Never a dull moment

I have been so busy lately and showing no signs of slowing down. I have been able to pick up shifts at work which has me working about 35 hours a week. The good thing is it's all when Adam is home so we don't have to pay for child care, but the bad thing is I don't get to see Adam very much anymore except just before bed time.

Addyson is busy busy busy. I think we have reached the "terrible 2's" in full force this week. She is always into something or getting upset or wanting something and it's crazy around my house. She has started to learn a few songs and she sings them all the time! It's adorable to hear her in the back seat singing "head, shoudlers, knees and toes" and she loves the clean up song, if only she actually cleaned up after....She has become a great helper in other ways though. If she finds trash she will show it to me and get approval to put it in the garbage. She also opens the refrigerator to get a cup out if she wants more to drink. Although sometimes she drives me to the edge I wouldn't trade any minute I have to spend with her. She teaches me new things every day and helps me appreciate all we have.

On top of all of this I have joined a committee to plan an event that the benefits go to the Women's Resource Center which helps women pay for dental and medical care for low income women. I know I shouldn't be taking more on my plate right now but this is something I really believe in and I am excited for the opportunity to make a difference. Our second meeting is tonight and the planning is going great so far. The event will be called the "Boo Ball" and held at the end of October at the local Hilton hotel. We are working on finding sponsors and donations for the silent auction so if anyone has any ideas then shoot them my way!

So what else is new. My brother is getting married in 2 weeks. So it's all things wedding yet again including Bachelorette parties, helping make centerpieces, planning a rehearsal dinner (because my family thought I planned my wedding so well I could do this easily...), and finding clothes for my famliy to wear to the wedding. Adam is an usher so we need to pay for his tux this week and I am an "usherette" so I have to find a dress that is either pink, green, or black (the wedding colors). I think the couple is starting to freak out about things but they aren't asking for help so hopefully we make it through smoothly.

My work facility is closed the first week of August so that will be nice to catch up with family time and catch up on this disaster I call a home. **when i say disaster it's just messier then I like, there are a few dishes on the counter and toys on the floor but it drives me nuts =) its not like we're living in trash and dirty laundry

Until next time...

Am I Really Back Again?

I have been gone for....a very long time...

It's just that I have had a lot on my plate the past couple of months and when I do get a free moment I would rather be creating new memories with my little family then writing about the old ones.

I really do want to get better about this whole blogging thing but it's a work in progress for me! I was talking to my best friend Christie and we hadn't spoke for about 2 weeeks (she was in the middle of 6 weddings in 4 different states along with tons of church things for her husband, so she's forgiven!). She asked what I had been up to and I couldn't remember...so she suggested that I keep up on blogging so that when she calls after 2 weeks we acutally have things to catch up on!!

So here it goes!! The past two months written within 30 minutes or less...

Well perhaps first and most importantly I got married!!


The Dress


The Groom


The Groom and his men


The Bride and her "maids"

The day was absolutely perfect and I wouldn't change a single thing. I had always hoped I would look back on my wedding like that and I did! I am so grateful for everyone who came to celebrate with us and supported us throughout this whole wedding process. It was magical and I wish I could experience it every weekend!


The most adorable little flower girl and ring bearer there ever was in the entire history of the universe!!


That's my husband!!


Our precious little girl


I love these pictures

We're Married!!!!

After the amazing wedding Adam had two weeks off to spend together and go on our honeymoon. We were able to spend the week after the wedding sorting wedding gifts, writing thank you notes, and returning/exchanging gifts. The second week we were off to our honeymoon in Florida!

The living room and kitchen in our room

HUGE bedroom and HUGE tub, in the bedroom ;)

We have the same last name now! It's so weird to get used to!

Our resort was so nice and everyone was incredibly friendly and inviting. It was so nice walking through the lobby in the morning and being greeted as "Mr. and Mrs. 'S'"!! We spent most of our time just relaxing on the beach and eating to our hearts content without a worry in the world. We left bills, chores, obligations, and troubles at home and spent the week re-connecting just the two of us. We didn't take many pictures, I wanted the time to be ours so I kept the camera in the room instead of obsessivly trying to pose.

When we got home it was back to reality...We got home on Friday and it was back to work for Adam on Monday. I was anxious to use some of our new wedding gifts so we had my family over for dinner the next weekend. It was at our get together when I found out that I got a job! It's just a part time receptionist job but it's something and I am very happy to have one burden lifted off my shoulders. I am still able to be home all day with Addyson and then I work a couple of nights during the week and every other weekend.

Father's day also happened in the past two months! ha!! We did our traditional go up to Rocky Mountain National Park for breakfast and wandering around the lake. I would like to say it is relaxing but getting the kids up that early is asking for grumpiness by noon. Oh well, still got some good pictures out of it.

Jordan was "fishing"

My brother James and their newest addition Brayden or "Mr.B" as Addyson calls him

I am sure I am missing plenty of information but I have a daughter who is waking up from her nap and needs some lunch! So...

