I'm Still Here!

I'm sorry I'm so terrible at this all of the sudden.

I don't mean to be...please forgive me!

I will say though, I don't really have a whole lot going on. I've really just been doing the whole life thing, ya know?

Work, school, kid.

But there is one something that is quite amazing...

I finished school!!!!!

Last week was my last day at school, I passed my practical test yesterday, and now I just have to get through my written test and we will be golden!!!

Back to It

So here we are...2 months, 3 weeks, and 1 day later.
I feel like I'm getting into the swing of things. I'm back to work now (for 3 whole days), and I feel like all in all it was good time off.

Since Ryder was born, we have had quite an adventure. Here's some pictures to keep you interested.

(they are pretty much ALL phone pictures, so please excuse the quality)

We've had:

Cousin Visits

That is my then 4 month old nephew Carson and Ryder at about 2 days old

Trey and Ryder

Treyton just turned 10 on Sunday...Happy Birthday!

A finally finished nursery!

A trip to the hospital
Me and Ryder were at the hospital for 5 days. He had a UTI and wasn't gaining weight because of it so he had to go and get better. It was the most heartbreaking thing I've ever had to deal with. And I mean that.

A photo shoot

Gang Signs

A smilin' fool

Once he realized how, he didn't stop!

2 month shots

Exhausting days

More Smiles

Baths

I used to just have him in the shower with me and he loved it, I'm not sure what he thinks about the actual tub.

For the most part, things are good. I'm still trying to get myself in order. Slowly, but its coming along.

I promise to be better now. And hopefully not only have phone pictures to post!

Ryder Richard Culligan

My baby love was born on July 6, 2011 at 3:24 a.m. weighing in at 4 lbs 8 oz. He was just a little guy which was nice for me, but a bit scary at first. He was perfectly fine and I will never, ever forget anything about that night. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe it.

First off...I had him at home. It was planned, yes. People think I'm nutty, yes. But it's what I wanted and what I felt comfortable with so that's how I did it.

My due date was July 28. Didn't quite make it there.

I started having contractions at almost exactly 8 am on July 5. It seemed the second I sat down at my desk, they started. They started at 7 minutes apart and weren't really a big deal pain wise. They stayed that way until about 7 or 8 that night. Then they slowly got more intense.

More and more and more intense.

I stayed at work all day. Went to my school (I had already started my leave) and got lasered. Met Kevin for dinner, breathing through contractions the whole time. Then we went to Kevin's softball game at 9.

And then they started to get worse.

By the time the game was over, I was almost not able to just quietly breathe through them. I got out of there just in time. I drove home and started getting a bath ready. I let my midwife know what was going on. She told me to take my bath and then try to get some sleep. If I couldn't sleep through them, to let her know and she would come down.

That was at 10:37

I got in the tub and was in there for about 15 minutes, but our tub isn't very big and my only option was on my back. Wasn't gonna fly.

I got out and got ready for bed. That's when the contractions got bad. I was able to lay on my side for a big and groan through them. Then I couldn't lay down anymore.

I got out of bed and was leaning over it, rocking back and forth. That helped quite a bit. Poor Kevin wasn't allowed to talk to me during them. He was only able to hold my one hand or he got smacked. I felt bad for him...then another contraction came and I got over it.

Finally, at 1:45 Kevin quit listening to me and called my midwife. He let her know that we hadn't slept at all and that the contractions were 2 minutes apart and pretty intense. She said she was on her way...

She lives in bountiful and we live in american fork...do the math.

All throughout the 2 am hour, I was getting more and more nauseous with each contraction an just kept saying "I don't want to throw up" over and over. At about 2:45, that didn't work anymore and told Kevin to get me something. The closest thing was the garbage can in the bathroom and he barely got it to me in time.

I knew that throwing up means your transitioning to the actual birth and then I started freaking out because Camille wasn't here yet. Kev called her again at 2:55 and she said she was just getting off the freeway.

