Malachi's Birth Story

     I was 40 weeks pregnant on Thursday August 8, 2013. I was already getting anxious about baby arriving late. I was playing worse case scenarios in my mind: getting my membranes stripped, being induced, c section if he didn't arrive within the two weeks I was allowed to be overdue. I spoke with Monica, my doula and she said that I should plan a busy weekend and just have fun and try to keep my mind off the “elephant in the room”. 

     Friday was Chris' birthday and we went to the movies. Saturday, I woke up, did laundry and tidied up the house until my friend Jessica picked me up. We went to the Bijou to see “Black Fish”--a movie we had been really excited to see. When the movie was over Chris picked me up and we met my parents at their house and all of us drove in Chris' truck to Huhot for dinner. We had been joking that I needed to eat a spicy plate to induce labor. I had a mild plate with a little kick to it. After dinner, all four of us went to HEB to pick up some things for Matt and Chris' birthday dinner the next day. Mariah was working.  

     Mom and Rex waiting in Mariah's line while Chris and I waited in the next line. It was about 10:45 and Chris was showing me a magazine with Jessica Simpson on the front of it, when all of the sudden, I looked at Chris and said, “I think I just peed myself....but I couldn't control it!!” I was in a bit of shock and started laughing. Chris told me to go to the restroom and motioned my mom to go with me. As we approached the restroom, we noticed one of the employees cleaning the restroom—just my luck!! I called out to him and said I needed to use the restroom, and my mom chimed in that I was really pregnant, and he let us in. Once in the bathroom, I was freaking out a little. I didn't know what to do, I felt like I was gushing uncontrollably and all I could do was laugh about it. I sat on the toilet, and my mom gave me a HUGE stack of paper towels from the employee's cart and I stuffed them in my panties, washed my hands, and we walked out. We met Rex and Chris in the parking lot, and I called Monica. She said that I should breathe, take it easy, and try to get as much sleep as I could before the contractions started. 

      Chris decided that it would be best for us to stay the night at Mom and Rex's house since it was much closer to the hospital than our house. At Mom's house, I took a shower to try to calm down, and Chris went to our house to pick up our hospital bags, my car, and the car seat. I laid down on Mariah's bed and tried to sleep around 11:30. Mariah and Matt eventually showed up at the house and so did Chris. I was able to sleep for a little while here and there, but not very deeply. I awoke around 4 AM with contractions that were manageable, but not ignorable while sleeping. Mariah was still awake with a stomachache, so she turned on Pandora and offered to paint my nails. We talked and spent time together until Chris and Mom awoke. The contractions kept getting stronger and stronger, but were still about 5-7 minutes apart. I at a Luna bar, continued to drink lots and lots of water, and used the bathroom. Rex went to church, but the rest of the family stayed home with me while I labored. In between contractions, we talked, laughed, and listened to Pandora. Chris kept encouraging me to call Monica and have her come over, but I wasn't ready for her. I knew my contractions were really strong, but didn't want to call her if I was still really early in labor. I didn't know how long it would be. Chris breathed, “oooo'd”, and “mooed” with me through every contraction as I tracked it on my phone. He applied pressure to my lower back and whispered encouraging words in my ear. He was so fabulous. 

      Finally at 8:30AM, Chris convinced me that it was time to call Monica. She arrived at a little after 9AM. I was sitting on my birth ball in the kitchen with the family when she walked in. The first thing she did was ask me if she could pray for me. She whispered a beautiful prayer in my ear as she massaged lavender oil on my shoulders and neck. I could feel my body relax. She told me to give in to the contractions and stop fighting them. As soon, as I did, the contractions got significantly stronger and closer together. She asked if I wanted to take a walk outside. Chris came outside with me and we walked around Mom's front yard. Monica stayed back with Mom and Mariah. Matt came outside too and played with Nola. I had to stop every few minutes to let a contraction pass. Chris and I were “ooing” and it got progressively louder. Thinking back now, a few of the neighbors were out on their front porches drinking coffee...I'm sure that was an interesting morning for them. 

