I've been busy...

sewing. Check out my stuff here. They make great presents if you know someone who is expecting (or if you are expecting yourself)!

WARNING- There is an EXTREMELY cute picture below...

I found a new favorite thing to make- flowers. I put them on these little hair clip things so really you could put them in your hair, on a headband, on your scarf, on your purse, pretty much anywhere you want to add a little something.

I made these four in just a short time tonight. LOVE THEM! (Hey, that belongs on yesterday's post)

Love

I am in LOVE today. Either it is because it is my birthday or because I just had a baby and have super crazy hormones. No matter the cause, I LOVE it. So, here is a list of what I LOVE today (besides the normal stuff such as my snuggly baby, my son, my husband, my family, etc.)

I LOVE being 27 (ok, I hated the thought of it yesterday, but today its all good)

I LOVE this website. ITS AMAZING! It has how to make pretty much anything you would want to make. The patterns are reasonably priced ($5 ish) which is great and you can download them automatically.

I LOVE Hobby Lobby. That was one of my Birthday requests today. The others are as follows: go to Target, Longhorn for supper, Starbucks for hot chocolate, Peels for a new hair dryer, and a drive around Ottawa to see the Christmas lights.

I LOVE these:

They are SUPER cute rings. I found them super cheap on groopdealz.com. DON'T LOOK, BETH! There may be one coming your way! :)

I also LOVE this website- it has a lot of free patterns and ideas. Its great! (You will notice that I put buttons of these on the left side of my blog. Thats how much I LOVE them.)

And check out the button on the right for super cute headbands. I saw them when I was visiting nienie's blog today. There was so much cute stuff on there. LOVE.

Ok, that's enough for one day. I hope I didn't smother you with my LOVE :)

Handmade = the best

Since I recently gave birth (that sounds weird since it was a c-section, but what else would I say? Since I had my child cut out of my tummy?) to the cutest little girl ever, I have been searching for the cutest stuff for her. I have cute hats, tights, shoes, outfits, pretty much everything. Except for some of the necessities. Like burp rags and pacifier clips. I looked and looked for cute ones that don't have Winnie the Pooh on them or anything like that (no offense, if you are a winnie the pooh fan, its just not my style). So, I decided to make my own. Here they are- the pictures don't do them justice- they are SUPER cute.

My flash is terrible so the colors don't show up as cute as they really are. I love how they turned out! I have about 10 different fabrics and I plan on selling them. Want one?? :)

INTRODUCING......

Kinsley Marie

7lbs 130z

19.5" long

and PERFECT!

My Dear Handsome Son

Oh, Carter, you are the light of my life. I hope you always have the same attitude that you have now (except maybe minus the terrible 2's).



I absolutely love how you are my little farmer. Everyday, you ride your tractor or tricycle and you are always "bailing hay," or something farm-related. You get so excited to feed range cubes to the cows, gather the eggs, feed the cats and chickens and feed the dogs. You are going to be a hard worker just like your daddy.



Here in just a few days you are going to be taking on a new roll. Big Brother. I know you will do great- you absolutely love babies (especially Baby Ian and Baby Violet). I hope you never feel left out or like we don't have enough time for you as we are adjusting to having your little sister with us. And I hope you give her lots of kisses and hugs so she knows just how great her big brother is.


Maybe you can even take her on a tractor ride when she gets bigger.



You are the best son anyone could ask for (and the cutest, but that is my opinion). We love you!

Say "Cheeseburger"!

(That's Carter dressed up for Halloween, in case you didn't recognize him in all his cheeseburger glory. And Hans the hot dog.)

Halloween went over pretty well. This was Carter's first time trick-or-treating. Last year we were so busy trying to get Buzzard's ready to open that by the time I could get Carter ready to go he fell asleep in the car. Needless to say, he loved it.

Note to self: Don't take Hans with us next year (even if he is dressed up as a hot dog). He was a mess the whole time.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Almost there

(Carter sleeping his way through Wal-mart. This has nothing to do with anything, but its cute, so there.)

There really isn't anything interesting going on at the moment to post about. I go to my weekly Dr.'s appointments, I sit with my feet up (or they get HUGE) and I try to take it easy. That pretty much sums it up right now.

