Year In Review

2010 has been a wonderful year! But I have to say, I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store. I'm a terrible blogger, so here is a recap of 2010!

January

The month started with wedding prep stress and ended with the best day of my life, marrying the man I love. 

February

Spent the first week of the month on a cruise for our honeymoon. We had a wonderful time. Came home and moved in together. Talk about an adjustment! I think we made it a few days before our first big fight! 

March

Threw a baby shower for my  friend Ambre who was awaiting the arrival of her little girl. Started peeing on tests to see if I was pregnant, only to be greeted with negative results. Talk about fun!

April

Again, nothing exciting. More negative pregnancy tests. 

May

I was with my friend Ambre as she welcomed her daughter Cambria into the world. Such an incredible experience. 

June

Celebrated my 27th birthday! Went to Palm Springs for a weekend with my family! More negative pregnancy tests.  Finally got to quit my job as a restaurant server after far too many years. I started nannying for 4 month old twins. Best. Job. Ever.

July

T and I took a trip to Texas for a week to visit his family and check out the area. We hadn't been out there in a while, and I had never spent more than 3 days there. We found our dream house, and we were on the verge of trying to buy it. I freaked out about moving away from my family and we decided not to make the move.

August

I don't think anything exciting happened. Just more negative pregnancy tests and disappointment. 

September

Celebrated my mom's birthday. Bought T a new truck. 

October

Celebrated my sister's birthday with a Halloween themed party. Bought myself a new car!

November

Celebrated my dad's birthday and Thanksgiving with my family. Thought maybe, just maybe I would get a positive pregnancy test. I got my period on Thanksgiving day. I wasn't so thankful.

December

Celebrated T's birthday, and our 1st married Christmas! Both were wonderful! Thought again I may get a positive pregnancy test; negative tests, but still no period. This may be worse than getting a period. 

I'm hoping 2011 brings a baby into our lives, and more adventure so next year my "year in review" isn't so boring! Happy New Year, may God bless you and your family in the coming year. 

Christmas Recap

Christmas this year was fantastic! 

T and I drove up to my parents Christmas Eve to surprise my mom. She was having a rough time dealing with her first Christmas without any "kids" in the house. She was so excited when she got home and saw us there. But before we went up there we had our own Christmas, just the two of us. He did a pretty good job, I must say. I was a little worried, as the first two gifts I opened were a car charger for my iphone and a travel coffee mug. (I don't drink coffee!) But he redeemed himself when I opened The Pioneer Woman's cookbook and a pair of Toms! I LOVE them both!

Christmas morning my sister and her hubby came over and so did my Grams. We all celebrated Christmas together, and it was lovely! My parents got me a Silhouette! I was so excited because I really wanted one but didn't think I would actually be getting it! I have so many projects planned. My sister gave me a gift card to Silhouette so I can buy more supplies. 

The rest of the day was spent eating, drinking and hanging out with my family. It was the perfect Christmas. I just feel like it flew by this year though. I can't believe how fast this past year has gone. I remember last Christmas like it was yesterday, so I can't believe this Christmas is already gone. I'm already looking forward to Christmas next year. And I'm hoping there will be a baby around to add to the excitement of the season!

Another Day, Another Announcement

You know how when you want something really bad it seems as if everyone around you is getting that very thing your heart is set on. 

Ya, that's my life right now. 

If I see one more pregnancy announcement I just might scream.

It seems as though every day another person is making their announcement on facebook. I know it sounds selfish, and it probably is selfish. I am happy for these people. But I just don't understand why this is so hard for us. Why does it seem as though everyone else I know simply says the word baby, and next thing you know they are knocked up. 

We have been trying for 11 months. I know, it's not that long. I know many couples try for years and years. I don't know how these people do it. I assume it's like everything else in life, they don't have a choice. You just deal with it and get through it. 

I feel like every day seems to get harder and harder. 

And my favorite is when people say "it will happen". REALLY. Do you KNOW for a fact it will happen? NO, you don't. Do you  know what it is like to try and try and try and month after month you get a negative test. If you do know what that's like, you wouldn't be saying "it will happen". I know people just mean well, but it doesn't help. I know there are people who want to strangle me because I am frustrated with trying for "only" 11 months. 

Sorry this post is so long. I'm just hurting and don't know how to deal with it. 

Special Time of Year

I love Christmas!

 I love everything about it; the sights, the lights, the smells, and the overall giving spirit of the holiday. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. As I get older, it seems to just get better and better. Not because I get better gifts, but because there is just so much meaning behind this time of year.

