Stretching

I'm heading into my 23rd week of pregnancy. This morning while getting ready, I looked in the mirror and noticed stretch marks.

The funny thing is, after staring for a few seconds to make sure that's what it really was, I went on about my business & got dressed. 

It didn't bother me. At all. I remember when I was pregnant with Adelei, my stretch marks didn't come until the very end. Maybe the last 2 weeks or so. And I was devastated! I cried, and pouted, and researched ways to make them go away. Long after Adelei was born, they were still there. They simply went from purple to white. 

It wasn't until I started losing weight last year and using coconut oil that they started to disappear. 

Is it just because I'm growing up? Or because I'm less concerned with my appearance? Or because I know what to expect?  I don't know. But what I do know is that I'm proud of myself. I've earned these stripes.

Quitting.

I've been wanting to write this post for a couple of weeks, but I waited.

I waited until I could tell the people that needed to be told, you know, just in case they read my blog. [Doubtful, but possible]

If you follow me on twitter, you may already know, but...

I quit my job.

I didn't just up & quit, though.

Last Monday I put in my letter of resignation, and felt an overwhelming sense of joy and relief wash over me.

For the sake of staying professional, I'll just say that the biggest reason that I decided to call it quits was because my babysitter is PCSing & daycare is just too expensive. 

The budget will be a little tighter, but I think it will ultimately make for a happier momma & baby.

So there we go. A single income family, once again.

I am excited to get back to teaching/learning with Adelei. I'm excited for library visits, afternoons at the park, play dates, and the hour or two each day I'll get to myself while baby girl is taking a nap!

And of course I'm excited to get back to my crafting. I've missed it so much!

New Way of Life

Last month, Aaron and I totally revamped our budget. A few things are changing in our life, and in order to prepare for that, we needed to change our spending habits. 

We did a lot of research. 

None of the cookie cutter budgets fit what we wanted. We picked things that we liked about different styles, but we're focusing on the Dave Ramsey way of life. So far, we've paid off one of Aaron's student loans, and things are looking very promising. We've only been doing this for one month, but it just feels so good to be getting out of debt! That just leaves two more student loans plus my car loan, and we'll be debt free. I know it will take a few years, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and that my friends, feels amazing.

Here are a few of the things that we've changed so far:

• We quit going out to dinner so often. This may seem kind of silly, but it has worked. When we do want to go out to eat on the weekends, we usually go during lunch. Not only are the portions generally smaller at lunch [better for my waistline], but the prices are usually cheaper, too.
• During the work week, I come home for lunch since my office is about 5 miles away. Aaron packs his lunch on most days.
• I go grocery shopping once a month. Again, I've only been doing this for a month, and January was pretty successful, but I have some kinks to work out. My plan is to do all of my bulk shopping once a month, and then pick up milk/eggs/bread as needed. To some this may sound crazy, but here's how it worked for us: 1) not going to the commissary weekly saved me $5 a week in tips for the baggers alone ($15 savings for the month) 2) Bulk shopping [buying family packs of meat & breaking it down] saves me so much, compared to buying single serve packages for each meal. 3) The less I'm in the store, the less money I spend. In other words, every time I go, I may pick up extra things not on my list if they are on sale, etc. even if I don't necessarily need them at the time. 4) I'm not wasting my day off going to the store with a grumpy toddler. On the days I need milk, Aaron will pick it up on his way home from work...saves time & gas.
• I've started making more things homemade. This includes buying dry beans to prepare instead of buying canned. Making my own soup. Making my own rolls, pizza crust, bread sticks, etc. You get the idea.
• I've gotten back in to couponing. I quit for a while right after I started work because it was just too much for me to keep up with at the time. It's definitely worth it for us, though, because most of the hygiene items that we use are on a Walgreen's/CVS sales rotation.

I don't have any hard figures at the moment for how much these small changes are helping us, but I'm hoping that once I work out the kinks I can share them with you all. 

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that you can't save for the future until you get out of debt. **

This, for us, was life changing. 


