Knobs, pulls and barstools oh my!

So here's what made the cut when it comes to bar stools...

They look so clean and fresh... I love them! I am a little worried that the cream will have too much yellow in it, but the return policy was perfect so I figured why not?

My next task is to figure out what cabinet hardware to go with. I was having a hard time deciding on knobs or pulls. It's so hard to make a decision!! But I'm pretty sure I'm going with the pulls.

I just cannot believe how quickly Christmas is coming!! Ugh, I'm so glad to be on break from work. And I'm so ecstatic that our kitchen is slowly becoming a kitchen again. I need to post pics soon! Most cabinets are in and the granite is next. Poor David probably wishes he was just at work since it would be a whole lot easier than all the manual labor he's been doing.

Barstool ideas...

I'm still looking. I can't seem to find the perfect one.

Kitchen ideas

So this is what we're going for...

Kitchen design board

So the cabinets are arriving this week! So sad we already have hole in the wall from the start of demo. I hope I can stand the house a mess for a while! I started a design board a while back and I'm slowly adding to it. We haven't made any decisions on the bar stools really... just an idea of what we're looking for. I cannot for the life of me decide on what to do for lighting!! We have an odd shaped island and I need some new lighting over it. We're also doing glass subway tiles but we're not to sure in what color... cream/beige/white probably.

Finally back!

I'm finally back! It's been crazy busy and I just got back from Seattle... I was so thrilled to finish Eclipse there... so neat! Seattle was amazing. I know the weather is so gloomy but I absolutely loved wearing all the winter clothes! I got the cutest pair of boots that I finally had a chance to wear. I love loved them with dark skinny jeans.

So our new cabinets are in route and yesterday we started to take down the backsplash in the kitchen. Demolition here we come! Hopefully we'll be all done by New Year's!

Twilight

Yes I too have fallen into the Twilight trap... I'm obsessed, I admit it. I just can't put the book down! Oh it's so cute... all the classic high school drama and the ultimate love story. It's really a great book! I thinking I'm stopping by Borders on my way home to get the next one.

I can't wait for the movie to come out!!

Granite choices...

So as I mentioned the cabinets are ordered and should be in right before Thanksgiving. They're dark espresso and I love them. Now the challenge is what granite?!?!

How cute are these?

Okay I just had to get these...they were just too cute! I got the little ramekins too for serving. They were on super sale at Crate and Barrel! Maybe we can actually use them at that house warming party we'll eventually have! Here's the link to the serving dish but it looks like they're out of the ramekins.

What a day! Kitchen cabinets and paint colors

I don't even know where to start!  Well our TV arrived  and so did the table it will sit on.  I love it!!  We decided against the whole hutch.  It's much cleaner looking.

We were off today because I had an HSG....scary, but I survived.  I even felt up to going to pick out our new cabinets for the kitchen.  It's amazing how this house stuff takes over.  All we wanted were new counters, then we got appliances and now we're planning for new cabinets.  That's it!  No more!!   Although we're still laying out the lighting design and I'm desperately searching for a kitchen table.  I can't wait to post some photos soon!  We also purchased the new paint for the dining and kitchen.  I love painting!  The dining is going to be Brushwood from Glidden and the office is going to be Shakespeare from Glidden also. 

Buying for the new house

Okay my new obsession has taken over... Furnishing the house. I know David was terrified this would happen and it did. We just want all new stuff and we can't help it. Our kitchen update is turning into a bit of a remodel. Turns out new cabinets would really compliment new granite and appliances so we figured we'd at least get estimates. Hopefully the new appliances can move out of our garage and into the kitchen soon!

We spent all weekend shopping for house stuff but really tried to focus on a few item. We just got a new TV so we need a stand for it either to go on or to go under. We can't decide if we want to mount or not but either way we need storage underneath. We bought this whole collection but not sure if we'll use the whole hutch...

Too many new things!

New house, new haircut, new commute to work... and a new blog. I'm turning a corner here. I found it difficult to write about grief and happiness at the same time so I started a grief blog and here will reside my happiness! There's just too much to celebrate some days so I needed my own space.