While that phone call was happening, I started pushing. That whole "need to push" thing is real. I had no control, it was happening. I had moved from leaning on the bed to the floor on all fours because that's where I landed when I was throwing up.

At 3:05, Kevin went to help Camille and her assistant get their things into the house and I was on the floor, pushing, by myself. When Camille came in the front room I heard her say, "That sounds like pushing to me!"

I groaned at that comment and told them to come back. I needed Kevin more than anything, and he wasn't in there at the moment.

Camille came in the room, and realized that I really was pushing, not just making noise. She grabbed my shoulders and told me that I had to take deep breaths between pushing so that the baby was getting enough oxygen. Before that I was just kind of freaking out so my breathing was a little crazy.

I took deep breaths, and pushed. Deep breath, push. Deep breath and push.

I could feel the baby coming down with each push, which is actually my favorite part of him being born. At first, I was kind of afraid to push all the way because that meant his head coming out. And all that meant was pain. I was holding back a bit in the beginning.

Then I had a little chat with myself and said that the only way this was gonna be over was to just do it.

2 more pushes and he was out.

Camille handed him to Kevin through my legs (I was still on my hands and knees)...and here is the craziest part.

He was born in his sack. Meaning my water never broke. More on that later.

He wasn't moving or breathing, but because he was still in the sack so he didn't need to be. Camille got it off his face, and at exactly one minute old he started screaming.

Camille wrapped him in a towel and handed him to me. Kevin leaned over to us and kissed me on the forehead. And Ryder opened his gigantic eyes and looked up at us.



I have never been so happy in my whole life. Words can't even begin to explain the emotion that was happening.

Camille and Kimberly got me up onto my bed and got us comfortable. We didn't cut the cord for almost an hour. The three of us were just laying on the bed, in awe of each other.

Then Kevin cut the cord and cuddled his baby boy while I delivered the placenta and got cleaned up.

I got back in my bed and Camille and Kimberly cleaned up everything. They started some laundry and got me some food. Kimberly actually had to run to the store to get quite a few things because we had nothing. We weren't expecting a baby just yet.

And then, just as quickly as everything started, it was over. Camille and Kimberly got their stuff and left at about 5:30 or 6. And our new little family was left alone to get to know each other.

Kevin passed out rather quickly because he had some hard days and very little sleep leading up to this. I was on the phone with people and was cuddling the new love of my life.



I had originally planned to have a water birth but because he was three weeks early, I didn't have the tub yet. And because he came so quickly, we didn't have time to set it up when Camille got there. But, I wouldn't change a thing about how it happened. It was so perfect.

Now, babies who are born in their sack (its called 'born in the caul') are said to be extra lucky, extra intuitive, and almost supernatural. There is also some crazy stuff floating around about these babies not being able to die by drowning...I don't think I'll test that theory but I guess it's nice to know. And I guess we'll see how lucky he really is.

A Few Things**Updated

First of all...

34 weeks today!!!

Anyone else shocked by that?? I know I am!

I don't have a picture at this exact moment, but will put one up...probably tomorrow. But just be warned...its CrAzy!

It's been awhile, I'm so sorry. Nothing too amazing has been happening up until this last week so I haven't really had a whole lot to talk about.

Now, lets jump back to last Wednesday.

I'm sitting at work, feeling normal. Then I start to get uncomfortable sitting at my desk. Then things start to get painful. Like bad.

I felt like my right hip was pinching something against my ribs. And no matter how I moved or stood or whatever, it wouldn't go away. I tried to just deal, thinking it's just my stupid back that hurts anyway, it just hurts worse today.

Then it turned into, I can't really breathe because this is hurting so bad. So I finally went home at about 11 thinking I would take a bath and get my heating pad on it and I would be fine.

Not. So. Much.

I was in the bath for a total of 7 minutes before I couldn't sit there anymore. It felt like there was a knot in my back that I couldn't rub out and sitting made it get squished, I'm assuming, and it hurt!!

