Kraesc Life

2010-10-12T23:05:00.001-05:00

Dear Emma

2010-09-22T12:00:00.002-05:00

Dear Emma,
You are 1 month old today. I can't believe how fast this month has passed. So much has taken place in your life. You obviously started this month by being born! You grew an inch in one week's time and gained back all the weight you had lost initially plus some. At your one month check-up you were 9lbs 9.5 oz. and 21 3/4 in. long. The Dr. said you are doing just what you are supposed to!
You had your first outing to Roma's, which will be a staple food choice for you as you grow up. You went on your first girl's night out as well when we went shopping for bridesmaid dresses for Uncle Matt & Aunt Jenny's wedding coming up in December. We also have had two late night Walmart runs this month.
You were holding your head up on your own in your second week of life! Everyone is amazed at how strong you are. They also can't get over your hair. I'm pretty proud of course since I'm sure it's one of the traits you inherited from me. Most people think that you look like your Daddy, and a few think that you look like me. Both your Daddy and I think you are a great mixture of the both of us. I'm not sure if you've technically had your first smile yet or not? You are a very gassy baby and tend to "smile" most when you are being "gassy."
Claire, our dog is still not sure about you. When you cry she runs away and is still afraid to be close to you at all. I'm positive that you will eventually become very good buddies and will play together all the time. I think she still has to realize that you are a human. ;o)
This next month will be a very busy one for us! You're being dedicated on 10-10-10! Which is also the celebration of 20 years for Grandpa & Grandma Schneider of ministry. We're going to the apple orchard and pumpkin farms as well! I'm sure that you will grow so much and change and more of your little personality will be coming out.
Right now all I can do is just stare at you. You are so precious!! You make some of the funniest faces! I do believe you will be a little ham and enjoy attention very much. I've noticed the difference in some of your cries. I know the one for when you want to eat which is very serious and sometimes sounds like a goat. The one for being held sounds like your typical baby cry. But then you have this one cry that is so dramatic. You really play it up and I know that you are being my little drama queen. I can't blame you... I know that I've always been dramatic myself. ;o) You love stretching and throwing your little arms up above your head and raise your eyebrows as high as you can. It's too cute.
Oh, Emma! I could write on and on about you. You have been such a blessing to your Daddy and myself. We prayed for you for so long and now you are here!! It's so surreal. We are so thankful for you!!!
I love you, Emma Rae!

Little E is here!

2010-09-21T19:14:00.000-05:00

Emma Rae was born August 22 at 12:31am.

Weghing 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 19 in. long.

I know that most people would have posted so much sooner. But I am one who is always late. So much has happened the last month and it's taken a while to adjust to motherhood. I would love to document the story and and the story of after Emma's birth sometime. Hopefully in this year's time. Ha. Right now I'm just trying to soak her all up. She's so precious and has changed so much already since her birth. Internet time hasn't been high on the priority list. If anything, more pictures to come!

Maternity Photos

2010-07-20T21:19:00.002-05:00

Here are a few pictures. The first one is of Emma's nursery. Our friend took a few pictures for us, so the rest are some maternity pictures...

Still here...

2010-06-24T01:06:00.003-05:00

And not only am I kicking, but so is the baby!
I had the intention of blogging through my entire pregnancy. You know... the weekly updates, bump pics, etc...
Not so much.
Things are here have been kind of crazy. I'm not going to recap on everything the last 6 months. Really, I don't remember much. Ha! I definitely have "Pregnancy Brain!" The first three months of this pregnancy I slept. AND slept. It was amazing. In a good and bad way. Our house became a disaster, but it was awesome to take naps in the middle of the day! I didn't really experience actual morning sickness much until after the 2nd tri-mester started and it lasted for about 3 weeks. Before that I just didn't have an appetite and felt nauseous. I only started having a baby bump around week 26. It kind of just showed up. ;o) I still feel like I just look "fluffier" than I did and not so much pregnant, but there's definitely a bump there. I started feeling the baby move about the same time. Actually, now thinking about it, I'm sure it was a few weeks before, I just thought it was gas.
I'm now almost 31 weeks and this baby is moving like crazy! Especially late at night or early morning. At week 19 we were supposed to find out the gender but she didn't cooperate a whole lot. The tech said maybe a girl. We went back 4 weeks later because I had a low-lying placenta and they said maybe a girl again. The whole time I had been thinking it was a girl but just wasn't for sure. This past Tuesday we went to get an ultra-sound because I was 29 weeks measuring 35. The Dr. was concerned but the baby is measuring only a week ahead. Not sure why I measured so big? I think she's just really long. Anyway, it was confirmed that we'll be having a girl! The name: Emma Rae! We're so excited. I finally finished the baby bedding today as well. The nursery is coming along nicely. ;o) Not everything I had imagined. But I am a novice sewer, so you can only expect a novice looking bedding set. Haha. So much more I could say, but I just really wanted to put a few things down so that I don't forget. I'll hopefully post pictures of some of the things I've been working on for Emma soon.
Toot~a~loo for now!

We're Having A Baby!!!!!!

2010-01-25T19:24:00.003-06:00

After a lot of physical issues and lots of prayer... We are having a baby!!!
I'm beyond excited!!!!!
We weren't sure if we were going to be able to have children of our own. I was so discouraged. I finally found a Dr. who was able to find out what was going on with me. I started a fertility drug back in September, and after just 3 cycles of the medication I was pregnant! Again... all Glory has to go to God. He has given us such a wonderful gift!
I'm still considered a high risk with my condition, but I'm believing God that I will continue to have a healthy pregnancy and we will have a little bambino in late August!! Please keep me in your prayers!! I have known since the earliest you can, and I've been a nervous wreck the whole time. Being able to see the baby today was amazing! To see his (We of course don't know the gender yet...but we're referring to the baby as a him.) little legs and arms move was so cool. What was even cooler was seeing the little heart flutter!!! Wow... I wanted to bawl! I was somewhat composed and kept it together until Phil and I got to the car. Haha.
We are so happy and so ready for this chapter of our life to begin. Thank you to those who read my blog for your prayers this past year!

Wow!

2010-01-24T23:07:00.003-06:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I've blogged. Well, I guess I can. I've never been a consistent blogger. Haha!
The last two months have been a whirlwind:
We made it out to Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving. It was such a wonderful visit! Oh, how I love family!!! I pray often that we could be closer. But perhaps our once a year visits are what makes us cherish each other all the more.
In early December, Mom was admitted into the hospital. She has neuropathy and has little feeling in her feet. The Dr's. said she stepped on something "organic" and is caused infection in her foot. The item disintegrated and caused staff infections, blood poisoning, and she had skin from the top and bottom of her foot removed. They had placed her on some medications that then caused kidney failure. She had pneumonia, bronchitis, and some other complications. It was CRAZY! They thought she had cancer and then said she had another disease. Over all... She was uplifted by so MANY in prayer and was healed!! She was in the hospital for 21 days. She is still wearing a wound vac on her foot and is on some medications to aid in it's healing, but she's doing wonderful! All Glory has to go to God for His healing touch on her body. And let me tell you, what can bring a family together more than when one of them is very ill. What the Devil meant for bad, God has made Great!
So Christmas wasn't really celebrated since my mom was in the hospital during all of the Christmas season. It was very strange. We celebrated with Phillip's family the Monday before Christmas. We went to Maggiano's! Never go there if you're trying to diet. Oh my word... just thinking about it makes me feel full.
So... like I said, things have been a whirlwind. Phil is back in the swing of things with school and I'm getting things organized around the house. Planning on starting things up again with my photography business here soon as well.
I haven't made any New Year's Resolutions. Ugh... that was the last thing on my mind while Mom was in the hospital. And now I feel like it's too late. Maybe I'll work on monthly goals... starting in February. Haha!!
Well, that's about all for now. Just hanging in there, waiting impatiently for Spring. I'm so ready.
Tootles! :0)

So blessed...

2009-11-17T23:21:00.002-06:00

The past few days I have felt so blessed. I've been given so much and deserve nothing. I have a fantastic, supportive husband and a great family. I try to live my life for God, and He has blessed me even though I've been so selfish.
Often I find myself wanting things. Often I find myself wanting to be someone else. Often all I do is complain and whine. All of that needs to come to a halt. I need to be thankful. Of course there are always things I want, but all of my needs are met.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give Thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ.

With all that I've had going on this year, I've neglected to be thankful in all circumstances. Despite the fact that it's God's will for my life, I'm sure if I would have been thankful, I would have had a more positive attitude. And of course anytime you have a positive attitude, things seem to get better quicker. Maybe not always true, but so far in my life that's been pretty much true. So today I plan to be truly thankful! Yes I realize this may have been spurred on by thoughts of Thanksgiving which is just a week away... but still. So thank you to all my friends who may read my little old blog. Thank you to those who have kept me in your prayers! Thank you, Phillip for being a wonderful hubby! Thank you friends and family for supporting my spontaneity in starting a photography business! And I hope that this thankfulness continues to be a part of my life. Every. Day.

So much...

2009-11-02T15:47:00.004-06:00

has been going on lately!

I've started my photography business. I didn't really dally around about it, I've just jumped right in. That's kind of how I work I guess. Things are going really well. I had 4 photo sessions this past weekend and two this week! I've been busy editing pictures from other photo sessions and getting everything together to really make it a "business." It very exciting! You can check out my blog here:

http://KaitlynRaePhotography.blogspot.com/

I got my first pair of boots! I haven't really found any that I really liked or fit for that matter. Finding size 12 is nearly impossible. I guess they're ankle boots? I'm not super fashionable, but I've been trying a little bit more lately. ;o)

My birthday is in 7 days!

Today is an anniversary of sorts for Phillip and I. Today, 8 years ago we met for the first time. Well, actually we had met several times before. But it was the first time we actually met, you know with proper introductions and such. Anyway, it was the day that I knew I had met my soul-mate. I don't necessarily believe in love at first sight? But when I saw him, I just knew that he was going to be a very important person in my life.

We are probably gonna go out for dinner. Nothing fancy, just going out so I don't have to cook! Hehe... We'll leave the fancy places for my birthday!

The Annual trip to Pumpkin Country

2009-10-09T18:24:00.011-05:00

So I haven't blogged in some time. No excuses...

We went on our annual trip to Pumpkin Country!

The beautiful countryside!

Wittmond Hotel...

These mums were amazing. They were 3 for $15! Not too bad if you ask me.

Caramel Puff Corn... Phillip loves this stuff. We can't find it anywhere except for at the little store on the side of the road. If anyone has a recipe or knows where I can find this... Please let me know!

So there used to be this General Store that we would go to years ago. It had closed down a couple years ago. Well about 5 months ago a man re-opened it with a 1940's theme. He has a soda fountain and makes sodas like they did back in the day. I thought it was really cool.

There were all kinds of antiques throughout the store. This cash register is from 1902 I think?

I couldn't resist photographing this chair. If it would have been for sale I would have been tempted to buy it! I just love the fabric on the seat.

They make kettle corn there too.

They also made gelato there. They let you try the different flavors before purchasing. I tried almost all of them. I couldn't decide between tiramisu or lemon. I chose lemon. It was so refreshing and different than ice cream.

We went to Eckert's Apple Orchard. I got some apples to make a pie and it was delicious!

Phil trying to be a "cowboy."

The family minus my brother.

A candy apple! Yum! I haven't had one of these in years and years. I got a mini one. It was just right.

Oh how I love fall.

Autumn at last has come!

2009-09-24T00:06:00.003-05:00

I waited to put any exterior decor out until this past weekend, but everything inside has been up since the Tuesday after Labor Day. I have loved it!

We have already had one trip out to Pumpkin country and I'm going again tomorrow! We found this quaint little store that has a 1940's theme. It had been closed down for a couple years, but opened back up 5 months ago. There's old fashioned candies, a soda fountain, lovely 40's themed music playing in the background. They have a little diner too. While we were out that way I picked up a couple pumpkins, of course! And I also bought one mum. Yes, only one. I figured that it would look great in my planter on the front porch for the season. I wanted to buy more and plant them, but the woman said that it's best to buy mums and plant them in the Spring. Once they've bloomed, you cut those blooms off and then they'll come back in the Autumn. That way the roots of the plant will be deeper and it should make it through the winter. So... that's my plan. Phil thinks it's a grand idea because he feels there's less chance of me killing them then than now. Ha! He's right. Hehe. He's also looking at financially. Why spend money on plants that are likely not to make it. He's very right.

We've accomplished quite a bit in the past month. A lot of decluttering and such has taken place. The craft room can now be walked into without tripping over fabrics and the guest bedroom no longer has wedding decor, Fall decor, Christmas decor, etc.... strewn about. It's amazing. I cleaned up the basement a good bit as well. It feels great to get rid of things that we don't really need. We tried to have a garage sale a couple weekends ago... It was a flop. Well, we made $30 so I guess that's not too bad. But we didn't get rid of much. People bought all of our big ticket items. Oh well. We plan on having another one eventually.

My sweeper broke last weekend. I was upset but also excited at the idea of getting a new sweeper! I searched and read reviews and shopped and finally found one. If I had all the money in the world, I would have bought a Dyson! But alas, we do not have a money tree and so I bought a simple Eureka sweeper. It gets the job done for now. We have hardwood floors and linoleum and then 2 area rugs in all of the house. I wanted something that could transition easily from the different kinds of flooring. If it lasts, it will be great for sweeping carpeted stairs or lugging up the stairs in the next home we'd own.

Image found via, Walmart.com

There is so much I could blog about. And as always I feel I don't have the time to do such. Tomorrow I am getting a tooth worked on-I have a temporary crown. Ugh... how I hate the dentist. After that though we're heading to that quaint little store. So it's not so bad since I have something to look forward to! I guess I shall leave it at this. I really need to work on time management with blogging and such.

~Toodles!

Ready for Fall

2009-08-30T12:00:00.001-05:00

I have already purchased my pumpkin spice candles for the season. I'm biting at the bit to put out my decorations. I LOVE Fall. However... I have to pace myself. Last year we put out our Fall decorations the very beginning of September. I think I will wait until after Labor Day though. I mean, Labor Day is technically the end of the summer, right?
There are so many things I have in mind for this year.
*Lots of baking!
*Lots of visits to a nearby community with Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Farms
*Bonfires which = the smell of burning leaves!
*My birthday!
*Opened windows
*Thanksgiving
I'm so excited!!!!!

We Went to the Show

2009-08-29T23:07:00.002-05:00

We live nearby St. Louis. Home of the Fabulous F0x! I had heard last year that Mary Poppins would be showing at the F0x and so I made an appointment in my phone to remind me this year to order tickets. The tickets went on sale probably 2 or 3 months ago and I ordered tickets immediately. Since Phillip and I didn't get to go on a vacation/anniversary trip this year, we decided that going to see Mary Poppins would be part of our celebration of 2 years of wedded bliss.
I'm telling you what, it was magical! I felt like a little girl. The entire musical was amazing. The sets, cast, music. I was absolutely amazed with the entire production. I would have gone to see it every single day if I could. I even bought a t-shirt with the most spectacular word of all time on it: Supercalifragilisticexpialid0ci0us!
It was a wonderful time. After the show (We went to the matinee), we went out to dinner and did a little bit of shopping. It was practically perfect in every way! ;o)

Time Flies...

