lately...

 A bit of gorgeous photography...(via)

Lately Miles is showing more and more just how brilliant he really is.
Lately he is also screeching like a dying wildebeest anytime he's in the car seat. Not good.
Lately I cry and cry and cry to Drew at night. (Pregnancy hormones?)
Lately he always always always listens and tries to fix it.
Lately I am very very very much in love with him.
Lately I have been crafting pretty things for pretty people and hoping they enjoy.
Lately a certain persons' phone calls bring guilt instead of pleasantries.
Lately the baby in my tummy is swimming wildly and weighs a whole pound!
Lately I feel the need for new curtains...again.
Lately I can't believe my baby boy is soon to be two. Two!
Lately I finally got some time with my mama. Just the two of us. We ate junk and watched a movie. Just like we always used to. Let's do that again soon please.

(via)

As you could probably tell, things have been bitter sweet around here the past few weeks. I am not good at faking a smile, not even on my blog. I generally let whatever is in me come out here, pretty or not.

With the hardships of late has come increased love from family and friends, extra adorableness from Miles, even more sympathy from my husband and  a renewed appreciation for my Savior. I suppose it is true that if we never experienced the bitter we could not fully appreciate the sweet. I have learned that lesson over and over recently. Is it so wrong to sometimes wonder, "Can I be done learning now?" Probably, but that's just the lazy in me talking.

I am glad to know just where I can turn for peace, aren't you? It's as simple as kneeling down, closing your eyes and opening your heart. It's also pretty great having a hubby who doesn't mind sharing the worries in my mis-connected brain. :0)

M

day 6.

Something you hope you never do in your life.

(photo via)

There are many responses that jumped immediately into my head as soon as I read this one but the one that tugged at my heart the most is this.


I hope to never do anything in my life that will cause my husband pain. He is so so so unfailingly good to me and I never, ever want to be the one to take that silly, boyish grin from his adorable face.

Naturally, over the course of our 8 years together,feelings have been hurt and misunderstandings have happened. But I can say without a doubt that drew and I never do or say anything to intentionally hurt or belittle one another. I hope it's that way forever with us. It's funny because the number one thing that makes both of us miserable is the other one being miserable. Maybe that's why we work so well together. We always put each other first.


I am so grateful to have him as my husband and I always want to be the one who makes his bad days good and his good days better.

Thank you drew. I know our life is far from perfect and we will always have challenges to face but as long as we have each other everything really will be okay.


 I have no doubt you would give everything to make me happy. And I would do the same for you. You are more than I could ever deserve.


I love you,

M

(once again)

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for. 
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for. 
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life. 
Day 6: Something you hope you never do in your life. 
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living. 
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like poopy. 
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted. 
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know. 
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on. 
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on. 
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days. (write a letter.) 
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter) 
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it. 
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without. 
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something. 
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage. 
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics? 
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol. 
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do? 
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life. 
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life. 
Day 24: Make a play list to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter) 
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today. 
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why? 
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now? 
Day 28: What if you were pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why. 
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.


Also, don't miss Day 2 of Fashion Week over at Windy Poplars!

without love i won't survive.

(via)

I remember the moment I realized I was in love with you. I was on Monroe Street stopped in traffic. I was thinking about you and how I would see you soon. ( You lived in tampa then and me in Tally). I was thinking about how in a month or so you would be leaving for two years and I wouldn't get to see you or talk to you. Only write you letters. It was a strange feeling, knowing you wouldnt just be there whenever I wanted, needed. I was pretty sure saying goodbye to you would literally kill me. (And I still say it nearly did.) Even then you were necessary to my survival. Just like you are now. Just like you always will be.

Falling in love with you snuck up on me. It happened slowly, gradually, and before I even realized what was happening  I was gone. I didnt stand a chance really. Some things are just meant to be. I was postive you felt the same. When we were together it felt like the whole world was filled with love.

So I said it first. "I love you." And of course you said it right back. And later that night you walked up behind me, wrapped your arms around me and said "Now when I do this you know it's because I love you."

It was a great moment. One I never want to forget.

I love you still Drew Blimes. "In a not so 'friendly' sorta way."

M

beaming.

 (A really excited me... Chicago 2008... 4 weeks preggers w/Miles)

He did it! He got in! As of January my husband will be on his way to becoming a Master of Business Administration! A Master!

