Friday's Letters

Dear Husband thank you for being the best provider, friend, and partner I could've ever hoped for.  And thank you for being such a fantastic father you melt my heart when I see you loving on our little.  Dear Army friend I love you dearly and I know you mean the world to my husband, you two have missed each other a lot in the last year.  I am so glad you're coming down to see him, I am not super pleased with the fact that we'll be having company on my first mother's day but I appreciate you calling first and you know and I know that there was no real way I was gonna be able to say no.  So I hope you come down and make my husband super happy he deserves it *and please do not get super drunk I have one baby to take care of I do not need two more big ones added to that equation thank you very much* so HOOAH to you two and I hope you make it and it's an awesome weekend.  Dear Baby Abigail you will be 3months old on Sunday which is also Mother's day and I cannot wait you're growing so much and it's totally a love/hate thing for me.  I hope we can make it a special day for you filled with lots of cuddles and probably way to many photos.  Also please do not get this horrible sickness that we have all had except for you and daddy.  Dear Stomach sickness do not get my baby sick.  Seriously, we have been praying our butts off, washing our hands, bleaching everything, and doing everything else we can think of so seriously leave her and husband alone and I will forgive you for infecting me the past few days and making me unable to hold my little love.  Dear Life you have been kicking us in the stomach pretty good lately.  You know all the soft spots don't you?  And you also know when and why we can't fight back.  But don't worry God has got this so we're not gonna let you win.  So BAM.  Dear God thank you for helping me through everything the last couple weeks, you know our struggles, fears, worries, and choices.  You know what we can handle and what we can't.  Thank you for helping to grow in you.  Please keep protecting my little girl and her health, Amen.

Wonder-Woman I am not!

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We're still trying to get the little miss on a schedule, taxes need to get done, we're dealing with insurance issues, an upcoming cardiologist appointment, trying to find Easter clothes somewhere in our shrinking budget, husband possibly leaving for training for an undisclosed amount of time *at least a month for sure though* , praying that his current job will still be there for him when he gets back, and of course we are still living with my parents ... that's a lot of stress for the months of March & April.  And through it all I find myself getting more and more edgy, I get irritated far easier, my nerves feel completely raw, and I find myself slipping into the 'why me' trap *you know the one that once you fall in it seems almost impossible to get out of* and it's usually at the worst of times to; when the baby won't sleep and is being particularly fussy around 2:37am and my husband is snoring soundly next to me, or when I'm trying to figure out how to use turbo tax and feed the baby when the computer goes dead.  You would think these situations would just propel me towards the Lord more than ever before...but no I keep trying to handle it all on my own, I keep trying how to be wonder-woman with a 5wk old and a husband who starts at 4:30am and doesn't finish until 6pm all while sharing a kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room with not only 4 other people but with another woman *you know that saying to many cooks..? yeah.* and for some reason I can't get it through my head that wonder-woman isn't real.  She's a made up comic book character, an unattainable idea, yeah she can do it all and probably eat unlimited amounts of pasta without ever getting fat..she's great but I won't ever be able to be her and trying to is only going to frustrate me and my situation 100xs more than it already is. 

 *the Lord sent some quotes, and inspirations my way this week and I'm going to share them here with this post!*

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Be still.  Why can I not seem to do that?  I feel like there are just 500 things that always need to be done.  And because of that when I get a spare minute what do I do?  I go and veg out on the computer and drink coffee.  Do I go and open my bible and talk with the Lord?  Do I refresh my soul with his words of comfort and love?  Nope...I go on facebook.  Why do I do that?!  If anything facebook or even other blogs make things worse!  I find myself comparing my situations with those that I see or read about.  That isn't healthy or helpful, I get resentful and envious.  I cannot compare my situation to someone else.  Everyone has their own problems and their own blessings.  Does anyone else ever do that though?  Get caught in the comparison trap?