I laid in my bed for awhile, laying on my left side hurt because my belly pulled on that sore spot too much. Laying on my right side meant laying ON the sore spot so that was kind of out too. I ended up flat on my back, which is not good, but that's all I could do for the time being.

When it started getting worse and worse, and never better...I finally decided to call my midwife. I had an appointment with her the night before, but everyting was fine so there was nothing to talk about then. I knew it could be kidney related, being on my right side...but that it could also be some pre-term back labor going on. She had Kevin push around to see if it was my kidneys, and it definitely hurt more when he did that so she said we need to head to the Dr. because if its an infection, we would need antibiotics from the Dr.

To the urgent care we go...after walking, sitting, crying in the waiting room for over an hour, I finally got back to see the Dr.

They said no infection but it could possibly be kidney stones just talking about it. He did some more poking and prodding, then said that stones wouldn't hurt from the outside but found that that muscle (remember the giant knot??) was pretty tight when I wasn't using it, and rock hard when I was. He finally said I probably pulled a muscle, which isn't hard to do when you're pregnant, and with the weight of the baby being positioned just so perfectly it was just making it that much worse.

He put me on loritab, told me to take it very easy and get a brace for my belly to keep it from pulling and maybe give my back a chance to heal. But he also said that it was possible that it wouldn't feel better until the baby was born.

So I missed work, and school for a couple of days because, as hard as I tried not to, I couldn't deal with that pain without the pain meds which meant I couldn't drive anywhere. And finally on Sunday, it felt better!!! I could walk normally again and didn't have to take any more of those pills! I got my belly brace, which makes me feel and look like an idiot but it's helping A LOT!

Now I just have to continue to take it easy so that it doesn't come back, because no thank you!

That turned into quite a long story, sorry about that. This is the most interesting thing that has happened during my pregnancy, which is a good thing, so I just had to report it!

Stay tuned for a picture of the giant baby belly!!!

One Love 2/6/45 - 5/11/81

Oh Bob...There are no words.

Except...

Calm

Inspiration

Love

So much love in fact, that my second child will be named for you. The first, will be named for his father.

Your music inspires me in more ways than I can count.

Bad moods disappear.

I feel sad that your music stopped inpiring the world long before I came around, but I'm glad that it's here for me to enjoy now.

30 years ago today...You are missed.

Rest in Peace

What a difference a month makes!

Here I am.

In all my bellied glory.

(I don't think that's a word...)

Remember when there wasn't a volleyball under my shirt?

Remeber when, just 4 short weeks ago, I looked like this?

Quite a difference, huh?

That's because my boy is getting HUGE!!

And he's started this new game of pushing as far out front as he can. It gets heavy, and is definitely not the most comfortable thing ever.

But, I can deal :)

Some positives thus far...

*I have yet to find out what heartburn feels like

*I can still wear my one pair of non-maternity jeans

*My mid-wife says things are looking great in all areas!

*Me and R play games all day when I'm sitting at my desk, it makes me feel special :)

*The nursery is painted..now we wait for carpet

*Only 13 weeks left...eek!

Some not so positives, but still not so bad...

-He hurts me sometimes when he plays his new stick-out game

-Kevin's schedule has been a complete suck-fest lately, so I feel like he's missing stuff. Including my growing belly

-Hungry, full, hungry, full...its a viscious cycle

-I have had several dreams that "It's a boy!" until he is actually born and it turns out "It's a girl!" Very unsettling.

-Only 13 weeks left...eek!

I just can't wait to meet my little guy!

Real Quick...

I just wanted to say that my new, very favorite thing in the whole world is watching my baby kick my belly.

Yes, I said watching.

On Sunday, I was sitting on the bed folding laundry and watching tv, I leaned back to give my back a rest for a second and just happened to look down right when a spot on my belly popped out for a split second.

Then it happened again, and again.

Now, I just catch myself staring at my belly for who knows how long, waiting to see it again.

