Thursday, October 15, 2015

It's SOLD...


I'm an emotional basket case these days. Our life is in a constant state of crazy..  The top 3 things consuming us right now are dealing with the sale of the condo/moving/searching for a new house to buy, Jordyn not wanting to go to school, and having my van in the shop for over a week {two weeks ago it was in the shop for 3 days for the same issue}.  When my mind is going a million miles a minute, I find it's best to write, so here goes...

It's sold.  The boxes are gone.  We no longer own our condo in Ankeny.  We took a $17k hit on it. Seventeen thousand dollars. We ended up doing worse on it than we thought, so at this point, I speak for both of us when I say we're just happy to be out.  I will not miss the parking issues.  Or the 18 steps to get inside.  Or a detached {one stall!} garage.  Or dealing with neighbors being that close.  But it's still hard.  It's our first home.  It's where Adam and I lived when we dated, planning a wedding, decided to adopt a puppy, and brought our babies home.

I wanted nothing more than to spend out last evening there, gathered on the floor as a family around a take out pizza from a local joint sharing memories.  When we had roommates.  When I spent the night puking in the guest bath after a particularly rough evening at 'our place' that involved karaoke & Vodka/Redbulls.  When Adam got mad that we didn't have enough cupboard space and crumpled a cookie sheet like a piece of paper and threw it across the house.  When Jordyn learned to walk.  The kids playing with snow in front of the fireplace. When we played Cribbage almost nightly.  When I sat in the hall trying to make Jordyn 'cry it out'.  When I ate too many crab legs for the first time and thought perhaps I was having a baby & didn't know I was pregnant.  When Jordyn sat in the chair and sang her ABCs, and two years later sat in the same chair and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. When Adam and Mark practiced at the condo every Tuesday for an entire summer.  When the power went out and Adam and I spent the night drinking all the wine in the house and playing Monopoly by candlelight. When Cullyn climbed on the table, or fell off the couch, or permanent markered a mustache on his lip. You get the idea.

Sadly, it was rushed, like most everything in our life right now.  Jordyn and I picked up a pizza on our way home from dance at 6:45p.  The house was a mess of last minute items needing to be packed.  Adam sat on the couch eating his pizza while working on work and watching the cubs.  The kids were crying because they didn't want to eat pizza {Seriously?  What kids cry about that?!} and instead thought I should let them eat the taffy her dance teacher gave her.  And I was mad because the night wasn't how I visioned and therefore snapped at everyone and went to bed before the kids.  Happy last memory!

I want to say the first night in the lakehouse {as a temporary, permanent home---have I confused everyone yet?!} was better.  However, much like the night before, it was a shit show.  No cheers-ing to a new beginning while roasting marshmallows and watching the sun set.  We got to the lake around 6:30 and grabbed some stuff {the last from the condo} from the van {my MIL's since mines in the shop until next week!} and threw it in the door.  I unpacked the refrigerator items and got the kids some dinner while Adam went into his parents house to unload the last of the stuff from the condo.  I was rushing the kids to eat their dinner so we could go outside and make s'mores around a campfire while racing against the sun setting.  The sun won.  By the time Adam got home it was completely dark. Cullyn was sobbing about a leg ache and I was drinking a glass of wine & crying about how nothing goes our way.  Adam insisted on a fire anyways, so we went outside for s'mores.  Cullyn ate one bite, giving Adam the rest. Jordyn ate a plain marshmallow {not roasted} and then some chocolate.  I managed to finish mine.  Along with a bottle of wine. Don't you dare judge!  Afterwards we hoped into the Jeep in an attempt to put the kids to sleep.  It didn't work.  We came home and put the kids to bed, and then I put myself to bed. #RealLife

We started our 67 mi. commute {each way} today. 

As Frankie Ballard says, 'the bad times make the good times better', right?

