Whew...what a week

I'm so glad that it is Friday, and that my week long LEAN event is over. LEAN is an event that processes got through (software type stuff in my case), and they pretty much beat the process to death to make sure that you only have all the *necessary* stuff, but don't forget the important stuff, and then find a way to implement the changes that you have made. All and all, it is great in the end, but there are LOTS of arguements and opinions that have to get ironed out before you have a whole room full of engineers agreeing on something. And of course, we are all *know it all's*...I'm not quite as bad as most though.

I have been catching up with the blogs, and remember that Scrapbook class thingie that I wanted to go to and didn't. Well, it was last weekend...and I can't tell you how many times I thought about it. I should have just put in on the credit card and gone. Hopefully next time I will hear about the class early enough to set up the payment plan.

Oh, and I got my first non-store bought copy of Creating Keepsakes (scrapbook magazine) in the mail yesterday, and it was so beat up. You should see how I treat my scrapbook mags. I DON'T read them while I'm in the bath (which is where I read most of my mags), I don't eat and look at them, and I surely don't tear any pages or use it to sweep concrete...but that is how this one looked. I guess I'll have to lose my *perfection complex* when it comes to these magazines...who know where this will lead...

I'm going to have a todo list for this weekend, which I'm hoping will help me stay focused on stuff that has to get done and actually gets some stuff DONE. My head has been hurting me all day though, and I'm hoping and praying that it doesn't turn into a migraine that keeps me in bed all weekend...

Quick Catch Up

Ladies, and blog, I have missed you all so much! I've missed reading and posting! And of course, I have all of 20 minutes to read and post as much as possible, and people keep coming by my cube to talk (since they haven't seen me all week either)...of course, I love my work friends, but I want to blog.

First off - shopping was wonderful. I dropped $178 at Motherhood, and I could have easily bought way more, but I put about half of the stuff back b/c I'm sure I'll be buying stuff as I go along. I wore my new khaki pants Monday, and my new Capri's yesterday. Both are so darn comfortable. Wow. Then today I wore my 'regular' jeans, and today will be the LAST time until after the baby, because I think I have grown some, and they are hurting SO bad. I can't even zip them up when I sit down b/c it hurts...so I'm doing the rubber band thing.

Secondly - I think I have felt some flutters this week. Not too sure...but I really think so, mainly because I didn't toot after the 'gas' like feeling...we will see.

Third - only a week until THE BIG U/S. I made the appointment last Friday, and I didn't have a chance to tell you. The technician said that she could tell what it is as early as 16 weeks b/c she has good equipment and she has been doing it so long, so I made the appointment for 17 weeks. I was a little weary - so I called my doctor's office and talked to the nurse that referred me to her, and she said the lady was very good and has done it earlier than this for many patients, including herself, and so far has always gotten it right. Whew - I can't wait! I hope the baby cooperates.

Fourth - the pool is AMAZiNG. I can't believe how big it is. It took almost two full days to fill up. And I've only gotten in it once b/c the water really needs to warm up some, but it is great. So much bigger than I thought it could have been. I can easily see myself enjoying this pool all summer, especially once I get bigger.

:) Kelly, thanks for commenting, I'll let you know if I think the pool is worth it...but my SIL was due last Sept, and has the same pool, and raved about it all summer.

Well, I guess it is about time to go. Can't wait to catch up on everyone's blogs...

We have a pool!

Eric bought it yesterday. I told him that it was too heavy for me to pick it up, so I didn't get it when I was at Walmart, but when he went to get it, he even had to get help. We are going to put it up tonight. ;)

A man at church's father died, so the Women's group is going to take food for the whole family. Well, I got stuck with drinks, darn. What a blessing, because I really don't like to cook, so they gave me the perfect assignment. I guess they know me a little better than I think.

Only two more full work weeks until our Disney vacation. I can not wait!

Next week I'll probably be a little scarce - since I'm in a week long meeting. They have these long meetings to try and get to the bottom of an issue, or to improve a process...but I really don't like them because they are very tiring and take me away from my *real* work.