I can't believe how unbelievably happy I am right now, looking down at this...

23 Weeks

Here it is....in all it's glory...the belly!

This is technically my 22 week picture, but I haven't posted in awhile so, I figured this would do.

Just so you know, it hasn't really changed.

Some Facts...for those who care...

How Far?: 23 Weeks, 17 Weeks to go

How Big is Baby?: An ear of corn apparently, 8.5 inches, 1.5 lbs.

Total Weight Gain or Loss: I'm not exactly positive, but I'm gonna say about 6 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: I'm now down to one pair of normal jeans that work with this belly, and only my camis and cardigans fit as far as non-maternity tops go. Everything else is from the mama section

Movement: He kicks me pretty much all day long, it just feels like tickles unless I'm laying down...then it's more punchy.

Kevin felt his first ouward kick about 2 weeks ago, and then again last night we were messing with him go get him to kick.

Symptoms: I only get sick if I haven't eaten in awhile, or if I'm eating something amazing and end up clearing my plate...and the table...

I feel non-stop exhausted, sleep does NOT help.

My lower back hurt anyway, now it hurts more...I can deal.

What I miss: Putting my own socks on. I don't wear socks that often, but we went to the REAL game on Saturday (yes, I finally saw my Becks, in the flesh!) and it was cold so I was going to wear socks...I had to have Kevin come in and do it for me because I couldn't reach :(

Sleeping through the night...example: I got up 3 times last night to pee

Cravings: Anything spicy, whether it hurts my tongue or not...I NEED SALSA!

Popsicles

Water, I cannot drink enough water

So, that's me and little R in a nutshell.

In other news, still baby related...because unfortunately (for some), that's all I feel the need to talk about...We got the crib and the dresser!

I just love them...they are still in boxes because we haven't painted yet....but this is them!

We are painting, then getting carpet, and then they can have a home. I'm just so excited!

Carson MacKay Youd

Sister (FiNaLlY!!) had her baby! He was being stubborn and didn't want to come out of his momma apparently. She was due on February 22nd and nothing, nothing, nothing...

So she finally had to be induced yesterday. She got started at about 10 a.m. or so, and he was born at about 7 p.m. But we did find out why he wasn't coming out...he is a big boy!!

8 lbs 9oz
20 inches long.

Poor sister had quite a tear, but I think she's okay with it. I'm so proud of her!!! I love my sister so much and now I know what I have to look forward to!

Thank you for letting us be a part of it Kait!!!

It's a...

My cousin Tiffany works at an OB's office, and was able to get me in for an early ultrasound on my BIRTHDAY!! It took all of 2 seconds to see what the little guy was. I wish that I could have seen Kevin's face when it came up on the screen but he was sitting in a chair in front of me so I couldn't. He kept saying he didn't care, but I know he really wanted a boy first and he is pretty excited! We went to the mall right after to try to find some Atlanta Braves stuff for him, but they didn't have any.

Last night, Kevin really wanted to take a picture of my belly. Comparing this one, and the one down below at 14 weeks...I'm thinking I was having a fat day on the 14 week picture because I feel like I look a lot bigger in that one than this one, but this one looks more like a baby bump.

Here is a picture of his cute little face! He was so curled up in my belly and wouldn't show us his face, so the tech started "beating" my belly with the wand thing to get him to move and he flipped right over and gave us that amazing profile.

I am so in love!

We have picked out a name for him, but I'm gonna keep that quiet for a little bit. I'll put it out there when we get a little closer.

Just know that RKC is coming, and we can't wait!!!

Oh Baby!

14 weeks!!

I can't even believe that! It feels like it was yesterday that I found out I was even pregnant...And that was clear back in November!

I am starting to feel a little better, nausea wise. But sometimes, I still would just like to die it gets so bad. But with the second trimester, it definitely feels like it is tapering off....kind of.

And here's my list...