2009-08-18T21:48:00.005-05:00

When you're having fun!
(Warning: This will be a lengthy, wordy post.)
Oh my gosh, this summer has truly flown by. I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted. Technically this is my 100th post! Woohoo!
Anyway, I spent this last month trying to relax and spend time with my hubby. It was kind of busy. His first week off we started on de-cluttering our upstairs rooms in preparation of a garage sale. We have yet to decide when that will be. Garage sales go into the fall season, right? My parent's only had one garage sale when I was growing up and we didn't go to them very often. So I'm not really familiar on all of the etiquette. I guess I'll have to G*ogle that.
The last week in July was VBS at our church. I haven't been able to help with VBS since I was in high school. It was great to help out again, even though I didn't do a ton. Since we work with the Jr. High ministry at our church, that's the age group we had that week. Phil taught the story, I led them in a song each day, and then I was kind of the VBS photographer. That week was also when we made homemade ice cream. Ugh... just the thought of it makes me tired. Thankfully we got a new machine this year. We also made chocolate! It is really good. We'll sell it at our town's homecoming for Labor Day weekend.
The first week of August was spent in Florida! I had never been to Florida before, so it was a lot of fun going and not knowing what to expect. I absolutely love the palm trees. We went to the AG(Our church Denomination) General Council. It was 4 couples(All ministers) and another minister from our church that went and we had a really great time. We rented a house for the week, it was great. Since the men had meetings all day, the ladies got to go swimming and shopping. We didn't get to go to the attractions like Disn*y World, but I am bound and determined that for our 5th wedding anniversary, Phillip and I will be going there. I hope! I've never been and I think it would be a great time to get away if we have kids by then. I got some great reading material while down there and some other ministry tools that I hope I will be able to use in the near future.
This last week we just spent relaxing and getting ready to get back in the swing of things. Phil had school meetings and we found out that they aren't striking!! His school district's contract is up every 3 years. They had asked for a lot on the new contract so Phil was pretty sure there was going to be a strike. It ended up that they aren't getting the raises they were hoping for, but that's okay because striking would be terrible.
Phil went back to school(work) yesterday and so we're getting back in the groove. In fact, it's 10:12pm right now and he's already in bed! I am trying really hard to stay focused and organized. Since I'm not working right now, there is no reason at all for me to slack on chores and such. I really feel called to be the best housewife that I can be. Not many women are given the opportunity to be a housewife and I want to make sure I don't take it for granted. And I know, there are some who would rather die than be at home all the time. I find it invigorating, however, I haven't had that much time to just be at home. Especially with trying to kind of start my photography business! Another reason why I need to stay focused and organized!
I try not to write too much about my health on my blog because I don't know what's too personal? But really, I am learning to just not care because if you don't want to read it, you don't have to. I really want to be able to look back at this for myself. So...
Thursday I had a follow-up appointment. My Dr. had put me on Metformin and another medication that I can't ever remember how to say or spell. I have been taking the Metformin for my insulin levels which are too high and the other one for the "tumor" on my pituitary gland. I had bloodwork done and the Dr. determined that my insulin levels are still too high and so he upped my dosage. I really hated to hear that because the medication makes me feel sick a lot. I'm sure it has to do with what I'm eating, but it's still terrible. Now I have to take the medication 3 times a day with every meal instead of twice. I was already struggling with just eating one meal a day because of the medicine, I just don't feel hungry on it. So that's another hurdle to jump, but I'll adjust. The good news is that my prolactin levels-having to do with the tumor- are very normal now. They had been above 40 and now they're around 3 or 4. He did inform me that there is a risk in getting pregnant since I have a tumor in that area. He said that it shouldn't be a huge deal since he will keep an eye on me during pregnancy, but that I absolutely must inform him of when I get pregnant. Kind of scary, right? I am trying to be relaxed about it though because I know that God has His hand on me. I am going through a lot right now though regarding pregnancy and childbirth, etc... I'll have to post on it another time. Other than that, I'm not getting enough vitamin D which is easily taken care of with supplements. He didn't really say much about the weight issue. Of course I was hoping and thinking that since PCOS supposedly made me gain all this weight, that when I started taking medicine to level everything out that the weight would come off. HA! Yeah right. I am trying to watch what I eat more often though and I'm also trying to cut portion sizes. Phil and I have been more active in the last month than ever! Which is a great bonding time for us. I also got a new dvd to work out with, so we'll see. I should have some results in 30 days if I can keep it up. That almost deserves a "HA!" too... but I'm trying to remain positive. I just started today and my body already aches. ;o( I'm going to push it though! Because even if I don't necessarily lose weight, it's so good to be physically active.
Well... tomorrow is a girl's day out with my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law! I better get some rest! To those who may read this, thanks! ;0)
G'night!

It's almost summer...

2009-07-19T01:39:00.003-05:00

for Phillip. He ended up teaching summer school and summer officially begins for him Monday at 1pm. However, the last few days we've been acting like high school students on summer break anyway. We've been up past 2am every night since Thursday! We've been indulged in watching movies and eating snacks we really shouldn't. Last night we even had a little bonfire in the back yard and made smores. Yum! I love smores. Today we had actual errands that needed to be ran and then we spontaneously went out for ice cream. (This is a huge deal for us. Nothing is really spontaneous.) Then we went for a walk at a local park and now we are just chillin' w/our lappy's. Tomorrow will be a pretty full day w/church, caring for my parent's critters, Area58, and a few chores. Next week, other than Monday we plan on just relaxing and hopefully working on a few home projects. It will be so nice to have a few days at home with Phil though. We always get so much accomplished and have such a great time just being together. I know that Phil really needs a break though. I mean, I know that most people don't get but a week or two of vacation a year in most jobs. So Phil is really lucky to get the snow days, Thanksgiving, Christmas vacations, and then usually a two month summer break. It just seems he's been a little more stressed out lately though so I'm sure he'll be glad to have a break. Of course the next week we have VBS & making home made ice cream which will fill out days entirely. Not so much of a break, but that's okay. I'm just glad he'll be done with teaching school for a few weeks.
I have uploaded some more pictures from my last photo shoot on my photography website: KaitlynRae Photography . They turned out so good! I am loving photography and I hope that this is something I can really run with. I guess we will just have to wait and see!
I better get going. I don't want to fall asleep during the sermon tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, Claire!

2009-07-11T23:55:00.004-05:00

Today was Claire's 2 year birthday! I know it's somewhat silly to celebrate a dog's birthday, but she is like a child to us. Unfortunately, we kind of forgot that her birthday was coming up so she didn't get a cupcake or a birthday present. I'm sure it doesn't matter to her. I did manage to sing happy birthday to her twice today. Haha. Phil must think I've gone nuts.

Happy Birthday to my Clairby.

(This is a picture of her after her big hair cut. I do miss the long hair on her ears. It's growing back. I find it to be feminine. Hehe.)

In other news, the kitchen cabinet hardware has finally been attached!! It only took a year. It was super easy to do, and I did it almost entirely by myself. The husband helped me a little with the drawers since they tend to move around a bit. I should have done it sooner, but was afraid I'd mess up. But after building a bed frame, I'm feeling a little more confident with power tools.

This week has been somewhat uneventful otherwise. I've been working on a post about the platform bed we built. I wanted it to be easy to read for other first time DIYers... so it may take me awhile. We have been trying to organize a little more and work away at all of our clutter. It's amazing how much you can accumulate over a couple of years.

Well, it's been a full day and tomorrow will be as well. I better get some rest.

~Toodles!

Baby Bunnies

2009-07-06T23:10:00.005-05:00

Last week while I was mowing, I saw something move in the grass. I assumed it was a frog as I've seen many of them in our yard before. I looked a little closer and noticed that it was a little bigger than the typical frog I find. I looked even closer and noticed it was a baby bunny!!

So I went to get my camera and a pair of gloves so I could move the bunny out of harms way. I looked to see if there were more and I found one more just a couple feet away from the first. They were so precious!

Look at the size of the baby bunny compared too my hand. They were so tiny! Their little ears, little thumper feet, and little tails! The second one couldn't put it's ears up yet and wouldn't open his eyes either.

While searching for more bunnies I found their nest. There were 6 of them! So I put both of the little bunnies back inside of the nest so I could finish mowing the yard. Precious little guys.

I've checked on them every day. Two of them had left the nest on the 4th. There was one left Sunday. Today they were all gone. I was kind of sad. I hope they're all okay. I have seen a sneaky black cat hanging around lately. But I don't want to think about it. They're probably growing and hopping around all cute-like as they should. Good luck, Baby Bunnies!

Busy

2009-07-05T23:12:00.002-05:00

We have been so busy lately! We haven't had much time to just rest. Two weekends ago Phil's brother got married. So then that week I was busy with editing photos from a photo session the week before and from the wedding along with the usual in and outs of life. Last weekend, Phil and I celebrated our two year wedding anniversary. We painted pottery and went shopping, went out to dinner... It was so wonderful.
On Sunday we were busy helping with an outreach our church does. We do a fireworks show for our town each year (We've only done it 3 years so far) and so we of course volunteered. It went really well and we had about 9 - 10,000 people on the grounds.
After such a long day on Sunday, we were of course so tired. Waking up on Monday was terrible however because we both realized what terrible shape our mattress was in. So we decided it was time to get a new bed frame and mattress. We have been saving up for about a year to such, we were just waiting for a good sale on mattresses. So Tuesday we ordered the materials we were going to need. Wednesday my father brought all his tools over and supervised me while I cut all of the wood to length. He sanded them for me and then I began the staining process. I really enjoyed staining the bed frame and I have plans to stain a few other pieces in our home. Thursday we went shopping and found ourselves a new mattress. We built the frame Friday and the mattress was delivered. I have slept SO much better the past two nights!! It is incredible how a good mattress and solid foundation makes such a difference! I might just post about how we made the bed frame. It only cost us about $150 for all the wood, stain, screws, etc... We built a King size frame and that baby isn't going nowhere soon. We could probably use it for the rest of our lives. Haha!
We had a fantastic Fourth of July. We spent it with Phillip's side of the family. We played some card games, put together a puzzle, and also celebrated my new sister's-in-law birthday. We then went to the St. Louis Fireworks. Wow! They were just beautiful. They went off right behind the Arch and it was totally magical. I know that sounds silly, but it really was. It started to drizzle just as we were walking back to the car. Perfection.
Even though we've been so busy, I have loved it. We have spent so much time with family and friends and helping others. I guess I just haven't felt so alive in such a long time. Is that terrible? Oh well. Part of me thinks that this medicine I'm taking is helping me return to myself a little bit more or maybe it's not the medicine? Maybe I'm just growing, maturing? I don't know. I'm just thankful for the life that God has given me. I really need to remember to count my blessings!!!

Health Update

2009-06-30T23:07:00.003-05:00

So I've been very busy the past couple of weeks. I did go to the specialist however and I have a good report! He informed me that the nurse gave me a misleading diagnosis. I do not have a large tumor on my pituitary gland. I have a small growth instead. Doesn't sound quite as comforting as you may think. Haha. But it is indeed comforting to me. He did diagnose me with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. You can read about it here:
PCOS.

A paragraph from the website (It's makes much more sense than anything I could try to relay): "Women with PCOS have ovaries that create and abundance of follicles each month without producing an egg. PCOS can contribute to irregular periods, depression, excessive weight gain (despite diet and exercise efforts), acne and excess facial hair. It is also the most common cause of infertility among women in the US. "
I am one who has the insulin resistance as well. I have experienced all of the things listed above and it's kind of nice to know the reason for all of the issues I've been facing. This may be too much information for the few who may read this, so I apologize. Most of those who I know read or have commented on my blog are women who have dealt with stuff like this or you're totally open anyway. So I figured you wouldn't mind.
Anyway... that's the update. I'm taking two medications and should hopefully be feeling "better" in the next 4 - 6 weeks. As of right now, it doesn't matter what I eat or drink, the medication makes me feel terrible. I don't feel like eating at all but I have to in order to take my medications. It hasn't been fun. I had been waking up in the middle of the night around 2ish unable to sleep for about an hour or so because of stomach pain, but there's nothing I could do about it. Luckily that has subsided. There's a lot of adjusting taking place inside of me right now, but I know that I'll be fine! I believe that God's hand is in this and that something good will come from this. (Like maybe we'll get pregnant with twins!! Haha!!) I'm just glad this has been found out and that I can begin focusing on getting healthier! I really hope this will make it easier to lose weight. I've always battled with my weight. But knowing that the weight gained wasn't entirely all my fault, is a bit comforting. Can't lie.
I've also always had this feeling that I wasn't going to be able to have children. I do believe it was my biggest fear. Knowing that we got this figured out before it was too late (infertility) and that the physicians will be doing all they can to help me get pregnant even though I have PCOS is such a blessing!
Oh and that small growth in my head.... I have an MRI in a year to see if it has shrunk. From my understanding, once all of my hormones, insulin levels, etc... are regular, the growth should shrink.
So that is what's going on. Even if no one reads this, I'm glad I will be able to look back at what I've been through and remember how everything has worked out. I hope that I will remember to praise God for bringing me through this and leading me to all the right physicians at all the right times! It truly is amazing. ;o)

Photography Blog

2009-06-30T23:05:00.000-05:00

Despite all that's taking place health-wise, I have decided to take my passion for photography a little more seriously. I'm starting KaitlynRae Photography. Right now I'm just photographing family to really get the ball rolling, but eventually I would like to offer sessions for everyone. Seniors, Newborns, Family Portraits, Engagement, etc... KaitlynRaePhotography.blogspot.com

Please feel free to take a look and if you are in the St. Louis/Riverbend Area and wouldn't mind an amateur taking your pictures, let me know! I'm offering Senior Pictures to my sister's friends for $40 and that includes editing & a cd of all your pictures. I'd be willing to do the same for anyone in the area since I'm just starting out.

2 Year Anniversary!!

2009-06-16T16:19:00.003-05:00

Today is my anniversary! 2 years has flown by. I know that I will say that, no matter what year we are celebrating. This year has been something else. It really seemed to get away from us. I'm trying to remember all that has taken place and it's kind of crazy that nothing really stands out in my mind vividly. Phillip reminded me that we started our 2nd year of marriage off with taking classes from Dave Ramsey. That was a whirlwind in itself. We didn't have a ton of debt but we definitely were for getting rid of what we had and learning as much about money, insurance, retirement, etc... as we could. It has been so worth it. We ended up having to buy a new car in December because Phillip's car died, and that put us back on the debt aspect. However, we are getting back on track now. That too was something that was a pretty big deal for us. We bought a family friendly car! Because we were hoping to be adding to our family!! Things haven't worked out just yet, but we are praying that they will. We were totally going to wait 5 years before having kids. Never would have thought in our 2nd year of marriage we would be deciding we wanted to have children. Let's see.... Oh, Claire turned 1. Hehe. I started this blog (Not that is has been the creative output I thought it would be but that's okay). I quit my job and I've pretty much started my own little photography business. Hmm... I wonder what this next year has in store for us!?

Happy Anniversary, Phillip!

You are my best friend and I'm so blessed that you are my husband!

You never think...

2009-06-09T17:35:00.003-05:00

That things like this will happen to you. I was informed yesterday of my results from the MRI I had on Thursday.
I have a large mass on the pituitary gland.
They didn't say whether it's an outright tumor or not, just that it's large and they're concerned. I am going to see a specialist and had to have more blood drawn today. Part of me is like, this is no big deal, it's not a brain tumor. But then it's like, "Wait! This is a foreign growing thing in my head!!" I'm really trying to remember that God has a plan, He has allowed this for a reason. And because He has allowed this, He will help me through it no matter what happens. Sometimes I just want to freak out though and and forget to stand on the promises of God, you know? I'm so blessed that Phillip is my husband too. I mean, you always hope that a husband would be supportive of his wife, but he really is such a caring, supportive husband.
In other news, I got my hair cut. It's pretty cute. Different, but cute.
There are so many other things I should comment on, but I think this is big enough for today. If any of you could please pray for me. Please pray for healing and for guidance for the physicians as to what's the next step.
Thanks. ;o)

It's late...

2009-06-03T01:42:00.005-05:00

and I'm almost wide awake. I've learned a few things the past couple of days. (1. I need to remember to trust in God no matter the situation! (2. I will never grow out of being the big, bossy sister. I haven't yet, at least. (3. Never buy the frozen lemonade concentrate again. I always get indigestion after I drink it.

I have also learned that I have high prolactin levels. I did my research on WebMD and I'm still not sure what it means though. As I've mentioned before I've had some health issues. I finally found a good gynecologist! She is so nice, so helpful, and she's finally finding out what's wrong with me. I had to do one of those fasting glucose tests on Thursday. Wow, I didn't realize they were going to take my blood three times! It was very painful. Anyway, most of the results are back. The nurse called yesterday and told me my thyroid is good, my glucose levels were good, but my prolactin levels were somewhat high. I think Prolactin is a hormone that is associated with the pituitary gland. Supposedly the prolactin levels rise in women who are pregnant, breast feeding, on certain types of medications, or if you have a tumor on the pituitary gland. I'm not pregnant, not breast feeding, and I'm not taking any meds. So naturally I want to freak out and think that I have a tumor on my pituitary gland. I have the tendency to overreact a bit. Anyway, I'm getting an MRI tomorrow afternoon. Please pray for me! I don't want to have a tumor of any sort ever, but also I would love to find out what, how, and why all of this stuff is happening to me.

In other news, I'm getting a new camera! Yippee! We had been thinking and praying for a long time, because to get a digital slr camera is not like buying new shoes. You have to take your time with the decision. I'm planning on practicing with a few family members and then I'm going to start taking photo sessions! I already have 4 inquiries for Senior Pictures and Family Portraits. It's very exciting. If anyone who may be reading this and is in the St. Louis area would like for a newbie to take your pics, just email me! I'm trying to build a portfolio right now, so the sitting fees will be very cheap.

Well, I better get some rest so that I can get up in time for my MRI tomorrow (Today at noon.)

Have a blessed day!

Toodles!

Busy

2009-05-28T08:51:00.003-05:00

I have been so busy the last few weeks. And yet I feel as though nothing has really been accomplished. Oh well.
*My brother is officially graduated and his party is this Saturday. I've been busy with getting things ready for that. I still have to make a slide show of his Sr. pics and the pics from Graduation night.
*We found out that Phil will not be teaching summer school after all. I'm excited though because that means we get to have somewhat of a summer together. There is a possibility he'll be doing another job though.
*June 16th is our 2 year anniversary! I can't believe it. Should 2 years have passed so quickly? Should I also feel like we've spent a lifetime together already?
*I finally found a great Doctor! Some of the health issues I've been having should be resolved soon. I'm getting blood work done today to rule out a few things. I'm so glad to finally have a Dr. who cares and is doing everything to help me. That's what health care is supposed to be like, right?
*I thought I would have more time to keep the house clean and orderly. Not so. Or maybe I'm just being too hard on myself. It's not like the house is really that messy. I guess part of me thought the house would be like immaculate? I guess if you live in the said house, that's not possible though. And a man lives here. haha...
*I never do bullet posts. Maybe I should do them more often. I don't think I ramble so much. Hehehe.
*The living room update has been postponed. The area rug and entertainment center made such a difference in the room! I had ordered a couch cover and chair cover but neither of them worked out. So we have an area rug with a simple floral pattern and then our chair and couch have a very busy floral pattern. They clash. I'm not sure what to do? The money I would have spent on the covers is now in a "fund" and I think we might just start saving towards a new couch & or chair. Also, I'm not painting until I know for sure what color scheme we will have. That too has changed since the covers didn't work out.
*We're working on the guest room and hobby room in June. They will be our focus anyway. I've been throwing out a lot of junk and the garage sale pile is getting bigger.
*I found a dress for my brother's-in-law wedding. I'm really not a dress kind of girl, but since it's a special occasion I thought I should wear one. I haven't been able to find anything decent. (The people who make plus-size clothes must not be plus-sized. I mean, I kind of knew that anyway, but still. I don't want to flaunt anything. I just want a simple cut shirt, dress, skirt etc... It doesn't have to have horrible bling on it, cut really low, or cut short. Just the basics. If I wanted to dress like I was some little thing, I would probably be a little thing. I want coverage and comfort. Sorry for my rant, but it's truly ridiculous!) So yeah, I found a dress for like $24! I am so pleased!
*I have nothing else to say.
Toodles.

