3 Year Blog-o-versary

Today is the Anniversary of my little blog!

It's been 3 years since my first blog post. My first post was about God's goodness to me - and it still rings true! I have a wonderful little family. I love seeing my baby girl grow up each and every day. She's learning so many new things! As you can tell from most of my posts, she's my daily excitement. I usually post about her. :) I also have a wonderful husband. As the years pass, we grow closer and learn how to work together more. We have a beautiful house and wonderful neighbors. We have an amazing church family. I've been truly enjoying all the opportunities to serve and challenges to grow.

One of my first posts was fun facts about me. In honor of those first days here's an update about me...

I am: going to be 25 this year! 

28. Oh boy, I think I'm beginning to feel a little old. Sometimes I actually forget my age. When I get the age question I usually think '25' and then 'oops. I'm definitely past that.' Maybe my internal age is stuck on 25! :)
I think: in funny directions.

I am still one of a kind. I've found that mind-reading is the hardest skill to learn in marriage. Seriously, I need that superpower!!
I know: that I am loved.

that I am still loved and even more! And that I have my own daughter, I have learned what it is to love my own child. It's amazing and scary to feel so strongly about a person!
I want: a kitty.

still a kitty. :) But I think I'll wait until Millie is old enough to ask. She has way more pull with Daddy!
I have: more blessings than I take stock of.

A wonderful life! I am so blessed to have a wonderful hubby and beautiful daughter.
I wish: I was more observant.

Well I'm still working on being observant but I think I'm improving! This seems to be a life long learning process. These days the one thing I really need more of is patience. Mommyhood required a lot of it!
I plan: to be an organized mover.

to enjoy the summer. Millie loves being outside and so we're going to soak up the sun!
I hate: it when people are rude or disrespectful.

I think this one stays the same. Rude-ness is annoying. It's not that hard to be a little gracious and remember 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!'
I miss: the Tetons some days.

the freedom of life before kids (only some days). You know. Kids mean your schedule isn't yours, it's theirs. I miss having dates with my hubby!
I fear: big, fast spiders.

ugh. Still spiders!!! But family brings a whole new set of fears. I would hate to loose J or Millie. I love them so much! I constantly have to give them to God and remind myself that He loves them even more. And I know He loves me and will care for me thru any storm.
I feel: sleepy still.

optimistic.
I hear: birds.

happy baby-talk. I love this happy stage! Sometimes I wish Millie would stay little.
I smell: enchanted orchid soap.

a little funky. I go workout at the Y most mornings and it's a great time!
I crave: chocolate.

a date night. We plan way too few of these. Date nights are expensive! You pay for dinner and a babysitter plus a movie is $10 per person. Crazy. I also crave a mani and pedi day. Ahhh that sounds so relaxing. I haven't got that type of pampering since last summer.
I search: Google.

for wisdom. I am constantly look for ways to be a better homemaker, mom and wife.
I wonder: how I can better love my husband.

when Jesus will return. I'm not the type to see the end of the world around every corner. But the crazy weather, etc in the world these days has me wishing for His return more often than I used to.
I regret: being quick to speak.

not much, thankfully.
I love: J! Happy (very soon) Birthday!

my Lord, my life and my loves.
I hope: to be a mom.

in the Lord on a daily basis. He is my everything!
I ache: to have a hug.

when I hear about suffering mamas or babies. Motherhood makes my heart so much more tender.
I always: take too long in the bathroom.

hmm ALWAYS is a word I like to avoid. I always use words like always and never when I'm mad which I remember learning in pre-marriage counseling that you are NOT supposed to do. oops.
I am not: outgoing.
a morning person. Millie wakes me up between 7 and 7:30 everyday. I know that's not that early but my internal clock says it is!
I believe: God's word is truth. AMEN.
God's promises are true. He is on His throne at all times and He is coming again.
I dance: when I'm alone with Cher. :)
with baby girl all the time! I love dance parties with her. 
I sing: for fun.
because it puts a smile on my face. I especially treasure bedtime when I sing for baby girl.
I cry: when I'm hurt.
because I'm a woman and I get emotional, just accept it.
I don’t always: run on time.
wash my hair. I'm really trying not to wash it every day because it's supposed to be better for it. But it's driving me a little crazy.
I fight: because I'm stubborn.
because I'm passionate about what I think, what I believe and who I love.
I write: for fun and to clear the brain.
as a release. It clears my mind and makes my thoughts clearer.
I never: want to move away from Nebraska.
say NEVER if I can help it. Life is so full of changes and most that I sure can't control.
I need: forgiveness for the grouch monster.
daily hugs from my baby! 

