mom and her son Aden were among the first. Then Steve's parents came, followed by my parents and my brother and sister-in-law. So blessed with their visits! My friend Kristine also came to visit all the way from California...and I hadn't seen her in 5 (way too) long years! Again, more to come in separate posts.

So...mainly "ups," with a very sad "down." Even in the sad parts, though, we are just so thankful for what God has given us, where He is bringing us (as a couple, and also closer to Him), and the people He's used to bless us. I can't wait to fill you in...

Another fun park adventure!

I know...more pictures of our favorite park. But seriously, this is our main source of entertainment, and if you lived here (hey, you should move here...we could be neighbors), you'd spend as much time at the park as possible, too! It's incredible. Plus, it is a great way to tire Norman out for the night, so it's a win-win!

Temps were in the mid-40's today, so we took advantage of the warmth (well...that is a relative term) and decided to tackle one of the non-paved paths. The uneven terrain makes it more exciting. We have often seen deer while on these trails, and today was no exception! Look at this guy...he didn't even seem to mind us there while he chomped on something very crunchy.

Then, one of his friends came to join the party!

They blend right into the trees, so it was hard to capture the awesomeness (although I was using my new camera that I got for my birthday - thanks, Mom and Dad Irwin!!). There are lots of great settings on the new camera that I'll need to learn about.

Here are two of my favorite subjects on which to practice my budding photography skills:

It's a good thing we have such a great guard dog. Ok, so anyone that knows Norman knows that was not the most accurate descriptive word for our "scared of the world" dog...but it sounded cool. In this picture, he's actually intrigued by someone that just rode by on a horse.

During this hike, we decided to take a fork in the trail that we hadn't used before. We assumed it was another loop and wanted to check it out...what can I say, we're adventurous. After about 1 1/2 hours, we came upon this:


Oops! Our hiked turned a bit longer than originally anticipated, as we turned around to retrace our steps. But we did manage to make it back before the sun went down, taking only a slight -- ahem -- detour along the way. And the end of our journey, we were rewarded with this gorgeous sunset on the lake.

I love our park.

2010 Irwin Christmas Card Complete!

Procrastination over...Christmas card complete!

Here's hoping that next year we will have a tiny little face to add to the Irwin family Christmas card!

Most Wonderful Year Christmas 5x7 folded card

Personalize your Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

The Great 2010 Irwin Christmas Tree Hunt...

Today we did something I have never done before. Actually, that’s wrong…my Mom tells me we did it when I was very young, but I don’t remember it…so I’ll say it’s the first time in my memory that I’ve done it. We went to choose and cut our own Christmas tree! We went to a local tree farm that is family owned and operated (the best kind!)

It was a pretty chilly morning, but the sun came out while we were there and warmed us up quite nicely.

Norman was a champ, leading us through the aisles of trees…he seemed to favor the ones that were more suited to his size.

Sorry, buddy, those aren’t for sale yet.

After an exhaustive search…we found a winner!

Isn’t she a beaut?

Norman carefully supervised Steve during the cutting process...

Meanwhile, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Steve be all manly and cut down our handpicked Christmas tree.

Then, it was time to bring it home! What a strong man I have!

We enjoyed delicious hot drinks...

...while the staff shook, wrapped, and loaded our tree for us. What service!

The Great 2010 Irwin Christmas Tree Hunt Extravaganza was a success!

And what a fun day it was!

And here is the finished product. It makes our apartment nice and cozy. Christmastime is here!!

We don’t have a tree topper, so we improvised. I think this little guy is perfect!

Even with all the fun of Christmas decorating, let us not forget the true reason for the season, displayed here by a beautiful wood-carved picture my Grandpa made us a couple years ago. He makes such artistic things. I treasure the handmade creations he gives us.

Luke 2:1-20
About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!

November Adventures…

Whew! What a whirlwind of a month! This is gonna be a long one, I'm warning ya. November 2010 probably ranks up there with one of my favorites of all time, I think. It started with a visit from my sweet cousin Chelsie, who is now 21 and has grown into such an incredible young woman. I just love her. I babysat her when I was a teenager (she was definitely one of my favorite sitting jobs) and I am so thankful that we have stayed close (gotten closer, even!) as we’ve gotten older. What a blessing to have family that you can honestly say are friends, too! While Chelsie was here, we spent some time at the park (of course). We hiked about 5 miles on a beautiful day. Here we are at an overlook at the top of our hike.