Size of the baby: Navel orange; 4.5 inches long; 2-3 ounces


Total weight gain/loss: As of my last appointment, I had lost 2 pounds. That was 2 weeks ago, but I still feel like I've felt bad enough that I haven't been eating as much as I probably should (not by choice, trust me)


Maternity clothes: I so far am still in regular clothes, but almost broke down last week because my jeans were hurting me. I'm down to one particular pair of regular jeans, and my stretchy black pants. Alternating days of course :)
I also have yet to get a bigger bra, but fear that won't be the case much longer...'YOWZA!' is all I have to say in that department.


Movement: **I haven't felt anything yet, but sweet pea is definitely moving around in there. Some days my belly is so sore, I feel like I've been working out! **

The above was written 2 days ago...I have since felt the baby move twice!!! Just little flutters but they were definitely something.

Symptoms: Sick, Sick, Sick!!! I've been super effing tired, but sleeping is only getting harder and more uncomfortable. The girls are still super sore, and it makes me want to cry some days. Randomly sore muscles, and shooting yet fleeting pain in my lower abdomen if I sit up too fast, or sneeze, or...ya know...move.
Also that whole baby brain thing is real. And it sucks. I randomly forget things that I know I knew at some point. Misplace things like a glass of OJ at work, that I was sipping not 15 seconds before. Weirdo.


Cravings: I don't feel like I've been craving anything too crazy yet. Most things just sound too grody to even care about. I have been digging carrots and scrambled eggs (not together). The eggs mostly because they are the only thing I have found that I don't immediately throw up if I'm feeling gross but need to eat. I have not bee craving potato chips though, which if you know me at all, you know that is the craziest thing in the world.


What I miss: Getting free treatments at school (I'm down to the basics now, i.e. facials, pedicures...), energy, feeling normal, not crying every 2 seconds, and a good margarita. Miss that one very much.


Boy, Girl, ?: Don't know yet, but we scheduled an ultrasound for 16 weeks with my cousin...which happens to fall on my birthday!! So hopefully we get something good out of that. I need a girl, he definitely wants a boy...so we'll see how that goes.


Best moment this week: When my belly popped out overnight...really. I was just looking a little chubby last week, then over the weekend I was excited because I LOOKED pregnant. Then on Tuesday, I was quite amazed to see that it was even bigger! Its cute though :)

The Wait is OVER!!!!

That last post was really mean, and I'm so sorry...but I just couldn't help it!

I was too excited to say nothing, but it was too soon to say anything so you got what you got.

Kevin and I have some great news to share!!!

After a year and half of waiting and hoping...and waiting...we are finally pregnant and expecting our little one July 28th!

I am about 9 weeks along right now, and so far have been feeling CRAPPY! I didn't think it was possible to feel that gross, constantly, but it is. And it sucks!

But I'll take it!

My, Oh My...

That's is all I have to say on the subject.

I know...SupER teAsER, but I just can't resist. For now anyway!



But don't worry...

Eyelashes

Did that eyeball freak you out?? :)

So sorry.

Anyway...

I signed up for a course through my school to get certified to do eyelash extensions!!

I was worried I wasn't going to be able to because of the cost, but it turned out that the school owed me money from a down payment match they do so it actually didn't cost me a thing, and I will still get some money back!

It worked out so perfectly!

The class starts on November 20th and I will need a model that day, and then other models to practice on and certify with on a different day. If you're interested, let me know!

I am so excited about this! It's one extra thing that I can add to my resume when I'm done with school, and even before I'm done with school! Woohoo for progress!!

Speaking of school, I'm done with orientation this week. Friday will be my last day in that class and then I'm on to intermediate and start taking appointments in the spa. Yay!!

I'm not sure what my spa schedule will be yet, but I will let you know!

All you peeps should come down and see me!

I've posted the spa menu and such over on the side there so you can check it out. At first I can only do facials, manicures, pedicures, glitter toes and gel nails. But I will be certifying in more things soon and will update that little side blurb to let you all know.

Well, hello there.

I know it's been a long time.

