Ten on Tuesday

Welcome to Tuesday!  I hope everyone enjoyed the extra day off!  I know I did!  This weeks questions were provided by Akirah at Quarter Life Lady and of course sponsored by Chelsea.

1. From your childhood, what do you miss most about summer vacation?
Swimming parties at grandma's house.  My grandma used to have a pool and my birthday is in August.  So, every year we always had a big swim party for my birthday.  Also, my good friend in high school had a pool and there was always swimming going on there in the summer. 

2. Are you going anywhere on vacation this summer?
We do not have any plans past June 26th (baby's due date).  We have spent a summer vacation and then some preparing for baby boy so we have no plans to go anywhere.  Plus I can't imaging taking him out of town so young and I really can't imagine leaving him at this point.  We are, however, already planning our vacation for next year!  Can't wait!

3. What foods do you like to barbecue?
I love BBQ.  Especially beef brisket.  Ribs are awesome but can be messy and hard to eat.  My friend also does the best chicken on the grill.  I am not a 'griller' so I can't say there is anything I like to grill. 

4. How do you celebrate the fourth of July?
We don't really have a yearly tradition.  As long as we're doing something with family or friends then we are good.  We may have a 1 week old this 4th of July so we actually might not participate this year.  We'll see.

5. What’s your favorite beverage to drink in the summertime?
My favorite beverage at all times of the year is Dr. Pepper.  There's nothing better than an ice cold DP.

6. What movie are you looking forward to seeing this summer?
I have no idea.  We are not big movie buffs and rarely actually go to the theater.  Can someone tell me what movies are coming out, then I can try to pick one I'd want to see?!  ;)

7. In the car: windows down or AC?
This is TX so windows must be up and AC on at all times.  It's already started getting into the 90's in May so this summer is going to be brutal. 

8. Have you ever had a summer fling?
I don't think so.  I don't think I've had any love connections due to summer time. 

9. Do you wear sunscreen?
Of course!  I will be cherry red in no time if I do not wear sunscreen.  This past weekend I had SPF70 on my face and SPF50 on my body and I was outside for maybe 2-3 hours.  Luckily I didn't get too burned. 

10. Do you have any favorite summertime activities?
Swimming, eating watermelon, hanging out with family or friends.  We don't really have access to a pool close by so the pool parties are few and far in between now.  Sad.  ;)  Oh and going to Schlitterbahn was and is still one of the best summer time activities ever.  If you're ever in New Braunsfels, Tx you MUST go!

I hope everyone has a great summer!  I think mine will be awesome. 

Blast From The Past

So. . . I've been sorting through some old files on my computer and I came across a file of pictures that reminded me of several things I've never told you about, so I thought I'd update you. 

We went on a Carnival Cruise in 2009 to celebrate our 3 year anniversary.  It was a great vacation!  I can't wait to go on another cruise!  We had an awesome time and best of all - no cell phone connection for 7 glorious days.  We went swimming with the stingrays, snorkeling in a cave, and zip lining and kayaking in Jamaica. 

We went to Galveston with Curtis' dad, step-mom and other family members - just to hang out.

This is a wreath I made my mommy-in-law.

I had a great birthday dinner with my friends and family - this was August of 2010.

I went wedding dress shopping with my gorgeous sister (well, one of my gorgeous sisters)!

Celebrated my hubby's birthday - Dallas Cowboys style!

We went to Corpus Christi in November of 2010 for a short anniversary celebration.  We had just found out we're going to be parents!  We ate at a two story Whataburger - for reals!  (that was not the highlight of the trip - just so you know - but I thought the Whataburger was cool. Haha)



I have more pics but I think I've filled you in on those events.  I'll try not to wait so long to post pics next time.  :)

Love,

Stef

Ten on Tuesday

This weeks questions are provided by the Mrs. Chelsea herself.

1. Have you ever used Craigslist?
I have checked it out before but never contacted anyone or posted anything. 

2. Can you sew?
Not a bit.  I can sew a button or fix a seam but that is it!  I don't think that counts as sewing.

3. Do you pour syrup on your pancakes or dip your pancakes in the syrup?
You have to pour the syrup ON the pancakes!

4. Rain storms: Love them or hate them?
Both.  I generally love them unless they are super fierce and scary while driving.  Other than that, I'm ok with the thunder and lightning - it's really cool!

5. Do you like swimming?
Yes.  I grew up swimming and my grandma's pool all the time.  My birthday is in August, which means in this SE Texas heat, you have to basically be in water if you're out of doors or you'll dry up and die.  (too dramatic?)

I do not like to swim in the SE Texas ocean where you can't even see your knee caps much less what crazy creatures are about to eat you, and rivers are OK if they're not too murky.

6. What kind of drink do you order at Sonic?
OMG - you have to get the strawberry limeade chiller.  Don't look up the calorie count online, just order it!  It's amazing.  If not that, then I love their chocolate malt or just a good ole Dr. Pepper (add vanilla if you wanna get crazy!)  But since having the strawberry chiller, I pretty much HAVE to order it.

