lost your face in the crowd

friday's leftovers

2012-01-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

i'm happy to say we've met some new friends.

and have really enjoyed the church we are attending downtown.

the air is different up here and just maybe we can experience it at a higher altitude soon.

my greasy monkey and i had one of those very intellectual, important, meaningful conversations.
{despite what people say about having a college degree. it doesn't make up who a person is or what they believe. it doesn't mean a dang thing.}

she points to where pipi's nose is and where imogen's belly is.

i have seen 3 ambulances here since we've moved. it makes me think of when we lived with the elderly.

our tv broke, the capacitor blow out.

there are so many new beers to try here and it's hard to know where to start.

i'm not a socialite, but i did it. i joined a meet up group.

for playdates and new friends.

last weekend it was datenight for our friends and playtime with ava.

two crazies jumping in the bed.

breakfast is on the menu for tonight and a happy weekend ahead.

finally.

2012-01-20T14:06:00.002-07:00

it's leftover friday.

she woke up today with a 101 fever and green poo.
cuddling, sesame street and nursing are on the list for today.

i can't get enough of her new dance moves. she gets some shoulder action in there, turns circles and raises the roof.

my giant said i made my best chili ever last night.

i finally got to watch moneyball this week. let's just say i like baseball movies.

18 pounds down and i'm hoping to maintain that.
{kinda hard when you have a giant for a husband}

we have to turn our electric blanket on every night. man, i love this weather up here.

she can show us where her nose is and currently learning the signs help, sleep and let's go.

my mom made curtains out of an old comforter of ours. i strongly disliked that comforter, but it sure looks darling, hung in pipi's room.

i'm really looking forward to february.

i found myself in the dollar isle of target the other day. picking out things that would be good in my treasure box. {i had to remind myself that i am no longer teaching}
that was a first.

we have a busy weekend ahead of us. but for tonight, it's just the three of us.

it's friday

2012-01-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

let me just start this week's leftovers with the cutest little kung fu panda eva.

all thanks to aunt emily and uncle rambo.

*i wish i could take good photos on my phone*

this week wasn't so hot for me and i ended it by watching the office on dvd and tearing up at michael scott's last episode. and by tearing up i mean cried.

we went thrifting last weekend and i scored a sweet vase type thing for $2. totally worth it.

she can now scoot backwards and forwards on her scooter. and has been practicing eating with a fork, rob's camping spork.

the mountains take my breath away. everyday.

i still like coffee.

we busted out my favorite childhood toy(s) yesterday. mini potato heads.

she's in love.

our plans this weekend consist of swimming lessons, small group, broncos game (on the tv), uncle ryan, a new church and i would like to add a movie into the list.

and today is papa joel's birthday!
cheers!

leftover friday

2012-01-06T10:33:00.001-07:00

well, i did it. i signed her up for her first ever swimming lessons. and they start tomorrow.

my giant and i have been on a money diet.

i spent two days this week waiting on the maintenance men. this time, our ice maker and dryer needed attention and it took two of them to figure it out. they proceeded to notice that all our door stoppers were missing. courtesy of imogen. they were the first things to be pulled off when we moved in.

we are having friends over tonight. yes, you heard me right. we have friends. and i'm making a fantastic meal.

her four molars finally broke through over Christmas. and it was brutal.

no leads on any birth photography clients. but i'm praying.

i took a minor break during Christmas time. but, i'm now back to my healthy plan. i only gained one pound over the holidays and it has since left my body.

her favorite phrase has become "what's that?" she walks around pointing at everything saying "what's that?", "what's that?" just as another member of my family once did. ummm. tj. my mom had that saying printed on a t shirt for him when he was 2. does is run in the family?

i'm still considering my resolutions. more on that to come.

maybe.

i'm growing out my hair again. but this time it's for real :)

i have my greasy monkey home this weekend. it's just the 3 of us. and i can't wait.

today is my dear friend's birthday. happy birthday ashley!

showering baby guy

2012-01-05T12:48:00.002-07:00

in between holidays, my sisters and i decided to throw a shower for our little nephew and his momma emily.

as you can see, i captured some decorations and delicious food, {- the fabulous chocolate raspberry cheesecake} but i have none of the guests and hate to say it, but none of the guest of honor. in fact, it is all due to this cat and the four molars that decided to break free the night of the shower.

timing is never prefect, but this small, intimate celebration was enjoyed. and i know our time together is always cherished.

going home

2012-01-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

we traveled this road many times and although my giant and i take a different one home now, this is what it feels like to travel to my hometown in nebraska.
through the eyes of my littlest brother.
enjoy.

McCook from Aaron Nix on Vimeo.

on a stroll with nana...

2012-01-04T13:17:00.001-07:00

but, we're back in colorado now and enjoying the nice january weather.

hear it ring

2012-01-04T11:25:00.002-07:00

it's Christmas time in nebraska.

isn't this coat and hat adorable? it's from her stylish grammy!

she loves her daddy so

she loved her tinker bell dress. i think i have a girly girl on my hands.

family photo :)

and one with papa and nana too!

some people say, don't worry about giving them gifts at this age because all they care about is the wrapping paper and boxes. not true with imogen. all she cared about was what was inside.

i wish i would have taken more photos :( peppermint pipi was so cute opening all her gifts.

it was a lovely Christmas and an extra special one for imogen. happy birthday Jesus!

and a happy new year to you

2011-12-31T09:15:00.001-07:00

friday's leftovers, a Christmas recap and some new years resolutions coming soon...

in the mean time, i'm celebrating with family.

all is calm, all is bright

2011-12-22T12:37:00.001-07:00

friday's leftovers {a day early}:

my sister is here and she's headed to nebraska with us to celebrate the birth of our Lord.

did you know that our Christmas cards only cost me 10 cents a card? ask me why i didn't order more than i did. ugh.

we have received two surprise blessings in the mail this year. very humbled by the love and support during this crazy time in our life.

He has so much in store for our little family and i have to trust Him.

total to date: 16 pounds gone. booya.

her little stocking is hung with care right in between ours. i was afraid i wouldn't find another wee one that matched ours so i bought a second one for sometime in the future. {of course not anytime soon, just planning ahead}

i'm waiting on the maintenance man again. our ice maker this time.

hark! the herald angels sing is my favorite song this time of year.

grammy, please know we have really been missing you.

i have started attending a breastfeeding support group. la leche league.

my giant hates our wreath on the door and believes it's very unsafe that we cannot see out of the peephole. he has a point. and i don't really want to die because i couldn't see my killer standing outside my door.

i really wanted to make these for gifts this year.

the snow has blanketed the earth here and i love seeing the white mountain tops.

rejoice in celebration. not because it's Christmas, but because God gave us the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas

leftover friday

2011-12-16T14:43:00.001-07:00

i'm dropping my business cards off at my first place next week.

on monday night, our toilet broke, frig was leaking, garbage disposal wasn't disposing, washer wasn't working and a burner was out on the stove.

after two days with the maintenance man and a new frig, all repairs are done.

we had our Christmas party for our Bible study last night. and i wore my Christmas sweater t-shirt.

she only knows how to scoot backwards on her scooter.

i'm still at only 13 pounds down. it's been hard, but i'm proud of that.

we are headed to a last minute trip to ne this weekend. we have buddy passes to use and family to see.

imogen loves to walk around talking on her phone. talking and talking and talking.

my greasy monkey went through his flashlight collection to donate. it was a big step.

now, to finish laundry, pack and tend to a 1 year old.

happy weekend.

it's true

2011-12-13T09:34:00.002-07:00

i'm starting my own business.

after months and months of prayers, debates and thoughts imogenphotography came to be. i have had a lot of help from a lot of people and it will take a lot more help to make this successful.

and not to mention moving to a new city and not really knowing anyone is a challenge. but i'm up for it.

so dive into imogen-photography.com and check it out.

friday night

2011-12-09T10:20:00.001-07:00

is a dateline date with my hottie.

i am trying a new taco casserole for the occasion.

she turned one and now is crazy. walking and talking and yelling and giving orders. no more babies over here.

Christmas party tomorrow night and that means imy is dropped off at her first non-family member babysitter.

i really wanted to do Christmas cards last year. but having a baby turned things upside down. so i had to this year. + a Christmas letter.