Well I forgot to mention earlier that I cut my hair! It's been a few weeks now but I lost 10 inches of length so it looks pretty different. I had been growing it to donate and I finally did it!

I know it's hump day but we had a big weekend behind us and another one ahead of us. We ordered a new TV for the living room and picked out new furniture. It felt like an early Christmas at our house! I feel like the house is slowly coming together. This weekend we'll be finalizing the granite for the kitchen. Right now I'm focused on lighting. There are just too many choices!!

1st night in new house!

Yesterday was our first night in our new house. I love love love that house!

I stopped by our old house to pick up a few more things we weren't able to pack and it was so sad. The house looks so empty. I loved our old house too. I call it our newlywed house. Oh we had the best memories there.
I had a surprise party for David's birthday there.
I remember the whole family getting together to have a "painting party" when we moved in. And of course David's breakfasts for the family and green enchilada dinners.
I still remember when he brought home my baby Bella and how she cried all night.
I remember when him and the guys spent all weekend digging holes and putting up a new fence. And Halloween was always so much fun!
I remember picking the wrong color for our office and deciding neon green wasn't going to work. I love that house.

Our new house is coming together nicely. I did have to leave about 20 minutes earlier because the drive is a little longer but it was okay. It was so wonderful spending our first night in that house. Probably because we haven't slept much the past week! Next is closing on our old house and finishing our kitchen updates!

Happy 28th Birthday to me!

I've been busy. What can I say... buying and selling houses can really take it out of you. At least I have stuff to write about now! Today is my birthday and I'm too busy to really celebrate yet. David and I are heading to a concert on Friday so I'll celebrate then. It's been a pretty good couple of weeks that flew by since I last wrote.

Yesterday David had the granite people come to do estimates at the new house and all our appliances are now purchased! Of course so far we're keeping up with my moving plan...yes I have a printed timeline on the fridge. I just haven't seemed to get to much packing though.

This weekend is the big wedding for my BIL... this ordeal has been tough but I honestly only wish them luck and happiness. Marriage isn't always easy and I believe it takes work from two people. My best friend gave some great advice once. She said, "Plan for a marriage, not for a wedding" Geez... weddings are like holidays... stressful! That's all I'm going to say about that. On the bright side I got to purchase a couple of new dresses to wear for the wedding! So far my favorite is a deep satin purple dress that I love!

Yesterday was more bloodwork...yuck so results on Monday. Not sure what kind of "results" I'll really get. More like monitoring I guess. I have a new doctor too and I love her!

I wish I would have blogged earlier but I was too busy. I'm still trying to find direction for this blog. Of course I'd love to be talking about babies but my life goes on. Be on the lookout for some design stuff soon... the house is coming together and we move in on Oct 1st!

Word of Advice (I'm trying to follow my own too!):

• Be nice to people, you have no idea what they might be going through.
• Don't be fooled by strong exteriors. Sometimes it's all they can do to stay sane.
• Don't expect people to bend over backwards for you. Try to be flexible too.
• Stick to your guns if it means sticking to your morals. Don't change them for anyone.
• Don't try to please everyone...you simply cannot.

So bittersweet...

Well we sold our current house. I'm thrilled it sold so fast but it's hard to imagine that it won't be our home anymore. Seriously our house had a For Sale sign for about 5 days. The first showing actually produced a great offer so we should be signing the contract today. Hopefully all goes well!

Last night we realized that our house will be our pre marriage and newlywed house... so sad.. We have such wonderful memories in that house and I honestly thought we would have children in that house. I always loved that we were in walking distance to 3 parks and to the elementary schools. But our new house is so great too... and I hope we have children in our new house one day.

I've really been doing a lot of thanking to God for all the blessings he's brought us recently. Things with these houses couldn't have worked out more perfectly. We took a big gamble buying a new house without selling our current one. I'm so proud of DH! He's not much of a risky person but he made some great decisions. We didn't use a realtor to sell our house and the buyer doesn't have one either so we don't have to pay commisssions!!!