**Another blogger pointed out my mistake. You can put money into savings while getting out of debt.  However, I continually tell myself that I can't start really saving until we get out of debt. We have a savings account with an amount that we are secure with, and until we pay off our debt, we don't plan on adding to that. If you do not have a savings account, but want to save while trying to become debt free, please ignore my mantra!

I'm back!

You can all breathe a little easier now ;)

Seriously, though...I'm breathing easier [aka less stressed].

There is a little stress left, but not too much.

If you follow me on instagram or twitter, or friends on fb, you know that we made it to our new duty station.

Of course, nothing went the way it should have [in my mind!]. We were thrown curve balls from every direction, but I think that we did pretty good at catching them & staying in the game. I've learned so much from this move, it's astonishing.

The biggest, most important thing I learned is that I am a strong woman [mentally & emotionally]. And that is giving me the confidence I need to be 1,000 miles away from my very best friends and family.

This is all for now, but stay tuned for the gory details of our trip and soon...a giveaway!

Random Life Update

*After almost two years of growing my hair out, I finally decided it was time to chop it all off. So that is what I did.
I'm missing my long hair already.
*Registration for Spring Semester was last week, yet I didn't register because the powers at be STILL have not told me whether I am going to be able to intern or not.
*I miss my friends.
*Aaron showed me how to hook my laptop to the T.V. using the HDMI cable, and it was so exciting to have a 37" computer monitor! haha
*BIG things are happening. More on that later.
*I miss the days when Aaron worked at the movie theater and we would get to see all the new movies BEFORE they came out...for free.
*If I never eat a piece of chicken again, it will be too soon.
*I have a feeling that the holidays this year are just going to seem like any other day.

idk. my bff, jill.

|source|

Since I've had a lot of time on my hands lately, I've been painting/crafting to take up my time.
Usually I listen to music or watch t.v. so I don't have to sit in silence.
The other day I was watching iCarly [let the hating begin], and I heard someone say something along the lines of 'we're going to be best friends forever'.
I couldn't help but laugh.
It made me think back to my childhood [what can I say, I've been feeling nostalgic lately.]
I had four 'best friends' from preschool until about 10th grade of high school. At that point, we all kind of went our own way. We were still friends in high school, but not the same kind of spend the night at each others houses every weekend, make up dances to pop songs, pretend to be mermaids in the pool kind of bond that we had all those years before.
Other than the fact that one of them passed away our freshman year of college, I could count on my fingers how many times I've talked to the other three since high school graduation.
It's sad actually. I genuinely thought these girls were going to be the people I turned to through all the twists & turns that life took me on. Obviously, I met new friends, and I am more than thankful for them. Without my friends, sometimes I'm not sure how I would get by. As hard as it is to admit that friendships fade away, the fact is that the memories from them don't.
I'm grateful for all of my past & future friendships, but I am no longer naive enough to think that ALL of them last forever.

Memory Lane, Pt. 2

Ohhh, the high school years.

I'm not going to lie, I was a little awkward in high school.
If you can't tell.......
At least I discovered contacts.

at some point, I morphed into a punk kid, and did not leave the house without my chuck taylors, stud belt and coke top bracelet.
*cue emo music*

& of COURSE I had a digital camera...


It's so weird looking back and seeing how LAME I actually was, when I thought I was so amazing. If history really does repeat itself, I guess I'll be doing this same thing again 10 years down the road.

It's harder than it seems

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was planning on getting in shape, so I wanted to update you guys on my progress.

Since then, I have been walking 3 days a week. Each time I walk, I take 3900 steps, which according to my stride, is a little over a mile.
Last week, however, was kind of a bust. I went home the weekend before, and came back with a stomach virus. I pretty much stayed in bed and couldn't keep anything down for two days straight. By Wednesday I was feeling better, but my stomach & throat were so sore. Needless to say, I didn't do much of anything that week....until Friday came around.
I volunteered was volun-TOLD to work the Clay Conference. For the most part, it was a good experience. But, I'm pretty sure I have social anxiety, so it was really stressful for me.
Stress makes me want to drink soda. So I did. A LOT.
I mean, like 4 bottles of Dr. Pepper Friday, and 3 on Saturday.
It was bad. I mean, it tasted good, but I literally felt disgusted with myself.