Growing up my parents always instilled in us the real reason for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. They also always made sure we knew the reason of Christmas was not for presents, but to try and help others less fortunate than us. As I have gotten older, this becomes more and more true for me. In the past few years there are very few things I have wanted for Christmas, and I would prefer money spent of gifts go to help others.

This year, like many years in the past, my family "adopted" a family at a local church. This was the first year I have had a steady job with a steady income and was really able to participate. The little boy we adopted is 6 years old.I cannot tell you the smile I had on my face while shopping for him, and knowing we were helping his family. There is no greater job (at least not at this point in my life, I'm sure once we have children this will change) than being able to help others. My heart is so full this year. I hope this little boy and his mom have an amazing Christmas. I know that even if I have not one gift under the tree this year, I would still be completely fulfilled. This is what Christmas is all about. No amount of gifts will ever give me the fulfillment helping others does.

All I Want For Christmas...

...Is a positive pregnancy test in 2011! I promise I will be a good girl next year and I won't ask for anything else.

Giving Thanks

I really do have so much to be thankful for. I often time's tend to focus on what I don't have. In reality, I am beyond blessed.

I may not own a house, or live in one for that matter, but I have everything I could need and want in our little apartment.

While we aren't rolling in $$$$, we are able to pay our bills every month, have food on our plates and spend a few bucks at Target! My husband works really hard to provide for us, and for that I am so thankful.

I'm not pregnant like I would love to be, but I get to nanny for the most adorable twins in the whole world. They make me smile each day, and working for them allows us to be in a better position financially to have kids of our own.

While I would love to move to Texas and buy a beautiful house, by staying here in California I am able to get in my car and drive 30 minutes up the freeway and spend time with my family.

I am so very thankful for all that God has blessed me with. This past year has been wonderful and full of new experience. I may not have all that I "wanted" this past year, but I'm realizing I have exactly what I need. And as I am being reminded of daily, God's plan for me is far better than any plan I create.

If You Have Nothing Nice to Say...

I'm still saying it!

If I read one more blog that says "we weren't even trying to get pregnant, it just happened" I might throw my laptop/rip my hair out/scream at the top of my lungs.

I know, I'm bitter. Very bitter. I shouldn't be, but I am. If this experience has taught me anything it's that you never know how long or hard others have struggled to have a child. I understand that people don't mean their statements to rub it in, but stop and think that maybe it's not that easy for everyone else. We haven't even been trying *that* long. I can't imagine couples who try for years and years only to never get pregnant.

I'm just tired of seeing 17 year old's pregnant and people who "accidentally" got pregnant, and "we weren't even trying, it just happened". Good for you. I wish it could "just happen" for me too.

Time For a Breakdown

Today the sh*t has hit the fan in terms of my emotions. All these cute kids in their costumes has been a constant reminder that I'm not pregnant. Today has really sucked. Every time I see a kid I start to cry. All I want is to be pregnant.

Then tonight my dad tells me, "I want you guys to have twins". Well dad, I would just be thrilled to get pregnant at all.

I'm a mess tonight. This blows. I'm certain God is trying to teach me patience, and I don't seem to learning a single thing.

Fall

I am loving fall this year. I was so ready for pumpkins, the leaves changing colors, apple cinnamon candles, sweaters, soups and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! OH, and my all time favorite, Starbucks hot chocolate with 2 pumps of pumpkin spice! Try it, I swear it's much better than it sounds.







Last year at this time T and I took our engagement pictures, and I just love them. My sister took them for us. Everyone here in So Cal takes their pics at the beach. We wanted something different. I just love them and they make me think of fall and all the beauty it brings.

So Blessed

Last week the family I nanny for put the girls car seats in my car. It was not a good situation. I drove a Honda Element and because the door open "suicide" style and the seats sit behind the car doors it was literally impossible to get the girls in the car. I had to go through the "trunk", pull each seat down, put the girls in and then put the seats back up. I would have to do this 4 times on an outing with just one stop. I DON'T THINK SO. At first I thought it would be fine, and then I started driving home and quickly realized I couldn't see out over my right shoulder because the car seats sit up so high, the seats in the Element are stadium style so they sit higher. This car was NOT made for people with small kids. I was so bummed because when I bought this car two years ago thinking it would be a great car for kids. I was SO wrong.