Thank you God! Now if you could just help me get healthy! I have a dr. appt scheduled for Thursday. My doc is concerned about my recent mid cycle bleeding and wants to do a sonohysterogram. Hopefully it's nothing but any answers are helpful right now.

Good news and bad news

Okay bad news first so I can get onto the good stuff.  So graduate school's going to have to wait one semester but I think it's going the be the best choice since our offer on a new house was accepted!!!  We're so excited but of course trying to remember that it's really not ours yet.  You know how it goes with inspections and such.  Nonetheless it's so thrilling to finally find something we like for a price we can afford.  It's so open and actually looks similar to our current house on the outside.  It's only 3 bedrooms but so much square footage!!  There's also an extra room for an office and a game room so to us it feels more like 5 rooms.  We're crossing our fingers that everything goes okay.  

I guess the other bad news is that now we have to sell/rent our house!!!  It's such a wonderful house so I really hope to rent it.  We had a big garage sale today and made a good amount.  Now our house it totally ready to show.

Keep your fingers crossed for us... hope the inspection goes well!  Our closing date is actually the day before our anniversary.... I'd love to have the good news keep coming!!

Poor poor blog

Sorry I've been totally neglecting this blog. We have been so incredibly busy!!

Schools about to start so work is ramping up.

And we put in yet another offer on another house. I really love it but I know DH has got to feel like he's getting a deal so we'll see. We've been working like mad to get our current house ready for showing.
I need to post some photos of our new light fixtures and our newly "staged" house when it's done.

I can't believe another year has almost gone by... my birthday is next month.... and geez this year flew by. DH and I made plans for attend an awesome concert...standing room only... I love it! General admission concerts are such an experience.


Well wish us luck on our house hunting!!

Blah

Blah....I feel sick. I'm sure DH fed me something bad. Why do men think expiration dates are suggestions???

Too much excitement for one day!!

So I just received a call that totally made my day... I got into grad school...yeah!! I'm so proud of me! As much as I want to make my parents proud and my husband proud and all that mess...this really means a lot to me. It's like a new, thrilling chapter. Also I just ordered my iPhone...double yeah! Can't wait to play with it and use all the cool new functions. Oh I love the distractions in 2WW!

I'm morphing

This is hilarious... really... Eva Longoria? I don't think I really look like her but according to this website she's my closest match. You should try it!

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Free genealogy - Vintage pictures

Updates...

Time for an update, huh?

Well we finally did it...We put an offer on a house this weekend! Honestly I'm not getting my hopes up b/c we offered pretty low, but I'm just excited that we're getting closer in this house hunting process!

Oh I also have some cute photos to upload from my Bryce's birthday. This must be the year of the girl! Not one..not two...but THREE baby girls! They are all so stinking cute.

Not much else has been going on for us... oh we're going to Houston this weekend for yet another softball tournament...wish DH good luck!

Rained out

I've been so busy lately and neglecting my poor blog. So here are some updates...

DH and I went to Six Flags on Monday to celebrate ...after about 3-4 rides we got rained out....booo. By the way it almost never rains where we live so go figure. Nonetheless we enjoyed the rides and running through the rain like a bunch of tourists.

Oh I also have to share some great skin masks I recently did that just make my skin sparkle! I've been trying to go more natural... I'm totally a skin care junkie. So I did an egg white mask last night. The pure protein is so nourishing and it really tightens your skin. Just whisk egg white and put on skin for about 10-15 min.

I also did a lime juice and finely ground cinnamon mask overnight and my skin feel so fresh and bright! I only put in on my T-zone area since my cheeks can get a bit dry. Hope you'll give it a try!

Back from the 4th

We're finally back from the weekend travels. We survived our first road trip together. DH didn't quite place in the tournament but we had a blast anyway. The heat was killer! The field they played at was sooo cool. It was a softball complex with replicas of fields like Fenway, Yankee Stadium, Wrigley field. Pics on the way!

Tomorrow is my big doctor appt so naturally AF made her appearance this evening. Thank God...but seriously why'd she have to hold out so long!!

