Let's play catch-up

I've been in a blog slump lately and it's not intentional, just had a bit going on. So let's play catch up.

-I recently was asked to come back to my old position as an academic advisor at a high school. My current job working for a federally funded grant is ending. This time, the job at the high school is 4 hours a day, a perfect mom job. Let's hope they don't cut it this time.

-I still have yet to post pics from our Grand Cayman trip...I know I'm horrible!

- We are plugging away at our basement renovation and I promise to post pictures of our new e-gress window soon.

-Currently, I feel like life is flying before my eyes and I can't slow it down. I need 28 hours in a day to feel like I can get everything accomplished.

-Drew's language has exploded and now that child is a talking machine.

-This blog post is sooooo not interesting.....I'm boring these days!

-I'm thinking of having Drew be a monkey for Halloween, what do ya think? Yay or Nay?

I will post pics and more interesting topics very soon.

I am an awful wife/mother

I have NO and I mean zilch, nada, no pictures from Brendan's first Father's day....

EPIC FAIL

on my part....Seriously, my child needs to sleep so my brain can function properly once again!  I blame no pics on Brendan's first big day on sleep deprivation... And there you have it folks!

Bits and pieces

-I'm still here, just trying to come up with intersting posts.

-Today we have our 37 week ultra sound to determine if induction will be needed due to fluid overload.

-I am currently already redecorating our livingroom.  Yep, we've lived here a month and I'm already not liking the color choices.

-We have our childbirth class this weekend and I don't want to go.  Ignorance is bliss to me in this situation and I'm already terrified as it is.

-My entire family has gone on vacation this winter, and I have not......I am seriously envious!

-I am waiting on curtains to be delivered from Bed, Bath and Beyond and then I may just call the nursery done.  I keep making changes and I am getting on my nerves!

With all that, have a wonderful day!

If this doesn't make you laugh....I don't know what will!

I found this video on Facebook and I was crying by the end it was so funny!  Check it out, I promise you will not be disappointed!!! 

Little boy dancing to low

Happy Friday, have a great weekend!

Happy Thursday

That title is the most creative I could be today. So this post really probably is going to have no real point other than to ramble.....

This week has been quite the rollercoaster for me, so many ups and downs, I won't go into specifics but thankfully my loving hubby has been there every step of the way!!

I am currently exploring making my wildest dream of a career come true. My sister approached me last week about possibly buying a bridal store where we live. The gal that owns it is looking to sell and she knows my deep love for planning weddings, showers, parties, etc. The store is actually pretty run down itself, but the building is there and the inventory. We are meeting with the owner next week to discuss everything. We would love to do bridal upstairs, prom downstairs and the top level have an area to host showers. I would be able to incoporate my

I Thee Wed planning business as well. Who knows what will happen though...it could all just be a silly dream!


Now I have something fun for my readers, I've done this before and it was a great success so I thought I would do it again......ASK ME ANYTHING!!! It can pertain to life, Ruby, my hubbs, me, ANYTHING, nothing is off limits, so have at it!! I will post the answers to your burning questions on Monday!!! Happy Thursday and I will leave you with some wedding boards I have created for some brides off my wedding blog..

Making me happy these days

Lately I have been so busy between soccer, work, family and daily life I have stopped to relish the small things in my life that make me smile. So this post is all about the little things that bring the sunshine into my day.

I have fallen head over heals for this Etsy seller and blog. I love her style, taste and love for life. Go check out her blog and her Esty store, you will die! Sa-Sea Boutique is one of a kind, and her Etsy store is drool worthy. I am currently drooling over her sea horse pillow. It would be perfection in our guest room! I may just have to make a purchase today!

My hubby is quite possibly the sweetest and most kind person I have ever met. He would give a stranger the shirt off his back! Each day when I come into work I have a wedding picture sitting on my desk, it brings a glow to my face to remind me that I am one of the luckiest gals on the earth!

Lately I've been eyeing this sign for my office. I think it would keep me in check when those crazy days get the best of me.

Lastly would be our puppy Ruby! She is the sweetest and most loving puppy! We rescued her from the humane society and we have now figured out that she was probably beaten when she was just a baby by some male. We've put this together for a number of reasons I will not go into. Anyway, when ever I come in the door she always gives me kisses, she cuddles, and loves to have her backside scratched. How could you not love coming home to this face??