13 pounds are gone and my pants are starting to fit a lot better.

when my mom came to visit she brought us some of our old sesame street book club books and imogen can't get enough of them. she reads them a billion times a day.

we are excited about trying out the well again on sunday.

it makes me kinda sad nobody comments anymore. maybe i have lost my readers?

i'm really getting the itch to ski. but don't think it is going to happen this season. unless roberto gets some ginormous raise or an unexpected bonus of some sort or just maybe, we sell a car.

now, off to edit, finish a slideshow and upload a video.

have a happy weekend.

a christmas village

2011-12-05T12:10:00.001-07:00

georgetown:
a little village tucked away into the mountains.

turn of the century costumes, sleigh rides, carols, markets, shops and food.

a great ending to an awesome celebration weekend.

pipi turns 1

2011-12-05T11:58:00.001-07:00

a little gathering, a small party, but a huge celebration. our little sirloin turns 1.

i really wanted to order a cake from a local bakery, but decided these were a lot more fun.
rob created grover for her first taste of sugar and the rest were iced by my mom and i.

the decorations.

the food.

the happy birthday girl.

and the presents.

happiest of happys to our pipi girl.

party city

2011-12-02T09:01:00.001-07:00

friday's leftovers:

sunday is pipi's 1st birthday. and i'm not sure how i feel about it. she has grown so much and we adore her so.

because of her love of sesame street, it has inspired her birthday theme.

all our pictures are hung. and curtains are up. this is becoming our home.

she sits and stares in awe of our tiny christmas tree.

for the first time in our five years of marriage, we have cable. i don't want to get hooked.

imogen had her first taste of goats milk this week. i'm starting to get her used to it. it's not the same as mommy's milk, but we chose goats because it is the most like human milk.

the high's are in the 20(s) and there's snow on the ground. it makes my heart happy.

happy birthday to my sweet niece claire! she turns 12 today!

i think she is trying to transition into only one nap. ugh. let's hope not. i feel like she just got the hang of this sleeping thing.

i'm 11 pounds down. i can't believe it myself. but it sure feels good.

it seems almost everyone here owns a dog. i still can't picture having one while in an apartment.

it drives me nuts when people on fb post that they've had the worst day ever. every.single.day.

i have acquired a taste for coffee. i can't believe i'm saying this, but i actually like it.

what's a celebration without cake + ice cream.

and

the cutest birthday girl!

happy friday

2011-11-24T22:08:00.001-07:00

leftover friday | reflections and thanksgiving

after waiting almost two weeks, a beautiful baby girl came into this world. please meet evelyn elizabeth. she was birthed by my amazing strong friend with just her calm, collected and wise husband and myself by her side. at home. it was an honor to be there and capture these moments. a very happy thanksgiving birthday.

with a turkey baby being born, our thanksgiving was decided. nebraska it is.

15 days with no sugar, no processed foods of any kind. (minus the three bites of banana pudding).

a sis{in-law} has a new blog! so excited for her.

everyday, she walks a little farther and farther.

we introduced imy to the muppets. and she absolutely loves them. i think a trip to the movies is in the works.

decorations have been made for her {almost} birthday.

i have watched two Christmas movies already.

my giant works so hard for his girls. more than i even know.

i'm challenged everyday to bring glory to His name and that is the only reason for which we were created. and i am forever thankful for my Lord and his unconditional love.

leftover friday

2011-11-18T08:32:00.001-07:00

we woke up to a winter wonderland a of couples days ago.

they are my favorite kind of days.

i love that she signs to us. she understands so much.

i'm waiting on some labor pains. my friend is going to be a homebirth rockstar.

a brewery just opened in my small hometown. we are going saturday to check it out and it's pretty exciting.

our thanksgiving plans are pending. montana? or nebraska?

two playdates in two days. with two sweet boys.

i've been working hard and all sugar has been cut out of my life. 8 days down.

i turned some clothes into a clothing exchange store. ya, i got $45 for them. complete awesomeness.

she stood and walked to me all by herself. here's to month 2 of walking.

i put all of my trust in Him, for He is Lord.

after a week away from each other, i get to see my giant tonight. man, i miss that guy.

big sky country

2011-11-14T14:05:00.001-07:00

meeting uncle jared, aunt julie and graiden.

getting ready to go to the coolest pumpkin patch ever.

baby carter!

and cousin tuck.

look who is making the trip back home with us!

the greasy monkey resurrected it from the dead.

mountain tops

2011-11-14T09:17:00.001-07:00

a couple days after we moved, we were off to the grand tetons and yellowstone national park to celebrate 5 years of marriage with my best friend.

beautiful fall day in jackson hole.

the wyoming inn and where we stayed on my birthday.

awww. baby uggs

denver, denver

2011-11-14T08:39:00.001-07:00

here we come!

what we named the jolly roger and davy jones' locker. as we finished loading the truck, our stuff just kept coming. so a day later and an unwanted trailer, we took off.

my giant.

a pit stop in wichita.

pipi just fits right in.

my view the whole way. with an added bonus of a leaning tilt to the right because of all my greasy monkey's tools.

the mountain tops and our new view!

welcome home.

a surprise happy 60th

2011-11-14T08:25:00.001-07:00

two days before our big move north, my dad turned 60 and my amazing mother planned a big surprise. she flew all four of us kids and our families up to lincoln, ne for the ohio state game. my dad had no idea as each of us showed up. it was one of the fasted weekends, but one of the most fun.we even got to meet baby sophia!

and see my dear friend sarah!

memorial stadium

imogen was ready to play ball.

cheers to my dad on his 60th. he sure looks good!

internet has arrived!

2011-11-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

leftover friday:

after a month, i'm back. so here's to more blogging.

even though my greasy monkey was hired at one dealership, he is actually working in another's workspace. a little weird.

i'm on my way to stake out and take pics of my awesome friend's homebirth. she's going to do great.

he is obsessed with this all you can eat pizza place here. it does have the best beer cheese soup though.

a wrong number called me and wanted to know if i took care of pets.

maybe it's time to change to a local number.

we got her some more warm jammies. we were running low.

gingerbread is becoming one of my favorite flavors.

since we moved, i've been going through the seasons of the office.
two is the best.

we went to see the help at the dollar movie.
imogen tagged along.

she gets to meet her "cousin" tonight. very exciting.

we have explored some. but i'm ready for some hard core exploring. we'll see what's in store.

and here's a little taste of the grand tetons.

friday's leftovers

2011-10-28T16:11:00.000-06:00

we're back from our trip to montana!!
now,
we NEED to get internet soon and i'll share more.

leftover friday (monday)

2011-10-24T10:04:00.000-06:00

hello from montana.

we have been out of town for a couple of weeks, but will be back soon with pictures, our moving story, vacation tales and the beginnings of our life in colorado.

leftover friday

2011-10-14T17:18:00.000-06:00

here's to a new time zone, a new home and a fresh start.

thanks to my giant for moving this family to the mountains. i couldn't ask for a better anniversary gift. happy 5 years to my best friend and my dream. i love you.

the leftovers

2011-10-07T08:42:00.000-06:00

is it friday already?

and do we really load the moving truck this weekend? it can't be happening. i've been dreaming about these moments for close to 5 years.

but what i'm most excited about is to finally see and actually fit in a conversation with the f.o.b. he has been going into work really early and coming home around midnight and i miss him.

it's sad to know there are people here we won't get to say goodbye to. breaks my heart.

today is his last day. and i made the shop brownies. well, actually his mommy did. she offered to help me and i took her up on it. i think i was trying to cram too many things into yesterday. so, she get's all the credit. and they were delicious.

we are splitting up our drive into a few days. we want to make the most of this and getting there in one long swoop is not. we will be stopping in kansas and then in nebraska and then to the rockies and our new home.

i couldn't hold back the tears at our last church service at the village. it all started by finding a book his aunt had secretly put into her diaper bag when babysitting her the night before. i was completely choked up and by the time she hit the nursery and we told the workers there this would be her last visit and they all just absolutly love her to death and then that's when it hit me. right in the middle of worship. in the middle of praising, with my heart open and tears breaking. it hit me. we're moving.

10 months

2011-10-04T15:37:00.000-06:00

happy 10 months imy!

she enjoys horsey rides and her puppet friends from sesame street. she waits for the last second to wave bye-bye to daddy before he goes to work and has teeth that i think will never break free. her pipi tails have a mind of their own and she still loves it when we sing {Jesus loves me} to her. with just the slightest bit of music she dances, even while nursing. she's not sure about all these moving boxes, but it's become a maze for her. she tells me every day that she can't wait to be a colorado rockie!

we celebrated by eating some in and out burger and going to visit daddy!

friday's leftovers

2011-09-30T11:14:00.000-06:00

it is hard to cook dinner without any utensils or silverware.

i packed my lampshades yesterday. i hate lamps without shades.

after months of practice. she can finally blow you a kiss. and it's adorable.

thanks to my sister, i made homemade goldfish crackers a few weeks ago. they were yummy and mine were shaped like bottlecaps :)

we are not making too much progress on our craiglisties. the f.o.b. even waited for over 2 hours on a guy to show up one night. needless to say, we will not be doing that again.

the new guy here never remembers where he lives. poor guy is a wanderer. the good news is, he now has a new doormat to help him find his home. {it's worked a few times.}

pizza with friends tonight! we don't have much time left, so we have to sqeeze in as much as we can.

my giant went crazy one day and bought a ton of gatorade on sale. i mean clearance. i mean dirt cheap. and when things are that cheap, he tends to go crazy. i have been trying to send one with him everyday to work. i am trying to rid the house of them!

