Weekend Pictures

It's 5:00 on Sunday evening and our weekend is coming to a close.  We really enjoyed having our weekend guests and got to have some fun!  My mind is mush and my Lime and Salt microwave popcorn is going to be calling my name in just under two minutes.

Enjoy a glimse into our weekend and I'll have your full report on Monday morning...  I bet ya'll just can't wait!  :)  Enjoy your Sunday evening!

Saturday "Morning" Scene

Yeah, yeah.  I know that it's supposed to be the Saturday Morning Scene, but I couldn't get this posted till now.  It'll be okay.  It is a picture from this morning...so it still counts.  And if you want to link up, click on the above button to join in..... next week.  :)

She was sitting, next to Lucy (cropped out, sorry Luc!) watching the wind blow by.

They are window buddies.

Weekend Warriors

This is my Weekend Warrior list, join me!  The button is to the right. 

• The in laws are coming up this evening, so it's a weekend for entertaining.
• Tonight I believe we'll be eating at a local place, most likely our favorite pizza place.  Everyone always wants pizza when they come to visit.  Guess it's the whole "Chicago style" thing...
• Tomorrow, my husband has to go to a duck blind drawing (don't ask) in the afternoon so him and his dad will be doing that while I find something to do with my mother-in-law.  It's right at Kage's nap time so we may sit and stare at each other while she sleeps.  Dunno.  But you know....(this is going to get way too long and drawn out for a bullet and it's going to make me crazy to have this super long bullet and all the others short---but I'll deal) my MIL (mother-in-law) and I get along fine--but we are not close.  Not at all.  And R thinks that it's because I come off as stuck up.  Whoa. Yes, my husband did say that to me.  In therapy, thank God for him.  But the truth of the matter is that I am so not stuck up.  I am shy.  Big difference.  Often confused.  But the point is that I am really, really, really going to try to open up more and make more of my time with her this visit.  I always have intentions, but it always falls to pieces.  Cause I think that she is just as quiet and shy as I am....maybe?  Either way, most of the time we sit in silence.  Maybe she just doesn't like me?  Psssh, how could you not like me?  KIDDING!  But I'm thinking that maybe I'll take her to walk around our downtown or something.  If Kage can tolerate it.  But the main thing is, I have intentions.  We'll see how far they go....
• Saturday night will most likely be a Portillo's dinner night.  That's the number 2 thing that visitors like to do while in town.
• Sunday, church for us (and hopefully them) and then lunch somewhere.  And then they leave that afternoon.

So it doesn't really seem like we'll be doing anything but eating.  So typical for a parent's visiting weekend.  All that they care to do is sit with Kinley in her natural habitat.  Watch her do her thing.  I guess we take that for granted because we see it everyday....but they don't.  We're okay with that.  It's cheaper!  Kinley is free entertainment!  R and I were hoping to sneak away after her bedtime one night and go for a movie, since we have the free babysitter and all.  But the jury is still out on that one.  I really, really want to see that Crazy, Stupid Love movie.  Know which one I'm talking about?  It premieres this weekend. 

R was really wanting to do the whole tourist in the city thing and hit up the Science and Industry museum but I just don't see us having time for it with his drawing thrown in mid day Saturday....well, it's from like 11-3.  So yeah, all of Saturday is basically shot for a group activity.  And I am trying really hard to not be all bitter about the drawing thing... cause normally I would be.  But I won't be bitter.  I won't be bitter.  I will just say that maybe next time we will play city tourists and hit the museums.

That is our Weekend Warrior list....what is yours?  Link up!

My thing...

For some girls, the vision of this, makes their tummy get butterflies:

And for some, maybe the sight of this will make their heart skip a beat:

And for some, maybe the idea of this will make them all happy inside:

And for some, maybe this is enough to just make them smile:

And then there are those who can be satisfied and feel all filled up with happiness by just seeing this:

We all have our things that make us tick.  Those things that just make us happy.  Those things that make you giddy.

For me, these are my things.

Yes, the return of the school year brings out all of the fun school supplies!  I run to the aisles and look at all of the new pencils and folders.  All of the Elmers and Crayola!  I seriously go nuts.  I get excited over this stuff, peeps. 

I guess it's how I know that my calling to be a teacher is deep rooted in this heart of mine.  Because even though I'm not teaching yet, the start of each school year has always caused an awakening in me.  Kind of the way that Spring does each year.  It awakens the fresh start. 

Call me crazy (and I'm sure you will) but school supplies and the "Back To School" aisles, are my thing.

Not to say that I would turn down Coach, Tiffany, a new Apple product, Godiva or Starbucks.

Let the Games Begin!

I decided that opening my new Bible app and reading would help ease the anxiety that I was feeling. 