THAT is when I decided I HAD to come up with a plan.
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
I am walking, then coming home to p90x ab ripper
Tuesdays, Thursdays
All three workouts on the bender ball
Saturdays, Sundays
Rest Days

PEOPLE...
P90x is NO JOKE.
I knew it was going to be hard, but I went into it with the mindset of 'I'm not going to cheat'.
And I didn't.
So, by the time the 10 minute mark hit the screen, I had to stop, because I was on the verge of throwing up.
TMI..sorry. BUT I can still feel the burn, and it feels good.

Gettin' it in Gear

Remember when the New Year began and I told myself I was going to get in shape?

Yea, well that lasted for all of TWO weeks.
I was doing really good, using my bender ball every day, doing ALL three of the workouts, not just one. I also got sick right around this time, and the medicine I was taking caused loss of appetite.
Lucky me, right?

Anyways, during that time, I was able to lose 5 lbs.
And then school started, and projects started, and stress started.
And then I stopped working out.

But then I saw this picture that my sister posted on her blog.......

I had almost forgotten about it.
Look how skinny I was!

This was not long after Aaron's 'quarter life' crisis, and we had broken up for a while.
I went through some sort of depression stage [I think?] and Nanny literally had to make me eat. I was around 120lbs here.
I want to get back to that...or atleast close.

So, I've decided to go running/walking 3 days a week, and do the bender ball at least 2 times a week.

Today I woke up [at 6 am--crazy, right?] and weighed myself.
Right now my goal is to lose 10 lbs.
I put Kami on the leash, and off we went.
I'm not sure exactly HOW far we walked, because the stupid pedometer I bought didn't end up working, but I know it had to be AT LEAST a mile. We were gone a good 30 minutes.

I'm not posting this because I think that you guys are interested in me losing weight, I just really need SOME sort of accountability.
I watched Lying to be Perfect the other night on Lifetime, and thought the whole Cinderella Pact was a cool idea...until I realized that I had absolutely no one to do it with.

So, Thanks sister for getting my butt in gear.
I hope I can really stay motivated this time!!

This time we're not giving up

Let's make it last foreverrrrr.

Guess what?

I'm married!

See...
And my dad even walked me down the aisle.........
but that is a story for another day.

I just wanted to update really quick to say 'hey' and let you all know that everything went well!
Expect a longer more detailed post at a later date.

Until then...a few pictures from the crowd until I get the professional ones back.

I just fell in love...again.

There is nothing hiding the fact that I absolutely LOVE food, but I've been trying to get better about eating healthy.
For most of the summer, I cut out carbonated beverages. Well, once I started getting stressed out, I heavily relied on them. Since Aaron got back, we have been eating so bad, I just knew something had to give.
So, I made a promise to myself to TRY to eat healthier.
Sunday, we made it to the commissary and got some pretty good steals [fresh fruits & veggies, granola, juice], but I couldn't believe how expensive their trail mix & diet/energy bars were!
I took it upon myself to make home made 'peanut energy bars'.

I found the recipe online, and it was so simple! Luckily, I had almost all the ingredients at home already, so I only had to pick up sunflower seeds and peanuts.
You all should really try this if you're into healthy GOOD tasting snacks. It makes 16 bars, and even if you have to spend a little to get the ingredients, it ends up being a lot cheaper [and better tasting] than buy 16 of the pre-made bars from the grocery store.