when nana was here last weekend. she worked her nana magic. i am kinda in need of it right now.

so what's our plan this weekend? the same as the last few. pack. clean. sell crap. socialize.
oh, and throw in a husker game :)

in mama's arms

2011-09-29T13:34:00.000-06:00

my wonderful friend mae from mae burke photography is the dfw nursing photographer and just so happend to take a few of my baby and i.

pipi only nurses once in her lifetime and i want to cherish these memories
and i love how she captured these precious moments with my baby.
so go check out mae!

hands up

2011-09-27T13:49:00.000-06:00

not only did my grease monkey get a small raise. he got tech of the month. and a specail gift for being the guy that he is. great timing right? my opinion, it's great to go out with a bang and on the most positive note he can. he's getting a little worried about a new work place and starting over, but i can tell that by finally being able to put his two weeks notice in lifted some weight off. i can't tell you how proud i am of him. he is an amazing technician and anyone should be so lucky to have him work on your car.

but, thinking about this job and the next continues to bring the same questions in my mind. what is all of this for? why do we do what we do? did we bring glory to God through it all? i think that's the biggest reason why rob is so nervous about denver. if we didn't do it here, how are we going to do it there? there's not an answer to that. just a prayer and a determination to do it different. to be different. and to only bring Him glory.

leftover friday

2011-09-23T10:03:00.000-06:00

the whole apartment is just about packed.

paper plates from here on out it is.

wouldn't it be fitting...my giant got a .75 cent raise two days before he puts in his two weeks notice.

welcome back hot chai. i have missed you.

nana found her some baby uggs. on clearance. pipi is pretty stylish.

we have an old tv in our bedroom and i want to donate it. but the f.o.b. wants to lug it with us.

she is in love with the sesame street puppets. and i mean in love!

now we play the waiting game. 17 days people. we are down to the teens.

leftover friday

2011-09-16T08:15:00.000-06:00

<>< he gets to put his two weeks notice in next friday.

<>< i praise Jesus everyday for this beautiful healthy baby girl. i feel so lucky to have her.

<>< at this point in my life, i don't even think twice about not teaching.

<>< i have started packing, well, just a little. it's amazing how bare your kitchen looks when the only thing that is missing is the all the stuff on the frig.

<>< thank goodness my mom is coming next week. she is helping me pack up every last thing.

<>< the car parts and wheels and tires and a shop vac the grease monkey has accumulated for years is now for sale. bring on all the craiglisties.

<>< our one rough day this week was overlooked by all the good ones and the nicer weather.

<>< it's true, it is not my favorite thing to take a shower {unlesss i've been skiing, camping or at the beach} but, don't worry i always do.

<>< the smokers outlet has added some new members as well as a radio to their evening festivities. it makes me smile knowing the gazebo is finally being used and the "younger folks" here are making friends.

<>< we have a busy weekend ahead. playdates, birthday brunches, packing, selling crap and my giant working.

these parents still know how to rock

2011-09-13T14:21:00.003-06:00

take 1 take 2 take 3

leftover friday

2011-09-09T09:28:00.000-06:00

>my greasy monkey is working this weekend to make some extra dough and i will be purging. getting rid of crap and cleaning.

>she mimics so much of what we do. the f.o.b. loves it.

>we will be headed to one of our favorites. blindside is coming to dallas yo.

>if anybody wants to head over to the goodwill on pipeline, i'm sure you can score some of our rejects.

>she can dance now. just a little, but she moves her body and head from side to side. lets just say, she can shake it.

>there's a little group that formed here, i call them the {smokers outlet}. they stay up into the wee hours talking and drinking their choice of beverages in the gazebo. sometimes they meet during the middle of the day too.

>and just because i love this picture...here's another one from

gina gutekunst photography

introducing

2011-09-08T14:37:00.001-06:00

sophia elizabeth

born yesterday

at 6:48 pm

8lbs 12oz

21 1/2 inches long

congratulations ryan&danielle

we cannot wait to meet our new niece!

going away party

2011-09-06T12:41:00.000-06:00

rob's family threw us a going away labor day party! it was so very sweet. imogen adores her cousins and we are all going to really miss them.
the count down is 34 days.

9 months

2011-09-04T11:02:00.001-06:00

happy 9 months to this happy baby girl, who is not such a baby anymore. she is waving bye bye and even picking up on sign language! she still loves to clap her hands and can do it while standing all on her own.

she has become a carnivore like her daddy and will eat any meat, but loves her beef.

{i guess she is fitting her nick name of baby sirloin!)

she is also picking up her daddy's sleeping habits and i'm not complaining one bit. she loves her sleep time now and is making up for hours and hours of lost shut eye.

so here's to you imogen piper on your 9 month birthday as you lay napping in your bed and your daddy asleep beside me. maybe, we'll celebrate a little later when we all have the energy for it :)

gravy suckin' pig

2011-09-03T10:20:00.000-06:00

even though it was the 5th time i had seen this movie, a single tear still falls down my cheek at the very end when clint is singing in gran torino. i finished the movie by myself last night, but it always has the same effect on me. that's what i love about good movies.

my greasy monkey was teaching me a thing or two on the terminology that the guys use in the shop:

when a car has a problem, returns and comes back to be worked on again, they call it their wife's car. "you workin on your wife's car again?"

rob: "i'm pretty good at stories"
me: "ya, your whole family is good at telling stories."
rob: "no, no, i mean a car's story."
they have to log the story of the car or what all has been done to it while working on it.

"all i had was gravy." when he says this, i know it was a great day because gravy means he got really good work. and a gravy suckin pig is someone that gets a lot of good work.

and chasing cars means working on them all day, but making no money.

so let's hope i have a gravy suckin' pig husband who's good at stories and never chases cars or works on his wife's car!

leftover friday

2011-09-02T15:12:00.000-06:00

the best f.o.b. got me a hot stone massage from groupon and i used it today. the funny thing about massages are, you never want them to end and they make you thirsty for more.

her grammy is babysitting all. day. long. today. i had some extra milk stored up and now some extra time on my hands :)

the bed doesn't always get made, but when it does, it feels like new clean sheets.

pipi stood up from the floor all on her own last night. standing there for a minute, just clapping her hands. i felt like i was witnessing a miracle.

my poor sis in law had to have gall bladder surgery this morning. poor girl. i wish we could be there to help out.

with all my extra time i just so happened to stop by nordstrom rack. they are having a sale and i found a pair of pants for $7. i also stopped by the thrift store and got a mirror.

papa joel will be in town and that means good food will be eaten.

happy weekend!

happy tuesday

2011-08-30T14:13:00.000-06:00

leftover friday

2011-08-26T08:21:00.001-06:00

two free baseball games this week. thank you rob's work. i will really miss this. oh, and since we will be having free burgers and nachos, we ate our leftovers last night.

we got back into our walking routine last week. the weather did not get cooler. i am just dealing with the heat.

our baby has been sleeping 8 hours at night ever since we came back from NE. maybe it was the change of having absolutely no lights on or the waves breaking across the shore in her sound machine.

no matter how many times i say her name is imogen {to the people who live here} they always think her name is imogene.

my giant and i sat down and played a card game last night. i miss that.

her new favorite thing is to accompany me to the laundry room and shout at the top of her lungs.

we decided to save the money and go on a walk instead of a movie last weekend.

papa joel is coming to visit us next weekend. and i want to take him to the blues & bbq festival here.

imy loves to roll her favorite ball back and forth.

i am trying not to count down the days until we move yet...{but it's 46.}

Jesus calls us to give Him our loved ones. not to hold them as idols.

oh, and go check out my baby brother's and his girl's announcement :) it will make your day!

is soy really that bad?

2011-08-23T13:50:00.001-06:00

lots of people just assume soy is very healthy for you because it is what most of the mainstream media tells us. soy, soy flour and soy products are in almost every packaged food today. soy is a hidden ingredient found in many processed foods, fast food and even dog food.

so here's why soy is bad for you:

calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc are hard to digest because of soy

can cause growth problems in children or stunted growth

can cause pancreatic disorders

problems with protein digestion

MSG (a mess itself) is added to soy foods

vitamin B12 is not absorbed in soy and makes your body actually need more B12

soy foods require your body to need more vitamin D

it can cause hypothyroidism and can cause thyroid cancer

in infants, it can cause autoimmune thyroid disease

can cause infertility and promote breast cancer

it has high levels of aluminum, which is toxic to your nervous system and kidneys

symptoms of menopause, low energy, forgetfulness, lack of focus, depression, menstrual and reproductive problems

not to mention the hormonal disruption in infants caused by the increase of estrogen in soy

so read your labels and think about the next time you buy something with soy in it!

family pictures

2011-08-22T09:12:00.000-06:00

my friend gina from ginagphotos.com took our pictures this weekend

and here's how she captured our little family.

i'm in love with them. thank you gina for giving us these memories.

photos from home

2011-08-19T14:40:00.000-06:00

imogen got to have a little playdate with her boyfriends. this is haven.

my beautiful friend dawn, who is six months pregnant.

sweet zane {who is now walking!} and imy

my brother and his wife picking out their dog they saved from all the fleas and bedbugs. i was in the car nursing :)

welcome to the family mallie. or what we call her sally o'mallie.

friday's leftovers

2011-08-19T08:54:00.001-06:00

> we found a place to live. in colorado. and the mountains will be just outside my window.

