Lunch with Holly

Today I was so fortunate to have lunch with one of my dearest friends. We laughed and cried! Our friendship is so special. It is so nice to be "on the same page". She helps me to be the best Kate I can be. Everyone should be able to experience having a friend like her.

North Carolina

We are looking forward to going up to North Carolina with our dear friends, Doug and Teresa Stevens. We always have lots of fun sharing our dreams and talking politics. This year we will be staying at a Bed and Breakfast. Hopefully we'll get a chance to do some hiking on Max Patch.

BIKE RIDERS

Andrew and Joel have enjoyed riding bikes this summer. They are getting fit and fabulous. So glad that they have this in common. This photo was taken just before Andrew took off for Tampa where he is in graduate school.

Rose's Nursery

Now I lay me down to sleep... Cute nursery! This little girl is so blessed.

35 weeks

All ready to go to Mass. Had a lovely time. Went to Panera Bread for breakfast. Caitlin literally gets a kick~ from Rose. She is a strong little girl~ actually.. they both are!

visit

Had a wonderful visit last weekend in Pensacola. Went sight seeing with Caitlin and Matthew. Loved seeing the school where Matthew teaches fifth grade. Saw most if not all the hospitals Caitlin has worked at during the past year and a half.

Their apartment is precious. I loved the way Caitlin had it all decorated for Fall. She looks great and very pregnant. Anxiously awaiting the birth of her little angel. Rose will be here soon. I can't wait!

Since it's the Van Sickler Family Blog I need to fill you in. Answered Prayers. Andrew will be attending the University of South Florida in the Fall. He is persuing a Masters degree in Biomedical Sciences~in hopes of going to medical school. Jordan will be a junior at the University of Florida. Still an Accounting major, hoping to become a CPA. Joel is still working long long long hours, but always has a sliver glimpse of retirement not far behind. We have purchased 15 acres in North Carolina and hope to one day build a log home. I know what you're thinking.... I said I would NEVER build again. It's one of the top reasons I went into Real Estate. But Joel assures me that BK Cypress- is the company to use and it'll be fine. We will be celebrating 30 years together, so time will tell.
Looking forward to visiting the Van Sickler's in Winchester this weekend. I'm sure we'll get our fill of crabs, beer and laughter. Some things just never change. Today I end my blog with....God is always faithful.

July 17-19th

Had a wonderful shower this weekend. Grandma Elaine came and Aunt Sarah Schultheis too. Rose is getting bigger, as Caitlin's belly expands. We had a great time. Grandma Elaine treated us to a wonderful dinner Saturday night at Macaroni Grill.... it was delicious! Then Sunday was the baby shower for Baby Rose and Caitlin. They are truly blessed. No stone was left unturned. We all scooted off to a late Sunday Mass, again... perfect timing. Sunday evening we did "take out" pizza from our new favorite PIZZA PUB! Ending the evening with a huge Poker game in which (father) Matthew took away the honors. Monday was our last full day with Aunt Sarah and Grandma Elaine so Jordan took them on a boat/fishing trip. Everyone caught at least one fish. I drove (mama) Caitlin to the beach at Lover's Key and then we all had our last lunch together. Grouper sandwiches, chicken wraps, burgers , and calamari ....yummy.

Its a Girl!!!!!

Can't believe I haven't blogged since April. Well everyone! It's a GIRL! We are so excited. I guess we really would have been excited either way. But now we can actually picture her. Caitlin is now past the 20 week mark. Her morning sickness has subsided for now. Although when she starts to gag... look out. Baby Shower July 18th at the house. So excited Grandma Elaine and Sarah Schultheis will be flying in. God is Good!
Today is Andrew's 23rd birthday. He is home for the summer. I actually think it has been a little hard on everyone. After graduating from FSU with a degree in Biology - his future right now is up in the air. Praying hard for direction for him.

on their way

so excited tonight. Caitlin and Matthew are on their way to Fort Myers for the weekend. I can't wait to see them. Caitlin and I will go shopping .... for maternity clothes. It is going to be great.

A special mother in law

I have to say how blessed Caitlin is regarding Mother-in -laws. She says she has to pinch herself. Elaine Schultheis spent a selfless spring break with Caitlin and Matthew. Caitlin was feeling so sick and was really tired. This very special lady took very good care of her. Caitlin went through a major withdrawl when she left. I can't tell you how comforting it is to know that your daughter has a mom like this in her life, and then to end up being related..... oh thank you God. As grandmothers, we are so excited. It is nice to share this with Elaine (and Larry).

April 6, 2010

Well, Matthew sent us updated ultrasound pics but I have no idea how to upload them from a PDF file. Today, when I spoke with Caitlin, she is still experiencing morning sickness. It virtually lasts all day. Poor baby. I know this too shall pass but it is a bummer going through it. She and Matthew are traveling down to Fort Myers on Friday. She has a test that day and of course Matthew has class, so they'll leave when they are finished. Joel and I can't wait to see them. It feels like it has been forever. ( actually since Christmas)... but who's counting. I want to get up to Pensacola at some point. Real Estate has been very inconsistant... It's hurry up and wait... I have closings in May, June, and July. It's fun, but a lot of work keeping up with these contracts. Off to clean the house. Our housekeeper has been really sick and I'll need to pick up the slack for the next few weeks.... not too fun... but a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.

Let's Guess.... Boy or Girl

Kate -girl
Joel-boy
Caitlin- girl
Matthew-boy
Grandma Feeney-girl
Andrew- girl
Jordan- girl
Barry- boy
Birgit-girl
Kristyna-girl

April 5, 2010

Today Caitlin had her second appointment. She texted... boy has this baby grown.. it's heart rate was 174. At this point I am thinking it's a girl. Joel thinks a boy. I honestly can't wait to find out. I can't believe I didn't know what I was having. It was a surprise. Especially Andrew because everyone thought for sure he was going to be a girl. Hopefully tonight they will send more ultra sound pics and I'll learn how to upload them.