     After about ten minutes, Monica asked me how I was doing and I told her I felt like I needed to poop and pee at the same time!! LOL I just had so much pressure in my pelvic area. We went back inside and I went to the bathroom. Monica followed me and asked me if she could check me. She looked at my butt crack(sorry, TMI) and from that was able to tell that I was very close to being fully dilated. When we walked out of the bathroom, Monica gently and quietly let everyone know that we should start heading to the hospital. I was having really really strong contractions at this time—leaning on the table, and then leaning on the side of my mom's vehicle. I was moaning very loud at this point. Monica and I rode in my mom's vehicle while my mom drove and Matt, Mariah, and Chris rode in my car. It was really difficult to get into Mom's SUV, and even harder to sit down. That was the longest car ride I had ever taken and in reality it was probably only 10 minutes. Every speed bump, every red light, every time my mom sped up was hell. The contractions were almost unbearable at this point.

     When we got to the hospital, Rex met us there, and we all walked into the maternity ward together. It was 10:45. The walk to my room was probably about 100 yards, but took me almost 20 minutes to get there. I had a few contractions on the way, and was moaning very loud because of the pain. Someone in the hospital informed a nurse that I was in pain and the nurse brought a wheelchair out to me. It hurt to sit down, so I refused the wheelchair and walked the rest of the way to my room. As I was walking up, I saw that Lauren was the midwife on call. That reaffirmed God's presence in this experience. Lauren and the nurses didn't take me to triage, insert a heplock, or take any blood from me. As soon as we got into the room, Lauren checked my cervix and said that I was fully dilated and that I could start pushing whenever I was ready! I asked if I could take off my dress and Lauren attached the birth bar to the end of the bed. I was on my knees and supported my weight on top of the bar with my arms. 

     The room was surprisingly quiet, calm, and peaceful. No one spoke over a whisper and Lauren, Monica, Chris and the two nurses encouraged me through the whole process. The kept saying, “You are doing great!”, “You are a rockstar!”, “Just a few more pushes!”, “You're almost there!” My mom came into the room about this time. I screamed a few times because the pain was like nothing I had ever experienced. I felt like I was going to rip in half. In between contractions, I had a couple minutes to catch my breath and rest. After a few more pushes on the bar, Lauren recommended that I lay on my side to prevent me from tearing. It was very tough to move onto my side, but I did slowly. I pushed on my side and Monica or Lauren told me, “Mallory, the intensity you are vocalizing through your mouth, try to channel that to your vagina while you push.” As I did this, everyone exclaimed that they could see Malachi's head. They asked me if I wanted to feel it or even use a mirror to see it. I immediately said “NO!!”. I just wanted to get him out! After a few minutes I asked if he had hair, and then felt his head. I started to say, “I'm so tired! I'm so tired, It hurts!” and after one more extremely painful push, his head was out! He was not even completely out and was already crying. What a beautiful sound! I had another contraction right after that and felt the urge to push but Lauren told me not to push and just breath. I just kept saying, “It hurts, it hurts!! I can't stop pushing! I have to push!” Chris and Monica were in my face forcing me to breath with them as I clutched the side of the bed for dear life. I tried to concentrate on breathing, and then the rest of Malachi came out. He cried. I cried and thanked GOD! Malachi was born less than an hour after arriving at the hospital. I pushed for about 30 minutes and delivered him without any kind of medication, epidural, or drugs.

     He was still attached to the umbilical cord and Lauren placed him on my chest. I held him and loved on this sweet tiny human while I delivered my placenta. Malachi was attached to the umbilical cord for about 15 minutes and then we tried breast feeding. Chris and I were able to “oooh” and “ahhh” over him for almost an hour before any of the routine procedures were done. Malachi's birth was one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had. It was intense, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. I learned so much about myself and the strength I possess. And saw God's hand in the whole process.

