New Collars for a New State

So of course I would eventually have to write about the puppies. We found a collar for Diesel a while back and I was in search for the perfect collar for our little Radar....and we found it!!! Like I mentioned in my last post, Radar is in love with me so we think this collar is 100% accurate.

First Trimester...this and that

So as of now, I am at 12 weeks. The baby is the size of a lime and has a diet that none of my healthy, organic friends would approve of.

Here is a list of the things I have learned or become aware of during the first trimester.

1. THE MOST IMPORTANT- I have the most wonderful husband. His food flexibility has amazed me (any time, any flavor.) He tells me all the time that he is thankful that I am carrying this child (who does that?) He never looks down on me when he leaves the house and I am on the couch and when he comes back I am still there ( I guess, technically he is looking down on me but only to smile at me and ask me if I need anything!) Did I mention that he is studying for another test and still is this way???

2. From week 6-12 I went to Subway and ordered a 6-inch chicken breast on wheat with extra pickles.... no more than that.... um, a little more please...thank you, lettuce, tomatoes, vinegar...a little more please, and a stripe of chipotle sauce...... everyday for lunch... everyday. Then one day at Subway, I was sitting outside while John purchased our sandwiches. (they had just pulled out some freshly baked bread which was repulsive smelling) ANYWAY, while I as waiting outside with the puppies, Diesel and Radar decided to eat some leftovers on the ground which I could try to explain to you but honestly I might vomit on the computer. And you know what? That did it! It cured me of the subway sandwich streak.

3. There is a Whole foods at the corner of Cedar and Warensville near our home and if I am forced by the red light to wait, I begin to pray that smell permeating from the store buffet will not get to my car before I begin to dry heave.

4. I am surprised that I have not cried more.

5. When I don't feel gross or tired I get nervous that I have lost the baby. If I wait 2-3 hours, God reminds that I am still INDEED preggo.

6. I have a constant cold and or allergies.

7. I was hoping my food baby that I acquired while living in Cleveland (10 pounds yall) would slowly disappear by week 7 cause I would be showing.... nope... now it just sits on top of my growing hips and belly... and still no baby bump... just a food pooch.

8. Radar is IN LOVE WITH ME! Our dogs have always been everywhere with us, but Radar seems to never leave my side. He waits for me when I am in the rest room, he will not let me go from room to room with out him, down or up the stairs with out him and he is constantly by my side when I nap. It is totally cute.. for now.

9. I sleep ..... a lot.

10. I have had to wear a rubber band around my buttons on my shorts for the last 3 weeks.

Looking forward to what the 2ND trimester brings.

Starting Again...and for good reason.

Okay, so it has been a while, and I don't think I accomplished any of the resolutions from the previous post. I even started a new blog as many of you know, but once they started charging me for pictures to be uploaded, that seemed to fizzle out. So here I am again, going to give it another go... so here it goes.. I hope it lasts longer than one blog.. okay.. I am going to start now... alright.

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Here is the biggest reason I have begun blogging again. Facebook has taken away most of my time with one liners throughout my day, but I figured that most of my family will be interested in the thousands of photos I will soon post of the baby... okay, at least the moms will be.

Happy Reading... hopefully.

2010

Here we go. It's time for the New Year's resolution list to go up on the blog. That makes it sound like I have done one before, but no, I haven't. I am hoping that it will keep me accountable to those two of you who might read my blog.

1) Run a half marathon.

- Have started a run log and team named NO EXCUSES with other friends to keep me accountable.

2) Read the Bible in a year.

-Have RE-signed up for an internet Bible reading plan. I get the e-mails daily.

3) Master the art of French Cooking

-Inspired (sadly) by the movie Julie and Julia, I have purchased this book and hope to learn how to prepare meals with out using recipes. This book is meant to give you that education.

4) Journal

-I used to do this ALL the time. EVERYDAY. It was mainly prayers and bible study times...I am excited to get back to this tool.