Until next time...

Details, details, details...

Ok, so we are officially in the last 3 weeks before the wedding. It's hard to believe that I have been engaged for over a year and it is all about to come down to this one day that took so long to plan and pull together. It's just un-real.

Coming up it's all the last minute details and paying off all remaining balances. The good news is majority of the "big" expenses are taken care of it's just these little things that are all over the place.

On Friday we will have our final walk-through/details meeting with the hotel and actually go to the ceremony site and plan things out. Where the alter will be, how the chairs will be set up, where our water station is, where our grand entrance will come from, and many other details. What's awesome is the next day we have the MS walk at the same sculpture park where our ceremony is so I get to see it all two days in a row!!

Just a glimpse of it's beauty...

So what still needs to be done:

1) The wedding programs.
I printed 75 and had my bridesmaids over to assemble them and I hate them. I feel like I have so many unique aspects to my wedding that my programs just fell short of what I pictured. I am a person who is very into details, I like to remember absolutely everything and the programs are just not...good enough. So, it's back to the drawing board and hopefully I'll come up with something SOON!

2) The favors.
I have a great idea for favors I just haven't been able to track down a place where I can get them. They used to be carried in bulk at our Sam's club but not anymore...I'll have to clear out shelves at another local store I guess.

3) The intro into the reception.

Adam and I have an intro planned and it is awesome but there is an aspect of it that we have to get creative with and it's just not happening! I wish I could divulge more information but I don't want to ruin the surprise for our guests =)

4) Finishing the gifts for our groomsmen and ushers

Things are coming together!!

I'M GETTING MARRIED!!!

IN 27 DAYS!!!

Honesty

To begin I want to share some family news!! James and Alysha had their new baby boy, Brayden Joseph! He was born at 9:27 a.m on April 20, 2010, weighed 7lbs8oz, 20 inches long. He has hair, it's very dark, and looks very little like his big brother! His birth was FAST. Well, maybe not the labor part since that lasted a few hours, but the pushing part lasted about 15 minutes!! Crazy fast, i'm almost envious! I would share more but it's not really my story to tell! The happy little family is home now and adjusting to life as a family of 4. It's so weird to see my brother with 2 kids but it is helpful to see them juggling both because it gives me hope for my future!

Jordan and James holding new baby Brayden.

MOVING ON:

For those who know me in real life they should know me as an honest person. If I have a problem with something I am not shy to annouce it. This could be considered a bad thing but I try to keep opinions to myself I am just easily read by some people =)

One thing that I feel I need to be honest about in order to get something done about it is, my weight.

I had a baby 2 years ago. During my pregnancy I gained 40 pounds. It's not an un-reasonable amount, not too little or too much in my opinion. The problem is however I have only lost about 25 pounds since I had Addyson...2 years ago...I know that the body is supposed to change after a baby but I never imagined it would be like this.

I am at a loss. I don't over-eat, I am not a couch potato, but I have these stingy areas on my body that won't go away. Namely my stomach, hips, arms, and my fat face. In case you can't tell I am not having a positive outlook today!

According to MSN fitness and health these are the...
10 BEST WEIGHT-LOSS TIPS EVER

1. SNACK, BUT SMARTLY

Grazing between meals used to be on the weight-loss hit list. But nutritionists now know that it's better to satisfy a craving with healthy grub than ignore it and risk a junk-food binge later. The best picks are filling, protein-packed snacks, such as one stick of string cheese, a tablespoon of peanut butter on a piece of fruit, or a medium-size bowl of edamame.

Issue #1: See I don't really think I have a problem with snacking. Maybe that's an issue, that I don't snack...

2. TURN OFF THE TV

Dining while viewing can make you take in 40 percent more calories than usual, reports a new study. And texting, driving, or any other distracting activity during a meal can also result in your eating too much. Instead, make each meal something you put on a plate and sit down to, even if you're eating solo.

Issue #2: I actually do pretty well with this one. For sure at dinner we turn the TV off and have family meal but breakfast and lunch with just Addyson and I doesn't usually work out. I put the TV on to keep her distracted so I can make her meal without a little girl around my feet, and then the TV just stays on.

3. STEP ON THE SCALE DAILY

If your regular weight increases several days in a row, it's a red flag letting you know you need to cut back a little or beef up your workouts slightly.

Issue #3: I don't have weight increases so that's good, it's just not going down...

4. SCULPT THREE TIMES A WEEK

Doing 5 minutes each of push-ups, lunges, and squats (in 30-second intervals) will help build and maintain muscle mass. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be, so you'll torch more calories as you go about your day.

Issue #4: Never tried this, i'll add it to my list

5. REACH FOR YOUR CELL

Next time your mind gets stuck on a certain food, call a friend and redirect your brain by asking how her day's going. Research shows that cravings only last about 5 minutes, so by the time you hang up, the urge to devour junk will have subsided.

Issue #5: I WILL be trying this one! Be prepared friends for evening phone calls when all I want is brownies!!