Today, however, I am going to attempt to make a trip to Wal-mart or Michaels and get some dye to dye some onesies. We shall see how that goes. Last time I was in Wal-mart I seriously thought I was going to die. I kept forgetting stuff and would have to walk all the way to the other end, only to realize I forgot something back at the other end and so on. It was bad. I thought my belly was going to fall off. But when I text Darek to inform him that I doubt I left there without either going into labor or leaving in a body bag he was sympathetic enough to reply "ok, let me know.". So, I replied that if I died I wouldn't be able to text him to which he replied that he was sure someone I knew would be at walmart and let him know. Ahh, husbands.

Anyway, I only have a week and a couple days left before I am even busier, so I will keep you updated (unless I croak, then hopefully someone I know will let you know, har har).
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Ahhh, Fall- I heart you.

(The annual buzzard pumpkin for our Buzzard's!)

Ahh, I love this time of year. Halloween costume shopping, candy-eating, cooler weather, caramel apples, and Thanksgiving planning.

And since I procrastinated enough on a Halloween costume for Carter, I found one for $10 at Old Navy this past weekend. Not bad, I say! And today I purchased one for Hans on eBay to go along with Carter's. Good times.

I have also spent the last few days racking my brain for Christmas present ideas. I'm trying to get as much done for that as possible, considering the difficulty I will have finding time for shopping with a newborn. Luckily, I started early and have about 5 presents bought already and numerous other ideas for everyone else.

Did I mention its time for Thanksgiving planning?!? I thought so- I'm just excited.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

20 days

(Only 20 more days of this big belly!)

It's hard to believe that in 20 days we will have a little girl. I will no longer have this giant belly, shortness of breath, pain pretty much EVERYWHERE. There will be no more weekly appointments or any of that fun stuff.

There will be a surgery, a cute baby and lots of sleepless nights.

And hopefully there will be a little boy that adjusts well and never feels neglected. (That is my biggest worry!)

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Busy, busy, busy

(The house lit up after our weenie roast.)

This past week was crazy. In a good way, though! Jared and Beth arrived on Sunday and left yesterday. We had so much fun and did lots of running around (antique store, Freestate Brewery, Mass St, Old Navy, the orchard, etc.). Then Carter had his pictures taken by Aundrea- I will post them next week!

And tomorrow I have a Dr. appt then pretty much a full rest of the week. (Not to mention that a baby will be here 3 weeks from Tuesday!) I will keep you filled in as long as I can keep up with everything!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

FINALLY!

(Watching the world go 'round from one of the couches.)

The past hour has brought the weather I have been waiting [not-so] patiently for. The day started out chilly, but warmed up quite a bit by lunch time. Like mid-eighties. Enough to make me sweat like a teenage boy. (Or a 2 year old- Carter sweats a ton!)

And now, finally, the storm has brought COOL weather. And hopefully relief from my heat-related swelling.

P.S. I sent this before it was done, so here is the FULL one. And I can't fix it because I am still disconnected from the world (we get internet on the 20th!).

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

FINALLY!

(Watching the world go 'round from one of the couches.)

The past hour has brought the weather I have been waiting [not-so] patiently for. The day started out chilly, but warmed up quite a bit by lunch time.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Who knew?

(Our new room- not quite finished putting everything away yet, but its coming along nicely!)

Who knew that we could fit our whole house into one room? I didn't think it would be possible. Granted, a lot of stuff is in storage, but we have the important stuff all in one room! I'm amazed.

Anyway, we are adjusting to farm living. Carter LOVES it, of course. And I haven't had fast food since breakfast Sunday morning- that is some kind of record for me. Darek doesn't seem to mind the extra 15 minutes added to his drive. And the best part is that I don't have to go up or down stairs 12,000 times a day.

Anyway, I am disconnected from the outside world for another 2 weeks or so- we don't have the internet out here yet. It will be set up on the 20th, so I will be updating more then!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Little bits

(Carter at Wellsville Days today)

Here are little bits of what's going on in our lives at the moment:

Wellsville Days took place today, keg at Buzzards broke so I had to go to Wal-mart and get beer. Picture this: Carter, me, my 8-month pregnant belly, and a cart full of beer standing in line.