I'm so glad to be home...I really missed my Bella. My parents are so wonderful. They stayed at our house all weekend and loved her while we were gone. Even my brother got a chance to play with her. It's probably the best experience she's ever had when we traveled. Oh and moms are so funny. We came back and our house was cleaner than we left it! I actually cleaned everything for my mom but she did spectacular...even washed her towels?!?!? I love her...I hope I'm just as great of a mom as she is.

Oh one more thing...my SIL is doing great and recovering well. Please say a prayer for my sister. Her cat is like her child...just like my bella...and he hasn't been doing too well. He recently was injured when my sister severely burned her hand with boiling water....some got on him too. They found out he's diabetic and she's been giving him shots twice a day. This whole ordeal has really been hard on her. Today he had a two seizures and she had to take him to the ER where he'll stay overnight. My poor sister... I can only imagine how what she's going through. We just love our animals. I hope he comes home soon. Please say a prayer.

Book Review!

So I've been really wound up in reading lately...I feel like it takes me to a different place.

I just finished 3 Cups of Tea and it was wonderful! The story is of Greg Mortenson and I feel like I know the man. He's actually coming to my work to speak and I'm so excited!!

Now I'm on to the 4-Hour Work Week. It's so funny. Unfortunately it's really not applicable to my work place. To me it teaches efficiency...which I pride myself on. My current employment doesn't really center on efficiency believe it or not so right now it's just a fun read. Which is why I'm kind of excited I have a second interview at another job opportunity. I love, love, love my job but I just had to put my name in the hat for this other position. We'll see...I'll be happy either way.

I'm finally back on my walking and exercise schedule but still not feeling like my old gym junkie self. Thank god I've lost half of those traveling pounds! Just a couple more to go.

David and I almost put an offer on a house....this is the closest we've been to finding our dream house. Phooey...someone beat us to the punch. We're checking out some other properties this weekend!

It's me again

I've got to stop playing hookie from work....technically I asked for this day off ahead of time.

Today was a pamper day...and a wonderful one. I cut my hair...yikes! My hair is pretty long and I've been trying to grow it so I could donate it. You can imagine how bummed I was when I realized they don't take colored or highlighted hair.... I really needed a cut though so I'm sporting a shorter do with a little sun-kissed color thrown in there. I had an amazing facial too...thanks to Frangela for introducing me to my new favorite person....my esthetician! My skin feels so cleansed and fresh...I feel like a whole new me with better shoes, a cuter dress, fun earrings, and some hot polish on the toes... Ah... I almost feel like me again.

ETA: Yay...they did indeed take my hair...so at least it wasn't for nothing!

Love these lyrics...

These lyrics meant so much to me some time ago...now they're translated into so much more. I can't tell you how much these lyrics have got me through.


"Grace"
I'm on my knees only memories are left for me to hold
Dont know how but Ill get by
Slowly pull myself together
Theres no escape
So keep me safe
This feels so unreal
Nothing comes easily
Fill this empty space
Nothing is like it seems
Turn my grief to grace
I feel the cold
Loneliness unfold
Like from another world
Come what may
I won't fade away
But I know I might change
Nothing comes easily
Fill this empty space
Nothing is like it was
Turn my grief to grace
Nothing comes easily
Where do I begin?
Nothing can bring me peace
I've lost everything I just want to feel your embrace

Six Word Memoir

I've been tagged by Amanda…she’s is such a sweet and caring nestie who’s strength is getting her through her loss. She’s been such a wonderful presence on support boards and always had some of the kindest words to say. I wish her all the best!

This tag is tough for me because I always have so much to say…but the tag is to write a six word memoir... a Meme. As described in Amanda's blog... "The Meme" originated over an idea that was prompted by the book written by Larry Smith and Rachel Fershleiser, Not Quite What I was planning: Six Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure. It's a compilation based on the story that Hemingway once bet $10 that he could sum up his life in six words. His were- "For Sale: baby shoes, never worn."