6. EAT A BIG, BALANCED BREAKFAST

An a.m. meal made up mostly of carbs and protein with some fat keeps blood-sugar levels steady and hunger pangs away so you're not susceptible to pigging out come lunch, studies show. Opt for something satisfying for your stomach and taste buds — like egg whites and turkey bacon with whole-wheat toast.

Issue #6: egg whites, ok, turkey bacon, disgusting, whole wheat toast of course. This menu is just not in the cards for me, because Addyson will not eat any of it but possibly the toast. I pretty much make a menu for her which is usually fruit and a carb.

7. WATCH THE BOOZE

One innocent-looking margarita or cosmopolitan can rack up hundreds of calories that do nothing to quench your appetite. Treat yourself just on the weekends and cut back somewhere else or stick to a glass of wine, light beer, or vodka and soda — three drinks that each have about 100 calories per serving.

Issue 7: Yea, I don't really drink often so this is fine.

8. HAVE FRUIT TWICE A DAY

Fruit has no fat and is mostly water, so it'll fill you up while leaving less room on your plate (and in your stomach) for high-cal fare. Don't freak about fruit's carb count — we're talking the good kind of carbohydrates that contain lots of healthy fiber.

Issue #8: We love fruit around here. On a regular basis our fridge is stocked with apples, oranges, strawberries, and sometimes blackberries or blue berries. So I'll work on this.

9. STAY ASLEEP LONGER

Getting to bed just 30 minutes earlier and waking up 30 minutes later than you normally do can help you make better food choices, researchers report. Also, when you're well-rested, you're less prone to snacking out of fatigue or stress.

Issue #9: I get A LOT of sleep. Addyson is really the best kid. She goes to bed at 9:30pm and wakes up around 8:30-9:00 am. Perfect. I usually stay up and read until about 11 and use addy as my alarm clock . PERFECTION

10. VISUALIZE YOURSELF THIN

When you feel your willpower breaking, conjure up a mental picture of yourself when you looked and felt slim. The visual motivation keeps you focused on your goal weight and reminds you that it is attainable, since you've achieved it before.

Issue #10: It really depends on the day with this one. Every once in a while I feel amazing about my body and am excited about my clothing and other days I hate absolutely everything about my body. Unfortunately the hating my body happens more often as of late...

It is with these tips that I hope to transform my image beore my wedding and honeymoon on the beach...I fell my major issue is accountabilty. I am alone in this work-out routine and have no one to keep me motivated except for Jillian Michels when I put her on the TV. It's rough....that's all I have to say

Until next time...

Another One Bites The Dust

While today has been EXTREMELY productive it has also been very stressful!!

After my huge wedding dress fiasco I thought nothing else could be as bad and I would make it through the rest of my wedding planning with smooth sailing.

That however, is not the case...

I find out this moring that the resturant we had reserved for our rehearsal dinner has been closed. Yes. Closed. Never to re-open again.

"Johnny Carino’s Italian Grill in **blank** shut its doors abruptly this morning closing down the 13-year-old eatery and putting about 40 employees out of work.
A note on the door, posted by 8 a.m., said that as of today the location had permanently closed."

While this is a road bump I would have liked to avoid at least it's 6 weeks before the wedding so I have time to find a new place. And luckily it was not as severe as my wedding dress thing...

In other news:

* We are still waiting on the arrival of nephew #2 from James and Alysha

* Adam is building picnic tables and I am selling them on craigslist, we have sold two so far. I am very proud of our little side business =)

* We just got a patio set with 6 chairs so I expect to be having bbq's very soon!

* I am still trying to choose colors for our master bathroom and bedroom. While I have decided on them Adam is the one still objecting. If I didn't need his help I would just do it myself!!

* I am making brownies at the moment because my house smells like garlic from dinner. I know I could just light a candle but brownies just sound soooo much better!!

* Adam and I came up with THE BEST gift for our groomsmen/ushers. Here is a little hint

That's all your gettin until after the wedding! Which is in 45 DAYS!!!

Brownies are done!!

Until next time...

Waiting, waiting, and more waiting...

Yesterday Addyson, my mom, and I went to help Alysha around her house before the baby comes. The nesting instinct has kicked in and she needed help moving things around the nursery since she can't lift, bend, or stand =)

Since we finished with house chores early I decided to commence in inducing Alysha's labor through every natural way I could think of.

After our relaxing lunch at Red Robin we decided to go to Off Broadway Shoes during which time Alysha started to have contractions. The more we walked the closer they got and they continued in the car on the way back to her house.

We decided to start timing the contractions with the use of the "Contraction Timer" App I downloaded on my phone. It told us the duration of the contraction and the frequency (or how many minutes they were apart). It was very helpful! We timed for two hours with consistent contractions every 2-3 minutes but Alysha didn't feel ready to the hospital. We decided to sit. And that's when the contractions slowed down....and got slower...and slower...and stopped. About 7:30 pm we were 15 minutes apart.

