Its been a minute

So, to completely understand my plans for today you need a little back story on this past week...

These past few days have been a bit crazy for me! While most people were ending their work week, mine was just starting. I worked Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. For a girl who hasn't worked in a long time, this schedule wore. me. out. (which may be why I havent written in almost a week) !!! I work in a cafe (one I'm sure a lot of you know of - I'm not saying the name because thats how people get in triouble!!) and I am on my feet the entire time!! Saturday and Sunday that was 8 hours each (I'm rounding up) of feet to floor time with one of those days an entire college swim team coming in for food! Needless to say, I am a wee bit achy!

Now for my plans for my day off... the house is a mess. Dishes and laundry need to be done. Vacuuming and probably mopping could be useful. And the master bathroom could use a scrub down...But.. Thats all going to wait until tomorrow! Because this mama is going to play with her lil man and relax the entire day!! The only chore I will do is grocery shopping because I want to make a yummy home cooked meal tonight (which due to pregnancy and work hasn't been happening much)!

Enjoy your day and loved ones, and relax a little if you can! Days are short so you might as well enjoy some of them!!   

there's nothing like a boy and his dogs

The last two days have been way too pretty to be stuck inside all day. So, while I started on dishes and straightening some stuff, I opened some windows, along with our back door, and turned on some music. When I had finished up loading the dishwasher, I peeked at my boy outside and found him in his own world with a dump truck, some hot wheels, and his dogs!!