The baby is doing well, and I only have 6 weeks to go! Still not gaining weight like I'm supposed to and she has decided to hang out in the breech position.

Carter is doing well- except the terrible 2's are rough on us all. He has been quite the handful lately.

We have been getting moms house all ready for us to come stay with them for a bit. Packing at our house has begun.

Baby shower on October 2nd, moving to moms on October 3rd, appointment on October 4th, chamber of commerce meeting October 5th... I shall stop there, that list goes on and on!

Oh! And we FINALLY got an offer on our house! Now we just have to wait and see what the bank says about it since it is lower than what we owe on it. Hopefully they will just accept it and we can be done! Keep your fingers crossed for us!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Ughhh

I am tired. You know how I know? Well, not just because my eye bags have their own eye bags, or because my eyes are permanently bloodshot nowadays. But, mainly by the fact that I feel so tired that I just don't quite know if ill have energy to breathe for the entire day.

Today, I sat on mom's couch. She chased Carter around and I sat there. I got up and got a water every now and then (or got rid of the water if you know what I mean) and that was it. Oh, well, I did get up to eat. But, mostly I sat there.

Hopefully tomorrow I will have more motivation to do something. Anything. (Including chasing my child wherever he wants to go.) Wish me luck (and while you are at it, can you wish the last 7 weeks to go by quickly?!?).

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Ughhh

I am tired. You know how I know? Well, not just because my eye bags have their own eye bags, or because my eyes are permanently bloodshot nowadays. But, mainly by the fact that I feel so tired that I just don't quite know if ill have energy to breathe for the entire day.

Today, I sat on mom's couch. She chased Carter around and I sat there. I got up and got a water every now and then (or got rid of the water if you know what I mean) and that was it. Oh, well, I did get up to eat. But, mostly I sat there.

Hopefully tomorrow I will have more motivation to do something. Anything. (Including chasing my child wherever he wants to go.) Wish me luck (and while you are at it, can you wish the last 7 weeks to go by quickly?!?).

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Times are changing

(The stormy sky this morning)

Ok, so really its just me changing. You see, I used to LIVE for summer. The hotter the better, the long days, heck, even the humidity. But this year has been so different. It could be the fact that I am very pregnant and was sweating from EVERYWHERE this summer. But, it could just be because of how wonderful fall is.

I woke up this morning thinking about how I used to be so disappointed when I woke up to a stormy, dark morning. But now I wish it was every morning. (And not just because it looks like its 5am inside my bedroom and Carter might sleep till who-knows-when). Its just so darn cozy laying in bed, listening to the thunder rumbling. Not to mention the other fabulous fall things to do- go to the pumpkin patch/orchard, decorate for fall, get ready for Halloween, take pictures of the changing leaves, and of course my favorite holiday- Thanksgiving!

So, Happy Fall morning to everyone, may you enjoy it as much as I am!

P.S. I do realize its a week until it is "officially" fall, but its here in my mind (and bedroom window)!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

A Quick One

(Why can't everything be as simple as it is to a child?)

Just wanted to do a quick (whine, rant, pity party) post. I have a lot on my mind, so why not dump some of it off on here?

Darek and I found this vehicle that we love. It would give us a lot more room for everything- it has a 3rd row of seats. Its a used Nissan Pathfinder. But we can't have it. We were silly enough to test drive it (overnight!). Just long enough to get attached.

But the real purpose of this is to not whine about that, but to talk about my extreme need to FORCE things. Everything. We tried to get a loan from one place it was a no. The other place required us to put some money down and it might not even work then. So, why not just walk away? Because I have to try to MAKE everything work even when I say I won't.

Darek and I had agreed from the beginning that if this doesn't work then we will just walk away. That was Friday. And we are still trying to force it to work today. I know that if we just walk away and its supposed to be ours then it will just happen somehow. But that is so darn hard when you are as stubborn as we are.

Anyway, hopefully by the end of the day we will get our final answer and just be done with it for a while. Maybe then we can get some sleep and I can stop stressing so much! (And I need to figure out if it is truly this that is stressing me out or if its something else entirely)

Thanks for lending me your ear (eyes!), even though this turned out to be a not-so-quick one.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Not Gonna Happen

(My cankle after a long day yesterday. )

I'm having a hard time getting out of bed this morning. Like, seriously. I usually am pretty much a morning person and can get right up and get going. I'm the type that HATES laying in bed after the alarm clock goes off- I feel the need to get up and get going.