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Random writings from me....

I'm not that interesting but I do use this blog to attempt at being interesting. So here goes nothing.....

First, last Sunday Henry John William was baptized and B was his Godfather. He looked handsome in his new suit and B looked handsome as always. I also took a pic with Noah my Godson and with his godfather his uncle A. I can't believe it's been almost 6 years since Noah was born....Makes me feel old!!!

Us with Mr. Henry!

Next, my soccer team is kicking butt and taking names! Last night they won and beat a top rated team in the state! This means their next game they have to beat one last team and they will be conference champs! I am so, so proud of them, their harwork and dedication they have given me! They deserve this, because no one thought they would be able to attain this fete. We always knew they could do, but now it's time for them to get the recognition they deserve!

Our master bedroom redo is coming along very well. The pillows have arrived, the bedding is in place, and tonight B and I are hanging our new pics above our bed. I will post pics very soon!

Ok so there is my attempt at being interesting, happy hump day!

I'm honest??

The awesome Chelsie awarded me this award and I am beyond flattered!!

Here are the rules:
01. Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design.
02. Show the 7 winners names and links on your blog, and leave a comment informing them that they were prized with "Honest Scrap." Well, there's no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon.
03. List at least 10 honest things about yourself:

Here goes nothing!!
01. I amd in love with Coke. As in good old Coca-cola. I have one a day...mmmmmm
02. I am compulsive about my clothes. They have to fit perfectly and look just the way I want them to.
03. I look more and more like my older sister as we get older. Not a bad thing in my mind.
04. I have an insane number of collector Barbies. I started collecting them when I was young and most are still in their boxes and worth some dough...although I will never sell them and if B and I never have a daughter my niece Stella will inherit them.
05. I am overly passionate about kids that are less fortunate than I was. I want them to get the best chance at life and can't stand it when they aren't motivated to do so.
06. I treat our dog Ruby like she's a person. I talk to her like she's our daughter and as if she's going to understand me.
07. I am not a big breakfast eater at breakfast. However I love breakfast for lunch and dinner.
08. I am midly addicted to green tea and champagne, if I could drink champagne everyday, I would.
09. I hate fish, the smell, the taste, swimming with them, just dislike everything about them all together.
10. I am terrified that I won't be a good mother. I know I can take care of a child, but in this world it scares me to death that I won't raise my child to be the best they can be.

Now here are the lovely ladies that I am passing this on to!
Leslie, Holly, Sarah, Abbie, Erin, Katie, & Marialena

A new look and...

Some random ramblings from yours truly...

-It's -24 actual temperature outside today and I am not stepping my rear end out that door today!

-Our new bedding arrived yesterday and it's beautiful, this weekend I am going shopping for some fabulous throw pillows..

-B and I had breakfast for dinner last night and it was magical, I love breakfast for dinner, I am not a fan of brekfast at breakfast....are you following???

-Please keep my grandma in your thoughts and prayers, she is having surgery today and although it's a pretty routine surgery, everything at 84 is serious. I will keep you all updated.

-B and I are going on a double date this weekend with my sis and brother in law...I have to give my sis credit she's 37 weeks pregnant, has been in the ER 3 times during this pregnancy and is ready for this baby to meet the world...I give her credit for wanting to go on a double date. Might I add that the other day someone asked her if this was all they were having (they have 2 others Noah 5 and Stella 3) and she said I don't care if we have more kids, but this is the last one I'm carrying!! I will leave you with a pic of our adorable niece and nephew that we love dearly! They are so excited to add a brother or sister to their family!

They were Bat Man and Bat Girl here trying to show off their muscles!

Also, hope you all like the new layout!

It's the small things...

That make me smile..... I just thought I would share a couple of things, one I purchased from Etsy and one I was given as a Christmas gift.

First, the one I purchased from Etsy. I found this little lady on Etsy from the seller Burritobabies and it arrived in the mail yesterday and man is she a beaut! My sister ordered one as well and we are both using them for our makeup and they fit everything just perfectly! Here she is!!!