PS. ignore my dirty back doors and weeds! the weather has been too gross lately to clean up outside :)

~~~Enjoy your day and your loved ones~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

smile, its contagious

     Its that time of year again. Yup, the one where people give up chocolate, soda, or some other vice for 40 days, but rarely pay attention to the reason why they are giving it up. I admit, I was one such person for the longest time. It wasn't until having a child that I became more spiritual. After years of trying to give up sweets, failing miserably, and learning nothing from it, I decided to change things up a bit.

     Last year, I didnt give up anything. Instead, I focused on helping myself grow as an individual, a mother, a wife, and all around, a better human being. I started exercising, played with my little one more often, and spent extra time learning my religion and praying. I grew so much by focusing on myself. I found a little piece of me, a piece that had been missing for quite some time. I found my spirituality.

     So this year, I plan on doing a bit more of the same. I will strive to make healthier decisions and get plenty of sleep. I will tidy up the house a bit more often, and I will once again work on my own, growing spirituality. In doing all this, I will hopefully become a happier person.

And in a weird way, by being a bit selfish, focusing on my own growth, I can help the few people I interact with. Because happy people smile, giving a gift bigger than most realize. A smile gives hope, shows kindness, and reminds people to stop taking things for granted, for there are bigger, better things out there just waiting to be found.

If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give. --Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsc

On a Mission!!

     Lately, I just haven't wanted to cook dinner. Can you really blame me, I'm pregnant so my eating habits are all out of whack and I'm usually working by the time dinner time roles around. I would have to start dinner around 3:30 so we could eat before I left for work at 4:30... yeah I don't see that happening much. Then on my days off, when I really should make a nice home cooked meal for my family, all I want to do is be a bum in my pjs, read my favorite blogs and watch shows on Netflix.
My favorite right now is Merlin. I know cheesy, and nerdy but also British and awesome - I am on a British television kick and I blame Doctor Who and the adorable David Tennant!!




photo: BBC

Oh how I miss the tenth Doctor....sigh..

Oh sorry, where was I? Oh yes food and not wanting to make it...

While I am in this cooking drought, I figured I would put it to good use! I am now determined to find great, local, hole in the wall restaurants! So far hubby and I have found a couple of really scrumptious places!!

A couple weeks ago, Hubby introduced me to this amazing and OH SO tasty catfish place called Casey's Cajun Fried Catfish. Oh MY Goodness!! It was so yummy!!!! I got the catfish with coleslaw and greens and let me tell you I don't normally care for coleslaw much but once I got a hold of theirs, it was gone super fast! The greens were an even more delicious touch of home in the south and I have been craving them ever since! I don't have any pictures of my dinner because it was gone before I even thought about photos!! Just search urbanspoon for Casey's Cajun Fried Catfish and you will see the yumminess that's taking place here in Oklahoma :) Do it! I'm telling you, its soo very yummy!!

Another great local find is basically right across the street from our neighborhood (which may be dangerous for my weight since I am tempted to eat there quite often!) It is an intimate little Italian restaurant called Banchettos. The hubby and I weren't sure about trying it until one night neither of us could figure out what to have for dinner. Finally, I googled it, called, and placed a carry out order. When I went to pick it up, I wasn't even inside when the amazing aroma hit me! My mouth was instantly watering!! And the food did not disappoint, Banchettos instantly went on the hubby's and my "Go To" restaurant list and we have already gone again... a few times !! Also, I don't have pics for this place either, that's just how yummy it is, it doesn't last long enough to get pictures, just goes straight to my tummy!! But here is a pic of something I just tried tonight from their FB:

photo: Banchettos

SOOOO YUMMY!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

**By the way, neither of these restaurants have any clue I am writing about them! They didn't pay me to review or anything. I am just a  huge fan!!**

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Now I am on a mission to find a great local BBQ place! We tried a place the other night, it was okay but definitely not Ah-mazing, like we were hoping for!! So if you are in the Oklahoma City area and know of a great place, BBQ or otherwise, please DO tell!! :)

  



This thing was GINORMOUS!!

After a little family outing to the fabulous world of Target, we decided to grab a bite to eat and enjoy some ice cream! Little did we know the ice cream was going to be HUGE!!!

Oh and I finally got a blow dryer!!! WOOT WOOT!!! I seriously haven't had a hair dryer in about a year!! We were just casually walking by the beauty aisles and the hubby, just as casually, tosses a blow dryer in the cart :) Have I ever mentioned that I love him because I totally do!! Its nothing super fancy but hey I havent had one in a year so a girl can't be too picky!!

Okie doke, off to enjoy the rest of my ginormous ice cream - because there was no way I was going to finish in one sitting, even if I am pregnant!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also, on a more somber note, my small community back home in Florida has suffered a loss tonight with at least one police officer killed and another wounded.  If the power of the internet is good for anything, it is for spreading the Word and helping each other out in times of need. Any prayers for the families and community would be greatly appreciated. Any prayers for the families and community would be greatly appreciated.

~Please go give your loved ones an extra squeeze and enjoy your night~

An Artist at Work

Its Valentine's Day so I thought it was a great day for some painting fun with my little man!!

We used paint brushes and toilet paper rolls, along with some pink and red paint to create quite a few masterpieces!!

 

Enjoy your day Lovebirds!!!

Because this wifey is off to work

♥ ♥ ♥

I'm Stuck

   Okay seriously, I have no clue what to do for Valentine's Day... I love my hubby to pieces and want to spend all day, everyday with him but since I don't have any gift or dinner or anything planned, I'm slightly okay that I have to work tomorrow. I don't have to work the following 2 days so I am trying to think of a way to celebrate then. Yes this gives me a little more time. No it has not helped me figure out what to do!!!

    Everybody I know is baking Valentine's goodies,

 or buying pretty somethings,

 or crafting homemade nic nacs 

And I am stuck with a big ole

Think. think. think.... seriously any help for something cheap, sweet, and simple would be helpful and greatly appreciated!!!

What a Babe!!

    Today I am taking it easy, since my body is trying its hardest to get sick, and that means playing in the blogosphere! While checking out one of my favorite blogs, The Daybook, I got some inspiration for writing!! (Gotta love when things just come to you when you're not even trying!!) The fabulous writer of The Daybook is a new mommy and making a trip to NYC with her son which got me to thinkin...

    Having a child so far away from family made me get use to traveling with him very quickly! Most of the time, the trips were in the car, which is nice and contained! Sure you have to stop to feed and change diapers and there may be some freakouts but at least its only affecting mommy and daddy. Now flying is a different story! What brand new mommy isn't scared of flying with their lil bundle of moodiness? Most of us have been on a plane trip with the screaming baby that all the passengers think the parent is horrible (which really is NOT the case at all). The idea can be terrifying! However, flying with your babe doesn't have to be scary!! I use 3, never travelled without, tips that got me through those small planes and short layovers (because when planning a trip with a babe, it is better to have shorter layovers than hours of waiting and no where to play).

   