Since things slowed down so much we decided to head home and keep on stand-by for the night to see if any contractions would start again. And they did. About 12 A.M I got a text from James saying contractions have been 2-3 min. apart for an hour and a half and they were looking at going to the hospital. Six minutes later I got a message they were on their way.

Knowing the up's and down's of being in labor I decided to just stay at home and wait since we weren't sure if she would stay or not.

She measured the same as at the doctor last week so they monitored her for an hour and sent her home.

So that's where we are at this morning. My dad is at their house watching Jordan so James and Alysha can get some sleep after a long night.

Perhaps today will be the day that I have a new baby nephew?!?!

Until next time...

Soap Box Monday

Things that annoy me:

Snow in spring

** It's just lame. I have decided to officially protest winter by wearing flip flops all the time, despite the 30 degree temperatures threatening to freeze my pretty toes off. I will only wear shoes when I go to work out. There I said it.

Buying things full price

** Seriously I had to buy Addyson some short sleeve shirts since the weather was warm last week and I couldn't find any at clearance at two stores so I ended up buying 2 at full price...granted they were only $4 each but still, when she only wears them for one summer that seems ridiculous.

The dog

** Baylee is Adam's dog, plain and simple. Even though we bought him togehter 5 years ago he never bonded with me like he did with Adam, probably because I left him and went to school in Wyoming for a year....He annoys me because when Adam is not home in the evening and I have to feed him he will just sit and stare at his food until Adam tells him it's ok to eat. He would rather starve then listen to me...

Finding a job

** I have done all that is asked of me. I have contacted every possible contact I can think of despite my embarassment and yet I still hear nothing. I thought things were looking up for me in this area but alas, still no job.

Things I am excited about!!

OUR WEDDING!!

** Coming up in less then 2 months I will oficially be married to my high school sweetheart =) Plans are going famously and I have almost every tiny detail finished. The rehearsal dinner plans were finalized this morning, my dress got finished with alterations last week (and i still love it!), and most of the boys have already been measured for their tux!

The birth of my nephew!

** Any day now!! My sister-in-law went to the doctor today and she is dilated 2-3 cm (funny when my brother told me this he said inches!) and the doctor could feel his head! When James and Alysha had their first I was there for the entire process and it was amazing. I rushed down as soon as they told me contractions had started and 18 hours later Jordan James entered the world! I wasn't in the room but I heard his first little cry from outside the door and it brought tears to my eyes. Can't wait to mee their new little boy!!

Projects, projects, and more projects

** Adam has been in super builder mode and told me to make a list of things that I want built for the house. So far he has done 2 picnic tables and will gather materials for the bookcase and bench this afternoon. I just wish I had something to do that would be helpful...I want some type of hobby but I don't have brain power to think of something. I guess my hobby is looking for jobs everyday and taking care of our wonderful baby girl.

I will post pictures from Easter weekend another day but I am just not in the mood to upload pictures and edit. We did have a blast though! Easter is my favorite holiday for so many reasons and it just keeps getting better =)

Until next time...

Crafty Weekend

As I write this post Adam is hard at work in the garage building this...

A picnic table the perfect size for our little Addyson! (not in these colors though)

We have been busy doing home improvement projects this weekend which has required 2 trips to home depot. The first night we went for "inspiration" on indoor and outdoor projects and today has resulted in a large purchase of building materials, paint, tools, and other misc. items!

We bought enough materials to build two of these little tables, one for Addyson and one for Jordan since his birthday party is tomorrow! I got paint for his in BRIGHT orange and BRIGHT blue (colors of the Florida Gators), but I haven't decided what to do with Addyson's yet...

I will post pictures when we have the final product!!

Until next time...

Bridal Shower Weekend!

After a 2 hour drive to the airport (it should have taken 1) Adam and Christie made it safe to Colorado and to their respective homes =)

I know Adam just got back from a business trip but Christie was also in town so most of my weekend was spent at Christie's parents house.

On Saturday my bridesmaids Christie, Courtney, Julia, and I got together to make favors and some snacks for my wedding shower on Sunday. Times like that remind me of high school and how we had all the time in the world to hang out with little to no responsibilites...Courtney brought her sweet little puppy Willow so she was my distraction while the girls got to work on the bridal shower things =) When we got finished with everything Courtney had to head home so Julia, Christie, Aimee (Christie's younger sister) and I went out to dinner. Since Christie is not in town very often we wanted to go to places she can't get in Indiana, so Saturday was Jim's wings night! Jim's wings is a staple in this college town and we got hooked in high school. They used to have a special on Monday's of .25 cent wings which meant we were always at someone's house on Monday's eating wings and watching TV while doing "homework".

Sunday was my bridal shower and I first off have to thank everyone who was there, you all made my day very special and I will never forget it. Christie and I had prepared this menu and everything turned out beautifully. We had a chocolate fountain with many different "dippers" and a few savory items along with frozen peach punch =) It was delicious! I would put pictures but I have to blame Courtney for not sending them to me yet =) It was a blast and we didn't stop the party when everyone left.

