Do all of you even know what is happening tonight?!
TWILIGHT is out on DVD!!
Midnight.
Midnight, people.
Let the hysteria begin!!!
Can't wait to have a watching party!!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Pregnant
Yup. That's me!
We found out two weeks ago today, so February 5th...
I took EIGHT tests this month for various reasons. I think obviously I knew something was different this month, but the first four tests all came back negative. Of course, I did buy two of them at the Dollar Store and two of them on clearance at Tom Thumb. But I figured, a test's a test, right?! Well, apparently the days between tests 4 and 5 clearly were a landmark moment. =)
My first REAL clue was a few Sundays ago. I was on my way home from church and ALL I WANTED WAS TACO BUENO NACHOS! Like, more than anything on the planet and I wanted them YESTERDAY. So... weird. I actually took my 4th cheap test that day, and it came out negative.
The next day, same thing. Taco Bueno nachos on the brain. I was obsessed. So I literally ate Bueno nachos for 3 days straight! I mean, they're good, but really?! for 3 days?!
Each day I felt weirdly nauseated, which is very unlike me, as I do not have a weak stomach and I rarely get sick to my stomach.
So Thursday, on my way to staff meeting, I could immediately tell that if I did not EAT right then, I was going to be completely sick!! I walked in and said this, and my friend Katherine looked at me and said, "Are you pregnant?!" She, being pregnant, feels like this very often. So, that was a major red flag.
I bought the first digital test that day, and sure enough, PREGNANT!
Niles and I have actually been planning for this sweet baby for several months, and I was right at the point where I felt like maybe this was going to be a long road. Thank God that His timing is the best for us and that only He knows His plans and His plans are best! I'm so excited about this journey and about adding this new little blessing to our family!!
We went to the doctor yesterday, and against my hopes of being almost 9 weeks, we found that we are only 6. =( Oh well. I really love the "bigness" of being pregnant and that whole experience, so I was hoping it was happening sooner rather than later. But, it's okay. If we base this experience on the last, I should be showing in about 3 weeks. =)
Due date for now? October 16!! Three days before our 7th anniversary!!
SO exciting!!
We found out two weeks ago today, so February 5th...
I took EIGHT tests this month for various reasons. I think obviously I knew something was different this month, but the first four tests all came back negative. Of course, I did buy two of them at the Dollar Store and two of them on clearance at Tom Thumb. But I figured, a test's a test, right?! Well, apparently the days between tests 4 and 5 clearly were a landmark moment. =)
My first REAL clue was a few Sundays ago. I was on my way home from church and ALL I WANTED WAS TACO BUENO NACHOS! Like, more than anything on the planet and I wanted them YESTERDAY. So... weird. I actually took my 4th cheap test that day, and it came out negative.
The next day, same thing. Taco Bueno nachos on the brain. I was obsessed. So I literally ate Bueno nachos for 3 days straight! I mean, they're good, but really?! for 3 days?!
Each day I felt weirdly nauseated, which is very unlike me, as I do not have a weak stomach and I rarely get sick to my stomach.
So Thursday, on my way to staff meeting, I could immediately tell that if I did not EAT right then, I was going to be completely sick!! I walked in and said this, and my friend Katherine looked at me and said, "Are you pregnant?!" She, being pregnant, feels like this very often. So, that was a major red flag.
I bought the first digital test that day, and sure enough, PREGNANT!
Niles and I have actually been planning for this sweet baby for several months, and I was right at the point where I felt like maybe this was going to be a long road. Thank God that His timing is the best for us and that only He knows His plans and His plans are best! I'm so excited about this journey and about adding this new little blessing to our family!!
We went to the doctor yesterday, and against my hopes of being almost 9 weeks, we found that we are only 6. =( Oh well. I really love the "bigness" of being pregnant and that whole experience, so I was hoping it was happening sooner rather than later. But, it's okay. If we base this experience on the last, I should be showing in about 3 weeks. =)
Due date for now? October 16!! Three days before our 7th anniversary!!
SO exciting!!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Submission.
Since I finally decided to give in and do my 25 things on Facebook, I figured I could at least put all that effort to good use and double up on my bloggage for the day.
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
1. I love anything involving making some type of list. Hence my submission to the 25 things craze...
2. I love hearing the sounds of my daughter singing and playing in her room absentmindedly... She makes up her own songs.
3. I.HATE.TALKING.ON.THE.PHONE.
4. I'm completely in love with Twilight, and you probably are too.
5. I spent an entire day of my life in a movie theater when you count up all the times I saw Titanic.
6. I could spend days on end reading and be completely content. I could spend days on end just reading Twilight and be totally content. As long as I have at least 10 books on my bookstand, I can be content. I'm a book junkie.
7. I eat Sour Patch Watermelons at least once a week
8. I love going dancing!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. Except country dancing.
9. I could really go for having 4 kids. I love being pregnant, and I LOVE my little girl.
10. We have a demon cat named Lola, who I'm starting to love, because she's actually only nice to me.
11. I take a bath almost every night, so I can finally get some reading time in before I go to bed. And it just seems easier to wash my face that way...
12. I despise having to go to sleep and end my day. No matter how tired I am!
13. I get extremely ansty and cabin-fevered if I stay home for too long - which usually ends up in me going to Target and buying something.
14. Barnes and Noble is one of my favorite places to go. And I could stay there for hours. Oh and Half-Price books too, but B&N is much more cozy.
15. I really want to do a whole trip through Europe; backpack, hostels, trains, whatever... I'm not scared! I just want to see it all. I especially want to go to Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
16. I could very easily eat pizza with extra cheese and/or cheese fries with ranch EVERY SINGLE DAY. A meal without cheese just does not count.
17. I love jigsaw puzzles, but I have to do them few and far between, because it literally takes over my life until I finish. Not to mention that it takes over our entire table, and makes Niles none too thrilled.