Here goes...
I’ve always felt that I’m that 1%. You know how stuff always seems to happen to other people? I’ve always felt like one of those other people. Now, that comes with advantages and disadvantages. You may be the 1% that wins…but when you lose, you lose big. I’d like to think somehow it all balances out and you’ll go crazy trying to predetermine future plans or live your life according to standards.

I’ve accepted life isn’t fair…but it only seems that way for a while...stick it out, it's worth it.

Of course I had trouble with this and I’m trying to stick to only six words…but how about two sets...I’m indecisive I know!

Enjoy the ride, it gets better.
Read instructions….then write your own.

Time to tag 5 others!
Kellan, Mom Quixote, Jennifer, Jess, Frangela

Weekend Fun...a la Peroni

The weekend went great! I was glad to get back from Vegas on Friday to allow some downtime before heading back to work. I bought yet more fun stuff from Sephora. My SIL twisted my arm into going while she got some cool new eye shadow. I left with some amazing body butter that smells citrusy and yummy and lash kapow...some new mascara. It was great to spend some time to hang with my other sisters. We had a blast laughing it up at Lion & Rose and I had yummy Peroni in the coolest glass ever (promise to take a pic).

Back from Vegas!

Got back from Vegas and I'm so thankful for the trip. At the time I felt like I shouldn't go...heck I didn't even think I emotionally could go, but it turned out to be the best thing ever. I really feel like I bonded with my sis and mom. Of course we had our little spats, but even those were great...almost reminded me of my childhood.... We went to so many casinos and I even won $20 bucks playing with nickels! I was pretty excited. The shows were so much fun and all the sightseeing was great! I even got to have a margarita!

Wicked Awesome...

Oh it feels so good to be back home. Boston was wicked awesome! We went to Sam Adams Brewery...again couldn't really have any. The Red Sox game was the best! (I should have some photos soon!) We really had a great time and I was surprised at how I felt. I thought I would have been more tired, but I mananged to keep up with all the walking. One thing to note is that in Boston space is such a commodity. I never got so up close and personal with so many people! Subways were jam packed and our dinners out were interesting. I felt like I was having dinner with a group of people. I really worried about my Bella a lot while I was there...and for good reason. She was a big stinker at her Aunt Nat's house...she shredded her Rottie cousin's bed. Poor baby...she was ticked!

Complete craziness!!

Our computer died this weekend...I was so sad to lose so much history. I'm one of those people that saves just about everything. Luckily, we save all photos and music on an external drive. Poor David spent all weekend taking apart the computer and trying to put it back together. It works now...just lost all our saved stuff.

But we tried not to fret much about because it's FIESTA TIME! We went to Oyster Bake.


Tonight is the River Parade and it should be lots of fun!

We looked at some pretty great houses this weekend and we're going back on Wednesday so we'll see if one of them is the house for us!

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I'm so thankful for


1. my lunch break...because you'll never believe what arrived! Our Boston Red Sox tickets!!! WOO HOO!

2. New beauty products...Cle de peau Enhancer & Dermalogica antioxidant hydramist

3. Sleep....I'm thankful I get to sleep sometimes...not last night though

4. ring cleaners - I just got my wedding ring cleaned and it looks so sparkly clean...I love it!

Purge Project - One down!

I don't know what's wrong with me...I'm behind on my blogging! So weekend was great...I had some work events, but also some family parties.

Purge project # 1
The highlight had to be re organizing my closet. I love walking in it now! The walls are lined with shoes in color and style order....it's like heaven. After 6 hours of shuffling through old clothes my husband and I had 5 bags of items to toss, give away or sell. We've been trying to get to one purge project a month. Not too ambitious I know but I'm a packrat. It felt really good though. As we think about baby, we were like, "Where are we going to put it?". We've been leisurely house hunting but we're dead set on not buying something just because we want a bigger house...we really want to love it. So just in case we plan to sell or make room for baby we're getting the house in order pronto.

Great Lecture today

Heard a great presentation today on Parenting your Parents. It was difficult to think of but so useful. Mr. Jim Comer offered some very useful advice I'd like to share.
1. Patience is love
2. Don't try to be right, try to be kind
3. Make sure and have a will and living will
4. COMMUNICATE- tell your family your wishes.

