Happy Easter, and welcome Nena?

So I get a call at 6:00 this morning...it's Darcy, and she says it's time to head to the hospital to have Nena. Oh, and Madeleine has all the symptoms of an ear infection, so instead of a lovely Easter with Madeleine visiting Canopy Roads (and me being in the Easter Drama), I'll be heading to Urgent Care at 9 with a sick 2 1/2 year old. I love how God is giving me a crash course in parenting! Madeleine is holding her ear, but there hasn't been too much crying yet. She's preoccupied with Elmo on the computer and the Cat in the Hat on the DVD. This whole market for kids stuff on the internet is really fascinating. I'm impressed with Madeline's ability to follow the directions on the Sesame Street workshop site. It's set up well, and is age-appropriate. Yes, I know, that's the teacher in me.
Anyway, this is the first morning I've gotten out of bed without food before and not gotten sick. Let's hear it for the second trimester!
Well, I'm going to grab some breakfast. I hope we can get in at Urgent Care quickly. Poor Madeleine...

11 weeks...

I'm in my 11th week of pregnancy now. I've journeyed over to the wonderful world of maternity pants, and I'm not looking back. The darn things are just so much more comfortable! Now if I can just get Vance to stop giggling at the tummy panels, we'll be in good shape.
We've been purging junk from the house. It's really cathartic, but some stuff is tough to get rid of. I'll put a few silly knick knacks on a table near the third trashbag we filled, and say to Vance, "I'm going to be over here dusting the mantel...if those (insert name of junk here) just so happen to fall in the trash while I'm not looking...oh well." It works for me. I know I need to get rid of this junk. It's just a lot easier when someone else does it for you.
My mom and sister came up Friday and Saturday and brought the little Dylan monkey with them. I'd post some pictures of the adorable kid, but I can't find the USB port on this machine, and Vance is at the Men's Bible Study. He should be home soon, but then we have to run to Wal-Mart. I had some meat pulled out for hosting Monday Night tomorrow, but on second glance, I didn't like the looks of it. Into the trash.
Back to the cute kiddo, I'll try to post them from work. He really is adorable. Even if he is my nephew. I don't think I'm that biased.
Momma bought me some new pants and shirts...three pairs of pants that actually fit! (or will shortly)
I think I hear Maggie pulling into the driveway...
See you soon, friends!

Baby Bennage is here! Baby Rutherford is coming!?!

Sandra's pregnancy has ended, mine has just begun. We were blessed to be taking care of Adah last night when her baby brother arrived. It was quite a traumatic birth, you can read all about it at www.bennage.com. Christopher posted a bit and a picture. Ranen Zane Bennage looks a heck of a lot like his big sister. I pray that he will be a calmer child, for Sandra's sake. ; )
So addressing the second half of my first sentence. Yep, it's true. We've jumped on the bandwagon. It looks like there will be another Rutherford joining the world in mid-October. It's kind of sinking in, like now when I have to pee (again) and I think I have my first case of heartburn. Vance is so excited. He is so great with everyone else's kids, I can't wait to see what an awesome Dad he'll be.
It will probably feel even more real after Tuesday morning, when I have an ultrasound to check out the sesame seed.
So in the meantime, we appreciate prayers and well-wishes, and will post as things progress!

I built a website...

Using Macromedia's Dreamweaver 8. Kinda crazy, but I have an interview at 1:00 today for an awesome opportunity and part of it includes web design.
So click here to check it out.

Trying not to think...

Do you ever have something on your mind, and you know that there's nothing you can do about it, but you can't stop thinking about it? I am so there right now.

I should be learning about building a webpage to wow the folks at my interview Tuesday. I've learned a good bit, but I need my Vance here to keep me on task.



I have the cutest nephew.


I think it's time for a nap.

My Bonnie lies over the ocean...

...except for when she flies in for 2 weeks and surprises me! OK, sure, I flew to Dallas and surprised her once, but she flew from CENTRAL ASIA. Yeah.

Apparently they've been planning this since October. Vance figured it out last week when Bon's Dad told him I absolutely HAD to make it to the barbeque at their house Saturday. Yeah, I freaked out all over the place, it was crazy. I haven't seen her in 2 years. Of course, she was here for other reasons, but after the week I'd had, that was the best thing that could have happened. Susie and Mel also came over for the afternoon. It was one of the best days I can remember.

