Jen's random rambling's

Wee bit of me

2011-02-23T21:07:00.002-06:00

{one} do you always wear your seatbelt in the car?
Yep

{two} do you crack your knuckles?
No. I absolutely hate it when other people do. It turns my stomach!

{three} what is your favorite flavor of gum?
I'm not a gum person. Only chew it when my breath needs a fresher, so any mint will do.

{four} what is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?
My dragonfly necklace. It's magic. ;)

{five} who is your best friend?
my hubby. ♥

{six} what is your favorite smell?
Depends. Spring:fresh flowers or grass. Summer: fruity scents. Fall: Pumpkin pie and cider. Christmas: cinnamon

{seven} what is your favorite lunch meat?
Boars head oven roast turkey

{eight} do you still have your tonsils?
yes.

{nine} do you untie your shoes before you take them off?
not usually.

{ten} what color is your car?
silver

Link up and share!

My new addiction

2011-02-23T06:51:00.003-06:00

I'm getting SOO into couponing! I'm really starting to get the hang of it so it's not so time consuming AND I'm getting better deals. Thanks to Jenny's help!

I'm so into it that when it's an item we use A LOT I buy extra coupons on Ebay. How crazy am I?! Example: Mike loves gum. He especially likes the Dentyne canisters because the fit into a cupholder in the car and are easily accessed. They are around $3 each though, that gets expensive. So, last week, they were B1G1 at Publix. I bought 20 $1/off coupons on Ebay for 1.43 inc shipping Which enabled me to buy 20 canisters of gum for $4.23 including the cost of coupons!!!

Then, Harris Teeter ran Super Doubles last week, meaning every coupon up to 1.98 was doubled. I don't shop there unless it's super doubles because they are SO expensive, but I went twice this week and was SUPER happy with the results...

Trip #1 (they limit you to 20 coupons a day)

All for $25.77!!

Trip #2 My best yet.

Grand total... $3.43!!!!! Even with the Bounce bar! :D

I know, I'm lame. It feels so good to do something that helps our family though. I only get things we use. With the exception of those pizza rolls. They were free. Threw em in the freezer for food storage. ;)

Scares, Prayers and Cares

2011-02-23T05:37:00.003-06:00

I'm actually posting. Wow. I haven't had the time or energy lately to even attempt a post. Ok, that's not entirely true. I did start a few but stopped because they were whiny and depressing. Which I'm not promising this won't be. I'm so ready for February to end. I need a new month. A fresh start. Warmer weather.

I've had a rough 2 weeks. 2 trips to the ER with abdominal pain. No, not, round ligament pain. It was really high and quite intense. Yesterday I went because it had gotten so bad since Sunday that I was crying and I have a pretty high pain tolerance. Plus, I hadn't felt the baby move in 24 hours. Which, at 18 weeks, still isn't very regular, but I still wanted to be absolutely sure everything was ok.

So, yesterday morning we took Abby to MDO and headed straight to the hospital. Mike took me up to OB and got me settled but had a pretty big job interview that I insisted he go to, so I was on my own. I love the hospital we chose to use.We used it with Abby and everyone there is so great. It's a women's center, so there's no waiting around in a germy ER, they get you to a room ASAP. So, the nurse gets me settled, goes through all the questions, etc. Now it's time to check Baby's heartbeat. I was so anxious to KNOW the baby was alright. I never experienced this type of pain with Abby. So, here goes...5 minutes-nothing. 10 minutes... nothing. 12 minutes, people! TWELVE minutes to find a heart beat. I was about to have a nervous breakdown. I've never had it take anywhere near that long. And it's not like this nurse wasn't used to it... she's an OB nurse... she does it all day. I kept glancing at her and she'd reassure me but had a worried expression on her face. And I was alone. Never again, will I go alone. I'm still not over it, I don't think.

Everything's ok though. The Dr said it was muscle strain from vacuuming Saturday. Yay. I can't even vacuum now. Actually, for a week I'm not supposed to do ANYTHING. Easier said than done. Especially with a 2 year old who, I swear, has a red bull stash somewhere. It's ok though. I just pray we have no more scares. They'll have to commit me.

In other news, Please pray that a job comes our way soon. He has 2 very good looking leads that we pray pan out. I'm so grateful for Scentsy and the little that we had been saving... it has saved us. I'm just so ready for stability again. I think the stress from that is affecting me more than I care to admit. I have faith that we'll be ok, I just really need something to open up soon. I don't want to spend the entire pregnancy scrimping and scraping. I need to start stocking up and getting ready! I'm so jealous when other mom's to be (there are 9 of us in my ward due between May 22 and the end of July!) post on FB about how the nursery is coming, etc. I know, it's petty, but I want to be able to be excited and joyful too!

Oh, did I mention, that we are having a BOY?! Yup! Cravings told the story I guess. LOL I'm scared out of my mind! I grew up with my Mom and sister. No males around til I got married! I don't have a clue how to raise a boy! And don't get me started on circumcision fears. Wow. Girls are so much easier!

Pinktastic Swaptastic

2011-02-10T17:48:00.008-06:00

Tuesday morning I got a call from our Apartment leasing office saying that they had a pkg for me. After a few under my breath choice words for my postal carrier who can never bring his butt to my door I got excited because I wasn't expecting anything but my Pink swap package! It couldn't have come on a better day! Abby and I were homebound and bored. lol

My partner this go-around was the amazingSara. :) Seriously... 4 kids at home, her husband is gone for 8 weeks for work and she still has time to blog and put together a swap pkg! My new role model, I tell ya. Did I mention...She is pregnant also! Super woman! Thinking about all she's doing makes me tired! ;)

Let me apologize in advance for the photos. My camera has decided to die. I've been wanting a new one, but this isn't how I wanted to get one. This is what it looks like on any setting...
You can't really tell, but she wrapped everything in the cheeriest pink! We (Abby and I) loved it! It was so cute, and made me cringe because the packages I sent looked like my 2 year old wrapped them! Sorry, Sara! wrapping with your pinky in a splint is... interesting! haha.

So, all remaining photos are from my phone. I'm sorry!

I actually videoed Abby opening everything and its really cute to see her excitement over MY gifts, but it was a lil longer than I thought, so we'll skip that. :)

I received:
Funfetti cake mix, cupcake wrappers, a pink oven mitt with attached heart shaped cookie cutter and pink glitter icing gel to make some pinktastic treats.
Pink nail polish, pink loofahs, a pink heart shaped foot scrubber, yummy smelling pink candle and a pair of pink socks to pamper myself.
A super cute multi-colored striped throw that isn't pictured because Abby claimed it right away.
And the best part for the choc-o-holic that I am? A pink heart of Pot of Gold chocolates and a tinkerbell heart of chocolates for Abby.

Thank you, Sara!! It really brightened my day!

And, Thank you, Mamarazzi, for putting this awesome swap together!!

Makin me Happy

2011-02-05T11:51:00.004-06:00

I can't tell you enough how beneficial this is to me. Especially after a difficult week, it's so good to sit down and really think about the good things in our lives.

My #1 this week is My husband, for the Awesome father he is. I see other Dad's shirking all parenting responsibilities to their wives and not really taking joy in their children and it makes me sad for them. Mike is Amazing with Abby, bathes, feeds and diapers as much as I do. He Aww's the same way I do at new and cute things she does. I'm truly thankful she has that to grow up with.
And the spring in this picture makes me ache for winter to end!

Mother's Day out is super high on my happy list. I LOVE Abby's teachers, I could be friends with them outside school, they rock! It's also super cheap. She goes twice a week for $20; you can't beat that! And most importantly, she LOVES "going to school"! She gets super excited which helps me feel good about it.

This amazing carrot cake I had this week... OMGosh. It was AHHH-mazing!

Putting my Pinktastic Swaptastic pkg together this week made me Happy. I really hope Sara likes the things I chose for her. Finding pink items was more of a challenge than I anticipated with it being Valentine's season and one or two items aren't completely pink, but I hope the "girliness" makes up for it!

In conjunction with that, I'm happy that Nashville has a 24/7 post office! I sprained my pinky finger (#&%@!!) yesterday and finally had to allow hubby to help me wrap the gifts and we overslept today, so the 24 hour postoffice is a lifesaver!

Last of all, I'm happy to live in Nashville where there are SOO many awesome things to do. Today, thanks to a special event, we are going to the Country Music Hall of Fame... for FREE! Awesome!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Scentsy

2011-02-05T11:33:00.002-06:00

I just realized that I updated my Facebook page, but not the Blog. I just wanted to thank those who ordered last month. I understand that January is a tough month to spend money with Christmas just happening, so I appreciate your support even more!

The winner of the warmer was Carol, a lady who I met at the Dr's office and was chatting with about putting lavender in Abby's Scentsy to help her sleep. I'm so excited for her!!! Those of you who ordered $25+ will be getting your gifts in the mail within a week!

We didn't win the trip. :( It's ok though because I gave it my best effort! Sometimes I think we're prompted to work for things when we don't really understand why. I had no idea My hubby would lose his job, I just wanted a trip, but now that commission will come in really handy! If I hadn't cared about the trip, I really wouldn't have worked as hard last month. Hidden Blessings!

Thank you again, Mamarazzi, for the shout out!

Everything is 10% off this month, so if anyone needs/wants anything, now's the time!! JenniferFivas.scentsy.us

Confessions

2011-02-04T01:41:00.004-06:00

It's 2 am here and I have to be up at 7. Why am I up? Because I wanted a turkey Ruben so bad I had to get up and make one. It. Was. Awesome.

The fact that I'm no longer sick and am craving such "manly" foods have me thinking that the baby is a boy. I mean, come on! A Ruben?! At 2 AM??

When we found out we were expecting I honestly didn't care if we had a boy or a girl. I was just happy to have another child. As the weeks have gone by though, we both are wanting another girl so much that I'm going to feel soo guilty if it's a boy! I really will be thrilled either way, but I REALLY hope it's a girl! ;)

Last weekend we drove down to Bama to visit my Dad and step-mom. On the way this moron cut us off on the interstate causing Mike to swerve and narrowly miss going into the ditch that was a median. It shook us both and made Mike scream, "Get your head out of your butt, Moron!". Just as I'm thinking how well he did not to swear, our 2 year old yells from the backseat, "Geet hed of BUTT!!!". We both whip around and she grins ever so proudly. Now, yes I know, it's wrong but I swear to you, it is the funniest, cutest thing I've ever heard. And I may or may not have asked her to repeat it for a few family members. Thankfully, she has forgotten it and we've discussed how much more careful we need to be in front of her, but dang she's a hoot!

I confess that I went couponing this week at Publix and had a stack of like 5 expired coupons that I kept separate from the others, deciding whether or not to go for it. Publix is pretty strict... especially when you're couponing and getting free items so I was super hesitant but I wanted my freakin free Chex Mix! So, finally, I got my 5 bags and went up front. I saw a sweet-looking older lady who's line was short and thought, "yay!". As I head to her line though, this other checker hops on a register and says sh can help me. Urgh!! She's scanning away and I'm talking up a storm, being as sweet as can be, praying she doesn't yell or embarrass me. Ha!! She didn't say a word!! I was so ridiculously excited. Seriously, It's like I robbed a bank.

Lame, I know.

They were only expired by 1 day, too.

Yep, that's how exciting my life is. Laugh all you want... I'm going to eat my chex mix.