> a huge thank you to my friend sara, who spent all day {canceled her work for the day} and helped me find this beautiful place.

> i will not start packing until middle of september. so until then, i have declared it clear the clutter week(s)

> i won a contest. and we have a photo shoot tomorrow. i have no idea what we are going to wear.

> we have date night this weekend and we got my giant's cousin to babysit. captain america, here we come.

> i pray everyday for the way we are raising pipi. that she will see Him through every one of our actions.

> he is one test away from being master certified. i am so proud of my greasy monkey.

> i injured my tailbone during childbirth. i've been having trouble with it since.

> i ran into my favorite elder here yesterday. she is so delightful and just adores imogen.

> on my flight home, the executive, plantinum member next to me declined his option of free tv and offered it to me. i was caught off guard and immediately said, no thank you. stupid. stupid. stupid. i guarantee i will never get offered that again. idiot. i have this problem of saying no when i really mean yes.

friday's leftovers

2011-08-12T11:34:00.003-06:00

> it's 60 degrees and i'm wearing long sleeves.
i am not in texas this week.

> my husband doesn't know. but i cut my hair off.

> remember the older couple who crashed into my parents van on the fourth of july?
lost your face in the crowd: hometown well, i just found out that he died because of blood clots he got from the crash. it is all so very sad.

> i forgot her swimming suit, so to be modest in front of all her boyfriends, she wore a onesie.

> if i could write a book. i would want it to be the book "bittersweet" by shauna niequist. it is amazingly raw and so beautiful.

> we contemplated, for so long, when we {accidentally} bought our house about getting a puppy. i am so very thankful we never did. although, i do love cute puppies.

> i am headed to colorado and in search for a place to live. but i only have a couple apartment complexes to check out.

> i wish my giant could be here and enjoy this break with us. i sure do miss him a lot. and i don't feel complete without him.

> my mom made me some corn on the cob last night. there is nothing else like it.

> if i were teaching, i would be back to work. thank you Lord for baby imy.

> we get to see my brother and wife this weekend! so happy they get to spend some extra time with us.

a lone star kind of state

2011-08-08T15:31:00.000-06:00

i longed for a new place, a place to settle in, to make a home and texas never was to me. i ached for something more beautiful, but all i was seeing was concrete. i imagined, cried and carried on about someday moving. but even though texas was never home. it gave me 5 years of my life. i grew, loved and lost here. i gained new friends while losing others. i watched my husband become a man here. i labored and i gave birth to the most precious baby girl here. we ate tons of delicious food and watched dozens of movies. we danced on the living room floor, showered together and played catan multiple times on our hand-me-down antique kitchen table. we have family here and a mom who we will more than miss. i fell in love with first graders here and became a real life teacher. we bought cars, sold them and sold again. i became a wife and then a stay-at-home momma. i got sick here, really sick. we put miles on our cars, discovered queso and found the best thrift stores. we learned to say we were from fort worth and not dallas. i discovered what good-for-you-food really is and gained a set of grandparents. we became beer snobs here and saw are favorite musicians. i saw us for who we really are. but more than that, it is what Christ taught me here. His devout love. forgiveness. grace. i learned He is my first thought when i wake up and my last when i lie down. My Lord is my Savior and died for all of my sins. for me. for us. for our little family. so, more than i know, texas taught me. showed me. shaped me.

confessions

2011-08-06T13:43:00.000-06:00

i bought some swedish fish yesterday
i really don't want to pay our last months rent here. i truly believe they screwed us over on our utility bills for the past 2 years. like hundreds of dollars screwed us over.
you know that rut you get in when you argue with your spouse and everything you say or do turns into more arguing and can sometimes lasts for days?? we'll, we're over that.
sometimes i catch myself watching girlie movies. and i don't even like them.
a vegetable is not always eaten at our table.
she makes me want more. soon.
it is hard for me to invite people over. i am afraid of our small bungalow. it gets hot and crowded.
i only put $20 worth of gas in my car when i {fill up} the tank.
this sweltering texas heat gives me b.o.
i started a rob and tiff fund to move to colorado.

we are headed north

2011-08-05T21:34:00.002-06:00

Load the car and write the note
Grab your bag and grab your coat
Tell the ones that need to know
We are headed north

One foot in and one foot back
But it don't pay to live like that
So I cut the ties and I jumped the tracks
For never to return

Ahh Denver, Denver take me in
Are you aware the shape I'm in?
My hands, they shake, my head, it spins
Denver, Denver take me in

As of today, we are moving north. October 1st is the date. And then my greasy monkey will begin getting greasy in denver, colorado.

i have been dreaming of this move since we came to texas. and i know it is not the answer to everything in our lives. but, there will be big beautiful trees, fall, winter, mountains, skiing, and snow. Oh, there will be snow. we will finally get to wear all our warm clothes, coats, stocking hats, furry boats and sweatshirts, that have lived in storage for years.

it is in this place where i feel the most peaceful, at home and am able to just worship. I am more than excited.

leftover friday

2011-08-05T09:24:00.001-06:00

*this blog is in a little bit of transition. something happen to it when i was updating from my phone. ugh.

*can you believe it? i finally am able to share our big news with you!!

*my littlest brother's film is premiering as the number one, opening spot tomorrow night. i'm so proud of him and can't wait for what is in store for him. and my sister and parents are there celebrating him, his film and graduation as we speak. love you rambo! check out his wifey's blog here.

*i think we are at 39 consecutive days of 100 + degrees. *i really do feel denver calling my name.

*it is so hard for me to believe that i have an 8 month old.

*i hate to turn my oven on in this heat, so i've been having trouble cooking this week.

*there was this really creepy guy who came up to imogen and offered her his pop, but said it was actually his beer. we were eating dinner and it was very weird. i think i attract the weirdos.

*i am taking rob's momma to the airport today. she is headed to montana. i so wish i could go with her. i am dying to meet baby carter and see the rest of the montanans.

*she giggles so hard when you ask her if she loves her paci. i love her laughs.

*my giant and i have a chiropractor date tonight, i am destined to do laundry tomorrow and family day on sunday. happy weekend.

happy 8 months

2011-08-04T15:27:00.003-06:00

my birthday girl,

imogen piper

you are such a happy baby. and have absolutely no fear. you even let go of the chair yesterday and stood all by yourself for the first time. you now cry when daddy leaves for work and fake cry when you don't get your way. you have the biggest smile and bring so much joy into this house and we thank our Lord everyday. tonight, we are celebrating you with chicken tacos and molly's chocolate chip cookies!

carter clayton

2011-08-01T12:22:00.001-06:00

8 pounds 14 ounces

21 inches long

congratulations jenn and cory and big brother tucker!

he is so precious and we cannot wait to meet our new nephew!

we love the nightlife

2011-07-31T12:38:00.000-06:00

we had a long night two sleeps ago so everything seemed to get done a little earlier than normal yesterday. at the end of the day, my giant and i went to get pizza and even rented a movie. pipi played and nursed and nursed and played during source code and we finished at 9:30. i went over the final scenes with roberto (since his eyelids failed him and his body gave in to the sleepiness) while we put her to bed.

1:00 and i hear her crying. she's been sick and hasn't been sleeping well {at all} so i don't even wait a few minutes, i take her out of the crib and rock and nurse her back to sleep.

2:20 i hear her again. dang it. rock and nurse and back to sleep.

4:05 and all i can think about is how i want two hours of sleep in a row (especially since we didn't sleep at all the night before)

rock and nurse

and i try to put her back in her crib, but she wakes up in my arms. i lay her down and then crouch down behind the couch (so she doesn't see me) praying she will fall back asleep.

nope.

we try again and fail

round three and i can feel tears sting my eyes and my chair is not comfortable anymore. i lay her down again but she just needs me.

we move to the couch and then eventually i make a pallet on the floor. she is up now and i am watching her with one eye open and the other asleep as she tries to play.

it's 5:45 and the f.o.b. will be getting up soon to drive bus for the church.

as she climbs over and over me, imogen finally stays in my arms and we nurse and fall back asleep. (if i tried to put her in our bed she only wants to play with daddy and climb over the both of us, so i didn't)

i hear my alarm go off in the bedroom and eventually feel the vibrations from the shower. he's up.