I'm sorry.

Can you ever forgive me? Please??

To say my life has been crazy since we spoke last would be the understatement of the century. Seriously. Things have been nuts.

In a nutshell:

• started school
• had to have 3 biopsies for cervical cancer (OWWW!! btw)
• have been rocking school
• have been waiting and waiting for something that I didn't think I would need to wait for
• have been spending as much time with My Love and my family as possible

Let me now start by saying that only one of my 3 biopsies came back with abnormal cells. The Dr. didn't seem too concerned about it at this point and just said I'll have another pap with my Midwife in March and then we'll go from there. That was the worst 3 weeks ever. Too much waiting, not enough knowing. But when I got the call that just said to check on it in 6 months, that was a good day. So, no need to worry about Chels. It's all good in the hood.

I started school on the first, and It. Is. Amazing. !!.

I love it...so, so much!! Its been a hard adjustment with these super long, full days but I'm starting to get into a routine and getting used to pretty much being tired all the time.

So far we have learned: facials, manicures, pedicures, did glitter toes last night and will be doing gel nails tonight. I forgot how much I loved doing this stuff. It makes me happy.

My new schedule consistes of Work from 8-4:30 and school from 5:30 to 9:30..I leave my house at about 7:30 and get home at 10. Its long, long, long and hard, but its only until Next November, so I will not complain too much. My only real adjustmet has been to not seeing Kevin hardly at all. That has been the hardest. Because his schedule was kind of crazy to begin with, we now have even less of a chance to spend time together. Which makes me sad. But we're dealing.

Other than that craziness, life is just life. Working, schooling, playing. Over and over again.

Me and Kevin are heading to Vegas this weekend for a little trip, just the 2 of us and I can't wait! My mind is already in vacation mode and its only Tuesday. We don't leave until Friday, so that makes it bad for my working situation.

I'm hoping to get back into a groove of blogging soon, so hang in there peeps!

Much love!!

It's time...for an announcement.

Okay...here it is.

I am officially starting school again. Tomorrow. September 1st. At...

I'm super excited, a little nervous, but mostly ready to get started so that I can be finished and have a career...finally!

It will be 15 months of part time-ness, Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9 and then every other Saturday, except this first month will be Monday through Friday for orientation.

Wish me luck!

Times, they are a changin'

Okay...not really, but they need to.

I'm needing a change in my life. Nothing too spectacular, just some new scenery.

I've been trying to talk Kevin into getting transferred to St. George so we can move down there. At first I was just talking, got a bug in me that I needed to live there. Now its becoming more and more of a possibility.
(No one freak out yet; nothing is decided, or even anything more than just talked about. But, it turns out that there really may be an opportunity for this to happen. Seriously, please don't freak out...it's really nothing more than a distant possibility at this point.)

Anyway, a change. Maybe a new job, maybe just a hobby. I don't know, but something. I'm working on figuring that out right now. I'm looking at some options, and am going to pursue them and see how they turn out.

In other news:
Me and Kevin are working on getting into an exercise routine. We both need to lose some weight. Its starting to get out of hand :)

We were supposed to start on Monday; full on, get-with-the-program starting. That didn't actually happen but we are still working towards that. The problem is that we don't actually have any space to do said program, so we are having to make space. The only space we have is the second bedroom that is currently just a crap room with a computer in it. So we have to clean it out, re-organize some things, and probably get rid of quite a bit of stuff. As soon as that's done though, it's on! And I think it will actually work this time. Because Kevin is fully on board with me now, which means motivation for both of us....and if we get too lazy, one gets to flick the other one's ear!

But since we haven't been able to start officiallly, we are taking this time to get more active before this thing kicks our ass(es). We got bikes and have been riding them at night, we play tennis on occasion. There is a lot less sitting on the couch all night now.

Also, I have become a vegetarian!