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Fall...for a photographer

I waited almost a year before publishing this.  In fact I almost hit delete, but I think it's important to see the 'other side' sometimes.  I don't want any of my clients to feel like they're a burden to me, especially since I feel so thankful every time someone chooses me.  It's truly a blessing to me to be able to do what I love for so many people.  I hope this doesn't come across as complaining...it's just that Fall is crazy for photographers and sometimes I feel like there isn't enough hours in the day! {that being said--I wouldn't want it any other way}
-----------------------------
It's Friday night. 7:03pm.  I'm sitting at the hospital waiting for a client to progress so I can take her labor & delivery photos -- my most favorite photos of all.  While I no doubt feel completely blessed to be able to do what I love, I can't help but think how I left my husband two hours ago already.  We had plans to go to dinner with friends and then start our Christmas shopping, but with a moments notice I'm out the door, because we all know labor is rarely planned.  It reminds me, again, just how blessed I am to have a husband supportive of my dreams and goals.  He didn't grumble once about me canceling our first 'free' night in months to tend to my business.  I love that when it comes to my business, I just know he'll take the kids and handle it when needed.  No giving directions for dinner time, or reminding him of bedtime duties, he just takes care of it. I really should thank him more.

While I've been gone over two hours, I know that unless something changes--quickly--I'll be here another 12 hours yet.  And sessions start again at 9a tomorrow, regardless of what time I get home tonight or how cold it is outside.  It's supposed to snow a few inches tomorrow. High in the 20's.

Crazy part about all of this is that we've had daylight saving's and I'm now in what I consider my 'off-season' or my slow time.

I say all this, not to complain, but shed light on a photographer's life.  I can't tell you how many people have said things about how nice it must be to 'make your own schedule' and even 'how nice is must be to make over $200 an hour'. And while those things are partially true.  They couldn't be farther from the truth.

During busy season this year, I was working four 10 hour days at my real job, and doing up to 15 {an average of 7} photoshoots a week, plus being a wife & mama.  I was editing until 11 or 12 at night and going to my 'real' job by 5a.  I'll save my 'photography process' for another post, but let it be known, more than the 1 hour of shooting goes into each session, making my 'hourly' wage far less than $250 an hour.  Their is so much more that goes into the fee for each session like gear & props. And let's not forget about taxes, insurance, website design, online gallery fees, credit card fees, etc.

And while I was busy taking {& editing} your family's memories of that afternoon you spent playing in the fall leaves, I wasn't able to make them with my own children.

And again, I do this all because I love it.  I enjoy it.  And hopefully, will be able to do this full time in the future.  Don't be fooled, I'm so incredibly thankful for it {especially this year}, but I had to shed light on the fact that all things come at a price, even if that price is time.  So next time you write a check for your photoshoot, be mindful that there is more to it than clicking the camera and sending your images within a week.

Happy October everyone!

Friday, September 18, 2015

Currently...

Outside my window..it's storming.  Thunder, lightening, & rain. 
Today I feel..empty {Cullyn started preschool this morning--how is my baby in preschool?!} but relaxed & at peace {this afternoon storm is so calming!} 
I am thankful..so much!  Specifically a flexible job that lets me make {almost} all of my kids activities. 
I am smelling..banana bread in the oven & a candle that's sitting next to me
Tomorrow I am going..to the lake & hopefully the Farmer's Market
I am wearing..leggings, layered tops, a knit scarf, & boots
I wish..I were working out like I was last year at this time
I am planning..Jordyn's 4th{!!!} Birthday
This weekend..will hopefully be very productive
I am reading..several blogs, but no books {other than kids books}
I am working on..a bunch of sessions
Yesterday I..worked, had a photoshoot, & Adam had band practice
I want to..start working from home one day a week
I am hoping..to take a trip to the apple orchard soon
I am hearing..rain & the dryer tumbling 
I need to..work on the kids' photo books {I am SO behind!}
I bet you didn't know..We're moving! In a few weeks!!

