So You Guys

I'm Still Here

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 17:02:00 +0000

So, I took an unplanned blogging hiatus for a couple years. Thanks for coming back to my little space. I missed it and I hope you did too.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you're pretty caught up on what's been going on. You know that I'm doing the Mama thing. My sweet guy will be 2 in November and, as every parent knows, time FLIES. It has simply gotten away from me.

There has also been some unexpected life that has happened in our household, but I'll get to that later. For now, I'm glad to be blogging again.

Here is a picture of me and my kid that is totally unrelated to this post!

Pregnancy // 1st Trimester

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:00:00 +0000

I'm still here, you guys! I took a little unplanned hiatus. Turns out 1st trimester fatigue actually equals total and complete exhaustion. I'm so thankful and excited to be in my 2nd trimester of pregnancy and actually have enough energy to blog. Today I just want to catch you up on what's been going on with me and I kind of wanted to document the first trimester. I know I'll want to remember what it was like when we plan for the next baby!

I'm going to start at week 5, because the only symptom I had before that was super sore boobs! That still hasn't subsided! I was also completely exhausted until about week 14. I'm so lucky to have a job that allowed me to work an extremely abbreviated schedule. I don't know how woman work full time in the beginning of pregnancy! Seriously, you ladies are superheroes!

Week 5

✦ Craved milk, whole milk, like crazy!

Week 6

✦ Nauseated around the clock

✦ Grossed out by most smells

✦ Couldn't even THINK about drinking milk!

I also had my first ultrasound that week and got to see this little button (the baby is the bottom blob) and were excited and relieved to hear the heartbeat! With my previous pregnancies, we never got to hear a heartbeat.

3 days later I had some spotting and nearly lost my mind with worry! They did another ultrasound and the baby was just fine. I have a septate uterus. It's like the septum that divides your nostrils, only it divides my uterus. The bleeding was coming from one side and the baby's heart was beating away on the other. You'd be surprised how different the baby looked in just 3 days, but it went from blog to seahorse. Of course, that convinced me that we were having a mermaid. Sadly, they didn't send me home with any photographic proof!

Weeks 7-9

✦ Nauseated 24 hours a day

✦ Couldn't stand the smell of coffee and had to stop drinking it

✦ Varied from day to day what I could stomach

✦ Craved meat but couldn't stand to smell it cooking

✦ Ice cream and donut always sounded good (but not together)

✦ Still couldn't drink milk

✦ Everything I drank had to be ice cold

Week 10-12

✦ Spring pollen kicked in and I couldn't tell if I was less nauseous or if I just felt so bad in my sinuses that I didn't notice it as much

I had my nuchal scan ultrasound in week 12 and they measured the fluid in the back of the baby's neck to check for neural tube defects. Everything was fine and it was so exciting to see the baby moving around so much. The baby completely turned around and snuggled in while we watched!

Did you guys know that your not done with the first trimester until about 13 1/2 weeks? Sneaky 40 week gestation!

Weeks 13-14

✦ Finally becoming less nauseated and not as exhausted!

✦ Started showing instead of just looking chubby in the middle

✦ I think I felt the baby flip over too, but just one time so far!

I have to tell you, I think the 2nd trimester is where it's at. I don't have tons of extra energy or anything. I just relieved to feel relatively normal! I'll be 16 weeks tomorrow and I have a doctor's appointment this week. Sadly, I don't get my next ultrasound for another month so I'll be waiting impatiently to find out gender! Place your bets now!

By the way, don't worry that my blog will turn into a pregnancy-only blog. While it will be monopolizing my time in the near future, I also have a lot of non-pregnancy related projects that I want to share with you soon (and need to finish before the baby arrives)!

Things I Love About My Guy on Our 1st Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Today is Josh and my one year wedding anniversary. I'm so happy to have found the man I'm meant to spend my life with and, since I'm feeling all nostalgic and sappy, I thought I'd share some of the many reasons I love my guy.

I love Josh because...

✧ he refers to my growing number of white hairs as "blond."

✧ he encourages me to take naps when I'm grumpy.

✧ instead of complaining about my art projects all over the house, he cleans around them.