7:20 rob leaves for church and i make the decision to stay home. i barely make it up off the floor and stumble into our bed leaving my baby snug on the floor. i remember asking him to leave the bedroom door open so she can come crawl to me when she wakes up.

8:00 and i hear her crying.

"imogen come here" i say, as i sit up in bed and call to her.

she came crawling over and it's one of the sweetest things i've ever seen.

i can tell she's exhausted and we cuddle and try to find sleep again.

so here's to a new day, another night and prayers for a healing ear infection.

and again

2011-07-29T07:12:00.000-06:00

friday's leftovers:

because she decided to take her afternoon nap in the evening, i was not able to make dinner last night, so no leftovers today. we will have a fresh made meal.

well, she still has an ear infection. and we took her to the doctor. i will learn. it is my fault. i decided not to give her any more drops in her ears because i thought she was feeling better. sorry sweet girl.

nothing too exciting planned for the weekend. my giant will probably work and then will probably work in our storage unit. sounds fun, huh?

i have to hold my breath when i walk past a neighboring apartment. it always smells so bad. especially in this blasted heat. i know, to walk past it is only for a couple seconds, but take deep breath and hold. it's that bad.

she has decided she loves to give high fives. pretty soon, i will have to teach her {ultimate} high five. an uncle rambo and i's favorite.

why is it so easy for some people to lose the baby weight? i have mommy friends that look like they have not even been pregnant. ugh...i have to stop comparing. i hate it.

in less than two weeks i will be back in the good life.

my cousin just had a baby that they told was a girl, but came out a boy.

patience. i am in prayer for patience.

why do i sometimes forget how to be a wife or a mother and a daughter and a sister or a friend? i absolutely hate failing.

it is a common thing to see the ambulance and fire fighters here at our retirement village. i mean, this is the place they live before they travel across the street to take up residence at the nursing home. i heard two sirens yesterday. and that leads to two vacant apartments :(

we are getting rid of crap, cutting more coupons and putting money in the bank(savings). it's about to happen.

uncle jeff jeff

2011-07-26T12:01:00.001-06:00

rob's brother

came from L.A. to visit us for a long weekend.

my giant even took a sick day on monday so we could all spend more time with each other.

we had such a great time,

staying up late,

eating good food,

movie watching,

swimming,

church going,

beer drinking,

shopping,

laughing,

napping

and

visiting.

{jeff just got done working on set with the new spiderman

and

is now on set with the movie- end of watch}

can't wait to see them both!

thanks uncle jeff for coming from cali to be with us!

leftover friday

2011-07-22T10:02:00.000-06:00

we will be eating all of my leftover baked ziti from wednesday night and pizza from last night.

i was really hoping to have news for you, but i don't. who knows.

i got 41% off my prenatal vitamins yesterday. i saved a lot of money.

there is only one immediate family member pipi has left to meet :) and i hope it's so soon!

i feel cooped up with all this 100+ degree weather. i don't get out much in it because i would probably melt.

my husband works harder than anyone i know and that means so much to me. i love him like crazy.

i can't believe i finished my first book since having her and now i'm back to reading about birth order.

i miss the ease of just going into my kitchen to cook something {without} waking up my baby> {who sleeps in our dining/living/kitchen}.

we have a great weekend planned for uncle jeffery. celebrating grammy's birthday. biking, brewery, baseball. church. pipi watching and of course lots of good food.

welcome back

2011-07-20T14:55:00.001-06:00

look who's feeling better.

less cuddles,

but she's up and playing, talking and of course

smiling.

what did we use to treat her ear infection?

a few drops of collodial silver in her ear, a few times a day.

and breast milk.

get well soon.

2011-07-18T11:24:00.001-06:00

our little baby has an ear infection and is in need of some extra love. after hours and hours of continuous hurting and crying last night, we pray the worst is over.

so to help her feel better,

here she is with her close friend jackson! they love to play together and have so much fun.

friday leftovers:

2011-07-15T09:35:00.000-06:00

i am a big believer in the courtesy wave when driving. i wish other people were too.

we had the best little morning ever this week. and we celebrated by going to get a donut in our pjs.

after being with rob all day for a week, it was very hard to be without him all day this week. we really missed him.

the parking lot here looks a little bare now. and i like it.

you know all our "neighbors" are wondering where our fleet went! i'm sure it is big news.

a lot of my clothes are in storage and most of my t-shirts. they have been since we moved here. i can't wait for the day to unpack those boxes. it will be like a whole new wardrobe.

imy gets to meet her uncle jeff next week. she's pretty pumped.

she has only gained 5 oz in two months. {don't freak out mothers, she is just so mobile. that's all.} and she's losing her baby rolls. sad.

i am starting to believe that i won't be able to go to any festivals this summer. they keep passing us by. dang it.

my giant hasn't been able to drive bus for church in awhile. he keeps telling them he works on saturdays and they keep scheduling him for saturdays. ugh. i know he misses it.

i have really been enjoying some coconut water. so good for you.

today is imogen's little boyfriends birthdays. happy birthday to haven and zane. we miss you!

can i just say,

that i don't want this rabbit hole to eat me alive.

ok, now back to tending for my teething baby.

hometown

2011-07-12T13:25:00.001-06:00

the fourth of july

in my hometown

in nebraska

aunt shannon also came for the week!

our trip started off with a bang.

an elderly couple was on their way to church and hit my parents car

to avoid hitting the neighbor's dog in the street.

the couple was shaken up and taken to the hospital.

aunt tiffany and uncle tj came too!

what would the 4th be without fireworks?

roberto and tj put on a show

that had us ducking under the chairs.

there was lots of swimming

and sunbathing.

our annual july 4th golf tournament

nana soaked up the cuddles

my teammate

and my other teammates

so.

my dad ended up getting a hole in one.

it was pretty amazing.

{pipi is holding the lucky ball}

we even got to go to kearney for a couple days to see rob's brother

ryan and fam!

claire loved holding pipi

ethan enjoyed playing with her

and i don't think ashley wanted to let her go.

she loves her cousins.

i never take enough pictures.

i missed out on my aunt jane and cousin rachel coming to visit and seeing imogen for the first time. our close friends coming over. one more side trip and all the yummy food.

ponce de leon

2011-07-11T09:27:00.001-06:00

farewell good friend. this was the hardest car for us to say goodbye to. we explored and made a lot of fun memories. we even had to sell it out of state because i guess no one in tx fell in love. man, he was a good ride.

our last official drive in ponce :(

leftover friday

2011-07-08T19:04:00.000-06:00

we are now a two car family. hallelujah. i will have to write a farewell to ponce de leon.

the weather in nebraska has been beautiful. and we leave tomorrow.

we always eat way too much while we're here and now i feel like i am about to puke.

i had someone ask me if i was expecting baby number 2.

oh grand.

time to kick the shredding into high gear.

imogen's top two front teeth have broken free. that means extra poopy diapers and long nights.

i was told i would not be able to get on the plane. in my t shirt and thongs (yes, i still call them thongs). it had to be business casual. {on a 15 passenger airplane}

i snuck on anyway.

i got to see a very precious baby boy today. his mom and him were glowing.

the giant and i have learned a lot about each other this trip and how we need more Jesus.

my kid brother and dear sister-in-law were extremely missed this round.

back to business. as usual.

happy 7th!

2011-07-04T11:38:00.001-06:00

happy 7th month birthday imogen!

golf tournament, swimming, hamburgers, homemade ice cream and fireworks.

what a day to celebrate!

and with all this fun, she was bound to get tuckered out.

pipi's room

2011-07-01T15:33:00.001-06:00

because i didn't get to decorate a nursery.

here is imogen's corner of the apartment.

if you look closely you can see our kitchen table.

yes, she lives in our fancy dining room.

leftover friday

2011-07-01T07:24:00.001-06:00

my first couple of years i did not notice, but i now know the difference between 90 and 100 degrees sweltering weather.

she has learned to clap her hands.

my littlest brother has a blog now too.

it's really a shame they don't allow them. i really miss the sound of booms during this season.

our alarm clock didn't go off this morning and he was late to work. thanks to pipi for waking us up.

our friends had a beautiful baby boy, beau. we get to meet him soon and another friend is having their baby boy today.

we are leaving really, really late tonight. i guess i should say really early saturday morning. for a road trip and this family loves road trips.

i have not packed one thing yet.

it's hard to remember when she didn't smile on purpose.

we have a new neighbor that moved in next door. i hope they like us because pipi isn't havin' her new crib just yet. she seems so tiny in it.

my heart has been working overtime this past week. and i pray to continue to give Him control.

ee-ples and bee-nee-nees

2011-06-30T08:18:00.001-06:00

i like to call it baby-led eating,

but they call it baby-led weaning.

it places the emphasis on the baby exploring the taste, texture, colour and smell of the food. and can set their own pace for the meal. this means, i will not be traditionally spoon feeding my baby pureed foods or jars from the store. however, this will take time for her to learn to eat on her own, and her main source of nutrition will still be the breast. we are just starting to explore. and she likes it.

wearin' mama's necklace

2011-06-28T13:07:00.002-06:00

flax and oat bars

2011-06-25T11:31:00.001-06:00

this is taken from my friend's blog: drcindyblog.com

i have made them twice now and the giant enjoys them as well.

they are so healthy and delicious,

i just had to share them too!