Adam brought Addyson over to pick me up and we ended up staying there until 930 when we had to get home since it was Sunday and Adam had to work at 630 the next morning. Since Jim's was on Saturday we decided to pick up food from Big City Burrito on Sunday. I freaking love Big City. But the only good one to eat at is in my hometown. The ones in the surrounding cities is just not...dirty enough...=) there is just something about hippies and mexicans that make it excellent!!

This weekend was just perfect and I can't thank those who participated enough for making it so memorable!

Yesterday we went through our gifts and got them distributed throughout our house or put away to exchange/return. So this afternoon we will head into town to do some shopping and hopefully finalize our wedding favors so I can cross another thing off my list! I need to get my wedding progams finished too so if anyone has creative ideas on how to spice them up I would appreciate it!

Until next time...

Today is the Day!!

Adam comes home today!!! Addyson and I are so excited to have Daddy home again, we have missed him so much =)

As much as I love Colorado this whole snow in March is NOT cool. I know that March is sometimes our snowiest month but I am OVER IT. If all of this snow nonsense inhibits Adam coming home and Christie coming in for the weekend I am going to FREAK OUT. It is coming down pretty bad, and it's not pretty, it's ugly and hateful snow and I want to punch it.

Ok, time to settle down....So I leave for the airport today at about 3:30 so I can navigate through this awful weather to meet Christie at the airport!! Then we get to wander around and watch the planes for an hour until Adam's flight comes in! yippie!!

Before going to the airport the plan was to pick up my bridesmaid dresses that came in so I can deliver them this weekend since we will all be together, but this snow is really messing with my motivation. I just do not want to take Addyson through downtown Denver in the snow just to try and find parking and end up parking across the street in the resturant parking lot and then have to find the elevator that we could not find last time and ended up carrying addyson in the stroller up two flights of stairs and all of this in the snow. SNOW, YOU RUIN MY DAY!!

In case you can't tell, I do no like the snow today. I try to stay indifferent most snowy days but I have big plans today and those big plans do not include driving on icy streets to pick up two people from the airport.

Until next time...

Stuck in the Middle...

...of a very LONG week.

I wish I could be full of Irish cheer right now but at this moment right now Addyson is screaming at me from her high chair because she wants apple sauce for dinner and I am not giving in. I am more then willing to give her what she needs but it is my responsibility as a parent to present the food, it is the toddler's choice to eat it or not. At least that's what I learned in Nutrition of the Preschool child...shh i think she might take a bite....SUCCESS!! Mommy is not a horrible cook.

Anyways...

This week has been very tough for me without having Adam around. I am used to being a stay at home mom so Addyson is not getting to me, it's just the loneliness of adult interaction that I crave in the evenings. Adam gets off work at 3 daily so we have the evenings as a family to take walks, make dinner, watch tv, and cuddle on the couch. But since Adam is out of town on business I am very lonely in the evenings and have forgotten how to entertain Addyson for 12-14 hours of a day. There is only so much I can do that keeps her happy at night since she is anti-nap right now, which I am sure does not help things at all.

I made it through Sunday with a few tears shed and vowed to make Monday a great day with my daughter running the many errands we had scheduled for the week. Unfortunately my parents called Monday morning and told me they had to put our family dog down which we have had for 16 years. When my mom and I spoke earlier in the morning she said they had to bring Trixie to the vet but I had no idea that they were going to return home without her...I told my parents I didn't want to know when they had to do it because the anticipated grief is something I have had to do before and didn't want to survive again. My poor little Trixie puppy, our little schnauzer mutt with the maple leaf on her belly...she will be missed but I know she is playing around with Missy and cuddling up on Grandma's lap up in Heaven...

I made it through the rest of the day as well as can be expected with the help of my parents and brothers, but with Adam gone coming to this empty house was very rough.

On Tuesday I forgot that I had set up an appointment to get my wedding dress altered. So when I got the reminder call on Monday my mom and I made many stops around the city trying to find the undergarmets and shoes that I needed for my first fitting. We did make it on time and my dress should be done in two weeks for either my final fit or 2nd fit, depending on how things end up. I was hesitant to leave my dress because of the fiasco I had getting it but I trust the alteration woman and I trust that she will bring my dress back and not go bankrupt and run away...

After my alteration appointment I met up with my mom and future sister-in-law Morganne for a happy hour drink at Carino's. I dropped Addyson off with my Dad and sipped on an italian margarita with some much needed alone time.

I think Addyson is done eating so I must attend to my beautiful daughter.

Until next time...

Food Network Challenge

Our "cake lady" (the amazing woman who is making our wedding cake) was asked to participate in a Food Network cake Challenge!!

It is going to be filmed on the 23rd in Denver and I can not wait to see how it all turns out! She couldn't tell us what the challenge is because of rules so we just have to wait and see with the rest of the world.