I am so proud of you Drew! And so excited to go out and celebrate with you tonight. I have a feeling many a cheesy self pic will be snapped. (My apologies in advance.)

(Taking a break from cleaning our last rental b/f moving into our very own home... 2008.)

I knew he would get in. The man is literally one of the smartest people I know. I am happy and excited and this little gem of good news couldn't have come at a better time. It is good.

We have been through so so much together and I know these next two and a half years will be challenging but I really feel like it's the best thing for our family.

(Cheesy self pic almost one year ago... and I am still on the headband making kick. Whoa.)

So here's to a husband that's making good things happen around here! I couldn't be more proud of my man.

M

to you.

Remember that time we were in the Bahamas and that creepy voodoo man tried to be our tour guide even though I kept telling him we didn't want one?

Remember how no matter how fast I walked he still kept stepping in front of me and forcing his lame, repetitive facts about the Queens Staircase on us?

Remember how then he wanted us to give him money for a service we refused and did everything in our power to avoid?

Remember how we didn't give him anything?

Then remember how he put the voodoo curse on me and I was wasted and my tummy hurt for the rest of the day?

He was scary.

Remember how you carried me up that monster hill cuz I never woulda made it on my own?

That's why I love you.

Remember that ok?

Don't mess with the voodoo man people. Just smile, nod give him the money. 

M

hiding from paint fumes.

(via)

As I type, my sweet husband is re-painting our living room. (A project I have been claiming I would do for months.) Our parents are coming for a visit soon and while I know they pass no judgement on the state of our walls (right guys?) I still want things looking nice here.  And now, the fumes are bothering me so husband has taken the wheel. Thank you. You are my knight always.

What would I do without you?
Who would take me to the hardware store?
Who would take care of the yard?
Who would help to settle my brain when it's time to go to sleep every night?
Who would think of my happiness everyday?
Who would be so willing to offer up hair to play with or a back to massage?
Who would make me laugh constantly?
Who would eat my "healthy" cooking with a smile on their face?
Who would share the joy of raising sweet sweet Misel- moo?
Who would get the dry wall anchors out of the walls?
Who would I watch ridiculous tv with?
Who would help me wrestle a toddler in church every Sunday?
Who would understand everything about me?
Who would hold my hand when I'm on top of a mountain?
Who would have my back when I'm flat on my face in the deepest, darkest valley?
Who would make me better?
Who could be better than you, for me?

No one. That's who. Nobody does it better.

I love you!

M

some things i learned this week...

- I am TOO old to stay up walking all night! (next time I'll just donate double the money and skip staying all night at RELAY) Let' s just say, it kicked MY butt.

- My husband isn't afraid to admit when he's wrong. And he's quick to apologize if need be.

- I don't think I'll ever find a bra I'm happy with.

- Yoga can be bad to the bone; not just for granola heads :0)

- My son is an excellent copy cat... if I could just get him to copy me when I eat my vegetables...

- I have some VERY talented friends.

- I need new clothes. Like for real. (But ofcourse you know I 'm too cheap to buy them)

- 1 in 3 people will develop cancer during their lifetime.

- We eat WAY too much processed/chemically enhanced food. Really. (anyone know any good clean eating websites?)

- My son is the wildest wanderer at church every Sunday. When will someone with a demon kid move in already? (But Miles is so darn cute in his little suits, dashing for the pulpit every chance he gets!)

- More and more I just want to be with Drew and Miles all day everyday. Even if we're only sitting on the couch eating cheez-its and watching t.v. in between rounds of tickling each other. (See what I mean about the processed food?)

0

Hope your Monday's been bright! Oh, and if you get a chance, send up a prayer for my angel friend Jennifer. She is being induced in the morning and we're all hoping for a smooth VBAC.

0

M

letters to drew...

Dear Drew, I love you. Thanks for making me laugh all weekend. I guess having no plans wasn't so bad after all. It was pretty nice being home all weekend with you and our very cute (though very cranky teething) tiny.

I especially liked the part when we swing danced for like an hour and a half and I chicken winged you right in the guts. Ha! And it was fun looking thru all of the kimbe photos and picking our faves together... Also pigging out on pizza and ice cream was pretty good I suppose. :0) Now we begin another crazy work week and (eek P90X round two.) Ah well, relaxation was fun while it lasted!