I told T the issue and he said we could go car shopping. We spent Friday night and Saturday night shopping. I test drove a 4Runner, Traverse and a Highlander. I fell in love with the Highlander. It was slightly out of our price range, but we fought hard and felt comfortable with our monthly payment. I told T it was up to him, as he is the bread winner in our house. There were many things that fell into place that allowed us to afford this car. I now realize why God didn't allow for other things to work out the past month. He had a plan! This was just another reminder that I need to quit trying to plan our life, because God is in control, not me.



Here is my new baby...and I couldn't love her any more! Now I can't wait to fill it with babies of our own!!

Public Service Announcement

This is what I realized tonight:

If you are in your 20's (or any age over say, 24), married, have a stable job, loving husband, a small but comfy home and you are longing to get pregnant and have a child...

DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT go to WALMART. It's like a slap in the face, aisle after aisle.

It will make you question a lot of things, including God. And questioning God is not something I should be doing. I should be secure in knowing that God has a plan for us. I just can't help but wonder why on earth I can't get pregnant but there are at least 5 girls under the age of 18 knocked up or carrying around an infant. I can't handle it.

Done. Done annnd Done.

Tonight I am feeling incredibly overwhelmed, stressed and at my max limit of life. Last night I was on the verge of an anxiety attack. I haven't felt this way in a while. I stopped by Sprouts grocery store and picked up some all natural Anxiety Relief. I need these things to work a little faster.

I am stressed about finding a new place to live in our price range. It's not looking good.

I'm stressed about school. I'm slacking in my class. I have four classes left and I just want it to be done NOW. I can't wait until March.

I'm stressed about my friendships. They all seem to be lacking right now. I'm tired of feeling like I have no friends. I'm tired of stressing about friendships. This is an area of my life that is greatly lacking, and it's really taking it's toll on me.

I'm stressed about the future. Things I have no control over. The "unknown" scares me and stresses me out.

I'm stressed about having a baby. It isn't going as easily as I had hoped. I hate this. I hate seeing announcement after announcement. I hate knowing I'm not going to get pregnant until I go to the Dr. and find out what is wrong with my body. But I hate my insurance and doctor so much that I'm waiting until January when our insurance changes. In the meantime I just sit hear, longing to be pregnant.

I need a stiff drink. I want nothing more than to spend a whole day sewing, but that's not going to happen. I want to spend a whole day with my husband, but between our jobs and football, that isn't going to happen for at least 15 weeks.

I'm exhausted and I can't get enough sleep. I just want 12 hours of sleep. I want to go to bed early, but that's time I could be spending with Travis, so instead I stay up late and wake up a raging bitch the next morning.

I'm just over it right now. I want to cry and crawl in a hole for a few days and come back out once this shitty phase is over. Hopefully soon enough it will be.

Bad Influence

As you probably already know I have a problem buying baby "stuff"! Well, let me just say my amazing boss does not help. I just love her and on days she is home we sit around talking baby stuff and comparing items. It is like heaven for me!

And since she bought plenty of stuff before she was pregnant (although probably not near as much as me!), it has given me the green light. Plus, we are always sharing discounts we find online. Dear Lord, help me please! I CANNOT pass up a good deal. I blame my mother for that; she taught me at an early age to be thrifty and wait for sales.

So, here are the items I have taken into my possession this week:









Like I said I have an incredible boss, and she gave me this today! Her girls used it less than 5 times and I plan on making a new cover for it once the day comes!



Like I said, she is a bad, bad influence. And I don't mind it one bit!

Life Right Now

I'm bad at updating my blog, but you already know that. So here is a little update on life right now....

We are not moving out of state! We are staying put for a while. T wasn't big on the idea of moving to Arizona, and I didn't want to force him into it. Plus, the more I though about it, the more I can't imagine leaving the family I nanny for. So, we are on the hunt for a new place to live. I'm praying that we find something rad within our budget, but it's looking like slim pickings. We have a month and a half until we are moving, so we have time. If only we had $2000 a month for rent, we could afford to rent a small house. Isn't that just insane? Every time I think about that it makes me think about the perfect house we found in Texas. But, it's not worth being far from family.

Like I said, my job is amazing. I love, love, love the family I nanny for. I could not have asked for a better family. The girls are near perfect, and their parents could not be any cooler or understanding. It's amazing how finding a job you actually enjoy can make such a difference in your life. Four months ago I hated getting up every day because I dreaded going to work, and now I don't even mind getting up at 6 am to be out the door on time and sitting in an hour of traffic on my way home! I just love this family and I am so thankful they allow me to be a part of their family.