 

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It's hard feeling so stuck all the time.  I definitely do not want to feel like that but really it's my own fault.  It's my fault for choosing other things over spending time with the Lord it's as simple as that.  I need to have time set aside everyday whether it's in the early morning, or late at night...whenever.  I just need to be able to have 10 minutes for prayer and scripture.  To refresh my spirit!  That is so important, especially now that I have a little one and it feels like there are so many more stresses, worries, and problems than ever before.  In the good times and bad, and especially when I feel like I don't have time that's when I need to just sit down and let his grace wash over me.  I need to remember he has a plan for me and for my family.  These difficult times won't last forever.  But even in these hard times I need to thank him and praise him.  I need to keep in mind that none of what is happening is a surprise to him.  My life isn't just randomly going along, there is a point to it all.  If that point is to teach me something or help me to grow as a person I don't know but I don't need to know that, I just need to have faith.

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Friday's Letters

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Dear Organizher I fell in love with your stuff in this months issue of Better Homes and Gardens Storage magazine, especially the organizers for mail *pictured above aren't they to cute?!* !  I was so excited to purchase you...then I found out you are sold exclusively at target stores not online...so I have to drive an hour sometimes next week now to go get you.  That doesn't make me happy.  I'm 9 months pregnant so weird stuff like that is totally allowed to throw me off so completely.   

*My mommy on the left, obviously me in the middle, and my aunt Diana on the right at my baby shower*

Dear Pregnant body we've done super good not gaining a ton of weight this pregnancy haven't gained 25lbs yet!  And we only have 2 weeks and 2 days left till her due date!  I'd also like to thank you for not getting puffy until after my huge baby shower *is 65 people to much?  Not when it's all family except for 4 people* I don't like being puffy but I feel that you've now earned it.  So whatever go for it *but I am watching my salt intake like a maniac*

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Dear Burt's Bees I've always loved your products and I even have some of your baby stuff then I found out you now sell/make baby clothes and I couldn't be more thrilled because they are so adorable *but seriously also sold at Target what is with me and Target lately? I've always been such a walmart girl!* !  Even though we're 99% sure we're having a girl I couldn't help but get a couple of your gender neutral things I love yellow, cream, and gray anyway so I have no probs putting my baby in them!  Though I did give in and get one girly outfit...how do you say no to that? ... ♥

*husband resting comfortably and feeling the baby move a few weeks ago...not even knowing the crazy puffy hormonal wife was riiight around the corner*

Dear Husband I know I am starting to nest and it's your first week back at work...life is just not fair for you.  Please remember that I love you and the crazy will be over soon!

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Dear Pinterest you are seriously the root of my problem I know think everything has to be ridiculously organized and cute unfortunately it can sometimes be quite expensive to reach that happy medium.  What the heck.  Stop it.  I mean that.

*just the outside of our house at Christmas time back before it made me want to poke my eye out with a stick*

Dear Home you are bothering me so much it's ridiculous, I want you organized, clean, pretty, yeah OK so that's basically everything you are not right now.  I find myself really struggling to make sure everything I'm getting is cute and homey and pretty as well as functional *the functional aspect is kinda bringing me down not gonna lie it would be so much easier if I just had to worry about you being cute!* but I'm going to keep trying and hopefully with dad and husband working on some projects for me this weekend I can get you all straightened out Before the little one makes his/her appearance *because the closer the due date gets I'm realizing it is very possible Abby could be an Andrew* so this weekend is going to be full of balancing and figuring out money and trying to get everything we need to have for when the baby comes home, my hospital bag *oh my goodness I am that person that has not packed it yet!* and what we need to fix up the house a bit.

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Dear Money please multiple...and I mean like rabbits!  Seriously we could use more of you at this particular point.  Of course some money we do have coming in his horrendously late so that is irritating and frustrating and a bit of everything negative and blah.  But I'm doing a fabulous job of not freaking out!...In my somewhat humble opinion anyway.

Falalalala Friday!

 

Linking up with Jessica over at Fantastically Average this lovely and freezing Friday!

So this amazing song is from the late 90's but I'm just now stumbling upon it!  It's called Christmas cookies by George Strait.  My husband heard it once and is now pretty much constantly belting it out and he tries to wink at me while he's singing it's embarrassing to watch really but still so cute lol he loves it because I am Always making Christmas cookies I do actually make them year round I can't really help it...anyway enjoy this most awesome song!