Thanks for reading!

SSMT & my crazy week

Oh oh, I'm a little late but I have had a busy week. So first off here's my verse...
Proverbs 31:21-22 (NKJV)
She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
I'm still working though Proverbs 31. I am halfway through my year of memorization. It is definitely getting more challenging to keep on top of! Now that we're halfway through the year have you been able to keep on top of your New Year's resolutions?

So my last week has been crazy!!
First off O had surgery to repair her umbilical hernia on Wednesday. We were up at 4:30am to be at the hospital at 5:30 and surgery was at 7:30am. I'm telling you that was way to much hanging around. O was awake and didn't exactly just want to lay in bed waiting for her turn. Once she was in surgery, the waiting was the hardest part for me. It was so hard to watch her walk away with the nurse. She cried and reached over her shoulder to me. :( Thankfully we had friends join J and I in the waiting room. A long hour and half later, she was done. New belly button!! I cannot believe how fast she recovered. Kids are amazing! After 1 day, she was off Tylenol and by 2 days, she didn't even seem to remember or care she'd had surgery. I'm so glad to have this behind us.
Second I coordinated a wedding on Friday. And not just any wedding but the pastor's granddaughter. So I felt a little pressure to do well. I worried about the weather all week as I prepped all my notes. But it was beautiful! A beautiful evening for an outdoor wedding and everything went off without a hitch! Congrats to the Newlyweds!!
I hope you're having a busy and fun summer!

Father of the Year

There are now 2 daddy's in my life - my Dad and my Husband, the father of our baby girl - that I love dearly. This spring the local radio station hosted a Father of the Year contest. I sent in a submission for my Dad...

I think of my Dad as Father of the Year every year!
When I was a child, he taught me life lessons. Whenever he was working outside, he always made me feel welcome. I knew he would encourage my help and teach me something new. I never felt in the way or shut out of his work space. I could watch him work on his motorcycles or latest carpentry project for hours, and he’d usually open a Dr. Pepper or homemade Root Beer for us to share. He always disciplined with a firm but loving hand. I constantly look back at his example as I parent my own daughter.
As I grew into a young women, he made me feel special. He made me feel beautiful. My Dad took time out of his busy schedule to take me on dates. We would go to Chances R and order mushrooms and dessert. It was our special thing! He often would compliment me before school or church, reminding me that I was beautiful in his eyes. During this time in my life, I quickly realized that his love towards me brought me confidence and security. This was the type of man I wanted to marry someday. When I didn’t get into the college I applied to, he sent me flowers though I was 13 hours away. I still look back fondly on those flowers. They meant a lot be me because, he understood how disappointed I was without me saying a word.
As an adult, my Dad encouraged me to independence and responsibility. He would spend time on the phone or late into the evening talking by the fire about my struggles. He always points me back the God’s Word as the place of truth and comfort. His most consistent word of advice for me was about Job. As a girl, I struggled with emotional moments of crisis and he would always turn me to the book of Job and remind me to look at what was true above what I felt. Just because Job didn’t feel like God was there, doesn’t mean He wasn’t. My Dad still greets me with a hug and a kiss every time I see him, though sometimes my baby girl gets the first one. And he still has a listening ear for me when I need advice.
The one thing that has meant the most to me is that he tells me how proud he is of me. He praises my godly choices and desire to continue on that path. It means everything to me, that my Dad is still pleased with me as I make decisions with my husband and regarding my family that I don’t discuss with him. I miss that season of closeness but I treasure our adult friendship and will never take for granted our close father-daughter relationship. Every girl needs a father like mine to point her to our Heavenly Father.