Peanut Energy Bars

1/2 cup dry roasted salted peanuts
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds or other chopped nuts
2 cups raisins or other chopped dried fruit
2 cups rolled or instant oats
2 cups toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ (optional)
1/2 cup creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Coat an 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine peanuts, sunflower seeds (or other nuts), raisins (or other dried fruit), oats, rice cereal and wheat germ (if using) in a large bowl.
3. Combine peanut butter, brown sugar and corn syrup (or honey) in a large microwaveable bowl; microwave on High until bubbling, 1 to 2 minutes. Add vanilla and stir until blended. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly. (It helps to coat your fingers with cooking spray.) Let stand for about 1 hour to harden. Cut into bars.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Individually wrap in plastic and keep at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.

Enjoy!

There's no getting it by us now..

I just wanted to take a minute to thank all of you for hoping, crossing your fingers, and praying [if you believe in that] for Aaron's sergeant to have a change of heart; CAUSE HE DID! Way earlier than I had expected, too. So thanks again! I can now talk to him via phone and email.

In other news, if you want a personalized layout for your blog, head on over to Indiechick Designs. Emma is having a give away right now, and I'd hate for you all to miss out!!

Hope you all are having a good week!

A good luck kind of day

Today was just all around good.

First thing this morning, my land lord called me to tell me that my apartment will be ready to move in to by next weekend, and that she wants me to move in a.s.a.p. I had concerns at first, because I didn't have $400 laying around for rent, but she told me not to worry about it, since I'll only be there for two weeks before rent is due anyways. Sweet, huh?

Also, one of my friends from the art department at my school told me that she would do the photography for my wedding 'for whatever my budget allows'. Which means that I can stop stressing, because unlike some people I've talked to, she isn't going to charge me an arm and a leg just to shoot some photos. I know she's good quality, because I've seen her work. She also offered to do my cake. Have I mentioned that she makes cakes for a living?

See....





But, I also found out that this is the gun that Aaron will be shooting in the army.

Does that not freak you out?!

Oh, and p.s. about the book...whoever wins, I will print your first initial and last name in script on the side of the book, author style. Get the word out!!

I spoke too soon...

My family has decided they would rather me have a whole ceremony now, rather than the whole court house thing; they are going to fund it [small budget, mind you]. And after much deliberation I have decided to do just that. We are going to have a full ceremony instead of just getting our marriage license. So, instead of being married on Dec. 3rd, we moved it to Dec. 12th. I am a little stressed, but am feeling much better now that I have the save the date cards made. And knowing that my sister is willing to help me any which way, is always a nice thing. So wish us luck, because we are definitely going to need it!

So, where did I leave off....?

Oh yea, I was refraining myself from complaining.

On to the rest of the trip!

Thursday morning started bright 'n early for me at 6 am! I needed plenty of time to get beautiful for Aaron. Around 8 am I realized that I didn't put on sunscreen before I put my make up on, and I started freaking out. Lucky me, though. Instead of just being stuck in the sun for 3 hours, they were nice enough to put the seats under these mesh tent things! I didn't get sun burnt :) Aaron was a part of this skit 'What your soldier looked like on the first day of basic'. It was pretty hilarious.



There were a few other skits, a few speeches from the drill sergeants, and a presentation to one of the soldier's little brother, who was there on behalf of the make a wish foundation.

Then we had to wait while the soldiers changed into their class B uniforms, and had to watch the drill sergeants pick on them.



Those are BCG's [birth control glasses, HA!]

Then the fun began! Yep, a whole 8 hours with Aaron....[& his family].





He was able to change into his civilian glasses, yay! We went to the local mall, which was just as small as the mall I'm used to going to.

For dinner, we went to Outback for Aaron's first GOOD meal in 3 months. ANNNND before we knew it...it was time for us to take him back to base.





Friday was Aaron's graduation. I cannot express how proud I am of him. The graduation went by so fast, please excuse the blur!



After graduation, Aaron had to immediately report back to base to begin out-processing from basic, and in-processing to AIT. I was sad, because I didn't think I'd get to see him again before we left...but I was wrong :) Around 5 pm He called saying that his AIT instructors gave his platoon a weekend pass. AKA HE DIDN'T HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE BASE UNTIL SUNDAY NIGHT! YA! We picked him up asap, went to dinner, and then settled in for the night. Originally, we were supposed to leave to come back to Alabama early Saturday morning. We decided to stay an extra day!

