6 weeks from today, Kyle & I could be parents to a little boy with a Wilson chin.
This seems like a mighty big adventure unlike anything I've ever known, and I can't wait to embark on it with Kyle (and Quincy in tow).
I hope to capture some thoughts on new motherhood/parenthood in this space as I process through such a monumental transition.
22 April 2015
02 September 2009
Year 1
I know I promised not to blog on here for years, but then I realized it's September, I'm a year older, and we've officially been married for a year. Wow.
Probably the hardest thing for both of us this year has been a necessary life-style change. And I'm not talking about the part where we're now accountable to another human being. What I'm referring to is the need to spend money differently. Seems, in theory, like it wouldn't be that hard, or that it wouldn't be much of a change as neither of us spend extravagantly.
But the truth is, it's been hard. The main reason is because we worked out our financial goals and realized that we needed to get OUT of debt. On my own, my debt didn't seem that big. But once we combined our liabilities, it was overwhelming and depressing.
God has been extraordinarily gracious to us on this behalf this past year. Somehow, despite not even starting our official budget until January (thus 9 months ago), we have paid off over $24,000 in debt. From school debt to a motorcycle loan to whatever else kind of debt you can imagine...we're almost there. Plus, we had to buy a used car for Kyle to drive, as his car was falling apart and his 600 miles a week for work was taking its toll. There were a lot of one-time coming into money situations. Cashing in of old insurance policies that we no longer needed, etc. But it still blows my mind when I consider it.
In order to pay off that much debt, you understand how life changes. We've gone almost nowhere, we don't go out much, we try not to drive more than is weekly necessary for Kyle's job, and we also haven't bought clothes or anything else. It's straining. And sometimes you just WANT stuff. But the truth is, we're so close we can almost taste it. And that makes it worth it and enables us to keep going. We did manage to save enough money to take the most economical trip to South Carolina that was possible. We're so grateful to Tommy & Tracy for making it possible for us to stay down there for free.
Year 1 has also had a plethora of amazing things. We've made friends, hung out with old friends, participated in a friend's wedding, celebrated major milestones with family, and thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with each other.
We're so happy to be married to one another, and are hoping for even greater things in Year #2.
Probably the hardest thing for both of us this year has been a necessary life-style change. And I'm not talking about the part where we're now accountable to another human being. What I'm referring to is the need to spend money differently. Seems, in theory, like it wouldn't be that hard, or that it wouldn't be much of a change as neither of us spend extravagantly.
But the truth is, it's been hard. The main reason is because we worked out our financial goals and realized that we needed to get OUT of debt. On my own, my debt didn't seem that big. But once we combined our liabilities, it was overwhelming and depressing.
God has been extraordinarily gracious to us on this behalf this past year. Somehow, despite not even starting our official budget until January (thus 9 months ago), we have paid off over $24,000 in debt. From school debt to a motorcycle loan to whatever else kind of debt you can imagine...we're almost there. Plus, we had to buy a used car for Kyle to drive, as his car was falling apart and his 600 miles a week for work was taking its toll. There were a lot of one-time coming into money situations. Cashing in of old insurance policies that we no longer needed, etc. But it still blows my mind when I consider it.
In order to pay off that much debt, you understand how life changes. We've gone almost nowhere, we don't go out much, we try not to drive more than is weekly necessary for Kyle's job, and we also haven't bought clothes or anything else. It's straining. And sometimes you just WANT stuff. But the truth is, we're so close we can almost taste it. And that makes it worth it and enables us to keep going. We did manage to save enough money to take the most economical trip to South Carolina that was possible. We're so grateful to Tommy & Tracy for making it possible for us to stay down there for free.
Year 1 has also had a plethora of amazing things. We've made friends, hung out with old friends, participated in a friend's wedding, celebrated major milestones with family, and thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with each other.
We're so happy to be married to one another, and are hoping for even greater things in Year #2.
24 January 2009
What's in a Name?
I realized this past week that I've officially changed in some regards.
A few are probably not surprising. I can sleep when there is another person in my bed. I cook quite a bit (and secretly I enjoy it some, too). I no longer think, "What am I doing this weekend?", but "What are we doing?"
The outward change, though, the NAME, has been something I wasn't sure I'd adjust to very quickly. I've been a Gottschalk and been addressed as Gottschalk for 26 years.
However, I received a letter in the mail this week addressed to Lana Gottschalk and I had to do a double-take. I am so firmly entrenched in "Lana Wilson" now that I no longer sign the wrong signature, I no longer have to make a conscious effort to say, "Hi, I'm Lana Wilson" and not "Lana Gottschalk" when introducing myself. (Even in November, I introduced myself as Lana Gottschalk to someone.)
Now, in January, I'm Lana Wilson.
Make sure you remember that. It's big news.