I wish I would've had the words to send in for my husband. But this being only the second year of him being a daddy to my sweet baby girl, I wasn't sure how to say how I feel. J is a wonderful dad! I know she adores him. I love seeing that beautiful relationship develop. I know someday I'll understand how to tell my husband what a wonderful father he is to our family in the same way it's so easy to tell my Dad. I look forward to a lifetime of sweet moments!

Waterfall braid

I am still attempting new hair styles. This is another from My Yellow Sandbox called the Waterfall Braid. It's so easy and pretty! I think I'll have to keep trying this one.

I'm enjoying playing around with new looks. Actually part of the reason I'm messing around so much is because I'm trying to wash my hair less. I've heard a million times that it's better to not wash your hair every day. And yes it'll be a little greasy but then your hair will catch on and stop producing so much oil. So I'm trying to shampoo it every other day. But I'm still waiting for it not to be so gross the 2nd day. I may have to give up on this one. I so cannot pull off the greased monster look!

Find the original look with tutorial at My Yellow Sandbox.

Ten

 Well my plan was to attempt the 10 on 10 project. The goal is to take 10 pictures on every hour on the 10th day of the month. Realistically I knew I would forget and my pictures wouldn't turn out good. So I'll share what I have. And along with my pictures, I'll share 10 highlights from the day!

1. Step class at the YMCA. Since we joined the Y in December, I've been trying all the classes out. I wasn't sure I had the coordination for Step but ended up loving it. I look forward to my Friday Step class. The teacher is so energetic and I look forward to seeing the 'regulars'. 

2. Honey Bunches of Oats with Blueberries. Breakfast!! I was so hungry after my workout that I went a bit overboard. It was good! I'm not much of a cereal person. In fact, I prefer the kid's cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch. :) But J introduced me to my new favorite.

3. One of Millie's favorite things is reading books! Today she unloaded my diaper bag to find one.

 4. When I was doing dishes today somebody was laying on my foot. :) I sure love my little helper! Sure she's a little under foot sometimes but over all I don't mind her sitting on my feet and trying to get her little hands into everything.

 5. I just liked this picture. I was feeling artsy.

 6. For some reason Millie has decided that naptime needs to be a solitary time. All of the stuff animals and blankets in her crib make a trip to the floor while she naps. Here they all are waiting to be welcomed back.

 7. Oh man this was funny! Millie loves to unload our laundry baskets. Daddy only had a few things in his basket today so she tossed in her nuk. But when she reached down in to get it, her feet left the ground. She was stuck!! Oh I laughed! She was a little upset but I couldn't help laughing. :)

8. Date Night!! This was definitely the highlight of the day. The week even! I haven't enjoyed an evening out with my hubby for months.

9. Sorry for the unappetizing post dinner shot. But we went to Brix & Stones for supper and it was awesome. I always get the Guinness Braised Short Ribs. I feel bad always getting the same thing but they're so good. I just dug right in and didn't remember to take a picture until afterwards. 

10. Super 8. We saw this movie and I was surprised. From the previews I had seen, I was sure it was just going to be another scary movie. And I do NOT do scary movies. AT ALL. It was intense in a good way and I enjoyed it. My hubby chooses movies I don't think I'll like way too often. But I usually change my mind. He has good taste.

So I enjoyed focusing on the highlights of the day and trying to capture some of those moments. I'm not a photographer so my pictures are nothing to write home about, but I hope this inspires you to remember the little blessings in your day!

ps. This post is dated on the 10th to reflect the date of the pictures and events.

New Duds!

This month I went on a long overdue shopping trip. The Loft just opened in town and that was my first stop. Really it was the only place I needed to go. I love their stuff!! First off, they have that perfect blend of clothes for the young casual woman who doesn't want to look like a teenager or too matronly. And second, I am an x-small at the Loft. Seriously - an XS!!! That will sure make a girl feel good about trying on clothes. And the Loft always has great sales. So I ended up getting a few casual tops and some capris and a few days later this dress went on my bday list. My birthday's in August so I think it's soon enough to make a list!

How cute, right!? Well surprise! My mom got it for me the other day! Mom's are the best. And of course she said I can wear it now. :) I'm loving my new summer clothes!

Have you been shopping this summer? What's your fav place to shop?

Like?

Hi my faithful readers!