20 Weeks

Hello Everyone! I know its been way too long since my last post--like almost a year--how embarrassing!! It's no surprise that I am pregnant!! I have a friend who is also pregnant(with twins, YAY!!!) who blogs about her pregnancy and sweet babes just about every week and it made me want to blog about my experiences as well. I considered starting when I first found out I was pregnant, but soon figured out that I didn't have much to say. My pregnancy has not been very eventful, other than some crazy constipation at the beginning(yuck, I know), but I am now half way done baking this precious bun, so I think I have something to say now! :)

How far along?  20 weeks today! Half way through the pregnancy!

Total weight gain/loss?  4-5 pounds gained

Maternity clothes? I've bought 4 pairs of maternity pants and a couple dresses. My sweet sister-in-law and some other really nice friends also gave me some of their gently used maternity clothes. Other than that, I can still fit into several of my pre-pregnancy tops.

Stretch marks?  I have a few very very light ones on my hips near my butt, but they are hardly noticeable. They come with the territory. :/

Sleep?  Oh Lord, I am a tummy sleeper so this has been kind of difficult. It is definitely an adjustment learning to sleep on my side, but lots of pillows help.

Best moment this week? Confirming that we are having a BABY BOY!!!!

Movement?  Little guy has been making his presence known all week long and I love it! Such a neat feeling!

Food cravings? Chocolate Milk ALL. PREGNANCY. LONG. and earlier this week I came home with a package of hostess chocolate frosted donuts--weird! Chris was in shock because he knows I would normally never eat those! ha ha ha It was so strange!

Food Aversions? Any kind of Asian food.

Gender? BOY BOY BOY!!!!

Labor signs? N/A
.
Belly button in/out? Its still an innie, but its getting really hard, so I think its gonna poke out in the next few weeks. :)

What I miss: Layin' on my tummy, and an occasional margarita! ;)

What I am looking forward to:  Chris and I are pretty certain that we want to hire a doula and we have a lovely friend who IS a doula. We will be meeting with her very soon to discuss the details! I can't wait!!!

So that's my update for the week. Oh, and thebump.com says baby is the size of a banana? Random! lol At our appointment on Tuesday we found out that baby boy is 11 ounces! Yay for growing baby!

New Job

I have soo soo soo soo much that I need to blog about. First and foremost, all my prayer and diligence paid off: I got hired as a member service rep at Randolph Brooks!  Woop Woop!  As mentioned before, it is a lateral move as far as my job description, but it will be a part time position which I am super thrilled about! My last day at Wells Fargo is June 2nd, and I will start at RBFCU on June 4th. I need to blog about a recent "God encounter" and also my vacation, but I am packing now to leave to Baton Rouge tomorrow for hubby's bowling tournament tomorrow. Oh, also as a reminder to myself, I want to talk about the book I just finished reading--The Red Tent. Have any of ya'll read it? I loved every minute of the book. When I get back from BR, I have lots to discuss in detail, but for those of you who follow my blog regularly (thanks, BTW), I just wanted to give ya'll the most recent update about the job sitch. I hope everyone has a fabulous Memorial Day weekend!

Results

Keeping with the theme of my job situation, I must give an update. A few weeks ago my current manager called me into her office and gave me some bad news. She informed me that I was being written up for not meeting my goals for first quarter of 2012. I needed to meet three of five metrics at 100% and I met two at 94%. This was a tough blow for me. I have already been really distraught about not hearing back from potential employer, goals were raised by current employer, and I am just unhappy with the whole situation. There wasn't much I could do at the time. I signed my write up and proceeded to cry in the bathroom for the next few minutes. I hate failure and I really truly try to be excellent in everything I do. I have NEVER been written up before at any job I have ever had. This did, however, motivate me to apply for two additional positions elsewhere that day. 