✧ he doesn't like spiders either, but will kill them for me.

✧ he loves our critters as much as I do and tells me stories about them. Also, Dinah loves him SO MUCH and she's super particular.

✧ he loves to cuddle as much as I do.

✧ is enthusiastic about my cooking, even when it's not that good.

✧ he's sneaky-funny...and finds me HILARIOUS!

✧ he can usually tell me where I left something I can't find...and I lose things constantly!

✧ he doesn't think I'm boring and nights in reading or having Netflix marathons is fine with him.

I hope I didn't gross you out too badly! I'm excited to dress up fancy and celebrate this weekend!

Coming up on One Year // Our Wedding Story

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 12:00:00 +0000

My one year wedding anniversary is tomorrow and I realized that I never even shared my wedding with you guys! So, this is our wedding story.

Josh and I had each been married one time before, but neither of us had a real wedding the first time. We wanted to do something special, fun, and unconventional. We wanted a date that had meaning and decided on March 20th, the first day of Spring. The start of a new season when everything is fresh and new was the perfect day for us to start our married life together.

I didn't want to buy a white dress that I would never wear again and might be out of style by the time I could pass it down. Instead, I wore the "Stop Staring! Mad Men Eggplant Pleated Bodice Cap Sleeve Swing Dress" from Unique Vintage. (You can check out their online shop through my affiliate ad --->)

We couldn't decide what song to walk down the aisle to or who would be in charge of it. My Mom joked that we should just have our guests play "The Wedding March" on kazoos and we DID! It was awesome! My mother-in-law wrote a fun poem to explain and we had the kazoos waiting in the seats.

My friend Suzie was my photographer. I was so glad to have her there and she did such a great job!

Isn't my Daddy handsome?! And I TOTALLY underestimated the width of my dress! Ha!

For my "something old" / "something borrowed" I wore my Mom's original wedding ring and my Grandma's original wedding ring. I had the symbols of over 100 years of happy marriage on my finger.

Josh had my rings made from a vintage mold. They're new, but they didn't have the possibility of anyone else's bad karma that might come with a vintage ring.

We kept things simple with finger foods and cake to celebrate after the ceremony. The centerpieces were candles and tulips.

While I wouldn't recommend baking your own wedding cake, like I did, it certainly was tasty! My mom did a beautiful job decorating too!

I'm so happy that we had an intimate little wedding. With a big family like mine, you either have to have 30 people or over 200. There isn't really an in-between. Since it was so small, Josh and I were able to talk to everyone and actually enjoy ourselves at our own wedding. It was so nice to know that every person there was really pulling for us. We could really feel the love in the room and it was amazing!

It was such a great day! I can't believe it's already been a year!

Peanut Butter Pie // A Vintage Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 21:32:00 +0000

This recipe is a family favorite. It was given to my Grandma by a neighbor in the 60's because she loves peanut butter so much. Grandma & Grandpa have been making it ever since.

I'm not a big peanut butter fan. In fact, I wouldn't eat it at all as a kid. This pie is still one of my favorites. The meringue and the vanilla pudding keep the pie light and not overpowering. I like to add bananas to this recipe, but you don't have to. I actually made one with and one without and they both turned out fantastic!

Peanut Butter Pie

Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup powdered sugar

1- 3 oz. box of cook & serve vanilla pudding

milk required to make pudding

1 baked 9" or 10" pie crust, deep dish

3 large egg whites

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

2 bananas (optional)

Bake your pie crust according to instructions. I used frozen, but you can make your own if you like. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350º F

Cut peanut butter into powdered sugar until it looks like large crumbs

Put into the pie crust

If you're using bananas, slice them and put a layer on top of your peanut butter mixture

In a saucepan, cook vanilla pudding as instructed

Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then pour into pie crust

In a clean bowl, preferably in a stand mixer, beat egg whites until frothy

Slowly add granulated sugar and cream of tartar

Keep beating on medium to high speed until stiff peaks form. This could take awhile.

Add meringue to the pie, sealing edges to the pie crust.

Bake at 350º F for 15-20 minutes until slightly brown

Allow to cool, then refrigerate to store.