5) Read 4 books

- Not sure yet which ones- but John got a Kindle and I want one too (I think.) I have to prove that I would use it! My motivation should be to EXPAND MY HORIZONS but really I just think the gadget is cool.

And of course the usual:

6) Watch what I feed my family and myself

7) Lose a Gazillion Pounds.

Okay, what are your resolutions?

Christmas Time

Tonight is Christmas Eve. John and I are just hanging out at the house, just the two of us. I am wondering how many times I can watch "The Santa Clause" (1-3) with out going crazy. Not yet, folks!

Traditionally, (3rd year now) we watch HOLIDAY INN.

Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, I think, equal warm, cozy, holiday feelings.

Tonight, I am preparing for our Christmas dinner. John is smoking a turkey and brisket. I am making my mom's green bean casserole, broccoli cheese casserole, mash potatoes (already made from Thanksgiving and frozen), grandma's salad, and rolls. Then, for the first time ever... I am attempting to make traditional Bread Pudding. YEA!!

Of course Christmas is clearly not about Trees (which we decorated) or lights on the House (which we put up) or lots of food ( which we continue to eat) or even gifts (which we love to give and of course get).

Jesus Christ, born of the virgin Mary, to take away the sins of the world.. this is why anyone should celebrate Christmas. I think it is interesting that non Christians celebrate Christmas. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. I wonder what the world thinks about when Christmas day comes and goes? I am very guilty of getting "wrapped" up with the holiday....um , spirit. Tonight, John and I will listen to a Christmas Sermon, enjoy Holiday Inn, and snuggle up with our two sweet puppy dogs. These things are not wrong, but my prayer for my family is that we continue to celebrate the Truth throughout the year. He came to take the wrath of God, which the Bible says that I was born an object of, away from me so that I can enjoy Him and His glory everyday. He came because he Loved His creation. Christ was born and Christmas will forever be known as the day God came to be with the World. Immanuel, God with Us.

Here is a great story with a Christmas Twist. The Innkeeper. Enjoy and Merry CHRISTMAS!

COOK

Today I cooked 2 orders of bacon and eggs, An order of Pancakes with sliced fruit, fresh guacamole and salsa, and a potato sand which with tomato and basil salad. Yes, I was busy.. and I even got a gold medal for my eggs!

OKAY.. today I got to open an early Christmas gift from John..

Cook or be Cooked from Wii!

It was super fun. Okay, that's all. More to come.

The New Addition

He has arrived. Our second puppy is finally here! His name is Radar and he is already is showing his personality. He is very different from Diesel. Diesel was shy and would run to someone when anything came towards him... like another dog or if he heard a loud noise. Radar, however, is already showing signs of playfulness and boldness. Diesel enjoyed a his cuddle time but wanted to be out exploring everything. Radar loves to just fall asleep in your arms.... in his crate.. or just in mid walk! Super cute! Here are some comparison pictures. These are Radar at 6 weeks and Diesel at 5 and 7 weeks. I think Radar will be smaller! Can you tell who is who?

Arts and Crafts

I made this today. No where on my "TO DO" list was and item that remotely looked liked - Home Made Marshmallow Wreath.

It is quite amazing the lengths I will take to not do what is actually on my "To Do" list.

1. Organize Office (for the 3rd time)

2. Organize Guest room

3. Clean off Kitchen table

4. Grocery Store

Now in all fairness, I did go to the grocery store, but I did not purchase the items needed to support my family. I bought 10 bags of marshmallows.. oh yea, and sour cream for the soup we ate tonight.

I think it was in the stars tonight for me to buy marshmallows-- Kroger had them on sale for 10/1.00!!!!

So if you ever find yourself with a "To Do" list that should be done because you have people coming over the next day that you have never met and they will be using your house to watch their small child and it really should be clean.... just think......."What can I make that I saw in a magazine once?"

Hello?

Wow! So much has gone on since.... WHAT????.. JULY!!!! Where have I been? I think Facebook has ruined my blogging world. Why blog about what has been going on when I can update my status and let you know that "my teeth are freshly brushed," or "AHH! traffic was bad today!" or my favorite, "just woke up..."