18. I love music. I have to have music with everything I do. Can't work out without it, can't have a get-together without it, need it when I walk in the door. I will make a playlist for everything and I LOVE burning CDs for people!!
19. I really do enjoy cooking, but it seems rare lately that I ever get creative. When Niles and I lived in Florida, I pulled out my cookbooks every Sunday, picked out an entire meal plan for the week, and made a new dinner every single night.
20. I only let Reese watch shows that I enjoy having on in the background. Excluding Dora.
21. I waited tables for 3 years at Rockfish, and nearly 2 total years at two different Chilis. I actually really loved waiting tables!!
22. I LOVE my job, love the people I work with and LOVE going to meetings!!
23. I love Christmas and everything about it. This year was the first time in a long time that I didn't send out Christmas cards by Thanksgiving and didn't have my tree up by mid-November! It was so sad!
24. I love working out, being busy, having a lot of things on my plate. Otherwise I feel completely unmotivated and useless.
25. I have still not gotten my degree... I have only 7 classes left!!
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
1. I love anything involving making some type of list. Hence my submission to the 25 things craze...
2. I love hearing the sounds of my daughter singing and playing in her room absentmindedly... She makes up her own songs.
3. I.HATE.TALKING.ON.THE.PHONE.
4. I'm completely in love with Twilight, and you probably are too.
5. I spent an entire day of my life in a movie theater when you count up all the times I saw Titanic.
6. I could spend days on end reading and be completely content. I could spend days on end just reading Twilight and be totally content. As long as I have at least 10 books on my bookstand, I can be content. I'm a book junkie.
7. I eat Sour Patch Watermelons at least once a week
8. I love going dancing!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. Except country dancing.
9. I could really go for having 4 kids. I love being pregnant, and I LOVE my little girl.
10. We have a demon cat named Lola, who I'm starting to love, because she's actually only nice to me.
11. I take a bath almost every night, so I can finally get some reading time in before I go to bed. And it just seems easier to wash my face that way...
12. I despise having to go to sleep and end my day. No matter how tired I am!
13. I get extremely ansty and cabin-fevered if I stay home for too long - which usually ends up in me going to Target and buying something.
14. Barnes and Noble is one of my favorite places to go. And I could stay there for hours. Oh and Half-Price books too, but B&N is much more cozy.
15. I really want to do a whole trip through Europe; backpack, hostels, trains, whatever... I'm not scared! I just want to see it all. I especially want to go to Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
16. I could very easily eat pizza with extra cheese and/or cheese fries with ranch EVERY SINGLE DAY. A meal without cheese just does not count.
17. I love jigsaw puzzles, but I have to do them few and far between, because it literally takes over my life until I finish. Not to mention that it takes over our entire table, and makes Niles none too thrilled.
18. I love music. I have to have music with everything I do. Can't work out without it, can't have a get-together without it, need it when I walk in the door. I will make a playlist for everything and I LOVE burning CDs for people!!
19. I really do enjoy cooking, but it seems rare lately that I ever get creative. When Niles and I lived in Florida, I pulled out my cookbooks every Sunday, picked out an entire meal plan for the week, and made a new dinner every single night.
20. I only let Reese watch shows that I enjoy having on in the background. Excluding Dora.
21. I waited tables for 3 years at Rockfish, and nearly 2 total years at two different Chilis. I actually really loved waiting tables!!
22. I LOVE my job, love the people I work with and LOVE going to meetings!!
23. I love Christmas and everything about it. This year was the first time in a long time that I didn't send out Christmas cards by Thanksgiving and didn't have my tree up by mid-November! It was so sad!
24. I love working out, being busy, having a lot of things on my plate. Otherwise I feel completely unmotivated and useless.
25. I have still not gotten my degree... I have only 7 classes left!!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Marathon Pics
Here you go... Finally, White Rock Marathon pictures.
Remember, I just ran 13.1 miles, so I look a bit crusty. (I hate that word, but I think it's the most fitting)
The Starting Line at Victory Plaza or Park or whatever it's called.
Me with the white sweatshirt tied around my waist, running at Mile 11
My two friends Virginia and Erin came down to cheer me on at the 11 mile marker, and it was the PERFECT timing! I was in PAIN, and I was so encouraged to see some familiar faces in the crowd.
This is after the race, with some of our team, Tina and her husband did the race together, and Jackie helped coordinate all the racers... She was supposed to run... long story. =) haha
I know I have to do another one of these at some point in time, but until then, these will suffice to make me proud for a while. =)
Remember, I just ran 13.1 miles, so I look a bit crusty. (I hate that word, but I think it's the most fitting)
The Starting Line at Victory Plaza or Park or whatever it's called.
Me with the white sweatshirt tied around my waist, running at Mile 11
My two friends Virginia and Erin came down to cheer me on at the 11 mile marker, and it was the PERFECT timing! I was in PAIN, and I was so encouraged to see some familiar faces in the crowd.
This is after the race, with some of our team, Tina and her husband did the race together, and Jackie helped coordinate all the racers... She was supposed to run... long story. =) haha
I know I have to do another one of these at some point in time, but until then, these will suffice to make me proud for a while. =)
Saturday, January 03, 2009
working my way out...
...of the TV addiction that is.
And, I honestly have to give a little 'what-what' to Stephenie Meyer and her highly addictive crack cocaine, a.k.a. Twilight, for seriously getting me off of TV for a record 10 days in order to fall back in love with reading.
Okay, that's a little dramatic... I am always in love with reading, BUT, with CARES business, work, toddler, husband, new church, oh yes, and my other work, reading kind of took a back seat for a while. I'd say I read pretty steadily the entire year until July when our whole world seemed to change in about 10 seconds. SO, in November when I really picked up Twilight and was sucked into a black hole of awesometown (yes, I think I'm rapidly turning into "Comic Book Guy" from the Simpsons...), I remembered just how wonderful it is to lose yourself in a book... or any hobby I suppose that doesn't involve a lot of "No, stop doing that" or "Hola! I'm Dora!".