But not this morning. I nudged Darek a sufficient number of times to guarantee that he was awake and then I just stayed in bed. Carter woke up and went to help daddy take a bath (someone has to hand him his towel or get him soap if he is out, and Carter is the perfect person for the job). And still, I was in bed.

Darek then gets done getting ready for the day, plays with Carter some and then him and Carter went downstairs. I figured I HAD to get up then- a 2 year old downstairs + a mom upstairs = some sort of disaster will happen.

I did make it out of bed. Got my contacts in, crazy hair into a pony tail so that way my husband won't have that lovely picture of me in his head when he goes to work. And then I decided to go on a breakfast strike. I will eat breakfast, and make it occasionally, but on mornings like this, its not happening. Its the 31-weeks-pregnant-i-NEED-rest-breakfast-strike.

Luckily mom is on her way to pick up Carter for the day (I get to go waitress again today- just like yesterday and the day before- hence the swollen ankles). One quick call to her and breakfast is on its way. :)


Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Treats

(Yummy treats from Nana's Fudge-N-Stuff)

I have found my new favorite store! Its a little shop here in Ottawa called Nana's Fudge-n-stuff. Its heaven. I've heard of it before but never been there. Its this tiny little place FILLED with truffles and fudge and cookies and candies. My kind of place!

So, I decided to go there for the first time today. I may have to go back tomorrow. I purchased 3 medium size sugar cookies (you should see the large ones!), one no bake cookie for Darek, a peanut butter rice krispy treat, some peanut butter fudge and a sucker. It came to $9- not bad! Anyway, the cookies are AMAZING, hence the need to go back tomorrow.

Don't you love it when you find places like that?!?

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Rainy day!

(I wish I could stay in bed and snuggle with this guy all day)

Its raining like crazy outside right now. And I LOVE it! That means that it's almost fall and the days are getting shorter and cooler (yay!).

Yesterday was 100 degrees with a heat index of 110. Today, it is supposed to be around 80 degrees and rainy, and I am happier than ever! I would stay in bed ALL day but I have a meeting @ 10:30 and then the house is being shown at noon. Oh, and then we have to move our stuff from our storage unit to a larger one. That is, if the rain leaves for a bit.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Hello, Whine-1-1? This is Emily again.

I need to write a whiney post today. Sorry. And it's pictureless to top it all off.

You see, I am still not getting much sleep at night. Do I need to remind you why?? My space on my side of the bed is decreasing, even as my girth is increasing. Carter has been doing pretty well about sleeping in his own bed, but every once in a while he sneaks back in a mere hour after we put him in his room. And if he doesnt? Well, then, I am up every few hours to make sure he is still breathing.

And did I mention my extreme hip pain? I should mention it to my Dr. I am sure, but when I get to my appointments I am like a smiling idiot robot that can only nod and say "Everything is going great!". Because I dont want to whine to a complete stranger, just to you guys. I'm nice like that. Except that stranger isn't really a stranger, she is my Dr. who has seens lots more of me than most people.

I feel kind of sorry for myself now, so I'm going to go take a nap :)

Different

(A dark view of my bedroom this morning)

This morning has been a bit different then other mornings lately. Last night, mom stopped by and Carter went to stay the night at her house. So, I am minus a child and the kicks in the head and spine that comes along with him after he sneaks into our bed at 2am or so.

Another difference? The BEAUTIFUL weather. So beautiful that I typed that all in capital letters. Did you notice? Anyway, it is 58 degrees outside. If I could capitalize numbers I would have just then. And those 58 degrees felt just right with our window open all night and the ceiling fan on. When I get out of the shower this morning I will get chilly- not instantly sweaty again (tmi, I know).

Oh, and Darek had to leave for Buzzards a bit earlier than usual to receive one of our trucks. So that means I am all alone in a quiet, cool house.

What did I do, you might be asking? I did what any normal person would do in the same situation- I ran downstairs, got some Nutty Bars and a bottle of water, ran back upstairs to get under the covers and eat breakfast in bed.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Shopping Day!