Kinley decided to sleep until it was time to run out the door this morning.  Which was nice because I was able to shower, get dressed, put on make-up AND dry and iron my hair without my little assistant.  But it was kind of sad too....cause I didn't have my little assistant.  And because of my gyno appointment, I had to take her to day care early.  So her sleeping in robbed me of my baby time this morning.  I was so looking forward to splishy-splashy time with her morning bath.  I was looking forward to eating sliced grapes from slobbery hands during breakfast.  I was just looking forward to her. 

So yes, I was able to enjoy a stress-free morning, but in turn had to wake her up at 8:45 and put her directly into her car seat so that we had time to get cash and take her to the sitter.  She arrived in her jammers with a cup of apple juice in hand.  I chit chatted for a minute, apologizing for her attire and said that there was an outfit and her crocs in the back pack.  Let her know that she wouldn't be ready to eat for about an hour....and off I went.

I got to my appointment early (shocker!  I'm never early for anything.) and there was only one other person in the waiting room.  She had her toddler with her--and hey, they have *our* stroller!-- but seeing her little guy made me miss my little girl.  I got called back and the nurse asked me if my visit was just for the Mirena removal and I shook my head yes.  I asked her, "is this going to hurt?"  She assured me that it was so simple and "just a pinch."  Ugh.  I hate when medical professionals say "just a pinch."  Cause I think that there is an actual medical course on things to say instead of saying 'yes, it's going to hurt like heck'--and "just a pinch" was learned in week 1. 

So there I sit, in my paper towel dress.  Reading my Bible app and trying to calm myself down.  I birthed a baby.  I can handle this.  It wasn't working.

The doctor came in.  And although I like him, he's no Dr. Mulch--my former obgyn.  And it irks me to no end when a doctor tries to have the exact same conversation with you that you had at your last appointment.  And it's about my health history.  It's not about the Cubs game.  That little folder that you walk in with....it's got it in there that you already checked me for diabetes.  And it probably already says that you called me personally two days ago to tell me that I'm fine.  So don't come in and ask me when I am able to come back for a diabetes screening.  mK?  And also, don't tell me that you'll call me in a couple of days with my pap result from last week.  Cause in that folder, it will also tell you that your office sent me a note yesterday. 

Maybe I don't like him as much as I had thought. 

I won't like anyone as much as I like Dr. Mulch. 

Searching for reassurance, I ask him if this is going to hurt.  He claims that it's easier than the insertion.  Sweet.  The insertion was completely painless for me!  And then 1-2-3, it was out and he was holding it up with his little tweezer-IUD-grabber-thing-tool. 

There is was. 

Our protection. 

Gone.

*gulp*

I did feel a small twinge of a cramp when he took it out.  But it really wasn't much.  And I am cramping slightly now.  But it's nothing that requires Advil or anything.

I walked out and immediately sent my husband a text:  "Let the baby making begin!"

He called me right back and said:  "We'll get started tonight." 

Such a man thing to say. 

The current game plan is to give my body 2-3 months to have a period.  If it follows in the pattern that it did pre-Kinley, I won't have one.  In that case, I am to call to start Clomid.  So I am thinking that I'll give it till my birthday.  End of November. 

Feels so weird to even be discussing all of this.  I thought that I didn't want any more.  But something feels right.  Something is telling me that we're doing the right thing.

There's An App For That!

I am so tired of waking up and it taking an hour for my eyes to adjust.  Here I sit complaining when all fingers are pointed at me.  Take out your contacts, you lazy girl!  I was so good about it for over a year.  I took them out every single night.  Then all it takes is one relapse and Boom!  Back at it. 

I really am going to try to take the time to take them out.

And I also skipped washing off my make-up before bed last night and now I feel like I have tarantulas for eye lashes because of all of the mascara residue.  Ewww.

Bet I'm just a sight this morning!

I am just a ball of nerves today.  It's the "big day" for me.  Getting the Mirena removed at the gyno in just under three hours.  I was having so much doubt last night. 
Are we doing the right thing?

What if we actually get pregnant?

Are we ready for that?

Is Kinley really ready for that?

I mean, just a month ago, I would have laughed in your face if I told you that I'd be having this thing removed.  Let alone, looking into having another baby.

But then I remind myself that I am primarily removing it to get my body to try and do it's own thing....sans hormones.  And hopefully stop the cramping that's been happening.

And I also remind myself how hard it is for me to conceive.  Nearly impossible.  So the chance of me getting pregnant is so super slim.  It's not like I'm a normal case here.