Chelsie is tall! Not that it takes much to be taller than me. I think I am the shortest of all of the Larson cousins, even though I am far from the youngest...I say they took all the tall genes, haha. Here are some more pictures of our Shawnee Mission Park excursion.

This picture was taken with my camera lens half closed, but it actually turned out pretty neat!

Don't worry, I have now put a new digital camera on my Amazon Wish List. My 7 year old Kodak Easy Share is no longer cutting it. Hehe.

Chelsie and I also had some tasty cooking adventures (poor Steve missed out since he's on a different meal schedule with his crazy sleep schedule). We made some gluten-free stuffed green peppers, and they were delicious! See?

The best part about Chelsie’s visit was that I didn’t have to say goodbye to her when it was time for her to go home…I just went with her! Chelsie, Norman, and I had a road trip to MN! It was so great to have company for the 7 hour trip up there. We had some great talks, and wonderful laughs. We also decided that we are going to run a half marathon next August. I don’t know, maybe I was delirious from being on the road for so long? But I’m sticking to it…we’re even trying to get some of the other Larson cousins to join us (with limited success so far…hmmmm). The cool thing is that the race route goes through our own hometown, within a block of my parents’ house, and right by Chelsie’s parents’ house (so our family can give us Snickers bars as we pass the 11 mile mark set up a little cheer party there). It should be a great time…anyone want to join us??

Ok, so back to the MN trip. I hadn’t been there in over a year, so I had quite an agenda and still didn’t get to see everyone I wanted to. I was able to get some important visits in, though! On Thursday, I got to see my cousin swim in the section swim meet (go Amy!), after having dinner with my aunt, my brother and his wife, and my dad. Friday, my mom and I had a fun afternoon shopping together, and we were able to meet up with my friend Julie whom I haven’t seen in 3 years (she has had 2 kids since then!). Julie was one of my bridesmaids and is probably one of my oldest longest friends. We were in kindergarten together! I love my friendship with Julie because it’s the type that, no matter how long it’s been, just picks up where we left off. Love that girl!

Friday night, I helped my dad cover their motorhome (with a 30’ x 50’ tarp…in the dark…we made memories…haha). We had to be sure to get it covered because overnight, we were looking to experience the first snowfall of the season in MN! Norman and Rosie (my parents’ 15 year old greyhound/lab mix) loved it!

Norman and Rosie get along so well…though I’m not sure Norman is a huge fan of Rosie sleeping in his bed.

Now I usually am not a fan of driving in snow, but that 8 inches sure wasn’t going to stop me from a breakfast date at the Mall of America with one of my besties, Kazia. She and I go way back…all the way to a junior high slumber party. Kazia is the friend that could talk me into all sorts of crazy adventurous things back in high school, and we have such a history together. We’ve supported each other through so many things over the past 17(!!) years, and I am so thankful for her. Here is the gorgeous Kazia and her yummy Cinnabon treat (did you know they now make “just the middle” as a menu choice? That is, after all, the best part of any Cinnabon). My mouth is watering just uploading this photo…

I was also able to join some of my family for their traditional Sunday lunch at Perkins. They go there every week after church. Here are my cute grandparents. I just love them! Such a great example of an awesome Godly marriage…60 years and going strong!

After lunch, we headed back to “the farm” to see my grandparents’ newly-remodeled bedroom (their kids did a sort of “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” for their anniversary gift) and spend some more time together. See how adorable my grandpa is…doting over his beloved.

Sunday night, I was able to meet another one of my besties for dinner at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants (yay for Margaritas!). My friend Stephanie and I were the 1999-2000 Miss Richfield Ambassador Princesses…whew…10 years ago already! Our year was honestly a bit of a “dud” for the program as we were stuck in the midst of a coordinator switch with little direction (they have since picked back up and are going strong again! Yay!), but I have to say my friendship with Steph is the best thing I could have gotten out of that year. She has become one of my best friends and we, too, have been through a lot together over these 10 years. She has become such a blessing to me and I am honored to call her a friend and sister in Christ.