I've started getting emails from friends from High School. Kinda crazy, thinking back that far. There are some people that I'm looking forward to seeing, and a few that I hope don't make it or email. $5 to the first person to guess who that might be!

I get to sing a way fun song at church this week. "Clothes", from Barlow Girl. We're talking about purity. I love the lyrics. Here they are:
Clothes aren't what they used to be
They don't seem to fit you and me anymore
Modesty is the door
Flaunting what we've got and more is in
Yeah it's in
They're saying
Don't ask why just wear what we say
You'll look like a model if you'll only obey
To get the attention, just do what we say
Pay so much for clothes so small
Was that shirt made for me or my doll?
Is this all I get?
I looked so hot but caught a cold
I was doing just what I was told
To fit in
We're saying let's ask why
Don't wear what they say
Don't want to be a model
They can't eat anyway
That kind of attention will fade with the day
Clothes that fit are fine
Won't show whats mine
Don't change my mind
I'll be fine

I'll edit my previous post to add some fun pictures of everyone's bellies.

10 year reunion coming up

Wow. I am approaching my 10 year High School reunion. Kinda freaky. I'm really looking forward to it. Vance didn't want to go to his, but unlike him, I liked most of the people I went to school with. And the guys planning it will do a great job. ; )


We're gearing up for the world's biggest baby shower. Well, maybe not the world's biggest, but the biggest one I've been involved with. 4 new babies to celebrate. I hope Baby Bennage holds out until we can shower Sandra and Christopher (and the Alleys, Mitchells and Walworths!)
Just to recap the due dates on the bellies seen here:
Carey : May 4th
Sandra : Feb. 17th
Darcy : April 13th
Julie : April 10th
Danielle : May 6th










Uncle Bubba passed away last week. I drove 12 1/2 hours to NC to be with the family for the funeral. My nephew is getting bigger and cuter all the time. It was a neat experience, to have him sleeping on me so Shannon could sleep longer. She's doing a great job with this whole Mom thing. I hope it comes as naturally to me.
Here I am at Granny's house.





Some of the girls went to see 'Pride and Prejudice' at the dollar theater tonight. What a love story! Sandra warns me that I may be a bit more mouthy after I read the book. At least I'll be more educated in my mouthy ways, right? I really enjoyed the show. When I finish the book, Sandra says we can watch the 5-hour A&E version. I can't wait!

I got rear-ended again. That means that I have been in some form of a car accident in every vehicle I have owned since the beautiful Blue Cougar I totalled. Kinda sucks!
It seems that I have some significant ligament damage in my neck this time. I'm going to try acupuncture to relieve the pain. I'll keep you posted on how I do with the needles!
At least I get a massage once a week for 3 months!

Oh, and I didn't get Sandra the magazine subscription. I wonder who did?

More Pictures and updates...

Maybe being an aunt will make me post more.
Dylan is so cute. These aren't the best pictures of him, but I'm sure I'll get plenty more when we head down again on Friday.
This is Friday afternoon BEFORE they got Shannon into a private room. We heard some interesting conversations between the 'couple' that were preparing to take home their newborn. Needless to say, Momma headed to the nurses' station to give them a friendly reminder that there were other people in the room. Shortly after that one of Momma's friends that is a bigwig at the hospital showed up and assured us that a private room was coming soon. And of course, it was!
My dad is loving being a grandpa. He had the greatest smile Friday morning, holding his grandson. He was really excited, since having a boy meant that the guys would finally outnumber the girls in the family.









This is shortly after arriving at home with Dylan. I can't wait to see him again. Only 4 1/2 days to go!

Oh what a night...

Wow! Of course, I'm not biased, but this is one cute kid! Dylan Jay Hugill made his appearance into this world at 3:46 AM, weighing in a 8 lbs. 5 oz. He is 22 inches long, and has Shannon's nose and lips, and Jay's chin. He has a full head of light brown hair, and was really alert this morning.












Shannon and Jay were at the hospital at 5:00 am Thursday, like they were told to do, but the hospital didn't have a room for them until 1:30 PM! Shannon labored for about 14 hours, with stadol and then an epidural.
Being a part of this expereience was the most amazing thing ever. I am so grateful that my sister let me share this with her and Jay.