So I at the very least want it out there what my wishes are...

• I think I want my parents to have Bella...they love her so much.
• I know I want my organs donated.
• Please keep me on a ventilator for some time (if applicable)...I have always been that one percent in my life so you hold out for a miracle.
• If I should pass and leave family behind I hope they....ugh...I can't do this right now...too sad. That's as much as I'm sure of right now.

New arrival

Baby Emerson arrived yesterday!!! I went to see her and Mel last night...she so cute. Wow...so one day baby in belly and next day baby in arms. Weird! I sat around with Misty and Mel over dinner in the hospital room as they shared baby stories...I was completely in awe. There's so much I don't know. I told Misty I was so glad they've been through this already and hopefully get to help me one day. Emerson looks great...she's already crying. Mel's first took a while to cry. I know Mel was a little worried that Emerson hurt her shoulder on her way out but the doc seems confident she'll be fine. Send all your prayers and well wishes! More details and photos to come!

What an amazing weekend! They always fly by so quickly but this weekend was lots of fun. I was the event chair for the spring social this year and my mom and sister joined me with some women from my work to take a day trip on Saturday to Wildseed Farms. We had such a great time eating lunch outdoors with beautiful pottery and plants. We even went into a butterfly house with hundreds of butterflies swarming around. I don't get to see my mom and sister too often so it was a real treat. I wish we could have spent more time together. I think we decided to bring out my grandparents since thier such avid gardeners...the more I talked about it I though we could actually fit both of our families in a minibus and spend a day there. I know David's cousin enjoys the outdoors and she'd love the gardening stuff available...hint, hint.

Sunday we watched my niece's soccer game and celebrated my father in law's birthday and wrapped up the evening with David and his siblings playing rockband all night...they have so much fun with that game!

I sort of let it slip this weekend that this year is the year for a little one... I had my last margarita for a while...I think.

I also worked on my mini movie...it's almost done! A while back David mentioned he couldn't remember when we did what so I sort of started a photo show with narration, music and some video clips that kind of tell the history of us. They're so fun to make...it got me thinking what other histories I would like documented.

I've been thinking more about my culture and the history behind where I come from. My grandfather once told me the story of how he met my grandmother and when they decided to have my dad. It totally blew my mind! I only knew my granparents as one thing and never thought about thier struggles and how I came into their lives. I really would love to get our video camera and just capture it. Just walk around thier home and garden and let them tell me all the stories they can. I was telling David I really wanted to do this with his grandmother too since there's so much even he doesn't know about the history of his grandparents. We'll see if I can actually tackle this over the summer.

Thankful Thursday

On my drive in to work...as everyone rushes around like maniacs.... I peacefully pondered about how many things I'm truly thankful for... IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER and very random!

1. my sister....I'm thankful for my entire family but she's such an influential and amazing person in my life. I don't know how I would do it without her guidance and love.
2. my mom....okay I know i said my whole family, but my mom has grown so much. With all the obstacles that are thrown her way she can remain graceful and poised. She tackles so much at work and home and manages to keep a smile on her face and she has an enormous heart.
3. my husband....he has a way of helping me stay driven, but enjoying the moment
4. my bella...how could this animal make me feel so fulfilled?
5. velcro rollers - I love big hair!
6. Aquaphor - use in your skin, lips, a flyaway...it's so moisturizing!
7. music
8. my culture
9. my extended family
10. my job - sometimes it isn't easy but it can be very rewarding.

UPDATE- By the way Bosco...who is now named Gunnar...is now in a wonderful home with a very caring woman. It was so hard to let him go, but we're thrilled he's living in a loving home. Our house is almost back to normal, but I really welcomed the distraction....took my mind off of baby talk!

This month is going to be a doozie. I have at least 10 events and Fiesta is around the corner!

Weeks till Boston - 6 weeks!

Weeks till Vegas - 7 weeks!