It's only been a week, but I already feel better. Seriously! I'm not going to really get into the why's, but here's the basics: For the most part, meat grosses me out. It actually takes a lot for me to eat it. I started thinking about why meat grosses me out, and came to the realization that its because its meat! It's the flesh of another living thing, that is now dead and you could technically say rotting. Yuck! And it's healthier not to eat meat. There are plenty of other ways to get the vitamins and minerals and protein you need, without adding cholesterol (that you absolutely don't need, and is completely extra) to your diet.

But, yes, it's been a week and I'm still holding strong. It kind of amazed me how much meat I actually do eat, and didn't even realize it until now. I will miss some things, but I think the benefits will greatly make up for that.

I'm still working on a post about our trip to Washington, with pictures. That's why it's taking so long. I can only do it pictures at home, and sometimes I just lose track of time after I get home from work and then suddenly its time for bed. Its coming though, I promise!

Yesterday...

..we had a going away BBQ for Kevin's sister Heather...she's heading out to Florida. Moving to Florida...starting some much needed FReshNeSS!

Heather was saying how Becky and Kellie would need to start updating their blogs more because she wanted to see how the kids are doing and what everyone is up to since she will be so far away. Then it turned into a back and forth...

"...well you need to blog too!"
"What about you? You haven't been keeping yours updated lately either."
"...if I do it at work, I'll have to take my camera and if I wait til I get home..."

And then there was some talk about an Anti-blogging Blog...I don't even know how it happened.


But the point is...Heather doesn't care about mine and Kevin's slightly boring lives at the moment. No offense to be taken, but she doesn't. But at some point, hopefully very soon, we will be having a baby. And she will want to know what's going on with that baby and hopefully that baby's parents.

Now this has nothing to do with keeping family updated but I'm trying to be a better blogger...like I used to be and have slowly gotten out of the habit of.

I found this little list...written by Guest blogger East Side Bride and her husband on Unruly Things.
It made me giggle and I wanted to share it with you.

10 Reasons why Being Married is Just Better

1. When I take money out of his wallet, I don’t have to pay him back. (Warning: This works both ways.)

2. He makes the coffee 63% of the time.

3. When we have a really crazy, stupid, screaming fight, I never have to think, “Oh my god, are we going to break up over this?”

4. Wrangling our finances has made me a more responsible person. I.E. I no longer buy $800 leather pants I can’t afford just because I hate my life.

5. Planning meals for two encourages me to eat better meals. Let’s be honest, it forces me to eat meals period. I mean, I can’t let my husband eat a jumbo bag of gummy sours for dinner.

6. He/she puts up with my crazy family. (Downside: She/he reminds me at inopportune moments how much I am like them.)

7. Her hatred of clutter inspires me find more creative places to hide my crap. (Note: The bedroom may not be considered a “creative” place to “hide” an effing enormous cardboard box.)

8. She has a long-term plan for my personal style. (Downside: She also has a short-term plan for my personal style.)

9. He can actually tell me which outfit looks better. (Bonus: He’s learned to keep his mouth shut during the delicate pull-everything-out-of-the-closet-and-throw-it-on-the-floor phase.)

10. She makes me come to bed before the birds start tweeting.


I just love it.



We'll miss you Heather!! Have a safe trip and keep us updated on where you're at on your freakn' long drive!

The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware...joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware." -Henry Miller


Who can even guess how in love with this quote I am?? Anyone?

Anyone?

It makes me happy just seeing it! All the different images that pop into my mind when I read it...makes me giddy!


******

We are going to Washington next Tuesday to hang with the family, on a beach in what is perhaps my second favorite place in the world. I haven't been up there in probably 5 years and I miss it so much!

And the best part...I get to ride all the way up there with Sister!!

I am so happy (dare I say BLeSsED ??) that me and Sister get along so well! I love that we have that kind of relationship, and that she is my best friend in the whole world. Super, Super LUCKY~!


smile...things could be worse!

Sister

Oh sister...

I love you!

Happy Birthday yesterday...and you make me smile!

Love you, Love you, Love you!


:)