new year.

 (Happy New Year Baby!)

 I LOVE the start of a new year! It's probably the obsessive list maker in me but I really really enjoy writing out my hopes and goals for the coming year and working to make them happen. Last years Happiness Project was overall successful and it did serve it's purpose of helping me thru a long year of hard work. I stopped blogging about it after September but it was still going on in my heart.

(Toasting with Hawaiian Punch! So. Classy.)

(Sweet boy lasted til midnight! He crashed about 7 minutes later!)

For this year I've decided to make a master list of goals and try to work them into my everyday life instead of focusing on just one thing per month. There are kind of a ton of them and I'm sure there will be some that fall by the wayside but all I can do is the best I can do right?

Here's what I want to see/make happen in 2011...

Wake up early to exercise 5-6 days a week
Continue with daily personal/family scripture study
Resurrect daily scripture study with the hubbs
Learn more healthy recipes
Finish decorating the house
Learn to use my Singer (bleh)
Bi-weekly date nights
Girls night out at least once a month (at least)
Create a cleaning/cooking schedule (so my home doesn't slip into complete chaos when baby arrives)
Get our yard looking...decent
Take guitar lessons from a super hot guy.
Figure out how to make everyday photos I take look better
Be more decisive

Happy New Year to you! Let's make 2011 awesome!

M

mr. claus.

(Because I love the CRAP outta this girl.)

Dear Santa,
Just in case you were doubting how unbelievably nice I have been this year, I thought I'd take you on a little trip down memory lane... Since January I have been up to the business of...

Showing gratitude for blessings great and small...
Being honest with myself about my capabilities.
Working on my domestic side...
Speaking of working... I have WORKED my butt off this year!
Learning more and more about the world I live in.
Loving to be loved by this man.
Getting through the hard things with at least a semi-smile.
Doing my best to stay fit and healthy...
Getting in touch with my crafty side.
Making big announcements!
Remembering moments too precious to keep inside.
Documenting my sweet baby boy.
Gearing up to make my New Years Resolutions.

Now that we're clear on my status atop the "Nice List," be on the look out for my letter.

Love,
M

P.S. Nobody does red better than you. Just saying.

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

me scuzy.

(via)

Instead of making excuses not to I think I'll try ...

Saying yes more and complaining less.

Praying more and studying harder.

Choosing a hobby and sticking to it.

Cooking dinner every night.

Making time for friends whether they like it or not. :0)

Being quiet instead of sharing gossip.

Smiling intentionally. 

Exercising and whining less about gaining 14lbs.

Taking more pictures.

Relaxing even when the house isn't spotless.

Making fewer lists and taking more action. (hee hee)

So I'm a list maker. That doesn't mean I can't also be an action taker.

(See, I took action here and finally got my caramel apple!)

M

"The man who forgets to be grateful has fallen asleep in life." Robert Louis Stevenson

Today I am thankful for...

My Savior and how he rescues me from everything, most of all myself.

A husband that takes me as I am and loves me for it.

A baby boy as clever and lovable as I could ever dream.

Tiny kicks in my tummy claiming me as mommy.

A home that is safe and warm.

A job that allows me to be with my son all day everyday and pay our mortgage.

A mother who gives and gives and never asks for anything back.

A father who understands me in ways no one else does.

A sister who inspires me to do more for myself.

Brothers and sisters in law that make me laugh.

Parents in law that teach me so much without even trying.

Friends that care enough to listen, cry and laugh with me.

I have so much to be thankful for today. Just like you.

Here's hoping your holiday is full of family, friends and really really good food!

M

30 days... survey style.

I'm losing steam/desire with the 30 days of questions so I'm gonna answer a few in bulk today. It's so good to be the master and commander of my own blog. The one thing in life I can control.


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. 
My sixth grade math teacher. I blame her for my mathematical handicap. She wasn't there for me at a critical time in my acedemic development.


Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted. 
My cousins and childhood friends. We were very close as kids but life and distance has separated us. I still love, miss and think of yall often!

Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know. 
Tony Horton. (The P90X guy) I love him and hate him and I dread this coming June when he's gonna kick my butt again.

Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on. 
My hair

Day 12: Something you never get compliments on. 
My intelligence.



Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days. 
My husbands music got me thru some of the darkest nights of my life before, during and after his mission. It's always awesome to hear someone singing about how much they love you.


 
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. 
I was pretty disappointed in Katniss for like 5 seconds at the end of Mockingjay (then I got over it)
 
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it. 
Drew. I lived without him for two long years and very nearly self destructed. He makes my world a livable place.


Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without. 
I could definitely live w/o trashy celebs trying to be role models for our youth. Live your life the way you want but don't push it on our future.

Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Brain Lock  Life changing.

Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Marriage should be between a man and woman.
 
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics? 
Religion has the power to bring out the best in people. It gives you focus and perspective. Politics are important to me but sometimes it feels useless to worry too much about it.


Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Just say no. Don't ruin your and other peoples lives K?
 
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? 
Ummmm... obviously rush to her bedside fight or no fight. 

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life. 
Told a secret.

Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life. 
Finished my degree before babies


Whew! See? Now there's only a few deep and probing questions left! This is a fun little project for sure but right now I'm feeling like it's a bit much... 


In other news... keep a look out for a new baby bump pic soon cuz this thang is poppin out! The little bundle is movin and shakin like crazy and it is SO exciting! I can't believe he'll be here in just  19 weeks! 


M





 

it's friday. thank the lord.

(Because I made it for my sister and she kinda really loved it.)

This was one intense week over here. There were a couple days/nights I didn't think we'd all survive it in one piece but alas, the weekend is here and that means time to rest.

Rest? Haaaaaaaaaa haaaaaaaaaaaaa ha ha ha ha ha ha that's a laugh!

On this weekends agenda...

*HP7 w/the newly wedded Connons!
*Relief Society Craft day... I'm in charge of the wreath making table. Get ready to work your fingers to the bone ladies!
*Mad Clean-A-Thon/Cookie Baking Extravaganza
*Sisters coming to town! Woot woot!!!
*Sunday church services (neeeeding those this week BIG TIME)!

And fingers crossed for a nap or two and a me that's nice to the men I love most instead of a hormonal maniac. Yes, it has been a rough week. Should not have skipped girls night out. Change must be in the air soon.

I hope.

M

day 5. something you hope to do in your life.

(via)

I hope to dance with Drew on our 50th wedding anniversary and beyond.
I hope to see my sons grow up happy and strong in the gospel.
I hope to become the woman the Lord designed me to be.
I hope to finish my degree someday when my time and attention isn't needed so greatly else where.
I hope to become a counselor to those in need of an understanding ear.
I hope to see myself with all the walls down and truly love what's underneath.
I hope to see my children live their dreams.
I hope to always be the silly, sappy girl drew fell in love with.
I hope to see the grand canyon.
I hope to choose my own destiny.
I hope to laugh, a lot.
I hope for grace.
I hope for the beauty that comes from knowing who you really are.
I hope to live without wasting one more second on things that don't matter.
I hope to help others with ocd.
I hope to be close with my children when they're grown.
I hope to endure well.
I hope to leave this world a little better than I found it.

What do you hope for?

M

day 3. a burning question.

3. Something you have to forgive yourself for.

There are many many many ways I could answer this question and I can think of lots of looong stories I could get into here but I think I'm just going to generalize for now and say that I need to forgive myself for not being perfect, for never living up to my own ridiculous expectations and for setting my own dang bar too high for an Olympic medalist to scale. IT'S MY BAR FOR PETE'S SAKE!!!

And when I say forgive myself I mean, realize that the standards I set for me are just that, ridiculous. It's all too easy to look around at everyone elses accomplishments in this, that and the other and think about how we don't measure up isn't it?

So today, in answer to question 3 I am going to write myself a little permission slip.

I MARQUESAS JADE BLIMES hereby grant myself permission to:


1. Not be the best at everything.
2. Screw up daily and laugh about it.
3. Not read enough good books.
4. Eat junk food guilt free.
5. Not make all the calls, write all the letters or return all hte emails I sould.
6. Be the worlds worst crafter.
7. Be crabby sometimes.
8. Not cook organically.
9. Not recycle.
10. Say what I want, when I want, to whomever I want EVERY TIME regardless of their feelings.
11. Use "whomever" totally wrong in a sentence.
12. Say "No."
13. Buy (that's right I said it) my sons birthday cake instead of making it myself.
14. Daydream when I should be cleaning.
15. Go shopping just for me.
16. Feel justified when I think that I have a hard job and it's ok to be completely exhausted at the end of the day.

HAHAHHAHAHHA!!! Watch out a she-beast is on the loose people! Now, I am not saying we shouldnt' try our best all the time. We all know that's the goal and we're all doing just that. The best we can. But sometimes I say, forgive me and let me slack of a little.

What do you give yourself permission to do today?

M

day 1.

(love her)

So during fashion week I stumbled upon this adorable gal participating in an intriguing blog/journaling project. It's basically a list of 30 questions and you tackle one each day... I probably won't be so strict as too answer one everyday but I find it interesting nonetheless. Join me won't you? 


Anyway, here's the list. I figure I'll take my time and work thru it. Maybe learn a few things about myself along the way...


Day 1. Something you hate about yourself.