And the shoe drops...

2011-02-02T13:50:00.002-06:00

We thought that when the company buying out Mike's current company sent him to orientation, we were in the clear. Such a relief because even though the job took him away a lot, the salary was an amazing blessing that had us on the road to being debt free and home owners. It's the least stressed we've been in years.

Well, all good things come to an end, I guess. He was one of 10 let go last week. They were the most recent hires. That doesn't really make us feel better, idiots. Why put them through a paid, 8 hour orientation and THEN give them the boot? Dumb!

The 2 people over him wrote excellent letters of recommendation and gave him a few leads but in this economy it's still scary. Please pray, cross your fingers, whatever you do that something comes soon. I feel almost guilty asking for that when sooo many families out there are dealing with long standing unemployment, but with another baby on the way, I'm a lil stressed.

Thanks, friends. :)

My Happy list

2011-01-24T09:27:00.004-06:00

At the tippity top of my Happy list this week is feeling better all week and not sleeping on the bathroom floor. LOL Always a good thing!

This moisturizer is making me WAY happy.
My mom was here for Christmas and insisted I try it. Holy wow! It's heaven!It's the most I've ever spent on moisturizer, but it's worth every penny. Even my husband likes to use it. It seriously makes my skin cashmere soft. I LOVE IT!!

Another Happy list item is how many wonderful friends have placed Scentsy orders to help us get this trip. I'm not sure we're going to make it, but either way, I'm so grateful for all the support! If you still plan to order by the 30th to get in on the freebies, be sure to check out the AMAZING Mamarazzi! She's offering a prize of her own to anyone who helps us earn the trip!

I don't think I can even tell you how happy my husband is making me. He has been a dream this week. (He's been home alot because the company he recently started working for is being bought out. So far, he still looks ok, but being lowest on the totem pole makes us nervous. Keep your fingers crossed, please.) He has cleaned, grocery shopped, cooked dinner, everything. It's been amazing to just be able to relax. I've had some muscle problems this week, so it was very welcome! I'm so lucky.

It's not too late to write up your happy list!

While you're there, check out her Monday give-away!! Perfect thing to brighten up a gloomy Monday!

My weekly confession

2011-01-21T03:31:00.003-06:00

I really do look forward to this all week. Maybe this is why my Bishop is always so darned busy! haha

I confess that it's after 4 in the morning and here I sit! The Pregnancy lack of sleep has begun. Jen isn't a very happy Jen without sleep. I'm only 14 weeks! What the... I don't remember this being an issue until much later with my first.

I confess that I should have had more faith in Abby. We (when I say we I mean Mike. I watched while eating chocolate.) transitioned her crib into a toddler bed with rails this week. I expected lots of long evenings spent ushering her back to bed, but she has done SO well! Naps aren't happening, but that actually helps get her in bed earlier, so it's ok.

I confess that I've been a total slob lately. My husband has been home a lot this week and I've felt achy and tired. He has done laundry, dishes, picked up, wrangled Abby AND grocery shopped. He's amazing. I fell bad because I know I've milked it to an extent, but it's been soo nice to get a break. It's tough on me when he's gone.

I confess that I can NOT stand Jennifer Nettles.She absolutely drives me nuts. I love Kristian, but Jennifer kills my nerves. What famous person do YOU hate???

I confess that Mike & I are completely addicted to Dexter. It's a drama on Showtime if you aren't familiar. We got hooked years ago when NBC aired the cleaned up version of the first season. Then they never did anymore so we rented the 2nd season. Man! Were we shocked! Holy sex, nudity and language! Yes, we fast forwarded through what we could but still felt so bad about the language. Well, we just finished season 4. I feel so bad for bringing that influence into our home, but we just cant. stop. watching!!

I guess I should try and sleep now. Everyone, please, go link up and confess! Make me feel not so bad!

Let the bribing commence

2011-01-20T10:27:00.008-06:00

Ok, So, I try not to peddle Scentsy too much on my blog. I discovered recently though that I am relatively close to earning an incentive trip that Scentsy has offered consultants. The incentive period ends January 31st and points earned until then are being doubled!!

It's Disney world! All inclusive. For a week. Fabulous! Mikal and I have never been on a real vacation together and I would LOVE to earn this for our family.

So, here's where the bribing begins....

I'm hosting a special Scentsy party online. Anyone who orders through the party will be entered to win a FULL Size Warmer of their choice! (excludes college, military and Breast cancer warmers) I'll give away one warmer for every $250 in sales the party receives. The more you spend, the more chances you get!! I'll give you one entry for every $5 you spend before tax. That includes shipping! Drawing will be January 30th and will be announced Immediately so you can choose your prize! It's the perfect time to order with only a little more than a week to get the "Bring Back My Bar" scents!!

Just go to WWW.JenniferFivas.scentsy.us and click on "January Online Orders" under open parties. You MUST order through this party to qualify!

I'll give you an extra entry just for "Liking" our Scentsy Facebook page! (upper right hand side bar)

This is in addition to the deals I always offer my customers... Free Scent circle with any $25 purchase. Free Bar with $50 purchase. Spend $75 or more and receive a free Scent circle & Free bar!! If your order qualifies for one of these deals, please email me your scent choice so I can get your gift in the mail!

Haven't jumped on the Scentsy bandwagon yet? You will be sooo glad you did!!! Scentsy removes the risk of fire that traditional flame candles pose. No more soot on your walls (or in your lungs! yikes!), smoky, hot jars. It's all replaced by a beautiful ceramic warmer that heats cubes of highly scented wax with a low watt light bulb. A must for homes with Children, allergy and asthma sufferers. Any questions... please feel free to ask!

Thank you for reading. Please don't blacklist me for begging! I don't usually do it, I promise!!

**Edited to add: If you'd like a scent sample of any of the BBMB's, let me know and I'll mail them out this weekend!!

*** Edited again to add: My dear friend, Mamarazzi went out of her way to share my bribery on her blog...and is even offering a prize of her own to anyone who orders through Us! Isn't she amazing? Don't know her? You should! Stop by her fabulous blog, become a follower and I'll give you a bonus entry with your order! Be sure to tell me you're following. :)

Wee bit about me

2011-01-19T17:05:00.003-06:00

{one} name one thing you worry about running out of.
Diapers and toilet paper. LOL Tells you a lot about our house, huh?

{two} what is your favorite pizza topping?
Bell pepper

{three} what is your favorite harrison ford movie?
there are sooo many! I love Sabrina, The Fugitive & Regarding Henry

{four} apple juice or orange juice?
apple juice.

{five} what’s your favorite thing to do on a sunday afternoon?
Eat and nap. Our church schedule went back to 1pm - 4 this year though... totally takes up the whole day. I prefer 10-1.

{six} what is the wallpaper on your cellphone of?
Abigail ♥

{seven} do you have a favorite tv commercial?
I love the old Christmas ones... Folgers, coke (polar bears), campbells and McDonald's

{eight} what is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Purple sweet potatoes in Hawaii.

{nine} what is one piece of clothing you can’t live without?
Bras. I was cursed with a large chest... it's not an option. Good bras are a must. And holy cow... Pregnancy/nursing makes the situation soo much worse. Ugh.

{ten} if you were a character from “lost”, who would you be?
Claire, I guess? Not a huge lost fan, but I liked her.

Link up and share a wee bit about yourself!

FRIDAY Confessions

2011-01-14T02:33:00.003-06:00

That's right, baby, I'm on time this week! Shocked? Yeah, me too. Miracles DO happen!

I confess... I don't think I got sick once today! Isn't that Amazing? Trust me, it is. It's a gift from the pregnancy Gods and it's worth any price I need to pay.

I confess... I was craving strawberries. So I paid an un-holy price for a pkg of beauties out of season. I seriously just ate like, 12. After all the other junk I ate tonight since I wasn't sick. Man, I'm stuffed, it feels awesome. I hope like hell it doesnt haunt me in a few hours.

I confess... There is a song on Nick Jr, you know, the channel for Preschoolers? That I DO NOT get! It drives me crazy. It's called 5 days old. Have you heard it? It's happy and catchy. Abby loves it. I just need it to make sense to me. Am I stupid? Why DAYS? "I'm jumping up, I'm one day old. I'm jumping up, I'm two days old." Etc... Shouldn't it be YEARS? ugh.

I confess... This snow on the ground is driving me CRAZY. Me. The girl who cries sometimes because I miss Utah winters so much. I grew up in the south. It NEVER snowed as much as it has here in the last 5-6 years. Seriously, it's January and Nashville Metro schools are already 3 snow days in the hole. I went out today to look at houses we are interested in and I saw why: holy crap! The ice on some side roads is crazy! Come on, Spring!! I've had fresh cut grass in all my Scentsy warmers for a week now. It's amazing. It may be why I get so angry when I walk outside to ice and slush.

I confess... That if I get myself up early Saturday to get tickets to see Brad and Darius and Ticketmaster gives me issues I'm going to kill someone. I HATE Ticketmaster. They are greedy, annoying and well, their service sucks. Fingers crossed...

Link up and Confess! It really feels better!

Another Swap!!

2011-01-13T03:59:00.002-06:00

Mamarazzi is hosting a "Pinktastic" Swap just in time for Valentines Day! I like pink, I'm a girl, I wouldn't say it's my all time favorite color, but this should be fun! I'm excited for the challenge of putting together a unique but Ah-mazing swap pkg! Won't you come join the fun?!

A Wee Bit of Me

2011-01-13T02:03:00.004-06:00

Yay! "A wee bit of me Wednesdays" is back!! Come on and play!!

{one} have you ever been on tv?
A few times, actually. Most recently, Mikal and I were on CMT's coverage of the CMA music festival.

{two} what was the best movie you saw last year?
WAY too hard to choose! Inception was among my faves though. And Eclipse, of course!!

{three} do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
Tucked!

{four} do you cut coupons?
Oh yeah. I'm soo hooked on the coupon craze! My best trip thus far? $282.97 in groceries for $58.47. Love it!

{five} do you ever count your steps when you walk?
Um, no...

{six} what sauce do you dip your chicken nuggets in?
Chic-fil-a's Polynesian sauce. Yum!

{seven} do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Just the Ensign.

{eight} when was the last time you wrote a letter on paper?
Not a clue!

{nine} what’s your favorite fruit pie?
Apple :)

{ten} black olives or green olives?
Yuck! I hate Olives!

2011-01-12T14:41:00.002-06:00

HOOOOOOOOO ARE YOU?

Click here to link up and play along...

Here are this week's questions!

1. Are you fond of cooking? I LOVE it. I consider it my talent in life. I love cooking delicious, healthy meals for my family. No boxed, sodium filled junk in my house! I'm pretty proud of that!

2. What kind of food do you prefer eating when you are out? Depends! I love Chinese, a good steak, mexican...

3. Which do you prefer, sweet or salty? Again, depends on mood!

4. Where is the last place you ate out at? Cracker Barrel or Genghis Grill... Can't remember which was last.

5. What's for dinner tonight? Cheesy bacon Potato chowder

I confess

2011-01-11T15:04:00.003-06:00

It's been too long! I need a good purge.

I confess... I didn't get Abby and I up, showered and dressed til 2 today. I've had several days like that over the past month. I convince my poor child that it's fun to snuggle in my bed with chocolate milk and goldfish, watching Nick Jr while Mom snoozes through morning sickness. I fear she's beginning to catch on.