 

 

Questions for Christmas

linking up with the fabulous Jane today for a Christmas type post to hopefully make me a little more Jolly than I have been as of late!

When do you start decorating for Christmas? usually on my birthday *Dec. 8th* we get the tree and that's usually it for mom's house.  This year we're getting the tree almost a week later but mom's house is pretty much decorated in every room and has been since the week after Thanksgiving *I couldn't help myself it's the first year husband is experiencing Christmas with us* and my house will be decorated sometimes this week when I'm feeling better!

Christmas attire, casual or dressy? Definitely Dressy!  I mean it's Christmas!  If there is ever a time to pull out a faux fur collar and put sparkles on everything it's the 25th of December!

Best gift you ever received? OOOOH!  This is super hard...I'm going to say either my wedding ring *we were married on December 24th* or a phone call from my husband in Afghanistan on Christmas wayyy early in the AM *as usual* and just knowing he was safe.

Worst gift you ever received? Well it was actually the same Christmas I got the call from my husband, I had helped my Grandma get gifts for my cousins and she totally forgot about me because she was used to getting us all our stuff at once...so she got me a pack of crappy pens LOL.

Snow, love or hate?  LOVE but that's probably because it doesn't snow where I live or at least not usually so it's still fun and different to me but if it was all the time I think I'd get tired of it.

Favorite Christmas song? Least favorite? My favorite would be Burl Ives singing 'Silver and Gold' my least favorite would be any song on my husband's 'redneck christmas' CD

Best Christmas movie? Worst? ooooh the best would be A White Christmas the worst would be the forgotten toys...just because it was so sad!

Christmas tree, real or fake? always real!

Do you have a favorite ornament? I have a couple actually they're glass and an odd shape and they're red and white striped like a candy cane with a little glitter sprinkled on them!

Family traditions? we always get PJs for christmas eve, my Grandma does a cheap and tacky grab bag on Christmas day and she thinks it's the greatest lol we kids like to have a contest to see who can pick the worst stuff, and my dad gets his family weird dollar store presents for Christmas day there's like 20 of us and we either get silly strong or those glasses with the fake noses and mustaches and then take a pic!

The easiest and hardest people to buy gifts for? Husband is the hardest and my mother is the easiest!

Do you open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas? usually only PJ's from the parents then presents from my mom's parents on Christmas eve, everything else Christmas day!

Clear or colored lights? our tree now is always colored someday I think we'll try clear, if we do any outside lights though they're always clear!

Travel or stay home? the farthest we travel *and I ever want to* is 10miles to my grandparent's so I guess you could say stay home lol!  Actually this year it's all at our house so we are staying home!

Themed or homey decorations? Mom's house is always homey, I decorate Grandma's house in a theme *red* , and our house this year is a theme *silver and gold* I think it'll always depend on the year!

Friday's Letters

Dear Husband, I am trying to get everything ready for you before you get home so you can have a smooth 3 hour car ride down to your reserve duty after a 9 hour work day.  I feel so bad for you but I'm glad you're coming home to take a nap, eat, and really just to get babied a little bit before you go.  I always miss you so much when you're gone!  And I usually end up sleeping inside which isn't to fun.  I'm going to miss you love.  Dear ft. Lester, you will be getting decorated this weekend it's been driving me nuts waiting to make you all pretty and festive but I had to make sure I had something to look forward to on my birthday!  Dear Christmas play, I cannot wait for you to be over and you were put together a little haphazardly this year so I hope the 200-300 kids we normally get don't notice anything is amiss.  Dear Weather, you are cloudy and foggy and misty, but you aren't cold or rainy I do not like muggy 60 degree days with no sun.  Dear Abby please start moving when daddy touches my belly you little trickster you like to stop as soon as anyone does and the moment they remove their hand you are at it again!

falalalala Friday!

I love Christmas music, but really who doesn't?  I don't know I can't think of anyone.  For me Christmas music starts being played in November and my poor husband had to keep me from playing it in August, September, and October apparently that was just to early even for me.  We are well into December now though so I can go crazy with it!  Here is one of my favorite Christmas songs!