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Happy Sunday

I'm super behind on posting everything {swimming lessons, pools/splash pads, my birthday, new daycare, etc.} I want to, so I decided it was the perfect time for a catch up post. My kids are playing on the deck in a fort I made, so we've got 10 minutes max.  Grab a coffee, or in my case a cold can of Mt. Dew and sit down...

My mom and I shopped with the kids all day yesterday before going to a baby shower and then listening to Adam's band play last night and so we're all dragging a bit this morning.  Actually Adam's still in bed sleeping and I'm up with the kids but very much still lounging.  My sister is coming over today since she's in town for the weekend.  The kids are already jumping off the walls with excitement. :)  I literally fell over Murdock this morning when I walked back into the {dark} bedroom and didn't see him on the floor.

I would say the weather has finally cooled down a bit, but it supposed to be back in the 90's this week, so I guess it was just a bit of temporary relief. :)  Either way, we were happy to get a little time at the parks.  Maybe we'll make one last pool/splash pad run this week.

Speaking of this week.  I have a couple of photo sessions {as I do every week} book club {my first} and a few days of the regular stuff {work/daycare/etc.} and then we're headed to the lake for another long weekend.  I'm super excited! An Iowa football game with my family, Adam's band is playing at a big outdoor concert, play an extra day of lounging with friends and family on the boat…yes please!  Oh and about my first book club…I'm currently on page 7 of 359!  I'm feeling the anxiety of college all over again.  Does anyone have the cliff notes version of The Invention of Wings?! ;)

I feel like I should just cancel our gym membership now.  Fall is insane with photography and I haven't really went since Spring {yes, you can judge me…I am!}  I'm up 10-15 pounds from this time last year {in my defense that was probably the smallest I had ever been, so it wasn't really my normal, but I'm still feeling the effects of the extra weight} :(

Mentioning photography, I've been approached about another exciting opportunity, so once the details have been worked out, I'll tell you all about it. :)

Other semi-big news that I haven't mentioned yet for fear of jinxing it {yes, I know there is no such thing as jinxing and whatever is meant to be will be, but I'm still scared/nervous/excited and pray that it goes through, so I don't talk about it} If all goes as planned, we'll be closing on our condo at the end of September.  This brings all kinds of emotions {as I mentioned last time} but again, we didn't have it listed and the opportunity came to us, so we're taking this as a sign and going with it.  We don't really know what's going on with anything else yet, but I'll keep you updated when we do.  Prayers appreciated.

Okay, the kids are getting rowdy and Adam woke up, so we'll cut this.  Here's to hoping I get caught up this week.  Happy Sunday everyone!

Sunday, July 12, 2015

On my mind...

Now that we're not selling {for now anyways.  We're throwing around the idea of listing it now that this all went down} I thought I would post this as it's a fairly significant blurp in our story of 2015...
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I'm writing this at 5a on July 12th.  I've been awake since 2a
This is one of those rambling posts, mainly for me, but to catch everyone up as well. 

On the 4th of July, Adam got a call from his cousin asking if we would be willing to rent our condo.  The lakehouse full of family, without hesitation, I smiled and said 'yep!'  Afterall, we have talked about moving out of the condo since before Jordyn was born, so it only seemed natural to agree and move forward with the process.  We gave them the code to the house and they looked through it.  They text afterwards saying they were interested.

After a little more thought and a discussion with Adam, we decided we would only consider renting our house if there was an intent to buy.  The market for condos in our town is low, so the thought of them renting for a few months {just long enough for us to get everything moved out and get settled somewhere else} and then moving somewhere else is something is just not worth putting my family {me?} though.

So we offered to sell to them for what we owe.  Backstory...Adam bought the condo as they were building them.  Went upside down in it when the housing market crashed & they put up tons more condo units in town.  We finally are in the positive again, so we feel like it would be fair to both to let them basically assume our loan {we could get to walk away from it and they would be starting with some equity} 

They walked through the house yesterday with Adam and verbally agreed to everything.  So Monday we begin the process of selling our condo. 