I confess... Lately I feel like I don't fit in anywhere. I want to move to a new area, new ward, new people. I tell myself I don't care, but I do. Why can't things be easy?

I confess... I'm beyond happy about this pregnancy; even with the sickness, lol. I find myself sad though when I think of this being the end of my alone time with Abby. Then I feel guilty and hope the baby can't feel that. Please, someone tell me I'm not alone, or crazy!

I confess... Today is the 2nd day I've been snowed in and I'm going to go nuts!! I want a happy hour fountain drink from Sonic SOOO bad!!! LOL And my poor Shih Tzu. He's losing his mind trying to find grass to poop in. Poor baby.

I gotta go wrangle my 2 year old down from the tv stand. She's turned into a major monkey lately. I never know where I'll find her. Fun!

I bore my soul, you can too... Link up with The Glam & Mamarazzi and join the fun every week!

12 Days of Christmas Swap

2010-12-29T17:01:00.005-06:00

Remember back in November when I told you about Sami over at Symmetry in motion & her swap? I am SO glad I did it! Sure the gifts were fun, but best of All, I made a new bloggy friend!

I totally lucked out and got paired with Mimi! I LOVE this chick! I think she is hilarious. Seriously, go read her stuff. She is so real. It's refreshing! This post made me uber jealous. Not to mention, She's Awesomely talented , totally sweet and thoughtful... even if she says otherwise. ;)

So, we had some issues with the almighty USPS. I think Mimi just might hold a grudge. Not that I blame her. She sent my pkg off on time, where as, I sent mine 3 days late. Mine got to her on the 11th and hers arrived (after we harrassed them) on the 17th. Seriously. It sat in Federal Way, WA for over a WEEK!! Not even on the way!

Worked in my favor though, cuz I got to open 5 gifts all at once! Score! I'm so not good at waiting. I took pictures of each gift individually, but I do believe my daughter deleted them. You should see the lovely shots of her nostrils I have instead. :/ But here's a big shot of all my amazing gifts!

Day #1 was a cute little silver ornament for my tree in which she went to the trouble of printing and placing a photo of Abby.

Day #2 was an adorable scarf and gloves set. Which I needed because just like every year, I can't find the gloves I bought last year.

Day #3 was adorable note paper and clothes pins. My mom stole the paper while she was here, it was that cute! (it's ok, I steal from her too. Plus, she bought me some Hope in a jar... instant forgiveness!)

Day #4 was a super cute mug with my favorite hot cocoa pkts and candy canes. I finally felt well enough to drink one tonight. Mmmmmmm!

Day #5 Is a gorgeous, long, silver necklace with little hearts and crystals on it. I love it!

Day #6 was a bag of fig scented body spray, candles, body cream and lotion. It smells a lot like Scentsy's French Kiss-which is one of my favorites!

This is where I strayed from the #'s. I'm sorry, Mimi.

Next I opened a box of treats. See the ruffles, dip, Crystal light (my fave flavor) and chocolate bar? Yeah. the chips are a replacement for picture sake and the chocolate is an empty box. Her note said she tried to think of pregnant cravings. Oh, how I needed it that day!

Day # 8 was for Abby! She got the cute little scented monkey and a puzzle of barnyard animals which is not pictured because she won't let anyone touch it. I'm so not kidding. LOVES. IT.

Then I opened the adorable tin of cookie mix because it had ripped in shipping and I was curious. Havent used it yet, but it's adorable on my counter!

The last 3, I admit, got opened on day #10 because my mom arrived and I knew things were going to get crazy. Plus, let's face it, I couldn't help myself! I got the adorable potholder and towel set, a fleece blanket to cuddle up with, AND!! The grand finale was that gorgeous crotched baby blanket!!

I loved it all!! Mimi, thank you sooo much!!! I'm truly glad that we "met" and I look forward to many more crazy email convo's. Who else wants to hear my preggo woes? LOL

Surprise!

2010-12-26T02:09:00.003-06:00

My real reason for being non-existent lately! Our second little sweetie is due on our 10th wedding Anniversary, July 21st! I have been super duper sick just as with Abby, so I am thinking girl, but as long as the baby is healthy and happy, I don't care. :) I'm just shocked and thrilled to have another! After the difficulty we had concieving Abby, we were prepared for the worst, but after only one month... here we go! We are soooo excited!

Now if I could only sit here for more than 5 minutes without getting sick... ugh!!

My heart was touched today

2010-12-19T23:33:00.005-06:00

I know, I know, long time no blog. This has been the craziest holiday season ever for me. I have had SOO much to do on top of getting used to My husband being gone. Let's just say, Single Mom's deserve awards! I would NOT want to do it full time. I've always appreciated my mother being a single mom, but even more now!

I just had to share this though. It seriously made my heart almost burst with happiness.

Nashville has quite a large homeless population. It's sad, yes, but there is this organization that helps get them back on their feet. They print newspapers and have homeless "vendors" sell them at various street corners city wide. The papers are $1 and they are allowed to keep $.75 of each sale. I think it's Awesome.

So, there is a corner about 2 blocks from our neighborhood that I pass constantly. About 3 weeks ago, a vendor popped up there. I had heard of the organization, but had never bought a paper. This guy was so cute. He reminded me of my father in law. Short lil greek guy, looks like Mario with a HUGE smile. That's what got me. He smiles at everyone. Even the mean teenagers who laugh and throw things, and the angry drivers who don't want him there. He's there EVERYday. Even last week when it was in the teens outside and icy... still smiling.

Mikal and I stopped together the first time. He was so gracious and thankful, it completely got me. I've stopped maybe twice since. Even when I can't, I smile and wave. I figure, he could use at least a friendly face with all the jerks out there. I totally give them props for trying to better their lives (they are screened for drugs and alcohol, btw) instead of just panhandling.

Well, today after church I approached his corner and he burst into the BIGGEST smile I've seen out of him and picks up some items and heads my way. I smiled and motioned that I didn't have anything and he starts quickly shaking his head "no, no, no". So, he gets to the window and I said, "hi! I'm sorry, I don't have cash today". He grinned and said, "no, I wanted to thank YOU for being so kind and cheerful to me. Here is a bumper sticker for you and some goodies for the little one. God bless you."

He made my whole day. How often do we get thanks for small good deeds? I am so grateful for this little man this holiday season. He has reminded me of what's important; the reason we are here. Be kind to each other. Smile at a stranger. You never know how much it may be needed!

Hoo are you?

2010-12-01T04:09:00.002-06:00

This week's questions:

1. Do you like to listen to Christmas music?
I ♥ to listen to Christmas music! I pretty much listen to it year round. I have 3-4 fave cd's that I rotate.

2. Are you one of those people who get all their shopping done early,
or do you do most of it in December?
I buy a little here and there, but it seems we usually don't have $ til the week before.

3. Do you set a budget on how much you spend on each person?
On everyone BUT Abby. :)

4. Do you send out Christmas cards?
Yes, later than I'd like, but yes.

5. Do you enjoy this holiday season or does it stress you out?
A little of both. I enjoy it more than not. I think I just take on too much.

Playing catch-up

2010-12-01T02:48:00.003-06:00

What a week it's been. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at home together. And then the craziness started. We ALL got sinus/cold/head crud. Lovely. I still had a whole list of things to do though, so we doped up and pressed on!

Mike needed things to start work this week. Since he'll be on the road, we needed duplicate toilitries, a new (smaller) suitcase, things to keep him busy so he doesn't miss us terribly.

We had to get a tree. I wanted to re-arrange 1st; which entailed cleaning and purging. Mikal loves when I purge. lol

That led to trips to Goodwill, used bookstore (!), dumpster and shelter.

Mike loves me.

We found a gorgeous tree, get home, get it up, 0 out of 11 strands of lights work. BACK to the store. Get lights on, call it good for the night, dope up and go to bed.

All wake up Sunday looking/feeling like Death. Missed church. Even Abby slept ALL day. It sucked.

Monday entailed all kinds of pleasentries... rain, DMV, Dr. visit, post office, you get the idea.

He REALLY loves me.

Today was just getting him packed, more rain, Abby missed MDO and bawled, everyone still crud-y.

I honestly don't know why I just shared that sympathy? perhaps. Also as a lame excuse as to why I've been MIA. Sorry for the lack of response to your email and comments. I'll get there.

I expected a problem out of Abby tonight since she's such a Daddy's girl and used to him being home. She was an angel! We had such a great time together. I love that sweet lil girl so dang much! I even let her stay up way late cuz I just wanted to enjoy our time a lil longer. :)

My tree is still ornament bare. :/ Ah well! It'll get done eventually.

Wee bit of me

2010-11-25T01:34:00.002-06:00

Here are this weeks questions...

{one} what kind of camera do you have?
A Canon. It was great 3 years ago but with all the cool features out now, I REALLY want a new one!

{two} you just won $1000 and you have to spend it on yourself on one item. what do you buy?
That's tough. I want clothes, but it's ONE item... I'd love an Ipad!

{three} if you had to choose, would you rather live with your parents in the same house forever or 5000 miles away?
I don't like those choices.

{four} is your christmas tree up yet?
Not yet. On the list this weekend.

{five} do you bring reusable bags to the grocery store?
Yes. They even get out of the car once in a while!

{six} which would be worse: listening to the same song on replay for the rest of your life or having to eat the same meal everyday for the rest of your life?
Song. I love food too much to only eat one thing!

{seven} name 3 things you are thankful for this season.
See post below. ♥

{eight} do you dye/highlight your hair? if so, do you do it yourself or have it done at the salon?
No. Too expensive to keep up. :/

{nine} would you rather watch a movie at home or at the theater?
Theater unless in a comfy snuggle kinda mood.

{ten} would you rather win $1000/week for life or $5 million all at once?
$5 Mil. I want a house and a 2nd car!! I'd invest the rest.

Giving Thanks

2010-11-25T00:43:00.003-06:00

How did the holidays sneak up on me so dang fast this year? We *just* finished Halloween!! I miss how slowly time crawled when I was a kid. No stresses just fun stuff to enjoy about the season. It flies by faster it seems with every passing year.

Despite my shock, I did go shopping and begin preparing for tomorrow's gorge fest. ;) I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with myself... 2 green bean casseroles, orange cranberry sauce, stuffing, pumpkin pie and buttermilk pie are done. Whipped the cream for pies and the Turkey is prepped and ready for baking tomorrow... And my kitchen is clean!!! All I need to do in the morning is the turkey, rolls, mashed potatoes and Sweet potato casserole. Not bad!

I'm about to go watch a movie and enjoy a clean house but before I do, I'd just like to tell ya what I'm thankful for.

~I am so thankful for my amazing, sweet, kind, generous husband. He works so hard, comes home and does all the laundry (I detest it), helps with cleaning-dinner-Abby without ever complaining. He has loved me just as I am from day 1. He says that he doesn't even see the cerebral palsy and that's all I've ever wanted... Someone who sees ME and not my earthly afflictions. He loves my family, He's an amazing father and Loves the gospel. I'm truly thankful.

~ My sweet, beautiful baby girl. She's exactly what I've always dreamed of. I'm soooo thankful for the blessing of being her Mother. I love her more every day. She said family prayer for the first time tonight. No prompting or suggesting from us, she just knelt between Mike and I, folded her sweet little arms and started jabbering.After about 90 seconds she said, "Amen". We were so amazed and proud of her! How precious!