Hmmm well, anyone that's read my blog for more than a day would be able to answer this one. I hate that I have OCD. It is hard and ugly. But it's a part of me and I know that Heavenly Father placed it in my life for a reason. There have been times when this beast has broken me to the point of starting from scratch to rebuild myself. Times when daylight seemed too far away to even exist. But with the pain has also come clarity, compassion for others, unbreakable bonds with those who see me thru and the understanding that no one is without trial and pain. No one. 


I'm no where near the part where I can say that I am thankful for my OCD but I can  at least talk about it and on occasion even laugh about it and to me that's a big deal.


So there ya go, my Day 1. I hope you copy the list and play along. I'd love to get to know you better.


Feel like hearing more back story on my OCD demons? Read on here and here.


M


Here's the list if you wanna play along!


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 have to do. 
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for. 
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 playlist 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.

warm woolen mittens.

(via)

Before I embark on another slam packed weekend of goodness I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things. Because it's so good to look on the bright side a little everyday, yes?

1. Drew's affection. It is constant and unwavering. No matter where we are, no matter what time it is, no matter who's around. I can always count on his arms for a snuggle, his lips for a kiss and his words for encouragement.
*Example* Just last Friday at our softball game I had gotten out at first base (lame) and was coaching the runners coming to third base and I heard someone shout "Wooo Go Third Base Coach!" He loves me and that is my favorite.

2. The place I'm in with my Dad right now. It's honest and sincere and it's been a long time coming. It makes me happy to be able to be myself with him.

3. My sons soft sleepy head at night night time. I love the way it gets all hot and sweaty (Maybe gross to you but that sweat is sweet to me.) Sometimes when I stop playing with is hair he reaches for my hand and brings it right back to work. Love him.

4. Miss Lee's Bangin' Beans. Life changing. We had them with dinner last night and I maybe had them for lunch again today... and maybe planning on more for dinner... maybe.

5. Girls Night Out!!! LOVE me some girls night out. And the giant bucket of ice cream that goes with it.

6.  Really cute pictures of really cute babies. (ahem...Lindsey Lou Photography)

7. The tiny round rump (or possibly head) that woke me up at 3am last night by protruding out of my tummy!!!

8. The skinny jeans my bestie loaned me! Not many things are cuter than a baby bump w/skinny jeans, yay!

9. Pumpkin bread. Oh. so. yummy.

10. Easy, breezy  fall days with little to worry about and lots of love in the air.

Stay tuned for Fall Fashion Week starting Monday! And please join in the fun!

Happy Weekending Loves!

M

(via)

much to plan, do and decide...

Do you ever feel like your life is speeding at 1,000 miles per hour and there' s absolutely nothing you can do to slow it down? That's kinda where we are right now. Over the next few weeks we have...


Two weddings to design the ENTIRE array of florals for. 
Maid of honor duties in one of the aforementioned weddings!
Dinners with the sister missionaries.
Softball games every Friday night.
FSU vs BC tomorrow (we're actually going to the game... Woot!!!)
Getting the car fixed AGAIN.
Three Halloween costumes to bring to life.
One adorable baby to smother in hugs and kisses all day everyday.
Fall Festival/Chili Cook Off at church (Watch out world I've been practicing my chili skills!!)
Trick or treating
A trip to Georgia to see MY sister star in Steele Magnolias!!!
Dr's appointments for me...(Hopefully finding out what gender baby is soon!!!)
Not to mention working 55 hours a week!
Hubby studying his hiney off to be ready for the MBA program.
Finding time to visit family.
AND taking care of our home! (You should see the mountain of laundry on my bed right now... or not.)
AND I'm positive that I've left something off the list. Hopefully hubby will remember whatever it is...


WHEW!!! We are busy people!!! At least most of the things listed above are fun things though it's just crazy how busy life can get so fast!

(Miles using the eye-ball suckers to make me a zombie. He basically thought this was the greatest thing ever. And it kinda was.)

Happy weekending friends!!!


M

so sometimes...

Sometimes I wake up at exactly 2am to pee every night in a row for like 2 weeks.

Sometimes I am so tired that just sitting on  the couch wears me out.

Sometimes I eat Funyons right before bed cuz I just need to.

Sometimes my moods get to swinging like George of the Jungle on speed.

Sometimes I find my pants aren't fitting like I want them to anymore.

Sometimes I get so excited I can barely stand it.

Sometimes I am absolutely terrified.

Sometimes my Dr. tells me I look bloated and I want to slap her.

Sometimes the names Henry and Violet make my heart feel so happy..

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Sometimes I'm 13 weeks pregnant. And absolutely giddy about it!

 Another gorgeous photo via Lindsey Lou Photography. Seriously, have you been photographed by her yet? Book today!

Surprise!!!

M