We went to see Transformers 2, which was good, but verrrry long. Ate at a not so good chinese buffet, and then headed back to the hotel to swim.

Sunday morning came too soon. I hated saying good bye to my bear, but I did it; without tears.

Also said good bye to Oklahoma.



It was a beautiful place.

And now all I have left to look forward to is moving into the new apartment [July 31st] & Aaron's homecoming [August 9th]. Starting now I am welcoming change and adventures.

Patron Saint of Lost Cause...

Last night was my first time going to a gay club, and I must say....I had a blast!

My friends from work invited me out, so I went.


Ran into my old friend David, who I found out was performing in the talent show. If you can't tell, I was super excited.


I was approached by a man who asked me if I was gay, straight, or bi. I told him I was straight, engaged in fact. He was sad, because he said his friend sent him over because she wanted to get with me. HA. The rest of the night, Sabrina pretended to be my girlfriend so we wouldn't have to worry about anyone else.

Pam & Misty were jealous, so they became g/f's, too.



This was our 'special' friend haha



Our special friends and Liz



Us and David









The Show....

I've heard of fire crotch, but never diamond crotch...



My friends really know how to break it down ;)

Life Changing

Yesterday I had to teach an art project to 4th graders at a low socio-economic school. They were so thirsty for the knowledge, it made me feel good to be able to share that with them. They don't have an art teacher at their school, and MOST of the teachers there are 'old school', and think that art isn't important, so they don't integrate it in their lessons.

I was there for three hours, and when I left, I thought I was going to fall asleep on the drive home. They totally exhausted me. [Did I mention the school doesn't have central heating or cooling, and it was definitely in the 70's] I'm not sure if I can do this every day!
They just lovvvved it. They were so needy, too. 'Ms. Keith, I can't draw.' 'Ms. Keith, I don't know how to fold paper.' All they wanted was a little bit of attention, and I'm glad that I could be the one to give it to them.

I realize that I was the one being graded, but at one point, I just wanted to grade their teacher, or at least give her a few pointers. Like, integrate art into your lessons, even if it's just a coloring activity. They were SO enthralled, I'm sure they would behave better if they had SOMETHING to look forward to. Also, don't just yell at your kids all the time, all they want is attention. Show them some every now & again. Oh, and how about some positive reinforcement? That might help.

As tired as I was, I felt so good as I was walking out the door, and a kid said 'Can you come back tomorrow' and another kid added 'And the next day' and another kid chimed in 'Please just come here every day.'

So, now I am a little more motivated about teaching, and I really hope that when I do graduate and get a job, that my students will be as appreciative as those kids were.

He's gone...

I dropped Aaron off at his recruiter's office this morning at 9 am. And as sad as it was, it hasn't really set in yet. I was proud of myself for not breaking down in tears before I drove away. He doesn't need to see that. I've kept it together for 5 hours now, and I'm just wondering WHEN is all hell going to break loose? I've never been alone for more than one night before, and I'm not sure how I'm going to handle it.

Have any of you experienced this before? How did you get through?

basic bye-bye

Friday night I arranged a 'going away' dinner for Aaron. I was so proud to see all of his family there, and some of mine as well. It was really nice, and for once, NO DRAMA at a family gathering! haha


9 days until he leaves for basic. This is going to be the hardest 4+ months of my entire life.

This is going to be a busy [hopefully not STORMY] week, and I hope it passes by fast. Next weekend we are headed up to Auburn to spend some much needed quality time with our friends. I know I will have a blast.

If you get bored, and have a child-like imagination, you should check out Nim's Island & The Spiderwick Chronicles. They were both pretty good :)

change

sometimes all you really need is change;

even if it comes in the form of a $3 box of hair dye.