~ Our home. Not only for the roof over my head, but the immense blessing it is to live in this country and enjoy such luxuries that most of us take for granted. I'm so grateful.

~ The gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm so thankful for my faith and the constant blessings I recieve from my Heavenly father. I'm thankful that my mother raised my sister and I in the church withstanding such pressure from our Dad. I'm so thankful for her love and sacrifices.

~ I'm very Thankful for Scentsy and Mikal's new job. 2011 is looking to be a great year for our family and we are so thankful for the blessing of financial security. You really don't realize the comfort it brings until you lose it.

I'm thankful for those of you who bother to stop by here and read the stuff I think about. It makes my day. I'm really loving this now and the new friends I've made

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hoo are you?

2010-11-23T03:20:00.003-06:00

It's 3:25 in the morning and here I sit. Wide-freaking-awake. Ugh. I have to get up in 2.5 hours. Might as well just stay up, eh?

I noticed this week's

was up already and figured I could be early for a change! Here we go...

1. Name 5 things you are grateful for!
My sweet husband, My beautiful daughter, Hubby's new job and what it means for our family, my Christmas secret and most of all, My Father in Heaven. :)

2. What is you favorite dish at Thanksgiving dinner?
Yum! Apple & onion stuffing, hands down!

3. Do you have any family traditions for Thanksgiving?
Just family togetherness. games, football occasionally going to a movie.

4. Are you staying home or traveling for Thanksgiving?
This year we are staying home and I'm cooking. We usually go to my Dad's family's get together. It's huge (he's one of 16 children) and interesting but over the years, the food has been less and less traditional. I didn't want lasanga and fried chicken for Thanksgiving. ;) So, we are going to have our own, small Thanksgiving. I couldnt be happier.

5. What else do you do on Thanksgiving day besides eat?
See #3

Happy Turkey Day, everyone!

My Happy list...

2010-11-21T05:50:00.005-06:00

What a week, what a week. It was long, but short at the same time. Odd. Let's just say, it's good to do a Happy list because it helps you realize the good that you may have forgotten about. ;)

My #1 Happy thing is the relationship between my daughter and I. ♥ She is such a Daddy's girl that sometimes I feel left behind. ;) It's so cute watching her follow him around with adoration, but I birthed her for heck's sake!! Anyways, over the last week or so, she has been all about Momma. I LOVE it! Mike took her on a Daddy daughter date last night during a Scentsy thing I had to do. When they walked in the door afterwards, she caught my eye and, like she had just arrived at Disneyland, screamed, "MOMMA!!! Momma!!". She came running to me at full speed, with both arms out for a huge hug. Oh, my heart! She has just been full of love. She randomly comes up and hugs me, lays on me, etc. I'm EATING IT UP!Mike got a new job this week that makes me both happy and sad. I'm so so so grateful that he got a job so quickly after being laid off in this economy, however, he'll be gone for 4-5 days a week. I know it's going to be so hard to be apart; especially at this time of year. It's better salary than we've ever had though, so it's a blessing. I just know that Abby and I are going to miss him SO much!

Not being sick anymore makes me happy. Sun-Wednesday this week were ROUGH. I'm so grateful that ended!

These lounge sweat pants from old navy make me so happy it's embarrasing. Seriously. I LOVE them. When we go out, Mikal laughs at me because THE MINUTE we get home, I go change back into a pr of these. SO comfortable it should be a crime. I couldnt live without them!

I have a Happy list item that I want to list SO BAD but it's a secret until Christmas. It's going to be SOOO hard for me to keep my mouth shut. I better end this before I blurt it out. ;D

Have a great week! Link up and be happy too!

Friday confessions

2010-11-19T14:54:00.002-06:00

Do you ever feed your kids something and secretly hope they don't finish it so you can? I truly hope it's not just me.

I was feeding Abby lunch today and it was this amazing macaroni & cheese that we get from a resturant here in the south called Jim n Nicks. Everything there is awesome, but their Mac the cheese, as they call it, is a masterpiece. So gooey and cheesy, flavored just right. Oh my.

It was hers. I had no rights to it at all, but as I gave it to her I kept thinking... "maybe she'll be picky today too and I'll have to finish it. I mean, it can't go to waste, now can it?"

She ate every bite. I don't blame her. It's THAT good!

I'm supposed to be deep cleaning. I woke up today and realized that I'm having people over tomorrow night and my house is way below my standard of clean.

The problem is that once I start, I go deeper and deeper. Plus, I'll be working on one room, take some things to another room and forget to go back to room #1. I've done that so much today that I have messes in 4 rooms that need to be finished and am looking at hours of work tonight to get finished.

Where is my fairy godmother when I need her?

Link up and confess...you'll feel better!

Christmas Swap

2010-11-19T13:26:00.005-06:00

I'm doing my first Blog Swap! I'm sooo excited! I love, love, love giving gifts and meeting new people! Thank you, Sami, for letting me join the fun. :) You should all go check out her blog and consider swapping too! The more, the merrier, right?

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Why did I do that?

2010-11-18T15:52:00.003-06:00

Do you ever just want to kick yourself? Like hard? You know how you look at a hot, bubbly, cheesy pizza and you try to resist-but it just looks so good? So, you give in... Then you see it all cold and flat with little grease pools and you want to scrape your insides out in disgust? How could I put THAT into my body? *shiver*

I have indulged WAY too much in the past few months. My fave jeans don't button. My belly looks second trimester... it gives my post baby boobs a resting spot. I want to beat myself. How could I let this happen? I mean, "Helloooo! You KNEW the holidays were coming!". Holiday pictures last forever, out of town family have facbook and I don't want people asking if I'm pregnant. Ugh!

So, I sat myself down today and promised to cut carbonated beverages, cleanse the bloat with water, get a little more excersize and save the goodies for parties and get togethers. Problem is, I never got up. I even had pizza for lunch. Hubby came home and made it for me. I couldn't hurt his feelings.

Oh well. Lets just hope I'm not the only one who does this! right? ;)

I entered a giveaway today! I don't do these often, but I LOVED this one cuz it's about one of my most favorite movies Ever! While you were Sleeping! Love it! Funnily enough, I'm STILL watching it on my old VHS. I don't know why. It's the last thing I need to transfer to DVD and everytime we watch it, My hubby complains cuz the quality is less than desirable. haha! So Anyways, you should head over to Sami's Awesome blog and join the fun! It's totally put me in a better mood. I'm listening to my fave Christmas Album and put Snowberry in my warmers...now I'm gonna curl up and watch Lucy and Jack fall in love.

Wait, I was sposed to excersize....

Wee bit of Me Wednesday

2010-11-17T17:19:00.003-06:00

Well, I discovered..

through my sister, Jackie. I'm a sucker for Q & A's. I have been since Jr high. We used to do them in class all the time. I love it. It's fun to share about myself but even more fun to learn about friends.

And I have to say, I LOVE the design of the host's blog! So feminine and romantic! So here are this weeks Questions and my Answers...

{one} what time do you normally wake up?
If we don't have to be anywhere... 8:30-9. We are such night owls around here! If it's a Sunday, 7:30, and if it's a Mother's Day out day- 8:15.

{two} do you have a go-to song for karaoke?
you REALLY don't want me to sing. Seriously.

{three} if you could only see black and white except for one color, what color would you choose to see?
Hmm, Never even thought about that. Maybe a sage green. calm and mellow.

{four} what color best matches your personality?
probably a light blue.

{five} if you could choose one meal to cook better than anyone else, what would it be?
I love to cook. I think it's my one great talent but I've yet to master a great Country Fried Steak. Or these dumplings I havent stopped thinking about since seeing them on Food Network's, The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Seriously. I need them.

{six} how many keys do you have on your key ring?
Just 3 house, car & my sister's house.

{seven} do you give your pets birthday/christmas gifts?
Of course! Sam's family too!

{eight} when your plate has different foods on it, do you mix or not?
I don't mix them together on the plate like that kid we all sat next to in elementary school who always had a mound of mashed potatoes, peas, corn and who knows what else. yuck! But I do pick up more than one item with my fork sometimes to create, as Mamarazzi said, the perfect bite.

{nine} if you could hire someone to do one thing for you all the time, what would it be?
Bathrooms or kitchen... I hate them both! Floors and oven equally!

{ten} when flying, do you prefer the window or aisle seat?
Definitely window!

Who are you?

2010-11-17T11:52:00.002-06:00

Well, I've had some kid of nasty virus since Sunday and missed out on "Who are you?" this week. :( I'm going to answer the questions anyway cuz it's just fun. :)

1. Do you ever burp out loud in private or public? In private once in a while, yes. I hate burping. Unless you can still wear onsies, it's just gross. I'm sorry. Certain memebers of my extended family do it way too much for my sanity.

2. How often do you get sick each year? WAY too much! I have the worst immune sytem ever. I've been sick the past 4 days while no-one around me got anything. I'm grateful they don't get sick, but dang I'm jealous! I swear it goes back to breastfeeding. I wasnt able to be breastfed because I was in Nicu after I was born and they didnt offer pumps back in the 70's. My sister WAS breastfed and NEVER, I mean, never, gets sick. Thats why I was so adament that I breastfeed Abby (even when she wouldnt and I ended up pumping for months!). She has thankfully been Very healthy! :)

3. Would you rather paint a room in your house yourself, or have someone else do it for you? My hubby painted professionally for a while so now it's all up to him!!

4. If you get 30 minutes to yourself, what do you do? Get online, read, catch up on DVR, sing Halleluiah!

5. Do you allow people to wear shoes in your house? Yes. I prefer they didn't, but I never ask. We take ours off at the door.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-11-14T16:37:00.002-06:00

I saw this come up on my screen saver yesterday and it made me smile. This was last fall.

Happy Sunday!

My Happy list...

2010-11-14T12:02:00.007-06:00

Linking up to Mamarazzi's Happy list again. I need a good happy list to make up for my confessions yesterday! :D

I'm happy last week is over and behind me. I'm so glad it's sunday and we can rest and re-charge for the week ahead.

The purse that my mom made for me arrived this week. It's so cute! I LOVE it.

She also sent homemade leg warmers for Abby. They are DARLING!! Abby loves wearing them too. Like, a lot. Anywhere we go, to bed, etc. A different pair each time. Here she is at my sister's house with a pair over her pj's. I love that my mom puts such love and time into making/sending things to us. She's awesome!

While we were home for my cousins funeral, we took Abby to my other cousin's farm to see cows. Her daughter shows them in competitions, so they are used to people handling them. Abby loves, Loves, LOVES cows. However, she's never seen any in person so I was expecting her to be afraid at first. I mean, they're huge! She wasn't even phased! She walked right into the stall, happily screeching, "cows!!!!!". It was great. She petted them, talked to them, fed them out of her hand. I Love being able to give her these happy experiences.

And it couldn't be MY happy list with out a little food! haha! My home made, French onion soup with a TON of melty cheese on top and french bread on a rainy day... It's what's for dinner tonight and I can't wait! Thinking we'll eat it on the couch, in sweats and watch Home for the Holidays A family favorite!

Join us aand post your own happy list...

Friday Confessions... On Saturday

2010-11-13T12:05:00.003-06:00

This week has kicked my butt. It has sucked until there's nothing left to suck.