Today I'm wearing a maternity shirt for the first time. Don't really *have* to yet, but it is a polo style shirt, so it isn't that obvious. We are going to go to Macon this weekend so I can shop at a few shops in the mall. I really need to get some bottoms b/c mine aren't going to fit anymore. The local Sears is the only place that carries much of a selection, but almost always they are out of the XL size. Hopefully I will find some great clothes, and not break the bank.

My precious Gloria

I get an email Tuesday that says - "Oh, I broke up with Rocky". What, poor thing. They have been dating for 5+ years. I think that she hasn't been *really happy* for awhile, but she knew that it would hurt him so bad, so she stayed with him. I want her to be really happy! She needs to feel true love, and Rocky also needs someone that is going to love him back the same way that he loves them. But, I know that this is hard on her too. Poor dear. I've been dreaming about her alot lately, that might just be a coincidence, or it could have been God telling me to call her. So, next time I have a dream about someone...they are getting a call...especially if they are in my dreams for a few days or more in a row.

Gloria...I sent you an email with the directions to my new house. Please come and see me anytime you want to. And I will come to Cochran to see you too! I love you Girlie!!

Here is a picture...please ignore how hideous I look!

Painters finishing up...

I'm not going to be able to go home at all until after church b/c the painters will be finishing up all the touchups throughout the house. If it were just one room, I could avoid it...but since it is going to be throughout the house, I should probably avoid going home...

So, I'll be working about an hour late and then go to church. I did have about 3 days banked, but I've had to use almost all of it up since my head has been bothering me so much lately. I'm not going to stress building up time too much, since I can borrow it from myself. It would just be nice to borrow as little as possible.

Wednesday's have to be good days...

That is a new rule. Wednesday's seem to be the longest day of the week for me, since I go non-stop from the time I leave for work until after church at about 8:00. I eat at church, so if I go home, I'm not home long before it is time to leave for church. I do LOVE going to church though. Wednesday's are so much better than Sundays. The message is better and the service seems more 'intimate'. I take my shoes off, drink my sweet tea (from dinner), and soak up the message. I didn't get to go last Wed. b/c of my migraine, so I'm looking forward to the message that much more now.

Speaking of Migraines. I had one start Monday night, woke up with it Tuesday - but managed to make it through two morning meetings, and then I left work sick after lunch. I know that they are getting so bad b/c it is spring, and my sinus's are screwing up. I haven't even taken the top down in the car yet b/c I'm afraid of the pollen. However, I really need to enjoy the convertible now, since it is for sale - not officially, but as soon as I get around to listing it on Autotrader it will be for sale. We have this nice new truck, and I'm getting depressed about selling my car. I blame Eric -- for giving me the Mustang fever that so many people in the South have. Funny, down here, Mustangs are EVERYWHERE - lots of them, but up North, they aren't near as common. It might have to do with the winters and snow, I really don't know, or it could just be 'A southern thing' that 'you wouldn't understand' - oh, how I hate that saying.

Oh, at lunch today I returned some maternity pants to Sears (we don't have many selections of places to shop around here), and I got the cutest bathing suit. I love it. I don't know how much I will like it once I'm huge, but right now it fits pretty well. The bottoms are HUGE. The biggest grandma panties I have ever seen. Then I got a halter style top. I liked the 'tank top' style better, but it wasn't supportive enough, I could see myself accidentally 'spilling' out of the top - it was quite low cut. And it was on sale for $30, which is less than the prices online, and I didn't have to buy the two parts seperate.

We are getting an above ground pool. It gets so hot here, and eventually we want an inground pool, but for now, this is going to work. It is pretty big, and I can float around on a raft and get some much needed sun. Eric also gets so hot at work, he wants to come home for lunch and cool off (he works outside). He is so funny, at our last house, he would come home and cut on the sprinkler system in the back yard and run through it like a little kid. Too Funny. Now we only have a sprinkler in the front yard, so this will save the neighbors a few laughs... Doesn't it look SO refreshing. I figure, it will also help us see how much we really use the pool...before we invest in a real pool...