I know that this is the next step for us and that it's the best thing right now.  I also know that this news would have been much more joyful last year, when I hadn't yet embraced the condo.  Over the last year I realized how nice our condo is.  Granted it's not practical for a family of 4 {5? Murd!} but it really is a nice place.  I love the tall ceilings.  And that everything is on one level.  Plus we have huge closets!

I guess I'm just a bit overwhelmed with emotions right now.  I can't say that I'm blindsided, because I know this is a big life event, and I assumed I would be sad.  Afterall, this is the first home Adam and I ever lived in.  We decided to adopt Murdock at this condo.  Plus I brought both of my babies home from the hospital here.  They learned to walk on these floors. 

So bare with me.  I'm a little nervous to get my hopes up.  I little anxious of the new possibilities.  I lot overwhelmed with logistics - packing, moving, transferring everything {doctors, mail/bills, preschool/daycare/activities} Terrified to move back to a small town.  Excited for the opportunities for our children.  Sad to leave the house, the town, the city, our friends.  Wondering what this means for our jobs.  And totally unsure how much to push and how much to leave up to Him.

I'm sure many of you have questions.  Feel free to ask, although the truth is, it's likely I don't yet know the answer.  There are so many questions I still have...

Will I keep working at the hospital?  Should I find a job closer to the lake? 
Could Adam transfer to the location closer to our lakehouse {even for the winter}?
Do we start looking for another house now? 
Do we wait for a year, 3, 5 so we can pay more debt off?
Where do we want to relocate to?
Do we want the kids to go to a small school?
Should we try to find a new sitter near the lake {& lose the one we were so very much looking forward to starting in August?}
Is this the leap to staying home/pursuing photography full time that I've been praying for?
Can we transition our insurance, flex spending, investments, etc. right now?
How long can we handle the drive?  Will I have to change my work hours?
What city should we rent storage space in?
Can we keep driving 60+ miles for our favorite providers? {physicians, pediatrician, dentist, ophthalmologist, etc.}
Should we pull the kids from their preschool and find a different school to enroll in?
Don't forget to...cancel the gym membership, transfer the cable/internet/utilities, etc.
Do we let Jordyn start dance like she was enrolled in?  Is there even a dance studio near the lake?

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Blurbs

I already posted about our March Dates & Deeds this morning, but I'm feeling chatty so I thought I would do a random post...

..I'm totally exhausted and have a headache today.  I blame this on my sister & the weather.  My MIL had my kids yesterday and we were kid free, so Adam and I went over to my sister & BIL's house after work to help them with some landscaping.  They're tearing out the railroad ties around the house and replacing them with cement patio blocks.  It was 80* and sunny, so I ended up drinking four drinks & eating 4 pieces of pizza.  To say I'm not feeling 100% today is an understatement.  I was almost 45 minutes late to work, & haven't been overly productive this morning. #MamaCantHang

..Speaking of productivity, I made a {small} dent in my huge work project and have about 50% done now.  Which is great, except that still leaves me with about 70 hours of work to do for it.  And it's due by April 30th. Since I'll be off work from the 8th to the 14th, this means I really need to dedicate some time to it.  soon.  I know my mood will improve once it's done.

..Want to know what else will improve my mood?  Spending a long weekend in Arizona with 8 of our friends!  I simply cannot wait!  Sunshine.  Hiking.  Swimming.  Dining {sans children!}.  Napping.  It all sounds glorious!!! I may even get time on the plane to read or blog. ;) So many hobbies, so little time!

..My favorite hobby, photography, is in full swing again!  Jess has my website 90% done {I'm getting so excited!!} I photographed a sisters on Sunday, a squishy newborn yesterday, and have a session with a sweet boy and his grandma this afternoon. Plus I took a few business photos for my real job and the PR/Marketing department asked me if I would be interested in doing a few shoots for them in the future.