No Bake Chocolate Chip

Flax n’ Oat Bars

3 Tablespoons Honey

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar (I used Turbinado)

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil

1/2 Cup Peanut Butter, SunButter, or Your Favorite Nut or Seed Butter (I used organic sunflower seed butter)

1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (I used organic and a lil’ bit more like 1tsp)

Generous Pinch or Two of Salt (omit if using salted nut or seed butter)

2 Tablespoons Ground Flaxseed

1 Cup Quick or Rolled Oats (use certified gluten-free oats or give quinoa flakes a go for gluten-free)

1 Cup Perky’s Rice Cereal

1/2 Cup mini chocolate chips (I used Whole Food’s 365 Organic ones)

In a medium-sized saucepan or skillet, combine the two sweeteners and the oil, and gently warm over low heat while stirring until the sugar crystals have dissolved. This should just take a couple of minutes.
Stir in the nut or seed butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Remove from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool for a couple of minutes.
Stir in the flaxseed, followed by the oats and cereal.
Now you have two choices here. If you want the chocolate chips to stay intact, let the mixture cool for few more minutes, and then stir in the chocolate chips. Or, if you are antsy like me, stir in the chocolate chips right away. They may melt a little against the warm pan, but I like them that way.
The mixture will be crumbly, but that is okay. Press it firmly into an 8 x 8 pan (use saran wrap or wax paper over your hand if it threatens to stick while pressing) or into 10 to 12 muffin tins. Make sure it is packed in there nicely, and then place the bars into the freezer to chill for 30 minutes to an hour.
Cut into bars or pop them out and eat. Store them in the refrigerator to keep fresh and from getting too soft. Enjoy!!

thanks dr. cindy!

friday leftovers:

2011-06-24T09:17:00.000-06:00

we sold two cars in one week. can you believe it? our used car lot is down to only three. any takers on the third?

my greasy monkey has been working really hard and extra long every night. i miss him.

she is now starting to walk from end to end on our couch. she needs to slow down and cuddle. we try to sneak in as many as we can.

imogen helped me pick out a gift for aunt jenni's baby shower. can't wait to meet baby carter.

i am just begging to learn photoshop, but keep falling asleep during the tutorials.

our crib is on its way and i am thrilled.

she woke up yesterday when i went to pour myself a glass of water. dang she's a light sleeper.

we received free tickets to see the rangers tonight. they are great seats and i think she is beginning to like baseball.

i am looking for a homemade brownie recipe. mine turned out dry. however, my homemade granola bars were a hit.

in one week we will be traveling to the good life. and cooler weather.

and a promise of a move is still to come.

taken by my friend keri

you + me

2011-06-21T11:08:00.001-06:00

emily {from}

at kissandtellme.bigcartel.com

wrote our story.

and this is what i gave the f.o.b. for father's day.

so enjoy.

our very first picture

He ate one slice of pizza, which is his equivalent of being speechless. He was so nervous to see her, so eager and anxious to be near her for the first time in almost a decade, that he even let her drink from his straw.

She landed at the Bozeman airport after telling their story to the stewardess on the plane, who, in turn asked her to share the story with all of the passengers. The passengers knew how he was a year ahead of her in junior high and how they met at youth group eight years prior. He had a crush on her and she thought he was cute—that’s all—until the day he was to move to a different time zone and a different life. On that day, he walked up to her front porch to say goodbye, and she thought to herself, “I hope he learns to become a good skier.”

He moved, but he stayed in her heart. They sent a couple emails back and forth. He planted the seed—“If you ever break up with that jerk, let me know”—but she never thought she’d see him again.

And then the dreams began.

She dreamt of him frequently. He was in the background, his short, spiky blond hair, a constant cast member in the dreams that continued for days, months and then years. Always there, almost as a reminder. So she began to pray for him, daily, for eight years, for no other reason than because she felt his presence in her subconscious was a sign from Him. A sign to pray and nothing more.

Her relationship ended. She finished college. She lived and loved and grew. Years passed until, one unremarkable day, friends they shared mentioned something about him. She felt something. She asked them for his phone number, but held on to it, anxious, until summoning up the courage and realizing, truly, she didn’t have much to lose by making the call.

No answer. She left a message with her first name. He listened to the message, though he didn’t know who she was, and called her back anyway. He realized who was calling.

“If you ever break up with that jerk, let me know.”

And she did.

He asked if she was married. She knew, from their first 45-minute conversation, that the peace in her heart was not from something as simple as a phone call. He told his friends she was the girl he would marry. He’d never had a girlfriend before.

Their first conversation ended with the promise of more to come. They had a decade worth of living to catch up on, and, in four-hour periods every night for months, they shared their past, their hopes for the present and a promise of a future that they could share.

Their friends were in shock. Her family, for the most part, resisted. They did not know. They did not understand. But, in a way that is only revealed in time, they did not need to.

She walked off the plane onto the tarmac. He met her there, to the applause of the entire flight. Passengers shook their hands. But she did not kiss him when she saw him. After all, nothing about this could be predicted.

For the first time in eight years, they were together. They shared their first kiss on Thursday of that four-day trip. And then, they were apart again.

It was the first of many four-day trips. She lived in the Midwest; he moved to Texas seeking an opportunity and a chance to prepare a life for his future bride. In the months to come, distance, misunderstanding and disapproval from others clashed with their fierce loyalty and love, foremost, of the Creator who brought them together, and then to each other; a conviction of a love that always protected, always trusted, always hoped and always persevered—their love.

On October 14, 2006, he stood on the white sands of a beach, holding her hands, her white gown still as the emerald ocean behind them. As the sun sank into the orange sky, a covenant was made, a man and woman were united and a simple promise—that love never fails—was fulfilled.

when we were young

so go check her out

and

share your story with her

goodbye subaru

2011-06-20T09:29:00.001-06:00

i will not miss you.

in fact:

we had this car one year too long

some of you didn't even know he existed

i have never driven it

it has automatic seat belts

we received over 2 dozen emails about this guy

he is leaving us without a proper name

selling it was the icing on top of a wonderful father's day

thank you to the man who bought it for his wife.

what will be, will be

2011-06-17T08:34:00.000-06:00

friday leftovers:

it's been a long week and my emotions have been a roller coaster. hello weekend glad to see you.

she is pulling herself up all over the place and is now trying to stand without using any objects. a daredevil she is.

the heat down here is absolutely miserable so pipi and i go and get sno-cones about twice a week. she enjoys her peewee plain ice.

sometimes i wonder if i loved her newborn stage enough.

so excited for friends and how their adoption is becoming more real.

i pray for the renewing of a right spirit within me.

the f.o.b. is trying to train for a biathlon.

we finally bought a new lens for my camera. and i am in love.

she got mistaken for a baby boy again.

the lady, whose husband lets their dog out only in his undies, was talking to that dog "what a pretty little boy. did you see him? what a pretty little boy."

ugh, ...me: "thanks, but she is a girl"

still talking to her dog, "did you see him? he's so pretty."

i give up.

i moved our 300 pound (that's a guess) desk across the apartment. i am making room for a crib.

i can't wait to show you what i'm celebrating my f.o.b with for father's day. treat, support and love those daddies in your life.

take 2

2011-06-15T11:01:00.001-06:00

this is our san antonio food diary:

bush's chicken in waco, tx

we split a chicken strip meal with mashed taters and green beans.

lulu's jailhouse cafe:

we first saw this place on the show man vs. food

we ordered everything he did on the show

a 3 pound cinnamon roll

and the chicken fried steak meal {with eggs and hashbrowns}

we didn't even make a dent.

chris madrids:

a friend told us about this place.

we split an amazing burger and fresh cut fries.

i of course got one of their cool t-shirts and the lady liked us so much she threw in one for imogen and two stickers.

this could be a regular place for us if we lived closer. we tried to go back sunday, but they were closed.

so instead we went to big lou's:

home of the 42" pizza and another appearance on man vs. food

we split a pepperoni. and it was fantastic.

we also ate on the riverwalk, but i didn't take pictures of it. we were bummed because we wanted to go eat mexican food somewhere else and didn't get the chance. san antonio does have amazing food and made the trip that much more worth it.

now on to our cleanse...

san antonio take 1

2011-06-14T11:23:00.001-06:00

our first stop was our hotel. the emily morgan. it was a beautiful old hotel in downtown. it used to be a hospital and is declared haunted {of course}. we requested a king, but they gave us a queen, that was actually a double. it was a tight squeeze for a giant and i. the room was very nice but rather small. i believe it's the one they save for priceliners like us.