Of course, I will post more details later. Just wanted to get these up!

Still Waiting...

So Shannon got to the hospital at 5 this morning...and she's still waiting for a room. I got up at 5:30 and got on the road at 6. Just got in to Orlando, hanging out with Momma and Daddy. We're just sitting around until a room opens up for Shannon, Jay, and (soon to be) Dylan. She's trying not to get annoyed about waiting...you know, 'cuz Clancy women are SOOO good at being patient.
My parents are laughing at me for having a blog. Oh well!
Keep y'all posted...see ya!

Happy Anniversary!?!

I am a terrible blogger! I just realized I've only posted 15 times in a year. That comes out to once every 30.4 days.
Early resolution...post at least 2x/month in '06.
Hold me to it!

It won't be long now...

This picture was taken on Monday the 5th...(that's my sister on the left, in case the HUGE belly wasn't enough)
Please please please let me get all of my stuff done so I'm not stressed over being with my family instead of at work!
Amen.

Oh, and I decided against submitting for the award. No time (go figure!)

...updated...

ETA: Emily and her due date...

Hey, looky...a post from me!
Been a busy month. Too much happening at work, lots of people announcing pregnancies, and trying to get caught up enough to head down to Orlando and see my nephew being born.
In case you were wondering, here are the pregnant ladies and due dates...
My sister Shannon - due 12/22, inducing next Thursday (my anniversary!) the 15th. (Boy)
Sandra - February 17th (Boy)
Julie - April 10th (Boy)
Darcy - April 15th (Girl)
Carey - May 4th (Boy)
Danielle - May 6th (Boy)
Sam Kagy - May 8th (?)
Jen Charles - May ? (?)
Emily (from work) July 9th (?)
Mary - July 17th (?)

Crazy...
I just found out that someone is reading this stuff...that makes me smile.
(Thanks Danielle)
I baked like crazy today. I picked up one of the youth girls and we had some quality time. Vance and the boys were getting the wood floor installed in the Bennage's bedroom, so Sandra and Adah stayed over in the guest room last night. Poor girls, didn't sleep a wink. But Adah had a blast at the Nutcracker this morning. It was supposed to be an abbreviated 'Children's version', but it was still 1 1/2 hours long!

I'm trying to figure out if I have time this week to work on a packet to submit for an the Southeast Region New Advisor Award for the National Academic Advising Association. I have zero time to do it, but I'm really tempted to try. I think if I work late through Wednesday I can pull it off. I'm tempted. It's a great honor to be nominated (really!) 'cuz it's by your peers. I found out I was the only one at FSU to be nominated by two different people. So I kinda feel like I'd be letting them down if I didn't submit my stuff. The thing is, is that it's a lot of paperwork to get in order, and I have to write a 'personal statement' AND update my resume', which I haven't even looked at since I started this job 2 years ago. The packet has to arrive in Atlanta by Friday, and since I'm leaving town first thing Thursday, I'd have to express mail it Wednesday afternoon.
I really appreciate being appreciated at work. The folks I work with are really good at letting you know when you're doing a good job. I found out one of my students nominated me for the FSU Advising Award. I hear that packet is a piece of work too, but if I do this one, I'll be more than ready for the other, right?

I guess it's time to go.

Customer Service Commandments

(Check them out!)
Word! Finally, the knowledge that there are people like me out there! (And I do mean out there!)
Ah, the annual commercialism monster rears its ugly head. (Trying...so hard...fighting urge to buy buy buy...)

My Sister...

...is getting close to term...swollen feet, etc. But doesn't she look great?
I'm really excited about being an aunt. (That's pronounced 'ant', just so you know.)

We're heading to Orlando Friday and Saturday for a quick trip and to shower Shannon (and Dylan and Jay).

Who I Am Hates Who I've Been

I watched the proverbial sunrise
coming up over the Pacific and
you might think I'm losing my mind,
but I will shy away from the specifics...

'cause I don't want you to know where I am
'cause then you'll see my heart
in the saddest state it's ever been.

This is no place to try and live my life.