Sorry, this isn't going to be a ray of sunshine post. I wish I was the kind of person whose every post was chipper and full of joy... I'm just not.

Another of my cousins died this week.

I've been to more funerals in the past 2 years than most people attend in a lifetime.

Jimmy was a sweetheart. I loved him. He was kind, loving and honest. He was only 34.

It absolutely breaks my heart. He is the 4th "young" one to go lately in my family. It really makes you stop and make sure you're doing want you should with your life.

I didnt cry. I always cry. I was closer to him than the others... I don't get it. I feel so guilty for not crying. Is that dumb?

So, we went down to Alabama for 3 days. I came home to 3 Scentsy shipments that REALLY needed to be bagged and delivered ASAP. I also had 2 parties to do this week. I worked my butt off even though all I wanted was to catch up on sleep.

Party #1 had one guest in attendance. I felt SO bad for the hostess.

Party #2 is tonight. Pray for huge sales!!

And a nap tomorrow...

Sunday Snapshot

2010-11-08T15:00:00.003-06:00

I love what Kellie does every Sunday. just one, simple photo. I'm a day late because of the funeral, but this shot of Abigail makes me smile. :)

My happy list for the week

2010-11-07T02:11:00.002-06:00

This week brought cold weather with it and that made me incredibly happy! I had some truly great afternoon walks with Abby this week. It was cold and sunny, the leaves are still pretty, perfect!! I feel like a better mom. I tend to turn into a hermit in the summer and I feel like I don't let her enjoy the outdoors as much. Now's my time to shine!! Wanna roll in the leaves? Hunt Acorns and pinecones? Just be outside til your nose falls off? I'm the mom for that!

In conjunction with that, I love that even though we live in the city, our complex backs up to a big cow pasture. Abby LOVES cows right now. LOVES. So when I remembered they are there the other day, we took a long walk to see them and ended up there for over an hour. She was so dang cute to watch! One came within 15 feet of us so she got to really get a good look and the whole time she kept saying, "Hi, cows!!!! MOOOOOOOO!". She'd stick her hand in the fence and motion for them to "come" while sweetly saying, "'Mon, Cows! A'mon!!" When we finally left she screamed, "Bye Cows!! Have good day!". So. Dang. Cute! I love my girl.

Good Scentsy PR made me happy this week. As do random orders on our website. I love, love, love this product and its so rewarding to make people happy with it and see our little business grow!

Getting GARTH BROOKS tickets this morning made me happy!!! He's doing 10 shows in Nashville for flood victims and we got tickets!!! Great seats too! I'm soooo excited!

My Auburn tigers STILL being undefeated and Bama losing ANOTHER game makes me so happy I cant even tell you!

And 2 simple things that made my week better... I made a batch of my famous cream cheese pumpkin bread this week and every morning had a few slices (hello hips!) with frothy hot chocolate and pumpkin spice coffee mate. I swear... heaven!

Are you grateful for the good things in your life? Link up to Mamarazzi's happy list on Saturdays! It's a fun way to share gratitude!

Confession time again...

2010-11-07T01:31:00.003-05:00

I confess that I'm staying up waaaayyy too late thes days. Like 3-4AM late!

I mean, come on, Jen! You have a 2 year old who's gonna wake you up in like 3 hours. What are you thinking?!

I can't help it though! I've always been a night owl. Mike and I both are. Getting either of us up before 8 could be hazardous to your health.

Since Abby came along, it's gotten worse. I didn't go back to work, so I don't have to be up at the crack of dawn. Can you believe I used to be there at 6 A. M.?! Seriously. Wow!

But now that my days are filled with diapers, sippy cups and storybooks I feel like I never have any quiet "me" time. So, when the hubs heads to bed around midnite, I find myself staying up to read, facebook stalk, work my Scentsy biz, blog hop, etc.

The bags under my eyes are getting ridiculous.

I need a night owl's annonymous.

What time would they meet though? like 1 AM?

Link on up and confess with me...

Travel blog recommends Scentsy for traveling!

2010-11-04T12:51:00.006-05:00

I was in kind of a ho hum mood today. Didnt really sleep well. I was cruising facebook and saw this story and it just made me happy!

I mean, sure I hope it boosts MY sales, but I love seeing this fabulous company get so much good press!! I'm sooo glad we chose to become Scentsy Consultants last February! I'm constantly impressed by the generosity and good ethics practiced by this company. It's also great to be paid so well to sell a product I believe in and feel good about, while staying home with our daughter. Best decision EVER! If you need to earn extra income, let me help you start YOUR own business! Join my team... even if you're states away!

If you haven't tried Scentsy yet and you love candles, stop throwing money away and give Scentsy a try! I'd love to help you get started!! Taking flames out of houses one Scentsy warmer at a time! Visit Our Site!

Who are you?

2010-11-02T12:53:00.002-05:00

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?
child birth. No question. I though I was going to die. My epidurals didnt work... yes I said epiduralS-plural. They tried 3 times. Apparently my labor was different because of my Cerebral Palsy, once the mucsles contracted, they didnt stop. It was just one.BIG.long.contraction.Luckily, She came relatively quickly, but those 2 hours were horrid! Fun times! :) She's worth it though!

2. What would you name your next child or if you don't have any your first child?
Did you not read above? Another one?! Kidding!! I do want more. I don't know about names though. Every time I say I like one, someone in my friends/family uses it. So, I think I'll keep quiet!
:)
3. If you could add one feature to your car, what would you choose?
Built in DVD player. Hands down.

4. If you named your house (or car or computer) what would you name it?
cramped

5. What is your dream occupation?
Exactly what I'm doing... Stay at home mom. ♥

My Happy list...

2010-11-01T04:20:00.005-05:00

Love this!

First... Moments such as these:

I'm so grateful that I can stop and remember that she's two and these moments are all too fleeting. As much of a pain as this was to clean up, it was well worth her smiles, giggles and this snapshot! She drives me nuts lately, but I want to cry at the same time because I cant slow time down. I just want to keep her little.

Next, My Auburn tigers going 9-0!!! I think the BCS poll is full of crap for giving our #1 spot to Oregon, but that's fine for now, takes the target off our back! We'll be #1 in the end!!! WAR EAGLE!!!

I got a huge bag or assorted baby potatoes for .79/lb!! Made my day. I love these things and they're uisually well over $3/lb. :D

Oh, Ben & Jerry... My hips hate you.

I also need to say how thankful I am for the gospel of Jesus Christ and how grateful am to me a member of the LDS church. I think those of us who have grown up in the church take it for granted sometimes. This week I've been reminded what a blessing it is to have the truth. I'm so grateful for this and all other blessings my
Heavenly father has given me. :)

Link up and count YOUR blessings!

Happy Halloween :)

2010-11-01T02:54:00.005-05:00

What a busy weekend it's been. I'm so taking Monday off! It's been fun though!

Yesterday I crammed all of my end of the month Scentsy stuff into the morning hours so that we could have the evening free. We went to a totally fun Halloween party at our friend's Michael & Angel's. We had a great time, ate yummy food, met cool people and Abby ate her weight in Junk.

Today we missed church because Mikal woke up with a horrible Migraine and I had a toothache from Hades. Holy freak! Not a great morning. After breaking the sabbath for some ambesol and excedrine, our afternoon perked up. We had the missionaries over for dinner and I swear, if they had gone on anymore about my lasagna, my head would be the size of texas. Sweet boys!! I needed that! I even sent the leftovers home with them... much to my hubby's disappointment. ;)

So, once they left, we dressed our lil cowgirl up. She loved having blush and "lip liner freckles" put on her cute lil face!

We took her to several friends houses and after that she was so into it she needed no prompting at all. Funny thing though... I don't know if it was because we told her she was a cowgirl or what, but at every house she said, "Tanks! Buh Byye, Cows!!!". It was sooo funny!!

One house gave out popsicles. Isn't that odd? I mean, it's cold outside, you're going house to house... it was so messy and odd! She enjoyed it though...

Then we came home and cuddled on the couch watching Hocus Pocus. ♥ Pretty great night!!

Who are you?

2010-10-27T16:20:00.003-05:00

So, I was blog-hopping again and found this adorable blog for crafters. I LOVE it! Abby did too... She kept going, "whoooo, whoooo!" Cuz of the owl decor.

Anyways, I thought I'd participate in the cute lil "Who are you?" link-up thing. I just Love get to know you questions!!

1. How many times a year do you get your hair cut?
Ugh. Unlike the typical girl... I HATE getting my hair cut. I put it off as long as I can. Usually every 12 weeks or so.

2. Where is the worst place to be stuck waiting?
In line for a bathroom when you REALLY need to pee!

3. What are your favorite pizza toppings?
Mmm, chicken, tomatoes, bell pepper, ham, red onions and extra cheese.

4. What's your favorite thing about where you live?
Nashville is beautiful!! There is soooo much to do and most of it's FREE!

5. What's your favorite fruit? Veggie?

I love most of them but my faves would have to be Corn & watermelon

Things that make me Happy...

2010-10-21T02:15:00.004-05:00

So, I was catching up on confessing with Glam and stumbled onto this super cute blog. I love it!

I especially love her Happy list idea, so I'm jumping in!

1. My baby. Oh, she is SO two right now it kills me and makes me want to give her to the zoo, but then there are sweet moments. I live for her sweet hugs, making her giggle super hard, feeling those little hands pat my back when I pick her up, the fact that she MUST have a blankie and stuffed animal EVERYwhere she goes.....
She got into my make up and made herself "pitty".

2. My husband. :) He works so hard all day for us and still comes home and cheerfully helps with cleaning, does basically all the folding of laundry because I detest it and helps bathe and get Abby to bed. I love him!

3. Good Hot chocolate with Italian sweet cream coffee mate in it. YUM!

4. Scentsy. I don't know how I lived without it. I used to buy all those jar candles and hoard them until company came over or I really needed one since they're so pricey. I so love that my house smells amazing 24/7 now!

I'm humbled and grateful that we are doing so well selling it. It's helping our family SO much!! If we continue to do well, we could be out of debt and into a house with in a year!!

5. Our big awesome bed, good TC sheets and brand new (birthday gift) comforter that I've been pining over for months. It is the best feeling in the world to end a long day in a cozy, comfy bed. I'm headed there now!

Thanks for reading!

Confessions

2010-10-21T01:27:00.003-05:00

*I love fall!
*Like, REALLY love fall
*I'm sure it started when I was little and was excited for my birthday (Oct 8) but over the years it grew into everything... Leaves, cool weather, football, pumpkins, cider, hay rides. Ahh I love it all!
*I've heard so many people complaining lately that summer is over and fall just brings winter and staying indoors. I'm totally the opposite! I turn into a hermit when it's hot outside. I live in the south, it's humid, it makes me feel gross. Ugh no thanks!
*Now, cold on the other hand... I'm all for it! Bundle me up, lets make a day of it! My poor daughter didnt go outside nearly enough this summer. I will totally make up for it now!
*We went outside today and spent over an hour throwing leaves and collecting acorns. I had a blast with her and pray that one day she decides that made up for summers in the nice, cool air conditioning.

Explanations

2010-10-20T17:26:00.004-05:00

In my last post I mentioned a death in my family and said "more on that later". Well, I guess this is later, huh?

