Life is... Glamorous and Fabulous!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Operation Bridesmaid Dress...

Well, here we are. It's that time of year again when my pants don't fit and wedding season looms. And this isn't just any wedding season. This is the Super Bowl of wedding seasons. My sister is getting married in May and my brother is getting married in October. Nobody wants to see this pale MOH in all of her overweight glory!

So, here we go. March 12th. Cutting calories and taking names! I am not good with "diets". I can't do Atkins, I can't do Slim Fast or live on meal bars....that's a personal preference. I just feel so deprived and then end up binging and gaining more than I lose. I just have to eat smart, make wise choices (like corn tortillas instead of flour, and 1 piece of pizza instead of 2 (or 3), and 1 scoop of ice cream once a week instead of 2 scoops 4 times a week...) and not feel like I'm starving myself or completely depriving myself.

Last year, I started running and I cut out about 300 calories a day and in a little less than 4 months I lost 20 lbs. I've gained back almost all of that. Some of it I contribute to hormones and emotions. Mostly, I contribute it to lack of self control and overindulgence.

Let's call a spade a spade.

So here we go kids. Operation Bridesmaid Dress has commenced. I have 9 weeks...and the promise of wedding cake at the end. Let's do it.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Fabulous Find Friday!

Spring is in the air! We've been sunny and 75 degrees this week and I have resisted temptation to play hookie and spend my days outside. Afterall, the bluebonnets are in early bloom and the lovies are ready for their closeup!

The temptation I haven't resisted is spring shopping. I'm in the mood for the shifting of the season and the shifting of the wardrobe and my lust list is ever growing! I took a peek at KateSpade.com and I'm in love with way to many things! Let's start with this tote that my husband won't let me get:

And I am literally obsessed with this City Lights bangle. The inside of the cuff says "Bright Lights Big City", do you see that? Swoon.

How about these adorable Sailor's Knot earrings? I would wear these every single day.

Everyone needs to refresh their favorite nighty. How cute, casual and comfy is this?

We're having a random cool front today so a lightweight wrap sweater is the perfect addition. This comes in several colors and is on sale for $28!

These Capri Blue candles are my all-time favorite. I love the way they smell and I triple love the way they burn. Such a romantic light! Go grab one at Anthro and pick up one of the Voluspa Candles in the cut glass jar (I love Bella Sucre) because they are a steal at $19!!

Happy Friday, happy Spring!! What are you loving right now?

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Lady Luck...

I started this blog almost 4 years ago at the urging of friends. Me sending them emails of men in white Dickie's (I wish I were kidding...see for yourself) and telling them tales of squirrels in my bathroom (not joking) seemed to warrant a URL so I decided to start this blog.

I didn't know that my first post about a guy wearing white Dickie's would turn into me spilling my guts about marriage, recipes, infertility and all of the joys and difficulty of life that lie in between. I never dreamed anyone other than my close friends and those making sure I'm not tarnishing the family name would ever read this. But somehow, here you are. And I'm appreciative.

Never would I have imagined that I would be receiving Christmas cards from Florida and Missouri from precious friends whom I have not yet met. This blogging community is weird....yes, we're kind of weird. People can't believe that we've managed real life friendships from Internet connections but it happens. And I'm grateful.

I've been open yet guarded about our fertility issues. You all are aware of our struggles but I haven't gone into great detail. But the Cliffs Notes version is that we have wanted and tried for a family for years. Our fertility struggles are great and we have had many doctor's appointments and treatments to try to help us achieve a family. We're prayerful, confident and therefor hopeful that God has planted a deep desire for a family in our hearts and He will show us how that desire is to be manifested. Whether we have our own children, adopt, or if there is a different plan altogether for Dave and me.

But through making our struggles known I have had several people email me encouragement. Some have been encouraging to me and some have asked questions. How did we know, when did we decide to seek help, what questions did we ask while balancing our faith and morals with treatment options, how has this strengthened/affected our marriage...you name it, I've been asked it. It's amazing to me how it all comes at just the right time...always. God has put people in my life as a prayer warrior, as a friend of encouragement, and as a shot of hope just when I need it.

Friday, I needed it. I got home from 7 days in Houston, rushed straight to a doctor's appointment and was praying for good news. I got home from all of that and had a package waiting for me. The return address was that of sweet Sara's....my blog friend (and talented photographer and soon to be mom...) from St. Louis. I opened the package to find this....

Tears fell as I read her words offering me "luck" and prayers as we continue this journey and try for our family. She is proof of blessings as she is a mommy-to-be and I can't wait to celebrate her little miracle. Sara, thank you for your kindness. What a blessing beyond measure! And thank you to each of you who have offered me hope, encouragement, a prayer, and just for stopping by this silly little blog!

My cup runneth over... XOXO

Monday, March 5, 2012

I'm back! And I'm OLD!

I've been really out of commission lately, and it's probably not a bad thing. I've been swamped with work as I am every January and February. I was in Houston for 7 days last week with our Annual Conference and I'm glad to report that it's over and I lived to tell the tale!

I'm beyond exhausted though! I've been in a funk lately and it stems from being overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with work, the quest to become parents, and above all, my precious Papa being sick.