After talking with one of my blogging/IRL friends, I have decided to download the Bible app and start reading.  How crazy is it that I'm reading the Bible on an app?  I have the "real" version here...  Maybe I'll do both.  The app is just convenient for on the go...which I am.  But aside from all that, the point is that I want to start reading.  Confession time?  I have never read the Bible.  Like, ever.  I know.  I know.

But we were talking last night and I think that we'll read it as a family.  My husband has poor reading skills, and I so badly want to teach him new reading strategies--but that's beside the point--and won't read it on his own...and Kage needs to learn the importance of it as well.  So family reading time it is!  And I think that I'm going to read it on my own first and reread it with them.  Because for me, reading and rereading works best for comprehension sometimes.  And let's face it, that Bible is pretty intimidating!

My in-laws are coming in this weekend for a visit, my husband actually said that he hopes that they'll come to church with us on Sunday.  I think that his mom may but def not his dad.  His mom is a very strict Catholic, so she'll come but probably feel like a fish out of water with the contemporary service.  Who knows, maybe she'll love it!

And since I have to get off of here and jump in the shower before KG gets up, here are couple of cute shots from the last couple of days:

Kinley, are you throwing your stroganoff to Lucy?  (she shakes her
head no)

There's nothing more fun than going cruisin' with
daddy---with M&Ms all over your face!

And one more thing!  My baby brother is 30 today!  Happy Birthday, Jereme!  (even though I know for sure that he's not reading).  Makes me feel so old!

Well, that's exciting!

So, it seems that I am one of the blogs that dads should tell their wives about!  That rocks!  Over at WonderDads, they have created a page titled, "The Best Blogs To Tell Your Wife About."  Nice.  Please dads, do tell!  I love traffic and new readers!

Thanks for the feature, WonderDads!

Just Testing....

Just test driving some new buttons.  I think I likey!  Makes it easier for you to follow me.  You can click on any of the buttons below to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Email Subscriptions, RSS Feeds or Google Following!  *in love*  I know, I'm too available.  And too easily excitable. 

Super Cuteness overload! (and no, it's not a Kinley post!)

Just one of those obligatory blog posts to get my extra entry into a super cute contest over at The Real Housewife of H2Oville! 

Not that I want more competition, but if you are so inclined, head over and get entered as well!  She's giving away this uber cute cupcake apron AND a cupcake book!  Awe-some.

And no, I normally don't...okay, I never, use an apron but this one is just way too adorable.  I need want it!

So What Wednesday

It's that time of the week again!  Time to link up with Shannon over at Life After I "Dew" to say So What... This week, I am saying So What if...

• I am so excited for tomorrow's gyno appointment.  They are taking out my Mirena!
• that means that I can test the fertility waters.  I'm so curious to see how messed up my body is post-baby.
• I really am excited to officially be TTC. (trying to conceive to those not in "the know.")
• we aren't telling our families that we're TTC.  My family would freak.  His would celebrate.
• I am still not placed for student teaching that should be starting in around 3 weeks.  Okay, so that isn't really a So What...cause I'm freaking out.
• I devoured an entire chocolate peanut butter milkshake last night.  Then had a tummy ache.
• I cancelled my gym membership to save money.
• we are broke as heck, but still planning a graduation vacation to Mexico the first week in January.  We never had a honeymoon, so we really need this.
• my car looks ghetto.  This stupid piece broke and the husband hasn't had the chance to get a new one.  And I wouldn't even know where to start to find one.

Ugh. So embarrassing.

•  I got to know the coolest girl ever in my summer class, but due to living over an hour apart, our friendship would be so hard to maintain.  Her and I have so much in common.  :(
• the above mentioned girl and I  were having a crab-fest walking out of class yesterday about this guy in our project group.  He is such a loser and is totally riding our coat-tails through this project and putting forth zero effort.  What we didn't know was that he was walking out behind us.  Oops.
• I am hating Blogger last night and today.  I'm unable to comment on anyone's blogs AND it ate this post and wouldn't publish.  Listen here Blogger, them are fightin' words!
• if I got totally excited for my new followers this week!  New followers and comments make my day.  *hint, hint*  :)

To my wonderful guy...

I think that my husband is probably one of my most devoted readers here.  And normally, I would take that for granted but when I really stop to think about it, I realize how cool it is.  He takes time from his busy day to read the rambles that fall from my head and onto this keyboard.  Just to feel closer to me.

We've had more than our fair share of trouble and he's not once left my side.  He thinks that I'm beautiful.  He thinks that I'm smart.  He lets me know that he needs me.  He sees the good in me.  He helps me to believe in myself when I feel nothing but doubt. 

I owe him so much for all that he's done for me through the past few months of hardship and he'll never once admit how strong he had to be to hold our marriage and family together.  But I will be forever grateful.