My 34 year old cousin, Christy (above), committed suicide. It was, as they usually are it seems, a COMPLETE shock. She seemed to be doing so well. After a rough couple years, she seemed to be getting it all together. She had a teenage daughter and 2 year old son who she loved very much, a sweet fiance, great parents, was about to open her own salon. It was just not something anyone saw coming.

I have to admit, when I heard, I was shocked and deeply saddened, but we hadn't been close in years. It didn't completely hit me until I got down there and saw my uncle-her dad, then I looked at her daughter and I just bawled. I started remembering playing together when we were little and all the things she taught me. She was only 3 years older than I am. I can not imagine leaving my children, my family. I've been majorly depressed at times. Even recently. I just can't imagine it being so bad that you would end your life. Especially at 34! My heat absolutely breaks for her children. No amount of family can take the place of a mother.

So, when I got home, I vowed to spend more quality time with my baby. I realized that this is time I won't get back, there will be no do-overs and all those days that I just sit her down with "entertain yourself" toys will haunt me when she's older. No tv show, facebook status or strangers blog that I read are as important as her giggles and grins, her hugs and kisses or her sweet little songs.

I need to get better at manging my time. I enjoy blogging, and want to get better at it. I just need to limit my internet usage! It's hard because I spend so much time online trying to promote Scentsy and build it up so that the income generated from that will afford Mike more time at home, and help us get debts paid off.

So, here's to trying to make time for ME while running a business, raising a 2 year old and keeping the mess to a minimum!!

Confessions

2010-07-27T22:39:00.003-05:00

Ahh, how I need this.

~We went to Alabama this weekend for a funeral (more on that in a later post). It's really ~~a pain in the butt~~ fun to be down there. We stay at my Dad and step-mom's house. no central air..in bama...in the summer... with 1000% humidity. yeah, fun.
~ And here's another reason I prefer my Mom's house over my Dad's... They think that their way is THE way. If I discilpline Abby for anything and they think I'm being "mean", he corrects me, in front of her. Completely undermining my authority. Case in point... Abby hits her cousin and takes her toy, I go over to take it away and tell her to share, my Dad pushes me away and tells me she didn't mean it.
~Um, She's two. She so meant it.
~I am admittedly picky about what I feed Abby. I'm not nearly as bad as some though, I promise! Being in Bama, I feel like I constantly have to explain my choices. I don't put soda in her sippy cups - EVER, she eats veggies, whole wheat bread, low sugar juice and home made chicken fingers. Heck, she even drinks white milk sometimes! Call me crazy. She also eats her fair shair of MnM's, chips and twizzlers. I'm not a nazi.
~Thing is, My neices and nephews drink pretty much nothing but soda "oh but its mostly diet!" Yeah, that's even better. McDonald's chicken nuggets, fries, pancakes, and microwave mac n cheese. Seriously, if they eat veggies, it's off an adult's plate. I don't see them offered. Fied corn nuggets do not count as veggies. It's just constant junk. So I have to constantly be aware of what she gets there. And I'm asked thing's like, "what do you want Abby to drink?" I a snotty, here we go again, voice while the other 2 get diet coke and I try to think of a way to politely respond.
~Abby spent a few days there last month. All the food I sent with her came back with her. She was also constipated for a week.
~And they are constantly on antibiotics. I mean constantly. It makes me want to scream.
~BUT its wrong for me to paint Abby's toes. Yeah, that makes sense. *rolls eyes*
~I love my family, don't get me wrong. It's amazing though, how different we are.
~It made me ever so grateful to come home to my ~~central air conditioning~~ Awesome husband who cleaned, hung pictures Ive been ~~nagging~~ asking him to hang, cleaned the fridge... ladies, he even washed the sheets. I'm so lucky.
~That's why it's killing me that I sort of complained about some things he did ~~wrong~~, differently than I would have done them. Why do I do that?! Why, in that moment, can't I appreciate that he doesnt just sit around playing video games like some guys? I need to be kicked in the butt.
~I need to be less critical and start letting things roll off my back. I really, really want to work on that.

Follow me back

2010-07-20T18:14:00.000-05:00

1.Follow the 5 hosts, #1 – 5, ( leave us a comment & we will follow you back- only leave a comment if you follow please ).
2.Create a blog post about FMBT (you may copy this post if you wish).
3.Follow as many blogs as you would like ( Leave a comment so they can follow you back).
4.When you receive a comment from a new follower return the favor & follow them back.

♥

2010-07-18T01:43:00.002-05:00

I've been singing this all day and just had to look for a video. I love love love this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjky7v7JIow

Scentsy for a cause

2010-07-16T13:12:00.008-05:00

I'm submitting an order for our Cerebral Palsy fundraiser in a couple days if anyone wants to order and contribute. =) Or if you're out of the area, use this link so that your order benefits the fundraiser. www.scentsy.com/jenniferfivas and click on Cerebral Palsy fundraiser under "open parties".

For those who don't know, I (Jen) have CP. I had to wear braces on my legs until I was 5. I hated them. I wanted ..."pretty" shoes; not my ugly, brown braces. When you have crappy insurance and your parents cant afford them, you get ugly brown. I'm trying to raise money to help a family get their lil girl "pretty" ones. All my commission from the Bring back my bar promotion this month will go to this cause.

Haven't tried Scentsy yet? You're missing out! It truly is heaven!! Plus, it's much safer than traditional flame candles and is also more affordable.

Here is the list of returning scents... remember, they are ONLY available through July 31st!!

Leather
Cashmere
Watermelon Patch
Eucalyptus -- AWESOME for congestion!
Strawberry Sweetie
Mysterious
Sizzlin’ Coconut
Fried Ice Cream
Key Lime Tortilla
Newborn Nursery
Luscious Lemon
Banana Nut Bread
Apples & Pears
French Vanilla
Pumpkin Pie
Cappuccino
Eggnog
Blackberry Bushel
Cheerful Day
Pink Plumeria Passion

I confess...

2010-07-16T11:31:00.005-05:00

I'm exhausted
Like, seriously, takes great effort to get up and pee, exhausted
I guess almost 4000 miles of roadtrips, in 2 weeks, with a 2 yr old
will do that to ya.
I feel so guilty about the amount of tv Abby has watched since Monday
I'm not that kind of mom
Usually, we read and play and sing abc's...
this week I have allowed Elmo, Big bird and Stuart Little teach my child
I haven't yet resorted to junk food though
I'm proud of that
at least my couch potato is eating healthy foods
that makes up for my lack of attention, right?
Not.
Next week will be better.
Since I'm aiming high...
Maybe my husband will stop leaving his stuff everywhere too
I got up today to find a salt shaker...
on. the. couch.
Seriously?!
Are we Kentucky mountain people now?
You can't walk to the kitchen to season food?
OMG

Lovey dovey confessions

2010-07-14T11:16:00.005-05:00

So, I've been out of town for like... ever. I know this one's like, 2 weeks late but I couldn't resist an assigned topic! This week, Glamazon asked the following questions...

1)How did you and your true love meet? We met chatting on AOL. Remember when that was big? Is AOL even still around? Anyway, he had just moved into a new apartment and his new roommate had AOL. Mike was bored and started looking at who was online. He saw that I was LDS and from the south (He always wanted to be! lol) and we started chatting. The odd thing is... I NEVER chatted and that was the last night they had AOL; they switched to DSL the next day. We chatted for like 5 hours that night, talked on the phone the next day, met the next night, engaged in 2 months and married in six. :)

2)What is your favorite physical feature about your beloved? Um... He's hot! I guess I'd say his legs though.... He has amazing legs that I hope our children get.

3)What is your favorite personality feature about your lover? He is kind and loving to EVERYONE. Sometimes to his detriment even.

4)When did you have your first kiss? The night we finally met in person. I could tell that he wanted to but kept backing off. Then he very sweetly asked if he could... it was sweet!

5)What do they do that gets on your last nerve? He saves all kinds of crap because, "One day we might use it". I can NOT stand it!! Our garage is crammed full!

6)When did you know they were 'the one'? Pretty much the night we met. ♥

7)What sets them apart from other guys/girls you had dated in the past? He not only accepted me for me, but he looked right past the Cerebral Palsy. It was like it wasnt even there. I had been promised in preisthood blessings, a mate who would see ME and not the earthly handicaps. I found it.

I did it!!!

2010-07-05T20:32:00.002-05:00

I sound like Abby when she picks up a grape, "I did it"!!! I created a header for my blog! One that I'm actually quite proud of. Perhaps it will keep me on the blog wagon for a while.

I know I'm pathetic. I've been trying to figure out photoshop forever though!!

Isn't it cute?!

My first Confessional

2010-06-28T03:02:00.004-05:00

I'm jumping on the confessional bandwagon! Yes, I know I'm 3 days late. Shut-up! I finally got this button to work and I'm proud of that!

I confess that I'm not a good blogger
I want to be
I'm a great blog stalker
I'm just incredibly lazy
and intimidated by other people's clever-ness
Oh, and I'm kind of HTML handicapped
yeah-huh
see my header?
took me hours
anyone wanna make me a cool one?
I could pay you
in food
or Scentsy
No? How bout a 21 month old who says "no" ALL DAY?
yeah, I didn't think so
seriously, the first thousand times are cute
especially her super soft, sweet voice
but everything is no? even chocolate?!?!
She can not be mine!
I don't believe I have EVER said no to chocolate.
and it's evident in my hips
perhaps my goal for the week should to say no to chocolate?
Nah.

Here I go

2010-06-28T00:16:00.002-05:00

Today after church Abby started jumping off her little rocker. Mikal said "here ya go!" once and that was it. She has said it ALL day. So cute!!

A trip to the Mountains

2010-06-17T23:53:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago, Mikal and I took Abby to The Smoky Mountain National park. We just went down for the weekend but it was soooooo good to get away! We had so much fun! The weather was beautiful; sunny and warm, but not too warm.

We found a great trail that followed the stream and lil Miss Abigail had a ball! She loved seeing the water and waved hello and goodbye to it everytime the path afforded us a view of it. She climbed and hiked over roots and rocks like a pro. She was sooo happy. It made us happy to share it with her and see her joy in the beauty around us. It was the perfect time!

Life, I guess

2010-06-17T01:02:00.002-05:00

I stopped blogging cuz I wasn't into it. I think I wasnt into it because I felt like I couldn't be real. Screw it. I'm having a really rough time and I need an outlet. I'll regret this tomorrow, I'm sure, but right now I just don't give a crap.

The past 20 months have been amazing because we've had Abby. She is my sunshine. She is such a little Angel...absolutely perfect. I look at her and my heart literally gushes. Her short 20 months on this earth have been the sweetest gift!

They've also been incredibly challenging. We have been flat broke. Like, REALLY broke. Like, repossesion broke at one point. I stopped working when Abby was born because we were ok w/o my income and believe wholeheartedly that if possible, Mom's should be home. It was fine. We budgeted. Then the economy turned and Mike steadily lost business. I almost went back to work and then my health started to seriously suck. I've never been a complainer, but I feel like I do it constantly now. Since the pregnancy, I have been plagued by increased muscle problems due to my Cerebral Palsy.