I'm one of the lucky ones. I've grown up with my Nana and Papa within 10-15 miles of us, and I've had them by my side for everything. They were always in the stands of cheer leading competitions, gymnastics meets, softball games...my sister's plays, tennis tournaments....Taylor's baseball games, football games....they were at every single grandparents' day at school. So proud to be there with us. My brother, sister and I spent the night at their house all the time, we grew up in their pool swimming until our fingers pruned, and we sat our on their front driveway counting the stars and singing songs about monkeys in the trees. I've never known a moment without them and I am broken hearted with the reality that I won't always be so lucky. I wish I had a magic healing wand but God didn't give me one of those for my birthday...

Yesterday I celebrated the big 3-1 and I was blessed to celebrate it with people I love. Dave fired up the grill and treated us to steaks and chicken. We had ice cream cupcakes and enjoyed time together. Some of the crew was missing...Taylor headed out for Spring Training last week and Kristen was in Dallas, and they were missed!

I'm so, so grateful for a loving family. I cherish you...and I love you!! Thank you for celebrating with me and making me feel special!

My mom, my uncle Mike, Nana and Papa

My Papa tried his best to raise them right but they are a few grapes shy of a fruit salad!

My mom and her daddy...

My mom found by childhood/adolescent Bible about a year and a half ago. She never told me, and she gave it to me for my birthday. What a precious gift! It was given to me on my 7th birthday by my uncle Mike, so it was so fun that he was in town when I received it again for my 31st birthday! A few years have passed so it was so fun/funny to read through the notes that were left inside.

I love this note below written at some point during my teen angst years. It's notes on finding a mate. Non-negotiables and the reminder to "Become the person I want to marry". My teenage self will be pleased to know I found this man I had hoped for.

My parent's also gave me this fabulous coffee table book. It's the 50th anniversary compilation of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Exclusive photos taken during production, throughout NYC and lots of fun info on Breakfast at Tiffany's and Audrey Hepburn. Love it!!

Happy March, friends!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Happy Hump Day Friends...

My days have been filled with:

Happy hour and a pizza party (in room 355....)
Welcoming and watering Papa's loot! (LOVE this plant and balloon Coleen sent :)
Teaching Nana and Papa all about Facetime! Papa told Kristen, "Well, you look GREAT! I can see you clear as day!" hehe.
Trying a couple of new recipes. 1 was not so good and 1 was really good! The lasagna soup I found on Pinterest is a winner!
Crying...I've been doing a bit of that and I have to pull myself together. I just can't seem to "snap out of it" in terms of my funk. I have no more time or patience to feel sorry for myself! I thought I was done after my good cry on Monday but a doctor's appointment today brought me back down. Onward....and UPWARD!
In GOOD NEWS...Papa is going HOME today!! Praise the Lord! That should take away the sulking and bring on the celebration!!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Shades of Rosey...

I'm in a "stop and smell the roses" kind of state right now. The next couple of sentences are real life so it might not be uber rosey, but it's my life right now....

My Papa is in the hospital and he's very sick. We learned last Wednesday that he might not make it and they started some life saving dialysis treatment on him. He has responded fairly well but he is still incredibly weak and it's taking a toll on him physically. We're hoping for a really great response and that he will feel better than he has in a while! His life has drastically changed (and my Nana's too) as he will be on dialysis for the remainder of his life. I know that is overwhelming for them and I am praying they would feel peace about that and know that we are all here to help them.

This is a very busy time for me at work so I am trying to juggle everyday life of home, laundry, dinner, and Dave with visiting with my Papa in the hospital (because that's where I want to be), lots of things on my to-do list at work and general life. I think I just need a really good cry....and maybe a trip to the beach...instead I'll be taking a trip to Houston for 7 days for my conference.

Back to life...this weekend I had the privilege of celebrating my sweet friend Sarah and she gets ready to be married! My mom was a hostess for the shower but with my papa in the hospital I helped make the ever popular Magnolia banana pudding! It's a crowd pleaser! I had fun seeing friends, celebrating Sarah, and laughing. I needed a good laugh! OH, and the NYC cookies my friend Meredith made....to die for! Are they not the cutest?

The precious bride! (This is the only B&W pic but I liked it better in B&W)

Me, Sarah, my sister- Kristen, and Lindsey (bride's sister!) 2 sets of sisters the same age and good friends. SO fun!

Making the good stuff! For the Banana pudding recipe click here.

The finished product...yum :)

I have felt a bit overwhelmed lately. I've honestly been in a bit of a funk and I'm so grateful for the moments I can smell the roses...a pizza party in my papa's hospital room, showering Sarah, precious friends bringing us dinner last night (THANK YOU!), and the opportunity to just get it all out with a good cry...because sometimes we just need to! Thank you to those who have prayed and are praying for my Papa and my Nana. Love you...mean it!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

More Than...

Today is the day of loooove! So this one goes out to the ones I love....

I'm so blessed by a heritage of long standing love...My parents, Dave's parents and ALL of our immediate grandparents are all still married of were separated by death. What a cherished legacy that is and I do not take that blessing lightly! I think it's highly unusual this day in age and I couldn't be more proud that Dave and I have wonderful examples of marriage, forgiveness, love, loyalty and genuine enjoyment of each other laid before us.