Monday, September 17, 2012

The basement.

We had a productive weekend, getting a lot done around the house.  I keep calling it "project like-my-house-better", and I think it's working.

Anyway, a few updated pictures of our basement / play room / family room... I desperately wish I had "before" pictures, but I don't, so just bare with me!




The alphabet wall was moved from the other side of the room, I like it SO much better here.


We moved most of the toys to the smaller section of the basement, and then put the new (to us) couches in the larger area.





If this looks familiar, it's probably because I copied the idea from Kristal.  This wall used to host the ABC's, so I also needed something that would cover up the many holes as well as display the boys masterpieces in a tasteful (and cheap!) way.


And one of my favorite things... extra toy storage!


All in all, I'm happy with this space.  The couches have made a huge difference in how much time we spend down here, which of course translates into how much time the boys play down here as well, since they love to be where we are. Once I get some curtains up, I think I'll finally be finished with it.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Tidbits.

- My photography business has been fairly busy lately, mostly networking and hanging out with other local photographers, combined with a few 2nd shooting gigs.  Someone asked me the other day what it felt like to be a 2nd shooter, and while I admit it was a little humbling at first, I actually really enjoy it.  I love not having so much pressure on my shoulders to think of all the posing, and the fact that I hand over my raw images and don't have to edit them is the cherry on top.  I actually hope to continue to 2nd shoot as much as possible... it's great experience, great exposure, and a lot of fun.

- I'm absolutely in love with the fall weather we've had recently... 64 degrees and cloudy today and I feel giddy like a school girl.  I love this season.

- This past week I lost another 1.5 pounds, making my total loss 24.2 pounds.  I was shopping on Saturday, looking for a dress for Sunday, and came across a cute lacey number that I thought would work well with leggings (that I'm required to wear when I'm on stage).  I loved the dress on the rack and actually thought about just walking out with it, knowing it would fit and that I would 'probably' love it, but decided I better just try it on.  I grabbed a Large, which is my normal dress size, and when I tried it on... it just looked super funky.  Didn't do a thing for my body, so naturally I was disappointed.  As I was taking it off, I realized how loose it was and told myself to not even bother with a Medium, thinking it wouldn't fit.  I changed my mind and gave it the medium a shot, and it fit like a glove.  Insert happy dance here....


Ignore the scowl look on my face.  :)
Also, I wore it with a cardigan.  Another requirement for being on stage (no sleeveless).

- Recently, my inlaws gifted us with some old furniture of theirs, so we finally have couches to sit on in the basement.  Our layout is so different down there that I wasn't sure how it would work, but after a few hours of rearranging I am really happy with it, and amazed how much more time we spend down there as a family.  Pictures to come, after my alphabet wall finds a new home.

- Jaxon's sleep schedule is still all over the place and it's been pretty stressful trying to get him figured out.  The easiest answer is to take away his naps, but even on the no-nap days we struggle getting him asleep before 10pm.  And then he's up at 6am.  And then he wants an afternoon nap.  And then he won't fall asleep till midnight.  I really miss our quiet evenings together, just Tyler and I, while we knew the boys were happy in la-la land.  Now every night is a battle, and it has become so frustrating for us both.

- Our worship Pastor and his wife (who are great friends of ours) were gone this past week on vacation, so I lead worship on Sunday, and practice the Wednesday before.  I am fairly comfortable doing this, but usually with a piano in front of me as my security blanket.  This time, I pushed myself to lead without the piano, standing with the worship team. The best part about it was on Sunday morning I didn't even feel nervous.  Anytime those fears hit my mind, I reminded myself it had NOTHING to do with me, and that eased every nerve I had.

- I can't believe my sweet baby (who obviously isn't a baby anymore) will be 2 next month.  I have really been making a conscious effort lately to soak him up, and have realized how big he has become, right before my eyes.


- As much as I can recognize that the house we're living in is definitely not a "forever home", I have felt so content living here recently and I'm grateful for those feelings.  It's not a big house, it's not great for entertaining (which is probably my biggest complaint), it's not "nice", and a lot of times I wish that we could change things about it, but in this present season we can't.  And for now, I feel ok with that.

- The 5k I'm running with my Dad and Sister is coming up in less than a month, and I feel ready for it.  We're doing the Color Run in Des Moines, and I can't wait!

- I really really really want to jump on the colored jeans trend, but just feel like they do nothing for my body, which is so unfortunate because they are stinkin' cute!

Time to brew another cup of coffee, grab my favorite blanket, and catch up on some Army Wives.  My newest nap-time addiction.  :)

Monday, September 10, 2012

Overwhelmed with gratitude.

For a beautiful, relaxing, quality time filled weekend.


For friends who walk along you in your journey, and who love playing games.  :)

For a church family who serves so faithfully.  One that truly seeks the Lord's heart.

For our sweet boys.


For their Grandparents on both sides, who I know love my boys deeply!

I am so blessed.  May I never forget.

Happy Monday!

...In everything give thanks. 
1 Thess 5:18

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Woooo!

Excuse me, while I scream it from the mountaintops...

I finally hit the 20+ weight loss mark!

22 pounds to be exact.  :)

I am so thankful for the Lord, giving me this drive and determination.
For a husband who has pushed and helped me. 
For family and friends (like you, and you!) for the encouragement.

Diet and exercise may be old fashioned, but it works.

The weirdest thing is, I haven't even gone down a size yet.  Yes, my clothes are loose and fit way better, but I have no need to go buy new clothes.  Was I really wearing my clothes WAY too tight, or what is the deal!?  I am honestly not sure where those 22 pounds were hiding, but I'm so glad they are gone. 

I am just so thankful to feel healthy again.  And now I can run away from the boogie man if he's ever chasing me.  Before, I probably wouldn't have even tried.

10 pounds more to go, and I'll be happy as a clam.  :)

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

A weekend of firsts.

Sparklers...



And, tractor rides!





Each day wouldn't be complete without Jaxon begging me to go to Cooper's house, so add that in with a little BBQ bribery from my Father-in-law and we were on our way to Iowa for another long weekend.  We had a great time... ate some great food... had some great naps... and a couple of fun "firsts" for the boys.  The tractor ride is still being talked about this morning, as I sip my coffee and catch up on some never-ending laundry.

We were even able to spend the night with my Sister on our way home... it was a perfect ending to our trip, laughing so hard that we were gasping for air and our stomachs hurt.  I really like her.

We closed out our long weekend redecorating/rearranging our basement and toy room (yes, pics to come!), ordering some pizza, and watched "The Hunger Games" after the boys were in bed.  

It was a weird movie, but I liked it... have you seen it?

All in all, a great Labor Day weekend indeed!  

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