Mike has tried SOOOO hard to get us back on track. He has his own set of challenges, but he pushes through and seriously Amazes me constantly. It just seems that everytime things start to look up for us, the bottom falls out. I keep thinking, "if we can make it to his baptism, everything will be ok", but it's only going to get harder because after baptism is working towards the Temple. Im just SO ready for "our" day. It's so hard to listen to others buy houses, clothes, Awesome trips I'd love to take, etc. when we are just trying to keep our heads above water. I look back and constantly kick myself for decisions we've made, weaknesses we have. I know that these things are for our good. We've learned a lot from being stupid! It doesn't make it any easier though.

Things are starting to look up financially. We took a gamble and became Scentsy consultants back in February and have been thankful and shocked at the success we've had. We are working very hard and trying to be smart about the choices we make. Also, Mike's business is starting to pick back up and we hope he can resume school in the fall. Why do I keep waiting for the worst to happen?

I want to be optimistic. I try. I want to be more confident, more secure in myself. I made some really Awesome friends this year. I finally felt accepted. I really haven't had that in 10+ years. Through a series of events though, we've become so distant it hurts. I HAVE to work Scentsy and help with M's business to stay afloat. HAVE to. I struggle though because it takes me so long to do the smallest things due to the CP that I just can't keep up with it all. I cry myself to sleep so many nights because I'm stretched so thin. It takes me sooo long to do the stupidest things. I just cant email, text, talk on the phone like I could before. It hurts so much to see on FB or otherwise that things are going on that I'm not invited to. Friends I used to be so close to are now close to other people and telling them everything I used to be privy to. With people I'd love to get to know... ppl I admire. I know I'm whining, but it feels like highschool all over again. Poor lil crippled Jen, wandering the halls alone... people smile and say hi but don't really care to get to know me.

I feel like such a stupid, immature kid but I cant help feeling this way. We all want to be loved, right? I'm so grateful for my husband and daughter because most of the time, I feel like they are all I have. Mikal is the ONLY person who has ever seen me without seeing CP. I can never explain to him how amazing that is, because when I'm with him, I get a taste of what it must feel like to have a body that works, that people don't immediately judge.

Welcome to my pity party. It feels good to be honest.

The previously mentioned dancing

2009-09-16T22:16:00.003-05:00

She gets very into it, but this day she just was too distracted, I guess.

Walking and dancing

2009-09-16T17:27:00.005-05:00

Abby's first steps

2009-08-24T12:08:00.004-05:00

9 Months

2009-07-16T17:06:00.002-05:00

Again, I'm late. I can't believe the way time flies! Last year at this time I was swollen, itchy and uncomfortable; praying for my due date to come faster! How did we get to 9 months already? Almost 10 now, actually!

Abby is still, a dream, except her sleeping habts. We can take her pretty much anywhere and she's sweet, calm and good.

Things she is doing:

~ Stands un-assisted for up to 20 seconds. Once she realizes what she's doing, she promptly plops her butt back down!

~ Drinks well from a sippy cup but still gets bottles to go to sleep (I know we need to stop this, but I haven't felt the need yet.)

~ Waves and claps constantly

~ Waves when we tell her no. Which is incredibly adorable and sooo hard to resist!

~ LOVES to read books!

~ Is stll not a very good eater, but adores spaghetti, peas and sweet potatoes.

~ Babbles constantly and says Dada & yay a lot. Has also said Momma, Banana, uhoh, and "ank ou"!

more Photos from Christy

2009-07-02T12:12:00.001-05:00

Photo shoot with Christy

2009-07-02T00:25:00.002-05:00

Christy Williams took some photos of Abby tonight. I'm sooo thrilled with the way they turned out! Abby was having a rough night and wasn't exactly giving Christy much to work with, but she still did an Amazing job! Thanks for the preview, Christy! Can't wait to see more!!

And so it goes

2009-06-22T15:26:00.003-05:00

You know, I try to keep this upbeat but sometimes things just het tough. Nobody reads this anyway, so I'm just gonna vent.

Mikal's back to doing his business only. It picked up for a bit but now it seems to be slowing down again. I can't help but be jealous of other people I know who have financial security. It just seems that we have struggled non stop for 8 years. How much better would our family dynamic be if that stress wasn't so constant? I love our parents, but I wish that education had been encouraged more... for the both of us. We are at such a disadvantage. Even though we are trying to get Mikal through school now, it would have been soooooo beneficial 10 years ago! I take comfort in knowing that we can change this with Abby.

I wish also, that we weren't in this small apartment! Oh, how I want a house! I'm not very outgoing and it would be so nice to have space to have people over and maybe make some friends. I pray that we can make this dream a reality soon. I want Abby to have a yard and be able to write on the walls and it be OURS! LOL

Anyway... I'll stop whining. I think I actually almost miss working. Not that I don't want to be home with Abby, I wouldn't trade that for a second. I just miss contributing. We are joining the Y this week and I really think that will help me a lot. If I can get out a lil bit AND get some excercise to get in better shape, I'll feel MUCH better. Just, if anyone does read this, keep us in your prayers?

Here are some recent shots of my angel...

Mikal found her sleeping like this... she was cross legged under there and snoring like crazy. How is that comfy??

Day 3 & 4

2009-06-22T14:58:00.005-05:00

CMA day 2

2009-06-22T14:49:00.003-05:00

Day 1 shows (I'm missing a lot of photos)

2009-06-22T03:51:00.001-05:00

CMA Music Festival (fan fair)

2009-06-22T03:32:00.005-05:00

We've lived here for 8 years and have always wanted to do fan fair. We've always either been broke or something came up. So, this year I found an AMAZING deal on 2 passes and got them for Mikal as an early Father's day gift. Let me tell you, we had sooo much fun!

Music means alot to both of us. A song can take you places, lift you up, inspire you to be or do more, or just really help ya have a good time. I have some family who just don't understand that. I just feel like music can be very spiritual. I hope Abby has that same view as she grows up.

Anyway, if you're a fan of country music... this is the ultimate. 4 days of nothing but concerts. It was AMAZING! Other than some rain on our first day, the weather was pretty great. Nashville in June can be pure torture, but the humidity held off for us.

Abby and I hiding in an alcove on Broadway, waiting for the storm to pass...

The line to get back into the Riverfront (concert area) after the storm passed.

Music started, Sun came out, Abby fell asleep!

My Hot husband

Abby and her Great Grampa Curtis

2009-06-22T03:30:00.002-05:00

My baby is 8 months old!

2009-06-22T02:52:00.006-05:00

.

Well, she was a month ago... when these were taken! I'm so behind.

I love my sweet, cuddly girl. I hope that she's never embarrased of me. I hope that we can be best friends. I love her little, chubby arms around my neck. I love the smile I get when she sees me. I love that she laughs the hardest for ME! I love that she plays so well by herself. I love that she adores her Daddy so much.

Mother's Day

2009-06-18T12:43:00.007-05:00

My mom made a surprise visit (for her as well) from Alma, AR Mother's Day weekend. It was a great surprise! I wish she were closer to us... especially now that Abby is here. I'll take what I can get though! =)

She arrived Friday morning after driving all night. After not nearly enough rest, we went to lunch with Jackie, took Jackie to work and used her car to do a little shopping. =) Can I just say, I'm sooo grateful for Abby's Granny and Pop! They've made sure that we've had EVERYthing we've needed since she came along. This trip was no different. We went to Kohl's and pretty much outfitted the lil princess in a whole summer wardrobe... complete with Pj's! Thank you!

Abby with her loot...

Saturday we went down to Alabama to visit my Grampa. It was a nice visit. We got some four generation shots, but I cant find them at the moment. It warms my heart to see Abby with her Great-Grandfather. He loves her so. I wish like everything my Grandmother was still here... we only think she's spoiled now!

Sunday, Mikal gave me tulips (my fave!) and a pair of sapphirie (Abby's birthstone) and diamond earrings. It was a great morning. I'm so happy to be a mom and finally have my own little family.

Later, Jackie, Mother and I went through boxes of old pictures while Abby got nosy...

Going through Granny's purse...

Don't even think about it!

Sunday night Mikal and I took Mother home to Arkansas. Ahhh, it's a loooonggg 8 hours! So worth it to have her here for a few days! We left to come back home Monday night. After Granny gave Abby a bath in her wash tub. She really loved it, although by the time I found my camera, she was crying to get out =(

All I have to say...

2009-05-21T14:31:00.000-05:00

More still for Granny & Pop

2009-05-02T04:01:00.003-05:00

More of her face. I just love it! I crack up EVERY single time she does it. She's sooooooooooo much fun now. I truly enjoy being with her all day. She has such a great temperment and an awesome sense of humor. I'm so blessed to know this little person, let alone be her Mother!

I can't remember why she was crying. She had been playing with the doorstops. I think she was just tired... I just love this picture though. =)

For the Grandparents

2009-05-01T18:30:00.002-05:00

crawling 5/1/09

Abby's funny face

2009-05-01T18:16:00.003-05:00

I love this face! I can't manage a still shot yet... but she finally did it on video.

more pics from the park

2009-04-23T01:22:00.005-05:00

I love this shot!!

more cupcake!!!!

Day at the park

2009-04-23T01:06:00.004-05:00

Today was absolutely beautiful and we decided to spend it downtown at Centennial park! We love that park... minus all the homeless. (since the one guy yelled at us, I can't help but be a little paranoid)

Anyway... we had a blast today! We walked around showing Abby different plants, trees and flowers letting her touch everything. We watched the ducks, but didn't feed them because like ALWAYS, I forgot the stale bread. Abby got to experience swings for the first time, which she absolutely LOVED!! (videos below) We ended our day by sharing a Samoa cupcake from Gigi's... YUM!!

What a great day! I wish we had taken Sam with us, but we had other errands to run and didn't want to leave him in the car. =(

On the swings for the first time!

2009-04-22T22:24:00.003-05:00

Trip to the mall

2009-04-04T02:05:00.005-05:00

Jackie and I needed to get out the other night and just get some air and a lil exercise. We decided to go walk around Opry Mills. I love Mills malls... they are the best. We enjoyed it. Abby was hilarious. She kept sqealing at everything, rolling completely over in her stroller so we had to carry her, all kinds of stuff., She was soooo funny!

These glasses at Carters cracked us up!

Earth Hour

2009-04-01T14:11:00.005-05:00

Mikal and I both feel very strongly about conservation and related enviromental issues. So, when we heard that Nashville was one of 6 US cities chosen to participate in Earth Hour we were very excited!

We were stoked to watch downtown go dark for an hour... how cool is that?! Anyway, about an hour prior to heading down, it got really dark and stormy. I turned on the weather and we were under a tornado WARNING! It was a little frightening for a while, but after this line of storms passed there was nothing behind it. So, we headed downtown with some friends of ours and took part in the fun.

Jo Dee Messina did a free concert outside the Sommet center to kick things off, and it was fabulous! I've been lucky to see quite a few country music stars, but had not seen her yet. She was Awesome!

It was Abby's first concert out of the womb. I admit, she bawled at first. I was worried we were too close, But I took her from Mikal and started dancing with her and singing along and she started to enjoy it. She actually fell asleep on my shoulder halfway through it! We had a really good time. =)

After the concert they turned the lights off. It was so neat to see Broadway in the dark! All the bars were dark... Nothing but traffic lights. It was a little weired as we walked back to the car to look back and see huge crowds of people in the dark and police blocking off the street. It looked like some disaster had occured!

Afterwards we all headed to one of mine and Mikal's favorite places, Jason's Deli. The twins got to watch Abby devour some lemon wedges and a pickle spear (gag me). They got some great pics while Mikal and I ate. Can't wait to see em!