On K-Love today, I heard this song played for all that suffered marriage hardships and I prayed for ours to stay strong while I cried to this song.  Such beautiful lyrics....  and this is for my handsome husband.

I love you, baby!


I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...

Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're in independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...

Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

That's Not My Name

If you had the chance to see the movie Horrible Bosses, you are probably laughing till you pee right now.  And if you haven't seen the movie, well, you really should.  Cause it is funny.  And, that is a clip (although a very poor quality one) from the movie.  FYI:  it's from YouTube.  I didn't steal it---cause they, obviously did.

When I was pregnant, I always referred to Kinley as KG Layne.  KG for Kinley Grace and Layne--- I don't know where or why I came up with that.  But it just was.  And my husband would get so mad and tell me that our daughter will not have nicknames.  And our daughter won't go by a shortened name. 

Ummm, hello, your name is RICHIE and your birth certificate reads RICHARD.  mmmK?

Fast forward 19 months and now we both call her every nickname under the sun.  Our poor daughter may never know her real name.

She goes by Kin, Kage, KG, KG Layne, Bunca, Bunca Noodle, Bunca Noodle Dandy, Bunk, Bunky, Noodle Sauce, Nudes (short for Noodle), Nudey Tude (short for Noodle with a twist), Angel, Baby Girl.... I seem to find something new every single day.

This can't be healthy, no?

But I can't help it....they just fall out of my mouth. 

I mean, we do call her Kinley, occasionally.

My Blingy Issues

Kinley woke up at 6:00 which is was too early for me her and now she's mad at the world because she's still tired.  Everything is making her cry.  I'm almost excited that today is a school day. 

Remember how I told you about the whole Zales thing yesterday?  So, I did write a nice little note to their corporate office regarding the less than stellar customer service that we received at their store.  This woman was the rudest person.  And knowing how many thousands of dollars we've dropped in their store...we expect decent customer service.  Not perfect, but decent.  She was a far cry from decent.  So I wrote a note.  It resulted in a phone call from the district manager and then a fifty dollar gift card.  And not that I'm not appreciative, but a fifty dollar gift card from a jeweler is purely for their benefit, not mine.  Cause they know good and well that I'll have to spend at least another $100 to even use the thing.  But that's another issue. 

So we go to pick up my rings and we get the same fabulous sales person.  I get the vibe that she knows that I complained.  Maybe I'm just paranoid, but it sure seemed like she knew.  Not that she was even nicer, really.  I pick up my rings and away we go. 

We got to the car and I was taking pictures (for the blog, of course) and my husband asked to see it (to see how good he did--his words, not mine--such a goof!).  He immediately saw something in the center diamond and was like, "what is that?"  I start peering into the stone with him and was like, "oh yeah, what is that?"  There was a big white something in the diamond.  So he polished it on his shirt thinking that something got under the stone or maybe on top or maybe the side of it.  Nope.  Still there.

Not sure what to do, we put Kage back into her stroller and back into the mall we went.  Knowing that we'd be dealing with the awesome sales person again, I expected nothing but attitude.  After waiting for about ten minutes for her to come and help us, we told her the situation.  She grabbed her little magnifier thing and looked into the stone.  Sure enough, her "diagnosis" is that there is a large cloud inclusion.  We get that.  But my stone never had a large cloud inclusion.  My husband looked at tons of diamonds before buying the one in my ring.  He knows the stone well. 

So....what do you do?

She gave us the store manager's card and said we'd have to discuss it with him.

But in all honesty, it's their word against ours.  The diamond isn't registered, so there is no record saying that the cloud inclusion was there or wasn't there when purchased.  We still haven't called the manager.  We feel defeated before even starting....  What would you do?  We've heard accusations of jewelers switching diamonds before, but does that really happen?  We clearly stated that we weren't blaming or pointing fingers....we just want to know why there is an apparent inclusion there now that wasn't there two weeks ago when we dropped it off.

It stresses me.

To completely switch topics....(which is code for:  Kage is starting to freak out and I gotta cut it short)

I got a new polish color last night.  And I am in love.

Fuchsia Flare by Sally Hansen Insta-Dri

We picked up Kinley's Cozy Coupe car from our storage unit on Sunday and since, she won't get out of it.  She wants to watch Super Why in the car.  She wants to eat in the car.  She wants to climb in the car.  She wants to go on walks in her car.  She loves the car.

And this one, is just because it is so stinkin' adorable.

And lastly, this one is because it made me jump up and down.

Yes, I did in fact make the Dean's List last semester.  Go me!  I totally was shocked.  For some reason, I was under the impression that 4.0 was Dean's List...and well, I got 3 A's and 1 B last semester.  Guess I was wrong!  So my Dean's List run continues strong!