This recipe makes one pie and doubles well. Enjoy

This is a versatile recipe too. I'm thinking about changing it up. I wonder if using chocolate pudding would make a light Reese's style pie? Hmmm....

Current Obsessions and an Update

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 01:27:00 +0000

Hi, guys! Hope everyone is enjoying/recovering from their St. Patrick's Day festivities. I didn't do the crafts and recipes I had planned on trying for the occasion, but I did manage to make our traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage. My parents joined Josh and me for dinner and we had a really nice time.

I had grand intentions for blog posts last week and ended up just EXHAUSTED! I hope that means I'm growing a healthy baby in there. I snuck in as many naps as I could and went to bed early all week. The switch to Daylight Savings Time and Josh's new earlier work schedule contributed to my sleepiness as well, I'm sure. Maya is my main napping buddy. One afternoon, I woke up to her sleeping on Josh's side of the bed all tucked in and had to snap a picture.

Today, I just wanted to give you a little update today and share some of my current obsessions with you. Have you guys heard about the new Waterlogue app?

Well, after hearing how amazing the it is, I decided to finally fork over the $3 and see if it lived up to the hype. It really did. It blew me away! It converts your regular photos to beautiful watercolor paintings. You can watch the app as it "paints" your image too. It's mesmerizing! Check out the ones I've done so far...

Hulu Plus is my newest guilty pleasure. We don't have cable, but we do have Netflix. My friend, Jamie, told me she uses Hulu like a DVR and I had to check it out. First of all, they have episodes from the current season of lots of shows I'm caught up on on Netflix. Second, I get to watch SNL; Jimmy Fallon; and various other shows THE VERY NEXT DAY. It's awesome. I just wish CBS and AMC would hop on board!

My fabulous friend and coworker, Teresa, cleaned out her wardrobe last week and gave me some amazing clothes! I feel so spoiled. She gave me a lot of nice things, including a lot of basics to build from. I'm so excited to dress up! Maybe I'll even try out some "Outfit of the Day" posts!

Also, my good friend Carrie has been nominated to win a mobility van. She is one of the most extraordinary people I know. I'd love it if you'd go vote for her. Winning would be such a help for her family. You can vote here every day until May! It's super easy to sign in with Facebook and you can even opt out of their emails! Thanks, you guys!

I think you're all caught up now. Come back tomorrow for a super yummy peanut butter pie recipe!

Shouting from the Rooftop // Pink Lines & Prayers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 16:46:00 +0000

I said I was going to shout it from the rooftops and I am! I'm not even late yet, but it is confirmed!

I'M HAVING A BABY!

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen these tweets from me and been wondering.

Really hoping that the weird breakout that has erupted = pregnant. It's too early to test. *fingers crossed*

— Kate Retherford (@Kate_SoYouGuys) March 5, 2014

My boobs are gigantic and hurty too, but they are known liars.

— Kate Retherford (@Kate_SoYouGuys) March 5, 2014

I even said I would not test again until the 1st day of a missed period, but I just couldn't wait!

It's super early on, only 3 weeks and 4 days to be exact, and I've had 2 previous miscarriages; but I wanted to share my news with everyone right away with the hope that you would pray for my little family, or send happy thoughts and love, or both! I really believe in the power of prayer and positivity. So, if you'd be willing to send some love my way, I'd really appreciate it.

We don't know what caused my miscarriages, but my doctor went ahead and put me on a progesterone supplement right away just in case that was the problem before. He's also going to be keeping a close eye on my levels. I feel confident this time and I hope that's a good sign. As long as our little button stays put, I should be blasting your feeds with baby pictures in November!

Thank you all for your support and for following along on my journey.

Blogmopolitan Quiz #2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 13:00:00 +0000

I just can't resist a good quiz, you guys!

If you'd like to join in the fun, hop on over to Two Thirds Hazel!

Snapshots // 3.3.14

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Hi, guys! It's hard to believe it's already March. That means Daylight Saving Time is fast approaching. You can see how I feel about that.

Nightly ritual.

Dinah always sneaks in our room before bed to lick the ice cubes in Josh's water. I really think she thinks its her job now.