(The super cute purse I bought- it was $50- got it for $19)

(Can't go wrong with little girl tights!)

(Jeans for Carter this fall- I got them for $10/pair then 25% off that. Not bad.)

(My favorite find. I was LOVING the one diaper bag I posted about a while back but it was $218 and that was going to take up all of my shopping money left over from the garage sale. I even held it in the fossil store. *Sigh*. But then we went to Dillards and I saw this bag. Its also Fossil brand, was $118 on sale for $95. And since this was like our last stop and I had about $150 left, I bought it. Its going to be perfect!!)

As mentioned before, Courtney and I had a MUCH needed girls-only shopping spree on Sunday. I thought I would share with you my purchases. Not pictured is the properly named "Incredible" bra from Victoria's Secret. It is truly amazing. You don't ever adjust the straps- they are self adjusting- and you can get front closure ones (great for nursing!). Also not pictured: the one neopolitan truffle I got from Godiva, the 3 crab rangoons that I forgot to eat even though I was SUPER excited about them, and lunch from Mi Ranchito. I'm sure you can imagine the greatness of all those things.

Anyway, if anyone wants to send me donations I would be more than happy to do some more shopping and post pictures of my finds. You know. Out of the kindness of my heart. ;)

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Beautiful Sight

(Our dining room at Buzzards at about 3pm)

As a business woman, I hate seeing our dining room empty. It should be full ALL the time. (We did have a good lunch crowd, though!) BUT, as the fill-in waitress this week, this was a sight for sore eyes.

You see, I am not used to being on my feet a lot. And I have a big belly that bumps into stuff. So it makes things a bit difficult. But I survived today and now I am going to reward myself with a nap. Adios!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Easy & Delicious Breakfast!

(My breakfast work of art)

I am always looking for a fast and easy recipe that doesn't taste like cardboard. I was specifically looking for breakfast ideas since that is the meal we get to eat together as a family. (We needed to get out of our frozen waffle rut.)
I came across this recipe in a magazine and altered it to the needs of my family (no veggies, make it cheesy, etc.). Here is how you do it:

1. Fry some sausage (or your meat of choice).
2. Scramble some eggs (I used 4 farm fresh eggs).
3. Take one roll of refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz) and unroll it on a greased cookie sheet.
4. If you are like me, now is the point when you remember to preheat your oven, so preheat it to 425 degrees.
5. Pat out the pizza dough just a bit to make it about 15"x10". Make diagonal cuts down the 2 longest sides (make the cuts about 2" long or just be sure to leave enough room in the middle for the goodies you cooked).
6. We like things cheesy, so I put 4 slices of cheese on the uncut part, top it with your eggs and sausage. I then added 2 more slices cut in half on top.
7. Now take the diagonal pieces you cut into the dough and just fold them over the top. Press the ends a bit to seal. Cook at 425 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

The best thing about this recipe, besides it being delicious, is that you can put anything you want in it. Put sauce and pepperoni in it for a calzone type supper. Put veggies in it for, well, whatever you do with veggie stuff. Enjoy!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Girls Day Out

(He is super cute, but not invited)

As I type this on my lovely phone, I keep thinking about how it is FRIDAY!! And normally that would not matter to me, but about 6 weeks ago Courtney and I decided to figure out a day for us to go shopping. And by "us" I mean Courtney and I- no Carter or Bryce or husbands or anyone- just us girls. We compared schedules and came up with a Saturday about 6 weeks away. Something came up so it got bumped to Sunday. Our babysitters are set (thanks mom and Stan!) and *knock on wood* nothing else has come up.

So, here I sit, excited that our girls shopping day is only a few days away! I will share with you our awesome finds on Monday :)
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Large and In Charge

That's how I've been feeling lately. A bit large around the ol' mid section. But I am grateful that I am one of the pregnant people that is ALL belly- I don't gain really anywhere else. If you see me from the back I look like normal me. And I am feeling good! Ok, still hot out but its a bit better now. So, here in a new baby bump pic. I actually fixed my hair today instead of just a pony tail so I had to mark the occasion with a picture.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Ohmygoodness

I just realized I haven't posted since the 9th. Over a week ago. And here I had promised I would do better. Tisk, tisk.