the alamo was right across the street. definitely not the coolest thing. and a bit tinier than expected.

we debated and debated about going here. we took the dive.

waited almost two hours just to get into the park, but we conquered it.

the riverwalk.

although there was a slight breeze that helped us from sweating to death, a bath was still necessary.

last minute trip to the caves and caverns of san antonio and my first.

for just a short weekend, it felt like we were there much longer. i guess we did try to cram in as much as we could. i will have to post a whole other adventure of the food we ate. it deserves it. we had a great time. i just didn't know how packed san antonio would be with people. and i am now on a hiatus of people this week. we also decided that imogen will probably be our only child who will get to see sea world. that's just how it is.

so glad we finally made it down this way and it's what i had up my sleeve. happy birthday rob.

what's leftover

2011-06-10T09:04:00.000-06:00

i ate sushi for the first time this week. but not the raw stuff. it was very good.

pipi girl is pulling herself up. and trying to take steps.

stop growing up already!

we are headed to the riverwalk and san antonio this weekend. i pricelined a hotel for my giant's birthday. we are missing his cousin's graduation and a camping trip. i did not know these things when i planned this. but we are excited for just the three of us to spend some time.

i am so sick of craiglisties and their fake interest in things. i think i will add {serious buyers only} to all our adds.

i think i may be receiving a free ticket to denver. so another week in nebraska may be in the works.

i research different places to live everyday. i am ready.

our pool party yesterday was fun and i wish i had pictures.

he wants me to pick up some tools that are on sale for him before we leave. i don't think i have ever been in sears by myself.

transition my be happening to this family and i don't know if my giant is ready for it. he is fearful.

it just hit us two weeks ago that she is big enough to sit in a high chair at restaurants and in shopping carts. it didn't cross our mind before this.

today is rob's twin sister and brother's birthday. happy birthday julie and jeff! we miss you.

hope you have a great weekend!

vacation

2011-06-09T11:21:00.002-06:00

in pictures...

introducing

2011-06-07T15:00:00.001-06:00

pipi tails!

six months

2011-06-06T14:50:00.000-06:00

happy six months to baby imy. no, i didn't forget. it was actually two days ago and we celebrated by eating some mexican {no margaritas for us} and playing with her toys. i didn't have any photos uploaded and did not want to wish her a happy 6 months without one.

the day we came home from florida, she became a big girl crawler. and now sits up on her knees and is trying to stand. it was time to drop her pack-n-play to the lowest level when we caught her standing in it, knocking down the baskets on the shelf beside her bed.

she is growing up so fast. her interactions with us are the cutest and her personality is starting to shine. who were we before she was born? it's hard to remember now.

friday leftovers

2011-06-03T08:10:00.000-06:00

well, we're back from florida. a day later than planned, plus a $1000 travel voucher for the giant and i. we are talking about where to go...maybe somewhere we would never otherwise get the chance to.

i stayed in the shade most of the time with the babe, so not much of a tan for me. i'm ok with that.

today is my student's last day of school. imy and i are going to make an appearance with some popsicles.

i only taught them for 4 months before saying goodbye to be with my own kiddo.

we have no food in our house, so no leftovers tonight.

my family is still on the beach and will be eating some more fresh fish. wish we could join them.

i'm watching my daughter sit on the bathroom floor, staring at herself in the long mirror and laughing. adorable.

what do you do when your vacation is already over? i hate that feeling.

i took a lot of pictures and i know you're waiting to see pipi in her swimming suit playing in the sand.

but her favorite was swimming in pool.

leftovers again!

2011-05-27T08:31:00.000-06:00

one day and counting. beach, here we come. my body isn't quite ready for a swimsuit yet and i still need to shred it, but it's beach time and i'm pretty excited about it.

no means yes and yes means yes in the stanton household.

she sat up for the first time wednesday. and now many more times since.

i have trouble falling asleep and my giant has a very hard time waking up.

she has one little basket of toys. and likes to dump them all out to play with each one.

we played tennis for the first time in a long time last night. sometimes i forget how much i like that sport.

i received death glares as i did my laundry yesterday. some of the residents do not enjoy our company here.

we found a lost little girl in the parking lot when i went to have lunch with my grease monkey. rob picked her up and starting going in to all the restaurants to see who she belonged to. a little crazy. her mom ended up being in the backseat of her car with another child. when rob handed her over, the mom immediately spanked her. poor thing. it was not her fault.

well, i have lots to do and pack to get ready. how cute is she going to be on the beach?!? thanks to nana, two swimsuits and everything.

essentials

2011-05-26T14:54:00.000-06:00

some mama and baby musts that help us get through each day.

aden + anais blanket sophie the giraffe

ergo baby carrier

undercover mama nursing shirts

pottery barn baby blanket uppababy stroller

the perfect prenatal vitamins

stefie k. handmade diaper bag bumbo

amber teething bracelet

jellycat hippo hippo's book

skyping nana

2011-05-25T15:28:00.000-06:00

because we live so far away...

here comes pipi

2011-05-24T14:41:00.000-06:00

look who's crawling

and followed me into the kitchen for the first time!

"this is rob with the pager, from parkwood"

2011-05-23T11:54:00.000-06:00

do you remember why we live in a retirement apartment complex? well, here's why.

{sometimes i have to keep reminding myself}

*we are the {backup} emergency responders. so if one of the elderly hits their little beeper they wear around their neck. then we come a'callin.

*we get super cheap reduced rent. i mean it.

*we are getting out of debt.

*we are planning a move. {more on that later} i have never written about it and will soon. i promise.

so, friday night i guess they turned the water off in building 2 so they could work on something or another. our pager went off around 11:30. i do not go on the calls with my giant anymore because of the wee one, anyway the emergency turned out to be a lady needing a glass of water to take her pills. really? well, i guess. apparently, she also had really bad cotton mouth. i could only imagine.

we head back to bed. at 5:20 a.m., our pager goes off again. rob grabs some more water {just in case that is what this person needs as well}. turns out they only press the button to let us know the water was not working. yes, we knew that. but they seemed to think rob was there to fix it. please let it be known that we are not maintenance. we don't fix anything or clean or do your laundry. we only help if you have an emergency {example: if you fall}. he kindly told Coy and Billy Gene that someone is working on the problem in the building. but while telling the husband this, his wife is peaking around the corner giving rob death glares. she then proceeds to walk over to her couch, grab her purse and coat and head back into hiding. she thought he was a hooligan.

just wait till she sees what the maintenance guy looks like! she's in for a real treat.

so back to why we live here.

i wonder why, a lot these days.

leftover friday

2011-05-20T03:52:00.000-06:00

i have been trying new recipes every week. i just look up what i can make with the ingredients i already have and wa la. dinner.

my grease monkey decided to jump in a bucket of grease and head to work tomorrow. alas, my hair will have to wait, for i don't have a babysitter to head to the beauty shop.

she is trying so hard to crawl. buttocks in the air. legs kicking.

i make mistakes. i admit to them.

robbie's mommy had knee surgery this week. painful. poor grammy.

i hate when i'm still awake when i hear the newspapers hit the neighboring doors.

it is not always jellybeans and lollipops raising a baby. sometimes i want to leave her on a doorstep and get the hell outta there. sometimes.

rob bikes with a friend. i'm kinda jealous.

there is a local here who lets her mutt run wild on the third floor. he chooses to use our doorways as his bathroom. his name is max.

our dear friends received a new job and home this month. so happy for them. plus they are expecting baby 2!

here is pipi and her future husband meeting for the first time {give or take a day or two}

and

in the words of his daddy

"haven wanted to make a good first impression, so he combed his hair and brought his Bible."

i believe it was a lovely first date ;)

a heart of thanksgiving

2011-05-19T12:55:00.000-06:00

a hardworking f.o.b. who loves his Father first

my lovable, huggable babe who needs to be near

the hope of rain

a warm restful nap

the dream of a move

daily conversations with a wise woman

the ability to make and give the best kind of nutrition

the chance to be a momma and a teacher in my own home, on my own terms

unclogged drains and a man who does the dishes

for a sister who sent something special

and a boy's mother who needs a new knee and some prayers

a glorious messy life that's full of failures, mercy and grace

it's that time

2011-05-18T13:40:00.000-06:00

look who i caught sitting up in her swing today!

and then trying to crawl out of it.

oh man...

the dedication

2011-05-17T14:35:00.001-06:00

our church encourages for you to have your own led dedication with the family and friends in your community. they are the ones who will offer their support, love, prayers and hold us accountable as we raise her to love our Lord.

we held it at our apartment's community room. and because 6 out of 7 siblings could not attend we asked them to write a special note, prayer or blessing for imogen. we wrote them out on the boards below and displayed them for everyone to read. we missed all of them, but their words were so beautiful and i can't wait to one day share them with pipi. thank you for sharing your love with her.

she was full of smiles the whole night.

this is her auntie barb

with papa joel and grammy

and we can't forget the cousins

claire bear, ashley and ethan

i just want to say thank you so much for all who came. it meant so much to our little family to have you there. i know some traveled very far and we love that you took the time and effort to show your support. thank you. thank you.

forget the 4th

2011-05-17T14:28:00.000-06:00

papa and nana flew down for imogen's baby dedication and wanted to do something fun the night before. the yankees were in town so, we decided on a rangers game to celebrate rob's birthday.

there was even a fireworks show set to music. if you ever go on a friday night. please stay for the free fireworks afterwards. definitely worth it.

a great ending to a wonderful night.

i wish i had a pie plate

2011-05-16T14:31:00.000-06:00

here's how my key limeade pie i made on saturday turned out. i actually made two and rob took one to work. tangy and delicious and now i'm ready for the beach. 12 more days.

friday the 13th

2011-05-13T10:35:00.000-06:00

leftovers:

: the f.o.b. and i talked about getting a crib. hmmm...not sure where we are going to put that.