My littlest niece turned 11 on Friday. I can't believe it! I'm really starting to freak out about her sister turning 13 next month too!

Cats make good bookends, right? Dash pretends he was attracted by the sun; but I think he's really after my camera!

That's all for now!

Good Riddance, Mercury Retrograde!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 21:55:00 +0000

I'm back and I missed you. Today is the day you realize I'm a kooky astrology-believing, sage burning hippie.

Do you guys know about Mercury Retrograde? It's when the planet Mercury appears to be moving in reverse and makes everything go wonky. Like, 3 weeks of opposite days wonky. Anyway, it happens 3 times a year and the first one of 2014, thankfully, ended yesterday.

I know some of you must think it's "all in my head," but let me tell you, I TRIED to ignore it. I even forgot about it all together for the first week or so. I couldn't figure out why I was in hibernation mode or why really simple things were suddenly SO difficult. Then, this happened on my way to work one morning and it call came together.

I get it, Mercury Retrograde. Well played. It was then that I realized that it was probably best for me to hole up until it was all over. For me that meant napping...a lot, more than usual; putting off as much as I could that required electronic or mechanical devices; and focusing on self-reflection instead. If you're a fellow Gemini or a Libra you were probably more affected by it than some others, since our sign is ruled by Mercury.

So, while I haven't posted here in awhile, I've been planning and have lots of ideas for posts. You know, like scheduling post before the next MR hits in June. I've had my taxes done, but refused to file in case of crazy glitches. I ovulated and did some thinking about pregnancy and now plan to shout it from the rooftops the moment I get a positive test; because how will you guys know to pray if I keep it a secret?

Anyway, that's what's been happening over here. If you'd like to learn more about Mercury Retrograde and read great tips to survive it, this is a great post....and you'll see that I'm not alone on this one!

Today, I plan to cleanse myself and my house with sage and celebrate! Cheers to March!

Snapshots // 2.17.14 // iPhone Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000

With all the snow we've gotten the last 2 months, I haven't been out doing a lot of shooting with my "real" camera. I still take pictures about everyday with my iPhone. Here's a selection from last week.

Every fresh snow, we end up with the same set of bunny tracks. I guess he's a creature of habit & our yard is in his path....or maybe he juste likes to visit my flamingos. I can't say I'd blame him. They look darn cute in the snow. I should probably knit them some scarves though...

Maya & Gus practicing their horseback riding skills...or watching for their Daddy to come home. Whichever.

Brought this Kokopelli belt buckle home from work. I'll take all the fertility god help I can get. It'd be funny if Josh wore it. Really, it's just hanging out on my nightstand. Hopefully it'll bring us some luck!

I love my new giant desk, but every time I sit down & try to work. One of the cats will get between me & Picasso. Fortunately, there was room for this makeshift cat bed. Satch LOVES it. The other 2 are onto my schemes...

Lately // and a Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 23:15:00 +0000

You guys, right now my internet is on the fritz . I have to get on while it decides it wants to work &, hopefully, Time Warner can fix it in the morning. I haven't been posting a lot lately because, frankly, I'm in a funk. I've spent most of the week on the verge of tears and I would really like to hibernate. I haven't been feeling well and I know that's part of it. Also, I'm just depressed. I'm trying to shake it off, but it's taking more effort than usual and it leaves little motivation for much else. Anyway, this is what I've been up to lately.

Watching: Family Ties on Netflix...and the Olympics

You guys, I was 2 when this show came out & I remember watching the later seasons with my parents growing up. I did not realize how ground-breaking it was! Yes, it's a family comedy. But, they covered some pretty heavy issues starting with the pilot. I'm really enjoying it. It's a nice glimpse into actual 80's fashion too. Unfortunately, everything Mallory wears is the stuff I hated being made to wear as a kid. I also can't figure out why they dressed Jennifer like a Cabbage Patch Kid.

Also, I'm nerding out over the Olympics. I always do. I particularly enjoy watching the snowboarders. First, I'm amazed at their talent. I tend to yell "How are they even doing that?!" a lot during those events. I especially like that it's a "new" sport and all of the tricks were named by the snowboarders themselves. I think it's hilarious to listen to the sportscaster use the made-up names. I'm easily amused. I know.

