Our Forever

12 Week Bumpdate....

2012-02-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

How Far Along? 12 Weeks and 5 days (Sunday, February 11, 2012)
Size of Baby P? Lime! (Just over 2 inches)
This week's major developments:

The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.
Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.(from www.babycenter.com)

Maternity Clothes? I can still fit into about 3 pair of my normal jeans, really only one with comfort; but those maternity jeans are like a little piece of heaven, so I have been wearing them most of the time. Dress pants are still fitting pretty good, my black pair are the snuggest so I wear my belly band with them (I've had them since high school though, so I can cut myself a little slack;)
Weight Gain?According to the doctor's scale I had gained 3 pounds since my last weigh in there; according to my scale I've gained about 8 pounds (Guess I exceeded the 5 pound goal for first trimester, OOOPS;) Mama's gotta EAT!:)
Stretch Marks? Nope! Rubbing on that Palmer's body butter mixed with Mama Bee's oil daily/nightly....

Gender? I just have this strong feeling it's a boy! Most of my family does as well.... even my sister who is a great predictor;) We shall see!!

Sleep? Sleep is better, I've had a cold this week so coughing and stuffy nose woke me up; still using the restroom about 2 times a night; no complaints here though....

Food Cravings?Not really, but food just taste so much better while pregnant! I have REALLY been wanting some tacos this week!

What I Miss? Nothing really; I cheated and got my hair done a little early, with lots of research, I think we are ok though! I feel like a new woman!!haha It was a sad situation!

What I am loving? About week 10 I started getting my energy back and even worked out a few times! I need to keep that up considering I am in a wedding at 7 months pregnant!!
Movement? No but the little miracle has started moving in there! Can't wait until its enough to feel!!

Symptoms? No symptoms really; after I eat I get a little indigestion; lower back pain on the right side when I walk.

Best Moment of the Week?My sister joined me on my last appointment to the doctor (January 24th @ 10 weeks). We got to hear the little heartbeat just a beating at 170-177 bpm! It was the best feeling hearing that heartbeat! ;)

* I know all I've been doing is bumpdates lately, I hope to do some nursery inspirations posts soon and other fun posts! ;)

9 Week Bumpdate!

2012-01-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

Sorry, skipped a couple of weeks, but I am summarizing all of my symptoms from weeks 7, 8, & 9. Not much really changed during these weeks anyway!;)
Now I am about caught up and can start my weekly post on time!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR SWEET COMMENTS! Makes me so happy!:)

Week 7 Pictures....

Week 9 Picture....

For some reason on Sunday, I looked pretty pregnant. I guess I was extremely bloated because on Monday it was back to "normal" or my new "normal" ;)

How Far Along? 9 weeks and 2 days (Thursday, January 18)
Size of Baby P? Grape/ 1 inch!

This week's major developments:
Your new resident

is nearly an inch long -- about the size of a grape

-- and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human

. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form -- as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. .(from www.babycenter.com)

Maternity Clothes? No, but I've got a good collection in my closet! I sometimes wear my belly band for comfort....
Weight Gain?I lost 2 pounds, so that puts me at 5 pounds.
Stretch Marks? Nope! Got me some Mama Bee oil!

Gender? Can't wait~! Should find out the week after Spring Break!

Sleep? Weird dreams continuing, up 4 times a night, usually twice to use the restroom.

Food Cravings?Oh the cravings; Grapico floats for about a week; oranges w/ salt; orange juice! Watermelon (which I've always loved);food just taste BETTER THAT EVER!

What I Miss? Getting my hair done:( It looks so sad. I am waiting until 2nd trimester and it can't get here fast enough!

What I am loving? I think we have agreed on names:) But will reveal later!
Movement? Of course not!

Symptoms? Still no nausea (crossing fingers I passed that!); extremely tired; no energy!

Best Moment of the Week?I received my first baby gift from my niece and sis-in-law! It was so sweet! :)

6 WEEK BUMPDATE!

2012-01-25T11:39:00.000-08:00

*Looks like a maternity dress, but it's not;)

How Far Along? 6 weeks and 5 days(Sunday, January 1, 2011)
Size of Baby P?lentil (what is that???); grain of rice!

This week's major developments:
This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears that you'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see into your uterus, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where your baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as yours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil.(from www.babycenter.com)

Maternity Clothes? Not wearing them yet, but I made my first purchase! I am wearing the belly band when I wear my jeans. They will still button, but just not comfortable anymore!

Weight Gain?Don't pass out on me.... 5 POUNDS already!!!! You are suppose to gain that in the entire first trimester!! OOPS! Now that the holidays are over, I am getting my butt into gear!!
Stretch Marks? Nope!

Gender? Everyone I tell says. IT'S A BOY! We will see:)

Sleep? Still waking up multiple times during the night. Using the restroom more often and still having CRAZY dreams (I need to start writing them down, they are so creepy)!

Food Cravings?Strawberry Sour Belts;always hungry!

What I Miss? Sleeping through the night....preparing me for mommyhood I guess!! (For the record, I will take ANY of these symptoms, I am by NO MEANS complaining, I am OVER THE MOON grateful for this miracle, just sharing thoughts;)

What I am loving? Now our secret is out of the bag and I can talk about our little nugget! I wanted to scream it to the world, I felt like I held it in FOREVER~!
Movement? Of course not!

Symptoms? Still no nausea, not even slightly nauseated!; restroom breaks more frequently; CRAZY dreams; and other normal symptoms us girls go through;)

Best Moment of the Week?Hearing/seeing our baby's heartbeat, best feeling in the world! I think I could watch it ALL day long!:); Spilling the beans to family and friends! and first trip to Motherhood Maternity!

5 WEEK BUMPDATE!

2012-01-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

How Far Along? 5 weeks and 5 days(Sunday, December 25)
Size of Baby P?Sesame Seed; looks like a tadpole.

This week's major developments:

Deep in your uterus your embryo is growing at a furious pace. At this point, he's about the size of a sesame seed, and he looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He's now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm — which will later form all of his organs and tissues.

The neural tube — from which your baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout — is starting to develop in the top layer, called the ectoderm. This layer will also give rise to his skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.

His heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. (This week, in fact, his tiny heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.) The mesoderm will also form your baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue.

The third layer, or endoderm, will house his lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as his thyroid, liver, and pancreas. In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to your baby, are already on the job.

(from www.babycenter.com)

Maternity Clothes? Not wearing them yet! Pants are snug and uncomfortable!

Weight Gain?4 pounds, UH-OH:/
Stretch Marks? Nope!

Gender? Can't wait!

Sleep? Still waking up multiple times during the night. Using the restroom more often and still having CRAZY dreams!

Food Cravings?Strawberry Sour Belts; the other night I seriously considered driving to Gatlinburg to get some. But my sister introduced me to a candy called Rips that are very similar and satisfy that craving so maybe we can save the gas and avoid that trip to Gatlinburg!

What I Miss? Sleeping through the night....

What I am loving? Having our little angel in my belly for Christmas! Best present ever!
Movement? Of course not!

Symptoms? Still no nausea, not even slightly nauseated!; restroom breaks more frequently; CRAZY dreams; and other normal symptoms;)

Best Moment of the Week?Receiving our baby reveal items in the mail!; Spending Christmas with a baby in my tummy!

4 WEEK BUMPDATE!

2012-01-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

 Obviously, I am farther along, but like I said, I did some "behind the scenes" blogging. I am going to post them this week and hopefully get caught up for my weekly posts for next week! :)

 I felt a little silly posing for a picture by myself.... after 50 tries this is the best I could get!

Not showing yet; looking a little thick around that waist... I'll take it!! ;)

Heading to church for our choir special in my red & black....

How Far Along? ~~6 weeks~~ 4 weeks and 5 days(Sunday, December 18); It changed when we went to the doctor (I will explain later)! My weeks change every Tuesday and I usually take my pictures every Sunday before church!:)

Size of Baby P? Poppy seed

This week's major developments:

This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until 10 weeks, all of your baby's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when she'll be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with her development.

Right now your baby is an embryo the size of a poppy seed, consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all of her organs and body parts will develop.

The primitive placenta is also made up of two layers at this point. Its cells are tunneling into the lining of your uterus, creating spaces for your blood to flow so that the developed placenta will be able to provide nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby when it starts to function at the end of this week.

Also present now are the amniotic sac, which will house your baby; the amniotic fluid, which will cushion her as she grows; and the yolk sac, which produces your baby's red blood cells and helps deliver nutrients to her until the placenta has developed and is ready to take over this duty.

(from www.babycenter.com)

Maternity Clothes? Of course not, but my pants are sure feeling snug! I've been eying some websites w/ cute clothes though! :)

Weight Gain? None... YET!

Stretch Marks? Nope! Getting some creams and oils ASAP!

Gender? I have a feeling it is a girl; Lee thinks it is a little knucklehead(boy;)

Do we care? NOT AT ALL, we will be over the moon happy either way! The silly calendars all say girl.

Sleep? Before pregnancy I pretty much slept through the night. But I have been waking up 3 and 4 times a night. Either from a weird/creepy dream (those are another post in itself!WOW)or to potty!

Food Cravings?No cravings yet; I stocked up on veggies and fruits though!

What I Miss? Nothing!.... YET that is:)

What I am loving? Waking up every morning knowing I have our little angel growing inside of me! We feel so blessed. I love how Lee is constantly asking me, "Are you ok?"I am also loving searching for a mommy mobile!

Movement? Of course not!

Symptoms? None that need to be talked about on the internet; just the normal! I have been extremely lucky so far....

Best Moment of the Week?Ordering baby reveal items and pregnancy journal! Doing my first pregnancy blog post... (I can't believe it's my turn!!!:); AND one more thing, when Lee sent me my first email saying, "How is little momma feeling today?" First doctor's appointment soon!

Please Pray.....

2012-01-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

I can't get this little angel and his mommy off of my mind.

You can read their story here .

It is amazing how strong they are.

PLEASE PRAY....

Revealing Our BIG News!

2012-01-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

Once I took the digital test to confirm the POSITIVE, I got on the internet to design & order shirts for the big reveal. Like I said in my last post, I had to confirm that our little nugget made it to the "right place" and hear that sweet heartbeat before letting the secret out of the bag. After our Dr's appointment, we went straight home and the last package (Cam's shirt) had arrived on our steps so we were excited to have everything ready. Lee said he had waited long enough so we decided to do it the same day of our appointment.

To tell Lee's parents, sister, and niece & nephew, I designed and ordered custom shirts. I could not find any shirts that had anything to do with cousins so I found a website and did them myself (which was an easy website & the people were amazing).

We headed to Lee's sisters house first. Lee called her and pretended we were coming over to workout. He handed her the shirts and she caught on to it automatically and started screaming. She showed the kids and they started jumping up and down screaming. It was so sweet! We went to tell them first so the kids could wear their shirts over to Lee's parents house.