: i have this craving to go bowling. i've had it for awhile now.

: we have two people interested in our lx. fingers are crossed.

: i have learned that teeth are sure cute, but dangerous and not fun.

: i will be making a key limeade pie this weekend. it is practice for when we are in florida.

: my favorite part of our walk is going through a certain neighborhood. although, i have been bybassing it lately, i get too envious of the houses.

: i had all the ingredients ready to start the dinner making process for tonight and then remembered we had plans. thank you memory.

: i dropped my laptop off at school this week. i was holding it hostage until my principal gave me a letter of recommendation. i became weak and gave in. and i still do not have my letter.

: i think my daughter inherited my easily frustrated nature. or do babies just go through that?

: so excited about heading over to in and out burger this week. i haven't had some delicious in and out since my cousin got married in phoenix and the year was 2005. i can't even believe it myself. but are they still going to be a novelty since they expanded to the metroplex??

: the sun is shining and it's a beautiful day in texas. here's to having a positive attitude and gentle spirit today. may i honor Him.

my husband is a car doctor and i'm a babywearer

2011-05-11T13:40:00.001-06:00

i wear my baby and i love it. we started right away and our first couple outings weren't very successful. she got frustrated and i ended up taking her out of the sling. but you have to try it more than just a few times people before you get the hang of it. pipi is so used to it now. i think she likes being so close to mommy. rob is even a babywearer sometimes. it's the cutest.

i like my moby

and am in love with my balboa baby sling

(plus a crazy leg)

and my ergo,

but would love to try a hava sling or a dolcino wrap. {maybe for the next baby}. i will be on the look out. oh and i would also love to have a kelty baby carrier. for hikes and things in the mountains. anyway, who wants to lug that dang car seat around? especially now that she weighs over 17 pounds. that thing gets heavy. wearing my baby keeps my hands free (for cooking, laundry and house cleaning) and her safe.

yes, we are those people who take their baby everywhere. to the store. the movies. sporting events. breweries. to dinner. shopping. sno-cone runs.

besides, that's what babywearing is for.

so where do you wear your baby?

life line

2011-05-10T14:42:00.000-06:00

when i had imogen, i didn't really think about it. i just knew i was going to breastfeed. i didn't read books {about this topic} or ask a lot of questions. i just trusted my body that God was going to allow it to do what it's supposed to do. she came out of me and immediately latched. she liked one breast better than the other at first, but she was born to suck. we never had any problems. she didn't have to be adjusted in order to nurse better or have a tongue tie or consult a la leche league. and although she was doing so well with it, i understand why people give up and quit. it's tough getting through those first six weeks. your nipples burn, your boobs are sore and let's face it, there is something sucking the life out of you in order for them to survive. but we made it. it wasn't super painful or a struggle for us and that i'm thankful for. breast milk by far is the best for baby. the nutritional value it has far out weighs the other. my baby is bonded to me with a closeness only a mother knows. i want to advocate breastfeeding. and i want every momma to have the chance be able to do it.

i often get asked how long i'm going to be her life line. and i don't have an answer. i believe it is different for every baby. maybe when she's good and ready. but for now she needs me and i need her.

what is left is right

2011-05-06T06:37:00.000-06:00

friday leftovers:

happy birthday to my gorgeous man. he's required to take work off on his birthday, but he went in to do some extra greasy things. i miss him.

imogen had an 8 hour sleep span on her 5 month birthday. i guess she is a big girl now.

we've been pretty busy. getting ready for her dedication. it is saturday.

this is not a statement of salvation, but a commitment to raise her in the way of our Lord. we will be celebrating with our community. i only wish our whole family could be there.

i made and ordered gifts for our mommas on shutterfly. i got them this week and they had messed them up. i cried.

i am craving some extra cheesy pizza.

my f.o.b. almost forgot i was a mother. it's ok. i reminded him i birthed his beautiful baby.

rob's dad gets to meet her for the first time. get ready for some joel b. love. i think he will be smitten.

our baby loves to hang upside down. i think she will follow in her daddy's monkey ways.

when asked who we are visiting at our retirement apartment complex rob answers "grandma." it is sometimes easier than having to explain we live and work here.

five months already

2011-05-04T12:14:00.001-06:00

happy 5 month birthday to these sweet cheeks. this widdle girl has two teeth and is working on a couple more. her favorite activities include: attacking her toy sophie, rolling all over. scooting. touching everything in sight. laying on the death grip. showing off for daddy in her jumpy and being attached to momma's hip.

she weighs 17 lbs 5 oz. (what i weighed when i was a year old) and is in the 90th percentile for her weight and height. so i guess she is pretty proportionate. we went out to dinner with friends last night. but because today is her official five month birthday, we will be celebrating tonight too. daddy will be a drag because he has to study but we will enjoy ourselves some beef stroganoff, green beans and strawberries&bananas for dessert.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

what was once

2011-05-02T13:09:00.000-06:00

today i miss omaha.

downtown. la casa. ted & wallys.

hills to walk on. hovering trees.

friendly faces.

this house.

spies like us

2011-05-02T11:29:00.000-06:00

family day on saturday and one of the many things we did was go to rahr brewery in downtown fort worth. upon receiving our first taste of the ugly pug two different people recognized us and came over to say hi. i shouldn't say recognized us because really it's all roberto. he's the one people remember. he just has those distinguishing facial features. who could forget that rugged handsomeness? oh and probably his height plays a big part too.

i'm serious. everywhere we go someone recognizes him or thinks they know him. while showing our id to the man at the brewery he said "welcome back" to rob. saturday was our first time, we had never been before :) my giant said that he could never be a spy because even people he has never seen, recognize him. i think it's kinda fun.

strangers even feel the need to tells us who he reminds them of. including and just recently:

ben affleck

lead singer of kings of leon

gnomeo

so what do you think? do you know him?

what's for dinner?

2011-04-29T09:20:00.000-06:00

friday leftovers

^i have decided to save my most random thoughts, weird info and confessions all for one day of the week. what do you think?

^two teeth broke through this week. she doesn't have just nubs anymore :( we have had awesome days, but long nights.

^i just got done reading an amazing woman's {our cousin's} 60 hour birth battle. i wish i could share it with you. there isn't a day that goes by that i don't think about my own.

^i admit. i turned on the tv early this morning and watched some of the royal wedding. i was up and i was also intrigued.

^the Lord is really working on my heart, but i still struggle to dive into Him every single day.

^there is this {elder} that lives here and thinks pipi is a boy. "he winked at me, he winked at me that little flirt." she was even wearing a flower in her hair. i don't think it's possible for me to get any girlier.

^we actually will be having leftovers tonight. leftover mashed potatoes and strawberry spinach salad. i will be making meatballs to add to that. i have a carnivore as a husband. don't worry, i won't add that nickname to my already too big of list for him.

^next week is rob's birthday. my parents are going to be in town for pips dedication and are taking us to see the rangers vs. the yanks. and although he saw one of his surprises on the computer by my mistake, i still have a little something up my sleeve.

if they don't win

2011-04-27T11:53:00.000-06:00

it's a shame.

monday night. rob calls me at 5:30 and asks if i want to go to the rangers game. it starts at 7:05 remember. i say how did you get tickets? did you pay for them? how much? he tells me he has them and needs to know right now. of course i'll go. i never pass up a baseball game. i love the sound of the crack of the bat and the snap of the glove. turns out his work gave them to him. {they have box Lexus Club seats} but don't ever usually hand them out. except this night. uh, free tickets...we'll take 'em!

so off we went. i changed, fed imy, packed a cooler full of cold drinks and picked up the f.o.b.

after shoving some chipotle burritos down we went through the gate. free t-shirt night?!? score! we are now fans of beltre and will be proudly wearing it to my next game ...

this is what a 4 1/2 month old thinks of her first mlb experience.

she never just falls asleep in our arms like this. i soaked it up.

we had fun.

and they lost.