Silver and Gold by Burl Ives, I LOVE it!  Rudolph isn't my favorite cartoon but this song just makes me smile whenever I hear it!  And the fact that it's Burl Ives beautiful voice singing it doesn't hurt either.

Have a happy Friday!

It's Ok

   

It's Ok that I am still apparently incapable of finding a sleep schedule that works for myself, husband, and the little girl currently kicking me in the ribs.  We will get it eventually.
 
It's ok that I'm thinking of making the guys eat leftovers tonight for dinner because well...I honestly don't feel like cooking...and I think we're out of chicken anyway.
 
It's ok that plans for my birthday are kind of crumbling down around me, it's only one day of my life...really...hmm...maybe mommy will surprise me with something fun and awesome?
 
It's ok that I still have not unloaded the wal-mart bags from my last TWO shopping trips that happened about 3 weeks ago.
 
It's ok that currently at 30 1/2 weeks into this pregnancy making the bed is becoming almost impossible, so it's just kind of like a big comfy nest right now but hey that fun right?
 
It's ok that the cookies I made last night required an entire cube of butter...they were amazing.
 
It's ok that husband is going to be gone all weekend, because I have a crap load of work to catch up on, and Christmas cartoons to go with it.
 
It's ok that grandpa is in the hospital again, because they're now going to correct this problem so it doesn't happen again.     

oh how Pinteresting

This is my first time linking up with Michelle for 'oh, how Pinteresting' and I'm super excited!

So these are some amazing pins I've pinned and have been seeing all over the place!  I actually hope to do some of these this week/weekend so we'll see!

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I absolutely love this 'wooden tree' I can't afford to buy one but maybe I could make something similar?  Now that our family is starting to grow I want to make sure we have the Lord in our Christmas and not just sparkly things gifts.  If I can talk my husband into cutting some wood for me when he gets home I may work on this tomorrow even!

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This will hopefully be our Christmas center piece this year!  I really love this and I even have an old wooden box that would work I think!  It's a bit lighter but beggars can't be choosers!  Or I may have a father or husband help make a little box for me.  We will see! 

  

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 And then there are these adorable little cork trees!  I have a ton of cork and I think I'll try and make a few of them, maybe 3 for my house and 1 or 2 for mom's! ...If the first one even works out right for me lol though I don't think I'll be painting or adding ribbon I kind of like the natural look of it.

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I really love these pretty cone trees!  I made one and wasn't crazy about it but I'm going to keep playing around with it!

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I think 1 of these would look really nice on our bench on our porch!

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Now when I first saw this on Lemonade Makin' Mama's blog I LOVED it and it looked super easy it's still beautiful but I'm thinking of going a more traditional route, but in any case there will be a wreath!

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I love these flowers, the real ones and these cute little ones above.  They are one of my favorite parts of Christmas!  Now the tutorial said Easy I'm hoping that's true because I'd like to make a few to sprinkle around the house or even put on some gifts!  Wish me luck!

5 for Five

Linking up with Jessica today for 5 for Five!


Last week's List

1. Get all Thank you cards written and addressed *hopefully mailed but they may be a tad to ambitious we'll see*  
2. Keep on top of the house *doesn't have to sparkle but lets see if I can make sure it's walkable at all times* 
3. Stay current with my daily devotions every day this week *and on December 1st start reading Luke* 
4. Get 3 things marked off the True Story of Christmas to-do list
5. Write a Christmas-y blog post w/pics 

Well I did pretty good, keeping the house clean was not the easiest with all the nasty weather we've been having and me just being plain tired and exhausted.  30 weeks of pregnancy is not being very kind to me.  Number 3 I actually did ok but I missed two days and totally forgot to start reading Luke.  And number 1 I'm not sure how to feel I got them all written and almost all addressed except for 6 but that's because they didn't attend so we didn't get their addresses *can I blame it on them?* but in the sense of being honest it's technically a fail lol.

 

 

This Week's List 

1. Keep up on my devotions *this is just to important to me to stop putting it on my list*
2. Have a happy birthday *with husband not being home and being without a car it could take some doing*
3. Get the house decorated for Christmas *that means get those pumpkins off the porch*
4. Walk 3xs *it is so much harder than it sounds*
5. Try and work on my paper to-do list *there are so many things on there and it doesn't matter what really just some if it needs to get cut down the paper itself is actually making me nervous* 
   

5 for Five

Linking up with Jessica this so-so Monday for 5 for Five!