GOOD LUCK RACHAEL!!

This is a 25th Anniversary Cake she did with her associates. Rachael is the one on the left =)

Until next time...

Missing him already...

Addyson and I dropped off Adam at the airport this morning for his 5 day business trip to Iowa. I am very sad. That might sound really dumb and loserish but we haven't spent 5 days apart in probably over 3 years. I know he is going to do great at his kaizan this week but I already wish he was home with us right now...

So, what are my plans for this week? Absolutely nothing.

Today all Addy and I have done is sleep and watch movies all day. Waking up early on daylight savings is just a recipe for disaster without plenty of naps throughout the day.

I will need some type of adult interaction this week so I will probably end up at my parents for dinner one of these nights.

The good news is on Friday I get to pick up 2 people at the airport! Adam comes in at 540 and my matron of honor Christie comes in just an hour earlier! Christie will be in town just for the weekend to throw my bridal shower for me on Sunday.

Hopefully this week will go by fast I just need to find some distraction!


Until next time...

Most Boring Weekend EVER

Last week we had a lot going on becasue of Addyson's 2nd birthday. Last year we went to Toys-r-us/Babies-r-us and got her a birthday crown and baloon so we decided to make it a tradition and go again this year. We decided to opt out on the balloon however because she already has enough at home from her party=) We wandered around Toys-R-Us forever letting Addyson pick out a special birthday toy and ended up getting her a plastic chair and some sand toys, we tried to talk her into getting a pool or something but all she wanted was the chair for $6. Who am I to argue?!

On Thursday I went to Courtney's house for a relaxing night with the girls and it was so much fun. We made an amazing dinner together, Courtney in charge of the shrimp scampi, I was in charge of the pasta side, and Julia cut up fruit. While we were making dinner Courtney started to get a phone call from a number not listed in her phone. We all stared at it for a while and thought we recognized the number but didn't want to answer it until the last possible second. It was a good thing Court did answer it because it was Esther RSVP'ing to my bridal shower on the 21st! It was pretty funny. We spent the rest of the night talking and playing with Willow and watching Pam have her baby on The Office. I love our random nights together, and I am even more excited for our melting pot date tonight!! We have had this planned for about a month and I am just glad the night is FINALLY here, can't wait to get some yummy cheese and chocolate fondue...my mouth is watering

I hate admitting this on my blog because of fear of screwing something up but I had a job interview on Friday and it went absolutely amazing! I had 3 people interviewing me and it just went really good. It was an hour long interview but I think that was just becasue we ended up chatting after the regular job interview questions were over. I hate to jinx myself but one of the interviewers said that if it were up to her then they would be done interviewing after me because I did such a great job. I know, shocking, I suprised myself. I think it helped that I had some of my nearest and dearest friends and family sending out prayers for me so I owe a huge thank you to all of those thinking of me at noon on Friday. Also thank you Lord for calming my nerves and giving me confidence to do such a good job.

Here is my fear however, I had to tell them all the time that I had planned for vacation for the next 12 months and I told just my honeymoon. They just got excited for me that I am getting married but it still makes me nervous that this could be applied to my availability and they wouldn't like that I have to take time off so soon. I would like to have an "oh well/it wasn't meant to be" attitude but I really need this job to work out for my little family. So some additional prayers and good thoughts would be appreciated as I try to stay calm throughout the rest of this week waiting for an answer.

This weekend was...the most boring weekend ever. Addyson came down with a cold on Saturday so we didn't really want to bring her out on Sunday so I spent the day nursing my sick little girl and reading "Everyone Worth Knowing" by Lauren Weisberger.

Alas it is time to sign off because my kitchen is a wreck and Addyson needs some quality cuddle time with her favorite mommy =)

Until next time...

My Birthday Princess

Yesterday was my little baby girls 2nd birthday. I simply can not believe that she is TWO! How did time go so fast?!

I don't feel like blogging about her first two years but instead I would like to share her birth story =)

My contractions started at about 11 pm on March 1. I wasn't really sure what was going on because I never had so much as a braxton hicks contraction so I just went to bed and tried to sleep. There is no other way for me to describe it other then uncomfortable. Any direction I laid down I just couldn't get comfortable so rather then toss and turn to keep Adam up I moved my pillow and blanket to the living room.

I got some sleep here and there but about 2 a.m on March 2 I woke up and decided to try and time what I thought were contractions just to see how much longer this was going to take =) I decided to get in the shower because I thought the warm water would loosen my muscles so I can get some sleep.

** the following paragraphs will be full of too much information =)
After my shower I decided to call the doctor because the few days before I had a discharge and I thought it was my mucus plug but it had kept coming over the next few days so I wanted some reassurance.

The on-call nurse thought my "bag of waters" might be leaking so I should come in to get it checked out (even though I knew it wasn't my water breaking I just wanted to know what was going on so I agreed to go). So I woke Adam up at about 3:30 a.m and we headed into the emergency room. Let me just say that during all of our birthing classes when they explained what doors to go into during the off hours I didn't pay attention, because in my mind I would never go into labor in the middle of the night so it didnt matter, right? wrong.