As for the whole thyroid issue, it's STILL a work in process. My doctor is a complete idiot who is wasting my time and finances. I don't know if I should continue fighting this battle with her or just wait until the first of the year when we can change our insurance coverage and deal with this then.

Tomorrow I start weight watchers..it's long past due! I am hoping this will help my self esteem and my overall health. I'm dying to get pregnant and I hope losing some weight will help me in that journey.

That's life right now and I'm loving every minute of it.

Vent

So, I have this personal issue with children's safety, more or less kids in carseats. It drives me nuts when people buy carseats that are cheap and pieces of crap, or they do no research on the safest seat within their price range. I'm not saying the most expensive seat is what you have to buy, but I would think parents would want to protect their child. Then when people don't install their carseat's properly, that makes my blood boil also. It isn't that hard to have your carseat checked at the local police or fire department, and ensure your child is going to be strapped in securly. I hate seeing little children riding in the front seat of the car, they have no business being up there. I don't care if you are driving down the street, something can happen at any time. Why take the chance? I don't care if people think I am crazy, you can bet my children's carseats will be inspected to ensure they are properly installed, they will be in their carseats for as long as possible and won't be riding up front. There are crazy enough drivers out there, I want to make sure I am doing everything in my power to keep them as safe as possible.

That being said a friend on facebook last night posted how she had just put her 9 month old daughter forward facing in her convertable carseat. UMM...HELLO, the rule is 1 year AND 20 lbs.(and it's actually suggested keeping them rear facing to 2 y.o) Instantly my blood started boiling. Then the comments started rolling in:

"ah, so fun she can see the world now"
"isn't it supposed to be 1 year and 30 lbs"
"it's so much easier when they are forward facing"
"this will make your life so much easier"

one person in 12 comments said "she needs to be rear facing until 20 lbs AND 1 year" to which the mother responded "everyone has their own opinion and we know what is best for our child". ARE YOU F'ING KIDDING ME?!?! This isn't just "someones" opinion, I'm fairly certain they have suffiecient evidence to back up their reasoning. But I'm sure the fact that your kids feet are touching the seat is a completely valid reason. (sense the sarcasm?!) The one person who knew the right info responded saying "it's to protect her neck" and explain why she needs to stay rear facing. The mother never responded. Someone else suggested she read the manual again. Did she not read the manual in the first place? I really hope after reading that she turned her around.

I'm sure I sound neurotic, and I know I am, but it just get's under my skin. As a parent, why wouldn't you want to do everything you can to protect your child? Am I just crazy and taking this too far?

Misc. Monday

1.Drivers
I cannot for the life of me stand it when people drive slow. Get out of the fast lane if you are going to drive 70 mph...especially when cars are backing up behind you. I wish irritable bowl syndrome on these people. Get in the car and GO.

2.Golf
Don't tell my husband, but I have been dying to go golfing! We would go every day if we had the time and financial means to do so. I try to downplay how much I enjoy it or else I will never hear the end of it.

3.Little Ladies
That's what I call the girls I nanny for, the little ladies! I just love these two and while sometimes it gets stressful (like when they both start screaming their heads off) they can crack me up just by laughing and flashing a toothless grin. And in return I am somehow able to make them laugh every time they barf all over me, they seem to think it is hilarious. I beg to differ.

4.Target
As you may or may not know, I have a slight obsession with Target. I go ALL.THE.FREAKIN'. TIME. But I have to say, I have been really disappointed with the clearance selections lately. Come on Target, I can only afford things that are at least 50% off!

5.Say What?
I have been trying to cook more and more, but every time I make something T usually hates it. Last night he had to close at work so I made myself a pizza. Fresh dough, pesto, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, that's all it was. It was pretty darn good. T had a piece at 1am when he got home. He told me it was the best dish I have ever made. How can that be? It's the easiest and cheapest thing I have ever made! Good to know, we will now be eating lots of pizza.



6.Vomit
Our lease for our current apartment is up in a few months, so the other day I started researching what our apartments are renting for. I about threw up. Our *huge* 540 sq.ft. apartment is now renting for $1300 a month. Is that a sick joke? $1300 a month for no waster or dryer, only 2 full cabinets in the kitchen, no storage, oh and 540 square feet! It really makes me want to vomit just thinking about it.

Bad, Bad, Bad

I'm a bad, bad blogger! I just really haven't had much to blog about lately. Life is rather mundane over here.