Let's have a weekend all to ourselves again soon K?

I love you,

M

lift the roof off your soul.

We're totally in love with this!

Ballroom dancing!!!

Drew got me a gift certificate for lessons LAST YEAR for my birthday and we finally got around to using it. I wish we had sooner! It is so much fun! And it is wonderful to have a shared hobby again! Of course it involves music! Why didn't we think of this before?

I love ballroom. I never thought I would (I'm more into hip hop and such) but I do. The romance of being swept around the room in my lovers arms. Our bodies rhythmically moving togehter to the music. An hour plus of uninterrupted togetherness. We love it. Really. We practice every night after baby boy goes to bed. Our instructor should be so proud.

We turn on the cheesy tunes and laugh.




We step on each others toes and laugh.




We crash into walls, furniture and rocking horses and laugh.



It's magical.



I just know I look like a total idiot with this HUGE goofy grin on my face the whole time but I can't help it.

It is fun and I am happy.

M

i love to laugh

So, the other night Drew had just turned on Meesters bath water and brought him back into the living room to get him naked, when he took his diaper off Miles was overjoyed to greet his new BFF. I think you know what part of his body I mean. Anyway, Miles began walking toward the tub all the while celebrating the happy reunion with pulling and squeezing (ouch!) He was so mesmerized (i.e. he was walking while staring and smiling down at his pal) that he walked right into the wall!

Funniest. Thing. Ever.

He wasn't even phased; just readjusted his course toward the bathroom.

So far the laughing with Drew project has been a breeze!

as promised

our lover-ly retro cherry kitchen! if only you could've seen her before you'd be so much more impressed...


Re-painted the cabinets (hardware still to come)

Made the curtain (woot woot first sewing project ever!)

The giant spoon was my Mema's (I just painted it red)

Chalk board paint for the back splash (as you can see Boobie is luvin' it already!)

Awesome retro apron snagged at Ross!

Voila!

I love cooking in a kitchen that isn't painted the color of puke!

xoxo
M

I suggest clicking on the picture to enlarge!

Some things I've learned this week

1. Insomnia makes me hungry...which makes me cranky.

2. Boobie loves me a lot. especially when I'm having a pity party.

3. I am starting to get baby fever. ( I blame all my ADORABLE prego friends for that one)... and the insane cutie-pie-ness of my Meester.

4. I will ABSOLUTELY NOT be getting pregnant anytime soon.

5. I am a list maker.

6. I have kind of a lot to do before my house is fully baby-proofed.

7. Only like three people read this blog.

8. I really enjoy blogging.

9. I HATE my hair. (but hopefully not for long)

10. I absolutely LOVE laughing more than doing anything else. (even eating peanut butter crack, and that's saying something)

Speaking of that, tonight I cracked myself up while leaving my girlfriend a message about sausage (random I know) but I did laugh till I snorted so mark that off of my summer list! Woo Hoo!

11. I just maybe have decided that I maybe could handle twins if the Lord sees fit to one day maybe bless me with them. maybe. big. maybe.

12. When I go a while without talking to my friends I get absolutely silly with glee when they finally call!

13. I should really be sleeping right now.

Maybe I'll go and try that.



p.s.
the Meester is back in the big comfy bed with us... thanks a lot Michelle! :o)

Sweet dreams loves,

M

sometimes a girl just needs a hero

some days ago i was down down down...stressing over everything and nothing at the same time... you know those days. The ones when you wonder what the HECK you're supposed to be doing with your life and if you're doing it all right and blah blah blah...


boobie always knows just what to do on days like that... he is after all my hero. just look at those biceps. hands off ladies.



he went to 2 circle K's to get me this big juicy ICEE and he would've kept hunting if he hadn't suceeded at stop number two. sometimes I really believe he'd do anything to make me smile again.



then he took me thrifting at "my" store and everything was good again.

how do your heros take care of you? or are you your very own hero?

M

before the end of summer

I wish to...

1. Bike the St. Marks trail with Boobie

2. Take a spontaneous day trip

3. Enjoy pink and blue cotton candy in my hammock

4. Create something beatiful

5. Take the big scary jump off the Wakulla Springs platform

6. Make a delicious Chicken-Pot-Pie and truly indulge sans guilty conscience

7. Read an amazing book (any suggestions)?

8. Laugh and laugh until I snort... (it happens when I really get going)

9. Picnic at the beach with my two favorite guys and some good friends

10. Plant a front yard FULL of St. Augustine grass


What do you want to do before September 1st?