..Probably most exciting of all right now--my whole family will be in town to hang out all weekend!  I can't wait to catch up with my mama and sis & to snuggle my babies.  It's been a crazy 2015 so far, so I'm ready to stay home for a weekend--even though I've got lots on my to do list! :)

Okay, I better get back to work.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

No Kids

Written late 3/11

As you've heard by now, we're done with our sitter.  My mom was supposed to take our kids next week while our {now former} sitter was on spring break, so we just bumped it up a week.  I can't go into specifics on the old sitter yet {for legal reasons} but know that we interviewed a few potential nannies tonight and I have two more on Friday.  I'm 95% sure we've found our match {pending background checks, a  test run with the kids, etc.} and I couldn't be more excited!  So say a little prayer for us as we finalize things.  God-willing, we'll be back to a new normal routine soon!

In the meantime, I'm so extremely blessed to have parents that will take our kids with a phone call.  I know many kids go with grandparents for an entire summer, but I must say, I'm so ready to get my kids home!  I've cried every single day they've been gone.  The goodbye was brutal on me, but it's even the little things like walking into a messy playroom, finding a picture Jordyn drew, hearing a kid at work giggling, etc.  I'm so thankful for FaceTime, but tonight was hard.  It's bittersweet actually.

Luckily, Adam and I have been super busy this week, so I haven't had the time to dwell that they're gone.  I'm trying to find the positive out of this situation, so here are a few things we've done since the kids have been gone…

Ate dinner at 9p--on the couch
Got our taxes done
Went to lunch together
Picked up a winters' worth of dog poop
Interviewed several nanny candidates
and we have a happy hour and dinner out scheduled for tonight

I've also done a photoshoot, stayed at work late, squeezed workouts in the morning, ran outside without worrying about a sitter for the kids, and caught a cold.

While we undergo this transition it will be stressful, but we're very anxious for this new opportunity.  We were more than ready for a change.

Friday, August 1, 2014

Today was a no good, very bad day.  Work is fricking INSANE!  New students this time of year, so that just adds to the madness.  To say I'm very overwhelmed is an understatement.  Something is going to have to give, soon.  :(

My kids are gone this weekend.  Adam took dropped them with my parents while I did a photoshoot last night because I had to work today and we don't have a Friday sitter.  I'm SO incredibly thankful for my mom watching them {and keeping them all weekend since we have adult activities going on} but I'm always extra emotional and out of sorts when they're gone.  :/

My to do list is a mile long…the bank, the dmv {UGH!}, the bike shop, the shoe store, clean the house, edit {x5!}, the post office, email clients, stop by a clients house to finish her photo assignment, etc. but the only thing I'm focused on is getting a nap {which will hopefully help my mood! but unfortunately makes me miss Mudock--he's the best snuggler!} and going out with my husband tonight.  BRING IT!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

PS…Let's hope our weekend picks up a little, on our first kids free night, we bought Chinese takeout and sat on the couch watching recorded TV {we rented movie, but never even watched it} until we both fell asleep on the couch {me} and chair {Adam}.  This is the {married} life! :)

I promise, my next post will be more upbeat! :)

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Walking Thoughts...

..I really need to do this more often...lots
..I wish I was taking this walk hand in hand with my husband
..I really need to drop those friendships that cause stress instead of happiness
..I miss jogging
..I wonder how far down the wrong road you go before you realize you need to make a u-turn
..I love my walking/jogging partner
..I haven't had a best friend since I moved to this town...I really miss that!
..I want to know...should I leap or should I skip?!
..I miss that feeling of school being out and having the summer free
..I seriously must try to do this at some point everyday this summer
..I love this fresh air!