Then the second little guy is a little Christmas gift Padre and my stepmom gave Ruby and me for Christmas. I love it so much that I now need to find a top for it so I can leave it out year round! They were even kind enough to fill it with treats.


Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Cheers! Abby

The green desk part II

Back in November B and I scored this awesome in my opinion desk from my lovely grandparents. They moved to a retirement community and didn't have the space to fit this little ditty so I snatched it up and couldn't be more happy with how it look in our Guest bedroom.

With the desk came a little dilema, we needed a chair. Nothing too contemporary, the desk is an antique and nothing too large, the guest room is spacious but not a museum. So I challeneged my dear momma....yes that's what I call her, haven't called her mom for years. Anyway, I mentioned that I would like a black chair to go with the desk. On New Years Eve (our Christmas) she delivered. She found this little number at a local antique mall, redid it and finished black and even made the adorable chair cover for it! WAY TO GO MOMMA!!! Aren't mom's great?? So here is the desk in the guest room. Now all I need is window treatments, and the room is pretty close to being done. Any suggestions on window treatments??? Color, style, etc. Remember I am decor challenged!!

On the running front, I registered for my first 8K of the year! Yikes it's in April and even thought I've been a runner all my life I haven't run that far in a few years. I'll be ready though, I just went out and did 4 miles with the Rubes and she looks better than me! I not only have to get in shape for races this year, but also for soccer season. I can't let those high school girls out run me...remember I am a state track champ....I need to represent the title!

I'm working 9-5

No, not really, but I am going to be working from 7:45-2:15pm. If you haven't gotten my drift I got a new jobby job! I couldn't be happier and I start Jan.6th! I will be working at my old high school as an academic advisor!!! It seems right up my alley! Man I like exclamation points in this post but you get the dirft of how excited I am!

I can upon this position from B's receptionsit and her hubby had told her about it and thought of me! Now he hubby was my history teacher in high school. So then I called the assistant principal one day had an interview set up for that next Monday and was offered the position on Tuesday! great early Christmas gift! There were 5 others that interviewed and I thought they were just giving me a interview because I am going to be a coach there. I will get to that in a minute! Anway, needless to say I was shocked and excited all at the same time! Instead of a 45 minute commute I will now have a 2 minute commute and have summers off.

For those of you who don't know I have all of my education in teaching secondary education except for student teaching! I had one semester left, this is after my first bachelor's degree and I said this isn't for me! I didn't want to do curriculum! So this position will be perfect for me! I will responsible to interacting with the 3 major universities in the state to set up college visits, and speakers coming to the school to speak to students. I am all responsible to communicating with students about where they are currently and where they want to go in their future! It's a long way from working with at-risk youth, but I couldn't be happier!

Ok, on the coaching. A few months ago, actually the day after I accepted my current position I was offered a soccer coaching position with the local high school. I new that it wouldn't work with my current position but I wanted to see where things were in a few months. So this situation has really worked out ideally and this spring yours truly will be the girl's soccer coach! For those of your sporty ladies out there, I have been a soccer player since I was 5 and have coached a variety of sports including swimming, dance team and now soccer!



Ok, one funny tidbit, as I've already stated I accepted this position at my high school. Well, when I was in high school I was a state champion track runner. When you accomplish this in my high school you get your picture taken and hung with the rest of the state champs.....Guess where my pictures rests??? No joke right above my office door....and I mean directly above the entrance.....funny huh!! now you can see my smug mug 8 years ago.....go through the door and presto chango, new hair and I'm now the authority....hehe! So there's where I am in a nutshell! Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!

What I'm wearing today..

Today here in good ole Iowa it's a whopping -2 below zero for the actual temperature. The windchill is a lovely -27 degrees. When I was getting my gear on I thought oh my goodness, I must have just put on 10 pounds of clothing. So here are the items I put on this morning. I will spare you any actual pics of moi!

First, would be the long underwear, just the bottoms, I will spare you another picture.

Next would be the two pairs of socks, the first layer is tube socks...

The second layer is a thick pair of wool socks...

Next were my Dojo jeans....warm in most cases, not in this one!

Then a tank and sweater....