I went on with my week praying, crying, and trying to not let my unhappiness show at work. Well, the week before last, I got a call back from potential employer for an interview! I was super ecstatic. I told the service manager at my branch--thinking I could trust her--and asked her not to say anything to my branch manager mentioned above. I told her that I would tell my branch manager the next day, and she specifically told me that she would not say anything. BIG SHOCKER: she told branch manager before I even had a chance to tell her. This really upset me. REALLY upset me. Imagine the awkward conversation branch manager and I had after that. Well, everything was resolved and I had my interview on Wednesday. I was not nervous at all during the interview. I felt really confident despite the interviewer's monotone voice and expressionless face. The interviewer called me the next day and offered me a position similar to my current one pretty close to the pay I was asking for. The offer was contingent on the results of a drug test I took on Friday. I am more than sure she will call me back tomorrow with my results and present me with a hard offer for said position. Tomorrow I may very well be giving my two week notice to current employer. 

I am so thankful, but a little ashamed of this stupid game I play with God when it comes to him "answering my prayers". I often feel like He isn't 'here' and feel like maybe I need to take care of myself in case he doesn't have time to listen to me and fulfill my needs. Its ridiculous--I know this--but I continue to do it to myself anyway. I hope to learn and grow from this and control my thoughts and reassure myself that He is more than capable to take care of me, my family, and all our needs.

Hope

Just thought I would give an update since my last blog: I did apply for three different positions at the competitor institution I mentioned earlier. I received an email about one of them saying that they hired someone else for that position. I have not been contacted for an interview for any of them yet, so I'm pretty sure they hired internally for that particular position. I'm not really worried though; I am more than qualified for the positions I applied for, in fact, I would be taking a step back in my career if I accepted any of these positions. Chris and I agreed that it was time for me to work only part time because we are wanting to spend more time together, simplify our schedules, and even wanting to start a family sometime this year. I am super pumped about all of this.

One thing I have failed to blog about lately is my baby fever. I have been ready to have kids for the past year or so. Its been an interesting ride. My emotions are all over the place. Sometimes my desire for a baby is soooo strong that it physically hurts...and then other times I am content with waiting. Chris and I agreed before we got married that we (I) would pay off my student loans before we had kids so that I would be able to stay home (or just work part time) when the little one arrives. Well, we are (I am) getting closer and closer to paying my loans off--in fact--I will pay them off in December of this year and my body is FULLY aware that baby-making time is drawing near. Chris and I have decided to start trying some time this summer and its all kinds of exciting, scary, and nerve-racking all at once. Its been difficult lately because I have several friends and even some family members who are pregnant or have recently had babies, and I am just soooo ready to be a mommy. I am very happy for the new additions in their lives but find it hard not to think selfishly about what I don't have. I am being real here, so please don't think badly of me. Chris and I have been talking through all of this, but sometimes I feel guilty for always bringing it up.  Its hard, ya know? All I can do is stay focused on the aspects of my life that I can control, and find joy and strength in the little things along the way.

One last thing, today is my former best friend's birthday. I didn't call her because I don't think I would know what to say to her if she answered, nor do I have the guts to call her. Her sweet son's birthday is in a couple days also, and I don't think I will be able to call him either. I did send each of them a birthday card a few days ago. I hope they receive them and I hope that it brings some joy into their lives.

J-O-B

Today was a day I had been dreading for the last couple weeks. I recently applied for a job at a competitor institution as a result of tough day at work. I mentioned in an earlier blog that I was(am) unhappy with some things at my current job. It seems that its easier for me to get frustrated lately because of those things. When this happens--in my head--I refer to myself as Negative Nancy. I know that I have it pretty good: I make good money, I have a decent schedule, I have benefits and so on. But I get so frustrated with the changes in policies, the constant increase in fees for my customers, and just plain greediness of this already-so-successful company. Annnnyway, today I spoke with my manager(who is awesome, by the way) about my plan. I told her about the application I submitted to the competitor institution, and it was no big deal. I had dreaded telling her, I had worried sooooo much about what the outcome would be, and she was totally cool about it. It gave me some peace knowing that she was even a little bit happy for me. I haven't heard from the competitor about my application yet, but I am not really worried about it. I feel like I did my part, now I am just waiting on God or fate or whatever you wanna call it, to take me to the next step.