I have several good excuses though. The first involves the 3 words that sends shivers down my spine (the bad kind) and makes me grit my teeth: Corporate Tax Time. Ugh, I feel horrible just saying it. But this time not only did I have to get the rest of 2009 entered, but Bob asked me to do 2010 up-to-date also. So that took days and days of my time. I stayed in pj's and put my hair in scary pony tails. My office looked like a paper tornado tore through it.

Second, summer colds have NOT been our friend. Carter got sick, then Darek, mom and dad all at the same time, then Carter got better and about a week later I got it (I thought I was in the clear). Then I got over it (with a little help from my friend amoxicillin). Then a few days later Carter started running a fever again. Another sinus infection (this past week). So another Dr visit, more meds and he seems to be feeling a bit better again. But very grouchy.

Third excuse- I'm pregnant. I had some energy a few weeks ago and *poof* its gone now. I'm so extremely tired.

Again, I will try to do better to keep my 1 reader updated (thanks, Beth!). But I know you understand and all of my excuses will not fall on deaf ears (especially the last one).
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Dream

I had my first baby dream last night. I know lots of people dream about their babies when they are pregnant, but not me. I usually just have super crazy dreams. But last night I had my first dream where I had my baby girl and she was an actual baby that I could see (I've had dreams where I knew I had her but never saw her). She was a big baby and she was beautiful. So, now I feel motivated to get stuff purchased and set up and ready! I am officially excited!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Garage sale

This weekend I had a garage sale at our place. Needless to say, it was HUGE! Lots of junk, er, treasures. Anyway, we made enough that I can go buy a car seat, a new rocking chair and probably still have enough for Carter some fall clothes! It was definitely worth setting out in the 95 degree heat!

Here is Carter's treasure that he found. He is attached now.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Deal of the day

Today I got 4 new tires on my car. $550 worth the new tires to be exact. So I wasn't expecting to buy anything while shopping to waste time while they were putting the tires on.

We went in Blue Dandelion (where everything is SUPER cute but out of my price range). I found several cute outfits but, at around $30 for a onesie, was about to leave empty handed. Then I had to check out the clearance section like I do in every store. And there it was. A super cute bedding set. I haven't looked at any bedding for our little girl that will be arriving in November, and really wasn't sure what I would be looking for color-wise. But when I saw this set I knew it was perfect. I looked at the price tag: $220. But in big red numbers scrawled on the bag was this magical number: $60. That is $60 for the whole shebang- comforter, bumpers, sheets, skirt.

Needless to say, I bought it.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

What A Day

(Carter enjoying the train ride.)

Yesterday was Carter's 2nd birthday! What a day we had!

First, we picked up Grammy and met Grandma Joyce, Grandpa Dave, Uncle Darin and cousin Ian at the Topeka zoo. It was about a thousand degrees outside and we decided that zoo trips in July are a bad idea. After we all made it through the zoo alive, we rode the little train around Gage park. Carter loved it!

We then went for lunch (which was amazing!) and then to the mall for some cooling off and some shopping. After the mall, we met Pa, Uncle Craig, Aunt Mary and cousin Cole at Applebees for supper. (Applebees is Carter's favorite restaurant- or so he says.)

We topped the evening off with ice cream from DQ and some relaxing at home. It was a great day and I can't believe my baby boy is 2 years old!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Getting Back (2)

We celebrated the beginning of Carter's birthday week (that's right, we like to spread it out) on Saturday evening. It was Carter's 2nd Birthday bash at Buzzards. It was a ton of fun and sooo nice to have it over with. Now, we just have Thursday to make it through- that is his actual birthday.

About 2 seconds after Carter's party I started feeling terrible. Seriously. I thought I had escaped the cold that has ravaged everyone around me. It had been well over a week since everyone else came down with it, so I should be safe, right? Apparently not.

As for other things going on- we had someone come and look at our house. It was the same old song and dance- great home, clean, nice yard BUT.... Ugh. The dreaded but.