I didn't do a link up last week and I don't think I did before *and sadly I'm to lazy today to go and check* so I'm just going to be sharing my list for this week!

1. Get all Thank you cards written and addressed *hopefully mailed but they may be a tad to ambitious we'll see*  
2. Keep on top of the house *doesn't have to sparkle but lets see if I can make sure it's walkable at all times* 
3. Stay current with my daily devotions every day this week *and on December 1st start reading Luke* 
4. Get 3 things marked off the True Story of Christmas to-do list
5. Write a Christmas-y blog post w/pics 

 

 
Not a whole lot, not a crazy impressive list really.  But lately for me just doing normal things is becoming extremely difficult so I'll just see how I do with this.  Hoping I get lots of green and not a lot of red!

Friday's Letters

Dear Thanksgiving you were fabulous this year, I thoroughly enjoyed you.  Especially since it was Husband's first Thanksgiving with us in our 3 year marriage.   You were one of the best we've had.  Dear Ham & Beans I'm so glad we had the left over ham bone and I made the choice to run to the store to get the beans you are now mixing with butter, bacon grease, onion, and garlic you will cook all day and continue to smell delicious and just make me feel warm and cozy.  Dear Weather thank you for being chilly today.  Seriously, awesome.  Dear Husband I was super excited to get a 4 day weekend with you since you've been working *praise the Lord* I've missed you so much!  But I am super proud of you for volunteering to work today.  Dear Pumpkin Cookies I'm going to put cream cheese frosting on you and maybe some cinnamon and then let everyone enjoy!  Dear Fall/Autumn Decorations I cannot  decide if I should put you away today...I am so very tempted.  I may not pull out Christmas stuff but I'd really like to...well see how the day goes.  Dear Grandpa I am so happy you got to eat some broth today and the tube came out!  You're getting better every day :D  Dear Camera/New tripod this was kind of a last minute thing taking a family picture, the lighting was bad, I hadn't even taken Tripod out of his box yet *yeah it's a he*, everyone had just eaten and we weren't looking out best I only snapped two pictures but I'm really happy with how they turned out...good job camera and tripod :)

Linking up with adventures of newlyweds for Friday's letters!

Friday's Letters

today I'm linking up with Ashley at Adventures of Newlyweds for Friday's Letters!

Dear Grandpa I'm so glad you're doing better!  They're just checking a couple more things and tomorrow if things are looking the same you'll be coming home soon and without surgery!  Dear Husband I love you working, you are SO happy.  It's really awesome.  I totally miss you, but it's amazing seeing you like this.  Love it.  Dear Blackwell family thank you for hiring my husband.  Words cannot express how grateful and thankful we are.  Dear Daddy I've had lots of hanging just having some one on one time with you the last few days.  Even when your hip hurts and my feet are swollen, I will forever be daddy's girl.  Dear Boppy Pregnancy Pillow I am sorry for not ordering you earlier and ever doubting your effectiveness you have changed my life for the better...please forgive me and never ever leave me, if we have to we can kick husband out.  Dear Thanksgiving you are creeping up on us and you need to stop and not be here for a couple more days...please...seriously...please.  Dear Pregnancy yay for not gaining to much weight and measuring where you should we're doing good!  I didn't like the flu shot but that's ok it's for the baby...though I am a little nervous about the whooping cough one I heard it hurts!  Dear God Thank you for providing work for my husband in the most unlikely of places, thank you for holding our family together, keeping your angels around my grandfather, and for all the new little lives you are blessing our family with.