Denial

2009-03-26T21:54:00.002-05:00

My baby can NOT be six months old already!! That's what I thought ALL DAY. She is though. My Darling girl is already 6 months old and it kills me. I just want to stop time. I love her so much. I enjoy every second... even when I think I could pull my hair out!

We feel so blessed to have this sweet angel in our lives. I am so honored to be her parent. She is so sweet and loving. I can see that she is going to be very gentle and caring. I look foward to everything I get to show her, teach her, enjoy with her. I hope that we can continue to treasure every moment.

Tonight we gave her a cupcake to devour for her "half birthday". It was great! I didnt know if she'd know what to do with it, but she got right to work! It was hilarious. Here are a few shots...

GRRR I hate the way blogger does posts. Anyway... since I can't fix it... the pics are in reverse order. :/

The chubby baby I've always wanted!

2009-03-24T00:33:00.002-05:00

Cuttin up

2009-03-23T12:45:00.000-05:00

My baby's growing up. =( Abby hasn't slept well in 2 weeks. She's not unhappy or fussy, just can't sleep. It's been hard to go from sleeping ALL night to up every 3-4 hours again. I knew she was probably teething and it will eventually end.

Well, yesterday morning our lil Angel bug woke up with not one, but two teeth cutting their way up. It's so cute when she smiles to see these two lil white peaks poking up on the bottom! My heart is seriously breaking though because it means she's growing up. I miss my little 6 pound cuddle bug!

It's called what?

2009-03-22T01:59:00.000-05:00

My Dad informed me Friday night that he and my Stepmom were coming up from Bama yesterday for a visit. I'm always excited to have company, however, I've not had a good nights sleep in the past two weeks thanks to Abigails front teeth. So, when he announced this short notice trip, I'll admit I was a little less than enthused.

We had such a good visit though. =) They didn't get here until 4:30 thanks to "the scenic route". Men, right? lol They oogled over the baby for a while and then we decided to load up and go walk around Opry Mills.

This is where frustration sets in. On both sides, I'm sure. I pick up Abby's carseat and hand my Dad the base to go put in the car. I'm met with a roll of the eyes and a, "do we have to use this?". (grrrrr) YES! I kinda love her and want her to be safe... call me crazy. I had to hear about how my step sister doesn't make them use one (nor does she, for that matter) and how you can just strap it (the seat) in by itself. Anyway, I didnt relent, so he grudgingly takes it outside to put in the truck. Abby and Nana follow while I let the dog out of our room and turn things off, etc. I get out to his truck and Abby is in the front seat. There wasn't even room for my hand between the dash and her seat. UMMM, no. So, they got a lil annoyed with me again when i insisted she get in the back. Oh, the head aches this has caused in the past 5 months!

We did get there, finally. Abby LOVES the mall! She is such a girly girl. She loves looking around and seeing all the lights and colors. The constant stream of compliments doesnt hurt either ;) , I'm sure. So, we walked around and my Dad and lil brother, Jaden, played a round of glow golf. Abby wanted to grab anything that glowed. It was cute. Afterward we decided to go meet up with Mikal and have dinner.

They most always want to go to Cracker Barrel. We all love it. Great choice. Well, this time they wanted to try this other resaurant they saw by the hotel. What's it called? Oh, they don't know, they just saw the big catfish on the sign. So, we go finding it.... It's called... (drumroll, please).... Cock of the Walk. I kid you not. Mikal and I were like, "did we just get sucked into a Friends episode?!" It was an interestin place, I've got to say. Very country decor, with waiters dressed like Zorro and the worlds smallest menu. Still don't get the name, but it was pretty good! Odd, but tasty!

We went back to the hotel afterward and all played with Munchkin. I was hoping they wore her out enough that she'd sleep through the night, but as you can see... It wasnt meant to be. :/

Going to breakfast in the morning. We'll see where that leads us!

Biter biscuits... YUM!

2009-03-20T15:58:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I put Miss Abby in her Bumbo (seriously, I love this thing!) and gave her a biter biscuit. I was cleaning and putting laundry away, but heard her constant "MMMMMM!", so, I knew she was ok. I came back in less than 10 minuites and sat in front of the little munchkin... Oh my Gosh!! She had it EVERYWHERE!! On her shirt, pants, socks, head, in her ears, up her nose, on her neck.... seriously everywhere! I couldn't believe what quick work she made of it! She loves food... just like her parents.

2009-03-20T03:23:00.001-05:00

2009-02-18T14:37:00.000-06:00

New family photos

2009-02-18T13:56:00.002-06:00

Abby was blessed Sunday, Febuary 1st. Both my sets of parents came to Nashville for the special day. I'm so humbled by how this little person has brought my family together. Because of her, my sister lives close by now, I once again have a relationship with my dad (better than ever!), my mom has driven out like 4 times now. Most importantly though, is that she's brought us back to church. Since we've decided that my being home with her is important, I'm home on Sundays to go to church. We are so much happier now... it is sooooo worth the sacrifice.

So, because of Abigail, my non-member father and both step parents were in church that day! As well as some close friends of ours. It was so special to us. Her blessing was Awesome. I know that she's going to do incredible things. I'm so honored to be her parent. I look forward to teaching her of the gospel and seeing her grow. I know that she is going to accomplish great things. And can I just say... she looked beautiful! My Mom bought her a gorgeous blessing gown and bonnet that was just perfect for her.

I'm so thankful to be a member of the church. I'm thankful to know that if we live righteously, we will be together for eternity. I love Mikal and Abby too much to only have this lifetime together. I hope that I can get better at sharing this with people.

Catch up

2009-02-18T02:09:00.001-06:00

Time is moving way too fast. I love watching Abby grow and develop, but it breaks my heart that it has to go by so quickly! She will be 5 months old next week! I can Not believe it! Things she is doing:

♥ Sleeps through the night

♥ jabbers back at you when you talk to her

♥ rolls over when she feels like it ;)

♥ grins n giggles when you play with her

♥ has complete control of her head and neck

♥ LOVES Sam and tries to "pet" him (pulls his hair) whenever he is near. He's very sweet and gives her kisses.

♥ Gets excited everytime she sees her Baby Einstein butterfly or her Daddy!

♥ Loves Squash. Most foods are going over well with her.

♥ Loves to sit up and is well on her way to doing it by herself

♥ holds toys with both hands. Usually stuffs them (toys and hands) in her mouth

♥ LOVES baths! Especially when we spray her off with the hand held shower... she grabs it with both hands and attempts to eat it.

♥ Is seriously THE best baby. She is so low maintenance!

My, how we love her! At least once a day, Mikal or I one will ask the other "if it feels real yet" or "can you believe she's ours?!". I love hearing her laugh, talk, and sigh. I adore leaning over the bassinet in the morning when she wakes up all happy, She lights up when she sees me and puts her sweet lil hands on either side of my face... melts my heart! I love the way complete strangers fall all over her. One couple even snapped a picture of her at cracker barrel the other day!

I love seeing Mikal with her. He absolutely adores her (and she, him. She lights up every time she sees him). I feel sorry for women whose husbands aren't as hands on as he is... And the children too. He gets so excited to see her at the end of the day. We fight over who "gets" to do things for her, not who "has" to. She and I are so blessed!

2009-01-01T20:16:00.000-06:00

One month pictures

2008-11-14T07:39:00.000-06:00

Ok, this should have come before the previous post. I'm out of it! These are her One month photos...

7 weeks!

2008-11-14T07:08:00.000-06:00

I really thought this would work well for me, but it's still easier to upload a bunch (and I mean a bunch) of photos to myspace and call it a day. I'm exhausted. There just isn't enough time in the day.

I'm going to sit down with Mikal today and type up the birth story. I don't remember chunks of it and I need to do that before what I do remember gets foggy!

She's getting so big! It makes me sad to see the time fly by but it's awesome to see her progress. We got our first real smile Sunday. Sooo sweet! Now she's full of them and being much more interactive. Still up every 2-3 hours to eat... hopefully we get past that soon! She's so strong too... lifting that lil head up and pushing off her legs. She's REALLY gassy! lol We tell her all the time that if she keeps doing that she's never gonna find a boy! Better out than in though.

I love hearing how beautiful she is. I never knew I could be so proud! Ahhh! I just love her!

She's heeerree!!!

2008-10-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

Abigail Caitlyn Fivas was born September 26 at 11:26 a.m. She weighed 6 lbs 12.4 oz and is 20 1/2 inches long. She is absolutely beautiful. I will post the whole story later, just wanted to announce our princess!

The waiting game

2008-09-18T17:50:00.000-05:00

No baby yet. I'm sooooooo tired of being pregnant! We've tried EVERYTHING. My sister in law has had good luck with castor oil... I tried it 3 times. Nothing. Spicy food, bumpy roads, loooonnnnngggg walks, squats, pineapple, raspberry tea, and yes, sex. Nothing has encouraged this little girl to emerge.

I really want to meet her. The whole family wants to meet her. I was having pretty regular, strong contractions Saturday and Sunday so my mom rented a car and drove 8 hours to be here for the birth of her first grandchild. We were sent from the hospital monday afternoon completely stalled and only at 3 cm dialated/60 % effaced. Everyone thought things would pick back up in the next day or so... well, it's Thursday afternoon and nothing has happened.

Any other suggestions? I'm open.

To begin

2008-07-31T12:04:00.000-05:00

I have started so many blogs and never do anything with them. I'm hoping that with Abby coming (soon, I hope) this will be an easy way to post updates and pictures once she's here. Accessible to everyone and no email for me! Everyone who knows me knows I hate email. it stresses me out.

This pregnancy has been hard. I'm extremely grateful for this baby, don't get me wrong, it's just been much more difficult than I ever dreamed. I've had EVERY symptom in the books, a mysterious rash that was excruciatingly itchy and required soooo many Dr. visits to diagnose, never ending nausea, back/neck issues... seriously, you name it, I've had it.

For me I think the biggest surprise has been the effect the CP has had. I hadn't considered it because I tend to ignore it. I don't usually have issues related to the cp. However It does cause exhaustion because I have to work a little harder to get my muscles to do what I want. So, you pair that with the fatigue that pregnancy brings and things just get... ugh. I mean, I work full time. Most days I got up, was sick for at least an hour, got ready for work (which is supposed to start at 6), had to play catch up most days because sickness took so much of my work day. I'd get home around 4 or 5 and Sam needs a walk-food-attention, dinner had to be made, I'd get sick again, Mikal worked as late as possible so we could start getting ready So by the time he got here we were both exhausted and literally went to bed and maybe watched some TV.

I just wanted to share, I'm not complaining... I'd gladly do it all again. We've waited sooo long for this. I just wanted everyone to understand why I haven't been "Miss communication". It's just not been the easiest 8 months for me.

I can't wait to meet our daughter! Mikal and I are both so excited. Freaking out a tiny bit because there is still so much to do, but at the same time, wishing she would come tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing him with her. He's so sweet when he talks about his 'princess'.

It's been so awesome to have all the excitement and support from friends and family. My mom and stepmother have been awesome to answer my questions and call after Dr. Appointments and such. Everyone has listened to me complain and cry and have been so supportive throughout, understanding why I've been a hermit. I love you guys. I'm so thrilled that this lil girl is going to have so many people waiting to love and welcome her to the world!