So, I have set some pretty strict restrictions on myself for 09 as far as entertainment goes.
I really am going to try to limit myself to following only a handful of shows:
24, Lost, Fringe, Office, Gossip Girl (duh) and maybe Grey's. This is a big deal, people!! But, I am determined to work on my brain, soul, and body this year, and I don't think TV can really assist me towards that end. I'm sure we could sit and debate that, and I'm not going to be anal about this; I'm sure I will cheat. BUT, the goal is to read more, educate more, work out more, look out for my health a bit more (w/o veggies of course) and spend as much time cultivating my relationships with family and friends as possible.
Here are a few of the tangible goals for the year:
1. Another Half-marathon - probably the Austin Half, or the Big D in April
2. FULL Marathon - White Rock or something earlier in the year, not sure yet
3. BOOT CAMP - starting next month!
4. Set a reading list and actually finish each and every book (working on compiling that at the moment... feel free to offer suggestions!!)
5. VOLUNTEER in some way or another. I am going to get our apartment community to help out once a month at Genesis Women's Shelter in some form, as we adopted a family for the holidays, and it was such a great experience purchasing and collecting all the items on their wish list. Niles, Reese and I took them to the dropoff, along with $175 in gift cards for the family!! It makes me cry every time I think about it.
6. Find some way to do something for the troops. (Niles is making fun of me, but we watched Lions for Lambs tonight, and I'm all inspired to do something important and encouraging. Currently doing research, but again, all suggestions are welcome!)
7. GO TO SOME CONCERTS. My friend Sarah and I have talking about this for some time as we have similar music tastes. This is something I always think about, but just get caught up in the rut of Grapevine, Chilis and Sonic (sigh) and forget all about it. But I truly love music and I hate that there is sooo much out there I don't know about. =(
Okay, so, it's almost 1:00 am, and considering I just got over being grossly ill, I should head to bed.
peace out.
And, I honestly have to give a little 'what-what' to Stephenie Meyer and her highly addictive crack cocaine, a.k.a. Twilight, for seriously getting me off of TV for a record 10 days in order to fall back in love with reading.
Okay, that's a little dramatic... I am always in love with reading, BUT, with CARES business, work, toddler, husband, new church, oh yes, and my other work, reading kind of took a back seat for a while. I'd say I read pretty steadily the entire year until July when our whole world seemed to change in about 10 seconds. SO, in November when I really picked up Twilight and was sucked into a black hole of awesometown (yes, I think I'm rapidly turning into "Comic Book Guy" from the Simpsons...), I remembered just how wonderful it is to lose yourself in a book... or any hobby I suppose that doesn't involve a lot of "No, stop doing that" or "Hola! I'm Dora!".
So, I have set some pretty strict restrictions on myself for 09 as far as entertainment goes.
I really am going to try to limit myself to following only a handful of shows:
24, Lost, Fringe, Office, Gossip Girl (duh) and maybe Grey's. This is a big deal, people!! But, I am determined to work on my brain, soul, and body this year, and I don't think TV can really assist me towards that end. I'm sure we could sit and debate that, and I'm not going to be anal about this; I'm sure I will cheat. BUT, the goal is to read more, educate more, work out more, look out for my health a bit more (w/o veggies of course) and spend as much time cultivating my relationships with family and friends as possible.
Here are a few of the tangible goals for the year:
1. Another Half-marathon - probably the Austin Half, or the Big D in April
2. FULL Marathon - White Rock or something earlier in the year, not sure yet
3. BOOT CAMP - starting next month!
4. Set a reading list and actually finish each and every book (working on compiling that at the moment... feel free to offer suggestions!!)
5. VOLUNTEER in some way or another. I am going to get our apartment community to help out once a month at Genesis Women's Shelter in some form, as we adopted a family for the holidays, and it was such a great experience purchasing and collecting all the items on their wish list. Niles, Reese and I took them to the dropoff, along with $175 in gift cards for the family!! It makes me cry every time I think about it.
6. Find some way to do something for the troops. (Niles is making fun of me, but we watched Lions for Lambs tonight, and I'm all inspired to do something important and encouraging. Currently doing research, but again, all suggestions are welcome!)
7. GO TO SOME CONCERTS. My friend Sarah and I have talking about this for some time as we have similar music tastes. This is something I always think about, but just get caught up in the rut of Grapevine, Chilis and Sonic (sigh) and forget all about it. But I truly love music and I hate that there is sooo much out there I don't know about. =(
Okay, so, it's almost 1:00 am, and considering I just got over being grossly ill, I should head to bed.
peace out.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Books I Read in 2008
A Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing - Melissa Bank (you know... i may have read this last year...)
Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Bilbert
The Last Lecture - Jerry Pausch (FAN FREAKING TASTIC)
Stori Telling - yes, i believe you know her...
A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khalid Hussein
Chris Farley Show - colaboration (this was actually a great read, but very very sad)
Freedom From Fear - Neil Anderson & Rich Miller
Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
New Moon - Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer
Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer
Skinny Bitch
Marilyn Monroe - Barbara Leaming
Midnight Sun - Stephenie Meyer
Books I got halfway through, which is tragic, but I just was not interested. Seriously.
The Shack - ugh, i don't remember
Marley & Me - John Grogan (I always want to say Josh Groban)
Atonement - Ian McEwan (I still may try to suffer through this one... but I just can't care enough about it)
Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Bilbert
The Last Lecture - Jerry Pausch (FAN FREAKING TASTIC)
Stori Telling - yes, i believe you know her...
A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khalid Hussein
Chris Farley Show - colaboration (this was actually a great read, but very very sad)
Freedom From Fear - Neil Anderson & Rich Miller
Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
New Moon - Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer
Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer
Skinny Bitch
Marilyn Monroe - Barbara Leaming
Midnight Sun - Stephenie Meyer
Books I got halfway through, which is tragic, but I just was not interested. Seriously.