Monday morning, I had coffee with a friend that I haven’t seen since high school! That’s over 10 years, people! Man, it was great to reconnect with her and hear about what God is doing in her life. Thanks for the great coffee date, Krickey Mae! After she had to leave for work, I stayed at the Mall (yes, I was at the Mall of America again…and I already miss it!) and met my BFF Gretchen and her little boy Aden (who had his 6 month shots that morning…poor thing). Gretch and I had a day full of adventures. Since Aden was in the car sleeping and we needed some more drive time, I hopped in and we made the trip to White Castle…YUM!

Oh my goodness, their sliders are incredible. And they’ve also started making sweet potato fries, which of course we had to try! After our tummies were pleasantly full, we headed to the Minnesota Zoo. It was chilly, but that wasn’t going to stop us from seeing the bears, beavers, wolves, and other animals on the trail. We also got to see the brand new baby dolphin! It was fun to be there pushing a stroller…can’t wait until it’s my kiddo in that stroller, though! When it was close to the zoo’s closing time, we headed back to the Mall (we had to, I promise…my car was still there) and got a little crazy. Gretchen’s hubby Ryan met us there (to be on baby patrol), so Gretch and I were able to go on a couple rides (pictures to come…they are on her camera) and we also got to try out the new Xbox Kinect as we danced the night away in front of a stunned captive audience. After Ryan was too embarrassed to be seen with us anymore needing to get home because he was tired after a long day at work, Gretchen and I wrapped up our day with some gelato and, of course, shopping. I couldn’t resist a couple cute outfits for the future baby Irwin (it’s hard to shop for a baby when you don’t know gender OR time of year he/she will be born…just sayin’). It was a great way to spend my last full day in MN.

After a morning walk with my parents and Rosie, and then breakfast with one of my theater buddies, Meredyth, we (Norman and I) hit the open road back to Kansas. We made it home just in time to see Steve before he headed off to dreamland. While we were gone, Steve had put up lots of fun pictures and did a lot around our apartment to make it more homey. I loved seeing what he’d been working so hard on all week! It was a quick turnaround, as I got home Tuesday night, and we left again Thursday morning…this time for our Waiting Families Workshop at CPO in Tulsa, OK. What a great weekend! We were hosted by the most amazing family. They actually haven’t adopted through CPO (they have 5 biological children, though), but they wanted to be a part of the ministry and have opened their home to families that come in from out of town. They even let us bring Norman! Their kids were so sweet and so respectful. And they LOVED Norman. Their middle boy Luke (who's 5) especially took a liking to him. We woke up Friday morning and as we were getting ready, we saw little fingers come under the door, passing along a doggie treat (which Norman was happy to eat). He also drew a few pictures for Norman and made the cutest little gift…a dog treat with a face drawn on it, gift-wrapped in a paper towel decorated with marker. Precious. These kids were so well behaved! They were very much kids and had tons of energy, but they were also such ladies and gentlemen. No arguments when their parents told them it was time to get PJs on, and sweet Luke even took Steve’s bowl for him after dinner! What a great host! We just latched on to everything we could while watching this family. I’m so glad God blessed us with new friends. Thank you, Wyatts, for opening your home to us for the weekend!

Our workshop was great. We were able to meet 16 other couples that are in the adoption process (actually, two already had their kiddos). It was so cool to listen to the different stories of how God brought each couple to CPO. Many already had children, and a few did not. Some had already been matched with birth moms, and most had not. There was even a couple that met with a birth mom while we were there that weekend! It just makes it so much more real and exciting that it could be us soon (we hope!). We were also so blessed to finally meet the director of CPO in person. What an incredible woman. She is such a servant and Christ’s love just radiates from her. She is funny, blunt, feisty, genuine, and such a Godly woman. After our workshop, we were even more excited to be a part of the ministry. I sure wish we lived closer so we could be even more involved. The workshop covered basically everything it could, from adopting a baby in the NICU, to trans-racial adoptions, to relationships with birth moms. They even brought in the attorney that we’ll use (for both birth parents’ termination of rights, as well as adoption finalization) and she has such a heart for these girls. They also brought in the doctor that takes care of the girls during their pregnancy (an awesome Christian guy who also has a clear love for this ministry) and the therapist (loved her!). We heard from several birth moms, adoptive families, and even some adults that were adopted (as infants) through CPO. Such a neat thing to hear all of the different perspectives. These birth moms are amazing to choose life for their babies, especially in a society when an unplanned pregnancy is often seen as an inconvenience that can be easily terminated. They are truly heroes, no matter what their story is. As the director says, “I couldn’t even give someone a kitten, much less a child,” so what these girls are doing is the most self-less thing, carrying a baby to term, knowing she is going to be placing that baby in someone else’s arms in order for that child to have a life that she isn’t able to provide right now. Just awe-inspiring.