Reading: Mixed Media Masterpieces with Jenny & Aaron

It took me awhile to get my hands on it & now I don't want to put it down...unless it's to do the projects that are in the book. I love Jenny. She's my Instagram buddy. She & Aaron are so inspiring. This book is filled with adorable tutorials. I'm most excited because the projects leave so much room for each person to incorporate their own ideas. You don't just want to do their art. It's a great way to catch the bug & start making art of your very own!

Baking: Cupcakes

Who doesn't love a great cupcake?! There have been 2 birthdays at work in the last 2 weeks. So, of course, I make cupcakes! I just really need to stop eating them...and figure out how to downsize my frosting recipe. So. Much. Frosting.

Excited About: Growing this blog

I really like where it's going and I recently bought my very own domain name. I'm officially www.soyouguys.com and it makes me feel like such a big girl blogger!

Thinking About: Getting on a better schedule with my blogging

What do you think? Would you prefer if I post about certain things on certain days or do you like it random? I'd love your input.

Jonesing For: This coffee cup

Seriously. I must have it!

Participating In: A Giveaway!

Thanks for hosting it, Alli! You can enter below, but make sure to hop on over & check out the other ladies' blogs as well!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Conversation #2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:30:00 +0000

Here is a conversation I had with my sister via text.

I have no reason to believe I'm pregnant; but I consider her dream a step in the right direction. I had 2 dreams that she was pregnant with her now 12 year old daughter for no reason. I knew she'd be a girl too. I like to think that we're connected. Fingers crossed...and I guess Chloe is off the list.

Things You Might Want to Know

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 02:13:00 +0000

Today's post is a little late. I've been fighting a cold, so things got backed up over here.

I wanted to wrap up "Getting to Know Me" week by updating my FAQ page with some things you might want to know about me and this blog. You can click the FAQ at the top of the page or just click here. Thanks for reading!

11 Things

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:57:00 +0000

I figured it'd be fun to join in with Chelsey & do her 11 question meme. Make sure to stop by & see her 11 questions at The Paper Mama too!

Here are her 11 questions & my answers:

1. Are you a cat or dog person? Or, bird person?

Cat. They're clean & they like to nap.

2. What was your favorite food as a kid? Is it the same, or has it changed as an adult?

Pretty sure it's always been pizza.

3. What is your favorite hobby?

Photography 4-ever

4. If you HAD to move to a different state (or country) where would it be?

I think Colorado. I like the idea of low humidity & tons of snow in the winter. I should probably go there sometime.

5. Are you a winter or summer person?

Fall, actually. If I had to choose between winter & summer, I guess it'd be winter because of sweaters & snow.

6. What makes you happy?

Kittens, babies, jammies, sunshine, cake, long naps...

7. What is the weirdest question you’ve ever been asked?

Read further down this list and you'll know.

8. If you had to go on an adventure, with elves, dwarves, or hobbits, who would you take and why?

Elves with the hope that they'd take me to Santa's workshop....unless they're Lord of the Rings type elves. In that case, I'd take hobbiteses.

9. You are at a rural retreat lodge somewhere deep in Wisconsin or Canada. You are approached by a taxidermist who hands you a stuffed badger and asks you to put it in your lap. What do you do next?

Give it to Jenny Lawson so she can dress it up & add him to her collection. Obviously.

10. What was your first job?

Server in the dining room of a retirement home. The uniforms were terrible and the trays were heavy. Also, old people don't hear me so well.

11. What is your favorite utensil?

Paint brush. That was my first reaction. Huh. Who knew?

I'd love if you'd join in the fun! Here are my questions for you!

1. If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?

2. What decade were you supposed to be born in?

3. What is your favorite kind of cake?

4. What season is your favorite?

5. What age has been your favorite?

6. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

7. What was your first car?

8. What makes you laugh the hardest?

9. Do you prefer brand new or vintage?

10. What are you saving up for right now?

11. What's your favorite color?

We'd Probably Be Friends // Getting to Know Me

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 00:40:00 +0000

This week I want to take the opportunity to tell you more about myself. I share my recipes, DIY's, and even really personal life events; but I really don't think I've shared who I am. I plan to post a series of fun stuff this week to let you in on the real me.