The Shack - ugh, i don't remember
Marley & Me - John Grogan (I always want to say Josh Groban)
Atonement - Ian McEwan (I still may try to suffer through this one... but I just can't care enough about it)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Goodbye 08! Thank GOD.
So, we are saying Good Bye to '08...
Let me rephrase, Good FREAKING Bye '08.
What an exhausting year!! BUT, amidst the grievances that can be attributed to this year, there are also some great things and experiences, as with every year.
Probably one of my favorite things I did this year happened only a mere three weeks ago when I ran the White Rock half-marathon! Sadly, I have no photos yet... but I will post when I do. I am mostly proud because I literally trained MAYBE once a week and really did not run at all for two weeks before the race! I have no idea why. I think I have been a bit lethargic lately. Anyway, I finished the race in 2:28! Which basically comes down to a 11:22 minute mile. I'm pretty happy with that considering my training could barely be considered training, at any stretch of the imagination.
Well, since my other big, exciting news is that I have a suh-weet iPhone now, I finally am able to take pictures and, drum roll, POST THEM TO MY BLOG!! TA-DAH!!
So, before I get to posting, here is a Christmas breakdown -
Reese got a mountain of Princess clothing, Princess, slippers, Princess wands, crowns, earrings, jewels, etc. Pretty much just take a consensus of every item you own, attach a Princess theme to it, and Reese probably got one for Christmas. You think I'm kidding.
Niles got me a $100 gift certificate to Luke's Locker so I can get some really serious running shoes! I'm so excited. Plus, he is paying for me to go back to boot camp. That means, I will have to stop being lazy, and start getting some muscle back on this body!! I'm also super excited about it. I need to start 2009 off on an inspiring note, and boot camp is the perfect way to do that, as I already know well.
So, now that the year is coming to a close, it is funny to look back on how differently this year is ending than how it began. Completely different in nearly every single way. I really do love change, even as it intimidates me and I can get a bit anxious about the "unknown"... But I don't like to stay stagnant for too long, and if 2009 continues along the pace that the second half of 08 did, than it is going to be a fast-moving year!! I am truly excited about the coming year, and I am very excited about all the possibilities on the horizon. SO... going out with Reesey's best friend today was the perfect way to close out the year.
Presenting, more of the Reese and Emma Show (via Central Market & iPhone)
And here are some pics from our day at the library. Reese loves the computers because they have "Reesey Games" and she can sit there for hours.
Tonight we are off to hang out with some friends and Reesey's boyfriends (there are so many!) so it will be a nice way to say goodbye to 2008, BUT WE WILL DEFINITELY MISS Niles!! It is back to our usual routine of not spending New Years Eve together! =)
CHEERS TO EVERYONE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Let me rephrase, Good FREAKING Bye '08.
What an exhausting year!! BUT, amidst the grievances that can be attributed to this year, there are also some great things and experiences, as with every year.
Probably one of my favorite things I did this year happened only a mere three weeks ago when I ran the White Rock half-marathon! Sadly, I have no photos yet... but I will post when I do. I am mostly proud because I literally trained MAYBE once a week and really did not run at all for two weeks before the race! I have no idea why. I think I have been a bit lethargic lately. Anyway, I finished the race in 2:28! Which basically comes down to a 11:22 minute mile. I'm pretty happy with that considering my training could barely be considered training, at any stretch of the imagination.
Well, since my other big, exciting news is that I have a suh-weet iPhone now, I finally am able to take pictures and, drum roll, POST THEM TO MY BLOG!! TA-DAH!!
So, before I get to posting, here is a Christmas breakdown -
Reese got a mountain of Princess clothing, Princess, slippers, Princess wands, crowns, earrings, jewels, etc. Pretty much just take a consensus of every item you own, attach a Princess theme to it, and Reese probably got one for Christmas. You think I'm kidding.
Niles got me a $100 gift certificate to Luke's Locker so I can get some really serious running shoes! I'm so excited. Plus, he is paying for me to go back to boot camp. That means, I will have to stop being lazy, and start getting some muscle back on this body!! I'm also super excited about it. I need to start 2009 off on an inspiring note, and boot camp is the perfect way to do that, as I already know well.
So, now that the year is coming to a close, it is funny to look back on how differently this year is ending than how it began. Completely different in nearly every single way. I really do love change, even as it intimidates me and I can get a bit anxious about the "unknown"... But I don't like to stay stagnant for too long, and if 2009 continues along the pace that the second half of 08 did, than it is going to be a fast-moving year!! I am truly excited about the coming year, and I am very excited about all the possibilities on the horizon. SO... going out with Reesey's best friend today was the perfect way to close out the year.
Presenting, more of the Reese and Emma Show (via Central Market & iPhone)
And here are some pics from our day at the library. Reese loves the computers because they have "Reesey Games" and she can sit there for hours.
Tonight we are off to hang out with some friends and Reesey's boyfriends (there are so many!) so it will be a nice way to say goodbye to 2008, BUT WE WILL DEFINITELY MISS Niles!! It is back to our usual routine of not spending New Years Eve together! =)
CHEERS TO EVERYONE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Girls and Boys
This morning, after my long blog episode below, I watched as my two favorite people displayed two similar and yet distinct characteristics of women/girls and men/boys. Very interesting...
Niles, my nearly 28-year-old husband of 6 years is sick. But apparently so sick that it has reduced him to an infantile state. Apparently it is normal for adult men to regress substantially when inflicted by a sore throat and "sore skin" (niles' words). =)
Reese was happy as a clam when she woke up this morning. Smiling and content, she walked over to the kitchen table and started coloring while I made her breakfast: blueberry waffles and strawberries. As soon as I brought her food over, on her pretty pink plate with her pink plastic flamingo fork, she immediately stopped coloring, pulled her security blankie near and pushed away her plate of food. Bewildered and a bit frustrated I must admit, I chose to ignore the sudden moodswing and continue on with the rest of our morning routine.