Amy called her mom and told her the kids wanted some pigs in a blanket (from Christmas). We just headed over there and walked in, which is not unusual for us. We were sitting on the couch when the kids walked in. His mom noticed their shirts right away and asked if another family member that just had a baby gave them to them (GREAT!). Of course, Amy said no, "Their Aunt and Uncle gave them the shirts." It still did not click for a few more minutes but when it did she busted out crying. Most people were not expecting it for another year or so, she was shocked and it took a while to set in. They are both thrilled to be having another grandchild!

I wanted my sister to be the first to hear the news. I actually tried to tell her before the appointment but there was never a time it was just the two of us. After our appointment, right when we got home, I called her and she was shopping with mom but in the restroom by herself (PERFECT TIMING!). I made sure she was alone and just blurted out, "I am pregnant!" She was trying to be quiet because mom was outside the bathroom, all she could whisper was, "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, I KNEW IT!" She was so excited!

And this little guy revealed the news to my family....

It worked out perfect that mom and Lyndsey were together, because my sister helped me get mom to our house. We pretended we were all going to meet at my house and go to dinner (which we did;).

Mom had found lots of school supplies on sale so she was just a showing me everything and Lee went to let Camden out of the bedroom. She did not notice him because she was busy showing me everything but got confused because I just busted out laughing. She finally realized Camden had a shirt on and went over to read it. I think the picture below explains it all.... ;)

Next, we called dad and he was on his way home from work. We told him Lee needed him to look at something which was not a lie;) When he got there, Lee got Camden out of the bedroom (again, bless his heart;) and mom handed him to dad, and I think the picture below explains it all once again... ;)

Luckily, my aunt Diane(mom's sister) and cousin was still in town from Christmas and they got to the house right when dad did which worked out perfectly. We didn't get to get my aunt's reaction, but she jumped up and down screaming, and Camden took off running!haha It was very special.

My grandparents got to the house shortly after and we showed them the shirt as well. I sent a picture of Camden in his shirt to my brother (he had to work) and he said "Are you serious?" Then he called me and told be, "I thought I saw your belly getting thicker" Leave it to the brothers to tell the truth!;)

I then sent a picture of Camden in his shirt to all of my friends and everyone was calling at once, ecstatic about the news, which is always special!

Everything happened exactly how I've always had in mind. This all happened within two hours, which was perfect! So thankful for my amazing family:)

The Story Behind ALL the Tests....

2012-01-11T09:32:00.000-08:00

On the morning of December 9th (that sounded so cheesy;) I decided to take my second pregnancy test (I got a negative 3 days prior). I thought it was negative again, but I decided to take it to the window, to the natural light, JUST to make sure. After turning it to every angle and examining it for 5 minutes, sure enough, there was the faintest plus sign you could possibly have. Luckily, I still had the negative test I took a few days earlier to compare, and there was definitely a FAINT, FAINT line.

My heart started pounding and I could not concentrate to finish getting ready. Thankfully, I had a workshop that morning and not 24 little 9 year olds depending on me, because I could not think straight! I told myself to wait and tell Lee when he got home that evening so it would be special. I always call him on my way to work every morning and when he answered I just could not hold it back. I blurted out, "I THINK I GOT A POSITIVE!" Bless his heart, he had an office full of men, so he was trying to whisper. I told him not to get too excited, because I wanted him to look at it to make sure I wasn't hallucinating! When trying to have a baby you tend to imagine lines are there so a second opinion is always important;)

There were days I had "that feeling" and different things happening that led me to think I was, but I would not let myself get my hopes up. Lee thought the whole time this was our month!

It still did not sink in and I TRIED not to get myself TOO excited (which is almost impossible). The next morning, WELLLL, actually about 3:00 in the morning, I woke up and could not get it off of my mind so I HAD to take another test. I sat there a while and waited but the test looked negative. I went back to bed and Lee asked me, I told him I think it is negative. My heart was broken, my stomach was in knots, and it took my a few hours to fall back asleep.

I went to get the test to throw away the next morning and sure enough that FAINT, FAINT line had appeared. My hopes were back up and of course, told Lee immediately. But still tried not to let myself believe it.

We went on about our Saturday, talking about babies throughout the day. Of course, I could not get it off of my mind. After church on Sunday, we went to eat at Firebird's and stopped by Walgreens on our way home to pick up the BIG BOYS! I needed that digital confirmation!

Sure enough, I took it when I got home and PREGNANT popped on the screen within seconds. I could finally believe it, Lord willing, we were going to be parents!!!!!

Days following I would take a test, skip a day, and take another test. I just needed that reassurance.(Slightly OCD too!;) I never dreamed I would see that positive pregnancy test. No reason really, I have feared since a little girl of not being able to have children.

On that Monday, I called to make my appointment. I already had an appointment for testing, so she let me keep it!! I started ordering baby reveal items I have always had in mind so we would be ready to tell our big news! (Which I will post about soon;) In my mind, I HAD to hear the heartbeat before telling everyone, so Lee and I kept it our little secret for a while, which was EXTREMELY hard considering it was CHRISTMAS!

Like I said I am slightly OCD and have a plan for a plan and a list for a list. Being a teacher, the "ideal" plan was to have a summer baby, but God had plans for us to have a baby in August, RIGHT when school starts!!!! That's OK though because if He had allowed MY planning to take place, I would be a 9 month pregnant bridesmaid or not even present at one of my best friend's wedding!That being said, His PLAN is perfect and we over the moon HAPPY and THANKFUL He chose us to be the parents of this little miracle.
So there is the little story behind the 8 test, sadly, I threw a way about 3! OOPS;)

I know it looks like I have been slacking on blogging, but I have really been doing "behind the scenes" blogging. ;) I have a post about how we revealed our BIG NEWS to our families as well as weekly bumpdates coming soon!

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SWEET COMMENTS, they mean the world to me!

Have a BLESSED Wednesday!

Big Changes, Prayers Answered in 2012!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

Hope 2012 brings you a year of happiness and always remember, HIS timing and HIS plan is PERFECT! God Bless!

With love,

Our Growing Family;)

Christmas Recap 2011

2011-12-31T08:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve, we spend with my dad's side of the family, then head to Lee's parents house to eat/open gifts with his sister and family!

Us w/ Our Niece & Nephew on Christmas Eve!

Christmas Day, we went to my parent's for breakfast. Then headed to church for a wonderful service. Home to take a nap. My grandmother's for dinner/gifts. Then back to mom's for more gift opening!

Here is our load this year!:)

My side:

Lee's side:

We are also going to get my camera, FINALLY, soon!:)

I know this was short and to the point; didn't want to bore you too bad!

HOPE YOU HAD A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!

Monday Memories/ Outside Christmas Decor

2011-12-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

Friday

I was pretty much exhausted after going on a field trip and having a Christmas party for 23 little third graders! BUT I was VERY excited about going to my sisters for dinner and shopping with my mom & sister. We left for the mall about 7:00 and shopped until about 10:30. I got EVERYTHING done (not wrapped YET though)! The mall stayed open late and it was not crowded AT ALL. We plan on making it a tradition every year. We had a blast, as always!

Saturday

I woke up early so I could make our goodies to take to Lee's family Christmas party. I made corn dip and bacon wrapped club crackers! We headed to the Christmas party which was wonderful. Saturday night we had a date night, our original plan was Firebirds but it was packed, so we settled for Panera Bread. After dinner we went to Cracker Barrel so I could get the ornaments I have been eying for a while now! I always wait until they are 40 % off. I was too late for one type, but I got ALL of the other type!

Sunday

We had our choir special at church Sunday morning, then Lee and I headed to lunch at Firebirds for a BLT salad. We then went to Walmart for groceries, home for a nap, and BACK TO CHURCH!

Now for our outside decorations.....

Mom and I made our "P" wreath a couple of years ago and it has held up wonderfully!

Mom and I found something we loved in Grandin Road's magazine so we decided to remake it,

so this is our Grandin Road remake!.... much cheaper (and prettier, if I have to say so MYSELF!;)

Sorry such poor quality, it is much prettier in person but this is the best my old little camera will do... (HINT HINT!;)

Hope y'all had a BLESSED weekend!:)

What I'm Loving this Wednesday.....

2011-12-14T07:09:00.000-08:00

I'm linking up with Jamie today....

I am loving..... looking out from the kitchen onto our deck and seeing my freshly planted flowers! :)

I am loving.... my fresh flowers in our dining room. There is nothing like cleaning your house and putting out fresh flowers! (I am such a dork;)

I am loving.... my new jewelry rack Lee ~~FINALLY~~ graciously hung for me last weekend! ;)

I got it at Christmas Village a few weeks ago. I can see actually see what I have!

I am loving.... our new Christmas tradition my family has started! Every Friday night POSSIBLE in December we are all getting together, eating (of course;) and having family time! Makes me happy:)

I am loving.... that next week is only two days of school then off for CHRISTMAS!

I am loving..... how well behaved my students have been the past two days. It's amazing how playing soft Christmas music calms their little minds!

I am loving.... life!;)

Going to check out what everyone else is loving today!

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

Welcome to Our Christmas Home!

2011-12-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

I LOVE CHRISTMAS and spend way too much money on decor BUT it's worth it!

I love coming home and turning on ALL the lights and curling up on the couch... ;)

Foyer

The Family Room

Our Stockings

Mom and I created these way before Ballard Design ever thought about them! ;)

Eventually, I want to put leopard paw prints in each circle for little man...

Keeping Room

Center of kitchen table....

I got a few things for the dining room this year.. I look forward to finding some more beauties after Christmas!

Hope you enjoyed!

I will post pictures of the outside soon!

Have a BLESSED week!

1 Year Anniversary Trip Memories.....

2011-12-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

Our Anniversary falls during a great time of year for Lee and I because we get an extra day off for Veterans Day, so that makes for a perfect time to celebrate! We got engaged two years ago, October 17th, at Gatlinburg, we go every year anyway, but we thought it was a good time to go just the two of us and celebrate our FIRST year of marriage. I absolutely LOVE it there this time of year, it was perfect weather and they had just lit ALL of the beautiful Christmas lights!

We got engaged at the alter of an old white church in Cades Cove, and right after the proposal we got a picture at the alter so every year I have to get our picture. (The joys of being by yourself on trips just the two of you, you have to take pictures of each other... yuck) But at least we got it!

If you look real closely, there is a baby bear holding on for dear life in the tree to the right! It's my first time to ever see one!:)

We always have to eat at our favorite restaurants and the Old Mill is one of them!

Our attempt of getting a picture of the two of us... fail;(

We had to ride the chair lifts to the top of Gatlinburg!

This waterfall is one of Lee's favorite spots....

Shopping is always fun in G'burg too! I got a piece of pottery to add to my collection (A COOKIE JAR this time!), some shirts and craves, and some pajamas!

This is a boring post, but just wanted to document some memories!

It was a trip I will never forget, thankful for an amazing year with an amazing husband!.... Looking at pictures makes me want to go back!

Have a BLESSED Friday!!

We have our house all decorated for my favorite time of year! Hope to share those with you soon!:)

Monday Memories....