This is the kind of thing I text Josh from the next room.

This first post was inspired by Dani of Sometimes Sweet. I know I'm a little late to this party, but here goes!

We'd probably be friends if...

✧ you don't see a problem with changing into jammies at 7pm. I'm home. I want to be comfy. I especially like my collection of Nick & Nora flannel pajamas from Target.

✧ you believe that buying something "because it's pink" or "because it's sparkly" is reason enough.

✧ you stop to talk to all babies & dogs.

✧ you prefer texting to actual phone conversations,

✧ you love to read & like to talk about books, especially series. OMG! Outlander, Game of Thrones, etc. Let's talk!

✧ you value a GOOD cup of coffee.

✧ you think pants are overrated, except for jammie pants. Obviously.

✧ Instagram is your favorite social media. I'm a photographer. What did you expect?

✧ you like to bake & share recipes.

✧ you love Friends more than any show ever & quote it as often (daily) as I do.

✧ if you understand the value of a good nap.

✧ if puns & ~~bad~~ corny jokes are your favorite. Seriously, I'm twelve.

So, what do you think? Would we be friends? I'd love to read what you'd have on your list!

Conversation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 02:56:00 +0000

This is the start of a new series I'm calling Conversations. I probably won't post many pictures with these posts. I just want to share weird or funny conversations that I want to remember.

Josh was reading in bed and I had just finished my nightly ritual. I climbed into bed and he turned his head to look at me.

Me: What was that?! I swear you just moved really fast.

Josh: Gives me a confused look

Me: Seriously! It was weird.

Josh: Shrugs

He obviously has no idea what I'm talking about, so I settle in with my phone and check twitter. A few minutes pass before I look up and Josh turns to look at me again.

Me: Oh my God! It's your beard! When you turn your head, it scrapes across the pillow case and makes it sound like you're moving fast!

Josh: Makes the noise over & over

I HAVE MY OWN SOUND EFFECTS!!!

It's the little things that keep us amused. Aren't you glad I shared this nonsense with you? We won't talk about any of Josh's other "sound effects" right now....

PMA, baby. P M A ..... & a Freebie

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 20:11:00 +0000

On Sunday, I posted about my 2nd miscarriage. As you can imagine, it's taken me a little while to get back in the swing of things. I'm feeling better and I thought this would be a great time to do a post about PMA.

PMA stands for Positive Mental Attitude and it's very much what it sounds like. The theory is that having a positive outlook on life will make you a happier and more successful person. It's pretty much the idea that what you put into the universe is what you get back. Good karma & all that.

I know that having a positive mental attitude won't solve all my problems. But I know that negativity won't get me anywhere that I want to be. I'm also a big believer of manifesting your own destiny. I wan't to make the good stuff happen.

Things I can't control, like miscarriage or illness, make having a positive mental attitude difficult sometimes. So, I made myself a little reminder.

You probably know by now that my iPhone is my favorite toy. I use it constantly & I'm never without it. Below is my new lock screen wallpaper.

Here's a freebie for your phone too. PMA Wallpaper Download

If you want to read about PMA, here are some links to some awesome articles about it....

How Negative Energy Affects Your Life & How to Clear It

8 Tips to Help Create a Positive Mental Attitude

5 Myths of Positive Mental Attitude

Fun fact: Shouting "PMA, baby!" is one of my favorite ways to irritate Josh.

Enjoy & Happy Weekend!

Miscarriage Sucks

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 23:07:00 +0000

Goodness! I just don't know where to start with this. I guess the beginning...

I had a Ob/Gyn appointment scheduled for last Wednesday, the 8th, to see what was going on. We had been trying for 6 months and no results. Because my period was due to start in only 2 days, I thought I should take a pregnancy test that morning....just in case. I was sitting on the bathroom floor waiting for the test to process. It looked like nothing had come of it, so I stood up to throw it away. That's when I noticed the faintest pink line. Positive! I was so excited! It was super early, but positive was positive.