Reflection

Life is so different now than it was a few years ago. In fact, life is so different now than it was one year ago. In December 2011, I got a new job and was excited about all my new responsibilities and the newness of my position. I was "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed" and ready for the challenges my new job had to offer me. Last year at this time, I didn't seem to be as busy as I am now. Chris didn't seem to be so busy either. I recall spending lots of time with him in the evenings after we both got off of work. Last year at this time, I also had a few close friends that I confided in and saw pretty often. Last year at this time, I had a best friend. I've had a lot to think about over the last several months. I enjoy the satisfaction I get from working hard and doing it better and more thoroughly than some other people that I know. I enjoy servicing my customers and truly trying to teach them and guide them in their financial lives. I enjoy when I receive a sweet little note from a customer that I helped who speaks very little English and the note simply says, "Thanks for help. Very grateful, Ralph". I enjoy and try to relish in these things amidst the greed and quotas and pressure of exceeding expectations the "higher ups" set for me.

Chris is juggling four jobs right now....not because we need to make ends meet, but because he--more than anyone I know--has a servant's heart. His love language is Acts of Service, and he shows his love in everything he does. He teaches Algebra and Geometry twice a week, he tutors in the afternoons, he owns a tee shirt business, and he is flipping a house to sell. I truly thank God for a hard working man, but sometimes I just want to spend time with my husband. I come home after a very long day of work, and Chris comes home after sometimes working three different jobs in a day, and all of our energy is spent. Then, on the weekends, we try to catch up on spending time with each other, trying to spend time with family, and seeing a couple friends when our schedules will allow...but this is ONLY if I don't work on Saturdays and he isn't working on his house, or tutoring. 

Lastly, I experienced a very hurtful end to a friendship last year in May that unfortunately has remained unresolved. My best friend of several years said some very mean things to me and really cut me to my core after months of giving me the silent treatment. I thank the Lord that he gave me so much peace in that situation and strength to stand my ground. He also taught me so much in the process that I blinded myself to and wasn't able to see until I took a step back(more like He shoved me back). I still have a lot of love for this person, but came to the conclusion that the best thing for me was to keep myself out of this friendship. 

So where does this leave me? 

Well, I feel like I am always working, but I try to focus on the good things that I do/can do for my customers to really benefit them. I am missing my hubby more than I'd like, but I really relish in the moments that I do get to spend with him. And lastly, I am earnestly praying that the Lord brings me a few really close (local) Christian women to be friends with. I'm longing for friendship that is uplifting, encouraging, and that will keep me accountable to my beliefs. Chris and I are not members of a specific church and I think this is why it is a little more challenging for me to connect to other Christian women. I want some females I can confide in, give and receive advice to/from, and just some gals to go to dinner with, have coffee with. 

These are just things in my life that I may not be 100% satisfied with, but I'm gonna work with what I've got and try to remain joyful in the midst of it.

Personal Therapy

I'm struggling with something right now. I do not want to go into detail because I just don't feel like this is something I need to share. I just need to really seek God in this situation. Who knows, it might just be a random thought that is having a hard time leaving my brain, but I know this is probably a weakness that Satan is taking advantage of. No worries, everyone, it is nothing to be too concerned with, but I just feel like I don't have anyone I can REALLY talk to about this particular situation at this point. I have been deep in thought lately and trying to pray about it, but I feel a little disconnected from God lately....well, to be honest, a lot disconnected from God. I know the saying "Draw close to Him and He'll draw close to you", but it doesn't seem to be "working". I think this is probably more connected to the struggle I mentioned earlier than I'd like to admit. I have already evaluated the aspects of my life involved and I know what the "right" thing to do is, but I guess I am a little shocked at my feelings in this situation. Again, I want to stress that I have not made any regretful decisions nor am I planning on making any in the future--I am just weighing my options. It is therapeutic for me to write--well, blog--about it. Thanks for listening.

Quite a Summer!