2011-11-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Friday

Lee and his cousin started putting up our privacy fence the middle of last week, so Friday night Lee had to spend an hour after work cement the post and I sat on the couch and FINALLY joined the Pinterest train! Bare with me though, still learning;)! We wanted to grab something close so we went to a local Bar-B-Q joint. We then headed home and relaxed and watched more TV! It was a much needed laid-back evening.

Saturday

Saturday morning my mom, Lee's mom, my sister, our friend and some more friends headed out for a girl's day at Christmas Village! I was determined to find me some goodies this year and it was a success.

I found this sign to add to our Thanksgiving decor....

I also got some scarfs, a shirt, and Christmas frame I will show around Christmas time, an earring/necklace holder, and a beautiful bird house I will show when it is placed in it's designated spot!

And MiMi bought little man sweater! He has been freezing since he got his new haircut (lion cut;)

After our successful shopping trip, mom and I headed to the store to get some grub for the BIG GAME.

I think our eyes were bigger than our stomachs (as mom always says:)

We had steak, shrimp, and chicken kabobs, fresh green beans, corn on the kob, hash brown casserole, and we ended it with strawberry shortcake (red & white for ROLL TiDE!)

I know, sad we lost but still I will always wear crimson & white! :)

Last weekend, we stained the deck, we are quickly marking things off of our TO-DO-LIST!

It looks much better!

Our privacy fence...

It has some tweaking to do and of course, It now has to be stained but looks pretty good! :)

Still got some touches to add under our patio, but we will get there ONE DAY!

Waiting on spring to make get some pretties!

Sunday

Sunday, we got up and I worked out (I am back working out! On my second week!)

We went to church and had a wonderful service. For lunch we went to Milo's (not too healthy, OOPS) Then headed home and Lee did some work outside and I sat around... again;)

We went to my sister's for dinner to celebrate her and my mom's November Birthdays!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL SISTER!!:)

Have a BLESSED Monday!!

Fill in the Blank Friday- Link up!

2011-11-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this fabulous blog that hosts this and I thought it was a wonderful idea! Thought I'd give it a try!

Go link up @The Little Things We Do

1. My favorite thing about this week was/is Christmas Village w/ the girls and how could you forget the BIG Alabama vs LSU game this weekend! ROLL TiDE!! Grilling out and relaxing at HOME SWEET HOME!
2. Colder weather makes me feel cozy inside. Starting a fire, getting in my PJs & curling up on the couch to watch ~~reality~~ TV (Lee's FAVORITE shows;), Also, it reminds me that Christmas is right around the corner!
3. Three things that make me terribly happy as of late are I am working out AGAIN after two years! (embarrassing), my husband (my heart), and I have a THREE DAY work week coming up! Heading to Gatlinburg to celebrate our 1 year anniversary!!!!
4. If I could only wear one kind of shoe for the rest of my life, I'd choose flip flops!
5. My personality type is I am a pretty laid back person, try not to sweat the small stuff! Tender hearted. (I'm not good at questions like this!)
6. I have a serious problem resisting Homegoods,french fries and diet mtn. dew!!
7. My favorite color to wear is over half of my closet is black! Boring, I know. I am also loving the taupe and grey!

First Year Teaching Memories....

2011-10-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

I do not often blog about my career as a teacher, ~~you just never know these days,~~ but there are a few memories I would like share/remember...

As a teacher, you are often left notes on your desk, and you never know what you are going to get...

There are often the sweet notes, that remind you why you chose this profession....

Dear, Mrs. Pody I love you. And thanks for teaching me.

ps. I like your hair.

(You can always use a good compliment;)

Mrs. Pody makes me so happy I smile.

(No need to elaborate, that just makes my heart smile;)

Mrs. Pody you are a wonderful teacher and fun. Thank you for being a perfect teacher.

(How sweet is that?!)

I love Mrs. Pody so much.

I hope you like teaching your class. Cause we don't want to go we want to stay with you

(Such a sweetheart...)

Then you have the notes that give you a much needed laugh... :)

It's always fun to see how they view you....

She even gave me some beautiful pink earrings :)

This one made me laugh out loud... Their creative minds are so funny!

From: Pody

To: Lee

It's a Chevy.

On the side it says:

Look on the back Lee and Pody (I love how he is referring to me as PODY)

Which do you want?

(This is the back, He even gave Lee a choice! ;)

Yesterday, I walked into the room and found this laying on my desk.

I thought it was hilarious....

Mrs. Pody at a club with he husben on a school night.

(This gave me a much needed laugh! Like I said, you never know what you are going to open up amd find!!! I love my high heels & extremely short dress and Mr. Lee's gigantic feet.

Little does she know, her teacher is a boring girl! ;)

Having the last name "PODY", you often get some interesting pronunciations...

So far I have gotten: PONY, POTTY, JODY, POSY, POOTY, CODY, and the list goes on.

My students have now given me the title Mrs. Purdy so I'll take that... :)

They are sweethearts (MOST of the time;).

HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND!

Hopefully I will be back Monday with a weekend update....

Fall Decorations 2011!

2011-10-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Lee and I did a little fall decorating around the house. I LOVE decorating this time of year! Especially when you go to Lowe's and get to the register, you realize you have a gift card left over from your wedding; and it is all practically "FREE"! Just wanted to share a few with you....

(I don't have my "professional" camera YET, I am still saving though!!! Bare with the ~~poor quality~~ pictures;)

It's FRIDAY!

Lee and I are going on a date tonight and HOPEFULLY stopping by the LOYAL HOMEGOODS! Lee ordered my upper cabinet lighting this week, so that, of course, calls for MORE pretties! :)

HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND!

Random Update.... Questions Anyone?!?!

2011-10-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

What's been going on around the PODY Household....

We are continuing to make progress on our home. Lee has been working his booty off to make the yard look nice and it looks GREAT. We added some monkey grass around our maple tree and a few more plants to add some color. When spring gets here I am going to go crazy (I am already researching outdoor furniture but TRYING to wait to see what comes out new closer to season;)! Our next big project is adding a privacy fence in the back yard and getting our fire pit set up.
This weekend Lee got the sound system throughout the house hooked up, it sounds like we are opening up a club.... ;) While Lee was busy with that mom and I slipped out to do a little shopping! We wanted shop for clothes as well as home decor but traffic was BAD so we only got to home decor. But we found some perfect items that I can't wait to share! We have a long way to go but a few more touches and I hope to get my sis over here to take a few pics!

BIG things left on the list: rug and coffee table for keeping room, table for foyer, side tables for family room, a few more decorations for the master bedroom and family room, outdoor furniture/decor, then I plan on making our "playroom" an office/craft room for now and it IS going to be my black and white room. Always wanted one and never stuck to it! That's all I can think of for now.

I have been focusing A LOT on school and my little angels. First year teachers always have to do a little extra preparing but I have a great team that helps me out tremendously! Mom and I decorated my classroom for fall/Halloween so I hope to share those when I get my first classroom pics (hint, hint LYNDSEY!;) My children are very observant and notice EVERY LITTLE THING I change in the classroom. I like to freshen things up for them; they enjoy it. If it wasn't for my mom NONE of this would be possible though, she is my HERO!!:) I have a sweet little group (of 24 as of today!!); there are definitely stressful days(that's for any job), but I absolutely love my job and my class; extremely blessed!
I have been reading your blogs but I have been in a blogging rut lately. Hoping that changes today!

I would love to participate in the cute question game everyone is doing! EMAIL or comment ANY question you would like to ask! :)

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

Let the decorating begin!!!

2011-09-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to the lake and had a wonderful first weekend besides me getting BURNT UP!

We left out this past Friday after school and due to bad weather we decided to come on home Saturday morning.

As you see we've moved up in the camping world... started off in a pop-up and got our camper sometime last year.

Welllll.... after very few uses we've decided to sell the Salem.

We really don't know why, it's a nice camper, just not getting a lot of use out of her! ;)

SO LONG SALEM!

You will be missed! :)

Mom and I spent our Labor Day SHOPPING!!

I feel like we've got a great start!:)

It's starting to feel like a home and I can't wait to share!

We are out of school today due to weather!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

HERE SHE IS!!!!!!!! FIIIINALLLLYYYY:)

2011-08-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

This evening I FINALLY took some pictures of our house so I MADE time to share them with you all.

I seriously did not plan on taking THIS long, but we have been extremely busy (blah, blah, blah) Like I've said before, I know everyone in America is busy so I hate saying that but we really have been crazy busy.

Between getting this house SOMEWHAT together and getting my classroom together, I did not even think about blogging (Welll, I did make time to look at y'alls blog) BUT you know what I mean;)

Anyway, so HERE SHE IS!

With the bright yellow security system sign shining RIGHT in front of the house and all!!!haha

This is the sidewalk going from the driveway to our back porch/patio.

We decided to stamp our sidewalk and I LOVE them. Totally worth the $$$! :)

You can see we have part of our deck screened and part open (obviously) But we also have a patio under the deck. The stamped concrete continues to the patio as well. We plan to put a swing and maybe a small table.Also, we plan to paint the deck chocolate when the wood does........something!(Whatever Lee always says;)

Right side of our house. My pretty window is much prettier in person, oh yeah, maybe it's the green sheet hanging taking the shine away!!;)

Upclose pic of our pots.

Ok, so we went like two weekends ago to get pots and flowers and needless to say we were a little late on everything. We went to 5 different places and finally came across these. I thought they turned out perfectly though. The plants aren't my first choice, but they turned out pretty good for what I had to choose from.

We also stamped our front sidewalk. (We think the orange/red hose pipe adds a little character;)

You can not tell in person, but our lot is a corner lot, so our house sits at an angle on the lot. :)

I am still looking for window boxes to put under the two larger windows with shutters.

Any suggestions on places to get them is welcome!!

Hope you like it!

I look forward to showing you all the inside!!! But we are waiting on the other half of our furniture! It is supposed to be in the end of August... so SOON! I will tell you all the furniture story in a later post.

I hope to get my sister over here to take some better pictures when the inside is complete. My 7 year old camera has GOT TO GO! Nikon D3020404 (whatever the # is) PLEASE;)

Like I said earlier, worked hard on my little classroom this summer. I have some before and after pictures I hope to share soon (HINT for my sister) By the way, I could not have done it without my sister's, mom's, and friend Ale's help this summer. THANKS SO MUCH!

We are going to the lake for the FIRST time this summer/year this weekend!

Camping/ lake/ boat riding/ relaxing/ ~~pigging out~~ EATING HERE I COME!

Things have SOMEWHAT slowed down, so I hope to get back to blogging on a regular basis!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!!

House Update....

2011-07-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

Things are FINALLY coming to an end! Well, kinda....

We laid sod this past Thursday. I have always heard people say they would rather be beat with a bat than lay sod, but I really didn't mind it. Don't get me wrong, it is not something I would want to do everyday but I felt pretty good when we were done. We also got our yard landscaped. It looks great!

Our granite counter tops are down and I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

The painters are touching up and repainting the next few days. Also my back splash in the kitchen is being put up today.

We are planning on having everything moved out of our current house this weekend. We already moved a lot to the new house but we can only align the basement walls with it b/c insulation has to be put up tomorrow.

We have everything pretty much packed up in boxes and ready to move just waiting on insulation. We may have to stay with Lee's parents for a few nights, not positive though (his mom will love having a kitty in the house;). I have been motivated to get all of this moving DONE so we can go to the BEACH next Wednesday for a couple of days!!

This was a 4th of July to remember filled with MORE moving, scraping stickers off windows (why you put stickers on windows blows my mind, but I won't get started on that!) and MORE electrical work (I know you're jealous;) Ugh.

BUT....

WE ARE ALMOST THERE!!

What's left?

Painters are finishing painting and touching up
Plumbing fixtures have to be installed (starting tomorrow)
Carpet in upstairs rooms (tomorrow)
Finish up insulation
Shelving in all closets (Friday)
Finish moving
and A LOT of cleaning (Which I can not wait to do, It's driving me CrAzYY)

Then it's time to furniture shop!!!

I know you are thinking, WHERE WILL Y'ALL SLEEP WITHOUT FURNITURE?! Well, we have our guest bedroom furniture, so we are going to sleep in the guest room until I find my furniture. I have promised to look and get EXACTLY what I want and not rush. :)

That's all I got for now.... be back soon!!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!!!

What we've been up to.....

2011-06-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

PACKING, PACKING, PACKING!!

I am an organized person and it's still overwhelming!!

(Notice Nosy Rosy, who is feeling better by the way;)

(This doesn't include the basement... WOW, that is another story)

We closed Friday and are shooting to be out by the 15th!

Originally it was supposed to be the end of July, but things sped up quickly! We will be laying sod this FRIDAY!! AHH... and yes, I will be helping (ugh!)

I met with the shelving man yesterday! I am very excited about our closet! I cannot wait to have more room... I am already organizing it in my mind!

I am not going to lie, things have gotten a little more stressful in these last few weeks, which was expected. Needless to say, I am ready to be DONE!

What has been completed??

All tile work
Cabinets are installed
most lighting is up
Rock on outside and inside fireplace is complete
Hardwood floors are complete
banisters inside
painting has been done but they have to come back for ALOT OF touch ups!
Back porch is built and screened in! Thanks to Lee's uncle (who is the builder;)
Garage doors have been installed
Sidewalk has been poured and stamped
All outside is complete including cedar shakes
All of the outside is now complete

What is left to complete?

Gutters (being put up as I type this;)
Driveway getting poured (delayed due to rain)
Counter tops (Thursday)
Plumbing fixtures (I think he is stating today. He had to wait on all the floors to be done)
Carpet will be installed (The very last thing)
Paint touch ups (Also at the very end)
Surround sound/music being installed
Finish up lighting
Shelving installed (He is designing the closet now)
Land scaping (starting this Thursday)

That's all I can think of right now!

Furniture shopping will be starting very soon! Mom and I went shopping for vanity mirrors this past Saturday and of course we picked up a couple of dining room decor!

Since I have been this long without showing pictures, I am thinking I am going to wait until EVERYTHING is complete! :) Teasing ya a bit! :)

HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING A BLESSED SUMMER!

Beach Trip 2011 w/ Lee's Parents

2011-06-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

Lee and I got a quick break to the beach. It was hard this year, leaving the house and everything, but we needed a break.

I did not take many pics so thought I would share the VERY few I did:)

We went deep sea fishing on the second day.

My BIG FISH is on the top third from the left:)

And it WORE ME OUT!!

The day before we left I noticed Camden not being himself. I took him to the vet and they gave him meds for a UTI. Mom and dad came to stay at our house so they could watch him. Mom ended up taking him back to the vet and they kept him over the weekend:( So I had that worry the entire beach trip. I thought I would get to take him home today, but he is still not tinkling like he should. I went to visit him and when I walked in the cried and hurried to the front of the cage. He rubbed and rubbed on my hand and purred. And talking about breaking your heart, he started reaching his little paw through the cage:( UGH, it makes me so sad! I PRAY he gets to come home tomorrow. I miss that little monkey sleeping on my head!

Anyway, the trip was great. I am usually sad about coming home but knowing we were coming home to house progress was exciting!

I hope to take pictures tomorrow and do a house update! SOOO much has been done! It's looking great.

Hopefully I will get my baby tomorrow and complete a house update!

Going to get caught up on y'alls blogs now:)

I'm Back....... with a brief house building update!

2011-06-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

I have not forgotten about ya!!!

Since my summer began, things have been CRAZY!

I'm staring to think I'm ready to go back to work already.... Maybe not! ;)

Going to share a quick list of things I have accomplished this week:

Mantles have been chose. Two are built (they are perfect!) and at the house and one is currently being built. Of course, those were a challenge but I won't go into that.
I have chosen my granite counter tops for the master bath, kitchen, and powder room. I also chose my counter tops for the upstairs bathrooms as well.
Hardwood floors are finalized and ordered. Once again, it was a challenge to get them but in the end it worked out:) They are starting on them next week!
I chose the tile for the master bath and shower, kitchen back splash, the two fireplaces that need tile, laundry room, and the two upstairs bathrooms. I am still not satisfied with the decorative tile that is going in the shower. Still up in the air! That was a 3 hour process!!
Crown molding is all up!!
Paint colors have been chosen and painters are caulking at the moment!
Shutters have been chosen and finalized.
Stacked stone has been put ip on the front of the house! Can't wait to show y'all!
I chose and finalized the stacked stone for the inside fireplace. It should go up next week!
Cedar shakes and eves have started going up as well! It has been crazy around the new house... so many different things going on at once!
Most of our cabinets are complete! We had to store the kitchen in our basement until they are ready to be installed!
Cabinetry hardware has been chose but still questioning!
I chose all of our lighting last week, got the price yesterday, and calling to finalize that next week!
Chose my stair railing and finalized them yesterday!
They built our back deck today and finishing it tomorrow! It looks great!

That's all I can think of right now! It is coming along quickly, better than I ever imagined!

Hopefully have some pictures for you soon!

Sorry for the lack of posts... hopefully things will slow down soon! Hoping to get caught up on everyone's blog tomorrow!:)

HOPE YOU HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND!

House Update (May 25th-June 1st)

2011-06-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

Brick is complete!

Cedar shake will be put up next and our stacked stone for the front should be arriving soon. Of course, the stacked stone for the front had to be specially made (It's never ending;)

Our steps turned out great!

I can picture two big pots of flowers on those little columns now!

I wanted the steps to slightly fan out and I couldn't be happier.

They are back fielding dirt tomorrow. Dirt will come up a little over a foot around the entire house. I requested that b/c I didn't want TOO many steps:)

Sheet rock is also complete!

They are trimming out the house with our crown molding starting Friday then the painting will begin!

I FINALLY chose all of my colors!:)

Double arches entering the family room...

Archway entering the kitchen!

Did the best I could to get a shot looking up in the foyer....

Family room, this is where the stacked stone fireplace will be:)

My copper sink for the half bath arrived today!

We are meeting with our builder so I can show him the mantle inspirations I have collected...(That should be interesting;)

Meeting with the lighting lady Friday morning at 10.

Going BACK to the counter top place Friday afternoon,

Going to look at the lighting showroom Saturday morning.

Going to choose tile hopefully beginning of next week!

Starting to order home decor... my favorite part...

I am doing all of this while organizing/decorating my NEW classroom!

I will be a third grade teacher next year!

Feeling blessed... thank you Jesus!:)

Hope You're Having a BLESSED Wednesday!

Monday Memories on Tuesday!

2011-05-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

Friday

After work, I hurried home b/c we had to drive to Tuscaloosa, which is about 45 minutes from home, to look at counter tops! We were later than expected b/c the husband got off the wrong exit!!;) Luckily, I have a husband who will admit when he is lost:) Anyway, we made it there with 15 minutes to spare.... and I am suppose to pick out counter tops for a kitchen, master bathroom, powder room, and two full baths in 15 minutes?!?! NOT HAPPENING. Not to mention, there was granite after granite after granite to choose from! Oh, and guess what?! I choose a VERY rare granite for the kitchen that will have to be ordered. I am getting used to it now though, nothing new! ;) He had a whole yard full of slabs of granite and I was OVERWHELMED to say the least. Luckily, mom's contractor sent her to the same counter top place, so we are going back this Friday! I was so overwhelmed I could not think, but this Friday we will have more time (and my momma's advice) so it will go over much more smoothly!

We then had Mexican for dinner and headed home to relax!

Saturday

I, of course, slept in Saturday morning and the husband was wide awake at 6:00 (which is normal for him). Mom called that morning and asked if I wanted to ride with her and my dad to look at hardwood floors, tile, and granite. From the damage of the tornado, mom and dad are going on and renovating the whole house. While there, my mom and I got carried away and dragged out sample after sample of hardwood floors. We found my hardwood floors while at it! They are beautiful! And I saw tile I LOVE! We ate lunch at Milo's (another one of my favorites)!

When I got home, Lee and I decided to go to the river ride for a couple of hours. Lee wanted to make sure the boat was running properly before taking it two hours away to the lake. It ran great, thank goodness!

We got home from the river and Lee headed to meet my dad and bro-in-law at the races. My mom and I went to do some house shopping. (I need to note that I bought the husband something;) We then met my sister for dinner at FIREBIRD'S! We went back to my sister's and watched Pregnant in Heels and painted fingernails.

Sunday

We went to Sunday school, lunch at Ezell's, Sunday nap, to get my bedroom furniture (which will go in the guest room) at mom and dad's, then back to church for eating and singing!

I noticed before church Camden was spending a lot of time in his litter box. He then decided to take a squat on the rug (SHHH, hubby doesn't know that;) Well, I popped him, and then it clicked. My baby has a UTI :( Talk about feeling guilty. I popped that poor baby and he didn't feel good. Makes me sick at my stomach:( He never uses the bathroom anywhere but his litter box so I was for sure he had a UTI. I thought I would wake up early Monday morning and take him to the emergency vet (considering it's a holiday). Well, momma couldn't sleep anyway from worrying, so guess what?! I loaded him up at 10:00 and we headed to the vet. It took about 40 minutes to get there. He "used it" for the doc by just rubbing him. She tested it, and momma was right! They had to give me two bottles of medicine b/c "big boy" has officially earned that title;hHe weighs a whopping 16 pounds. The last time I weighed him he was 10 pounds. Needless to say, he has gained a few!

He is finally resting, but still not himself. :(

Monday

I woke up and CLEANED, CLEANED, CLEANED while Lee worked outside. I LOVE having a clean house! I'm a little OCD though. It's not really dirty to start with, but I HAVE to deep clean EVERY time I clean (which is usually every Thursday). Lee's mom got us some bar-b-q for lunch. It was yummy as always! After lunch we went grocery shopping.

Saturday night, while shopping with mom, I found some lamps I LOVE. Wellll, when this girl gets something on her mind, it's not going to leave until it's mine! SOOO, we headed to Home Goods and bought two lamps which I plan to use in the Master bedroom! We then went to two different Ross's and I got some baskets for organizing and a huge chest thingy (don't know what you call it). I plan to put blankets/quilts in it! We also bought a fire pit that was practically 75% off!

We then met mom and dad for dinner at Outback!

We had a great long weekend!

Back to work until Thursday, then SUMMER starts!

They are back to work on the house today. Update tomorrow:)

Hope Everyone had a BLESSED Memorial Day! :)

House Building Update (May 22nd-24th)

2011-05-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Brick started going up MONDAY and it is going up QUICKLY! Sheet Rock started going up Tuesday and it is also going up QUICKLY!

It is so exciting to come home to see how much brick has gone up!

These pictures were taken Tuesday. When I got home yesterday, they had made A LOT of progress but I didn't snap pictures... shame on me:(

But here are some pictures I took on Tuesday!

I will for sure get some today:)

Yesterday we chose our stacked stone for our "real" fireplace. Our "real" fireplace is in our family room. The other two will be your normal. As a matter of fact, we are going this weekend to pick those out.

We met with the counter top man on Tuesday.

We are going to the show room TOMORROW! I am pumped about that....

We also met with the door man and chose our inside doors as well as the door knobs and our crown molding!

We chose our vents for the outside yesterday.

I have a meeting with the light woman next Friday.

I have also got to go choose cabinet hardware and tile for master bath, laundry room, back splash, and upstairs bathrooms next Thursday! (I know I said all of this in my last post.... thought I'd add it again;)

Stacked stone for the outside is coming today... we hope!

That's all I can think of for now!

Update hopefully tomorrow!

I AM LOVING....

2011-05-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Linking up with Jamie... :)

Most of what I am loving right now is to do with home decorating but I wanted to throw in my latest purchase I am loving....

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer

It is awesome! Not too thick; just the right coverage..... ;)

I mainly want to share some home decor inspirations I am loving right now.....

Master Bathroom

LOVE the charcoal gray tile with the white! Looks so crisp and clean!!!

Master Bedroom Inspiration....

Can you tell I am obsessed with gray?? Overboard a bit?! :)

The next few pictures are lighting inspirations....

Got an appointment next Friday with the lighting woman!!

Any websites for lighting ideas... PLEASE let me know:)

Living Room Inspirations

Not crazy about this room?

I saved it b/c I like the blinds... What do you think??

Master Closet Ideas
I do not have to have a closet worth thousands of dollars. But I want some organization.

We are putting a lot of drawer space in our closet to eliminate cluttering the bedroom.

Below are a few ideas... :)

Out of the 300 inspiration ideas I have saved on my computer, thought I would share a few!

What do you think?

If you have any decor blog/websites you love, PLEASE let me know? :)

All opinions welcome!!:)

Monday Memories/ Building Update (May 14th-22nd)

2011-05-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Friday

Friday, Lee took a half day to get caught up around our house. When I got home, we left out to Tannehill State Park! Lee's mom rents a cabin every year at this time for Trade Days, which is a place for people to sell their crafts. We sat by the campfire and had smores, my favorite!

Saturday

Lee got up early to hit it at the new house... I got my beauty rest and went over about 9. I had to get some girly stuff done that morning and grocery shopping. Then I went home and made us a picnic!

I helped Lee clean up the mess from the construction that went on during the week (I am now feeling the pain from bending down and standing up a million times... can't believe I am THAT out of shape;)....

About 3:00 we headed back to Tannehill for a bit. Stayed there about an hour then ate dinner with Lee's aunt and uncle at Logan's and headed to watch his cousin race! Interesting atmosphere to say the least, but I will have to admit it was fun!:)

Sunday

We got back to our normal church routine! Sunday school, "big church", lunch @ Sumo's, went to visit my parents, choir practice (for me;), training union, the night church! Felt good to get back:)

Building Update

May 14th-22nd

I have been slacking on my building updates...

They have finished plumbing, electrical, and HVAC stuff for now! The roofers started last Thursday, the fireplaces are set, the brick was delivered Friday.

Brick is starting today, insulation going up today, sheet rock delivered today and probably starting sheet rock Wednesday!

Cabinets are in the process of being built. Still trying to get the right color for cabinets. Currently on sample number 2 and still deciding!

Meeting with the counter top man this afternoon... and meetings lined up every evening this week.

It's moving FAST! And I love it!

Appliances are ordered!

Got to decide on one more sink for half bath... (By the way, the cabinet man is building the cabinet for the half bath, after ALL THAT!;)

Also, currently deciding on paint colors which is dealing my fits! I got back and forth daily ;)

Got to go look at stacked stone for the fireplace inside one day this week as well as cabinet hardware... Tile man is also meeting with us one evening this week.

I hate saying this because I know everyone in the world is BUSY, but things around the Pody household are CrAzY to say the least! ;)

(One more week until SUMMER!:)

Roof going up (hopefully finishing it today)

Tried to make it quick and to the point!

I am sure there will be another update very SOON!

Hope You Had a BLESSED Weekend!

To Buy or Not To Buy??...

2011-05-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

Now that I have used my Ulta goodies a few times, figured it was time for me to voice my opinion on these products.... :)

(All prices on these products are estimates;)

1. Neutrogena Wave Sonic- On sale for $13 when I bought it

This item I really like so far. It makes my face feel very smooth and after a few uses I can tell a difference. I have been trying to use 3 to 4 times a week.

Would I purchase again? Absolutely!

2. Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Mask- Around $15

I do not like how it applies... it is very lumpy and does not spread easily.

It did make my face feel smooth and clean when rinsed, but overall I am not impressed with this product.

Would I purchase again? Nope.

3. Yes to Cucumber Make-Up Removing Wipes- Around $5

I have loved these little handy wipes. When I am lazy and do not want to do my bed time routine I use these bad boys. I have to use two to feel like I got it all... they give your face a tingling feeling, which I love, but some may not. Sometimes, I will even use one wipe before washing my face b/c I like the way it feels! :)

Would I purchase again? Definitely!

4. Too Faced Bronzer (Leopard Pallet)- Around $30

I have mixed feelings about this item. I do not think it is worth the 30 plus dollars I spent on it. It does give you a little shimmer but overall not too impressed!

Would I purchase again? Probably not.

5. Garnier Skin Renew Anti Dark Circle Roller (tinted)- Around $13

My first use of this product I was afraid I was not going to like it. I gave it another shot, and dabbed a little of the concealer I normally use over it and I really liked the way it looked. I actually do not have dark circles, but for some reason I have always used concealer. So with a little assistance of my concealer, this product has me approval!

Would I purchase again? Sure, why not!

Tried to make this post as short and to the point as possible!

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask by email or comment, whichever you prefer! ;)

Have a BLESSED day!

Our First Home....

2011-05-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a short & sweet tour of our first home...

Lee has been living in this house for 11 years (I think). When I first entered Mr. Pody's home, I knew there was going to be a ~~million~~ few changes...

EVERY.SINGLE.WALL was white... don't get me wrong, I love white but you felt like you were in an insane asylum. Our first step HAD to be painting....

ACTUALLY, the first step was A LOT of shopping for house decor but I want go into that :)

The Foyer

The Kitchen

When I first came along, the counter tops were a beautiful maroon and the floors were white (turned brownish yellow) and maroon checkered laminate. Let's get real, it was HIDEOUS!

So we did some changes that you see below....

The Living Room

I know, I know... you are LOVING the floral couches ;)

We chose to not buy any new furniture, b/c we knew we would eventually build and wanted to buy all new when the time came....

Our Master Bedroom

Not perfect, but we put a lot of sweat into our little home and did our best to make is "ours."

Lee and I planned on eventually building... Our original plan was to build in 2 or 3 years.

I guess that's what we get for planning, someone else has bigger plans for us :)

We never dreamed we would be ready to build 4 months after marriage, but it just felt right (that will have to be another post, or this post will be EVEN longer;) Soooo, we started the process....

And a part of this process is selling our home....

LONG story short, things did not work out with the original buyers who told Lee YEARS ago they wanted the house... that fell through so last Thursday Lee went to buy FOR SALE signs...

I penciled them Thursday night and Friday afternoon traced it with a marker...

Friday night, when we got home from our date, we decided to go on and put the signs out, it was about 9:00.

Of course, some little fur ball had to help me...

(Mommy, please don't make me move AGAIN!;)

We put the signs out at 9:00 Friday night and the house SOLD at 10:00 the next morning! It was for sale for 13 hours!

People were fighting over it!

(It is in a great location and sits on an acre lot;)

We did not expect it to sale SO quickly!

Yes, we are VERY thankful... but sometimes when I come home, I get a little sad:(

We put a lot of work into this house to make it feel like a home...

BUT what makes me feel better about this, we sold it to a family that lost EVERYTHING in the tornado.

We were able to give them all of our furniture too!

She told me she feels like she has hope again and that makes my heart feel so good.

She told Lee she was going to follow him to make sure he took down all of the signs. :)

Oh, and her daughter wanted to know if Lee came with the house as well;) I thought that was cute....

She was SO excited, she even came back the next day to look around and get more pictures.

I could not be more happy for this family...

We are just moving up the road, so they will be our new neighbors as well!

GOD IS SO GOOD!! :)

House Update (May 11th - 13th)

2011-05-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

My window for above my tub came Tuesday and it was installed when I got home!

Once again, this picture does not do it justice. I have got to invest in a new camera, mine is ~~ancient~~ 5years old. ;0)

It is prettier than I expected... it just sparkles and shines! LOVE it!

The framing crew finished up yesterday.

My arches are ALL framed throughout the house!!

The garage doors also have their arch now;)

The plumbers, electricians, and HVAC men come in from work and hit it hard until dark!

Here she is so far!

The chimney is going to have a few adjustments done, and the archway to the front door will not be quite that large!

It's coming along!

My gas lanterns for each side of the front door arrived yesterday! They were perfect and made so well!

Went with our door beautifully!

I also met with the cabinet man again yesterday to get prices and discuss everything...

He has been doing this for 30 years so I have A LOT of confidence!;)

He is great and trying to teach me to SPEAK UP... very nice man:)

Anyway, we called him today to finalize things so cabinets should be underway soon!

We also finalized our appliances yesterday. We decided on all Kitchen Aide appliances! I'm a little OCD so it really made me happy to have everything the same brand;)

Another thing to add to my TO DO LIST is choosing cabinet hardware...ASAP!...

The place closes at 5 and not open on weekends! Makes it quiet difficult!

Have a BLESSED Weekend!! :)

House Building Update (May 9th-10th)

2011-05-11T07:49:00.002-07:00

I wanted to wait a couple of weeks to start back my house building updates...
Things are moving very quickly and they are really backing up so I decided to go on a post them.
Warning:
MAJOR HOUSE BUILDING POSTS AHEAD:)

A LOT has been going on the past few days!

Monday, the cabinet man came to sketch where the cabinets will be, discuss some options for shelving in the closet, discuss color options, etc.

The HVAC men were also there to discuss vent locations and to see what kind of work they have in store for them.

The windows arrived Monday as well and they had a couple installed when I got home.

The electrical work got started on Sunday.

Plumbing is almost complete. I think the water lines have to be ran, not positive about that.

We also ordered our gas lanterns this past Saturday night, so they should be arriving sometime this week. It was a spur of the moment purchase!:)

Tuesday, we had an appointment to select our appliances.

I thought it was going to be difficult, but it was actually the easiest thing yet.

We chose our gas cook top, our hood (which will be built in b/c I want my cabinet man to custom build something), dishwasher, electric stove, microwave, and refrigerator. They all ended up being the same brand, which is Kitchen Aide. I am very excited about that. I also picked out a washer and dryer we may purchase at a later time. :)

The roof man also came yesterday to scout things out...

It seems that EVERY person that comes along says this is the hardest house they have ever worked on (including the roof man)!

It takes a lot of discussion, changes, and decisions on this one!

Leave it to me to choose the most difficult house!!

The framers are still working but mostly just minor things left to complete.

On our way home, Uncle Lynn called and told me there was a surprise waiting on me and he deserved a hug!

I came home to my front door!

And I.AM.IN.LOVE.

After all the worry it all worked out and it is EXACTLY what I had in mind.

This picture does it no justice what so ever but it is beautiful!

A lot of the progress on the home is not visible with pictures.

But things are going QUICKLY!

Everything hit us at once this week but it's been ~~stressful~~ fun! :)

On our TO-DO list:

-measurements of appliances for cabinet man

-pick out a mop sink

-have a vanity in mind if needed

-finalize all plumbing fixtures

(my mind can't think of the rest right now)

House Building Update (May 6th- May 8th)

2011-05-11T07:49:00.001-07:00

Friday, I came home to more completed!!!

The back chimney is up as well as the covered deck's roof!

Saturday, there was A LOT going on!

Lee's parent's were burning wood, Casey and Matt were plumbing, the framers were there, and I was taking pictures :) Just kidding, I helped clean up behind everyone...

The upstairs tubs were installed...

Casey and Matt also came back Sunday and got a lot of the plumbing done, and Brian our electrician got started as well! It's coming along fast!

Today, (Monday, May 9th) we are meeting with the cabinet man!!!!! :)

House Buliding Update (May 5th)

2011-05-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Family room

Part of the dining room

Part of the Kitchen

Laundry Room

Master Bedroom/ Trey Ceilings

House Building (May 4th)

2011-05-11T07:48:00.002-07:00

House Update (May 3rd)

2011-05-11T07:48:00.001-07:00

House Update (May 2nd)

2011-05-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

House Update (April 29th)

2011-05-11T07:46:00.001-07:00

House Update (April 27th)

2011-05-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

I Need Your Help (again;)

2011-05-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

PLEASE help me pick out my vanity for our powder room... Sadly, these are not all my choices so there may be another post to come!

(Keep in mind, MOST faucets will be change to antique bronze)

1.)

2.)

3.)

4.)

5.)

6.)

7.)

8.)

9.)

10.)

11.)

12.)

13.)

14.)

15.)

16.)

17.)

18.)

19.)

Which numbers do you like?

Up for any suggestions, websites, etc...

Thank you so much! More to come.... :)

Monday Memories!

2011-05-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

WEEKEND RECAP:

Friday

When Lee got home, he got busy cleaning up the "new" house. Everyday when he gets home he picks up wood scraps, nails, sweeps, etc. I went to my SIL's house early to help decorate for Kalli's (my niece) birthday. We had a great time and yummy pizza and birthday cake!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET KALLI ANN!

Saturday

We had a lot going on at the "new" house. Lee's parents were burning the scrap pieces of wood, the plumbing got started, Lee and Uncle Lynn were building a platform for my tub, and I was watching :) Just kidding, I was cleaning up behind everyone and I also had to clean house! We had our Saturday favorite, Guses' Hotdogs! I did a little shopping, then we went to a church party which consisted of a mini bonfire, tractor rides, delicious foods, singing, and of course laughing!

Sunday

Our plumber came back to do some more on the house and also our electrician came to get a supply list and couldn't resist to get started. They got the plug sockets and some can lights installed! It's moving right along! Then we went to my sister's to celebrate Mother's Day with cheeseburgers and The Amazing Race!

There is a lot going on right now... Lee said he would do anything for a date night. Like everyone else in the world, we are just SO busy right now. Not complaining though :)

We are meeting with the cabinet man today!

Hope Everyone's had a BLESSED Monday!!

My trip to ULTA!

2011-05-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

After school yesterday I decided to head on to Ulta, considering I was scrapping for foundation on Monday. I knew I could not go another day. I hate going across town during the week because once I get home, my evening is gone and it's BACK to work before I know it.
I really enjoyed my mini shopping trip and on my way to Ulta, I remembered my gift certificate from my parents (birthday gift) and my coupon for free items! That made up for the dreaded mid-week outing (I act like I'm 80 years old).
I am going to list the items I bought, obviously I have not used most of them yet, but when I do I will give you all some reviews on the products.

1. As you know, I needed foundation. I wanted to try something new, but did not know what to get so I stuck with ole faithful Bare Essentials. BUT I have been cheating and not applying the mineral veil, so I picked me up some mineral veil; hoping it will make it last longer.
(Question? Should I be using the Clear Radiance also?)

2. I have been wanting the Olay Pro X (whatever it's called) for a while and EVERY time I go to Ulta to get it they are out. Sooo, I saw the Neutrogena Wave Sonic on sale, so I thought I would give it a try. Last night was my first try and so far so good! Made my face feel so soft and smooth.

3. I then picked up the Yes to Cucumber Facial Towelettes. Sometimes when you are too tired to wash your face or camping they are handy. Also heard from some blog friends they work well so I'll let you know my opinion soon...

4. I also picked up the Yes to Cucumber Soothing Facial Mask. I tried it last night (As you can see, I had a little beauty night last night) and I do not like how it feels when you apply it. It does not smooth out easily, it's lumpy feeling. But my face felt very clean, smooth, and refreshed after it was removed.

Still deciding how I feel about this item.... ;)

5. THEN I came across the Too Faced bronzers and after a while of contemplating I decided on the Too Faced Peach Leopard brightening & perfecting bronzer. Not to mention, the print is super cute...

6. At the checkout line, they always try to real you in with the cute mini samples of everything. Well, I am the one who grabs a couple before checking out. This time around, I grabbed the Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect. They smell great and one even has a SPF of 20.

And for my two free items (using Level 3 coupon)
1. Revlon Color Splash lip gloss in Gold Dust
2. Ulta Nail Polish in Concrete Evidence (It's a pale grey color) I put it on my toes last night and hated the application process. You think it's going on messy, but in the end it looks very smooth.
3. Lastly, they gave me a free sample of PRIME TIME!

I was very excited about my purchase... I LOVE buying stuff like that.

I also went in Target.
I bought the Garnier Skin Renew anti-dark circle roller (tinted). Used it today and not quite sure how I feel about it yet. I am going to give it a couple more days though:)
I passed up A LOT of cute dresses, capris, and tops:( Target has some really great clothes!

Can't wait to tell you how I feel about the products!
If you have any beauty products you can't live without, let me in on your secrets!! :)

Have a BLESSED weekend!! :)

Thursday Blog Hop!

2011-05-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

Participate in the blog hop with me!

To hop along, go here!
or here!
First time participating, thought I'd give it a try!
Leave a comment, I would love to follow you back!
:)

Have a BLESSED Thursday!

Our Tub Has Arrived!

2011-05-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

I ordered our Cast Iron Pedestal tub from Vintage Tubs about 2 weeks ago.

I was VERY nervous about making such a big purchase online.

The tub was suppose to arrive last Friday and I called them in a panic because I knew they would not get through all of the "check points" in Concord due to the tornado.

They were EXTREMELY helpful and VERY friendly.

I called them a rescheduled for Monday and on Monday I got the call that the delivery truck was on the way!

Little did I know it was an 18 wheeler that was trying to make it through our little neighborhood roads!

The driver called Lee for the alternate directions because roads are still blocked and will be blocked for a WHILE. (understandably)

In the end, my beautiful tub arrived with a little scratch on the back of it which will not be seen.

SOoO she's a keeper!!

And THIS girl is happy and satisfied (which makes the husband happy too;)!

Check out Vintage Tub... they have BEAUTIFUL items!

OF COURSE, I could not find the picture I was looking for.

But the below picture will give you an idea.

Our faucets will be antique bronze (dark brown) instead of silver and the pedestal on ours is different.

She's a beauty and I can't wait to find a chandelier to hang above her!:)

(I'm still searching for that picture because it shows our sinks we ordered for our master bath as well!!)

Any suggestions on the light fixture to hang above will be greatly appreciated!

(You girls didn't know yall would be ~~dragged~~ brought into building/designing this house too!... your opinions honestly help me though:)

I AM LOVING....

2011-05-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

Linking up with WILW, if you would like to participate go here...

1.) I am loving....

I tried finding a product that will keep my make-up on longer... It's gone after two hours!

I am currently using Bare Minerals Prime Time and I really like it...

It stays on longer and goes on smoother.

BUT... I also use Bare Minerals powder foundation and I like it and always go back, but I want to venture out and try something new...
Please let me know ANY suggestions!!

2.) I am loving....

Too Faced Eye Insurance.

It keeps your eyeshadow on longer as well as smoother. You can get it a Sephora or Ulta!

3.) I am loving....

On my CVS shopping trip, (which this week I got this razor, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner for only 5 dollars... I am getting there;) Anyway, thought I would try this razor, it's fairly cheap, and so far I like!

(I used a 3 dollars off coupon from Sunday's paper)

4.) I am loving....

I also needed mascara so thought I would give Loreal Explosion mascara a try. This is only my third day using it, I apply my regular mascara first, which is Volume Million Lashes by Loreal, then I apply this second.

The funky brush takes some getting used to, but I can definitely see a difference. So far so good!

Just a few things I am loving right now... hope you enjoyed! :)

Have a BLESSED day!

Please Continue Praying....

2011-05-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

The devastation that has occurred in Sweet Home Alabama cannot be explained in words. When you see it with your own eyes it is shocking; it makes you sick at your stomach. Today, we went back to school, which I think is a good for these children. I think these babies need to get away from everything. They need a place that feels familiar; they need that normalcy. Many of the teachers have 6 and 7 students who lost everything.Our school is amazing and have a great plan in action to meet each child's needs. I ask you specifically to pray for these precious babies that do not understand why their home has been taken away from them.

As you know, the tornado destroyed much of my hometown of Pleasant Grove. Below are some images I snapped while trying to make it to my parent's house. These are parts of the neighborhood where I grew up. We moved to this wonderful neighborhood when I was 4. I recently left at age 23 when I got married. This place held a lot of precious memories....

Most of the destruction started on the street behind my parent's house.

The picture below is the house I grew up in...

We had minor damage compared to our neighbors; we had roof damage, busted windows, and all of our trees were down.

This was mom's favorite trees and they missed the house by inches.

Through all of this, you have to have something to laugh about. All of mom's trees in her yard are down, and she always talks about getting this dead tree down before it falls on the house. Well, after it was all said and done, all of mom's trees were down but "big boy" was still standing straight as an arrow! He outlasted them all!! That's usually how it goes... we just laughed when we saw it...

My man helping clear trees...

I also mentioned that much of the community of Concord, where we currently live, got destroyed. They are currently not letting people through the check points, I have driven through, but chose to not take pictures.

The National Guard guards it at night to prevent looting. Sadly, there have been looters arrested in Pleasant Grove. That is a topic I will not go into because it gets me fired up. I joined my church in helping out in Concord. We helped two elderly ladies who had very large trees EVERYWHERE on their property; blocking them from entering their driveways. They were so thankful and it was a blessing being able to help them.

Through all of this devastation it is AMAZING to see the outpouring of help. It will make you cry seeing everyone helping one another.

We cannot make it go away, but we can make it better.

I heard this statement from my Sunday school teacher and I think it has a lot of meaning, "Tragedy is God's megaphone for reaching his people."

In the midst of the storm, God gets ALL the glory.

Many have asked through e-mail if our home was damaged and if the home we are building was damaged. Our home now was not damaged nor is the home we are building. I am very thankful for that. The destruction in our community started on the street behind us. I will not be doing any house building updates for a while. So many people in my community, in my hometown, at my school, and many of my friend's and student's homes were taken from them. I just cannot bring myself to post about that at this time. I am still taking pictures of each step and saving them as drafts and I promise to post at a later time. I will be continuing my blog, just without those posts for a few weeks. It just does not feel right at this moment.

Thank you SO much for all of your sweet comments and emails from those concerned :)!

I am WAY behind on reading your fabulous blogs. We were out of power until Saturday night (I think) and our internet has been down. I hope to catch up very soon!

Thank you again for your prayers and PLEASE continue praying for Alabama and all the other states affected by the tornado.

I hope I covered everything I have been asked... if not, feel free to email me with any questions! :)

Hope you have a BLESSED week!!

We Need Your Prayers....

2011-04-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

As most of you probably know, Alabama needs your prayers desperately. Much of mine and Lee's community has been destroyed by the tornado and the majority of my hometown of Pleasant Grove is unrecognizable. My parents house where I grew up has minor damage but my whole neighborhood around their home is demolished. We have lost friends and still have many missing. I feel so helpless because I want to help my friends but they will not let you into the neighborhoods. I can not explain the devastation in words but I all I'm asking for are prayers...

We are currently out of power so doing this over my phone.

Thank you Jesus for protecting my family!

Pray, Pray, Pray and pass it on! I will update as soon as I can. Thank yall so much!

Wishful Wednesday.....

2011-04-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

1.) I have been wanting I nicer camera for a while now. (Cough, cough, CHRISTMAS)

My sister is a professional photographer and does BEAUTIFUL photography (you can check out her website here)

This is at the TOP of my wish list right now....

2.) In our new master bedroom I have a vision of crisp, clean colors like white, grey, etc.

Here is some bedding I found... Anthropology actually has the exact one I have in mind... but this gives you an idea...

3.) Here is another choice... I believe it's from West Elm???....

What do you ladies think???

I always need suggestions:)

4.) EVENTUALLY, I want to get a desktop computer... maybe an apple, but I am not one of those people who has to have an apple... just heard good things about them...

5.) I have always wanted LONG BLONDE HAIR!

Yes, I have blonde hair, but my hair is very fine and starts looking like a rats nest when it gets too long... and it starts DRIVING ME CRAZY! So I end up chopping it off!!!

6.) I am also wishing this bad weather would GO AWAY! We did get out of school early, but still not a fan of bad weather... Continue praying for safety!! :)

Have a BLESSED Wednesday!

House Update (April 26th)- Good News!!

2011-04-26T19:17:00.000-07:00

I know I am doing A LOT of house updates lately... everything is moving so quickly and I want to document every step possible! I plan on getting a book made at the end so this helps me keep my pictures organized as well! Hang in there with me:)

They got the rest of the downstairs framed, they got the upstairs floor joist done, and got the majority of the upstairs floored! They also got our master bedroom's double-trey ceiling framed!

These are the temporary stairs going to the top floor! Pretty scary to climb...

My man comes straight home from work and gets everything picked up and swept up!

This is the powder room:)

Master bedroom (what you can tell;)

Front so far!!

Husband standing on the top floor!!

Family room and the room in the top left of the pic is the Keeping Room off of the kitchen....

Double-trey ceilings above the master...

Family room... fireplace with windows on each side!

That's what I snapped today! Got a little picture happy today;)

Don't know what they will get done tomorrow... supposed to be BAD weather again:( Pray for everyone's safety!!

We got good news...

I got the door I originally wanted!!!!... there was a slight change that is hard to explain, but I am a happy girl!

I searched and searched this internet for a picture of it and was unsuccessful... UGH!

It should arrive along with all the windows soon, so I will snap a picture of it and post:)

We got more good news today too, we FOUND the STACK STONE!! Lee searched the internet for it last Thursday and thought he had found it... and he did! It is coming from Nashville, TN!! Thank you, Nashville... you are a life saver!!:)

Great day today... but when you're building a home, you never know what tomorrow may bring! :)

Hopefully tomorrow I will do a FUN post!!

Have a BLESSED day tomorrow!!

Building Update (April 25th)

2011-04-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

From the pictures there is not much change from my last post... you can see a little difference on the front of the house... most of todays work was done on framing the inside...

On the back left you can see where they framed the bay window....

You can also see where they framed for the tub!! Which should be arriving one day this week!!!

Sweet Blog Awards..... :)

2011-04-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

My precious blog friend at Let Me Be Enough, gave me two, sweet blog awards!

Thank you so very much!!!

--thank the person who gave it to you and link back [check!]

--list 7 facts [check!]

--Pass it along to 5 others [check!]

--thank the person who gave it to you and link back [check!]

--list 7 facts [check!]

--Pass it along to 5 others [check!]

1.I am the baby of my family. I have an older sister, who is my BEST FRIEND in the whole world! And an older brother. My family is extremely close!

2.I love traveling... I have been everywhere from California to Hawaii, but Florida beaches will always have my heart. I LOVE going to the beach as well as the mountains during the winter.

3. I would love to have 3 ~~possibly 4~~ children. Why 3? Growing up with my brother and sister was so much fun and I would love for my children to have the same memories I do with my family.

4.I love reading... rarely have the time, but I enjoy it...

5.I tried to "set my husband up" with three girls while we were friends... did not know until later he was interested in me. :)

6.I am extremely organized... I am SO ready to move to our new house because of our huge closet. Our clothes are crammed into our current closet and it's driving me CrAzY!!!

7. Lee and I got engaged 7 months after we started dating and planned a wedding for a little over a year after that. So we were together 1 year and 8 months before we got married. It felt waaaayyy quicker than that though!! It all flew by. The husband and I move at a fast pace in life so everything feels like it is here before we blink!!! :)

Now I get to give the award to some of my other blog friends.... I follow so many fabulous blog, this is going to be tough!

Erin's Journey

Eat, Shop, & be Married

Adventures of a Newlywed

From Corporate to Domestic

According to Sabrina

A Gurley Gurl

(Ooops, that was 6;)

Monday Memories/ Easter 2011!

2011-04-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

Friday

We originally thought Lee would be working all night so I went with Lee's sister, the kids, and his parents to eat Mexican. Well, on our way, Lee called to let me know the house plans were canceled. I went ahead and ate Mexican and also went to eat at Sumo's with Lee (I didn't eat at both places;) Then we had some decisions to make about the house so we went home, searched the internet, and CLEANED HOUSE... it was nice having help too!

Saturday

I stayed up late Friday night cleaning so I could sit under the shade tree and watch them build our home. Hey, this doesn't happen often, so I like to watch as often as I can. My mom and grandparents were there as well as Lee's parents, sister, the kids, and some more people stopped by. These framers probably think we do not have a life!haha I bet they've never had an audience! :) Mom and I went and got everyone Bar-B-Q for lunch (we eat BAR-B-Q ALOT!!)... it was a great day!!

Saturday night, we went to WalMart for groceries and just grabbed Zaxby's!

Sunday

We had a great church service. I did my first Easter program with the choir! It was awesome... After church we ate with Lee's family, hid Easter eggs, took our Sunday nap, then went to my family's delicious Easter dinner! It was an amazing EASTER! Just wanted to share a few pictures....

US with the kiddos (niece and nephew)

We had to get one in front of the house...

Had fun finding hiding places....

Yes, my mom still gets us Easter presents!:)

Lee got some great camping, fishing, outdoor shoes...

My sis and I got precious Vera Bradley beach bags!!

We had a wonderful day. We feel so blessed!

Thank you Jesus for making these precious memories possible!

Hope you had a BLESSED Easter!!!

Building Update (April 23rd, 2011)

2011-04-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

Right when I walked up, the first wall came up!

Picking up the wall of our master bedroom/bath....

My handsome husband working after the crew left....

The front of the house thus far...

The dining/kitchen/laundry/keeping room side (Left side)

The back of the house....

Master bedroom/master bath/ closet side.... (Right side)

And about our front door....

First, I LOVE double doors as well, but our entrance archway is not large enough for double doors... and if you were to change that it would move my windows, mess up the porch etc. JUST NOT WORTH IT;)

Anyway, I chose my front door Thursday night, SO EXCITED ABOUT IT!

Talked to the man yesterday, and GUESS WHAT?!?! That is the one out of the four I chose that was DISCONTINUED!! WoNdErFuL!!!!!!

SOOO... we are still searching for the front door. He is bringing us another catalog tomorrow!

Something will work out though... keeping a positive attitude! :)

Good news is, I found the exact window I want above the bathtub in the master bath... of course, the most ~~expensive~~ beautiful... LEAVE IT TO ME! :)

Having a great weekend though... we are so blessed and thankful!

Hope you are having a BLESSED weekend!!!

Building Update (April 21st & 22nd)

2011-04-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

Building Update (April 20th & 21st)... (I need your help!)

2011-04-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well, the wood started going up yesterday but shortly thereafter, the crew had to stop due to thunderstorms...

The good news is.... on my way to work today, when I passed the lot, they were back at it!

We had to meet with Uncle Lynn last night to discuss doors, windows, etc.

We are meeting with the window/door man this evening at 5...

Here are a few doors I have in mind...

Of course, as you see this one doesn't have the pretty glass, but you get my idea...

Keep in mind..our home we are building kind of has a cottage look to it... Also, the entrance will be arched, so some of these doors would be modified. But you get where I'm going with it... :)

What do you think? What's your choice?

(Feel free to give more ideas, websites, etc. :)

I AM LOVING....

2011-04-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

(Never participated in WILW so thought I'd give it a try)

{I AM LOVING}

This purse my wonderful momma bought me from Tuesday Morning. It's a dark purple. I do not only love how it looks but the size is perfect and keeps my ~~junk~~ necessities organized!

{I AM LOVING}

My new nail color. Went to get a manicure yesterday and originally picked out a light brown color with a hint of purple. My nail lady persuaded me to try this color and I really like it! Its a light, light lavender color, almost white, and it matches my Easter dress too! It's by essie but shame on me, I did not look at the name!