Darek and I have been talking about it pretty much nightly. We have decided that we aren't paying out payment this month. Gasp! I feel so naughty! But happy. There might be an end in sight. I am going to go (hopefully) Friday and get new tires. Slowly, my list of worries is shrinking.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Getting Back (1)

Somewhere along the way we got lost. I don't really know how else to explain it. First came the house. Then the car, a child, and a number of other purchases. A business. Another child on the way. And with each thing we got a little further off the path.

I have decided to use this blog as more of a diary for now- I need a way to get it all out. And heck, its my blog so really I can do whatever I want! I'm going to be doing however many of these posts I feel I need to, and maybe just a random regular one here and there when I dont feel like talking (er, blogging).

I guess I should clarify a thing or two first. What I mean by 'we got lost' is that financially we got lost. We lost track of goals and savings and focused on the 'now'. That is our stack of bills in the picture. Actually, its been worse so thats not a bad shot. But you can see how we are now in over our heads. Who needs all the stuff that we have? I know we thought we needed it at one point, but at what expense? I know that stressing out every single day thinking about it is NOT worth a new(er) car, a flat screen tv or some other unnecessary item.

We are trying to sell our house. It's not going so hot, to be quite honest. I think our realtor is unmotivated by the lack of commission she will get when (if) she sold it. We have had 2 open houses and a handful of people come look. The kitchen is too small, its on a gravel road, blah blah blah. Basically, things we cannot change. So what now? We have a baby coming in November, I worry EVERY single day about blowing out a tire on my car as I am driving because my tires are so bad, oh, and that stack of bills up top to pay. Darek and I both need our eyes checked and new contacts (who said those 30 day contacts can't last you a year- pshaw), Carter needs fall clothes, and did I mention a baby will be here in November??

So what is one to do? We have been thinking about just walking away. We have a place to stay (we are going to stay at my parents' house). And, really, if we are together as a family isnt that all that matters? We will be fed and have a roof over our heads and we will be together. Keeping our credit score up has nothing over on all that. Its just a number (a somewhat important one, but who's keeping track?).

One minute I am SURE of what we should do. Walk away. Let the bank take the house back. Just shrug when people say they saw our name in the paper under the foreclosure section. The next minute I am so scared and embarrassed. What will people think? And I dont mean that in a personal way- I mean for our business. Will people think we can't handle it? Will they not come in and eat pizza?!?! I know nothing about the foreclosure process except for what google has told me. And it has scared me to death. And the next minute I am looking at Carter thinking that as long as he is happy that's all that matters. He doesnt know what his mom and dad's credit score is nor does he care. This new baby won't care either, especially if she has clothes to wear home and a carseat. And then scared again.

These boots were made for walkin'

Someone has discovered my fake Uggs. Perhaps a bit out of season, but he is rockin' them anyway. He is quite the trend setter.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Smack

Today it hit me. Really hard. I'm 6 months pregnant. Did you know that? Why didn't you tell me?!?

But, seriously, time has gone by really fast. I feel so unprepared for this baby. We only have blue stuff with baseballs and dogs and tractors on it! I want pink stuff with lace and bows and flowers, but I keep putting it off. What have I purchased for this baby? One outfit. ONE. I keep thinking "Oh, ill have time to get that stuff later," but will I? It seems that something always comes up, so when am I supposed to do this? I'm sure we will find time, but right now it seems so impossible. Deep breath.

Ok, panic attack over (thanks for listening).
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Normal?

Almost all of our company is gone. The reunion is all done, leftovers are almost all consumed and its time to get back to the daily routine. Except Carter has a summer cold (which are the absolute WORST). So, it looks like we have just a while before things are completely back to normal.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Family Reunion

We've been busy this past week getting ready for the big family reunion and entertaining out-of-state family. It has been a lot of fun! It all culminated in our big reunion on Sunday.

To some, family reunions aren't a huge deal or are a yearly occurrence, but when your Grandma had 13 children, it takes a bit to get everyone together. Needless to say, it had been 10 years since our last reunion. Families have grown, the babies from 10 years ago are no longer babies, and new generations have been born. Yet when you see your family (even after 10 years) it seems like nothing has changed.

It was great to see everyone and I will post more pictures soon!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

OMG

That's right- I said OMG!!! Look at this bag! It is my dream diaper bag. It is only about $200 over my budget (its $218). But it is TO DIE FOR! Drool with me.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile