Some changes are hard, and some are good.
The change of the weather, the seasons-- good. I've been waiting for fall, and it is here. This year autumn arrived with harvest of blessings. But more on this later...
Here at the store we're already receiving Christmas items.
I made up this theory a few years back, that Americans, for some odd reason, need Christmas. It's like the last six months of the year are dedicated to the preparation of the season. We (Americans in general) need the cheer, even if its somewhat forced. We need the tidings of comfort and joy, which seems to be more elusive with each passing year as we bury ourselves in comfort, only to find a lack of joy altogether.
In past years, I would have rolled my eyes at the sight of Christmas stuff in September... you know, let Thanksgiving happen first at least! But this year is different. I don't mind the sight of snowman greeting cards or Nativity scenes. This year I'm excited to share my first holiday season with my husband. I'm excited to look for presents for my family. I'm excited to design a little Christmas card (which I always want to do each year, but always end up opting for something store bought and "better").
I'm also excited for "Harvest".... my generic substitue for Halloween, even though I kind of miss getting all excited and spooked for the 31st of October... I think ever since I've been Orthodox, the reality of the supernatural has been heightened. I realize there are truly dark forces out there in the world, and they aren't to be tampered or played with. But "Harvest"... I'm excited. The sight of pumpkin patches still puts a smile on my face. Piles of squash in the produce aisle send a warm thrill through me. Candles and sweaters, and trees that line the highway, aflame with color.
If you're still with me, dear reader, there is one more thing that excites me about this season, and the seasons to come. As the world around me bursts into harvest, we (Job and I) have a little pumpkin of our own. It isn't ripe yet, in fact it is only a seedling. But it is nestled inside of me, 9 weeks old. Please keep us, and our little pumpkin, in your prayers. We are very, very excited. God bless you.
13 comments:
Dear Xenia Kathryn and Job,
**Heartfelt** congratulations on your wonderful news :-)
Glory to God !!
May the Most Holy Theotokos place all three of you under her Protecting Veil ! :-)))))))
I will certainly be praying for you all.
Oh my goodness, I'm sitting here with an ear to ear grin - my prayers with you during your pregnancy!
Congratulations!
Yaaaay!
wonderful news!
You're in my prayers.
Dear sweet Elizabeth, Laura, Mimi and Dawn;
Thank you so much for your prayers and your heartfelt joy! It feels so good to "let the word out." I wanted to wait until our first appointment (which was yesterday) to extend the news to my blogging buddies.
Your prayers are of great value to Job and I. So far I've been given "parenting magazines," pregnancy brochures and books-- but what I really need are prayers. So, thank you!
Holy CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to say, Mike and I feel like we're going to be aunts and uncles or something...even though we're not...really...because we're not related. I don't think.
Anyway, SO excited! All blessings,
Heather and Mike
Heather--
Yes, make that 3 for the Tussing family at your wedding in August :D Isn't that crazy? Lord willing we'll have a bumbling little 4 month old at your joyous occassion :)
I'm glad you and Mike are so excited! You are most certainly welcome to be "Aunt Heather and Uncle Mike" to our little one :D
Love,
Katie
P.S. Forgive me for not calling you these past few weeks-- you might have an inkling now as to why I might have been a tad preoccupied? But if you have time next week, we should get together! Really!
Hi Katie... I was going to wish you congrats after church this morning, but things, as always, were a tad hectic (I thought Sundays were supposed to be a day of rest...). Anyway, congratulations, you are in our prayers. I didn't know if it was public knowledge or not, but I already knew ;) I guess if you post it on your blog it becomes public knowledge. How are you feeling? You looked a little tired during theo. 101... hey, are babies will be, what, a month apart? They will grow up together and be great friends... that will be fun:) take care of yourself...
Christina,
I'm very excited that our babies will be so close in age :) Both of ours and Tiffany's baby, too, will be born within a month of eachother.
So, how did you know I was pregnant? Did someone tell you, or did you just figure it out? :D hehehe. As far as how I'm feeling, I feel a bit nauseous from time to time, and I've been a bit tired (I crashed at 8:30 last night, didn't get up until 10:30 this morning).
You and your baby are in my prayers as well!
OH, my goodness! I am so excited for you, Xenia and Job. Here's a hug -- wait, multiple hugs! And prayers, coming at ya!
(and Christina! A little sibling for Pavlos! I didn't know -- how cool!)
Man, I love our church. Not JUST because of the babies, but hey, it's a Very Good Thing. :-)
xo Kiera/Kristin
Don't forget, the wedding is actually in July. Saturday, July 15th :) .
Congratulations to the both of you! WOW! A little cousin for the Thienes family. Glory to God!
BTW, I wanted to ask have you gotten over your caffeine addiction? nothing like getting pregnant as a way to stop drinking caffeine:) I, normally, only drink decaf, but I can't even drink decaf anymore... the smell of coffee makes me ill!
Wow - Congratulations!
And by the way, I've been to Oblation before on past visits to Portland. Great shop!
-Doug
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