This has been quite an eventful summer! Our niece Katie came allll the way from California to stay with me and Chris for seven weeks! I don't think I was really prepared for what the experience held! We had a blast with Katie, but man, being a "parent" is a lot of work!! lol Katie is an angel (with a little bit of sass--what little girl isn't), so I can't imagine what it would have been like if she wasn't such a good obey-er! I found that I had about 30 minutes of me time in the evening before I passed out on the couch almost every night! ha ha ha. We took Katie to Sea World, to the Children's Museum, to Lake LBJ and much much more. It was sad to see her go a few weeks ago, but it was a little relieving knowing that my house and my husband and my little (selfish) world would be back to normal.

This summer, I also vowed to read more. I bought two books in June and have since read only one, but also acquired "Crazy Love" from a dear friend. I am very excited to start reading it. In November, I bought the book "The Shack" because I was intrigued by the reviews I read, but have since misplaced it. I'm sure it will turn up somewhere.
I also "vowed" to REALLY get back into shape! lol I have been working out at least three to four times a week; although, I think I will be doing more here pretty soon, and have been a little more conscious of my eating habits...this is a blah, blah, blah topic that I'm sure no one really wants to hear about.

It has also been time of reflection for a lot of relationships in my life. I have been able to spend some really valuable time with people in my life that I am so thankful for. Its so refreshing to me how God brings people into your life right at the moment you need them or when they need you. I have also had some time to talk with my brother. I love that guy so much and just wish he would really really cling to the people that really love him--God included. He is making some progress, but I know firsthand that this is an individual process and only he can decide when he is truly ready to make changes in his life. Its just so hard to sit back and be patient. Lastly, Chris and I are doing well. :) I knew I loved him when we were first dating, and then when we got married, but man, that seems sooooooo small compared to the love I have for him four years later. I guess that's a good sign that we are moving in the right direction. Don't get me wrong, we do get on each other's nerves from time to time. In fact, something that we have been working through is our finances. We aren't hurting financially in any way; its more that we have different views on what money should be spent on. For instance, Chris and a friend recently bought a house to rehab as a project and investment. The amount he paid for the house to begin with, and the amount he is investing to rehab the house would pay off the rest of my student loans almost three times!!!! I COMPLETELY understand the potential this house has to make Chris a lot of money, but I guess I get a little frustrated sometimes because I want to hurry up and pay these darn things off! ha ha ha. Its not even about having kids anymore--in fact, after the busy summer we had with Katie, I don't think we want kids for a little while. I just want to accomplish paying off these loans to cross one more thing off my list--and to free up $700 a month! ;)

Detox

I am really stressed right now. Things in my life and my little home are going very well, but I really let other people's circumstances stress me out. I don't have a filter for my heart which really affects me negatively. Chris is so good about listening to a problem or an issue, praying about it or giving advice and then moving on; I am not like that in the least. I let everything affect me. I guess that is why he was called to be a counselor and I am not. lol. I have a big heart for others and want to help, but then feel rude or incompassionate when I have to distance myself from them to detox from the stress that I carry. This probably makes me sound like an awful person, but oh well.

Violet, your turning violet, Violet....

I love summer because of what it does to the produce section at HEB. It doubles in size with all of my favorite fruits! Chris and I went to the grocery store a few days ago and I mentioned to him that I wanted to buy some blueberries. Chris doesn't really care for blueberries so I knew I would have to eat all of them(no big deal for me--I love all fruit). So since then, I have put blueberries in smoothies, salads, and pancakes, but still had some blueberries left, but no more recipes to use them in. I was at my mom's house on Saturday and was flipping through a magazine on her coffee table about fitness and healthy living, and came across a really interesting recipe that I would like to share. I tried it out this morning for breakfast and loved it!

Blueberry Slushy
3 green tea bags
1 cup blueberries
3 cups water
2 tbsp agave nectar (I used honey as a substitute)

Boil 2 cups water and then add tea bags to boiling water.
Let steep for 5 minutes.
Divide one cup of blueberries between compartments of an ice cube tray.
Cover with tea and freeze.
Puree in a blender with remaining tea(1 1/2 cup), half cup of water, and 2 tbsp agave nectar(or honey).
Serve garnished with berries.

This was a simple and healthy breakfast slushy with natural energy qualities.



Enjoy.

Happy Fourth!