Adventures in Photography

2009-05-07T11:47:00.004-05:00

So I've been really interested in photography. I would love to get a really good camera and take a class or two. The thing is I don't want to spend that much money if it's not going to be something I will really enjoy and want to pursue further. So I took my brother's Sr. Pics to see how I'd do and then be able to get a response from people on what they really thought. I have a Sony Cyber-shot point-and-shoot right now. I think the pictures turned out really well though. Here they are:

I have a lot to learn, especially about angles & then editing the photos afterwards. But I'm kind of proud of myself. ;o)

Claire loves Pie

2009-05-05T21:57:00.004-05:00

I love Claire like she is my child. She has so much personality. Anyway... today I helped with a minister's luncheon at the church and there was some left over pie. I got to bring it home. Yum! So after dinner I got it out and just ate a few bites right off the plate. I was full so I just put it on the end table next to me.
For an hour Claire has been trying to get close enough to just smell it. I know, I shouldn't let it sit out, right? I've been reading blogs, geez. So she has now climbed up behind me and is sitting on the top of the chair, with her head resting on her little paws staring intently at the pie, CRYING! Awe... it's so sad but so funny. Poor baby. I might just take a swipe of the whip cream and let her lick it off my finger. Then I'll put it in the fridge, I promise. Claire loves pie. hehe.

Antique Shopping

2009-05-03T23:04:00.006-05:00

Last Tuesday my Dad and I went on a small trip to some antique stores. Wow! It was so much fun! I only wish I had lots of money. I only took pictures of a few things. There was just so much to look at, I forgot to take pictures of some of the most wonderful things! Oh well. I'm sure I'll be going back!

This was a tri-fold mirror that I saw. It was $200! It would be perfect for my vanity. Of course I would never spend that much on a mirror, or a vanity for that matter. I loved the shape of it though.

This coffee table was just beautiful. Not my usual style, but the etching on it was amazing. I think the price listed was just under $400. Yeah, wouldn't pay that much for a coffee table either. It sure was pretty though.

I just loved the detail.

The green love seat was only $140. It was a rocker too! I'm not usually a fan of that color green, but I would have brought it home for that price and it was SO comfortable. I'm sure I could have gotten a cover for it or just made it work.

The grey chair was in great shape. It was $70 I think. I love the lines of it and that color grey just really catches my eye.

There were several hutches I wanted to take home and of course other pieces of large furniture that my heart skipped a beat over. Naturally I don't need anything. But I just love old furniture, especially if there's a story behind it. There were a lot of little trinkets and knick knacks I would have loved to bring home too, but I'm really trying to simplify the home right now. I did bring home just one item. I spent $1.50. It was an old ice cream sundae dish, which is now being used to hold my rings. It's clear glass, and the rim is rippled. Very cute and just right for my rings. Not sure why I didn't take a picture? Oh well.

I will say that I enjoyed myself thoroughly that day looking at so many wonderful things. And my Dad, being a man with a knowledge of like, everything, was a pleasure to be with. It's amazing how he can look at things and tell me when it was probably made, manufactured, where it came from, how and why it was used, etc... I'm so glad we share a love for antiques and vintage things. ;o)

Well, that is all for now. Tomorrow I have a very full day. I better get rested. Night!

Our Peoria Trip

2009-05-03T17:00:00.005-05:00

So this is like 3 weeks late. So much took place in the last 3 weeks and now, it's May! Anyway we went to Peoria for the weekend of Easter. We were there for just Thursday - Saturday. It was so nice to just get away for a couple days. We stayed with Phil's grandparent's. They are awesome. I love spending time with them. The pics below are of our trip home. We stopped at Jubelt's in Litchfield, to get some sugar cookies. Phil loves Jubelt's. He got the bunny, I got the butterfly.

While we were in E. Peoria, we went to Menard's. I'd never been to Menard's, but I loved it! We ended up finding a tv stand and an area rug, all for under $300!! We've been looking for a corner tv stand to replace the beast, and we found it! The rug you see in the pic below was just under $200. It's like 8' x 11' or something. It works great in our living room! It was surely a pain to have in our car with us though. It came up in between Phil and I. I'm so glad we had the Equinox, we wouldn't have been able to take it home!

These next pics are just silly ones...

We had such a nice time. I am ready for another trip! I'd love to go somewhere new though. I guess I will just have to wait. ;o(

I've been thinking about our Honeymoon and our 1st anniversary vacation a lot lately. I think that's why I'm ready for a trip. Unfortunately we aren't going anywhere this year. Phil has to teach summer school until July 22! So that stinks. But we do get to go on a trip in August. So I'm trying to remember that.

In other news, I've shaved Claire again. Only this time it was really short! I bought Phil a beard trimmer a few years ago and he didn't like the attachments on it, so he never used it. I thought I could turn it into Claire's trimmer. The biggest attachment would have left her hair too long, so I used the next one down. Bad idea. You could see her skin! It's already grown a little so it's not so bad. She so cute though and she doesn't get smelly as quickly with her hair short.

Our weekend was a very busy one. We spent the entire day Saturday working in the yard. I have progress pictures to post soon. Tomorrow and Tuesday are Clean-Up days in our town, so everyone puts their junk out on the curb to be picked up. Phil cleaned out the garage and we put the contents of our yard work yesterday out on the curb too. I feel bad for the guys who will be loading the trucks!

I've been fighting my allergies. I was outside a lot this week and so it made them even worse. Wednesday I was outside taking my brother's Senior pics and then of course yesterday. I am on some meds, but it seems like they're not really working just yet. Hopefully by tomorrow they will. I hate these "attacks" that I get in the Spring. Everything else about Spring is lovely!

Well, I better get to bed. I plan on posting about my antique shopping tomorrow!

Tootles!

It's Here!

2009-04-24T18:01:00.002-05:00

My last day is here! And technically gone since it's 6pm. This week went by so fast and I was completely expecting it to go by slowly. I think it helped that we had something almost every night. Sunday we finally moved out the big couch and the huge entertainment center. We couldn't sell it, so we're storing it with the couch in the basement. As long as we put it up on pallets, they should be okay. We did some switching around in the living room. I'm really loving it. It feels much more open and I have a few ideas of what I would like to do to make it more "us." I will have to post some before & in progress pics. Cause let's be honest, I don't think a room can really ever be completely done. Monday night we had prayer at church, Tuesday night I had a lot of chores, Wednesday night was church, Thursday night we went to Town Hall for Hope-Dave Ramsey, and tonight we're doing our grocery shopping.
So today was really awkward. Well, Dwight-the woman I worked with that makes me think of Dwight from the office was so closed off. She's usually friendly at the least, but she just didn't talk or laugh and waited to eat the catered meal we had today in honor of Administrative Assistants Day by herself. It just makes me sad the last few days we had together weren't the best. Really all week, she's been making comments that made me feel bad for quitting. Now I know, I shouldn't let her comments get to me like that, but I am somewhat a people-pleaser and I just can't help but care. Anyway, so many other conversations took place that just really bothered me today and I think it's only because people don't understand the full situation. Which really isn't their place to know! I just feel like my reason for quitting isn't enough for these people and it's just silly I feel that way. I know why I've made this decision and it's not like I'm quitting to live on welfare! My husband has a job and we are financially able to take this step right now. Can't people take the fact that I've only ever been super responsible into consideration when they respond to this? Arg... so there's my vent. I've decided to just not care what they think. That's how I got where I'm at in the first place! Caring about what other people need, think, want, etc... had me forgetting about myself. I've got to take care of myself, Dang it! So I am.
Anyway, tomorrow is my future sister's-in-law wedding shower and I'm giving Claire a hair cut. Woo hoo. Today's weather has been so beautiful and I think I'm going to go out and enjoy it. ;o)

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

2009-04-09T12:55:00.002-05:00

I've never been very good at making decisions. So I surprise myself as I write this: I quit my job. I put in my two weeks and my last day is April 24th. So SO so many things have transpired to cause me to have made this decision. I've thought of all of the reasons why I should NOT quit, but the reasons why I should quit outweigh them. What will I do? Well most of the people who've heard have already tried solving this problem. However it's not a problem. I'm going to take some time off. I have been ordered to take at least 1 month entirely off before beginning any form of work.
I will probably get a part-time job at some point. But I don't want a job where I feel so tied down. I've been so over stressed and if I would have stayed where I'm at, it would have only gotten worse. My physical health has declined so much in the last 3 years that I've worked for this company, along with my mental health. This had to change. I need to be physical, creative, challenged, encouraged, devoted in my job. I'm going to take this time off and really reflect on life, past, present, & future. I'm going to pray that God will guide me even further into what He has for me.
I don't need to go into all the details, because I'm sure I'll remember them when I look back and read this someday. I was in a very dark place though. I had lost all hope. I had lost sight of why I was created and for who I was created. My precious husband kept praying for me though. He calmed me on the nights that I cried and cried and didn't think I could take it anymore.
Phillip, you are a true God-send. I love you more than I ever thought I could love someone. You are my Cuddle Bear, my best friend, and you're just so darn awesome! I'm blessed to be your wife.
So I won't lie, the idea of being able to sleep in is SO tempting. But I'm determined to use this time wisely and not just sleep it away. I can't help but think of how different life will be. I mean, I haven't had a break since the summer before my Sr. year of high school! I've lived the 8 - 5 life for a while. I plan on working on some sewing projects, crochet projects that I started but never finished, painting, etc... I might just open an Etsy shop! I've already started a list of all the things I need to do, but I won't rush it.

Anyway, if anyone reads this, I hope you don't mind that I ask for your prayers! I want to make sure that I really follow God and pursue a life centered around Him. Seeking out what He wants for me, not what I want. As cliche' as this may seem, I will leave you with the scripture I'm trying to remember:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Scrapbooking

2009-03-27T10:36:00.005-05:00

I'm not really a scrapbooker. I've made a few things, but never got around to putting pictures in/on them. BUT I have finally completed a project! It was for someone else, which is why I think it was completed. Anyway our good friend's little boy, Malak turned 2 yesterday. I made this book for him (Well, really it's for his mother).

These are two photos I attempted to edit in Adobe Photoshop. Malak is often called Grasshopper or just Hopper. His mother sometimes calls him Hopperosky which I think is too cute. Phil found that grasshopper hat at Micahel's one night and just couldn't resist buying it for Malak. He is a big fan of Toy Story right now, too. So I thought it would be cute if he could be in the picture with his buddies. ;o)

The Weekend

2009-03-20T15:59:00.002-05:00

Tonight we will be going to a talent show. Our Children's church is putting it on to raise money for camp this summer. Last year's was a hoot. I just love watching the kids use their talents. It should be a great time.
Tomorrow morning we're going to begin working in the yard! Woo hoo! I'm so excited. We have some overgrown bushes that need pruned and a few plants to be potted. I found two Grecian urns at K-Mart for $12! They're pretty big and will hold a nice arrangement of flowers. My seedlings are doing well. They're still a little small, but they're doing great. I'm waiting to plant them outside. They need to be hardened first.
Tomorrow night we were going to go to an auction for our local high schools fine arts club. But since Phil's Grandmother is in town, we're going to visit with her instead. It's always so nice to visit with his grandparents!
Sunday we will be going to church as usual. But for lunch we've invited 4 students over and we're going to have pizza, play games, and I'm going to teach the girls how to make banana bread(So far...). We realized some time ago that it's very difficult to get to know our students when there is at least 20 of them running around. It's also difficult to do such when you're following your usual service schedule. The girls I invited seem really excited, so that makes me happy. I always feel inadequate when it comes to teaching these girls anything. I feel like I'm too young and inexperienced, and of course not cool enough. But I'm realizing that God has put me in this position for a reason and I should not worry about those things. I'm doing what I can to follow Him, honor Him, and learn all that I can about being a Godly woman. If anything, hopefully they will be influenced by my passion to live for God.
So anyway, this is what this weekend holds for us. It will be nice to just be at home. This week has been very hard at work and has made me long to be a stay at home wife & mother more than ever before. Obviously I can't be the stay at home mother yet, but that's my deepest desire.
Hope all of those who may be reading, have a wonderful weekend!
~Toodles!

Nothing new

2009-03-17T16:34:00.003-05:00

has been happening lately. Just taking it day by day. Today was absolutely boring at work. I completed the work I had, and I've been sitting here shopping online and reading blogs for about 6 hours straight. I feel like my brain has completely stopped working. I need something to do physically.
I have been thinking about getting a hair cut. A co-worker mentioned getting one tomorrow, and so now I'm on the prowl for a cute cut. No such luck yet. All of the images are starting to look the same. I think I need to get some fresh air. There's only 20 minutes left of work though.
I wore green today! I also had corned beef and cabbage for lunch. It was pretty good. I'm only like 1/16 Irish. Well, I don't really know what percentage, but there's a little Irish in there somewhere.
I made a cherry pie on Saturday. I've had a piece every day so far. It's good, but I think I'm ready for something else. Maybe a double chocolate cake! Yum. I don't keep anything in the pantry for those kinds of delicacies. I know my weaknesses.
I've been trying to sort through all of my pictures. I have SO many on my lap top at home. I always forget to clear my camera each time I upload my photos to my laptop. So I have about 6 copies of all of my pics. Does anyone have any tips for organizing my digital photos?
I'm ready to head home. Just 15 minutes left! Hope everyone had a jolly St. Patty's Day!

Cheeriness

2009-03-13T15:15:00.004-05:00

A Cheerful heart is good medicine; but a downcast Spirit dries up the bones.

~Proverbs 17:22

This scripture has been on my mind quite a lot lately. I've been trying to be realistic with the way I see myself. And if I'm honest, I think that I'm pretty negative. It's difficult to find the glass half full. I usually do, but then I'm not happy about it or grateful that I found a glass half full. I want that glass overflowing. So I have decided to make this my prayer focus for this month, to have a truly cheerful heart. To be grateful for all things, whether they meet my expectations in full, partially, or not at all. I'm also going to pray the God fills my heart with joy. Joy in knowing that I have salvation in Him. That He does good through all things. I want to pray these things so I don't shrivel up and become old before my time. So that my youthful years may be used for Him! So that those around me are encouraged.

Have a great weekend!

~Toodles!!

2009-03-12T09:42:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm feeling a little better. ;o)
I took Thursday & Friday off work. Thank goodness it was warmer and very Spring-like. I had all the windows open both days I was at home. I'm sure that didn't help with my sinuses, but it was great. I couldn't just sit and lay around all day, so I started a new afghan for Claire. I know, why would a dog need another afghan? She loves them and I couldn't really do anything else, so I thought I'd go ahead. Saturday I wasn't feeling all that much better, but Phil wanted to clean and organize. You cannot pass up the opportunity for something like that. ;o) He worked in the office and I worked upstairs. We both cleaned out a lot of junk. It's amazing what you can accumulate in a matter of only 2 years. I'm trying to change my pack-rat tendencies to that of a more clean-slate, no clutter mindset. It's difficult. I find that everything has sentimental value. My first cd case-a purple, plastic bubble case-is being put in the garage sale pile. I debated for over 5minutes if it should be put in that pile or not. I held onto Christmas cards from 3 years ago just because the person took time to write a personal note in the card. I've kept my magazines from the very first subscription I had as a teenager. That's a lot of magazines! I'm afraid I'll miss a tip or some useful information on how to make sugar scrub even though I know I could just Google it. It's truly pathetic and somewhat of disease. I hope to be able to get rid of more stuff over the next month. That's what March is really about for me this year, getting rid of unnecessary things. Oh yeah, I also have over 50 t-shirts that I got free from all of my youth events, school events, etc... that I need to get rid of. I thought about making a quilt, but I don't want to hang on to all of them for that long. I've decided to take pictures of them and then give them to Good Will or the Salvation Army.
Anyway, I'm working on that. I've also started compiling all of my design ideas into one place. I've tracked down all my sticky notes with user names and passwords for my fav. websites and important stuff like online banking and put it all in one place as well. I have this nifty little padfolio/planner that I got from Walmart and I just love it! Other than all of that, I've been taking it easy. Thinking a lot about Spring and things I need to do in the yard.
Hopefully I'll be feeling 100% soon!

Sickly

2009-03-04T15:36:00.003-06:00

I'm starting to feel sickly... the kind where you hibernate under the covers with a tissuebox & hot tea by your bedside. My throat is raw, my nose is running & yet stuffy. My head feels heavier than a bag of rocks & like someone threw them into that bag. Ugh... I'm not sure if it's just allergies or an actual cold. I'll take the usual meds though and hope for the best. All winter I went without an actual cold, I would hate to get one now.
Despite my health issues, I feel pretty cheery. It's a tad bit warmer today and the temp is only suppose to rise. Yippee! If I'm feeling up to it, I'm definitely going to work in the yard this weekend. I saw a few little sprouts of tulips already! I can't believe that the bulbs I planted are actually doing what they're supposed to. I am not sure if I have a green thumb or not, but I sure hope so. I even planted some flowers in one of those Jiffy starter kits. So we'll see!
OOooh and I found out yesterday that we can get a cd w/the rights for our Fall '08 family pics! Woohoo! When it comes to photos, I'm definitely all digital. I will print out a few for frames, but I don't fill albums or anything. I'm thinking about making one of those books from Snapfish or Shutterfly. I did one with our wedding pics and it turned out fantastic.
Well, I better go. I have actually been given some work for the afternoon. Woohoo!

Baby Gifts

2009-03-03T08:59:00.004-06:00

This weekend a friend of mine came home and her husband gave her a surprise baby shower. So of course we had to buy her a gift! She had a registry at Wal*Mart. Phillip and I went to the Baby section before we did grocery shopping Friday night. First I have to say, I already had baby fever, shopping for a baby only makes it worse! So here are the few items we picked up for my friend: Phil actually picked this outfit out! Can you believe it? It's so cute. I don't think I'll have to worry about the hubs dressing our children. ;o)

These were on her registry. I just love the little ruffles!

I picked this out not knowing that the outfit Phil was looking at had little bumblebees on it too.

I can't wait for some of my other friend's baby showers just so I can go shopping again. ;o)

Claire's Afghan

2009-03-03T08:48:00.004-06:00

Here is Claire's Afghan:

I started Claire's afghan at the end of January and just finished it last Wednesday. I didn't work on it that whole time, it sat for 2 whole weeks and I didn't work on it at all. I think it turned out really cute though! She didn't like it at first but now she loves it!

I had left over yarn so I thought I would try to make myself some slippers. They didn't turn out perfectly, but they're comfy. I tried, that's all I can say. I'm only showing the one because the other one looks a bit rough. I couldn't remember how I did the first one exactly, so I just made it up. It's a little more floppy or I guess misshapen.

Anyway, those are my latest crocheted items! I need to finish an afghan I had started back in the fall. If I finish that any time soon, I'll be sure to post about it!

Things I'm thinking about:

2009-02-27T13:19:00.004-06:00

~Christianity - What it means. How it defines me. What people think a Christian is. etc...

~Paint - I've been wanting to paint several rooms in the house. Okay, all of them. But as always, I'm indecisive. I just want to feel comfortable in my home. Plain old bagel colored walls just isn't doing it for me.

~Getting Healthy - I know what I need to do. I don't quite know how to do it. I've decided that I don't need to lose weight just to look better. I need to lose it so I'm healthy and live a long & happy life. I need to lose it before I ever get pregnant so that I can have a safe pregnancy. I need to get this body working!

~Crocheting - I absolutely love crocheting. I have finished one slipper, and I'm about to finish the other. Obviously they're pair. I will have to post a pic. They're not the best, but I had to try it once to know whether I wanted to do it again. They'll be perfect for around the house. ;o) I've been thinking about opening up an Etsy shop with my items in it. Not really sure if I should yet? I'm not that great at it, I'm really just learning how it all works. Oh and I finished a blanket for Claire.

~Tonight- Grocery shopping is tonight. Bleh. What do I want to eat the next couple of weeks? No, I should really be asking what should I eat and will I actually eat it?
I have to clean up around the house and get the steps leading upstairs cleaned off. We have a terrible habit of just putting whatever doesn't have a place on those steps. Then we close the door and forget it's there.

~Tomorrow - Dad is coming over to help install two light fixtures and hopefully to help put our bed frame together. Cleaning. Baby Shower. Concert (Of sorts. My future sister-in-law is a participant in an American Idol like contest but for a Christian recording label). We are going to vote for her so she can go to the next round.

~March - Can you believe it will be here Sunday?!? I'm excited and sad all at once. I thought I would accomplish so much more in January and February. Oh well. With March comes Spring! Maybe I'll get out of this funk I've been in and I'll get to work in the yard and such. Ooh, how I love Spring!

Hope ya'll have a great weekend!

Thoughts...

2009-02-24T11:21:00.008-06:00

I realized that I'm not really a blogger. I'm not really a talker either. I don't usually get my thoughts out in person, so I don't know why I'd get them out on a blog. I'm very much an observer. I like to be able to view something and then do it. Which is why I'm kind of a copy cat and not always that original. I realized this today when thinking about my marriage. Phil and I are doing great right now (This week) when it comes to communication and such. But I realized that I have wanted to have a marriage like the marriages I observe. To an extent, I think it's healthy. I think it's great to see a couple who's been married over 30 years who seem like they're more in love today than ever before. Then you see their bickering, struggles, and such and I think it shows that they're real. I don't want them to bicker... but what married couple doesn't at one point or another? Then there are the couples who supposedly never get into arguments. I cannot stand these people, but at the same time wish I were them. I know, ridiculous. They appear so together and calm. I cannot imagine living like that, and I doubt they actually do. I guess I wish that we could kind of balance in between the two? Phil & I have been pretty open & honest since the beginning, holding absolutely nothing back. We could be considered an argumentative couple. If we don't see eye to eye on something, we sometimes get a little too vocal and people get silent and then it's awkward. Phil's the life of the party and I'm kind of just sitting there, observing. I get embarrassed by his "life of the party" behavior, tell him so and that's when it (The getting a little too vocal) begins. I'm sure people think we never get along. We do get along for the most part though. If we are fighting, it's about how I stink at communication and he stinks...literally. Okay, maybe not literally but he's so messy!

Anyway... those are my thoughts today. Thought I'd be a better blogger and get them out there. Maybe Phil will read this and think of a solution for our status as an argumentative couple.

Another thought: Pampered Chef's i-Slice is the best little product ever!

I just finished cutting my coupons out and it took me less than half the time as usual! I also used it for cutting open one of those pesky plastic packages. You know the kind of package your scissors comes in, but you need the scissors to get to your scissors? This thing it great for that.

I also tried a new recipe last night for a spinach dish. It's pretty good. I made chocolate chip banana bread and chocolate chip cookies too. I'm of course making this for other people, not just us. We don't need it! I will have to share the spinach recipe later.

Have a great afternoon! ~Toodles!

Target Bargains

2009-02-19T23:24:00.000-06:00

Okay, So I said I'd share some of my Target Bargains. Here they are:

Decorative "Globes" or balls. I have always liked these kinds of decoration, but I don't really have a place for them. Right now they're in a cracked glass bowl I got from K-Mart for only $3 on top of our entertainment center. Works for now.

Original Price: $4.99 ea. Sale Price: $2.49 ea.

I didn't know if I should post this, because I didn't want to look like a copy cat again... (Katie @ Bower Power is using it for her clicker box.) but this is really for my husband. Phil loves boxes, trunks, little places to keep knick knacks... I was going to pass this up, but Phil really did like it.

Original Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $7.48

Okay, so ya'll know I LOVE Giraffes. They had a duvet cover & shams for just $30 in the Giraffe print, but I knew that I wouldn't like it with what I'm trying to do in the Master Bedroom. They had several sets of plates, bowls, and one set of mugs. I decided that I just needed to buy one Giraffe oriented item. If I keep up with this whole Giraffe love, I'm going to need a couple rooms to hold my collection. ;o) I better take it slow.

Original Price: $12.99 Sale Price: $3.24

These little cups are perfect for in the bathroom.

Original Price: $2.99 ea. Sale Price: $0.74 ea.

Now for my biggest Score!! I went on Tuesday to scout out my Target close to work and I didn't figure I'd find anything. But I saw these two pillows and fell in love. They're a beautiful grey-ish color and I just couldn't pass them up!! Right now I'm using them in our bedroom even though they don't match our duvet. They're so plush and silky I don't care if they don't match! Yet, anyway...

Original price: $49.99 each Sale Price: $12.48!!

I would love to hear of any bargains you all may have gotten from Target or any store for that matter...

Toodles!!

Valentine's Day & some bargains

2009-02-18T17:57:00.002-06:00

So Valentine's weekend was pretty great! Friday after work we went mattress shopping. We have budgeted an amount, and we didn't really find anything that fit into that amount or even our comfort really. I did like the Tempur-Pedic, but wow are they expensive! So we're just going to keep looking around and pray for a good deal. We're okay for right now, but Phil always wakes up with a sore back (His side of the bed is very sunken in) and so we're wanting to get one sooner or later.
We shopped around the mall for a little bit and ran into a couple of friends. Came home, had a snack-ish dinner and watched some DVR'd shows. Gotta love that DVR!
Saturday we started off our day a little later than I'd liked. We were finally on our way to our destination when a woman in the car next to us rolled down her window and started making hand motions at us. Low and behold we had a flat tire! I couldn't even tell! So we luckily were at the exit where we could get off and get it fixed. We of course went to Wal-Mart, it was right off the exit, and it took them over 2 hours to change it!!! I was kind of disappointed. How romantic, Valentine's Day in Wal-Mart. Haha... but it was eventually fixed and we started off on our day again. We have a tradition of painting pottery on Valentine's Day so we went to a new place this year and I loved it! I will post pictures of our painted pieces tomorrow-we've lost the cord to the camera. ;o/
Anyway, if you haven't painted pottery before, please go try it! I enjoy it very much.
We went out for lunch/dinner at a new Chinese restaurant and then to a comic book store (For Phil). We went to a few other places but I got some great deals at Target. They had their Home Design Event products marked down 75%! There was barely anything left, but I found some cute stuff! I went to a Target closer to home on Tuesday and found more! I bought $150 worth of stuff for just $38!!! I am so proud of my bargains! I will post what I got and for how much hopefully tomorrow. ;o)
The rest of the weekend was pretty nice too. Sunday we had a soup & salad luncheon at church. We also had our Jr. High Valentine's party. I made cupcakes & brownies and the kids brought Valentine's and decorated mailboxes. It was a lot of fun! Monday I just relaxed at home, my sister came over, and I cleaned a bit that night. I got a few things really organized and it feels so good! Our budget is back on track (We've kind of been slipping since Christmas)! I felt out of control. I knew that we weren't over-spending or anything because we were still using the allotted amounts for each category, but we weren't withdrawing our cash for the envelopes like usual. Phil was a nervous wreck. Haha... he's kind of nerdy about the budget. Well, I am too. But I'm also a shopper/spender so I think that makes him nervous. ANYWAY....
I will have to post some pics of my bargains and our painted pottery when I find that camera cord! Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Weekend and is having a great week!
Toodles!

Purse tag

2009-02-12T23:35:00.000-06:00

Woo hoo! I got tagged! This is a first for me. ;o) Thanks Kim! Kim from NewlyWoodwards tagged me and I'm obviously very excited. Honestly, I wasn't even sure how to do this. Haha... But I suppose I should post the rules for the tag...

Here are the rules for the tag:
1. Post a picture of whatever bag you are carrying as of late. No, you cannot go up to your closet and pull out that cute little purse you used back before you had kids. I want to know what you carried today or the last time you left the house. No cheating!
2. I want to know how much it costs =). And this is not to judge. It is for entertainment purposes only. So, spill it. And, if there is a story to go along with how you obtained it, I'd love to hear it.
3. Tag some chicks. And link back to this post so people know what the heck you're showing everyone your bag.

This is my humongous purse. I can't carry a purse any other way! I lovingly refer to most of my purses as suitcases. Hehe... I got this from Target. I believe it was about $25? I usually don't pay too much for a purse. In fact that's the most I'd spent in a very long time. But I was looking for something like this for a very long time so it's kind of worth it!

I carry about everything possible on a usual day. I had actually just cleaned this out a couple days ago. I try to do it once a week.

As for tagging someone... anyone who reads this, please accept the tag! I'd love to see your purses! I'm very curious if anyone else carries such huge purses!

Toodles!

My Desk

2009-02-12T08:17:00.000-06:00

I had told you all I had bought a desk and wanted to paint it...

It's for our entryway/foyer. It's not really a foyer to me since you walk in and turn left immediately into the living room but you get the point. I needed a place to pay bills from and keep all my stuff for sending off a letter. I love it! We also aren't losing our keys now because we just throw them on top of the desk (I'm going to get a cute little bowl or something) and pick 'em up as we leave!

Here it is before:

After:

It's a grayish-blue. I'm not sure if I like it yet? I'm wanting to change the colors in our living room a bit so I'm thinking of going with cool colors like this. The desk cost just $23 and the paint was $8. Personally, I think I got a decent deal!

Things I'm thinking about:

2009-02-05T15:04:00.004-06:00

~The weather - I'm so ready for Spring. I love it when our house is open and filled with fresh air. I also love going from this dark, stuffy office to the outside where the sun is shining and the breeze is blowing.

~Painting - I cannot decide on colors for a few different things. I have wanted to paint the bathroom since I moved into this house and just can't put my finger on the color I want. We purchased a small entrance desk at Walmart last weekend for just $23!! It holds the mail tray and everything I'll ever need to send something off or pay the bills. The only thing is that it's white. I don't do white furniture. Not because I don't think it's lovely, I'm just kinda messy. It's also a stark white which clashes with our bagel colored walls.

~Food - Phillip and I are trying to fix dinner every night instead of eating out or making our usual frozen pizzas. I've tried to think of meal plans, but I'm not very good at it. I feel very limited being that Phil only eats chicken-preferably breaded & fried, and ham in lunch meat form. We're trying to work on getting more vegetables into our meals. I figured we should work on that first before going on a strict "diet" to lose weight.

~Organization - I need this like I need air... I know it takes time, I'm just impatient. Luckily we have made a goal list just for the house and we have even given each task an importance of Red-Immediate, Blue-Needs to be done but can wait, and Green-If we get it done, great. If not, oh well. I'm determined we'll accomplish it all.

~Children-I want one. A baby. So many people are pregnant! It's driving me nuts. I don't want to be pregnant because everyone else seems to be... I have wanted this for a long time, just not this badly. I know that we'll have children when God wants us too, but I sure hope it's soon. Well, I guess I hope it's soon. It is scary to think that one day I will be a parent, but I think that I will be my best during that time. Who knows?

I have been feeling a lot of emotions and chaos lately. I wish I could figure it all out. There's actually a whole lot more on my mind than these few things, but I thought I'd spare you the chaos. Anyway... back to reading magazines, eh, I mean work. ;o)

Toodles!

The Weekend...

2009-02-02T16:56:00.004-06:00

Was somewhat eventful. Friday night we went to my parent's house and had sour-kraut & pork w/mashed potatoes. Sounds dreadful, doesn't it? It wasn't. It was divine! I love my mom's cooking. Then we watched a bit of tv and just visited each other. Btw, Phillip only had the mashed potatos.

Saturday we had to go to a memorial service for a family friend. It suprisingly was a very enjoyable time. It was more of a celebration of his life rather than a gloomy sop fest. That sounds terrible, but I think you catch my drift. He had lived out his life, he was in his 80's... It's sad that he's gone, but he had been ill for almost a decade.

Oh yeah... that morning we found a bird in our basement! A BIRD! It left something nice on our washer and I guess while flying around knocked a few things down. We couldn't get it out so we left it there. When we got back that night I tried to make it fly up the stairs and outside. I was running around the basement with a broom trying to guide this silly bird up the stairs... I'm sure it looked hilarious. Anyway, the bird never flew up the stairs. We aren't actually sure where it's at? Phil walks around bent over expecting it to come attack him when he's doing laundry. There wasn't a way for the bird to get in, the doors are never left open since it's winter and the windows in the basement are all sealed shut. We have a chimney but it's for a coal stove that was removed and the chimney is bricked up now. So... I guess we'll just have to see if it shows up or if we start to smell something (Eeeewwww!). I mean it can only last so long without food, right? I feel bad for the bird, I'm sure it was just trying to get out of the cold. Anyway... I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Nothing else to really talk about. We're just going about life as usual.

~Toodles!

A few afters...

2009-01-28T14:38:00.008-06:00

I posted a few before pics the other day of our home. So here are a few after pics or really, in progress pictures. Now I just want to explain that everything done was to pretty much get us in the house. The kitchen is not actually completed. We still need a toe kick for under the cabinets and one of the windows has not been re framed. I have also decided that I don't actually like the colors chosen for the kitchen. One other thing... I'm not Mrs. Hyper Homemaker. My house is clean, but is definitely lived in and often not spotless.

This above picture is of the kitchen. As you can see below I do not have much counter top space. The window in the picture below is the one that needs to be re framed. To the right of the sink there are a two cabinets up top and two below. The counter top area holds our microwave and there's just enough room for my dish drainer. My counter top... we went with Formica. We didn't see a reason to put something super nice since there is very little room to expand and as terrible as this sounds, we figure the next owners my just gut it, and perhaps expand out into the backyard. We personally don't have the $ or time to do such a thing so we didn't. Anyway... I am pleased with the counter top we did chose. I think it goes well with the cabinets. If only we could have stainless appliances!

This is the other side of the kitchen. We are currently using the table and benches Phillip's parents used when he was little. We aren't really sure what kind of table and chairs would best go here? Round? Square? The writing on the wall is from Uppercase Living. It was all one line and I didn't really know where to put it so I cut it into three sections and put it on the wall this way hoping it would fill the space. Like I said, I don't really like the colors I chose when we first got the house. Since we've been there almost two years, I've had the chance to really think about what I want. The Master bedroom. The writing on the wall is actually the vinyl decals from Uppercase Living. And I know...our curtains don't match. It's a long story, but I just had to make do with what I had. I got the duvet on the bed at Walmart for $20. I love it... I would like to change the wall colors to reflect it more, but not sure what I want. This is the chest at the end of our bed that holds all of our bedding. I bought this from a gal at work for $35. It's about 200 years old and came over from England. I love that we have this piece, even if it doesn't really go with anything. Ha ha. I lined it with some old sheets so we could store our extra pillows, covers, etc...This is in our room as well. It's my dressing area. I got the desk/vanity & chair for $65 at a place in town. It's black right now, but I plan on painting it a mocha brown. I'm also trying to find a mirror that I could attach to it. Right now I just use my full length mirror so I can do my hair.
This is our hobby room painted blue. Boy it's bright. The lime green was cute and I think we would have kept it, but the walls were so dirty! I must have really liked blue when we first bought the house.So that's all for now. We aren't really finished with these rooms yet, but I think they're much better than they were. We know that we can't afford huge reno's, but we're taking it as we can. I think the most difficult thing is finding out what our style is. I thought I knew, but I can't seem to make up my mind on a lot of things.

House Pics Before

2009-01-23T15:42:00.005-06:00

So... I thought I would post some pics of our house BEFORE we touched it... Actually, these were taken with my FIL's camera phone while he and my husband (fiance at the time) were taking a look at it. Shortly after they toured the house, they bid on it without my knowing! So... I wouldn't have picked this house, but I can't complain! I am blessed to even be a co-homeowner with my darling husband and it gives us something to work on (Other than getting used to being married to someone. Ha!). So yeah... we've done some work on the house since these pics. Not a ton... but it's a process and part of our journey. ;o) Here are the pics:

Our House

This is before Phil pulled out the little fence around the front of the bushes. The posts were hammered about 3 feet into the ground. There are actually still a few posts that we can't get out, we're waiting for softer ground. We are thinking of either painting the awnings(Cheapo solution) or taking them off and putting up shutters. What do ya'll think?The Living Room with all of the previous owners furnitureThe Kitchen... is has been painted and my dad put in new cabinets, counter top, new sink, etc... Pictures to come.The kitchen from the doorway.Our Bathroom-The one and only. We haven't done much in here... YET! It's one of my goals to work on this year.This is the "Office" and it's really really small. I do believe it was meant to be a nursery. I suppose it will be perfect for that, when that time comes.The "Master" Bedroom, if you can call it that. Right now we have a Queen size bed in it and there's not much else you can put in there...

The Stairway-This leads up to two small bedrooms and a small cedar lined closet. Almost Narnia-ish. Haha...This is our Hobby room. Phil likes to refer to it as our "studio" Not much happens up here since we're trying to keep costs low and only heat the main floor. But this spring I'm sure I'll be up there zipping along on my sewing machine. Oh and this very bright neon green has been exchanged for a bright blue... didn't realize it would be so bright when looking at the paint chip. Oh well.

There is another room upstairs that I don't have a before picture for. But we haven't done a single thing in that room yet because, well... money is tight. Plus it has kind of become the room where we put all things that don't have a place yet.

This is the basement. It's a mess. Like I wish I never had to go down there mess. Most of the stuff you see in the picture has been removed. However now it holds all of the boxes from appliances, the cabinets, the fridge, microwave, small appliances etc... we really need to give it a good cleaning. I'm afraid this task is last on my list however. Does anyone have a power washer we can borrow? This poor basement has taken on about 60 years of filth. Ick!

That concludes the BEFORE of our home... The AFTERS are to come!

2009-01-23T12:14:00.004-06:00

I ended up taking Wednesday off work. I was so very tired, and really didn't feel like being on the phone, staring at a computer screen under fluorescent lights for 8 hours... with a massive headache.
I'm feeling somewhat better. I haven't heard back from the Dr. yet and of course I remember to call when they take their 2 hour lunch break! 2 hours! I just don't understand that.
Anyway... Yesterday I went to Goodwill. I've been trying to frequent such stores in hopes of finding some good deals! And I like to think I found somewhat of a deal yesterday. Flannel sheets from Target-brand new-usually $19.99 and I got them for $8.50. Not too bad, right? I also found this awesome Orangey-Paisley card box. It has dividers for different occasions and an extra pocket for stamps, pens etc... for $2. It holds all of my cards and they're finally organized! Before I just kept them all in this box that was way too small and it was just a mess. Yay for organization. ;o) Along with the card talk, I'm going to the store on my lunch and I'm buying cards for every single occasion we have on our calendar so far. That seems ridiculous, I know, but the cards I already have are for special occasions like births, weddings, sympathy, and so on. So I'm buying cards for birthdays & a couple of anniversaries.
Tomorrow is the day I step foot in Bed, Bath, & Beyond for the very first time! Woo! I've only ever shopped online at that store and I'm really excited to actually go in the store. I have a lot of organizational needs that must be met and I think this store will suffice! I told Phillip to be prepared to hear the words, "I want it!" a lot. I know it's ridiculous to think I've never been there before, but my mother was always a Walmart gal-one stop shopping. We didn't even go to Target! I'd like to think I've done well transitioning into a shopper/bargain hunter... Other than my past, we don't really have a lot of great stores around here. We have to drive at least a half hour to find a store that doesn't say "Mart" at the end of it's name. We will also be going to Hobby Lobby... this store makes my heart skip a beat. AND I have a gift card. Woot woot! I'm going to pick up some yarn for a crocheting project I have in mind. I had told Phil that I couldn't' buy any more yarn, absolutely couldn't. But I am. ;o)
Sorry this was such a rambling post... it seems that's the only way my brain works anymore. I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

CT Scan

2009-01-20T22:21:00.002-06:00

I had the CT Scan tonight. I have been having headaches quite often lately. I had one yesterday and then during all of today I had one as well. It started getting worst and I had pressure behind my left eye again. I went through the scan which was not as bad as I was thinking. It went very quick and was almost relaxing. But it seemed that my headache was amplified afterwards. By the time I got home there was such a severe pressure behind my right eye I could barely take it and all I could see out of my left eye was blurriness. I rested on the couch, took some meds and fell asleep, only to wake up about a half hour later with an even more excruciating headache than before. I took more meds, drank hot tea, put a warm rag on my face and sat in the dark. I decided to take the hottest shower possible and boy has it helped. I am still sitting in near darkness other than our laptop screens emitting light. Never in my life have I had such pain in my head. I mean... I thought I was going to lose it. But as I said, I'm feeling better now. There's still a dull ache, but I will take some more meds as the doc suggested and I'll go to bed. I'm just praying this will stop soon and everything will be back to normal if not better. Please pray for me too!
Thank you!
Goodnight. ;o)

Random

2009-01-19T22:30:00.004-06:00

So for some reason I took up a liking for butter dishes. Or at least, glass ones. Anyway... I went to our local antique/thrift shop and could not find one! I've looked at Goodwill (Which by the way, all you ladies out there who go to Goodwill all the time and find some awesome stuff are lucky!! Ours don't carry nothin'!) and obviously did not find anything. The only thing that caught my eye were some wedding invitations. Of course I don't need those... but I thought I could have possibly used them for my parent's 25th Wedding Anniversary. Then I thought how inappropriate it would be. I mean, you wouldn't be able to tell... but I digress.

So anyway... I am looking for something like this:

It doesn't seem that most department stores or places like Target or Walmart really carry these kinds of dishes anymore. And if a department store carries one, it's crystal and defnitely more than what I've budgeted for this small prize. Anyway... if any of you have any idea of where I could find one of these... please let me know! Especially if it's at a major retail store and it's under $10! ;o) I'm sure I just haven't looked enough. I'm very impatient when it comes to these things.

I did find one item I'm in love with! It was great to see that someone else collects animals: All Bower Power. I should post a picture of my find! I found a wooden giraffe for $4. It's definitely unique.

I went to the Dr. Friday. She gave me some antibiotic for an infection I have in my sinuses. She wasn't sure that the infection is what's causing the dizziness so I am having a CT scan tomorrow night. I'm praying that nothing is found and the antibiotic helps and I stop experiencing the dizziness. ;o) I will post about it when I find out anything.

My party went well! If anyone is interested in looking at the jewelry or buying something you can go here: http://mysilpada.com/lisa.troglio If you do buy, please mention me as the hostess...Yes so I can get closer to getting rewards! (Maybe that's selfish... but I'd do it for you. I promise! (o; ) They are somewhat expensive... okay, they are very expensive. I spend like $5 on earrings, I'm a cheapo. But there is one ring that I just love! I've tried finding something similar for almost a year and couldn't find anything. So I saved up my money and even if I don't get enough orders to get "reward jewelry" I will still be able to buy my ring. Mostly family came to the party and even though I only had one order from them... I had a blast spending time with them. I also have a clean house now, always a plus.

Otherwise the weekend has been great. Too short even though we had Monday off. I didn't do much today as I was feeling extra tired and dizzy with a headache... That's alright though. We all need days of relaxation. Well, It's late and I've got work again tomorrow. Oh how I hate sitting at a desk. Well, I better be off to bed. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Toodles!

So sad...

2009-01-14T13:29:00.002-06:00

We are not going to be getting the chair I found on Overstock.com. ;o(
Phil and I talked about it and we really need to focus on just a couple of things at a time. I agree with him... I just really loved that chair! And I will admit I throw around so many ideas all the time. He gets kind of flustered with me. I guess I would too. Haha...
Oh and to clarify... on an earlier posting, people did not actually buy us furniture for our wedding. When we were engaged people gave us their couches that are nearly 15 years old, an entertainment center that's gotta be just as old, along with our kitchen table, bed, dressers, end tables, etc... The only thing new we got was from Phil's grandpa and he actually made us our bookcase. It's really pretty and he made sure it matched our hardwood floors.
Anyway... I guess the furniture shopping for our living room will have to wait. In the mean time we're still trying to organize & clean out as much as we can and we're also looking at making our bed frame, and saving up to buy a new mattress. I guess with all of the craziness in life, that's enough to think about. ;o)

Overstock dot com

2009-01-13T10:18:00.004-06:00

So, I didn't crochet. I was shopping online and I found this chair on Overstock.com. It's $199.99! I am pretty sure this is a good deal... I really like this chair. Has anyone ever bought anything from Overstock like this before? Do you think this is a good deal? Do you think this chair will be of good quality? I'm always so nervous making purchases online...

2009-01-13T08:52:00.004-06:00

The last few days have flown by so quickly! I haven't had much time to think, let alone blog. Over the weekend I did a lot of cleaning and organization. Of course I didn't think to take any pictures... but at least it's done! We went through all of our cd's and got rid of duplicates and alphabetized them. Then we went through all of our books and got rid of ones we'll never read or have already read and just want to give away. I had like 6 books from Graduation that I think I only ever read 10 pages of each, maybe? Is this terrible, but I might re gift?! We have a huge bag of books and cd's to give away.
It feels to great to get our living room in order. I'll have to take a picture of our uncluttered living room! I will say I think we may have too much furniture in that room. We had so much furniture given to us when we got married. So I guess next on the list of to do's for the living room would be get or make the new entertainment center & work on getting other new furniture (Something I actually like!). Part of the problem is that I don't know what my style is! I love all kinds of things, I just don't know how to put them together. That's why I read every one's blogs...to get inspiration! ;o) The other thing would be getting rid of what we have. Hmm...
This weekend I'm having a partay! Woo! Actually...it's a jewelry party-Silpada. I'm so excited though! A lot of ladies are coming and it's one of the first times I've really had anyone over outside of the family. I know, it's sad. That should be one of my goals for the year... to have people over more often! Sometimes Phil and I are very much hermit-like. We just love being at home together. ;o)
Anyway... off to crochet. I'm at reception today. We don't get a whole lotta incoming calls so it's kind of nice to have time for that. I'm currently working on a hat.

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday.
Toodles!

Dizziness

2009-01-07T14:41:00.002-06:00

I have been experiencing dizziness since just before Christmas. At first I just thought it was from the sinus medication I was taking. So I stopped taking it. I've still been experiencing dizziness. I told my parents and they said it could be fluid in my ears. I know what that feels like and it doesn't seem like that's it either. I read something that said dizziness can be a symptom of the following: low blood sugar, high blood pressure, flu, blood loss, hypothyroidism, anemia, and pregnancy. I'm sure I'm not anemic or that I have hypo or hyperthyroidism because I just had a wellness check at work and they did blood work that showed everything was normal. I doubt I have the flu because nothing else is really taking place if you know what I mean. I also don't think it's low blood sugar because I've been trying to eat every 3 hours just to be sure of that and my blood pressure was taken on Sat. and it was excellent. So... there's like one option left other than blood loss which isn't happening either. I've also been extremely tired... as in I could doze off at any moment and it doesn't matter if I had a great night's sleep or not. There is the possibility that I could be pregnant. I don't think I am... The only symptoms I have are extreme fatigue and then dizziness. Has anyone else experienced this before? It's just really frustrating to feel like this all the time and I'm afraid it might happen while I'm driving or something.

Recent talk...

2009-01-06T15:29:00.004-06:00

around the house has been about getting a new entertainment center & a new bed. Currently we have an entertainment center that provides a ton of storage. It's very sturdy and in very good shape. However, it's also bulky, is in a finish I'm not very fond of, and can only house a smaller box television. It was given to us by some family friends. So I'm thankful but I still have my eye on something like this:But there is no way that we could afford this. And we don't have a flat panel tv and probably won't for years. Especially since we just got a car payment and there are a few other things more important to us right now. But it's not like many stores are selling nice entertainments centers for the old style box tv's. We might just ask my Dad to build us something! The only downfall in that idea is that it will take him forever to complete it. He started making my mom a trash can last year for Christmas... has yet to finish it. Haha.

Our other situation is buying a new bed & a new mattress. Wow... I never knew how expensive either of those are! You have to spend at least $500 to get a bed frame that is solid wood and then make sure you get a head board with that too! That might be another $300. And mattresses! Again, Wow! We wanted to upgrade to a King (Not that our tiny bedroom could accommodate, but I might be okay with only having a small aisle to walk around to get out of the room if that means I get more room to sleep!) but it's just out of our league. So we are sticking with a Queen which really is fine. But I really want to make sure we get the bed frame we really like. This too is out of our price range... but Phil thinks we can try building something along these lines... I don't think we're DIY enough. We'll just see!

These pics are from the beloved Pottery Barn. I don't think we could ever make anything that looks close to this. Does anyone have any suggestions? Maybe we should just get a regular frame and save up for something like this... I'm just so impatient!

I'm a copy cat

2009-01-02T15:26:00.005-06:00

Okay... So I'm copying off of Kim @ newlywoodwards.blogspot.com (I think again actually) and using her goal list for the new year. I NEVER make New Year's resolutions. I know I'll break them. I am one who doesn't have motivation. Like, at all. But I really like the way this Goal list was set up.
I want to learn: how to study the Bible better, how to be graceful in actions & words
I want to read: the Bible, at least 1 book a month (Very difficult for me, I'm not a reader.)
I want to make: more crocheted hats & scarves and afghans, sewn aprons, purses, and other pieces,At least one quilt and array of other crafts!
I want to visit: Phil's grandparents at least twice other than Christmas, Pennsylvania, and so many other places but I doubt I will in 2009.
I want to change: my outlook on life, Our unorganized life into an organized one, My weight but more importantly how I feel about myself besides the weight.
I want to be better at: living on our budget, Crocheting & Sewing, Cooking & Baking, Being a wife.
I want to do: a lot of purging of things uneeded in the home, a lot more fun stuff on the weekends instead of just sitting around watching tb.
Most of all, I want: Love for others, Hope for our future, Peace within.

Christmas

2009-01-02T14:50:00.003-06:00

Christmas was lovely! Like I had mentioned, we spent Christmas Eve with my side of the family. Then we traveled to Grandma & Grandpa's for Christmas day. We left later than we had hoped, but we got there with plenty of time to open gifts before a late lunch. My MIL got me a lovely tea set (Will possibly post pics later) and of course we got Season 4 of The Office! There were a few other very nice gifts but my one of favorites was an ornament! It's of three reindeer, A Pappa reindeer, Mamma reindeer, and baby reindeer...With our names on it. It's too cute!
We stayed up at Gpa's & Gma's until Saturday (We went shopping the day after of course and I scored some great Christmas decorations for next year! We went out to lunch with Phil's other Gma too.)and then came home. On our way home we stopped by my parents for a few hours and opened gifts with that side of the fam (aunts, uncles, Gma & Gpa, etc...).
Unfortunately we found out later that Claire had gotten fleas from Phil's grandparent's cat! She only had a few on her. So we gave her a bath, a treatment, and washed everything she touched! Oh... I still feel kind of itchy thinking about it. Fortunately we keep our house pretty cool (To save money.) and we are hoping none "jumped" off of her. We've swept almost every day, 3 times a day almost since. I never thought I'd deal with a dog getting fleas in winter! When it was like... 15 degrees! Oh well.
Overall it was a very pleasant Christmas and we spent a lot of time with family. ;o)

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T11:15:00.002-06:00

Today there is so much to be done! I am at work currently for another 45 minutes! YAY! They are only making us work until noon today which is fantastic! Then I have to go to the bank and sign some documents on are car loan. Go get the oil changed before our trip to Grandma & Grandpa's tomorrow morning. I might just pick up an ice-cream cake for tonight's celebration just because it's easier than baking something and I really LOVE ice cream cake & I have a coupon! Then we have to go grocery shopping and pick up the meat for tonight. I am so glad we're having Christmas Eve at our house. I think it will help it feel more like home. We haven't had too many family things take place here, so having these memories will be nice.

I'm almost finished on the hat I'm crocheting. I have just a few more rows to crochet and then I can whip stitch it up and it's done! I'll probably get started on the scarf tomorrow afternoon after lunch. Maybe. I might want to take a nap instead! Haha...

I gave Claire a hair cut last night! A MAJOR hair cut. I pretty much shaved her. Her hair was getting pretty long and it seems that it takes less time for her to start smelling doggy when her hair is long. So I cut her hair, cut her nails, and gave her a bath. I also put on her sweater so she's not cold. I might try and crochet a sweater for her!

Well, I better finish up the last of things to do!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I hope you all are safe!

2008-12-23T13:45:00.002-06:00

I'm so entirely bored today. I am at work... without any work to do. I have been crocheting and I had to work reception for the first part of the day. But now I am just sitting here... We had our ornament exchange here at work. That was a bit of excitement. I got a very nice nativity scene ornament. I gave a golden start that I had bought at Cracker Barrel at Thanksgiving. One of the ladies got an ornament of Santa trying to stuff a hippo down the chimney and it plays the "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" song. Very cute.
Tonight I have to clean the house a bit & go grocery shopping. My parents and siblings are coming over tomorrow night to celebrate Christmas Eve. We're having baked potato soup! Yum! It's the best soup ever!
I've been thinking a lot lately about traditions and realized my family doesn't really have any. It really saddens me. I hope that Phil and I can start a few traditions to be put in place before having children. I know it may be silly to some, but I have loved reading about the traditions other families have. It just sounds wonderful.

2008-12-22T16:17:00.002-06:00

This weekend was a blur. Friday we had our work luncheon. It was very nice! They of course had great catering & even more wonderful desserts! Huge cupcakes stacked on a wonderful 3 tiered dish stand. They had a drawing at the end of the luncheon for the stand and I WON! I was so excited! It will be lovely for when we are able to have dinner guests someday.
After that I went home to a clean home! My husband, even though it was his birthday, cleaned the house. He's such a doll. So all I had to do was get a few things ready for our party that night-our 2nd annual Sibling Christmas party. It was a lot of fun and I got a gift card to Hobby Lobby. I was surprised that my brother-in-law knew me so well! Hehe...
Saturday was our craft sale. It didn't go as well as I had planned and I guess "dreamed" it would. We held it at our church in the foyer. Thankfully there was practice for the Christmas program for the kids that day. As their parents dropped them off and picked them up they browsed around and a few of them bought a few things! Most everyone just bought food that my mom had made. I don't blame them, she's an incredible baker/cook. I sold like 2 or 3 aprons and 1 of the stars I had made. So we kind of learned our lesson. Don't have a craft sale so late in the season & advertise much more! I think we might try to have it at another location too. It just seems every time I've had a party at the church, I haven't had a very good turn-out.
Yesterday we celebrated Phil's birthday with his family. Then we went shopping. We tried to find a bark collar for Claire. She never shuts up! Oh my goodness! "Yip, yip, yip!" That's all she does. They are very expensive and I'm still unsure as to whether I want her zapped every time she barks. Knowing her though it won't faze her and we'll have spent $130 on a collar. So... we're going to wait. I'm not sure if I'd rather go through 13 weeks of puppy lessons for about $100 w/o a guarantee that she'll learn anything OR spend that much money w/in a much quicker time period but with just the same lack of a guarantee that she'll stop barking. Oh... I hate these kinds of decisions. I love my fur-baby! I just wish she wouldn't bark at us. She was getting better just a few weeks ago and now it's started up again. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what we can do about her barking?
Hope you all are almost ready for Christmas!

We got it!

2008-12-13T21:07:00.002-06:00

I am so pleased! We found the vehicle we were looking for! We paid just a little more than we were planning, but this will be our family vehicle for a very long time... like until the car dies permanently. Haha...
I just can't thank God enough for His blessings and provision! It's amazing that sometimes even when we have little faith that it will work out, God will provide.
We got a silver 2006 Chevy Equinox. I'm really excited about it. It drives so well and it has some neat features! I've never had a newer car before. I know it doesn't really matter, and I don't want to sound materialistic. It's just really nice to have a car where everything works and a few extras!
I can't wait for our trip up to our Grandparent's for Christmas! Woohoo!

2008-12-12T10:27:00.003-06:00

Today we are going to look at cars. I'm really excited. I really hope we can find something. It's amazing what you take for granted, such as having two vehicles!

Today I'm also working on crocheting a hat. It's going alright so far... I think it will take me a couple times to really get it down.

Last night I made two purses & 3 "clutch" purses. I still have to put buttons/fasteners on all of them. I will have to take pictures so I have a record of them. I really hope my stuff sells at our craft sale.

Nothing else is really going on. Finding the right vehicle and the finances for the vehicle are mostly crowding my mind. I'm trying my best not to stress over it though... Haha. I'm a worrier by nature, no matter how hard I try.

Anyway... Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

New Car

2008-12-09T16:48:00.005-06:00

So the husband's car finally bit the dust... To fix the car would cost more than it's worth. We were planning on buying a new vehicle soon, just not this soon. So we don't really have as much saved up as we'd like. And because of that... we're possibly not going to get what we WANT. We are wanting to go ahead and buy a family car-the one I would drive, so that we have it when we do start a family(Which we are hoping to happen asap). So here is the vehicle I'm currently stuck on that is in our price range:

Now of course I would change the color to like, Orange! Haha... but tan is fine. I like this so much more compared to a mini-van. No offense to those who drive them. I just feel too young to start driving a mini-van. I don't know? I just really hope we find something similar to this, quick! Because until we do, I'm having to be at work at 7 so hubby can be to work by 8. It truly sucks. Lord, Please help us find an appropriate vehicle!

The Name Game...

2008-12-09T14:14:00.003-06:00

I had to copy off of another blog... I'm not usually a person of originality, I'm a follower. Anyway:

Your Real Name: Kaitlyn Schneider
Your Gangsta Name: (first three letters of your first name plus izzle): Kaiizzle
Your Detective Name: (favorite color and favorite animal): Orange Giraffe
Your Soap Opera Name: (your middle name and the street you live on): Rae Prairie
Your Star Wars Name: (first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first): Schka
Your Superhero Name: (your 2nd favorite color and favorite drink): Orange Coke
Your Witness Protection Name: (your parents' middle names): Ray ann
Your Goth Name: (black and the name of one of your pets): Black Claire

If any of you read this... you should try it!

2008-12-06T23:58:00.008-06:00

I stole this idea from a blog I read Newly Woodwards. This is hanging above our entertainment center and I really love it.

These are a few pieces of a blanket I'm going to make... I started crocheting back in September and I'm totally addicted to it now. It's a craft you can take anywhere with you and it's so easy! I'm still not great at it, my tension needs some work. But I figure that will come with practice.

This is the first really big project I did. I think if you click on the picture, you can see more of the detail in the gray area of the blanket. I did the most simple of stitches, pretty much to work on my tension. Claire loves this blanket.

My first apron! Isn't it so cute? This was super easy! I bought it at the fabric store. You just buy one yard and it has the directions and such on it. You just cut it out and sew it all together. It was a great pattern though. Below is the second apron I've made. I haven't put the pockets on it yet... but you get the idea... I'll be making quite a few more of these and selling them at a craft sale on the 20th. My whole family is involved and I'm very excited about it.

Below are Moravian Stars... They are usually hung during advent and in general during the holiday season. You can look up the history if you're truly interested... Hehe. But I will dip them in wax and sprinkle them with glitter. They are a beautiful handmade ornament, great for children to make (As long as an adult is the one dipping them in wax. (0; ) for a Christmas project. Anyway... I will be selling an array of these at the craft sale as well. ;o)

This is for kicks... not craft related at all...

My mom got me this giraffe that flattens out into a pillow. I keep it on the couch and use it as additional back support. Claire thought she would mimic it. hehe...

Just too cute not to share! ;o)

Sewing

2008-12-06T15:45:00.000-06:00

Today I am sewing aprons! I have only almost completed 1 however... It's so much fun. Claire keeps interupting me though. You would think she was a real child...she has so many needs. Why did we spoil her? Oh well... Anyway, I will hopefully post pictures of the aprons later tonight!

2008-12-04T15:35:00.002-06:00

I really just can't keep up with this! I am more interested in reading about everyone else instead of writing about me. BUT there has been so much that has taken place this past month and so much coming this month! I have so many pictures to post I probably won't. Haha... My birthday came and went (I have a few pictures I will share of that event). Thanksgiving came and went (Pics to post from that too!). And a few other little things I would love to post about. Right now I'm very busy making Moravian stars, crocheting, sewing purses & aprons, etc... We're having a craft sale (We as in my family) on Dec. 20th!! I'm so excited! So... there is much to do, much to say, and no time for it! I will do my best to get everything up in the next few days. ;o)

It's been so long...

2008-11-22T01:52:00.011-06:00

since I've blogged. Like I've said, I haven't gotten the hang of it. Plus, we've been really busy for some reason!? So... with so many things I could blog about, I will at least share our family pictures. These are just a few sneak peek's that Jenny @ Moondancephotography.org sent us.

I think that these are pretty good. I always criticize myself and the way I look though. So I'm trying to just let go and just love that these are of Phillip, Claire, & me. I'm so excited to see the other ones!
There's so much to say and so little time. ;o) Tomorrow, or rather later today, we plan on decorating for Christmas! So if I have time I'll be posting a few more things.
Night!

My Birthday!

2008-11-07T10:05:00.005-06:00

Sunday was my birthday!! I celebrated all weekend. Woo! And I'm not done because... I didn't get my ice cream cake! ;o)
Anyway... when I walked into the office on Friday, my desk was all decorated and the ladies had bought me a cake. It was so nice. Then my boss brought in potato soup for all of us and I got to take home the leftovers. Woo! It was too yummy! Friday after work, we went straight to my parent's house and then we went to Red Robin for dinner. Another yummy! I had signed up for coupons and such and I got a coupon for my birthday, a free meal! We then went to Michael's (I spent way too much money! (o: ) and then to Borders.
Saturday I cleaned and prepared for a party we had that night. It was wonderful! So many people came and we had the fire pit going and made s'mores... I also made my own cake. I will have to post pics later tonight. It had a giraffe on it!
Sunday we had church and then we went to Red Lobster for my birthday dinner with Phil's side of the family. We went to Payless after and I ran into my friend (Actually she works there.) and we talked for a while. I found pair of cute shoes and she gave me her discount! It was so awesome. That night was Area 58 and then we went to our friend's house and just hung out. Until 2 AM! We do this almost every Sunday night. It's like a ritual. Ha ha... The only thing is that we have to be at work in the morning and be able to do our jobs (Well, Phil has to... I just sit here.). So it's kind of rough. We may have to stop doing it, just because we say we'll leave at 10:30pm and then we're like just until 11pm, and we keep doing that until it's 1 or 2 am. Anyway... last night was so wonderful for me. I really got to talk about some things I thought I had dealt with and realized I haven't. I'm so thankful that my friend let God use her last night. I don't think she'll ever realize what it meant to me to be heard by her.
In other news... I went to the dentist. I haven't been in 4 years. Yeah, I know. Anyway... even though I take great care of my teeth, I still get cavities(Genetics). I have 4 small ones. I believe 2 of them are in my wisdom teeth. Which most people have had removed, but my mouth was big enough to fit all four! Except that my bottom teeth which were pretty straight before the wisdom teeth, became slightly crooked. (My point is that those teeth are way back there and hard to brush so I can see that I have cavities in those teethe.) So I have to go get those four little stinkers filled. Blech. The dentist is going to only do one this week and see how I do and then he will make me come back just once if I do well, or twice if I don't so he can fill like 1 cavity and then the other 2.
Well... I'm going to clip some coupons! Happy Monday!

Coupons

2008-11-03T15:15:00.005-06:00

Oh! I LOVE coupons! A co-worker of mine kept bringing me coupons that she didn't use but knew I would. I asked her where she got them. "The Sunday paper." So... we got a subscription to the Sunday paper. It's amazing the amount of coupons I get! And it's paying off! For the $1.25 I spend each week on a paper, I am looking at saving approximately $10-$15. I know that doesn't seem like a lot, but it is just Phillip and I. If I got to use the coupons for diapers, wipes, formula, children's medication, etc... I'd save much more. Either way, most of the coupons won't expire until January or February of next year anyway! I've given a lot of the diaper coupons to my friend who has a 19 month old and another on the way. I have given my parent's quite a lot of the coupons as well. And as quirky and silly as this is... I had taken the coupons I thought I was going to use with me to Walmart. Sometimes buying the generic is still a much better price than buying the brand name with a coupon. Since I wasn't going to use it, I just left the coupons right next to the items it would be used for. I'm not going to pay that much when the generic is cheaper, but some people are very specific about the brands they buy and I thought I could at least help someone else out. This is the quirky, silly part... It made me feel great! Haha... The idea of helping someone save money gave me like a high. I feel so silly, but I hope that people saw them and used them!
Something I just recently found out is that Walmart accepts competitor coupons and ads from other stores. In IL we have Schnuck's, Shop-N-Save, Save A lots, and Dierburg's. Since I'm getting the newspaper, I'm now getting all of those ads. So like this weekend, I used ads from Shop-N-Save and Schnuck's. One of their ads had the store brand parmesan on 10 for $10. Well, Walmart's store brand-Great Value-was$2.62. I needed 4, so I spent $4 and saved $6.48! All I do is just cirlce all of the items in the ads I want and show it to the cashier before she starts ringing me up. It is so helpful. Obviously I'm trying to find more ways to save $... Sometimes I feel like it's a dead end and then someone tells me something like you can use competitor's ads at Wal-mart! Woohoo! Plus... I still can get all of my shopping done in one place that way. I'm so thankful for that.

It's November!!

2008-11-01T23:58:00.000-05:00

I love November! It's my birthday month and I share it with my Mom! The leaves have finally changed. The weather gets cool enough to wear sweaters. Thanksgiving! Family! Preparing for Christmas! Warm colors and perfect nights for a fireplace. Too bad we don't have one. ;o)
I made some sugar cookies on Thursday for work the next day. They turned out okay, they were pumpkins and leaves. I made orange, yellow, and brown icing to cover them. They tasted great, didn't look super but they were consumed so quickly it didn't matter! Hehe... The recipe was from allrecipes.com.
We handed out candy Thursday and Friday night. We didn't really get that many trick or treater's. I was kind of surprised because we live on a really busy street. Oh well. It was still fun. We had some friends come over with their little boy. He was dressed as an adorable scarecrow! He kept giving his sucker to our dog, Claire. It was too much. ;o) Today we just cleaned, made our weekly grocery run, and watched a movie. A very relaxing and wonderful day!
Tomorrow we're going to have family pictures taken. Of course it's just Phil, Claire, and myself. So it's really considered couple pictures. I'm really excited though. A girl at work is taking them. She has a photography business on the side Moondance Photography. I think she is really great. I will have to post some of the photos when we get them back.
I have a few things in mind to post later this week as well. I still haven't gotten the hang of "blogging" yet. I'd love to blog everyday. But honestly, I don't find my life so exciting that I have to blog about everything... hehe. I do LOVE reading everyone else's blogs. I get so much inspiration from them! Anyway... I'll keep on postin' as I can!

Over at Bower Power

2008-10-30T11:16:00.003-05:00

I read a blog, Bower Power and she is having a giveaway from Snap Fish for an 8x8 photo book! Woo! Other than this fabulous giveaway, you should visit her blog daily. It's a lot of fun to read and she has some great posts!

Hair Change...

2008-10-27T23:13:00.001-05:00

Here I have some highlights. There's probably like 5 different colors here. I said I wasn't going to dye my hair ever again and let it grow out. Then... I could see the roots (You probably can't even tell in the pic. Either way... I wanted to get back to my natural looking, God-given hair color. So I bought a regular box of hair color and tried to get back to normal:

So it's definitely darker. But not drastically I don't think? Either way this is pretty close to my natural color. And as usual with washings it won't look so "fresh" and will fade some. I'm sure in a week I'll be right where I want with the color. And yes, I have said I won't dye my hair ever again... And ya'll know I'll have to, just because I'm me. ;o)
Also.... tell me what you think. Darker or lighter?

Maze of Maize

2008-10-27T23:06:00.000-05:00

We took the youth to the cornmaze. The Jr. High and Sr. High raced. We (The Jr. High Group) won! The maze was Safari themed. So I was totally loving all of the Giraffes! As you can tell. Hehe...

2008-10-27T23:01:00.000-05:00

At Eckert's with Kalisha. It was very windy!

With Grandpa

With Grandma

2008-10-27T22:53:00.000-05:00

The Family eating at Wittmond Hotel.

Dad and Mom

Phillip and Me at Eckert's Apple/Pumpkin farm

More of Autumn...

2008-10-27T22:42:00.001-05:00

The ferry we had to ride to get to Brussles.