Not content with that small display of discontent, Reese hopped down from her booster seat at the table and walked over to Niles, lying desperately on the couch. She stood there staring at him for a few minutes, with a mixture of emotions on her face, and without warning put her tiny hands on each cheek and burst into tears.
Eventually she made her way back to her plate of carbs and sugary syrup and went right back to smiling.
I tell you, this is not too different from an average evening between Niles and I.
Niles, my nearly 28-year-old husband of 6 years is sick. But apparently so sick that it has reduced him to an infantile state. Apparently it is normal for adult men to regress substantially when inflicted by a sore throat and "sore skin" (niles' words). =)
Reese was happy as a clam when she woke up this morning. Smiling and content, she walked over to the kitchen table and started coloring while I made her breakfast: blueberry waffles and strawberries. As soon as I brought her food over, on her pretty pink plate with her pink plastic flamingo fork, she immediately stopped coloring, pulled her security blankie near and pushed away her plate of food. Bewildered and a bit frustrated I must admit, I chose to ignore the sudden moodswing and continue on with the rest of our morning routine.
Not content with that small display of discontent, Reese hopped down from her booster seat at the table and walked over to Niles, lying desperately on the couch. She stood there staring at him for a few minutes, with a mixture of emotions on her face, and without warning put her tiny hands on each cheek and burst into tears.
Eventually she made her way back to her plate of carbs and sugary syrup and went right back to smiling.
I tell you, this is not too different from an average evening between Niles and I.
Emphatic Confidence
I know all my posts lately have been either serious or boring, so you'll have to forgive me. I don't have enough brainpower lately to be humorous or creative, unless it pertains to event-planning. =)
But I just had to write about this... I am reading My Utmost for His Highest, which has quickly become one of my favorite books (devo) of all time. I have gone back to it sporadically over the years, but I think this year has been the most consistent. It is full of so much wisdom and depth. Sometimes a little too much depth, and I don't quite grasp it, but most of the time it offers me some revelation that I have desperately needed.
I have been feeling a little burnt out lately. It seems as though most of my life now is CARES, which is awesome because I love it, but it is so easy to forget about life outside of our community. It's like I forget about my whole world, and all I can focus on are giveaways, donations, details and whether residents will attend and whether they will have a good time... I completely lose my bearings and friends turn into babysitters. =) I feel heavily convicted about it all at the moment because I can see that I've gotten out of balance. Thank God that He cares enough about me and loves me enough to reveal to me when I'm not giving enough to my relationships and my family.
Anyways, back to my devotion this morning...
Since I have been feeling all this heavy stuff, it was so fantastic to read these crucial points in today's Utmost:
"We have to battle through our moods into absolute devotion to the Lord Jesus, to get out of the hole-and-corner business of our experience into abandoned devotion to Him.
"... our faith must be built in strong emphatic confidence in Him"
"He is made unto us 'wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption'. How can we talk of making a sacrifice for the Son of God?!"
"All our fears are wicked, and we fear because we will not nourish ourselves in our faith. How can anyone who is identified with Jesus Christ suffer from doubt or fear?"
Seriously! How can I act as if I'm going to go each day and make such a sacrifice for God by believing Him and loving Him. ?! God has given me the greatest gift anyone can ever receive... He sees me as righteous and sanctified, faultless because of the gift of Jesus. If I do fear or doubt (which I do very often) it is absolutely because I have not nourished myself in my faith - in my God-given freedom!!
Anyways, I'm not great at writing articulately about things that move my spirit, but maybe you get something out of this that I didn't, or maybe you'll just have to read it yourself, because doesnt everyone own this book?!?! All I know is that I got a good kick in the butt this morning.
But I just had to write about this... I am reading My Utmost for His Highest, which has quickly become one of my favorite books (devo) of all time. I have gone back to it sporadically over the years, but I think this year has been the most consistent. It is full of so much wisdom and depth. Sometimes a little too much depth, and I don't quite grasp it, but most of the time it offers me some revelation that I have desperately needed.
I have been feeling a little burnt out lately. It seems as though most of my life now is CARES, which is awesome because I love it, but it is so easy to forget about life outside of our community. It's like I forget about my whole world, and all I can focus on are giveaways, donations, details and whether residents will attend and whether they will have a good time... I completely lose my bearings and friends turn into babysitters. =) I feel heavily convicted about it all at the moment because I can see that I've gotten out of balance. Thank God that He cares enough about me and loves me enough to reveal to me when I'm not giving enough to my relationships and my family.
Anyways, back to my devotion this morning...
Since I have been feeling all this heavy stuff, it was so fantastic to read these crucial points in today's Utmost:
"We have to battle through our moods into absolute devotion to the Lord Jesus, to get out of the hole-and-corner business of our experience into abandoned devotion to Him.
"... our faith must be built in strong emphatic confidence in Him"
"He is made unto us 'wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption'. How can we talk of making a sacrifice for the Son of God?!"
"All our fears are wicked, and we fear because we will not nourish ourselves in our faith. How can anyone who is identified with Jesus Christ suffer from doubt or fear?"
Seriously! How can I act as if I'm going to go each day and make such a sacrifice for God by believing Him and loving Him. ?! God has given me the greatest gift anyone can ever receive... He sees me as righteous and sanctified, faultless because of the gift of Jesus. If I do fear or doubt (which I do very often) it is absolutely because I have not nourished myself in my faith - in my God-given freedom!!
Anyways, I'm not great at writing articulately about things that move my spirit, but maybe you get something out of this that I didn't, or maybe you'll just have to read it yourself, because doesnt everyone own this book?!?! All I know is that I got a good kick in the butt this morning.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
7th Wedding
Okay, kids... Last weekend was my seventh wedding to bridesmaid.