7. Are you funny?
Ummm. . . I'd say not exactly.  I think I can be funny.  I'm funnier around my close friends and definitely when around my sisters, but on a general - daily basis - I'd say probably not.  I dunno, what do you think?  You read my blog.  ;)

8. At what age will your kids get cell phones?
Hopefully never.  Just kidding, kinda - He can have a cell when he starts leaving the house to do his 'own thing'.  But you better believe there will be rules.

9. What’s your favorite vegetable?

Does corn count?  Some people say corn is not a true vegetable, but I love it.  I could write a whole blog about how much I love corn, it's awesome delishiousness.  If you know me in real life, you've probably heard me talk about corn or seen me devour corn.  I know it doesn't really provide super amazing nutrition but it sure does taste super amazing.  I could eat corn with every meal - seriously!  How much more do you want to know about my love for corn?  . . . . You're good?  . . . . Ok.  

10. Were you a Girl Scout?
No.  I would have gotten fat off the thin mints.  I'm glad they only sell them once a year - I have no thin mint self control. 

I'm Just Sayin'

So. . . the world didn't end this past Saturday at 6pm - BIG SURPRISE!  This is almost comical to me, expect it's not because I do not appreciate false prophets making claims that are clearly not in line with Gods Word! 

Matthew 24:36-44 (New International Version)

The Day and Hour Unknown


36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[a] but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.


42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

This 'not knowing' doesn't bother me.  I am fine with trusting God to know when is the right time to take Christians out of the world.  I say, be ready at any time and the only way you can prepare is in your heart.  If you do not believe in Christ as your savior then you will still be here - to deal with whatever aftermath is left. 

I'm sad that people bought into this, maybe it'll be a wake up call to actually figure out what the truth is.  
Anyways - I'm just sayin.

-Stef

Two Four Five Designs - Check it out!

I've been working with my friend Tamara to open her Etsy store and we've recently launched the store!  She is very talented not to mention very sweet! You need to go visit her store at Two For Five Designs on Etsy, I highly recommend her.

She sells embroidered toddler clothes and onesies, as well as custom handmade purses.  She will be expanding her product line regularly so be sure to check back frequently.

My favorite item is this new reversible handbag.  I just love it - It's so cute! 

You better snatch it up now before I do!

Congrats Tamara!  You go girl!

Ten on Tuesday - Photo Edition

This week is a photo edition of Ten on Tuesday, which I think is a really cool idea.  These questions were provided by Molly at Considering Campbells and hosted by Chelsea at Roots and Rings.  I experimented with camera effects on some of these, and most of these were taken with my cell, so bear with me.

1. Your favorite piece of furniture in your home.
Great deals on everything you see here.  One day I will use the china, I promise!

2. Your favorite thing on your wall.
Love my wall of crosses!

3. Your bed as it looks right now.
Yes I make my bed almost every day.

4. Your pantry.
Should you be seeing this?  It feels private.

5. Your favorite piece of jewelry.
Love this necklace!

6. Your favorite book.
Couldn't say, but I read everything written by Nicholas Sparks!

7. Your most comfortable shirt.
Can't wait to fit into this again, love this shirt!

8. Your messiest room.
I used to have a junk drawer, now I have a junk 'room'.  Ugh!

9. Your house shoes.
On my to-do to buy new ones!

10. Yourself.
This is me 34 weeks pregnant.

It's Happening . . .

I'm turning into that pregnant lady.

Well I've been pregnant for awhile now, but I'm turning into that lady that walks funny, can't bend over, walks at the speed of a nail, swollen ankles, etc. . . . the whole nine yards!

This is sad. I usually try to dress nice for work, even though our company is really casual.  But I used to at least put on a nice shirt, heels, jewelry, etc.  Today! today I'm wearing jeans, a plain t-shirt and flip flops.  This is unacceptable to me.  But ya know what, my feet are starting to be swollen all the time, and shoes are just uncomfortable.  Not to mention I can't really pick up anything that's on the floor, so putting on shoes with any sort of strap or tie is not fun.

At least my toes are done!  But you can bet
I didn't paint them.  :)

Anyways, have a happy friday and have patience with your local pregnant lady!

-Stef

Baby Bump Update - 6th Edition

I'm 33 weeks pregnant now. . . man oh man, this is going by so slowly yet so quickly at the same time.  You can catch up on the previous 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th bump updates if you like.

Dr. Visit:
I just went to the Dr. on Friday.  I now have an appointment every two weeks.  They weigh me, check my blood pressure and check the babies heartbeat.  His heartbeat was 144 which is good and strong.  The bad news, I've gained a total of 30 lbs.  As much as I'd like to exclude this info from you, I'll be honest since I was all like excited I only gained a little weight in the beginning.  Now. . . yeah. . .not so excited.  The doc said I could even loose some weight.  So. . . I'll try.