[Pre-Chorus]
Stop right there. That's exactly where I lost it.
See that line. Well I never should have crossed it.
Stop right there. Well I never should have said
that it's the very moment that
I wish that I could take back.

[Chorus]
I'm sorry for the person I became.
I'm sorry that it took so long for me to change.
I'm ready to try and never become that way again
'cause who I am hates who I've been.
Who I am hates who I've been.

I talk to absolutely no one.
Couldn't keep to myself enough.
And the things bottled inside have finally begun
to create so much pressure that I’ll soon blow up.

I heard the reverberating footsteps
sinking up to the beating of my heart,
and I was positive that unless I got myself together,
I would watch me fall apart.

And I can’t let that happen again
‘cause then you’ll see my heart
in the saddest state it’s ever been.

This is no place to try and live my life.

[Pre-Chorus x2]
[Chorus]

Who I am hates who I've been
and who I am won’t take the second chance you gave me.
Who I am hates who I’ve been
‘cause who I’ve been only ever made me...

So sorry for the person I became.
So sorry that it took so long for me to change.
I’m ready to try and never become that way again
‘cause who I am hates who I’ve been.
Who I am hates who I’ve been.

XXVII...

Wow. 27...whatever. Some freshman girl made a comment that 27 was old yesterday. Just wait.
We're about to have strawberry shortcake for my birthday here in the office. Vance is coming up. It's always fun to have him here.
His mom sent me the sweetest email. I am really blessed to have such great in-laws!
I've received an assortment of emails and funny e-cards from family and friends. Some folks think that adult birthdays don't need to be celebrated. Again, whatever! I think we need to find something to celebrate each day. Hey, getting out of bed is a blessing, isn't it? Having a bed to get out of? All overlooked joys.

I also learned that some of my students have found my blog. So here's a shoutout to my class. You guys keep me going, and challenge me each class meeting. Thanks for helping me keep perspective this semester, and putting up with an over-worked instructor!

Well, time for cake! See you there!

Hurricane Katrina

I'm going...
I'm volunteering with the Red Cross this weekend, somewhere (MS or AL) to help the hurricane victims. No A/C, BYO sleeping bag/cot. I haven't felt such a strong call to do something in a long time. We have so much, and they have been left with nothing. I just thank God that I am able to go and serve. My big three day weekend plans to finish the guest bathroom, scrub my kitchen, and party are so meaningless in the face of all that's happening a few hours west.
Please donate to the Red Cross, or a legitimate charity to help.
Wish me luck!

Back in the Saddle

First day of classes. The students were nuts today! I am so glad its over! I really love my job, but it is nice to be home. A few firsts...first time I was hung up on by a student today...first time I dropped my keys in the trash at dinner tonight.
I hope my class is great this semester. They seem to be really fun. This is one of the great parts of my job, teaching. Let's just hope the heckler doesn't get to me. I'm thinking about asking them if they want to do a class blog. We'll see!
If they do, I'll be sure to link to it.

WW update-13 down, 7 to go. I hope I can keep it up this fall.

I'll post our vacation pictures soon(including the new car!).

Weight Loss and such...

I've been doing Weight Watchers for a little over a month now. It's been going well. I've lost 7.6 pounds, 12.4 more to go! It hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. I can be so lazy, and just want to eat whatever I see. I just try to make sure that what I see is healthy now. Poor Vance had to eat all the bad stuff in the house (such suffering!) because I'm too cheap to throw out perfectly good food.
I really like it when I get positive comments from co-workers and friends, but it's still frustrating when some of my clothes aren't quite fitting yet. I hope once I've hit my goal I can stay motivated. I miss certain foods a lot. I still have a bite of chocolate once in awhile, and Darcy made an amazing low-fat chocolate lava cake Sunday Night, which I fully enjoyed.
The Tallahassee Irish Step Dancers had our recital, ending the year on a high note.
I danced with a big ole' ugly white brace on my leg, but I suppose it's worth it to keep me dancing next year. I sprained my ankle two weeks ago in rehearsal and almost wasn't able to perform. We had a good sized crowd and lots of fun.
You know, if I didn't have to work to pay the bills, I'd dance all the time. Dance classes, maybe competitions. I just love to move with music.
Alright, I'd better get back to real work now.