A few are probably not surprising. I can sleep when there is another person in my bed. I cook quite a bit (and secretly I enjoy it some, too). I no longer think, "What am I doing this weekend?", but "What are we doing?"
The outward change, though, the NAME, has been something I wasn't sure I'd adjust to very quickly. I've been a Gottschalk and been addressed as Gottschalk for 26 years.
However, I received a letter in the mail this week addressed to Lana Gottschalk and I had to do a double-take. I am so firmly entrenched in "Lana Wilson" now that I no longer sign the wrong signature, I no longer have to make a conscious effort to say, "Hi, I'm Lana Wilson" and not "Lana Gottschalk" when introducing myself. (Even in November, I introduced myself as Lana Gottschalk to someone.)
Now, in January, I'm Lana Wilson.
Make sure you remember that. It's big news.
29 December 2008
I'll give it whirl...1st Christmas fun
We both enjoyed our first Christmas together. It was kind of awesome to have an entirely huge 3-story house to ourselves for once, to spread out and come and go as if we lived there. It was also great to have days to spend with family and still time to see friends and to hang out together. This last week was one of my favorites in our 3-month journey through early married life.
When I reminded Kyle to wrap my presents on Christmas Eve, I didn't realize he hadn't had much experience doing this. Last Christmas, he admitted that his mom wrapped my gift. So I turned him loose and heard all sorts of exasperated noises coming from the upstairs. I realized I probably should have helped him on the first one or something. We live and learn.
His gift wrapping actually showed a lot of innovation, so in some way, I wish I hadn't had a chance to show him "how it's done." Oh well.
I gave Kyle an early Christmas present, which we finished up Christmas night...Season 4 of Lost. Finally, he and I are equally knowledgeable and enamored of this show. It starts back up with Season 5 on January 21st! We can't wait.
Kyle did a great job picking out some new work and running clothes for me. Plus, Crocs. Which I've wanted and needed for years! Yay!
And I think he liked his new belt. Notice the eyes ARE INDEED closed as he smells the leather!
There were many other things that were very memorable about this Christmas including hilarious moments with our nieces and with the brothers in my family (Kyle, Franz, and Evan may start up a band soon--stay tuned). BUT I'm not posting more photos or short video clips here.
We're so grateful for our families and how easy it is for each of us to be around our respective in-laws. This holiday season solidified that for both of us, I think.
2008 was a great year and here's to an even better 2009! Cheers and Happy New Year!
When I reminded Kyle to wrap my presents on Christmas Eve, I didn't realize he hadn't had much experience doing this. Last Christmas, he admitted that his mom wrapped my gift. So I turned him loose and heard all sorts of exasperated noises coming from the upstairs. I realized I probably should have helped him on the first one or something. We live and learn.
His gift wrapping actually showed a lot of innovation, so in some way, I wish I hadn't had a chance to show him "how it's done." Oh well.
I gave Kyle an early Christmas present, which we finished up Christmas night...Season 4 of Lost. Finally, he and I are equally knowledgeable and enamored of this show. It starts back up with Season 5 on January 21st! We can't wait.
Kyle did a great job picking out some new work and running clothes for me. Plus, Crocs. Which I've wanted and needed for years! Yay!
And I think he liked his new belt. Notice the eyes ARE INDEED closed as he smells the leather!
There were many other things that were very memorable about this Christmas including hilarious moments with our nieces and with the brothers in my family (Kyle, Franz, and Evan may start up a band soon--stay tuned). BUT I'm not posting more photos or short video clips here.We're so grateful for our families and how easy it is for each of us to be around our respective in-laws. This holiday season solidified that for both of us, I think.
2008 was a great year and here's to an even better 2009! Cheers and Happy New Year!
28 October 2008
MY Version of the Honeymoon Adventure
Ok, so Lana is posting her account of our honeymoon in multiple installments on her blog, which should be great. However, I feel that we will have very different takes on the events of that trip.
Here's the plan. As her story unfolds, I will be giving my account of the story. I will also try to add details for any omissions she may have.
Stay tuned...
Here's the plan. As her story unfolds, I will be giving my account of the story. I will also try to add details for any omissions she may have.
Stay tuned...
20 October 2008
New Experiences Everywhere I Turn
HELLLOOOOO Blogging World....
This is my first blog entry ever. I'm pretty stoked. Bear with me, because I have no idea if there is blogging etiquette or whatever. I'm open to any tips or gems of wisdom.
Finding time to think has been hard recently, but I can't wait to share the excitement I feel every morning I wake up in this new world I've stepped into.
To be continued...
This is my first blog entry ever. I'm pretty stoked. Bear with me, because I have no idea if there is blogging etiquette or whatever. I'm open to any tips or gems of wisdom.
Finding time to think has been hard recently, but I can't wait to share the excitement I feel every morning I wake up in this new world I've stepped into.
To be continued...
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