I got checked out in hospital and I was only at 2 cm dilation so the said they would hold me for an hour to see if I made any progress and we would go from there. Well, an hour later I was at 5.5cm and had no idea. By 6:00am my water had broke on it's own (WEIRDEST feeling ever! btw) and I was set to have our baby girl on my due date =)

I never had an intention either way of doing a natural birth or using some type of epidural so when the time came I just decided to try it out and see if I could do it without any drugs. We walked the halls of the hospital and watched TV and by noon I was at 9cm and ready to get pushing.

My contractions were never an even interval apart so I had no idea if I was progressing or not so when they started prepping the room for delivery it hit me that this baby will offically be out and in my arms within a couple of hours and I would have to do it completetly natural because it was too late for an epidural.

To be completely honest the pain was not that bad until I got scared and at that point I was just begging my Mom and Adam to pray for me. Between each push I would take a drink of water and say a prayer and just ask for reassurance that this is what my body is made for and I can do it. And I did.

Addyson Jean was born at 1:23 p.m on March 2, 2008.

She has changed our lives in so many ways I can't even list them and yet we can never imagine life without her. It is impossible to go through a day without smiling because she brings such joy to our lives in all of the little things that she does. While I hate to see her grow up so fast I am amazed to see the personality that has come out of such a little girl.

So, Happy Birthday to the best thing that has ever happend to me, my precious little girl, Addyson Jean.

Dishwasher Safe

I am busy getting the house ready for Addyson's party on Sunday and I finally had to get some things off my kitchen counter and I have come to the following conclusion.

I HATE things that have to be hand washed. Call me lazy if you want but I don't like washing things by hand (dishes or laundry) and would rahter just let it sit on the counter until I finally get the motivation to wash it.

Adam bought this very nice cast iron pan on clearance and I warned him that I am not going to wash it, it would always be his responsibility. Long story short we used it once...3 months ago...and I finally gave Adam the ultimatum if he doesn't wash it by Friday I am throwing it in the garbage. That is how much I hate washing things by hand.

I just don't find it sanitary, and it's a waste of my time when I can just put it in the dishwasher.

My rant is over.

Until next time...

Join the Crowd

1. High heels or boots?
I would like to wear heels more because they make me feel pretty and thin but Adam is not tall enough to allow that...

2. What time did you get up this morning?
I got up at about 8:15 am, Addyson got up around 8:45

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Avatar, I don't really go to movies that often

4. What is your maiden name?
Not telling

5. What is your favorite TV show?
Grey's Anatomy is my hands down favorite I never get tired of it, I am also really into How I Met Your Mother, The Biggest Loser, Modern Family, and Desperate Housewives

6. What did you have for breakfast?
A nutrigrain bar, apple cinnamon flavor, healthy I know

7. What is your middle name?
Ann, meh take it or leave it

8. What food do you dislike?
I hate brussel sprouts, but that's the only thing I can think of right now, I have become more adventerous as I grow older =)

9. What is your favorite CD at the moment?
In my CD player in the car I currently have...Michael Buble (Crazy Love), Taylor Swift (Fearless), John Mayer (his newest one), and John Ledgend (Live in Phildelphia)

10.What characteristic do you despise?
Agressiveness...is that a word??

11.Favorite Clothing?

I love my capri yoga pants, but Adam gives me crap when I don't get dressed all day

12.Any where in the world on vacation?

Any place warm at the moment would be nice because this winter is bulls***, excuse my language but I HATE SNOW!!

13.Are you an organized person?

Yes, in most aspects of my life I am.

14.Where would you retire too?

Anywhere close to my grandkids =)

15.What was your most recent memorable birthday?

Can't say I have had one...I know i'm a downer but I have never really had a great birthday.

16.What are you going to do when you finish this?

Technically I should stop doing it now so I can make dinner but I don't feel like it yet =)

17.Furthest place you are sending this?

Most of my followers live close I think, so I'm not real sure.

18.Person you expect to send it back first?

This isn't an e-mail...

19.When is your birthday ?

August 28

20.Are you a morning person or a night person?

I am the furthest from a morning person you will ever meet, ever!!!

21.What is your shoe size?

8-8.5

22.Do you own any animals?

We have a chocolate lab and he is almost 5, he is Adam's puppy boy, and is great with Addyson, I could really care less...

23.Any news you'd like to share?

Um...I mailed my wedding invitations today!! I know, 3 months early but my bridal shower is next month because my matron of honour lives out of state so we needed to plan things a couple months apart for travel savings, but our wedding is on a holiday weekend so i think it's ok to send them that early anyway...right?!!?

24.When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Um...successful =)

25.What is your favorite flower?

My favorites are gerbera daisies, roses, and hydrangeas

26.What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?