We went to Texas a few weeks ago and overall we had a good time. We stayed with my inlaws for 8 days, which was a bit of an adjustment. But I know how much T loves being back there and I am so glad we went! As far as moving out there, it just isn't going to happen. It is just too far from my family and realizing I will only see them about twice a year is just not enough for me.

There are a lot of things I would like to talk about on here, but for one reason or another I just can't right now. And I hate that. And no, I'm not pregnant, still working on that!

Hopefully one day soon I can talk about what's going on!


*this is the only pic I took the whole time we were in Texas, I have to get better at taking pictures

Cohen

Today many blogger's are having a moment of silent for a sweet little boy named Cohen who passed away far too early in his life. To read about his brave fight for life in the few days he was here on earth click here. I am praying for his parents, grandparents, and everyone else who was touched by his life today. I cannot imagine what this family is going through right now.The day I read he was born I cried for his parents who waited so long for him, and when I read he passed away my heart just broke and I cried again. Cohen is in the best place now, resting peacefully with God.

Opinions Please

I got this crazy idea yesterday and before I can really start to figure out if this is something I can make a reality, I need opinions. I need to know if you would even want this service, find it worthwhile,and be willing to pay for it. If you happen to think this is the dumbest idea ever, you can tell me, just be nice about it, please. Or give me ideas as to how I could improve it. So here it goes...

In my obsession with strollers I started thinking, wouldn't it be great to be able to go to a store that had every stroller you could ever imagine, an get to really test drive it? I'm not talking wheel it around the store, I mean fold it up, put it in the car, and get it out of the car! What if you could not only "test drive" it, but you could rent it for a day or even a week? Really put the stroller to the test, to see if it fits your needs and wants. With so many strollers out there it is so hard to decide what works best for you simply off other people's reviews and suggestions. It sucks to spend hundreds of dollars on something you think is going to be great, only to discover it has far more flaws than you had hoped for. And maybe I should throw this out there, I'm not talking about the strollers they have at BRU (not that there is anything wrong with those) I'm talking Quinny, Orbit, Bugaboo, Britax, Bumbleride, Peg Perego, BOB, Phil & Ted, Maclaren, you get the idea!









So, would you go to a store like that? What would you be willing to pay to rent a stroller for a day? Do you think this is a waste of time? I'm clearly looking for input. I just don't know if I am the only person obsessed with strollers that would love a place like this.

27

In less than four hours I will be 27 years old. I'm big on birthdays, always have been. Not that I ever had elaborate birthday parties, but birthdays are a big deal in my family. In my 20's I tried to always plan fun birthday parties; night out on the town, wine tasting limo tour, weekends in Palm Springs...I just like to enjoy my birthday.

This year I will be working for my birthday. But after work T and I are going out to dinner. Then Sunday I am hanging with my family and having dinner with them. Next weekend we are headed to Palm Springs for the weekend to celebrate with my family! I can't wait.

Last year at this time I was hoping and praying for an engagement ring for my birthday. While I didn't get it on my birthday I did eventually get it! So here are my hopes for my 27th year.

1) Get pregnant - Hopefully by this time next year I will be knocked up.

2) Move - Whether or not we move out of state, we need to figure out where we are going and where we are going to make "home"

3) Lose weight - I have to get my butt in shape, for lots of reasons. For myself, for my health, for my husband, for getting pregnant and for not getting out of control when I do get pregnant, and for labor (I want a natural labor and can't expect my out of shape body to be able to handle that)

4) Work on my friendships - I need to start being a better friend, and for a few people I need to stop giving so much to a friendship that isn't really there. I also want to create new friendships with amazing people!

5) Graduate - If things go as scheduled I will FINALLY be graduating next May. I have to get this done.

I can't wait to see what this next year God has in store for me. I'm going to try this year to go with the flow, not stress out and accept whatever God throws my way. I may not understand why it is happening, but God has a plan and reason, and one day I will understand. Here's to 27!

Exhausted.

I am exhausted. I started my new job this past Monday, and for the first time in my life I have to get up, early! I am so accustom to waking up around 10am. Well, now I have to be up at 6:30 and it is KICKING MY ASS. Monday I came home and fell asleep at 6:30pm, and slept until 6:30 the next morning! Right now I am struggling to keep my eyes open; and I had a Red Bull at 5pm. I am hoping I get used to this, really soon. I hate feeling exhausted all the time. I would nap when the girls nap, but I am at work, and I feel bad doing that.