5 for Five

1. Start winterizing our house *the list is so long and now that the water line is all taken care of we finally have time!* 
2. Finish up Thanksgiving planning *I don't cook thank goodness I mostly decorate and make sure nobody forgets anything*
3. Get all baby Thank you cards written *I hope my bad handwriting and I make it through this* 
4. Get at least 3 things marked off my TSOC list *I want it to be as easy as possible in Dec.*
5. Plan our Christmas dinner *first time we're having a Christmas dinner so this is exciting*

Friday's Letters

Dear Husband you're away doing Army things until Sunday night and you left yesterday, I must admit to feeling a little bit *a lot* lost without you here or just knowing I won't get to put my cold feet on you every night...it makes me sad!  But I'm hoping to get lots of stuff done while you're gone so that'll keep me busy.  Dear Church Baby Shower you are next Saturday and I'm starting to get sick, sore throat and everything.  This is not good.  I really want to go and have a good time at this first baby shower!  Dear Tractor I really hope your seat drys out before I have to go drive you and haul wood with you today.  Dear  Christmas stuff I'm trying not to go crazy and buy a bunch of your amazing sparkly goodness this weekend in fact I'm going to make a list of what we Need not just what I want.  Dear Grandma you don't know it but as soon as December hits and you and Grandpa go somewhere for the day Mom and I will be Shanghaiing your living room and putting up your tree, I know it stresses you out Thinking about putting it up but as soon as it's up you thank us.  Dear Fall I'm really really enjoying you this year.  It's been so much fun especially with husband here.

today I'm linking up with Ashley at Adventures of Newlyweds for Friday's Letters!

5 for Five

Linking up again with Fantastically Average on this blaaaah monday ;) for another round of 5 for Five!

So lets see how I did on my goals *if I completed it it'll be in Purple and if it was a big fat fail it'll be in Green*

1. Wear human clothes *not yoga pants or sweats* and makeup at least 4 days this week.
2. Blog at least 3 times this week. *inspirational, freebie, and share a recipe*
3. Keep up on the house *if I can't deep clean at least halfway decent will suffice*
4. Keep up with my daily *or what should be my daily* spiritual routine
5.Finish a craft or a project for the house *and blog about it*

Well, I wore clothes and makeup and it was great!  It felt good and I think it's starting to become a habit!  And I think my husband was most appreciative lol!  I gave myself a half complete on number 2 I blogged quite a bit and did everything I wanted to except finish up the inspirational post it's drafted I just don't feel like it's finished yet.  Kept up on the house pretty good, it was also nice and kept my mind nice and organized as well!  I finished a beautiful wreath for our front door and I loved  it you can see it here!  I ended up missing a couple days on my daily devotions so that's going to be on this week's list for sure.  All in all though I did WAY better than last week and it felt really good!

1. Keep up with my daily devotions, blessings list, and prayers!  No matter what, no exceptions.

2. Give myself a long over due mani-pedi *i keep putting it off because it's 'not important' but really it makes me feel so much better*

3. Start working on my Grandma's Christmas present *getting a photo of my Grandpa in her favorite magazine* 

4. Exercise at least 5 days of the week

5. Start a project *any project just be productive Marie* while husband is at reserve duty

5 for Five

linking up with Fantastically Average again!

Here is my list from last week's 5 for Five link up

1. Continue to do and complete my daily spiritual routine *daily prayer list, devotions, and blessings list*
2. Get ALL the laundry done *that includes being folded and put away nicely, not just clean in the hamper Marie*
3.  Blog 3 times this week *1 inspirational, 1 link up, and 1 freebie w/photos*
4. Start on my book to-do list 
5. Deep clean the house every day *dusting, floor cleaning, Everything*  

I failed on 1,2,5, and I did ok on number 3.

Lol I'm pretty disapointed in myself I guess I underestimated what having a doctor appointment, being sick, and having to go grocery shopping 2 days in a row would do to my pregnant self.  It was hot and ankles were swollen!  It was miserable lol though that's not an excuse, just gotta keep plugging away at it this week though LOL!  Still love the idea of this link-up and I think it's so great!

so my list for this week

1. Wear human clothes *not yoga pants or sweats* and makeup at least 4 days this week.
2. Blog at least 3 times this week. *inspirational, freebie, and share a recipe*
3. Keep up on the house *if I can't deep clean at least halfway decent will suffice*
4. Keep up with my daily *or what should be my daily* spiritual routine
5.Finish a craft or a project for the house *and blog about it*