It was probably one of, if not THE best dress I have ever worn in a wedding, which was awesome. But can I say, no matter how much I love a bridesmaid dress, IT WILL NEVER BE WORN AGAIN! It just will not happen.
The wedding was my friend Brie's. She married her boyfriend of 4 years, John, and they are absolutely perfect together. She looked more beautiful than I have ever seen her. Briezer is so funny, so true to herself, and completely without an ounce of pretension. She is such a blast to be around and I felt so honored to be in her wedding, considering that just 3 years ago we had never hung out before, even though I have known her for years. CHEERS TO BRIE!!
REHEARSAL DINNER
GETTING HER SCRAPBOOK WE GAVE HER
Mere, Amy and Becca
BEFORE THE WEDDING
Me and Mere
With Brie's nephew, Little Vincent
The Wedding and Reception!
And for those of you who know to ask... the flowers were beautiful! =)
It was probably one of, if not THE best dress I have ever worn in a wedding, which was awesome. But can I say, no matter how much I love a bridesmaid dress, IT WILL NEVER BE WORN AGAIN! It just will not happen.
The wedding was my friend Brie's. She married her boyfriend of 4 years, John, and they are absolutely perfect together. She looked more beautiful than I have ever seen her. Briezer is so funny, so true to herself, and completely without an ounce of pretension. She is such a blast to be around and I felt so honored to be in her wedding, considering that just 3 years ago we had never hung out before, even though I have known her for years. CHEERS TO BRIE!!
REHEARSAL DINNER
GETTING HER SCRAPBOOK WE GAVE HER
Mere, Amy and Becca
BEFORE THE WEDDING
Me and Mere
With Brie's nephew, Little Vincent
The Wedding and Reception!
And for those of you who know to ask... the flowers were beautiful! =)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
My Husband is so smart.
You should go read his blog...
Blog Action Day!
I had no idea what the whole Blog Action Day thing was, but Niles informed me that you are supposed to take one day to write all about one particular topic... for whatever reason.
Anyways, today's topic was poverty, and my brilliant husband wrote a great blog.
Check it out!!!
www.7zeroes.com
Blog Action Day!
I had no idea what the whole Blog Action Day thing was, but Niles informed me that you are supposed to take one day to write all about one particular topic... for whatever reason.
Anyways, today's topic was poverty, and my brilliant husband wrote a great blog.
Check it out!!!
www.7zeroes.com
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
In Every Season, You Are Still God
If you don't already love Hillsong and immediately buy every CD that comes out, please at least buy their latest, This Is Our God. So far, this is absolutely my favorite. It is so powerful and everytime I listen, I feel the presence of God so strongly, and feel so refreshed and touched by God.
"Desert Song" is currently my favorite. The part in italics towards the bottom is such a great reminder to me that I have nothing to fear, nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to be depressed about, because ultimately God is God, and no matter what is going on around me or even IN me, He never changes, He never fails. No matter what mistakes I make, nothing can or will ever separate me from Him!!
DESERT SONG
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
ALL OF MY LIFE
IN EVERY SEASON
YOU ARE STILL GOD
I HAVE A REASON TO SING
I HAVE A REASON TO WORSHIP!!!
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow
"Desert Song" is currently my favorite. The part in italics towards the bottom is such a great reminder to me that I have nothing to fear, nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to be depressed about, because ultimately God is God, and no matter what is going on around me or even IN me, He never changes, He never fails. No matter what mistakes I make, nothing can or will ever separate me from Him!!
DESERT SONG
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
ALL OF MY LIFE
IN EVERY SEASON
YOU ARE STILL GOD
I HAVE A REASON TO SING
I HAVE A REASON TO WORSHIP!!!
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
So, Reese has been on a big sticker frenzy lately. She loves them, and they keep her occupied for quite some time, which is fantiastic.
So, at Target this morning, I saw they had a bunch of stickers on sale for 42 cents. (Seriously, 42 cents? why 42?)
Anyways, I grabbed some fish, some Tinkerbells, and some cute bunnies.
Only later when we were at home and Reese was sticking Bunny stickers all over Niles did we realize what those cute bunnies were communicating to our sweet girl.
Here's a small sample for you:
"Hi. Cram It." ???? Who the heck writes these things?!
So Niles kept me fully entertained reading off each sticker as Reese stuck them onto his arm. Here's a few of my favorites:
"look how nice I am not laughing at you"
(picture bunny holding a guitar) "I know it's loud. I just don't care" ?!?!?!?!
And my personal favorite:
"I have a dream, and in it something eats you."
And to think, someone is actually making money off of these.
Ahh, the American dream. =)
So, at Target this morning, I saw they had a bunch of stickers on sale for 42 cents. (Seriously, 42 cents? why 42?)
Anyways, I grabbed some fish, some Tinkerbells, and some cute bunnies.
Only later when we were at home and Reese was sticking Bunny stickers all over Niles did we realize what those cute bunnies were communicating to our sweet girl.
Here's a small sample for you:
"Hi. Cram It." ???? Who the heck writes these things?!
So Niles kept me fully entertained reading off each sticker as Reese stuck them onto his arm. Here's a few of my favorites:
"look how nice I am not laughing at you"
(picture bunny holding a guitar) "I know it's loud. I just don't care" ?!?!?!?!
And my personal favorite:
"I have a dream, and in it something eats you."
And to think, someone is actually making money off of these.
Ahh, the American dream. =)
Ventage
So something has been called to my attention.
I already sensed it as I wrote my blog on Sunday...
I mainly use this blog as a place to vent my frustrations, vent my feelings about life, child-rearing, everything... But I also probably spend too much time whining aobut my full schedule and how I never get to "rest", and not nearly enough time talking about the fullness of my life, and how much I ENJOY my daughter.