...I guess I should have labeled this this 'I' post...at least I thought about me on this walk! :)

Sunday, June 13, 2010

13.June.2010

..i'm laying in bed..
..it's 9:43..
..i'm tired..
..i'm cranky..
..and i have cramps..
..my house is a mess..
..a big one..
..trash needs taken out & floors cleaned..
..i did nothing today..
..like nothing..
..except read..
..and run..
..and eat..
..a had a tiff with adam..
..that i don't even remember what it was about..
..tomorrow is a new day..

..bring it on..



Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Past Week [in Photos!]

Thursday
My sister Ashley came down to visit for the weekend!

Friday
Ashley & I took the kiddos to the pool & ran an several errands

Saturday
The rest of my family came down for the weekend



We took family photos [after the rain] for my parents 25th Wedding Anniversary!

Adam's Band Played @ the Harley Shop [Awesome performance!]
We ordered in from a local restaurant Chips for dinner [LOVE LOVE LOVE their chips..imagine that! :]

Sunday
Alicia & I ran 3 miles [A first for me!]
I had a Purse Party [got 2 new purses!]

My family went home :(  [they'll be back in 2 weeks! :]
Except Ashley..She stayed & we ended up playing Wii Bowling with Adam's friend Eric [I beat them sooo bad! :]

Monday
Just could NOT wake up
Mackenzie's Last Day of School Treat
Ran 3 miles again! :)
Adam & I went out to eat at a new restaurant..Tokyo

Tuesday
Took the kids to an indoor play area & watched a little boy go missing for 15 minutes! 
The kids had celery [Ants on a Log] for the 1st time
Took the kids to the Farmer's Market
Made 'H' Supper [post to come]
Watched Deadliest Catch [fell asleep with 10 minutes left]

Wednesday
Read 'Heart of the Matter' by Emily Griffin
Got surprise flowers & card from Adam [that said I love spooning with you..& forking too...oh man he is romantic!! :]
Thursday
Played at the park
Hit a few garage sales
Wore my 'I ♥ NY' and all of the kiddos wore theirs! :)
It stormed


Tuesday, May 11, 2010

::Crossing Off The List::





Remember this post?  We'll here is my update to date.  The ones crossed off are completed & bolded are in progress, others I have not yet started.  Many of you asked when my birthday is [when I would like to have this list all crossed off!] it's August 15th!


22 Before 23
23 Before 24

1.  Run every day for a month
2.  Try 3 new foods [Blueberries & PB Pie]
3.  Take a picnic
4.  Donate a bunch of stuff to a charity
5.  Buy necessities only for a month [Started May 1st]
6.  Go 15 days without watching a movie
7.  Take Murdock on 20 walks
8.  Cook Adam a nice dinner unexpected one night
9.  Stay up past 9pm more [I don't remember the last time I was in bed by 9pm!]
10.  Go 1 week without eating any chocolate
11.  Meet 3 new people [Eric, Amy]
12.  Read 5 books [I Don't Know How She Does It]
13.  Go golfing
14.  Wear contacts for 17 days [no glasses]
15.  Run a 5k
16.  Go 15 days without eating potatoes
17.  Take a 5 day computer break
18.  Plan my parents 25th Anniversary
19.  Go 5 weeks without eating a donut
20.  Take the kids to the zoo
21.  Go fishing
22.  Take Murdock to a dog park
23.  Do an ab workout 2 times a week for a month

6 out of 23..YIKES!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Journal Entry : 03.May.2010

I'm super tired & exhausted today.  Physically & emotionally.