The view from inside the van while on the ferry. It looks beautiful, but the Mississippi River is very muddy!

Phillip and I at the Wittmond Hotel. The food was fabulous!

2008-10-27T22:05:00.003-05:00

Youth Convention 2008

The whole youth group

Me and the Husband... why can't he ever just smile in a picture? I don't know?

I will say I love this pic. We just went to Starbucks! I get to have Starbucks like 2 times a year...such a treat.

We're walking to the convention center.

The sister and me ;o)

Pennsylvania!!

2008-10-24T23:03:00.002-05:00

We received an invitation to a family reunion Thanksgiving this year. My initial thought was, "Oh, no!" My father had to have surgery on his foot this year and was off of work for quite a while. He had to use all of his vacation. The only way we would go to PA was if we drove with my parent's(Flying is just too expensive). They have a big van and between all of us (Dad, Mom, my brother, Phillip, and myself) we could drive the 18 hours there without stopping except for bathroom breaks and one visit to Cracker Barrel (Love that place!)... So anyway, he didn't have any vacation left, so my parent's and sibs wouldn't have gone. Then my mom told me that my Dad had said it would be okay if we went ahead without him because he could stay here with his parent's and celebrate Thanksgiving. I felt SO terrible. There's no way I could do that! So I said that Phillip and I wouldn't be going. BUT!!! My dad's workplace gave him an advance on vacation and so we're going! WOO HOO!! I'm so excited! I love PA! I wish we could move there. I'm sure I've said that before. Anyway... Just wanted to share our good news!

Random

2008-10-21T15:10:00.008-05:00

So last night Phil and I went to look at a house. We're not actually looking to sell our house right now or buy a new one. I mean, if the one we saw last night was worth it, we were going to. But when we went it was already sold and we didn't know it. Anyway... The reason we're thinking about all of this is because we'd like to start on having a family soon! And the house we are in now is okay. It's just small and the only room on the main floor would be okay for a nursery, but honestly, I just don't want to be in this house when we have a baby. (P.s.-The pics on our website are OLD! So our rooms don't look like that anymore...)My other concern is that we'll end up moving while I'm pregnant and to think about it is stressing me out already. I mean... that's packing up the entire house! Then there is cleaning and painting the new house. And to me, I don't think painting while pregnant is wise, even if we get the paint with low VOC's... So really, ideally we would move and then get pregnant. So Phil and I have been trying to make that decision as to what's more important? What do we want to do first? Start our family? Or find a home for us to start our family in? Either way, the market is really down right now. And there are a ton of other homes for sale in our town that are not what we want but have been on the market for like 6 months! And then even if we find a home that we like, we have to be able to sell ours and we would need to get what the house it worth at least so that we could move... Oh it's so complicated! All the while, we are wanting to stay out of debt! We're out of it now and do not want to get back in! So... I guess we'll just see how this all works out. I just get frustrated because I keep thinking how do other people do this? How can they afford to do and get all they do? And Phil keeps telling me they may be up to their eyeballs in debt... that may be true. It would have to be! Phil does pretty well salary wise for a 3 year teacher. And then I'm working too! I just don't know where all the money goes? Arg.... Sorry for the ranting.
Anyway, aside from all of that..............
I've been crocheting! I'm working on an afghan right now. I do not think that It will be done soon though. Ha ha... I will have to post a picture of my progress! It's keeping me very occupied while at work. Which is why I haven't really been blogging either. I'm on my 3rd skein of gray yarn and I'm not even a third of the way completed... I am thinking this afghan is going to cost me more than if I would have just went out and bought it! ;o) He he... But it will be hand made by me!
Saturday we're going to Brussels. Brussels is a small town in IL surrounded by lots of country and there's a hotel called, The Whitmore Hotel. It's where Jesse James and his "posse" stayed? It's been kept up really well. Either way they have family style meals and it's SO good! I just love going there. It's been a long time since I've been. We'll also go to the pumpkin patch and Eckert's Apple farm. There are a bunch of little "shacks" on the sides of the road too, that sell things like apple butter, jams and jellies, home-made crafts, and antiques. I just love going! Hopefully I will take some pictures and post them.
I also want to apologize to any readers I may have. I said like 2 weekends ago that I was going to post recipes and pics... I never did. I may never. Ha ha.
This past weekend we went to a youth convention. It was quite a lot of fun! The speaker and the worship band were both great! Our hotel was very ghetto... kind of dirty. But we made due and I'm sure in a year or two we'll all be able to laugh about the time we stayed at the ghetto hotel. ;o) I really got to bond with some of the students. It was a really great time. I did only get 1 1/2 hours of sleep though on Friday night. The next morning I got the largest Starbucks' coffee I could and drank that baby up! He he... It helped me get through the morning at least! I wish we had a local Starbucks. They're so yummy! I wouldn't be one of those who spent $5 on coffee each day, but it would be a great place to go to after work some days or on Friday nights. I miss the coffee house nights Phil and I use to have. We would get drinks and talk and read. It was wonderful. Unfortunately two of the coffee house's we went to both shut down. Oh well. There's one a little bit further from us than the other two were, that we use to go to ALL the time. We just haven't gone in a while. ;o( I guess we should do that soon.
Well... those are all of my thoughts today. I'm sure those are enough to last you a few days. He he...

2008-10-16T16:21:00.002-05:00

I have been so distracted lately! I'm not getting a whole lot done in regards to reading anymore or really anything else for that matter. I've taken up crocheting! It is a new love!!! I made both Claire and I scarves. Yes... My puppy has a scarf! Hehe... And now I'm working on an afghan. I'm trying to teach myself, so I thought making an afghan I can try a few different stitches. I will have to post a few pics of the scarves and my process on the afghan. It's a lot of fun and completely portable, unlike my sewing. Of course I haven't sewn since June!! I miss it very much. But summer is always busy. I'll definitely be a in a sewing crazy once January comes. I love the months of April through December. I do not like the others... except for Valentine's day. ;o) But anyway...
Tomorrow Phillip and I are going to a youth convention with our youth ministry. We actually met at youth convention 7 years ago! So it's kind of special to us. I'm pretty excited, mostly nervous. I'm a leader in one of the rooms. It seems I have the hardest time being in leadership. It's like all of my quirks decide to come out all at once and then the girls always think I'm a very strange person. I mean, I am, who isn't? Haha... but it just makes it difficult for me to build a relationship with them. So tonight we'll be busy getting ready for that. I have to work a half day tomorrow, and then we're leaving right after. The convention center is only about an hour and a half away. I'll probably nap. Hehe...
Today on my lunch hour I went shopping. Now I have been trying to stay away from shopping because I always find something I think I need, like today. ;o) I found $115 worth of clothes for just $15! Well, actually it was more towards $20 with tax and I only got 3 pieces, but still!!! I got a skirt and a shirt to match and another shirt/blouse that is SO me! It's kind of hippie-ish looking. ;o) I don't know that the skirt will fit? So if it doesn't both the skirt and shirt that matches will be going back. They're both pink-ish. I'm not big on pink. For some reason I never really have been.
I found out this week that one of our grocery stores will be closing. It's being turned into a Schnuck's so we will still have the grocery store. But it won't be the usual locally owned grocery store. The one I have grown up with. It actually used to be called Country Fair, and then it was changed. I wasn't happy with the name they chose either. But now it doesn't matter. I'm not sure why I have this attachment to the store... nothing really took place there except that I have bought groceries there for most of my life. I'm silly.
Well, there could be more to write, but I'm tired and it's the end of the day and I get to go home soon! I can't wait for home. I love going there. ;o)

Sister's Homecoming Pictures

2008-10-13T16:39:00.004-05:00

My sister Kalisha, went to her homecoming dance this weekend. I took a few pics of her...

Silly face!

I fell in love with this tree! I probably took 50 different poses of her on this tree alone! ;o)

Kalisha and some of her friends. They went to the dance together and then stayed the night at one of the girls' house.

Kalisha and Cher

Kalisha and Mom & Pop

2008-10-07T22:07:00.003-05:00

So, I'm slacking on blogging. Oh well. I have a few pics from the weekend. I've been really busy since Friday night. And it seems that this whole week is busy too. Crazy how when it rains, it pours! We took Claire to the vet Monday. She did such a good job! The vet said she is really fit and a very good dog. It made me so proud! He he... I had to go to the Dr. as well on Monday. I will let you all know about that another time. I made crepes, Twice baked sweet potatoes, and Baked potato soup in the last couple of days too. Yum, YUM!
At work we had a birthday/boss's day celebration for my boss. It was really nice! One of the girls I work with is on maternity leave right now, but came in just for the lunch. She brought her little girl who will be 2 in November (she's so cute and so fun!) and her newest little addition! He's only a month and half old. SO precious. I really want to have a baby! ;o)
My sister his going to her homecoming dance this coming Saturday. I'm going to my 'rent's house tonight to try and fix her hair. Hopefully I will find something that suits her. She's so picky. I'm also going to just spend some time with my mom. It should be a good time.
I will have pics and recipes up this weekend hopefully! We don't have much planned except for a hair cut for Phillip. Hope everyone is having a good week!

2008-10-03T11:00:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted since I think Monday? Wow. I just don't have a whole lot to say I guess. Well, I didn't. Being at work with nothing to do... You mostly sit around waiting for something. It's mind-numbing. I'm ready to lose my mind! I feel like my brain is wasting away because there hasn't been any use of it. And on top of that, when I get home it's like the switch cannot kick on because it hasn't been used. So I don't do anything at home either. I hate that kind of feeling.
At any rate, I have a few things to share today. This weekend marks a couple important dates:

***October 4th - 5 years of "dating" for Phillip and I. I don't think that you should ever stop dating, even after you're married. That's what got you to marriage for the most part anyway! You never stop having fun, and never stop learning more about each other.

***October 5th - 2 years since Phillip asked me to marry him. I thought it was very sweet he asked me to marry him the day after our anniversary for our first date! He says all the time he wishes he would have proposed differently. But I think it was perfect and simple... just like us! (Most of the time. He he.)

So we are going to celebrate! For our dating anniversary we have always went to Olive Garden. Not only is the food superb, it's tradition and we love it. We also love that we seem to end up in the same area each time. I do believe we've sat at the same booth 2 years in a row. It's fun to reminisce about the past year and years before. I know, 5 years isn't much compared to like, 25 years, but at the same time it is! We both graduated, me from HS, him from college. We got our jobs, bought a house, got married, got Claire, had some other tough situations. We did that all together. Sometimes it just seems like we look so much to the future we forget to be thankful for our past and how good God is and how He uses all of that, the good and bad to shape us! Anyway... we will also go to Borders (Phil LOVES books and I'm starting to like them a bit myself!), Hobby Lobby so I can pick up some craft supplies, and also Old Time Pottery. We love to get matching mugs there. ;o)
I'm so excited!!! It's always just so much fun. And we usually dress up a bit, at least for us. We are totally t-shirts and jeans kind of people. I will have to take a picture or two. ;o)

Wednesday we talked about another chapter in Blue Like Jazz. It was called Romance. Basically the chapter is about relationships, intimacy w/your spouse and God/Marriage. It was pretty good. Some people got pretty fired up. They feel that being alone (Single) is a terrible place to be and they hate it. I tried to explain that being single is a time to really search God and find intimacy with Him. To let Him make you whole so that when you go to find your spouse, you will help complete them in such a beautiful way! But I was interrupted and I didn't get to really say that. Oh well. I could go on and on about this. But most people would probably tell me to shut my mouth because I was married at 20 and I don't really know what it's like to be single b/c I had been dating Phil since I was in high school. So I won't go any further. I will simply state, I believe God wants us to be contempt in the place we are right now, only looking forward to what He will bring us so that we won't grow bitter. Because if we are bitter in our place right now, it's not easy for God to do His work in us.

I found a recipe on one of the blogs I just started reading. It is for Apple Creme Crepes. I've never had crepes before. So I might attempt to make them this weekend. I will have to post about how they turn out. Other than that and going out tomorrow for Phillip and my anniversary, there isn't much going on. Just our usual grocery shopping and church on Sunday. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

The Wednesday Letters

2008-09-30T10:35:00.004-05:00

A bookstore in our mall was closing and had 40% off all regular priced books. So I picked up a few like The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks which I have yet to get to, and The Wednesday Letters.
I just finished it and it was a really good book! The writing was a little iffy, but I'm not that great either. Haha. Anyway, I would recommend you pick it up if you like reading. Without telling the story, the book is mainly about forgiveness. It was really wonderful and has inspired me quite a bit. The author is Jason F. Wright. I had never read anything by him before, but he also wrote Christmas Jars. Just a little ad there for the book.
I also read Rodanthe Nights last week. It was really good too! I cried! Haha. Nicholas Sparks... He writes heart wrenchers. I usually don't read. In fact, I've read more this past month than in the last 5 years. My husband thinks it's a phase and says it's, "Cute." I think I've just realized what I'm missing out on by not reading. Either way, I hope this phase lasts a lifetime. It's really enjoyable and I think it helps my mind to feel like it's being used since work is so slow right now.
Anyway... Happy Reading!

Freestyle Apple Tart

2008-09-29T21:23:00.007-05:00

Okay, I know this may not look entirely appealing. I forgot to put the foil on it to cover it for the last 5 minutes so it kind of dried the apples out a bit. They were still good though. Also... I think I would change the recipe just a little by adding a bit of sugar to the cream cheese and mixing it in before spreading it on the crust. Here is the full recipe:

Kraft Foods Freestyle Apple Tart

1 Ready-to-use refrigerated pie crust (1/2 of a 15oz. pkg.)

4 oz. (1/2 of 8 0z. pkg.) of cream cheese, softened

Red and/or green apples (1 1/4 lb.) thinly sliced

1/4 c. sugar

2 T. Flour

1 tsp. cinnamon sugar

1 c. thawed cool whip topping

Heat oven to 450* F. Line 9 in. pie plate with crust (I used some spray cooking oil on the pan first.). Carefully spread cream cheese in a 6 in. circle in the center.

Toss the apples with the sugar and flour; spoon over cream cheese.

Fold the crust partially over the apples. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake for 20 minutes, covering loosely w/foil and baking another 5 minutes. Cool.

Serve w/whipped topping. (I didn't do this, it was fine w/o.) Refrigerate leftovers.

Enjoy!

Dining Room Idea 1

2008-09-29T20:45:00.002-05:00

Obviously I'm using more warm colors. I don't know that I'd like all of these things for a dining room? I'm really just trying to find my style. I will probably post sets for more rooms. Other than this being a lot of fun, I hope to get an idea for I will want someday. Even though we(Phillip and I) have only owned this house 2 years, we're really thinking about having babies soon! And we would like to live in a more kid friendly house/neighborhood. We live on a very busy street in our town. Also, our house is pretty small and we don't have a real bedroom for a child on the main floor. Anyway... When designing these sets I was thinking of a future home.

2008-09-29T15:16:00.002-05:00

The weekend was wonderful! Friday night we did our usual grocery shopping. Then we went home and had just a little bit to eat. Saturday was great! We both had sometime to ourselves, I organized the kitchen a bit and Phillip tried organizing his "office" room. I don't think he got much done though. Ha ha... I also made a delicious Apple Tart! It was so easy. I'll try to post the picture & recipe tonight. I got it from the Kraft Foods magazine. You can go to their website and sign up to get a magazine every month I believe. It has so many good and easy recipes! Tonight or tomorrow I'm going to try this Twice Baked Sweet Potato recipe. It looks SO good. I wish I didn't love food! He he. Sunday we had church, my father's-in-law birthday lunch, and Area 58 (Our Jr. High youth ministry) that night at church. Overall it was a nice weekend though. I like it when we have time on Saturdays to do whatever strikes our fancy. I feel so much more relaxed come Monday morning.
Tonight we are going over the budget. I don't remember if I've blogged about it yet, but we went through Financial Peace University (http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/) during this summer. It was SO worth it. We realized how much money we were spending on useless things and we weren't saving at all. Now we are saving SO much. It's amazing. If any of you (Assuming someone other than my husband reads this.)have questions or are interested, you of course can click on the link or you can email me! Kraesc @ yahoo dot com. But anyway, we're going to make our budget for the month of October tonight. For the whole first year of our marriage, we didn't fight about money. But we would talk about how we wanted to save more money but then we never did. FPU taught us so much about finances-working your way out of debt or making sure you never get in it!, insurance, retirement, etc... We started following the guidelines and we've been pretty good about staying with them. We paid for a brand new laptop debt free in August and now we're working towards a trip and a new(New as in new for us. Old for someone else.) car. And it's great to be out of debt. So yeah, I highly encourage anyone and everyone, single and married, EVERYONE to go through FPU.

Last night...

2008-09-26T16:58:00.000-05:00

We watched the office premiere. So Awesome! A lot of things happened and I have lots of questions. Unfortuantely I will jsut have to wait until next week. I will say, I'm very disappointed in Angela & Dwight. I don't like their "relationship" at all. I would comment so much more! But it's 4:59pm. And I'm leaving MY office! I hope you all have a GREAT weekend!

The Office!!

2008-09-25T16:31:00.004-05:00

The Office starts back up tonight!!!!!!! I'm so excited! I've been reading about some spoilers on http://officetally.com/. They dont' say too much though. I'm really excited and curious. I just wonder what will happen? I never thought I'd be the type to get so into tv show, but I have. I know, it's sad. I'm even wearing a Dunder Mifflin t-shirt that my husband got me! ;o)

I love The Office!