So I've been blogging on and off for almost 3 years (since June 23rd, 2008). Wow 3 years. That's crazy! At that point in my life, we were just buying our first house and sweet O was still just a twinkle in my eye. My posts have ranged from fun exciting news to opinions about life to mundane mommy ramblings. 

I just want to say thank you to all my friends and family who continue to read my blog, even through the slow spots. If you've been enjoying my musing on life and motherhood, please FOLLOW me!! I love to know you're still reading. I'd also to hear from you. I realize that I don't always post a lot to comment on... so I'll work on that if you promise to comment once in a while. :)

So today my question for you is... What do you like reading about on my blog? And what do you think I need to share more about?

Outdoor Living

When the weather started to get warm this spring, we headed outside! On this particular day we had a snack outdoors on the deck.

Millie is beginning to learn how to hold still and smile for the camera. So I get some of these adorable little grins captured!

Walk for Life

The Lincoln Crisis Pregnancy Walk for Life is tomorrow!

I'm so excited to walk this year. In years past, I've wanted to participate but was usually gone or busy on the chosen weekend. So this year I put in on the calendar way early. I am finding that we're still busy this year and as I think ahead to tomorrow, I'm a little overwhelmed by the full day we have planned. But this is a very worthy cause. I think I can sacrifice some sleep. And it should be a beautiful day for a walk around the lake. So I think I might even get some exercise pushing 20+ pounds of stroller and my baby girl a couple miles.

I've always strongly believed in the sanctity of human life but since I've had my own baby girl the feeling has become personal. I absolutely 100% believe that Millie was a person from the moment of conception and it would have been murder for me to terminate my pregnancy at anytime. Each baby is a beautiful gift from God and should be treasured. This reality is something that is especially hard to accept when you're young and facing an unplanned pregnancy. The Center helps young couple make wise, Biblical choices about the future of their family.

If you want to walk or sponsor a walker, check out the details.

SSMT

June 1st! I'm nearing the halfway mark on bi-weekly scripture memorization for the year. Beth posted a very encouraging note today. This particular paragraph jumped out at me...
Part of how we stand firm is to know Scripture, and not with swollen heads but swollen hearts. One of the verses in my quiet time this morning was Psalm 119:57 – “The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.” (The NET Bible) One thing is certain: we are finding out how little security this anguishing planet can offer us. “The LORD is the source of security.” Personal. National. Global. Universal. The Lord alone. And, so, like never before, we need to know His instructions…and follow them.
What a beautiful verse! I'm amazed at how a different translation can sometimes bring a verse alive in a new way. Knowing that God is my security gives me confidence and determination to follow Him, even though it's hard and I get discouraged far too often. Do you have a verse that brings you determination?

I'm still working on my goal to memorize Proverbs 31. Though I admit I'm not doing as well as when I started, I'm am sticking with it!! And when I do take the time to meditate on my verse, I am challenged to put into practice the ways of this godly woman. Here's my memory verse for the next 2 weeks..
Proverbs 31:19-20
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

I Wish Wednesday

I WISH... I was at PiYo. Let's just say, this morning did not go as planned. J left early this morning, which is normal but Millie decided that meant she needed to be up too... at 6:45am. Daddy gave her a kiss and I gave her some books to keep her in bed until 7:30. Then began the struggle of breakfast. Apparently pancakes and nectarines weren't making her skirt fly up this morning. After a 1/2hr of sitting in her chair, she drank all her milk and threw her pancake on the floor. So I could a) clean her up and take her to the Y with basically no breakfast or b) sit and patiently help her eat. This good but slightly grouchy mama chose option B. PiYo is my favorite class each week so I'm bummed. I might have to just do what I remember here at home. I always feel so relaxed after this class!

I WISH... Millie would stay little forever some days. She's my little bookworm and I love reading to her.

I WISH... I had this Hartford Buffett in my dining room. Don't you just love dreaming about what you want in your house someday!? I do. We've only been in our house a few years, so we're still accumulating furniture. It can be expensive!! So we save for a while and then make a purchase. This baby is definitely on my list!

So this is my attempt at getting back into a blogging rhythm and bringing back I Wish Wednesdays.  Here's my first IWW post and why I choose 'wish'. What do you wish for this week?