Thursday we got our new car & had a lated dinner.  I went to bed around 10:30.  Friday I woke a little after 4am and worked.  After work I ran a few errands & Adam invited 4 other friends over for appetizers & drinks.  They left about 1:30am.  Murdock woke me at 8 [attempted a 6 and I finally gave in at 8].  I cleaned, did laundry, & hung out with him until Ashley & her friend arrived about 10:30.  Oh ya...Adam made me breakfast in there too.  Us three girls went to the mall for the day.  I got a couple new car air fresheners, 2 bottles of hand soap, and a pair of jean shorts for this summer.  I also returned a couple of things to Kohls.  We came home & got ready for Adam's show.  His band played from 9pm-1:30am.  I was the DD so I drove everyone home & got to bed about 2:30am.  Murdock woke me again early Sunday but I insisted Adam take him out.  We got up about 9am and Adam made breakfast for everyone.  The girls took off for home about 11 and we got ready for our Nieces Dance recital.  We left for monte about 12:30 and got home about 5.  A friend of Adams came over to grill & hang out.  At 10 I went to bed.  I think Adam fell asleep and he friend let himself out [nice, huh?!]

Friday I got a mole burned off [my nose].  Since it's my first I don't know what to expect or what is 'normal'  It has turned really dark but has not gotten any smaller.  I don't know how long the healing process is but I'm stating to wish I would have just had him cut it off.  I know it shouldn't matter but it is embarrassing to walk around looking like I have a huge scab from a zit or something on my nose.  

I haven't ran in over a month now.  I'm frustrated with myself.  I didn't tan at all last week..which really isn't a big deal other than the fact..I pay for it.  Since I'm bringing up paying for things we don't use.  I paid for a year of Farrell's and haven't went in months.  Adam pays $27/month to a gym he doesn't use..not much...but it has automatically been coming out of our account & he has only used it 2 or 3 times in the last 30 months...pretty stupid, huh?

Our insurance man has not returned my phone call from last Wednesday yet.  I really need to get our insurance switched from the Grand Prix to the Santa Fe.  Slightly irritating.  I know [or at least I think!] that the coverage is okay for 30 days after then switch.  Hope so!

My parents leave for Mexico a week from today.  I'm happy for them..a little jealous too.  I'm nervous that I wont be able to see my mom for Mother's Day because we'll be in Monte for our nieces birthday party.  

I'm kinda getting into my book now.  
I have lots of photos upload.  
Mallory got her stitches out today.  The cut looks pretty good.

I'm going to watch 5 kids again tomorrow instead of 4.  The neighbor boy [a friend of Carters] is going to come over @ 11:30.  His mom has an appointment in the afternoon.  Carter will be happy & me too...they play really well together.
The kids have TONS of May Day baskets on the counter.  They were pretty excited that we made some to deliver Friday.

I wrote this in detail in my last post but i thought I lost my iTouch all weekend...thank goodness I found it.

I'm thrilled to have over 150 blog friends now...today I got my first male follower I think.  Pretty exciting! :)

There are so many posts I still want to write.
'budgets'..many recipes..update on 23 before 24..update on new years resolutions..husbands thoughts on blogging..thoughts on doing reviews for CSN and such..............

I know I have more stuff on my mind but that is all I can think of right now & I hear the girls so I'll chat later!

Abby

Friday, April 30, 2010

30.April.2010 & New Car & Alphabet Supper [B]

I ended up coming to nanny at 4:30 so I've been up since then.  I was happy to do them a favor so they could fly to New York and celebrate their 10th Anniversary.  I would be happy if our life was similar to theirs after 10 years of marriage! :)
Although I'm not a morning person I also don't fall asleep well after I get up so I have done laundry, dishes, made blueberry muffins, caught up on blogs, and a few other random things.

I have had a few requests for additional car information.  I was holding off because we were still negotiating.  Last night we officially purchased a gray 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe!  We are very excited for the additional space.  All you go greeners..don't hate..we just could no longer fit our 100 lb. dog, DJ equipment, & weekend 'stuff' in a car [resulting in driving TWO].  Both of our cars had/have over 150,000 miles on them so we decided to break down & buy a new one..this way we at least have 1 reliable one.  Please pray that the other one [we kept my Nissan Altima] holds out for a little longer.  Here is a photo..


Even though we got home about 8pm [after signing papers] and decided to keep our plan and make our B supper.  So..Adam slaved away [as usual!].. 