Pictures of my glidder

First, let me say that I can't believe I FORGOT my self portrait last Tuesday. Such a slacker. And I also want to say that this is FAR from the best restoration project I have done, but I do have some before and after pictures that I want to post. Alot of the time I forget to take the 'before'...but not this time:

BEFORE:
















After:

Easter

Easter was great. Good service, good food, and I got to play with my two nieces. They were so cute. Michaela (2.5) is getting a little attitude. She would yell and scream at Landon (7) when he would try to get the eggs. Summer (6 months) can sit up now, and will smile and coo at you. I really enjoy spending time with all of my nieces and nephews. I can't wait till we get to add our kids to the bunch. I think we are going to have the 'babies' of the family on Eric's side, since his brother and sister are both finished having kids - at least that is what they say...and his younger sister might have another, but he doesn't act like it. I'm going to post some of the Easter pictures after I upload them tonight (hopefully).

The Garage...

Let me say, that Saturday's trip to Home Depot couldn't have gotten any worse. When Eric and I started putting up the shelving, we couldn't find the screws - which I KNOW I bought. Well, we didn't have all of the other stuff either. So, I was on my way BACK to get the bag that was missing. By the time we got home (Eric went with me) it was too late and we were tired. It was after 9:00, so we figured we would just have to wait for Sunday. Well, Sunday was way to hectic with Easter plans, so we didn't get to go out in the garage then. I hate starting a project and not finishing it. I really want to get the garage organized, so we can move on to other projects inside the house, and maybe just maybe get a car into the garage.

We also got all our stuff from mom's. My glider (which I'm going to post a picture of soon), our outdoor wicker chair, fish tank, and bikes. We don't have a very large neighborhood right now, so I don't know how fun riding the bikes are going to be, b/c I don't like biking on 'real' roads, and the country roads around our house are quite curvy, and I don't want to risk getting hit. We might take them places now that we have another truck, and ride in big neighborhoods. ;)

A Saturday Post...

Posting on the weekends is very rare for me b/c I don't tend to get on the computer much. However, while I eat my baked potato I'm going to update. I didn't get to go to work today (darn) because the building was closed for the easter holiday. I work in a secure area, so security staff are on duty 24x7 - so if they get off, they have to close the building, which they deserve. Anyway, that mean that I got to go to the flea market.

First off, I got a few goodies. A big basket that can be used for baby stuff, laundry, or whatever for $2, a bunch of squash (YUMMY), a bookshelf that will go in the babies room once I paint it (after we know the sex), and two plants. Christina went with me, and found two end tables for $8 (great deal), and a few other things.

When it was time to go, I turned down the 'wrong' lane, and it was a dead end. So, I had to back this huge truck out, at least the length of a football field. Christina got out to make sure no one got behind me (since I wouldn't have been able to see kids b/c the truck is so high), and everything was going great, until this one lady was SO mean to me. I can't believe people can be that mean. I wanted to cry, and of course I bit my tounge and didn't say anything mean back, but once I dropped Christina off at her house, I totally broke down. I called Eric sobbing like a baby. I'm sure that being pg didn't help with my emotions, but I just don't see how people can be mean. It is really sad.

I've also been working in the garage alot today. I'm hoping that I will be finished by tomorrow night, b/c we are getting our riding mower back on Monday. It has been in mom's yard under a tarpe for over a year now. Hope the thing still works - it was almost brand new when we got it.

I went to home depot to buy shelving for the garage, and about croaked when the total was over $400...but she had rang up 55 of one item, instead of 5, so that stopped my near heart attack. Just kidding...but really, I wanted to cry, again when I saw that total.

Back to organizing the garage. :)

GREAT trip to Goodwill...

I got 2 maternity shirts, 6 books, a basket, AND a iron table for outside that will go with my glider! Whoot Woo! All for just 20.00. I'm most excited about the outside table. I've been looking for one of these at the flea market for the past 2 years or so since I refinished my glider (which was a flea market find). It will be perfect to hold a plant and most importantly my drink while I read while basking in the sun on my precious glider. :)

Oh, and the best part, was when I was leaving goodwill, I saw Eric coming down the 'main' street for lunch, and he saw me, so he pulled in, and I turned around. Got a few kisses, and a few great big hugs, and I was a happy camper. I had a smile on my face all the way back to work.