It was so early, in fact, that the urine test at the doctor's office was negative. They drew blood to test for sure and called me the following morning to tell me that I was definitely pregnant and that my progesterone levels were FABULOUS!

I started thinking about a nursery, brainstorming fun ways to tell you guys, browsing the internet for cute maternity clothes, and all that fun stuff.

Then, Tuesday night, I went to the bathroom before bed and noticed some spotting. I was so scared. Josh & I did a lot of tossing, turning, and praying that night. I called the doctor first thing Wednesday morning and they had me come in for another blood test. My doctor told me he wasn't worried. It was probably just implantation bleeding. He wouldn't be concerned unless it was bright red and heavy, like a period. I tried to think postively. I went home and read and drank tea, watched a movie. Then came the bright red and heavy.

You guys, I only knew I was pregnant for a week. It really doesn't get easier. My heart was broken. Josh was at work and there was nothing he could do, so I waited until he got home to tell him. In the meantime, I called my Mom and cried. She came over and cried with me. I felt like my body had betrayed me and that I had let everyone down.

I'm not sure what to do next. I have waves of sadness that wash over me and crying spells. My body is confused as the hormones try to figure themselves out. My face is breaking out and my hips ache. I'm trying to pretend that it's just a period, but I know it's not.

I'm trying to look on the bright side, but it's very hard to find at the moment. I'm glad it happened earlier this time, so I don't have to have a D&C again. I'm truly blessed that I have a family that loves me and takes care of me when I need them. I'm so grateful that everyone at work is so understanding and allows me to take the time I need to recover. That's all the positive I can see at the moment.

Thursday, I went and had my mullet cut off. It looks so much better and I love seeing my stylist, Ali, so that helped.

I know it's hard to see with my winter coat. Sorry!

Satch hasn't left my side. He presses his forehead against mine and snuggles in to make me feel better. He's being extra cute too.

I had lots of post ideas for this week that didn't happen. I promise to get back to it soon. I know you understand.

Cheers to 68 Years!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, my Grandparents celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Isn't that amazing?! They have been a shining example for my whole family and I wanted to do a little tribute to them today.

This photo is them in the beginning. They were just 15 and 14 in this picture. Grandpa changed his birth certificate so the Navy would think he was 17 and let him join. Grandma's Dad notarized the paperwork to get him out of the neighborhood and away from his daughter! Last I heard, Grandpa's driver's license still has the wrong date on it!

This photo was taken the year they got married. They had a bet with another couple that they would get married first. The other couple was planning a wedding for April & my Grandparents' wedding was set for June, so they eloped in January to win the bet! They were only 18 & 19 at the time.

They went on to raise three great kids. That's my Mom on the left. Don't you just love my Grandma's style?! And what I wouldn't give for those curtains!

Here they are just a few weeks ago at Christmas! I love them so much! Thanks for sharing this photo, Aunt Teri!

I'm such a lucky girl to have an example like them! They're the cutest ever! Congratulations Grandma & Grandpa!

January, You Icy Bitch...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000

January is my least favorite month of the year. I know I should be happy that the days are getting longer, and I am grateful for that. However, January is just so gray and blah. The excitement and anticipation of the holidays is over and everyone is back to the grind. Like I said, blah.

I don't know. I just feel like it's a weird time of year.I don't get all gung-ho about making resolutions because I feel like I should just always try to be better and do better than I have in the past, not just because January 1st rolls around again. Also, I never really think of the start of the new calendar year as a transitional time. I'm much more motivated to change things in my life at the change of the seasons. Does anyone else feel that way?

I do love snow and I was glad to wake up to this so early in January.

I love how clean and bright everything is when it's covered by a blanket of snow. I'm trying to focus on that instead of the dreary gray skies.

Also, my tree is still up. I want to hang onto the glow of the holidays for just a little longer.

When I do take it down, I fully plan to hang some white lights around to get me through until Spring.

I also feel like some of the January blues come from all of the family time coming to a screeching halt. I love my family! I'm very lucky to have such amazing relatives and even luckier that I scored great in-laws! I can't even begin to express how blessed I am in that department.