Why does the world need to know that? More importantly, why am I rushing over to the computer right after I have opened my eyes to let the world know?

Point being, I am going to start blogging again..... at least right now I am.

Since July, I have completed my 3rd Triathlon, refinished our dining room table (maybe not a big deal to anyone out there, but it might just be blogged about!), competed in So You Think You Can Dance, and have traveled to Texas 3 times.

December will prove to be a very bloggable month.

First, we are getting our second puppy, RADAR, on the 19th. Same as Diesel boy but a different mama.

Before that happens though, JJ Heller and her husband Dave are coming up to Lexington to sing at our Christmas party! We are super pumped and totally honored they are doing this!

Okay, so coming soon.. BLOGS, BLOGS, BLOGS!

The easy road...

Isn't nice when someone else writes a post for you...

I know that I am totally cheating, but HERE is what I did two weekends ago!

Thanks Kat!

Heart Healthy Choices

As of lately, it has been important to me to TRY and be heart healthy...at least in my head it has been. But my eating actions have deviated from this goal. One side of Johns family has a history of heart disease and this disease has shown itself early in the lives of his grandfather and dad.

WELL NOT UNDER MY HOUSE! I want to do my best to provide a healthy, restful home for my family.

My favorite sister-in-law KAT, who is very wise, told me that she wants her home to be the place where her children and husband are refreshed and given healthy foods. She says that the world will provide enough junk on it's own and that her home will be a refuge.

I have already ordered the American Heart Associations cookbook and we have tried many recipes from it. Unfortunately, I still add all the stuff it tells me not use. For example... we

made phenomenal Fish Tacos (thank you Lindsey) that calls for corn tortillas, flaky fish, and home made pico de gallo. MMMMM--- but of course we added sour cream (low fat of course), and cheese.

This is just one example of how I can make anything more fatty.

So now I have decided to try a LITTLE harder to do this heart healthy thing. I know it would be good for me and of course I would be doing my part to keep John around for as long I can. I have "joined" a 12 week program-(Hi, my name is Diana and I have dirty arteries.") that will give me tips, recipes and all the hugs and encouragement a girl could ask for. :-)

I will say that some of it might be cheesy (well, I guess not cheesy b/c that would be unhealthy- oh man I crack myself up!) ANYWAY- some of it might be over the top- but getting daily reminders on my Facebook, and daily e-mails and daily widgets and daily encouraging notes from all my fellow BETTER-U participants, might actually make me want to throw up to remember that this is an important issue that is affecting tons (that is my official statistic) of Americans everyday.

I just wanted to let you know that I decided to get a LITTLE more serious about this after eating at the Cheesecake Factory for lunch and then eating Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner. If I set small goals, anything should be possible after that night!

So you think you can dance?

Well, I finally made it to a SYTYCD audition. I have tried for the last two seasons to get to one, and this year... New Orleans Season 6 was accomplished. Season 4, both of my planes were cancelled, season 5, I got sick the night before and even this season I unfortunately lost my grandfather right before I went to the audition. I have a wonderful family though and they encouraged me to go anyway. I got the chance to say goodbye to my grandfather before he passed away, caught a Thursday flight and Friday morning got the news of his death. I wanted to come home and be with family, but since I was already in New Orleans, I decided to stay and at least try.

It was a lot fun and a very long day. Everyone was really nice and there were a lot a cameras around trying to get everyone to do the best tricks and dance moves. I did get to meet the judges and Cat Deeley. All were incredibly genuine and very encouraging

Make sure you watch in September because you just might see me! I am the girl that cried. Can you believe it? I always make fun of that girl but it happened to me. I am not sure how they will (or if they even will) make the story come alive, but I did cry... oh.. and so did my mom. (how embarrassing for both of us!)

Make sure you watch! SO YOU THINK YOU CAN Dance Dance Dance!!!!!!