I might just start blogging about it on Friday mornings after I've seen the show! I mean... I'm thinking this year is going to have a lot of side stories and we won't have a clue about what is going on! Hooray!

My First Polyvore Experience

2008-09-25T15:18:00.003-05:00

This is an idea for my living room. I've spent just over a year in my home and I think I have more of an idea of what I would like now. Of course this is all from Crate & Barrel. I would never be able to purchase anything there. But, most importantly I think I have an idea for colors I would like. So this is just an idea. One day when we get to pass on the hand-me downs to someone else, we might be able to buy our own furniture! Never before used. How nice that would be! A bouncy couch! The one we have now has rear-end impressions from so much use! Hehe... It works though!

Banana Nut Bread Recipe!

2008-09-25T11:58:00.004-05:00

INGREDIENTS
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas **I add at least another half cup. This is about 2 maybe 3 regular sized bananas
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8x4 inch loaf pans. Set aside.
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir in nuts, eggs, bananas, oil, and vanilla extract.
Pour into prepared pans. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from pans.
*** Okay, so I got this recipe from allrecipes.com. I love that website! It's amazing! Sometimes I add chocolate chips! I add just a little more banana when I add the choc. chips so that the choc. is not overpowering. Instead of using 2 loaf pans, use a bunt pan. I don't have a bunt pan yet, so I use my angel food cake pan and it works just as well. Also, I would bake it less than 55 minutes if you want the bread moist. Sorry I don't have a picture of mine! We gobbled it up. ;o)
Enjoy!

Quotes

2008-09-24T16:50:00.006-05:00

Today I was reading a lot! I'm currently reading Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller for our college & career class. He wrote this:

"For so much of my life I had been defending Christianity because I thought to admit that we had done any wrong was to discredit the religious system as a whole, but it isn't a religious system, it is people following Christ; and the important thing to do, the right thing to do, was to apologize for getting in the way of Jesus."

I know that I get in the way of Jesus every single day. Probably in every possible way too. I know that I've been struggling with defending Christians and our religion since I was in Jr. High. I was so proud to wear the Christian t-shirts and try to explain to my friends what I was all about. But in the midst of "explaining" what Christianity was about, I was getting in the way and only explaining our system. I can't blame myself for not knowing what being a Christian meant and that it wasn't about the system I had learned so well, I was only 13 years old. But in the last couple of years, It has been the biggest struggle for me to even go to church. I have found myself hating Christianity, hating the church, and worst of all... hating the people in the church. I feel like it is their responsibility to know the truth! They should know better not to play the game of religion and politics. Yet, Every single Sunday, I still walk into our huge church filled with nearly 500 people and it seems as though no one even cares that it's about a relationship. A relationship with Christ and a relationship with the people around you. It breaks my heart. Yes, they say it's about a relationship, but it's not. Last night in class we spoke about the chapter this quote was from. My husband was in the class because he was talking about our website and then decided to stay for the discussion. He started to say that we refer to the church as the four walls we meet in. That it has nothing to do with the church building but it should be about the people, the community. I agreed with him and then told the class that I don't think we need to keep bringing up the 4 walls anymore. Because even if we were meandering all across the nation w/out a building to meet in, we would still act the way we do. Because Christianity has become about a system, not relationships and people. Phillip told a story of a man that was over in another country. The church he was going to didn't actually have a church. They had a rug that they would roll out and everyone would sit on it during the service. Well, after service one day, people were standing around and talking and a little boy ran across the rug that was still rolled out. A man grabbed the boy and said, "Don't run in church." What does that tell you? Anyway... sorry I had to get that all off my chest. And I know, all I did was talk about what we're doing and not what we should do. I tell my husband all the time that we need to stop talking about what's wrong, and talk about what we can do to change it and DO IT! So I apologize. I'm sure that in the next few days I will be thinking about what we can do and I will post it. BTW, read Blue Like Jazz! Not only is the writing really good, the words will hit your heart!

Cleaning Out!

2008-09-21T00:16:00.004-05:00

Today was a great day! My husband went to a men's breakfast at the church and when he got back, we started cleaning out our office. Well, really I believe it was meant as a nursery since it is so small. Either way, we cleaned out SO much! We also worked on my studio space a bit. I got a lot of things organized. I have a ton of party stuff and I got that all put in storage tubs along with my HUGE collection of purses. We also put Phil's desk in our "office" giving me more room in my studio. I'm hoping to set up a reading area, sewing area, and another work space.
I almost was going to make my sister a dress for her homecoming. I've never made a dress before. I found the most perfect pale green fabric! It was $8.99/yd.! For the amount of fabric I would need, the lining, and embellishments, I would have to spend WELL over $120. Which, if I do enough bargain shopping, I'm sure I can find her a dress for that or under. I once got a dress for $45! Her homecoming is October 11th. I'm afraid that since I haven't worked with that kind of material before, making such a huge project, I won't have enough skills or time to complete it. So I had to let her know I wouldn't be able to make it. She seemed kind of disappointed, but she's only a Jr. I could start working on my skills and hopefully make her a Prom dress or homecoming dress for next year.
After that we went to my cousin's graduation party. It was a lot of fun. I enjoy spending time with family so much. My cousin who is located in Colorado right now came and in brought his girlfriend. I truly enjoy their company. I think we could talk for hours and hours.
Tonight my husband and I parted ways. Well... let me explain. We just didn't spend our evening together. We usually do not spend time apart on the weekends, simply because we enjoy each other's company a lot and we're so busy all the time, Saturday nights are the night for us to stay at home and relax. Tonight however, I was invited to a recipe swap and he was invited to play Poker. (Just to let you know, it was his first time playing and he was playing with his siblings and friends. Money was not involved. We don't believe in gambling, and if you do, that's fine... we just don't have a lot of money, we've got to keep all we can!!) Anyway, so I went to the recipe swap which was A LOT of fun! I don't usually hang out with the ladies... so this was really nice. I made banana nut bread & choc. chip banana nut bread. I will post the recipe later! It was so good though, not to brag, but it really was. One of the girls said she thought Starbucks was really good, but mine was much much better! It made me feel GREAT! I have never really been a cook or baker, my mom didn't teach me. So lately I've been trying to venture out and really get into it. I know that it takes a lot of practice to be good, so it really meant a lot that she was saying it was good, let alone better than Starbucks! Of course, their speciality is really coffee! I know that I can't make a cup o' Joe that good!
So anyway... here it is 1:12 AM! It's been a busy day, or was at least. But it was a good day. And tomorrow we have church, morning and evening services! I am in the nursery tomorrow morning and I'm speaking in our Jr. High youth group for the girls. Usually my husband speaks, since he is the Jr. High youth pastor. But we've decided to have one night a month where we split of the boys and girls so we can talk to them separately and address what it means to be a man of God and what it means to be a woman of God more in depth. I'm very nervous! I haven't spoke in such a long time! So please say a prayer for me! I really want to instill in these young ladies (They're the ages of 5th - 8th graders) virtue, righteousness, and everything written about in Provers 31. I LOVE that passage. I read it everyday as a reminder to my calling. Yes, I may have a calling to lead worship or work with youth. But first and foremost, I have the calling to be a wife and a BIBLICAL wife! Honoring my husband so that I might honor God! Anyway... I have written a book! I hope to get the recipe for the banana nut bread up tomorrow!

About Me...A Little More In Depth

2008-09-16T10:30:00.002-05:00

Well, to start off, my name is Kaitlyn. I do not actually go by Kraesc. I do really think it’s a cute name that my husband created though. Sometimes I am called Kait. I’m located in southern IL, I grew up here. I was born in Pennsylvania though. And I so much wish that I could call PA home, maybe some day. My mother and her family are rooted in PA and my father and his family are rooted here in IL. When I was just 1 yr old, my parents moved to IL from PA for a job opportunity. We often visited our family in PA throughout the year. I have so many wonderful memories from those visits and I often long for the cool summer mornings and nights we spent on the back porch swing of my aunt’s home. When we moved to IL, we lived with my grandparents for a short while and then a rental home. When I was 3 we moved to a farm. It was actually the farm my father had grown up on. I so loved it there. I have a lot of fond memories of that place as well. We had 14 cats that lived under our porch, one with only 3 legs. My cousins and I would make mud pies and steal carrots from the fridge to make it more realistic! He he… We had a tire swing and a three-wheeler. And I still believe that I saw a kangaroo in the forest one day! (I know it was probably a deer. He he.) When my mother had my little sister, my parent’s bought their first home. I would live there until I moved into my very first home with my husband. Not a whole lot happened it seems between living on the farm and when I met Phillip. I think that life just passed by in a way that wasn’t so pleasant that I have sub-consciously forgotten about it. The one particular time of darkness that changed my life was when my grandparent’s passed away. I was about to turn 13 years old. We had just been out to PA for a family reunion and 2 weeks later they came to IL to see us! We had a wonderful time. I remember us making cookies and even though my grandma was diabetic, she ate them. They left early in the morning to head back to PA. They never made it. They hit a tractor trailer truck that was parked supposedly on the side of the road. Not only was it horrible losing my grandparent’s, but in a way I lost my mother too. She felt like it was her fault because they were on their way home from our house. She went into a deep depression. I started Jr. High that same month and it was so overwhelming. I do remember crying a lot at that time, and not really having anyone to go to. My mother was there but at the same time wasn’t and it seemed as though I could do nothing to make her happy. I knew I had a God who was bigger though. I had to put my trust in Him. I will say I wasn’t this passionate Christian, but I did lean on Him and I think that is the only way I got through those couple of years. At the beginning of freshman year, I went to a youth convention with my church. That is where I met my future-husband. (Our love-story will come another time.) I of course didn’t know he was going to be my husband. Anyway… high school went on as high school does, somewhat painful, somewhat satisfying in that you are being molded and shaped into a young woman. I think the most difficult thing about high school, other than the relationship with my parents, were my friendships. I never really seemed to fit in here or there. I did have friends that I spent most of my school time with, but I guess I was sort of independent? I mean, I’ve never been one of those girls that has to go to the bathroom with someone else. Either way, I wish that it could have been different in that I would have taken more time to get closer with those friends who I did hang out with. After I graduated, I finally got a job at a fast food restaurant. Oh and by the way, at this point Phillip and I had been dating for almost 2 years. ;o) I worked at that restaurant and went to school in the fall and then because of finances and inability to get grants I kind of “dropped out” of school. I was still living at home, I was working my butt off, but I didn’t have enough money to pay for school. And because I lived at home and my dad made too much money I couldn’t get grants, and of course my parent’s weren’t going to help me at all. Which kind of stunk, but I did appreciate the schooling I had paid for. Actually, Phillip helped me pay for school and then I paid him back. He was so wonderful to me during those times of financial frustration. He had started caring for me as if I were already his wife.
So time went by and I got a new job at a law firm where I am currently working. I’ve been here about 2 ½ years now. I’ve had several different responsibilities while here, and it has been a great experience. In October of 2006, Phillip asked me to marry him! In November of 2006, we bought our house. There was much work to be done in this house. Oye! Even though he should have already been living in the home for insurance purposes, Phillip didn’t move into the house until April of 2007! My father and him gutted our kitchen and put in new everything! We got a lot of the things used or on a really great sale. In June of 2007 we were married!!!! It was the most beautiful day. I think about it all of the time. Phillip let me move into the house a few days before the wedding so that I could get my things all straightened out and together. He was so kind to sleep at his parent’s house on the couch! for those couple of nights. So began our new life together! When people tell you the first couple of years are the hardest, they’re not lying! It has probably been most difficult learning how to live with a man! Ha ha! Men are so messy! Anyway… I had grown up with dogs my whole life. So when I went back to work after the wedding, and came home each day, I wasn’t being greeted by a furry friend! It was heart breaking for me. I wanted to take one of my parent’s dogs, but I wasn’t allowed. Phillip did not like dogs, AT ALL. He was very against us getting a puppy. But… I talked him into it just 2 months after we got married! We got Claire, a Yorkshire Terrier. Oh she’s such a cutie! And guess what? Phillip loves her! She’s daddy’s little puppy! No joke. They nap together and everything. It’s so very sweet. Other than that, Phillip is Jr. High youth pastor at our church. Our group meets on Sunday nights. So that keeps us busy. We really enjoy it, but sometimes it’s overwhelming, especially for Phillip. So there we have it! I think I covered everything. Well, you know, most of it. I’ll be surprised if anyone makes it through this post! Ha ha… My co-worker asked me what I was typing. I told her I was just writing a story. ;o)

Being Humble

2008-09-15T16:30:00.005-05:00

No, I'm not going to write about how I am being humble. Cause that sure wouldn't be, would it?!? Actually, lately I have been reading about what it means to be humble and some steps to becoming a humble woman of God. Some of the notes I've taken...

*I need to understand that my self worth is through Jesus-Christ and not of my own.
*I know that I must focus on God's power and humility may follow.
*I want to realize that humiliation, if cruel, is through man and not my God's. So that I will not "feel" humble because of the humiliation.
*I am trying to understand and to have an accurate view of who God is and who I am in relation to him.
*Serve even if I do not feel gifted in that area. I am not above the task that God has placed before me. *** This one seems tough for me. Simply because I fail to remember that one task God has placed before me is to work the job I am currently in, no matter how difficult it may be, in His name for Him. I often do not find it a task but a HUGE pain and not as something I should do before my Savior.
*Discipline is not the same as humiliation. It is false humility to find/think of myself as more wretched. False humility is pride, and still self-focused. ***This point is be spot-on for me. I often myself to be the most wretched. I'm great at self-loathing. But how selfish! This is one point I try to remind myself of. Because yes, I'm a wretched soul without Christ. But He has made me new and if I allow Him, He can make me whole and I can find my worth in Him!
*A humble woman gets her strength for the journey from God, then gives credit to Him when something good happens. *** Again... I pray that my pride may fall, Lord!

I realized even more while typing these points, that I shouldn't search for humility. I should search for Jesus-Christ. I should find my security in Him, not in having a humble heart. When I am secure in Him, He may begin the work in me.

Wonderful story

2008-09-15T15:48:00.005-05:00

Today I got an email from a friend. It was about a Tigress that gave birth to 3 cubs prematurely and the cubs didn't make it. The mother was healthy, but her health digressed. The vets thought the mother was depressed because of the loss. They searched for other litters close to the age of the cubs but couldn't find any. They knew that some mother's of one species have taken other species in. So they tried weanling piglets! This picture is just too much. I want to have it printed out! One of my co-workers made note to me that it's amazing how animals can be so accepting of a different species. Why can't humans? That's so very true.

Thought I would post the others...might as well.

New Blog

2008-09-11T15:53:00.003-05:00

I have another blog up and running. Well... it's supposed to be about me eventually running.
http://tryingforanewme.blogspot.com/
I'm going to try and get healthy. I mean, I'm not sick or anything. Just what they call extremely obese. And really, I'm not. I am a big woman, yes, but I carry it well. And if you ask anyone what they think I weigh, they usually say something MUCH less than what I am. Unfortunately, one side effect of finding your true love may be comfort. Like since I found Phil, I've gained about 100 lbs. Truly. I'm not saying it's his fault. But I kind of let myself go. Wearing only t-shirts, jeans, I even got to wearing a variation of sweat pants to WORK! Unbelievable, eh? So... I have done more shopping lately, trying to find more appropriate clothing for a young woman. I've gotten my hair highlighted, dyed, cut, etc... I was eating pizza a lot for awhile and now I've kind of cut back a bit. I've been trying to eat more of a variation of foods as well. That can be hard. I'd love to eat a BLT w/mayo every day of my life along with half a dozen of mini chocolate chip cookies! Yum. But... I shouldn't. And so I'm going to try and begin this journey to better health. Right now it seems impossible and I'm not sure how well I'll do. I mean, I really don't want to fail. I hope that if anyone out there who may read this wants to try and become healthier too, you would contact me. Maybe we could be buddies in this journey and push through the thick and get to the thin! He he...

ABC questionnaire

2008-09-08T16:08:00.001-05:00

A - Attached or single: "attached"-Married!
B - Best Friend: Phillip
C - Cake or Pie: Cake
D - Day of the Week: Saturday
E - Essential Item: Lotion
F - Favorite Color: Orange
G - Gummi Bears or Worms: Ick... Neither.
H - Home town: B-town, IL
I - Indulgences: Chocolate, Fried foods.
J - January or July?: July
K - Kids: Not yet, Someday!
L - Life is incomplete without: Jesus Christ!
M - Marriage Date: June 16, 2007
N - Number of Siblings: 2
O - Oranges or Apples: Apples
P - Phobias or Fears: Hmm... what am I not afraid?
Q - Quote: "Happiness is the capacity to enjoy what you have, rather than always wanting what you don't have."
R - Reason To Smile: I'm SO blessed!
S - Season: Autumn
T - Tag Three: Huh?
U - Unknown fact about me: Well, I'm kind of addicted to eye drops.
V - Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Uhm... I eat meat. Mostly chicken.
W - Worst Habit: Cracking/Popping my fingers, neck, & back + picking at my nails.
X - Rays or Ultrasounds: Haven't had an ultra sound. So I guess and Xray.
Y - Your favorite food: All
Z - Zodiac Sign: I think Scorpio? I don't pay attention to this kind of stuff.