Bump:
I created a new page where you can see all the bump pictures.  Also, here are the last few weeks since my last post:

29 weeks

30 weeks - Easter weekend

31 weeks - we missed this week (sad face)

32 weeks - yes I know, I'm wearing the same outfit
as my Easter pic.  Don't judge! 

 
 
Food Cravings:
I'm still craving sweets but as of my Dr. update above, I need to give these up and start some regular exercise.  I've been trying to eat heathy for my meals and I think I do an ok job.  I just need to cut the sweets and start some exercise.  I've gotten over my cravings for pickles, and my obsession with orange juice, and I'm starting to move on from ice cream.  So, if you see me, don't offer me chocolate or any type of dessert!  Mmmm-k?

Sleep:
Yeah. . .  about that.  I am not really having trouble falling asleep it's just that I'm uncomfortable all the time and wake up frequently.  I've now gotten a pain in my right hip that is getting worse.  We bought a body pillow to help support me while sleeping and it's helping, but now I wake up sweating. 

Movement:
Baby boy is moving around a lot.  He's getting bigger now and I can feel his movements in several places at the same time.  I don't think he really shifts positions much because I get kicked on the right side and at the top of my tummy all the time, my left side is harder like a back or a bum is over there. I like feeling his movements but it's most uncomfortable at work.  I can't scoot close enough to my desk without my belly being smushed and he pushes against it which really hurts.  Then if I move my belly back, I can't reach my keyboard and so I lean over all day which hurts my back.  It's quite fun. ;)

Oh yeah and the mood swings are back but we won't go there!!!

So, as much as the aches and pains are annoying and uncomfortable, I know it'll all be worth it in the end.  As long as he's heathly and growing big and strong then I'll be ok. 

Until next time!
-Stef

Weekend Recap

This weekend was packed with activity but also a lot of fun.  I love weekends spent with friends and family and that's just what we did!

I started off Friday night with a mani/pedi and cooking shrimp etouffee for our friends.  I love cooking for friends although I may not be that good at it.  The etouffee was a little spicy but still edible and we have enough for leftovers.  Yum!

Saturday we had our lawn guys come and update our flower beds - they look much nicer!  Now we have to remember to water them.  (the flower beds. . . not the lawn guys).  Then we packed up and drove to Beaumont to see our families.  Saturday my friends and family gave me a baby shower and it was very nice!  Not only was the shower super cute but so many friends came and were so generous to give us nice gifts.  We are so blessed and we're so grateful!  Saturday night we went to eat with my husbands family at a yummy Italian place and had a great time!

Sunday we went to church with my parents and cooked lunch for my mom.  My mom and I watched Tangled while everyone else took a little nap and then we went swimming in my parents freezing pool!  We then went to dinner, packed up the car and headed back to Houston. 

bee-tee-dub - Tangled was a really cute movie. .  I just love Disney movies. . . well most of them.

I am tired today but it was a good weekend so it's worth it.  This week is busy with dinner plans, bible study, baby classes and of course at least 40 hours of work.  :)

Hope you have a great week!
-Stef

First Kiss

Ryan Seacrest tweeted this video yesterday and it is so adorable.  This little boy and little girl decide they like eachother and they should kiss.  It's so cute.   My first kiss wasn't quite as cute as this but it felt as silly.  LOL.

Moms Rock!

SIGH.... well I DO want to blog about lots of things, it's just not happening right now.  I've been very busy preparing for baby, preparing my house for baby, having a husband, working, church, family, friends, side projects, etc. (same as everyone else) and I just haven't had a minute to sit down and download all the pics for the things I want to blog about.

I wanted to write a blog about gift ideas for Mothers day, and I wrote part of it, but never finished it.  Boo on me.  So, since I don't have my pictures downloaded and I didn't finish my gift idea list, I'll just write a short note about how much I love my mom. . . because. . . well. . . I do!

My mom is awesome,ya'll!  She's like the bomb.com.  (did I just say that?)  We've not always gotten along throughout the years but I know my mom has always been there for me and always will be.  I'm not sure what kind of mom I'll be when it comes down to the everyday, 24/7 job of being a mom, but I hope I'm half as great as my mom.  She's always there to help her family and always lends a listening ear, give us a hug, and make everything better.  I'm one lucky gal!

(My grandma, mom, my other grandma and my great aunt)

I am also thankful for all the other amazing women in my life including my mother(s)-in-law, grandmothers, girlfriends, mentors, and aunts.  If you don't have a mom or a great relationship with your mom, that's ok.  Even if you think Mothers Day is a "hallmark holiday"; take a minute to think about a woman in your life who is there for you in some way. . . and tell her you love her (or at least appreciate her).

I hope all the mothers out there enjoy this weekend!

Love,
Stef