Next is the ugg boots....I know, I know they're considered "out" but I live in Iowa, the frozen tundra and they are the warmest things on the market....Trust me after living here for 26 years, I've dont plenty of research!

and don't forget the scarf..

A little bit to go along with the scarf...I've learned a trick living in te frozen tundra over the years, pashminas make AMAZINGLY warm scarves! They are huge, and can go from the bottom of your neck all the way up to your chin. The silk in them insulates like no bodies business...seriously, try it!
Ok on to my next layer...

Ok, you know it's cold when your coat that's supposed to keep you super warm up to -25 degrees starts to harden on the outside. This is a double layer coat and when the outside does that, that means it's DAMN cold!
And to top off my outfit for the day....

and this little number to keep my nogin warm.

After all that, I was still freezing my butt off when getting gas this morning....BRRRR, I need to move to the tropics.

Answers to your burning questions.

Last week I told you to ask me anyting, and you did just that! Now it's time that I answer your questions you asked! So here goes nothing....

1. Describe your perfect Saturday.

My perfect Saturday would consist of waking up late and in late I mean 9am, getting ready for the day, playing outside with Ruby, shopping, or being outside with B and Ruby. Then ending the day with a date night!

2. What's your favorite book and why?

My Favorite book is Escape by Carolyn Jessop. She escaped from the FLDS in 2005 and took her 8 children with her. She is now doing remarkably well and details her journey through life in her book. I have always been interested in different lifestyles and why people choose to live that way. When I heard about the FLDS in the news I was immediately captured by their lifestyle, beliefs and traditions. Now I will say that I am in no way thinking of adopting that religion or lifestyle, it just intersts me.

3. What made you choose your profession?

Do you have all day?? I majored in sociology and psychology in college. I then went back to school to get my education degree. After doing all this I came upon a job that was dealing with at-risk teenage boys. From the first day I knew that is where I belonged. These kids were there because they had offended in someway shape or form. When I really got to know these kids, they were great kids, they just needed a lot of guidence, love, and structure. Most of the kids I deal with have NO structure, mom and dad probably don't want them and to recieve attention these kids act out. If I can be that one person in their life that gives them that stability and structure, then my job is done. I want to change as many lives as I can. I want to shape the next generation so the cycle doesn't continue.

4. Where did you get that awesome red bag?

First, thanks for thinking it's awesome! Second I bought it in Chicago at a small boutique called Francesca's. It's a great little store with reasonably priced items and pieces that you won't find everyone else wearing. The best part, the clutch was only $30!

5. Why did you choose the name Ruby for your dog?

First, miss Allie, I do remember you and your Ruby is simply precious! My stepmom actually came up with the name. The day after we adopted Ruby we took her to Chicago for a wedding. The hotel said that we could pay an extra fee and she could stay there. So we packed her up along with her crate and headed to Chicago. This is all before we knew she was very, very sick. Anyway, we were originally going to call her Whitley because we saw a doggie on petfinder that was named that and we liked it. At dinner, after a few glasses of wine my stepmom leaned over and said what about Ruby? We looked at each other and loved it! So from then on, Ruby had her name. Funny little tidbit, my sister found out she was pregnant for the 3rd time a few weeks after we got Ruby......Her girl name....RUBY!!! Not any longer! I guess great minds think alike!

6. What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie would have to be wedding crashers. It's like a train wreck you don't want to look, but you can't look away! If you haven't seen it, rent it, it's hilarious!

7. Any favorite quotes?

"Courage is not the absence of fear, it's going ahead despite the fear".

8. Favorite recipe to make?

This would be my grandma's hamballs.....YUUUMMYYY!!!

9. Favorite item of clothing?

This is tough one. I am a clothes hound and love all things fashion. I would have to say my favorite item of clothing would be a shirt dress from j crew. It's blue and I can wear it year round! In the summer I pair it with my silver flat gladiator sandals and my aviators, and I'm ready to go. In the winter I layer it with a chunky long sweater over the top or a funky long sleeved shirt under it with tights and possibly knee socks over the tights that stick out the top pf my boots.

Thank you to all who asked questions! Happy Tuesday!

Ask me anything.....