Quick Post

I'm bidding on a fetal doppler on Ebay, we will see if I win. I might still try to rent one, but the monthly rates seemed high. I know $25 isn't much, but that would be about $150 for the rest of the pregnancy, so I'm going to try and win one for less than that. Then I can have it for our other kids too.

Todo list...

My todo list is just like everyone elses...by the time that I get stuff done, then list really isn't shorter because I have added alot of new stuff to the list. So many things still need to be done around the house...I want to get the guest room organized and the beds set up, our master bedroom still doesn't have any decorations (along with the rest of the house), and I really want to focus on getting all the *house* stuff done before we find out what the baby is. I know that once we find out what the baby is, I'm going to be putting alot of energy into getting the baby room decorated. I however, don't want the baby's room to be the only room in the house that is decorated. I also REALLY need to get my craft area organized. I had a desk built in to one of our bedrooms - the one that is currently being used for an office - and I need to get it organized! Oh, and don't forget the garage. Oh boy is it going to take a few days. Okay - I need to stop thinking about all the stuff that needs to be done.

Okay, and I have an obsession for going to yard sales, flea markets, and thrift shops. Some of my favorite furniture pieces are the ones from these places, that of course I haven't finished restoring yet, but they still look okay all old and beat up. I'll have to add some pictures of my projects sometime. Right now I'm refinishing an old china cabinet. I've already striped it, and have started repainting it. I just have to put the glass I had cut into the casing (I'm scared to do this - b/c I don't want to break the glass!), and I need to somehow get the shelves (that I still have to cut) to work because the 'studs' have been striped, and there were no shelves when I bought it. I need it to be sturdy, because I will be putting craft supplies and BOOKS in it. I think I might have to ditch out of work tomorrow after a few hours and head to the flea market. Oh, and now we have a truck again, and that is just NOT good for this obsession. When we had our last truck, at one point I completely filled up our garage with 'projects'. I do NOT need to do that ever again, for my sanity and for my poor husband who had to keep unloading and moving stuff...and never getting mad that we couldn't put our cars in the 2 car garage. I know. BAD!

Okay, off to Goodwill at lunch. Hope I find something special. You never know what will be there. I'm trying to drag a friend along, but no answer back yet. Michelle and Christina are both MIA. ;0

Migraines SUCK

I had to go home from work early yesterday and I got here late today...it just really stinks. I'm not really getting the headaches any more than I did when I wasn't pg, it is just that I can't take my migraine medicine (Imitrex and Topamax), but the doc did give me pain medicine, but it just dulls the pain, and then the migraine doesn't go away for 2-3 days.

My Dad's car also broke down, and he needs a part that is $175. I hate it so much that he has to keep borrowing money from me. I know that he isn't going to be able to pay me back, probably not ever. His total that he owes me just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Eric knows that he has to borrow money occasionally, but has no idea what the running total is. I wish that things were different. It isn't fair - most people my age don't have to worry about helping to support their parents. It is so hard to do the budget, and really stick to it, when a few hundred or more go to my dad each month. Okay, enough gripeing...

On another note: I'm really liking the truck. Our last supercrew would only seat 5 b/c of the console in the middle of the front seat. Well, this one seats 6!!! WooHoo! There were so many times when we needed just one more seat, and now we have it. We would have bought the truck regardless - I mean, I didn't even realize that it seated 6 until after we bought it...but that is just great. And, since it is an '04 (new bodystyle) it has alot more leg room than our last one that was an '01. That is going to come in handy when we are lugging baby bags and stuff around. We are going to get a truck bed cover, and bed divider. The cover we need for when it rains...and I want the divider to keep everything from sliding to the front, I think with the divider it will be alot like a trunk...

I think I'm going to be working this Saturday to make up for all the time that I have missed in the last month b/c of my migraines. I just HATE working on the weekends. It really stinks.

Sweetest Sound...