Today is July fourth and I am 'patiently' waiting to get this show on the road. My favorite uncle lives in Boerne, TX and is having a bbq today that started a couple hours ago and Chris is just dragging his feet. Its not that he doesn't want to go--he has mentioned his interest in going a few times--he just keeps finding things to do around the house... ie: mafia wars(nerd), fixing the toilets in the house, laundry, snack breaks, etc... I am just ready to get out to Boerne and have some fantastic bbq and watermelon! ha ha ha. In other news, Nikki and I recently took a little road trip to Dallas to visit a friend of mine who is VERY pregnant and was having a baby shower. We had a really good time, and to my surprise Nikki and I even got closer on this trip. I didn't think that was possible considering how close we are already, but we still learn new things about each other. I imagine that is a good thing! lol The drives up there and back were so pleasant and really fun! The stay in the hotel was even better. We went out our last night in town and just made that trip soooo fun! I am so thankful to have an amazing friend. Oooookay, that's enough mush for now! lol I am gonna see if I can entice this silly hubby of mine to get a move on! Hope everyone has a great 4th!

On a positive note...

I really need to blog more often. It is so therapeutic. Writing is my passion and I've just let it get lost in all the life that's been going on. Today was a better day than yesterday. I confronted one of the things that has been bothering me---but instead of jumping into it and turning into a crazy diva about it (like I would normally do), I approached it gently and with lots of prayer under my belt. God is so good. He really is my Abba. As soon as I addressed it, He responded back with MORE gentleness than I could ever imagine. I am still not ready to share this because of the sensitivity that I feel when I talk about it, but God knows my heart and blessed me with a very understanding and loving husband who sometimes treats me better than I think I deserve. I guess just taking life day by day is really the best way to do things.

....

I have been a little distraught lately. I think sometimes I let my thoughts get the best of me. I am not ready to talk about this yet, but would appreciate prayers. Its probably just me over-analyzing things, but none-the-less it is affecting me. I guess I just need reassurance from God and Chris, but until I find that, I will be continue praying.

Work out

I recently got a membership at bally total fitness and am suuuuuper psyched to start working out consistently! My coworker bryan and I are going to be work out buddies and are going to work out everyday before work. Tomorrow is our first day and I can't wait! More updates soon! Wish me luck!

Six Word Saturday

From "The One-Minute Writer"--Describe your life in six words:

Day off, enjoying my alone time.



Have a great Saturday.

Little Changes

This weekend has been a fun one. Whenever I have the opportunity to buy stuff to decorate the house, I take advantage of it. I received a hefty payout for my sales performance last quarter at work, so Chris and I talked about using a portion of that to buy bedding and decor for our guest bedroom. As you can imagine, I was thrilled to be able to do this. I have been wanting to decorate that room since we moved in, but decorating the rest of the house took priority over the guest bedroom. On Saturday, I went shopping with my dear friend Sharai (who also found some great finds for her new house). I ended up getting a sweet quilt that was brown, cream, and red, some delicious red sheets to match, chocolate brown curtains, and a few wall hangings for the guest room. The only drawback was that I accidentally bought the twin-sized quilt, and when I went back today to return it, they didn't have the full-sized one. I thought I could just order it online, but no luck there either. So my search continues for a comforter (I would love a quilt) that is red and brown to tie the whole room together. Next on my list is paint. :)

Take a look at my cute finds so far.

Chocolate Curtains


Darling Wall Hangings




Lastly, for our wedding, a close friend of the family gave me and Chris a dresser, mirror, and chest of drawers for our master bedroom. It was a huge blessing at the time because we couldn't fathom paying for our wedding, our new house, and everything to make our house a home along with new bedroom furniture. So we have used that furniture in our master since we've gotten married. When I came home from my successful shopping day, I was showing Chris all the great stuff I found and was asking him if he thought I should buy some basic furniture for the guest room. He told me that he thought it was a good idea for us to move the furniture we have into the guest room, and buy brand new furniture for our master. I am super thrilled about that. I love that we have been able to decorate our house little by little. Anyway, that is what is going on right now. I will definitely keep ya'll updated on our guest bedroom.