Baby showers and Bosco the boxer

We still have our guest boxer in the house. We've been calling him Bosco and he seems to respond. He such a sweetie, I just can't believe no one has claimed him. Luckily there are some great people in this world who happen to be looking for a boxer. We're taking him on Wednesday to see if he works out with a family. We have 4 other families who want him too. I'm sure my Bella is very relieved. They are seriously like children. They cry, need feeding, and exercise...gees, now I know what if feels like for parents who get no sleep! I think David will be sad to let him go.

Somehow we found time to barely make it to the shower! I can't believe my friends are totally ready. Mel's due in mid April and Misty in early May. They really look so beautiful!

The cake was so good too. I'm pretty sure it's from Lucy's...same place we got our wedding cake. YUM!

Can I get a break already?

I'm so frustrated. This week has been incredibly exhausting. I'm so thankful for such a wonderful husband.


So I thought Friday was such a blessing...finally a free weekend! To my complete horror I began my Friday morning by dropping a mirror and watching it shatter to pieces. I gasped as if my whole life was over. I can't help it...I'm unbelievably superstitious. My gut feelings and signs rule my life. I've never broken a mirror and I freaked. I know everyone always says it's all in your head so I really tried to tell myself it was not big deal. I'm still telling myself that it's no big deal that someone stole my makeupbag/wallet from my doctor's office! I was so mad. My makeup bag was stolen my sophomore year of high school the day of homecoming and all those feelings came right back. Why would someone take that? I'm disappointed that people would do such a thing.

Fast forward to Friday night and the 1am door bell ring. Someone thought our Bella got out a brought a boxer to our doorstep. My husband knows I'd never turn a dog a way so offered to keep it in our backyard. Little did we know what we were getting ourselves into. It began to rain and the poor dog howled and frantically scratched at the door. Now I have not had a full night sleep all week! So I could ignore it, but David couldn't. He woke up and drove around the neighborhood for half an hour to see if anyone was looking for it. I posted on several websites and made signs....at 2am. The dog continued to howl and we were totally out of options...we had to bring him inside so David pulled out the cars from the garage and climbed in the attic to get Bella's old kennel. Now 3am we assembled it and the poor dog did not want to go in. After an hour of treats, bones, and chews we managed to get him in. We went to bed at 4am.

Bella woke us up at 7am and we had to manage getting them fed, but keeping them apart. I'm always a little unsure about strays and exposing Bella to them. We put more sign up and decided to call it a day and hope someone was looking for him. As we pulled in the garage the other car had a flat tire...seriously?! So David took it in to get fixed. He really amazes me sometimes. I was on the verge of tears...my body was practically shaking from the lack of sleep. I looked horrible because remember someone stole my makeup bag. But David just sucked it up and with a smile too. I love him....oh I'm getting teary eyed. Especially because we spent yesterday evening watching the story of two girls with mistaken identity. David pointed out all the marks on me he could use to identify me. Morbid, I know, but I love how well he knows me.


Lord, please give me the strength to make it through the rest of this day....I have another baby shower to hit and the drive alone will drive me crazy!

Tormenting Tuesday

After a wonderful Monday off...I almost forgot about an early morning event today!! How could I forget I was gonna see Ben Stein? I was so exhausted...I couldn't sleep all night. My poor Bella had a mini seizure last night which only I witnessed. It was so scary. She's done this before, but luckily it only happened once. Last time we couldn't get it to stop. I woke up DH in a hurry...good thing there wasn't a fire or anything b/c he would be toast. I know he always thinks I'm freaking out but it's my poor doggie. I can't even imagine what will happen when kids come along.



Back to my morning with no sleep...I knew this week would be killer (I have an event every night this week) so of course I went in to work seeking the worst and with a bad attitude...shame on me. My whole day was turned around though. Stein talked about the economy, civic engagement, the war, and the breakdown of the American family. I agreed children today have no manner or responsibility and it made me appreciate how obsessive my mother is about everything from being polite to looking your best.
Then I had wonderful news...a friend at work just got engaged and her ring shined as much as her permanent smile. I'm so happy for her...it's what she really wanted and she's such a genuine good person. Plus another friend at work is having twins! She'd been trying for sometime and with a little help now has two miracles growing in her belly. She looked so glowing, proud, and excited. I'm so happy for her too! It made me think... In the scheme of things maybe this tormenting Tuesday wasn't so tormenting at all. Positivity breeds positivity and it was contagious today. So thank you God for blessing these wonderful people and helping to brighten my day all at the same time.