That being said, the twins I am nannying for are fabulous! I was pretty sure one hated me the first two days, but today she wouldn't let me put her down...so I think we are past the hate. And while I love the little ladies, I pray that T and I never have twins! lol Seriously, I hope and pray God blesses us with children, but I would never "hope" for twins. People who hope for twins or multiples are OUT OF THEIR MIND.

I have to get to bed before I pass out on the laptop. Only one more day until my birthday and I am too tired to be excited. This is so unlike me.

P.S. Random tidbit for the day, I am SO excited for John Mayer & Keith Urban Crossroads on CMT. Two of my favorite guys! Can't wait.

A Little Update

I haven't posted in a few weeks, but I don't think anyone reads my blog so I doubt it matters! So, what's going on in our life...well after seven years I am finally quitting my job at Chili's.You have no idea how long I have wanted to quit for. I have hated/loathed/despised that place for at least 5 of the 7 years. But after this weekend I don't have to go in anymore. No more rude customers, no more being people's bitch, no more crappy tips, and most of all, no more wondering if I can pay the bills each month.

Next week I start a new job as a nanny for the most adorable four month old twin girls. I am so excited. The family seems awesome, which is hard to find sometimes. I feel really blessed and I know God worked everything out so this opportunity would work for all of us.

Warning: Possible TMI! As for us having a baby, things have taken a interesting turn. Since we got married we have done nothing to avoid getting pregnant, and while it has only been three months, nothing happened. I had a routine doctor's appointment a few weeks ago and things came back that my thyroid was low. I'm waiting to see a specialist, but from what I understand I have hyperthyroidism. Not a big deal, except it messes with a womans menstral cycle, which would explain a lot of things. I started doing some research and it's apparently a bad idea to get pregnant until the thyroid issues are under control. Well, then I discovered that I don't think I am ovulating each month. So, today I started charting. I am hoping this will answer some quesions, and now when I am giving the go ahead to get pregnant at least I will have it down already! Like I said, I still need to see a specialist, but I am hoping it won't be more than six months until I am okay to starting really trying to get pregnant. In the meantime I spend my days daydreaming about planning a nursery and having a little one of our own. Hopefully I can meet the specialist soon and find out what is really going on.

So that is life right now. We are going to Texas in July and I couldn't be more excited! This is going to be a great trip..it HAS to be a great trip! And in just two weeks I will be turning 27. I had a hard time last year on my birthday, so I am hoping this year is better. Besides, the weekend after my birthday we are going to Palm Springs with my parents and sister, so it really can't be bad, right?! Two days of laying in the pool, drinking Pina Coladas, bbq'ing and hanging out with my favorite people in the whole wide world! I can't wait!

Simply Amazing.

This morning I was lucky enough to be able to witness the birth of my best friend's daughter. It was amazing. My friend is a champ I swear she was made to birth babies. She pushed for maybe 2 minutes total. I hope to be that lucky some day!

This isn't her first child, and I was lucky enough to be able to witness the birth of both of her children. I have to say, I feel so blessed that she would allow to share this experience with her, not once but twice. Her daughter's birth was just as amazing as her son's birth six years ago.

Thank you again Ambre for letting me exerience the birth of your children. I love you so much and I am so thankful for our friendship. I love watching your family grow! And hopefully soon Collin & Cambria will have a friend on the way!

Thank You Craigslist

I have been hesitant to post this because I can see the eye's rolling upon reading this post. But then I decided I don't care, I'm in love and I'm sharing it with you!

Saturday afternoon I was cruising craigslist which is always a bad idea for me. I tend to always go to the baby/kid section first, just to see if there is ever a good deal. Well today was my lucky day. Let's back it up a minute, I have been obsessed with baby crap forever, more specifically strollers. I don't know what it is but I just love a good stroller. Not only do I love a good stroller, but I love a beautiful pram. I have always thought that prams were just the coolest stollers and they are just so classic and unique.

Fast forward to yesterday when I saw a tutorial that someone had done where they redid a moses basket, and it was adorable. So I started searching craigslist for a cheap bassinet so I could re-do it. One of the ad's that came up was for a unique, european pram I had to check it out. And there it was, in all her glory...green (my favorite color) and a price I could afford. I immedietly sent the seller an email asking if it was still available, she responsded, it was. I had an internal conflict for a few minutes; do I buy it? Did I really need it? Did I only like it because of the price? Was I just crazy? So, I called my sister who always tells me the truth saw the ad and told me I had to buy it. So I called the seller and told her I had to have it, and five minutes later I was out the front door on my way. Without further ado, here is the newest member of our family, in all her glory!(please ignore the horrible picture quality, I will take better pictures once the sun comes out to play!)