Potato Soup

Today a cold front came in. It was humid all day long until about 4:30. On my way home, the temperature dropped about 15 degrees! When I got home around 6:00pm, Chris had every window open in our whole house. He loves cold weather and celebrates it! lol In honor of the cold weather, I decided to make potato soup. I haven't made it since our first summer together (which was cool enough to make it, because it rained everyday that summer. It was such a romantic summer, and perfect for us to learn each other...but that is another story ;)). Anyway, I found a great recipe, and it was delish!

1-1/2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
Approximately 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced in thin chunks
2 to 2-1/2 cups water
2 cups milk
Extra butter and freshly ground pepper

1) In a 3-quart pot, stew the onion in butter until soft. Don't brown it, just let it soften while you peel and slice the potatoes.

2) Add the salt, potatoes, and water to barely cover the potatoes. Let the soup simmer until the potatoes are just about done, 15 or 20 minutes.

3) Stir in the milk and simmer until the potatoes are really tender, another 15 minutes or so. (Don't' worry about breaking the potatoes as you stir. In fact you want them to break so they dissolve and thicken the soup.)

4) Season with salt and ladle into bowls.

***I also seasoned with garlic and freshly ground black pepper. I topped with (real) bacon crumbles and sprinkled some shredded cheese on top. My hubby also included a dollop of sour cream.

I

Lazy fun weekend.

I have had such a blissful weekend. I was blessed to have the day off on Saturday and did lots of fun things! Saturday morning, I woke up early and Mom, Mariah, and I went to get our hair cuts. I love the girl who does my hair--she is amazing--and I wanted to give Mom and Mariah an opportunity for her to cut their hair. So we all got our hair cut and we all LOVE our new dos. After that, we all stopped at Starbucks for some yummy fall lattes. Mom and I had pumpkin spice lattes (with soy milk), while Mariah had a white chocolate mocha something. After getting our drinks, we moseyed around a nearby Bath and Body Works. We had such a pleasant morning together and it made me realize that we need to start spending time like that more often.

After my special morning, I went back home and relaxed. I won't lie, I am a really chill person and I love laying around the house. This weekend was really rainy and chilly, so it gave me an excuse to cuddle up on the sofa and watch tv. Chris got home a little later that afternoon, and we decided that we wanted Subway for dinner. So we picked up our sandwiches and went home for our scary movie-a-thon....which ended up being two movies...really one and a half for me! ;)

Oh...on a side note, Chris and I went to the movies on Friday night and saw 'Couples Retreat'. It was freakin' hilarious!!!! We laughed the whole time! Now Chris will randomly walk by me and slap my bum and say "Encouragement". HAHAHAHA Go watch it! Its great!

So to top this weekend off, Chris and I went to church this morning and it was great! We love the church we are currently going to and are really blessed to be a part of it in this chapter of our lives. We don't know what God has for us in our future, but we are really trying to seek him and let him guide us....and right now, we feel like we are in the right place.

Tall Glass of Water

I think I mentioned in an earlier blog that Chris and I are trying to make a lifestyle change and become more health-conscious. Well, we are on week 2 and going strong. I have found that I can still enjoy the foods I love but in moderation and through the process of elimination. Chris and I ate at a burger joint this weekend and we substituted the burgers for grilled chicken sandwiches and shared fries. I know that's not a complete 180 but it is definitely better than us both eating cheeseburgers and fries of our own. We have also been drinking what seems like 46 gallons of water a day!! It's fantastic; this morning I poured myself a glass of apple juice and after the first sip, I decided that I'd trade my super-sweet (but 100%) juice in for a tall glass of water!

Tonight Chris prepared dinner (a salad, baked chicken, broccoli, and corn), we did yard work, and then went for a suuuuuper long walk. One bonus to this lifestyle change is that we spend sooooo much more quality time together. I am loving it!!! We are able to talk to each other and just spend time with each other without any distractions.

Now I am off to shower! I am all sweaty from our [brisk] walk.

Ta Ta!