{I AM LOVING}

My new lunch bag my sweet SIL got me for my birthday. It's from Thirty-one and the perfect size!

{I AM LOVING}

I am actually addicted to these Popsicles! If I get started, I do not stop until I have eaten about ten. I don't even know why I buy them. FULL OF SUGAR. which I DO NOT NEED!

{I AM LOVING}

That the wood started going up today on our home!!

Going to a diaper shower tonight for a friend!!:)

Hope you had a BLESSED Wednesday!

House Building Update (April 18th & 19th)

2011-04-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend, they did not do anything on the house... but that gave us a chance to do a little furniture shopping.

Yesterday, they poured the basement floors and put sealer on it....

They also delivered our lumber... should start going up tomorrow (depending on weather).

Beauty Tip Tuesday...

2011-04-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

I tried doing this post on a weekly basis a while back... but got too busy due to wedding planning, working, and going to school. I'm going to give it another shot! :)

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE anything from make-up, hair products, skincare, mani-pedi supplies... you get the picture! I read up a lot on this topic, so I thought I would share with you all a weekly beauty tip I have been doing, want to start doing, recently learned, etc.

I am no professional but this is just a topic that interests me!

TODAY'S TOPIC:

EYE CREAMS

I strongly recommend using an eye cream. If you don't do anything else, get you an eye cream! I really do not spend ~~A LOT~~ of money on beauty products, but if I splurge on an item, this would be it.

Your skin under the eye in very thin with little support structure. That is why it wrinkles so easily; especially for us contact wearers.

I have always thought your eye cream should be really thick, but this is not necessarily true. It is your preference.

I just want to name a few eye gels/creams I have tried and liked the results. I am going to start with the cheaper choices and move to some choices I consider splurging;)

Almay Stress Eye Gel- up to $10
Beauty without Cruelty Green Tea Nourishing Eye Gel- up to $10
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream- up to $20
Philosophy Eye Believe- up to $20
Clinique Repairwear Eye Cream (non greasy)- up to $30
Mariana Chicet Bone Marrow Cream- up to $30 (I think)
Chanel Firming Eye Cream- up to $50

Tip: Just make sure your moisturizer/cream you use around your eyes doesn't contain coal-tar colors. On the label it will say, FD&C or D&C.

This is the tip I would really like to share. If you do not want to spend much money at all (that being about 4 dollars!!) I strongly recommend this... even if you currently use eye cream, I would try this a few times a week.

Like I said earlier, you do not have apply a thick eye cream. I also apply jojoba oil under my eyes (about 4 times a week). Oil spreads easily and you can avoid pulling on the skin under your eye (which you want to avoid as much as possible).

You can find jojoba oil at health food stores (Organic Harvest is where I get mine).

(Also, try adding a couple of drops to your daily body lotion. Adds moisture as well as a little shine;)

So there you go! Go get you some jojoba oil!!:)

Hope you are having a blessed Tuesday!!

Monday Memories!

2011-04-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Friday

We had Tornado watches out all day Friday so schools in our county let out at 1:30... I went home and got Camden's carrier ready to head to Lee's sister's house for coverage. (They have a poured underground basement, so that is where we go for safety) When the husband got home from work we headed to his sister's. Thankfully, the storms had weakened by the time they got to us.
To play it safe, we just went out for supper close by and grabbed bar-b-q...
Then we went home and relaxed all evening, which was nice for a change!

Saturday

We got up bright & early b/c we made plans to go to Dog Town (furniture warehouse) which is over 2 hours away. We were on the hunt for vanities for our powder room and upstairs bathrooms and my parents joined us for the adventure. We loaded up the trailer just knowing we would find something and ate breakfast at Jack's! Of course, we didn't find ANYTHING after hauling that trailer 3 hours!!! I told Lee, if we wouldn't have brought the trailer, we would have found everything we wanted!
We then decided to go to T.D.'s which is a furniture store an hour from our house in the OPPOSITE direction of Dog Town. We didn't find vanities there, but I found a desk and file cabinet I LOVE! We didn't get it yet, but plan on going back later.
When leaving T.D.'s we saw a sign of Sides Furniture two red lights down, so WHY NOT give it a shot! Of course we didn't find vanities but I found some living room furniture I LOVE! We plan to go back and get it closer to finishing the house....
We had to be back by 3:30 to talk with possible buyers of our home. So, we grabbed lunch at a Bar-B-Q joint. Which was an interesting experience I will not go into;).... The meeting with the people interested in our home went GREAT, just waiting to hear back!
After our meeting, we headed to the house that has our brick and stack stone combination. (Remember, the stack stone place the woman told us to go was shut down). OF COURSE, they were not home... but we left a note in the mailbox... Hoping for a reply SOON!
We decided to go to dinner at Taziki's (and used our coupon!) After dinner, I tried to do my coupon shopping at CVS and they were OUT OF EVERYTHING!! UGH....
Next, we we made the interesting Lowe's and Home Depot trips I talked about in my post yesterday...
Finally, we made it home and passed out, we were exhausted!

Sunday

Went to Sunday School, ate lunch at Milo's (cheeseburger combo, just sauce, cut in half, mega sized, apple pie, and a sweet tea for me! Not one glass of sweet tea but TWO... and I drank some of Lee's milkshake! That is so ridiculous!!)
We then went home to take a Sunday Nascar Nap, which felt amazing...
And last night was our Raze the Roof Rally for our community churches which is held at the high school. We heard some wonderful praise and worship music, dramas, and unbelievable testimonies... A tragedy has recently occured in our community. Two teens killed in a car accident.... asking for prayers of strength for their families, friends, and the community.

I know this post is a lot of rambling we just had a busy weekend!

Hope you had a BLESSED weekend!!

I am trying to get my kitchen ideas in my mind... it is what I am currently stressing about. If you have any web sites/ideas PLEASE help! Also, websites for powder room vanities, not having any luck in that area either!!

House Update:
They are pouring the basement floor as we speak!! Hopefully the wood will start coming up tomorrow!!!! :)

Happy Monday Everyone!

I have a confession.....

2011-04-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

I think I have an addiction.....

of walking through Lowe's and Home Depot collecting their free decorating magazines....

This was my stack I had collected before our trips last night....

Annnd...

these babies are my new additions!! :)
(a little extreme, I know)

My friend informed me you can take home hardwood floor samples!!....
I am sure I went overboard by grabbing over 10 pieces... but they were FREE!!

The girl at Home Depot even told me I could take home granite/quartz samples!!
But I was too embarrassed to go overboard b/c she was standing behind me!
I did get one sample of quartz that is beautiful and OF COURSE more expensive than granite! BUT It was the husband's fault!! He pointed it out to me!! :)
I am going back ASAP to collect more counter top samples!

Poor Lee HAD to be embarrassed of his wife walking around with two arm loads of magazines and two hand fulls hard wood floor samples!!
I felt like I was doing something wrong when I walked out of the stores... like I was stealing!!

This is my binder I keep of ideas.... paint colors, room ideas, etc. Helps me keep my thoughts organized!

We had a busy weekend, I will document tomorrow on Monday Memories!

Hope you had a BLESSED weekend!! :)

House Building Update (April 13th & 14th)

2011-04-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (April 13th), they came to water proof the basement and put in the french drain...
The ugly black tar is where they waterproofed it...

This morning the inspector came to inspect the water proofing, the pesticide man came to spray around and in the basement, also they spread the gravel to prep for the basement slab!

Then Uncle Lynn and Mr. Head back filled up to the house!! It is starting to look good!!

Tomorrow, the weather is supposed to get bad so I do not believe there are any building plans for tomorrow. Everyone pray for safety during this storm...

Saturday they are supposed to pour the basement floors! Hopefully, next week the framing will begin (depending on the weather).

Have a BLESSED Friday!

Wishful Wednesday.....

2011-04-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday I am wishing for one of the cuties above ;)

Camden needs a baby brother to play with....

PLEEEASE daddy!!!!!!

(How could you resist those faces)

Building Update (Mon. & Tues,)

2011-04-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, (Monday) they came to take the forms off of the walls and everything looks awesome!

Today, they poured the gravel for under the basement floors.... We should be pouring the cement floors sometime this week and hopefully the wood will start going up next week!! (Depending on the weather, which is not looking too good:( Thankful to have the basement for the future bad weather months!

It it "code" to keep the mud off the roads, which is another reason we got the gravel poured (above pic). It helps prevent the problem.

Anyway, so when Lee got home from work he automatically got started cleaning the road. And look at the angel below helping his Uncle Wee;)

Let me leave you with the cutie pie below....

Camden, of course, had to check the plans out and give us his input.
Which he is going to hate the new home b/c he HATES change;)!!

Hope you had a BLESSED Tuesday!

Building Update (Sat., April 9, 2011)

2011-04-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday, like I said in Monday Memories, we sat under a shade tree and read poetry...

Only kidding, we really did sit under a tree and watched them pour the basement walls. It was pretty amazing to watch... Anyway, I know no one cares to see these pictures, but I want to document every step...

Monday Memories!

2011-04-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

Friday

Friday afternoon, I watched the guys finish putting up our cement forms around the basement. My mom and grandparents came to hang out too. I wanted mom to see the brick we have chosen. They brought us two samples, one was the actual brick on the house we love which of course is most expensive;) Leave it to me to pick out the more expensive brick. The other choice was cheaper but had the same color scheme. WEELLL, Of course, I loved the more expensive brick b/c it is larger and has the rough look I like. But I was still going to listen;) I was a little stressed b/c I really wanted it and was scared to hear the price! Anyway, long story short.... Lee text me and told me he had good news! When I called, he said he made the decision for us, and we are getting the brick I want!! YAY!

SO, Friday night, Uncle Lynn (who is building our home;) wanted to see the actual house of the brick and stacked stone we have chosen so we took them by the house. I was craving TAZIKI's so we went there and used our BOGO coupon! It was delicious! After dinner, we went to ULTA, AGAIN, to buy me the OLAY PRO-X and of course they were already out.... AGAIN! Then we ran in Ross to see if they got in a new shipment, but no luck!
Saturday

Saturday was the busy, busy day;) We sat under a shade tree and watched them pour the basement walls.... We meaning Lee's mom, sister, niece, nephew, and my grandparents. Husband couldn't sit still (like ALWAYS) so he kept himself busy!
They got done about 2, so I went to get my nails done while Lee cut grass. Then we went to dinner at Firebird's and went to the grocery store (which I hate doing more and more and I am just getting started.... NOT GOOD;)
We also went to find the stacked stone place to match the exact stacked stone and found out IT IS CLOSED DOWN!! Oh no, so now we are on a mission!
Sunday

Sunday morning a slept in because I had a baby shower to host so didn't have to get up for church. We decorated and prepared food all day. Which I love! I love doing showers and going to showers! Lee went to church and to lunch at Outback (which he does that without me as much as possible, just not my favorite place to eat;) The tea ended at 4, so we cleaned up and went back to my sister's house to hang out! Then we went to evening service that night!!

Another Great Weekend!
Hope you had a BLESSED weekend!