I got to hear the heartbeat at the appointment. Melts my heart. I've lost 2 lbs, but I'm not stressing, because I KNOW the weight gain is coming. Everything else was okay, and they measured my stomach. I thought they would measure it "around", but they did it up and down. Weird.

And then we went and test drove the two cars...and bought the TRUCK. I know that the Camry would have been better on gas, but the payment would have been higher each month b/c it cost more. Gas is going to be expensive, but it shouldn't cost any more than it does now in the Mustang. I did our budget, and honestly there is no reason why we can't afford the truck and daycare, we are just going to have to stop wasting money so much. We go out to eat WAY too much...

And, last night I watched the first 1/2 of the "10 Commandments". Wow. This movie is really good. Eric is home sick today, woke up so hot (and the house was FREEZING), so I hope it isn't anything too serious.

FUN Weekend

The rain did end our camping trip early, but we had so much fun while we were there. So MUCH! I hope we can get another trip in before the baby comes. Eric wants us to try and get a cabin this next time (if it is getting too hot for tents). But the time that we did spend camping was GREAT. I just love having all that one on one time with him and no one else...

Lets see, We have been car *looking*...and we are having a hard time trying to decide what to get. It is NOT going to be a minivan. Maybe a truck (4 dr) or a Camry. We went today at lunch to get preapproved for the loan, so that is good. They have a very nice truck at Eric's dealership right now, so I think we are going to test drive it and the car. Honestly, the only thing that makes me NOT want a truck is the gas prices. Prices are already $2.70 around here, and I know that during the summer they will go up even more. I calcualted that it would cost about $70/month for the Hybrid Camry, $110 for the regular Camry, and $210 for the truck. And the hybrid costs more, so it would take about 3 years in gas savings to pay for the difference in the price.

Oh, and I'm about to leave for my routine dr. appointment. 14 weeks. I don't know what they are going to do, but I'm leaving now.

We are going to try anyway

If it rains some, that won't be too bad...however, if it rains all day Saturday, we will probably just packup and go home. I'm going to go by Walmart on the way home to pick up some Ponchos and firewood. Usually we find enough firewood around the campsite, but if it rains it will be NO GOOD...so, definitely need to get some firewood. I also forgot marshmellows. Can't go camping without roasting marshmellows. ;) While I'm at Walmart, I'm also going to pick up a new game and some cards. Maybe even UNO! I'm a closet UNO lover! Hehe. We have quite a few games at the house, but we haven't unpacked/found them all, so another game will be fun. The last time we went camping I broke our turning scrabble board. :( I'm so excited.

Oh, and my Dad's car broke down, so he isn't going to be able to come down on Saturday. Which means that my brother probably won't come...but I did buy enough food for 4, so Eric and I are going to be pigging out. Oink Oink. I'm actually a little bit excited that it is just going to be the two of us. I haven't seen Eric much in the past week b/c I was gone for the whole weekend last week, and Wednesday night I go to church (he doesn't get off early enough), and Thursday was our ladies devotional (which was AWESOME) so I didn't get to see him much last night either.

So, our Women's Meeting was last night. We have started a 10 day series on the Armor of Christians. Last night was really just the introduction, but it did start going into the reasons why we need to "sharpen our swords", and "be ready to protect ourselves" each day. The devil's 3 main areas that he tries to attack are 1) Christians, 2) Families and 3) Churches. I have seen these things happen in all three areas. I'm looking forward to the rest of these teachings. :)

Rain Rain Go AWAY

This weekend is our camping trip. And guess what the weather report is for Saturday. 80% chance of rain, ALL DAY! I really don't know what to do. I really think that we might just need to postpone the trip. Camping in a tent is not going to be fun in the rain. AND we wouldn't be able to cook our food b/c the fire/charcoal wouldn't be able to stay lite. BUMMER! I'm going to call Eric and talk with him about it. {Insert sad face here}

Productive Day Yesterday

After work yesterday, I went to the grocery store, applied Weed-n-Feed to the lawn using the spreader, AND cooked dinner. By 7:30 I couldn't keep my eyes open. I was asleep by 8:00, and it wasn't even dark outside yet. I did sleep very good all night...sometimes when I go to sleep so early - I will lay awake some in the middle of the night, but not last night.