I wish that, instead of cramming all that togetherness into the last 6 weeks of the year, that we could get together and celebrate for no reason at all several times throughout the year. I think that would be amazing! We would get to see each other more often and enjoy our time together without the holiday stress. Then we could keep it simple at the holidays. We just have to duke it out over who gets to have Grandma & Grandpa for Christmas. (We totally would. My grandparents are WONDERFUL!)

Just some things that have been on my mind. Do you have any good cures for the winter blues? I'd love to hear them!

A Little Holiday Catch-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 01:54:00 +0000

Hi, you guys! I'm back from my extended holiday break and I wanted to catch you up on what I've been doing. I have to say, this year was a little wonky. It was our first Christmas as a married couple and we haven't really figured out how to divide our time yet. To add to that, Josh was suffering from some ferocious GERD that had him out of commission a great deal. We did our best to make the most of it, but it was tough. Everything was kept to a minimum, but I was able to do some baking. That was good and the pumpkin bread I made was one of the few things Josh could keep down.

Before Christmas, I was dying to share some gifts I was giving, but I couldn't because it would've blown my secrets. These are my two favorite things that I gave this year.

Isn't this owl magnifying glass the cutest?! I gave this guy to my Mom. It's on a chain to hang around your neck. My Mom has collected owls since the 70's and she's always working on small scale art...Zen Tangle, knitting teeny tiny stuff...Anyway, she loved it!

I got this idea from one of Kaelah's Instagram posts. I had picked up a Scrabble game at a garage sale for a buck to do crafts with and I couldn't resist this project. I just hot-glued the letters to the stand and attached a hang cord. This was for Josh. I took a silver paint pen and wrote on the back. "1st Christmas as Mr & Mrs 2013" I think it's perfect and Josh loves it too!

I ended up getting several things from my wish list, which I didn't expect and am THRILLED about. I'll tell you more about that later.

We had a super low-key New Year's. We actually read in bed together and kissed at midnight. That's my kind of celebration!

I'm not big on "year in review" posts, but I do like to reflect so I thought I'd share a 2013 Flipagram.

In case you missed it, Z did a lovely Q&A with me on her blog. Make sure you check it out!

I'm so glad to be back. I missed you guys! Xoxo

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 21:26:00 +0000

Just stopping by during my holiday hiatus to wish you a Happy New Year! It's going to be the best year yet. I can feel it! I'll be back to my regular schedule soon! Xoxo!

Snapshots // 12.23.13

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 13:00:00 +0000

I'm not really sure how it's Christmas week already, but I'm super excited! Here's a little glimpse of my world lately.

I'm ridiculously obsessed with these little guys. Trader Joe's is doing it right.

This desk project is monopolizing most of my time and all of my dining room. The good news is that stripping and priming is finished and I can (finally!) move onto paint. I can't wait to do the big reveal!

Dinah has decided that she is completely in love with her Daddy and thinks that he makes the best bed. They lay like this every night after she gives him his back massage.

I bought myself the prettiest bottle brush tree ornie from Jenny & Aaron! They are simply the sweetest. I really hope they offer their putz house ornaments next year too. I'm dying for them! I also can't wait to get my hands on a copy of their new book, Mixed Media Masterpieces with Jenny & Aaron.

Next on the agenda is last-minute shopping, wrapping, and the dreaded grocery store trip! Wish me luck!

The Blogmopolitan Quiz

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 02:24:00 +0000

Wow! I didn't think I'd be quite so busy this week. My time has been occupied with car stuff and furniture refinishing...not all the fun Christmas stuff that I'd like to be doing. My goal is to get all my errands and chaos squared away so I can really enjoy next week with my family. I also don't want to neglect my blog. I really feel good when I post things and I hope you enjoy it too.

I'm a little late joining the Blogmopolitan bandwagon. This is a Cosmo-inspired quiz for bloggers from Two Thirds Hazel. I know I just posted some random stuff about me for my Liebster Award, but as a relatively new blogger, I just don't feel like you guys know enough about me. So, here it is!

Do you have any questions for me? I'd love to answer those too!