B

Big [I forgot what they were called..] Burgers
Brusell Sprouts
Bacardi Raz 


A:B:C:D:E:F:G:H:I:J:K:L:M:N:O:P:Q:R:S:T:U:V:W:X:Y:Z


I have a doctor's appointment at 10:30 this morning so I should probably get myself together before I get the 4 kids up & 2 to school!

I promise...A post of Mallory's Stitches soon!!



Monday, April 19, 2010

19.April.2010

..i'm laying in bed..
..i went to bed at 5:30..
..i'm tired..
..i'm cranky..
..i have a headache..
..i have cramps..
..i'm having 'out of body' feelings..
..my allergies are horrible..
..my back/neck/shoulders are out of alignment..
..i'm stressed..
..i'm thankful for my husband..
..he's sitting here with me..
..he's been rubbing my head for me..
..he's trying to make me comfortable..
..noise/movement/light are making me irritable..
..what is going on..

..tomorrow is a new day..

Monday, February 8, 2010

08.February.10


Wow...Another Monday!  This year is just going too fast already!  I can't seem to keep up!  Since I haven't posted for like a week I thought I would give you the weekend recap and then follow along with a blog train.

<b>Dear</b> <b>John</b>Let's see...Friday...I got off work early which worked out great since I needed to take my car it to for oil.  I knew it was low on oil but couldn't get the cap off myself [and was tired of begging my husband to do it] so I decided to run into the place I get it changed at.  They filled it [added 3 quarts...it only hold 4...YIKES!].  So...we aren't sure if I have a leak or it's burning oil but they're checking that out this week.  After oil I ran a few errands and went home to get ready to meet up with some friends.  We went out to dinner and then to see Dear John.  We had a great time and the movie was awesome.  I haven't read the book yet but decided to go to the movie anyways.  Loved it!  I would recommend it!  Once I got home I chatted for a bit, enjoyed a glass of wine, & pack us for Saturday!


Saturday....Loaded up & left the house by 7am!  Drove back to my hometown to get your taxes done...YAY YAY YAY is all I have to say! :)  Our savings account will be singing!  Then hung out with my family [played games & ate WAY too much!]  

Sunday...Left the fams about 1pm and headed home to drop off Murdock & make a few treats to take to our friends house for the superbowl.  Adam watched the game & had wigs with the boys but I sat back and rocked the baby all night.  It was far better than the game!  Our friends had baby E right before Christmas and he is an absolute doll!  He was smiling the whole night!  

Well...that was our weekend...lots of driving but we got to spend quality time with family & friends so it was all worth it!  This morning I can't seem to get myself together for the week...hopefully that changes soon!  Not much planned for the week...yay!  Just grocery shopping one of these nights.  I can't believe that next weekend is already Valentines day!  I really need to get in the spirit!  What about you?  Did you do anything fun this weekend?  What is your plan for Valentines Day?

Alright...enough of my rambling...here is the fun part......

Outside my window...another 5 inches of snow falling
I am thinking...how many times does Mally have to go to the doctor this week?
I am thankful for...every minute I get to spend with my family
I am wearing...jeans & a sweatshirt from high school dance team [ahh the memories!]
I am remembering...the weekend memories
I am going...cuddle with my hubby tonight...recoup from the weekend!
I am currently reading...The Devil in the Junior League by Linda Francis Lee
I am hoping...to get in the mood for Valentines 
On my mind...What to make for Adam from Valentines & Mallory's health & the weather
Noticing that...I really need to get myself back on the workout wagon
From the kitchen...no idea...I guess grocery shopping!
Around the house...lounging...trying to get M better
One of my favorite things...making vacation plans! :) Oh...and reading blog comments & seeing more followers!!!

Now that you've read mine check out The Simple Woman's Daybook for her post...and of course copy it & do your own!

Check back later for another fun post.....

Abby

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