For the time being she will be going to my parents house to hang out. That way my sister can use her for photo's, and let's be honest, there just isn't any room in our place. My mom is THRILLED to have this at her house. (Have I ever mentioned my parents already have a crib for their future Grandchildren. Now, they they didn't buy it but when friends offered it to them my dad said no, my mom however immedietly called back and said YES!) Hopefully by next year at this time there will be a little one getting pushed around the neighborhood in their lovely pram!

Monday Monday

It's Miscellaneous Monday again! Here are my random tidbits for the week.

1) I applied for a nanny job today, I'm praying I get a call back.

2) I am SO ready to get out of California. I'm praying things start falling into place for us to move come October.



3) We are starting to put together a monthly budget, and I firmly believe that Target should be it's own category. Food, Rent, Utilities, Target, Entertainment...



4) I need some inspiration for a headboard for our room. I want to diy an upholstered one, but since we have a "busy" print on our bed, I don't now if I should do a solid color or a different print? HELP!



5) I need to make some friends here in San Diego. I spent far too much time alone, and I LOSING. MY. MIND.

Getting To Know You

I'm trying to meet new bloggers so I am participating in Getting To Know You over at MannLand5's blog!

The questions..

1. The most expensive thing hanging in my closet is.....? This is really sad, I have nothing expensive in my closet! The most expensive thing would be a dress I bought on our honeymoon for $60. This made me realize just how cheap I am.



2. Have you ever played a team sport? Yes, growing up my parents always had a rule that we had to play a sport, any sport we wanted. I played softball for 8 years (both public and club leagues), I swam for 4 years (both club and in H.S) and I played volleyball for 3 years (both club and in H.S.)

3. If you were a bug, what kind would you be? Are butterflies considered bugs? Is so than I will be a butterfly! If not than I would be a cricket, because I love listening to crickets chirping on hot summer nights.


4. Where on your body is the worst place to get sunburned? (thanks Ian) I got sunburned really bad on my chest when I was 13, and then I got a burned on top of the burn. It was pretty brutal. And then a few years ago on a trip to the Cayman Islands I got nice and burned, but my feet were the worst part. Wearing sandals was intense.

5. Are you happy? Overall,no. I am happy with my marriage, and that I am healthy and alive. I have a really hard time focusing on the good in my life and tend to focus on the bad. It's a very bad trait I am trying to work on.

6. People are always abbreviating..are there any abbreviations that make your skin crawl when people use them? I hate abbreviations in general, I really don't think it is that hard to type out what you want to say.

7. Do you love where you live..or could you live anywhere? I hate where I live, and I am probably the only person here who will say that about San Diego. I don't like the people, the huge debt this state is in, the fact that even with the housing market craziness we still cannot afford a house, and the fact that my husband and I will both have to work full time for the rest of our lives just to pay our bills each month. Do I think I could live anywhere, no! But hopefully in October we will be moving to Texas. We will see how that works out!



8. What, if any, extreme measures do you go to to keep yourself from overeating when you're full? I take no extreme measures, if I want it, I eat it and I will just suffer the consequences! Not the smartest plan of attack, I know.

A Great Saturday

Today ended up being a wonderful day! Travis was originally supposed to have the day off but another manager got fired, so he had to end up working. I had plans to get up at 7am and go garage sale-ing, but when my alarm went off I decided sleeping sounded better. I had planned on painting our coffee table once Travis went to work so it would be a surprise once he got home, but I accidentally sent the text message explaining my secret plans to him instead of my sister. Oops! I also got some cute coasters sewn and some pictures framed and hung on the walls. It was a productive day.

I am thrilled with how the coffee table turned out. I originally wanted to paint it a shade of green, but I'm glad I ended up painting it red. I still need to distress it...but for the moment it will work just fine! Plus it adds some color to our place, which it really needed. Plus it was a deal, I bought the table for $15 and spent $10 on supplies, so it cost me $25 total!
(Please ignore the fabric under the legs, since we rent I had to make sure the legs were not still wet and got red paint on the floor!)

Before:


After:

Someone Needs To Stop Me

As I have mentioned before I have a few "addictions", one being baby items and the other being those little red stickers at Target! I have a serious addiction to buying things that are on clearance. Some people get a high from shoes, makeup, photography, all sorts of things; mine is seeing just how much money I can save! The last time I bought something at full price was a dress I found on our honeymoon, but even that was $40 cheaper than I had ever seen. Moral of the story, if I see a "good deal" I have to buy it. For instance, two weeks ago I left Target with a dress, tshirt and a pair of tights for $10!