My sweet grandparents

I have had the privilege to get to know my moms mom and my dads dad for 29 years. My moms mom past away in May and and my dads dad past away in June. It has been a lot of traveling back and forth to Texas for funerals.

My family is incredible and the support they ALL bring each other is a testimony of Gods love and of his purpose for creating family.

Front Sight

Where do I begin? This was an amazing trip and experience. We were in Las Vegas for 6 days. 5 of those days were long 9 hour (1/2 in class room, 1/2 on the range) days of learning all about how to use and defend yourself with a hand gun.The first day, I cried because I had a nervous husband and a gun in my hand! But after some good marriage communication and a long prayer, everything went smoothly. Through this course, I have learned how my gun will and WILL NOT go off. I have learned how to fix types 1,2, and 3, malfunctions of gun and how to do it quickly as if it were to happen during a gun fight. I learned how to load a gun, how to check if a gun is loaded, and the rules of gun safety. (all of those might seem basic but even those who are RESPONSIBLE around guns go over the basics. Guns don't kill people, People kill people.)

I know how to go through out my house safely and check rooms if I feel the need to so.

I know how to shoot my gun at night with a flash light in hand. I know how to deal with a hostage situation and how to shoot with one hand (3 different ways) if I need to (i.e. if there is a child behind me or in

hand.)

I had to learn where to shoot on the body, how many times to shoot, and what to do after wards. They taught us how to act in the court room, how to act IF you had to get arrested, and the mind set of when and why you would shoot your gun. One of the main things that I remember learning was if you can get out of the situation with out using your gun, do that first. Ultimately, if you must use your gun, you want to make sure it is worth it. Am I happy to be alive and is worth loosing my job, my pride, worth going to jail? At the end of the day, you want to go home.

I learned how to conceal my weapon and how to get it to quickly from concealment if needed.

Over all, I feel 100% safer in my house (which already had two guns) knowing how to use and when to use it if I needed to do so. I HIGHLY recommend this class for anyone who has a gun in the house. We are going back again.

The instructors were amazing! They were not conceited at all (even though they deserve to be). They wanted to teach and make sure that everyone there learned how to be safe and protect themselves.

John and I had a little one on one competition. We both lost because we shot the hostage! YIKES! But don't worry, we got better.. see...

It was so fun to do this with John because I saw him grow and he saw me become more confident with a weapon were before I was scared to be around them. It was over our anniversary and I don't regret it at all! :-)

My romantic husband....

I can not believe it has almost been two years of being married to my best friend!  CRAZY!  Last year we went to Florida to celebrate our 1st Anniversary.  It was a lot of fun getting so sun burned with a rash and getting sick.  Ahh...romance! 

Well get ready for this year!  John saved up his vacation and is able to take off from May 7- 17th.  WOW!  So we are going on vacation from May 7th-13th.....to Nevada........Vegas you ask?  Not exactly.  Have you ever heard of the romantic dessert destination location of Pahrump?

  OOOO, AHHHH! PAHRUMP!!???  

Are we going to a spa retreat in the oasis?  Are we hiking on the skirts of romantic Death Valley? Are we staying in Pahrump because hotels are cheaper there than on the strip?  NO, NO, and NO.

We are partaking in a luxurious 4 day defensive handgun course with Front Sight Institute. Ohh la la-- I know. 

 

That's right folks, I will be celebrating the bonds of HOLY Matrimony holding a 9mm side by side with my husband.  There is nothing that says L-O-V-E like pretending to be in a hostage situation in your own home.  I think I even get to carry a fake baby around!  

In all honesty, I think it will be very educational and fun.  We had some friends do it last year and they loved it.  

So instead of dressing up a cute little dress this year, I will be putting on my holster with magazines, flashlight (oh yes, for the night shoot), and of course...my gun.  

But don't worry, I still get to put on sunscreen and work on my .....arm tan.  

PS- never type in "Girls with Guns" to try and find a picture for your blog.  Not appropriate.