Let me put this in no uncertain terms... Having Reese is the most fulfilling, wonderful experience I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. I love every little thing about that little girl. I love her crazy hair that I cannot fix smoothly to save my life. I love how she sings songs to herself, makes up music on her own, I love watching her do her puzzles, struggling to put each little piece exactly in its place. I love watching her color, concentrating so hard on holding that marker, pressing it so firmly onto the paper that I'm scared she is going to push the marker part out the other end! I love how she "works on her house", tearing her playhouse apart and pounding on it with her plastic hammer. I love how she wants to have books in her bed with her when she goes down for her nap. I love B!! I love that she always wants to wear dresses, and dancing shoes... And I love her so much, that I cry as I write this because any difficult days, any temper tantrums, any days where I have raised my voice at her when maybe I shouldn't have because I was that frustrated, any time where she has flat out ignored everything I am saying and completely disregards me, pale in comparison to the joy that she has brought to my life.
I say this so that when I have a second child, I can reassure myself, that while the "baby days" are difficult, the joys to come and the experience of loving a child and being loved by a child is immeasurable and incomprehensible. It so far surpasses my highest expectations of being a mom.
I had a very difficult first couple months being a mom, and a difficult time during the 7 month old to 9 month old phase, as well. But I can barely even remember that now. It all goes so fast. And the difficult days end - every 24 hours! Because even one day in a child's life changes them it seems. I remember looking at my friend's 2 year olds when Reese was only 1, and thinking, there is NO way Reese will be there in a year!
ALL THIS TO SAY, for all you moms out there having any difficulties, having tough days, days where you need help (!), days where you feel totally alone in this whole thing (despite your husband's best attempts!), days where you feel like your life is completely ripped out of your hands... IT GETS BETTER!! AND BETTER AND BETTER AND BETTER!!! Trust me.
The other day Reese came up to me on the couch, standing next to me while I sat, and she put her arm around my neck, stared smiling at me for a bit, and just leaned over and kissed my head. If that doesn't rock your world, than I don't know what could.
I already sensed it as I wrote my blog on Sunday...
I mainly use this blog as a place to vent my frustrations, vent my feelings about life, child-rearing, everything... But I also probably spend too much time whining aobut my full schedule and how I never get to "rest", and not nearly enough time talking about the fullness of my life, and how much I ENJOY my daughter.
Let me put this in no uncertain terms... Having Reese is the most fulfilling, wonderful experience I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. I love every little thing about that little girl. I love her crazy hair that I cannot fix smoothly to save my life. I love how she sings songs to herself, makes up music on her own, I love watching her do her puzzles, struggling to put each little piece exactly in its place. I love watching her color, concentrating so hard on holding that marker, pressing it so firmly onto the paper that I'm scared she is going to push the marker part out the other end! I love how she "works on her house", tearing her playhouse apart and pounding on it with her plastic hammer. I love how she wants to have books in her bed with her when she goes down for her nap. I love B!! I love that she always wants to wear dresses, and dancing shoes... And I love her so much, that I cry as I write this because any difficult days, any temper tantrums, any days where I have raised my voice at her when maybe I shouldn't have because I was that frustrated, any time where she has flat out ignored everything I am saying and completely disregards me, pale in comparison to the joy that she has brought to my life.
I say this so that when I have a second child, I can reassure myself, that while the "baby days" are difficult, the joys to come and the experience of loving a child and being loved by a child is immeasurable and incomprehensible. It so far surpasses my highest expectations of being a mom.
I had a very difficult first couple months being a mom, and a difficult time during the 7 month old to 9 month old phase, as well. But I can barely even remember that now. It all goes so fast. And the difficult days end - every 24 hours! Because even one day in a child's life changes them it seems. I remember looking at my friend's 2 year olds when Reese was only 1, and thinking, there is NO way Reese will be there in a year!
ALL THIS TO SAY, for all you moms out there having any difficulties, having tough days, days where you need help (!), days where you feel totally alone in this whole thing (despite your husband's best attempts!), days where you feel like your life is completely ripped out of your hands... IT GETS BETTER!! AND BETTER AND BETTER AND BETTER!!! Trust me.
The other day Reese came up to me on the couch, standing next to me while I sat, and she put her arm around my neck, stared smiling at me for a bit, and just leaned over and kissed my head. If that doesn't rock your world, than I don't know what could.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Getting Lola in on the Photo Booth Action
First, just us...
At this point, Lola is not too happy with me...
At this point, Lola is not too happy with me...
Not-So-Sleepy Sunday
So, I'm a church-skipper today. Not feeling so great, exhausted from the weekend, and really needing some down-time. However, seeing as I am now resigned to the house due to our one-car household, this also means I am constrained to our home with my preciously high-energy highly-emotional toddler who, as I write, is hollering in frustration over the collapse of her Lego tower. The 5th said Tower we have constructed in the last 10 minutes. SO, down-time is not something I will have the luxury of enjoying.
Here are the things I would like to do this morning:
1. Lay down on the couch for 10 consecutive minutes (or more)
2. Finish my TIME magazine
3. Sit still
4. READ.
5. Not watch Dora, Charlie & Lola, or Go, Diego, Go.
6. Drink coffee; maybe even 2 cups
7. Take a shower by myself
8. Go for a run outside ALONE
Here are the things I will end up doing this morning, and already have done, since 6:30 am when Reese woke up:
1. Lay down for a teasing 3 minutes before hopping up to respond to shrieks of "mommy"
2. Start 3 separate articles in TIME before #1 ensues
3. Sit still not long enough to know how awesome it feels to be sitting.
4. Read Angelina Ballerina, Berenstein Bears, and Miss Mopp's Lucky Day.
5. Watch Charlie & Lola
6. Pour 3 cups of coffee, but only drink 1/4 of each cup before #1 ensues.
7. Will end up taking a shower with Reese either outside the door watching and crying to come in, or with Reese at my feet crying because the soap is getting in her eyes.