That being said, my last trip to Target was bad. Very, very bad. There were just too many awesome clearance items that I just couldn't resist. I have NO willpower. None. At. All. Here is what ended up in my cart. Oops!


This dress I have had my eye on for months. I just love it! It was $12.99 and I paid $4.25


This is the cutest dress of all time. I had to buy it. $17.99 marked down to $4.75

I also got a 3-pack of long sleeve onesies regularly $9.99 for $2.25 and then a 5-pack of onesies that was $9.99 marked down to $2.25! Score! If only I had a baby who could wear all of these clothes! I'm honestly shocked Travis has not told me to stop yet. He must really love me. This is my "bucket" of baby stuff. It is now full. Holy crap. I have a serious addiction. I think I need help. (Don't worry, I don't have 2 buckets, it's just a picture of either side)

Misc. Monday

Today I am participating in Miscellany Monday with Carissa @ Lowercase Letters! I just love her blog. So here is my Misc. Monday!

1. My mom has the most amazing garden. I hope to have one like this one day!



2. For my sanity and well-being, I must find a new job.

3. I think this has to be the most ridiculous baby item I have ever seen. I would like to meet the people who have purchased this. Haven't you ever heard of a sling?!?



4. Flowers make me happy. Very, very happy. (these are all from my mom's garden!)





5.I thought Betty White was awesome on SNL this week. She may have been the highlight of my Saturday night!

6. We have only been married 3 months and the baby fever gets worse and worse each day. Each time I think I am "okay" with waiting a while, within a matter of seconds I realize I don't want to wait any longer to have kids. We are supposed to be having a "discussion" Thursday night to really look at our finances and start planning. I'm not going to lie, I'm hoping it happens NOW, screw planning!

Some Day I Will Need This List..

Today at Kelly's Korner the topic is baby names! I have had a running list going for the past five years of names I just love. Many of my favorites sound ridiculous with our last name, but I think we have a few that will work when the time comes!

Daughters

Paisley Ann This is our current favorite. Travis picked out Paisley, which I just love and Ann is my mom's and my middle name.

Marley
Easton
Elliot
Presley
Ainsley
Harlow

Sons

Brooks Bruce This name comes from both our Grandfathers. Brook's is Travis' paternal Grandfathers middle name. Bruce is my paternal Grandfathers first name. We were both extremely close to our Grandfathers and it means so much to honor them this way.

Merrick
Hayden
Callum
Jagger
Gage

I'm hoping we get to use two names from each list, but Travis says let's start with one and see how it goes. Either way I can't wait to have a little munchkin to name!

i HEART a.b.

I LOVE any and everything by Amy Butler. Her designs are incredible. Her fabrics and papers put a smile on my face. My "craft" desk is modge podged in Amy Butler paper. It's glorious! I found a bedding set she designed when Travis and were engaged and I had to search everywhere to find it in a store, and they were completely sold out.

Then I discovered Amy Butler rugs, and my heart skipped a beat. They are way out of my price range at the moment. One day though, when T and I have a house with our stunning hand scrapped espresso hardwood floors, these rugs will looks stunning as an accent! Amy Butler, you are going to send me to the poor house!












(source)

How We Met

Today at Kelly's Korner the topic is how your met your husband. Travis and I did not have traditional start to our relationship. I had just moved back to San Diego and had transfered to a new Chili's. The first shift I worked there was a guy who I thought was the most arrogant jerk I had ever met. He thought he was incredible at his job (in his defense, he was). This guy was Travis. I couldn't stand him, I hated having to work shifts with him and pretty much didn't talk to him for the first six months we worked together. Then one night we went out with mutual friends and we started talking, and I realized, he wasn't that bad!



It took us a few months before we started dating. Travis was crushing on someone else at the time and once his feelings for her were gone we started dating. I knew within a few weeks of dating Travis I would marry him. He was unlike any other guy I had ever dated. He was so patient, calm, caring, and loving. At the beginning of our relationship I was having really bad anxiety issues and he would just sit with me each night, rub my back, pray with me and tell me everything would be okay. I don't know any other guy that would do that when a girl is crying and vomiting every night due to anxiety. I think anyone else would have said "i'm done with you", but Travis stuck around. And I am so glad he did!



Three years later he popped the question! And five months after that we said "i do".It was the best day of my life.