I feel really bad though, because I was kinda mean to Eric when he got home from work, and then we had a *mini* fight. I know that it is my hormones making me get angry quicker. I had just put up the water hose, and when he got home he took it out and didn't put it up. He said he would do it later, but I was angry b/c I had just put it up. This sounds so stupid now...but it put me in a rotten mood, which made us argue - which I hate, especially when he just got home and I have missed him all day. I called him this morning to appologize again.

Tonight is church night. I'm looking forward to it more than usual since I missed on Sunday b/c I was out of town, and we will miss this Sunday too because we are going camping. Well, I hope we are going camping b/c it looks like rain - so we will see.

Tuesday Self Portrait

This picture was taken when I was about 6 at my first dance recital. I don't really remember this event, but I do remember playing dress up in that cute tootoo (sp?). I also remember getting all excited because my mom was going to put makeup on me, which is something that she did for all of our special recitals and family pictures. I think it is kind of funny that I loved makeup so much as a little girl, and now I don't wear any. So, this is my Tuesday Picture. :)

Great Girls Weekend

The weekend did not get off to a good start. Thursday I had to leave work early b/c my head was starting to hurt pretty bad, and I wanted to go home and relax before it got too bad. Didn't work...by dinner time I was throwing up (from the migraine) and in bed miserable. I'm used to the migraines, I get them all the time, but when I can't take my medicine - it is just horrible. Hopefully soon I can start taking something b/c I will be out of the first trimester. The doctor did give me something, but I don't like taking it because it doesn't work.

Friday the ride to Christies house was miserable. She did have some medicine that her doc had given her that I took - and it helped alot. I layed down for a while, and then got up after about an hour and talked with Christie and Kaycee for awhile. They told me all about their pregnancies, labor, and about how their lives have changed. Their two little girls are so darn cute.

Saturday I made breakfast, we went out to eat for lunch and dinner, and we went shopping all day. I'm so glad I wore my tennis shoes. I did find a new pair of nikes that I loved, but they didn't have my size, so I'm going to go and check the shoe stores here.

Saturday night, when I was in bed, I just kept thinking - "This is how my life is going to be in 6 months". I'm going to be lugging around strollers, baby bags, baby food, etc. I can see how their lives have changed so much...while we were shopping they both bought stuff for the babies instead of themselves (and a few things for them too), but they were more interested in getting everything for the girls.

I bought a pair of goucho's/capris. They said they thought they were gouchos b/c the legs are wide, but I think they are just wide-leg capris. Anyway, they are SO comfortable. I hope I can get at least a months wear out of them. Oh, on another note, I can tell that my stomach is starting to get bigger. I lay on my stomach sometimes (since it is okay right now) and I'm trying to get out of the habit of sleeping on my back. Anyway, the last two nights, I feel something (my baby) so I won't be sleeping on my stomach anymore. The baby is starting to move up some, so pretty soon I will start showing I guess.

Oh, and on Sunday I got 3 used things for the baby from a wealthy family. A convertible stoller, swing, and pack-in-play for $200. Just the stoller would have been more, and it comes with the car seat and two bases. :) Now, Eric and I really need to focus on the car situation. That is going to be a tough one to figure out...since we don't exactly agree on what we should buy.

Time to go. It took me all day typing this (off and on) and now it is time to go home. Woot Woot

Poor Dad

First off, the fact that he is having to move is just so sad. He never got any warning from his landlord before he got evicted. Just WRONG.

Well, where he lives is not a large town that has lots of apartments available. He did find a 1BR apartment for $140/week, but it is so small. This is more than his nice 2BR apartment that he is leaving. They were supposed to be providing a storage unit for free, but guess what - NONE where available. So, since the apartment was so small, Dad couldn't fit everything in, and he had to leave some of his furniture outside. And of course, it RAINED on it all last night.

My heart is just breaking for him. I just want to cry. This is just so sad. I'm writing a letter to the landlord - since he hasn't returned any of my 3 calls, just to get this all off my chest.