I've noticed a few of my blogging friends doing this and I thought I would give it a try....So here goes nothing, you can ask me anything......It can be about my life, my job, my blog, the Rubes, nothing is off limits...Hit me up with a comment and I will post the answers early next week....now if no one leaves any comments, I will be deleting this post to save my own pride!

Ask, ask away!!! Happy Thursday!

I will leave you with a picture of your faithful blogger friend....me gettin my groove on!

I feel very old today.....

Yesterday as I was leaving my office I slipped and fell on the ice....I don't mean an oops, I just slipped, I mean I went from 90 degrees straight up to laying flat out on my back in a matter of 2 seconds. I don't remember the fall what so ever, but I do remember the impact and man it hurt like hell! On impact I smacked my head on the pavement, my right elbow, which now looks like I have road rash due to the sweater I was wearing. At least I will remember the clothes I wore on Monday, the print from the sweater now has a temporary marking place on my elbow, oh and I hit my rumpuss, but that has a lot of padding, so no worries there!

I woke up this morning and I seriously felt pain just laying in bed. B asked what I was doing just laying there and I said, trying not to feel 80! No offense to the 80 year olds out there! So today i noticed that my elbow has a massive bump on it, my head as hard as it is has a knot on the back of it and my bum bum is just fine, still thickly padded! I'm sitting here at work aching and wanting a hot bath and something to knock me out, other than the thick sheets of ice out in the parking lot! Since I don't have photo documentation of the incident here's the closest replica!

I've been tagged!!!

Mrs. McB over at Living my Happily ever after tagged me to tell you all 7 random things about myself.... I will preface this with I am not that interesting or random but I will do my best! So here goes nothing....

1. I have a deep passion for working with kids. I work with at-risk childrend and absolutely love my job and field I am in. I feel like it is my calling and my duty to help shape the next generation to better our society.

2. I am currently wanting to run the Chicago marathon next year...wish me luck!

3. I am addicted to sweets...no seriously, anything sweet and I'm in love!!

4. I am starting to want to consider having a baby....never thought I would say that so soon, but it's seeming more appealing to me to be a mom.

5. I love looking at pictures....no matter what it is, old, new, anything. I once spent many hours over my summer break putting all of my families pics into albums..according to date and the person at hand...can we say time consuming!

6. My dream is to start my own non-profit organization for at-risk kids. There are too many children in need and not enough resources. I want to be that outlet for those kiddos.

7. I am addicted to Christmas!!! I love celebrating, buying gifts, eating the yummy goodies and decorating! If I wouldn't be considered abnormal I would leave my Christmas decor up till July!

Ok now I am going to tag.....

Erin

Leah

Sea-squared

Old Fashioned gal

Leslie G

Holly

Kari

Have a great day!

Good news!!!

I was offered a job today and I couldn't be happier! I will be working with little kiddos ages 5-10, I start Monday! Wish me luck! Have a great weekend! I will leave you with one of my favorite pics of our 7 month old puppy Ruby!

Oh and did I mention we are watching my parents dog Sparkie while they're in Napa, so here's what he's been up to for the past couple of days!

A new look...

I gave my blog a new look today! Some new colors and a new header! It fits my personality a little better and I finally figured out how to put a pic in the title!!! It's B and I on a rooftop at our wedding.

Might I also add the I have two followers, check them out in the sidebar! Feel free to join the group!

Also thank you to M over at Old Fashioned Gal! She gave me a nice matters award! Go check out her blog it's amazing!! She loves all thing antique and has the cutest blog header!! Thanks M, you're the best!! Happy Wednesday and Cheers!

Abby

Things I am loving in October

I am loving braiding or twisting the front of my hair! My bangs are getting to that middle no fun length and it's so much easier to just twist it or braid it!!

I love love love my long black cardigan from Banana Respublic outlet, it is so versatile and I pair it with jeans, boots, or flats and VIOLA!!! I'm ready to face the chilly fall weather.

I usually pair a colorful scarf with my black cardigan. I've been using my pashminas lately and I have fallen in love!!!

Can't beat a Starbucks skinny mocha...an instant warm up!



flat boots...need I say more! They are perfection!

Lastly, the changing fall colors! They are simply beautiful!

Happy Thursday to you all! Cheers!

Abby