Cleaning Schedule

I've been asked a couple of times for my cleaning list/schedule...so here you go!

Monday
Living Room (C)
-Dust all surfaces - including electronics, books, picture frames, window sills, ledges, tops of door frames, and ceiling fan
-Vacuum -Vacuum upholstery
-Wipe switchplates, doorknobs, and doorjambs
-Wipe and disinfect telephone
-Clean ceiling fans

Tuesday
Laundry (C/D)

Bathroom 1 (D)
-Scrub the tub and tiles
-Scrub the toilet
-Sweep/Mop the floor
-Wipe switchplates, doorknobs, and doorjambs
-Wipe counters
-Clear clutter
-Empty and wipe out wastebasket

Wednesday
Bedroom (C)
-Change the sheets
-Clear clutter on dresser
-Dust all surfaces - including electronics, books, picture frames, windowsills, ledges, tops of the door frames, and ceiling fan
-Vacuum -Wipe switchplates, doorknobs,
-Wipe and disinfect telephone

Thursday
Kitchen (D)
-Sweep the floor
-Mop the floor
-Wipe the cabinets, backsplashes, appliances, and lighting
-Clean out dishwasher
-Wipe the switchplates and phone
-Wipe the inside of the garbage can

Office (D)
-Clean the desk top
-Dust the computer
-Vacuum

Bathroom (C)
-Scrub the tub and tiles
-Scrub the toilet-Sweep/Mop the floor-Wipe switchplates, doorknobs, and doorjambs
-Wipe counters
-Clear clutter-Empty and wipe out wastebasket

Dining Room (C)
Clean and dust table

Friday
DAY OFF!...or catch up!

Saturday
Laundry (C)
Outdoor/garden (D)

Sunday
Grocery store (C/D)

Good Times!

Easter weekend was a blast! It didn't hurt that we were off on Friday...but DH had to leave for work this morning :(

We kicked off the weekend with me doing some shopping and DH golfing. He actually said he may give it up for a while. I'll believe it when I see it!

I loved having an extra day this weekend but unfortunately we didn't manage to even start our first purge project - attacking the closet! We did go look at some houses with the realtor. I had no idea how many nice houses were out there. We saw a few homes and one that almost fit the bill but the rooms were a too small.It was great to look but I'm still pretty happy staying where we are now...we'll see what happens.

We got to see both families for Easter, which isn't always easy but I love when we can manage it. My dad absolutely loves Bella's new "marilyn mole" he thinks it's hilarious. Bella got to visit her other grandparents and geez we really need to have a baby soon. My poor parents fall all over my dog like she's their grandchild....but it's all they got so they love her so much. The brisket was delicious (I gave up the diet on Sunday) and my sister made the cutest cake.

Our niece got the cutest Easter gift...it looks like a giant hamster wheel.

Weekend update

So the shower was pretty fun. I walked in and almost started crying when I saw my two close friends with their baby bumps. I feel like we all grew up overnight. They looked great!

They're both having girls and they both already had cute boys.

This weekend is yet another softball tournament, but the weather is awesome so I'm really enjoying it. Luckily, only one game was in the hot sun and the later game isn't until 9:00! Oh we also finally got a realtor. She sent us some reports today and we're supposed to go look at houses next Saturday. We'll see how it goes!

Meet the new Bella

To start let's introduce you to Marilyn...also known as my boxer, Bella. Don't ask me what happened but she got this new mole looking spot on her upperlip that was never there before. My poor baby, I keep calling her Marilyn because I can't take my eyes off of it...I think I'm confusing her. Check out Bella before and meet the new Marilyn??