8. Running doesn't seem so important anymore.
Okay, let it just be known, that Reesey is just in a phase where Mommy is the only one she will cry to, or lean on, call for right now, which in some ways is sweet, but also pretty exhausting. I love my little girl with all my heart, but I would really love some alone time at the moment. =)
Here are the things I would like to do this morning:
1. Lay down on the couch for 10 consecutive minutes (or more)
2. Finish my TIME magazine
3. Sit still
4. READ.
5. Not watch Dora, Charlie & Lola, or Go, Diego, Go.
6. Drink coffee; maybe even 2 cups
7. Take a shower by myself
8. Go for a run outside ALONE
Here are the things I will end up doing this morning, and already have done, since 6:30 am when Reese woke up:
1. Lay down for a teasing 3 minutes before hopping up to respond to shrieks of "mommy"
2. Start 3 separate articles in TIME before #1 ensues
3. Sit still not long enough to know how awesome it feels to be sitting.
4. Read Angelina Ballerina, Berenstein Bears, and Miss Mopp's Lucky Day.
5. Watch Charlie & Lola
6. Pour 3 cups of coffee, but only drink 1/4 of each cup before #1 ensues.
7. Will end up taking a shower with Reese either outside the door watching and crying to come in, or with Reese at my feet crying because the soap is getting in her eyes.
8. Running doesn't seem so important anymore.
Okay, let it just be known, that Reesey is just in a phase where Mommy is the only one she will cry to, or lean on, call for right now, which in some ways is sweet, but also pretty exhausting. I love my little girl with all my heart, but I would really love some alone time at the moment. =)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Must Share...
So I'm pretty excited because I found some great music lately, as WELL as made a pretty sweet workout playlist.
If you have spent any time around me and my iPod, you know we have a very close relationship. I spend ridiculous amounts of time looking for good music, and even more so, GREAT workout music. I can't even fathom working out without something perfect to listen to; and that is usually my biggest complaint with any workout class. I'm so tired of spinning to classic rock! NOTHING against classic rock, mind you, I'm always up for some Boston or Steve Miller Band, but I just cannot get excited about working out to "Sweet Home Alabama","Jungle Love" or any other Eagles songs anymore! Seriously!!
SO, here's what I would call Playlist of the Year.
If you need to get pumped up for running your marathon commitments, 5Ks, or other various energy expenditures, THIS, I promise you, will do the job. I'm so proud of myself!
So proud, I just might burn you a copy if you ask. =) (and before you get all worked up, know that just because I choose to exercise to the likes of Girlicious or Pussycat Dolls, does not mean I own fishnet hose, wear bustiers or even enjoy kissing girls. it's all for the calories, people!!)
1. Hot N Cold - katy perry
2. So What - pink
3. Like Me - girlicious
4. Disturbia - rihanna
5. Sorry - madonna
6. Forever - chris brown
7. When I Grow Up - pussycat dolls
8. 2 of You - danity kane
9. New Workout Plan - kanye west
10. Piece of Me - britney
11. Move Shake Drop Remix - dj laz
12. Damaged - danity kane
13. Do It Well - jennifer lopez
14. Ooh Ooh Baby - britney
15. Low - flo rida
16. Stronger - kanye west
17. 4 Minutes - madonna
18. Gimme More - britney
19. I Kissed A Girl - katy perry
20. Here I Come - the roots
21. Say This Sooner - the almost
22. Sexy Back - justin timberlake
23. Radar - britney
24. Unconditional - the bravery
25. Viva la Vida - coldplay
26. Mercy - duffy
27. Break the Ice - britney
28. What You Waiting For? - gwen stefani
29. Holiday (Faded Ending) - green day
30. Charlotte - air traffic
Okay, so my list actually goes to 61 songs, but I won't bore you.
Anyways, hope you enjoy!
Oh, and if you haven't already, check out The Weepies.
If you have spent any time around me and my iPod, you know we have a very close relationship. I spend ridiculous amounts of time looking for good music, and even more so, GREAT workout music. I can't even fathom working out without something perfect to listen to; and that is usually my biggest complaint with any workout class. I'm so tired of spinning to classic rock! NOTHING against classic rock, mind you, I'm always up for some Boston or Steve Miller Band, but I just cannot get excited about working out to "Sweet Home Alabama","Jungle Love" or any other Eagles songs anymore! Seriously!!
SO, here's what I would call Playlist of the Year.
If you need to get pumped up for running your marathon commitments, 5Ks, or other various energy expenditures, THIS, I promise you, will do the job. I'm so proud of myself!
So proud, I just might burn you a copy if you ask. =) (and before you get all worked up, know that just because I choose to exercise to the likes of Girlicious or Pussycat Dolls, does not mean I own fishnet hose, wear bustiers or even enjoy kissing girls. it's all for the calories, people!!)
1. Hot N Cold - katy perry
2. So What - pink
3. Like Me - girlicious
4. Disturbia - rihanna
5. Sorry - madonna
6. Forever - chris brown
7. When I Grow Up - pussycat dolls
8. 2 of You - danity kane
9. New Workout Plan - kanye west
10. Piece of Me - britney
11. Move Shake Drop Remix - dj laz
12. Damaged - danity kane
13. Do It Well - jennifer lopez
14. Ooh Ooh Baby - britney
15. Low - flo rida
16. Stronger - kanye west
17. 4 Minutes - madonna
18. Gimme More - britney
19. I Kissed A Girl - katy perry
20. Here I Come - the roots
21. Say This Sooner - the almost
22. Sexy Back - justin timberlake
23. Radar - britney
24. Unconditional - the bravery
25. Viva la Vida - coldplay
26. Mercy - duffy
27. Break the Ice - britney
28. What You Waiting For? - gwen stefani
29. Holiday (Faded Ending) - green day
30. Charlotte - air traffic
Okay, so my list actually goes to 61 songs, but I won't bore you.
Anyways, hope you enjoy!
Oh, and if you haven't already, check out The Weepies.
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