M

have i gone completely nut-so???

perhaps. because right now i am blogging while my two very most favorite boys are sleeping ever so peacefully. I should join them in happy slumber land but I feel jittery and bloggeriffic so here I am...

some things have happened this weekend...some good...some not so good...

Goodies:

1. I re-lost the 3 LBS I gained at the Cabinets by LeMay open house party.

2. Boobie and I had a FABULOUS dinner in with old friends Friday night.

3. Saturday brought yet another delicious dinner with a darling couple and their adorable baby boy who I will soon be watching for them!

4. I got to spend the entire weekend with the Meester and Boobie.

5. Had the most delectable peach cobbler EVAH!


NOT SO GOODIES:

1. Didn't get to hit the pool with my lovelies and our cute babes.

2. Had to work out like a fiend to re-lose the 3 LBS I gained at the CBL open house party.

3. Had to leave sacrament meeting early due to sad sad Meester's grouchy over-tiredness.

4. Pooped out during Yoga X today...

5. The AC in our casa may have to be replaced... boo.

6. Gained 1.4 LBS from the delectable peach cobbler.

ok so right now the bad list is longer than the good list so lemme add one more goodie

I'm getting SUPER EXCITED for my BFF's baby shower next weekend!!!



yes, I am aware that the picture posted above has absolutely nada to do with this post but that's what happens when you lose the camera cord...sniffle. Luckily my hero husband has ordered me a new one. he takes good care of me always. i love you boobie...i'm coming in there to nuzzle you now (even though you said it's too hot in our house to touch)

later lovers,

M

determination.

so, hubbs and I have started a grueling 90 day workout program...maybe you've heard of it. P90X We workout 6 days a week, somedays with weights, some days it's kickboxing, somedays it's yoga.

So far it's going well. But it's only been 4 days...still got 86 more to go. We took before pics so if: no, WHEN we have something to show for our efforts I will DEFINITELY be posting the after ones.

If any of you remember this post you can note that my "goal" for this year has yet to be attained. I'm getting closer though and if I can stick to this workout and stop (hangs head in shame) eating an entire box of wheat thins in one sitting, I think I can do it.

Darn those crunchy, salty, mouth watering crisps of joy.

I will succeed at this. Oh yes I will.



sorry, still no camera cord to be found...

M

and what a lovely evening it was!

Since fruit is the traditional 4 year anniversary gift huzzah sent me a bouquet of chocolate covered strawberries!!! yum yum yum ( I maybe ate ALL but one of em...)

I got him a banana with ribbons tied to it!!! Then we started calling the day our "Banana-versiary!" Clever husband.



It was a rainy evening just like our wedding day... gloomy and gray but we made our own sunshine.



If you've never been, you MUST try Harry's. So so scrumptious!!! Have the eggplant. (trust me)




Thank you for a wonderful evening huzzah!!!

M

this heart. it beats. beats for only you.

On a rainy evening four years ago my life began.

The life I dreamed of as a little girl.

The kind of life you're excited to wake up for every morning.

A life with a person you know would give their everything to make you happy and keep you safe.

The kind of life that makes you excited for tomorrow and the next day and the next.

A life that's filled to overflowing with laughter, silliness and love.

Lots and lots of love.

Today I only hope my love has the life he always dreamed about.

I hope he knows that he makes me better.

I hope I make him better too.

I hope he knows his happiness matters to me; that my happiness depends upon it.

I hope he understands just how wonderful he makes my every day, and that I make his days the same.

Today I am thankful for my husband and best friend.






Happy 4 years Drew, I've never loved you more!!!

M

of all the lovable things...

Here are Mr. Blimes' and my top ten things we love about our boy...










Just FYI the little "T"'s are the way he is ALWAYS making the sign language "T" with his right hand... so so adorable...also since making these lists baby boy has learned how to grab his toes...my new favorite!!!

There are so many many lovable things about him, he is the best part of our day!







xoxo

M

{birthday spoils}

ah husband has outdone himself once again...

- ballroom dance lessons
- a sweet shiatzu massager (so needed everyday)
- subscriptions to my fave cooking mags
- and even blonder hair!!!

i'm truly his to keep




M