Feb 28- Addyson's 2nd birthday party

March 2- Addyson's 2nd birthday =( she is too old

March 21- Bridal Shower

April 28- Nephew #2 Due Date!

May 30- ONE OF THE BEST DAY'S OF MY LIFE!!!!

27.If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Today, I would be a green crayon

28.What is under your bed?

Nothing, unless naughty baby Addyson put something there!

29.How is the weather right now?

Stupid and cold, super lame and dumb.

30.Last person you spoke to on the phone?

Courtney!!!!!!

31.Favorite drink?

Mountain Dew, i'm nto afraid to admit that i love the sugar caffeine filled soda

32.Favorite restaurant?

Melting Pot (and i am so excited to go there with the girls on march 8!), Austins, Carrabbas

33.Hair color?

Blonde- and it's fake, but I don't care it makes me feel better about myself

34.What was your favorite toy as a child?

Lincoln Logs, I was not a girly girl as a child

35.Spring Summer, Fall or Winter?

SUMMER, screw this winter crap

36.Chocolate or vanilla?

Vanilla

37.Coffee or tea?

Coffee

38.Wish you were still young?

Sometimes I wish I could go back to senior year when I had no responsibilities and already had Adam...

39.Do you want your friends to email you back?

This is not an email, but if you do this survey let me know cuz I would love to know your answers

40.When was the last time you cried?

Last week, it was tough day

41.What did you do last night?

Adam and I had a wonderful day yesterday, but last night we had chili for dinner and he watched the olympic hockey game while I read and Addyson read her book to us.

42.Did someone not like this question?

Obviously

43.What are you afraid of?

The Un-Known

44.Salty or sweet?

Depends on my mood but chocolate covered/yogurt covered pretzels are the best!!

45.Best quality you have?

Persistance

46.How many years at your current job?

Jobless, thanks for reminding me =)

47.Favorite day of the week?

I like the weekend when Adam is home, cuz I love him

48.How many people will you send this to?

Blog readers, what up!!

49.How many will respond?

No clue but I hope they let me know!

50.Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends?

I sure do!

Until next time...

I need a job

The economy hit us hard last year. Adam was forced to take furlough weeks which meant we had un-paid weeks last year to try and work out finances in a one-income household. Needless to say things were hard, but we made it through, just as we always have and always will.

Today, I am finding it hard to see the big picture and look to the future with hope and trust that God has a path for us and I just need to be patient until he reveals it.

Since graduating in May I have had these student loans hanging over my head threatening to come into re-payment and threatening to take away my freedom. November came around and I was able to push the loans off since the job hunt has been less then fruitful but my biggest loan of all will expire at the end of this month and force us into re-payment. A debt my little family can not afford without me having a job.

I am filled with so much fear right now about what our next step is going to be. I have been on the job market since March of last year hoping I could settle a job by the time of graduation, but alas, here I sit a stay at home mom without a single prospect of a full time job.

I am running out of options.

I am running out of time.

I am running out of hope.

What I am asking for is positive thoughts and prayers to help me through this agonizing process of applying for jobs and facing rejection.

Until next time...

Harry & David

I am in a really weird mood right now! I have been go-go-go all day and can't seem to calm myself down!

I got all my wedding invitations addressed but I can't stuff them because I need stamps and the post office was closed today beause it's President's Day.

I bought Addyson's flower girl dress this morning! I am not going to post a picture because I want an element of suprise but it doesn't look like my dress, or my bridesmaids!! It's Ivory though with a chocolate brown sash, really cute, just need to find shoes for her and we're all set!

After I got so much wedding stuff accomplished I decided to buy my bridesmaid's necklaces just to get it over with and it's a good thing I took time to think about it because today they were 40% off!!

When we first moved into our house we painted the living room, kitchen, & addyson's room. For some reason I am in super painter mode again and have ideas for the un-touched rooms of our house. I want to do a super special secret paint treatment on Addyson's room, I started one before and I don't like it so I'm going to re-paint it =) I also painted the bathroom (Addyson's bathroom as we call it) a really pretty color green and I just have to wait for our wedding to get the new towells and shower curtain etc.

I have also set my sights on the laundry room because it's the first room when you come in from the garage so it deserves a little something special. I am thinking retro avocado...

I am full or randomness right now. I think I should go read to calm me down. Speaking of reading! I just read The Host by Stephanie Meyer (same author of the twilight series) and it was AMAZING! Who knew aliens could get me hooked?! They are making this book into a movie also, I can't wait to see who they cast as Ian and Melanie =)

Now I am onto The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold and I got into it immediately but it's very graphic now and I'm not sure how I feel about it, guess we'll have to wait and see at the end!

Harry & David, the title of this blog post. Harry & David is a store at the outlet mall that sells gourmet food and Adam and I went a little crazy this evening, but we had a coupon so it's ok. We got 2 boxes of truffles in different flavors and some dry soup mixes that I can't wait to try them out!!

These are the two flavors we got, weird coincidence

Ok, I think I'm done for tonight.


Until next time...