Wow, so that’s our November so far. Super busy, and 100% wonderful. Things should slow down for a bit now…the next adventure up is the great 2010 Irwin Christmas Tree hunt. Stay tuned!

What a beautiful place to live!

So when Steve was looking into places for us to live here in Kansas, he started out looking at various rental houses. We really wanted to have a fenced yard for Norman to play in (ok, so part of it was that we missed the luxury of our yard at our previous home and were thinking ahead to the winter and being able to just open the door for Norman to go out and go potty). Of course, as we are on a pretty tight budget now, the houses we could afford were not necessarily in the best neighborhoods, so we went back to apartment hunting. Steve called me while I was in NY and said “I think I found a place for us to live.” Well…this place was definitely a God-thing. Here’s why:

1) It is right by this amazing park (that’s what drew Steve to it in the first place) which is our main source of entertainment right now! Oh, and the park has a huge outdoor theatre which I cannot wait to (hopefully) be involved with next summer! More on the park in a bit…
2) When we wanted to get some pics of the actual apartment we were wanting to rent, Steve asked the Admin. Asst. at his company if someone there would mind going and taking some pictures for us (we didn’t want to put a deposit down without seeing it, but we also didn’t want to lose the apartment either)…turns out one of Steve’s co-workers lives not only in the complex, not only in our building, not only on our floor, but RIGHT ACROSS THE BREEZEWAY from our apartment. He went and took tons of pics for us (such a huge blessing!) and we felt so much more at peace about everything. And the other perk about having them as neighbors is that I was able to watch their super sweet 17-month-old son when he was sick and the guys needed to attend a training meeting at work. I have always wanted to have the free time to be able to bless someone like that (and actually I got the blessing, because I got to snuggle with a sweet little boy for 3 hours while he slept and cuddled on my lap).
3) My dad’s cousin’s wife found out we were moving to this area, she said “I wish I would have known…I lived in Kansas for awhile and was in THE BEST apartment complex. I would have told them where to live!” Well, guess what?! We’re in that complex! And she’s right…it is an awesome place to live.

Since we are on our tight budget due to my not working (BTW, right now…LOVING the trade off. May have to remedy the "not working" situation in the future, but for now, I’m very much enjoying some time being a stay-at-home-wife!), anyhow...we are trying to find lots of cheap (read: free) things to do for fun! We happen to be very close to the best park I’ve ever seen. Shawnee Mission Park has just about everything. We have been there at least 3-4 times a week since we moved here. They have miles and miles of paths and off-path trails. Beautiful trees, a huge lake with a marina and canoe/kayak rentals, an off –leash dog park with a beach (though the dog park area is not fenced in, so it will not be an off-leash park for Norman), horseback riding trails, and even a hot air balloon launch area (which is good, because I was wondering where in the world I was going to launch my hot air balloon from around here! haha). Here are some pictures from one of our recent visits to the park.

Such a regal beagle we have! And no, that is not a muzzle (people always ask that).

We saw some pretty fall colors...the leaves were just starting to change.

Norman and I also did some exploring by the lake...

There are seriously miles and miles of paths like this...AMAZING!

And *this* is my heart all in one photo frame...

Isn't that just beautiful? We feel so blessed to have it close-by! When I go up to MN for a visit next month, I'm going to bring back our cross-country skis...won't that be so much fun this winter?! I also cannot wait until we are pushing a stroller...that will be even better! Anyone that comes here for a visit will definitely be introduced to our park!