My first is to travel with a baby sling! Both of your hands are free to lug around your carry on and overstuffed diaper bag plus it helps support and distribute your baby's weight so you don't get as achy rushing from plane to plane! My son also loved when I faced him forward in it so he could see everything.

Now mommies and daddies this doesn't mean you don't need to pay attention to your kiddo when he is attached to you!! Things can still go wrong in baby slings but it is mostly when the child is being neglected. So pay attention and make sure they are safe and secure!!

My next GINORMOUS lifesaver was a tip I got from my sis (actually I think most of my tips I get from her - after all she is now a mommy of three and I am a mommy of 1 and a half)! When flying as an adult it is advised that you have something to chew or suck on, like gum or hard candy. Well the same goes for your munchkin - just skip the gum and candy!

For take off and landing I would feed my lil man. This way he would constantly be sucking and swallowing which allowed his lil ears to pop and not hurt. I did, however, make a mistake one time and tried to breastfeed. On tiny planes, it just isn't fun. I got lucky and had a grandmother and mother sitting next to me who were completely understanding of my kid's feet all over them, but I never did it again...instead I pumped! Don't worry TSA is totally prepared for this, just be sure to have your bottles handy when going through security so they can wave a little strip over it. Then you're good to go!! And mommies of formula eaters, the same applies to you too, just premake the bottles and have 'em handy!!

My next tip isn't quite in your control but more of a blessing!! As soon as those great big engines started up, my lil man would pass out!! He loved the noise and the closer to the engines we sat the better. Not necessarily pleasant for mommy, but would you rather have a screaming, squirming child or an engine helping him sleep? I chose sleep and snuggles!!

Last tip (I know I said only 3 but one just popped into my noggin) is to RELAX! Your lil bundle of cuteness is bound to freak out eventually, especially if you're a frequent traveler. Just remember the flight attendants may be able to help. If the flight isn't full, they may be able to move you to a seat with more room. They may also have something tastier for baby to suck on if he is refusing your food of choice. All you have to do is ask! Also, remember to relax because, chances are, the majority of the passengers have been in your shoes! As long as you show an effort, they are typically understanding! In all my flights, I have only come across one (super) rude guy who made me feel awful but the rest of the people on the same flight ended up supporting me!!

So from now on remember flying with a babe doesn't have to be terrifying! Just do your best to be prepared and soak up all the compliments your lil one is sure to get!!

!!!Happy Traveling!!!

Getting in the Spirit

     I dont usually get into the Valentines Day hype ( I know - not very girlie of me)!! However with the ups and downs of the last year my hubby and I are better than ever, so I figured I would get in the lovey dovey spirit and post something about him and me <3

We met on Myspace. I know, I know cheesy, dangerous, and do people still even use that? are all thoughts that you are probably thinking right now. But you know what, he was the only guy I ever met off the internet and by golly I am sure glad we did meet!! He is a Midwest Military Boy and I am a Girl Raised in the South and somehow we match up perfectly. We dont mind working hard and getting a lil dirty (just look below) and we also know how to have fun!!

After about 9 months of dating, he was being stationed in another state over 1,000 miles away and we were engaged to be married. Fast forward through a year of traveling back and forth, skyping, and finally me making the big move to Oklahoma, we were married! Let me tell you, I am a lucky girl and got 2, yup thats right two weddings! One was small, just a few members of his family and my parents, and the other was on a beautiful island in the gulf coast off of Florida.

This is one of my absolutely favorite pictures ever of the two of us from our week on the island!! It captures our love so well and I plan on printing this out big to hang it in our bedroom (if I ever decorate!)!

 It was taken by my beautiful sister, Heather Blackwell. If you are in Florida (possibly Georgia - you would have to talk to her) and need a photographer for any occasion (maternity, kids, wedding) find Whitson Blackwell Photography and hire her!!! No seriously hire her, she is fabulous!!)

Fast forward about 7 months after our island wedding (13 months from our 1st wedding) and you get this picture. Hubby and I about to have our first baby. Talk about a whole new adventure about to start! The kiddos in this picture can barely imagine what is waiting for them!!!

Now here we are, married 3 years, with a two year old lil boy, and a little girl on the way and things between us couldnt be better!! Yes, like any relationship, we have ups and downs. but the important thing is we always make it through the downs, and there are way more ups!!!

There aren't a lot of words in existence for me to describe how I feel about him. The best way is to put it simply.

I love him <3

Simply Delicious

    Being a pregnant woman brings many female stereotypes to life. Crazy mood swings are a big one. Another is cravings; absurd, in the middle of the night, just have to have it cravings! Does the phrase "pickles and ice cream"' ring any bells? For the longest time, I was craving food from back home in Florida: Publix subs, cookies, and sweet tea, Krystal burgers with their buns, pickle and mustard!! Oh So Yummy!!
    Although those cravings are still in the back of my head (because I just can't satisfy them while I am so far away) now I can't pin point my craving. I want something, I just have no idea what it is and its soooo frustrating!! The funny thing is, the more I try to figure it out, the less I think it has to do with food.
   I have always been a bit of a dreamer and I blame that for never being able to definitely say what I wanted to be when I grew up, because I wanted to be everything!! Now with the economy being the way it is and people finding creative ways to make extra money with websites like etsy, a whole new world of "what to be" has opened up. There are so many more possibilities now than there were when I was a kid. You don't just have to be a doctor, lawyer, or teacher. Oh no, you can be a cupcake maker, hairbow designer, or even a dog walker! And I have a feeling that what I am craving has something to do with getting creative. Maybe not designing hairbows or sewing clothes but I have a deep down feeling that there is something out there for me! Something so perfect that when I come home from work and the hubby asks how my day was I can honestly say it was, " Simply delicious and incredibly satisfying!"

Whoa Baby!

Today was our Dr appointment and Ultrasound! My Husband, Hunter, and I are glad to announce the summer arrival of our baby girl, Vivian Colleen!!!

baby toes, full body profile, face, lady parts, being sassy flipping a bird

Can't wait to decorate and buy some cute lil clothes!!!

  

Getting some style back in my life

    A few years ago, I came to the realization that I will never ever be a person to keep a new years resolution and I haven't made one since. That being said, my "unofficial" resolution this year has been to make more of an effrort to look presentable, meaning less sweat pants and t shirts, and more styling of hair and make-up, not to mention better self esteem! Here are a couple of my efforts, i think im doing okay lol

Date night with my hubby! I actually busted out some lipstick and wore heels!!!

Took my lil man to the park...and didnt wear workout clothes :) Although I did forget my earrings which I always feel a lil less girly without...

A little peak at my baby belly 18weeks and 5 days in the making!!

(sorry for the blurry phone pics but it was late and my other half couldnt get a pic I approved of hehe)