Well, it has been quite a few months since I have seen you and I really just need to get it all out. Why? you ask. Well let me tell you.
2014 has been, for lack of a better word, a SHITTY year. Maybe not what everyone wants to read about in a blog but that is what I am going to write about. This gives me a place to say all the things I want to and typing is faster than handing writing (and it doesn't give me a bad hand cramp either!) Deep Down I know that God has BIG plans for me and my family and I am waiting, each day, for Him to show Himself to me but I must wait. Wait until He is ready. Until He thinks I am ready.
I believe the last time I was here I wrote about my daughter, Harley. How she was there and then she was gone. Born sleeping in April, two weeks before her due date. A perfect pregnancy. A healthy heartbeat. Gone. Since then I have suffered two more losses in my life. First, my mother. I want to write about her like I wrote about Harley. When I wrote about my baby girl, I was sitting in a hospital room with my mom. She had suffered a broken leg and was in the hospital in Abilene, TX. In the midst of all her hospital time, it was all of a sudden early June, Moving day was here for Ryan and I. Dad and I loaded up the truck looking all "Grapes of Wrath" like and drove to OKC, added a 16 Foot trailer and on to Wewoka we went. Ryan and I's new Home! In all the sadness that surrounded our daughter, we were actually looking forward to this day! The next day, June 7th, we would wake up to greet the movers. Dad only spent the one night and then quickly headed back to Texas to be with mom who was still in the hospital. (Things are a little blurry as to what happened and in what order.) Ryan's family was here to help us move in and after three nights of staying up until 4AM, 3AM and 1AM unpacking, Ryan's sister, Kiley and I were hanging a fan when I got a phone call. (during the time we were moving and unpacking they had moved mom to Rolling Plains Hospital in my hometown and she was doing well. The phone call indicated otherwise. She was having trouble breathing and they had to intubate her and keep her in ICU. I knew that I had to get back and see her. Ryan's mother offered to drive me down to Texas if I could just get to her house, about 3 hours away. I did just that. Went to bed, got up early and hit the road. What I was expecting to see when I got there was not what I saw! She was awake, sitting up, talking and smiling that Dorothy and I were there. Things looked good but I went ahead and stayed in town for a while.
Ryan came that weekend to see her as well. She and Ryan connected on a level that I can only pray that all mother and son in laws can connect on. They both loved to cook and were great at it. They both loved to give me hard time. They were both huge OU football fans. She was his biggest fan and he was hers! He would always get me to stay up late and talk to her, she was a night owl, when we would get in late from a trip to Texas and I was exhausted! He loved seeing me love my mom.
Upon further check ups it was determined that mom would no longer be able to receive any sort of Chemo treatment for her cancer, that the cancer in her esophagus was causing her to aspirate. It took me a while to figure out what that meant exactly but basically each time she would eat, the food would come back up and she would choke. Once they figured out that was happening it got scary! They started her on a thick liquid diet and then presented us with two options. The options were to 1) do a scope for a feeding tube and if they were able to get through then she would be able to eat or 2) just wait - no real food, no feeding tube. I prayed that the Dr. would be able to get through the cancer without rupturing and he did. He was able to get through and put a feeling tube in. At this point we knew that when she got out of the hospital she would be coming home on Hospice care. I called Ryan one night and cried to him. Asking him how I was going to handle losing my baby and my mother in the same year. Telling him I did not think I could do it and asking him WHY!?
We brought mom home after a marathon painting session. She had been wanting to paint their bedroom for many years and knowing that she wanted it that bad and this might be the last opportunity, dad called in a favor or two and we got it done. We got her hospital bed in place and got all the supplies in place and she came home. People came to visit, in and out. Sometimes she wanted them sometimes she did not. I think that she did not want people to see her like this. Helpless when she mostly spent her whole life helping others.
The first night was terrifying. We had taken the king size bed from their room. Dad was sleeping on the couch and me upstairs in my room. we had a baby monitor set up and I had the other end. Her voice was deep and scratchy and I am honestly surprised I heard her. I woke up that first night to "Hillary, Tom, Hillary, Tom, help me." She woke up that first night home in a panic attack. Thankfully we have a nurse across the street and she was able to tell me what meds to give to calm her down and keep her comfortable. We struggled for most of the time she was still with us making sure that well got some sleep. It got better when we were able to put my mattress in the floor in the bedroom. Dad mostly slept on the couch. He tried a few nights but still was not confident in his medicine administering skills so he left that up to me. During the day though, we had the help of Rachel, our Godsend, and Shannon a nurse along with other friends that would check in, Hospice and more nurse and doctor friends that would come by to check on her.
Watching someone you love in this type of situation sucks. Part of me prayed for her to heal and get better and part of my prayed for her to be out of pain and suffering. I don't think I prayed that she was gone but I did not want her to live her life that way, in a hospital bed on medicine and with a catheter and being completely out of it at night. I wanted my mom. My mom who I talked to each evening at the counter while she cooked dinner and my mom who would take me shopping for school clothes and my mom who became an instant OU football fan when I started school in Norman.
Things were pretty consistant at the house, we had arranged for some friends to take turns staying at the house with her so dad and I could make another trip to Oklahoma. After a garage sale at my grandparents home, dad and I decided to take another load of stuff to Ryan and I's new house. We left on a Thursday. When I left I told mom I would be back but not until after our July 4th trip to NYC for my cousins engagement! She was awake, conscious, talking, hugged me and kissed me goodbye. Dad told her he would be back on Sunday. We got to Wewoka and unloaded the back of the truck. We decided to wait until Saturday to unload anything else, when Ryan was home from work. Friday dad and I ran around and got some things at Lowe's and met Ryan for lunch and did what we could. In the midst of all the crazy we were also prepping for a dinner party. Dad says "who else would throw a dinner party in her new house that she has spent 3 days in while everything is in boxes besides my daughter?!" That's right. Probably NO ONE! The plan was to get together with a family who Ryan and I met in law school and have become very close with ever since. They were there for us with Harley and came over to help with the yard and the trees and things at the new place before we moved it. They are just wonderful people. We wanted to cook and hang out and thank them all for being there for us through so much. Little did we know that they were about to be there for us again…BIG TIME!
We had received calls with "Mom-Updates" Friday and Saturday and when I had go to pick up Kiley I had called again and talked to her. She wasn't responding at this point so Dad and I decided we would go Sunday and be with her until I needed to be in OKC for our flight to NYC! Ryan and Dad were unloading the trailer and moving furniture and Kiley and I were decorating and cooking when the phone call came. Rachel, mom's caretaker, called to tell me that it was time for us to talk to her and tell her that we loved her and it was okay to go. I was not ready to let my mom go, especially knowing we were not going to be there with her when it happened but we did not have much choice. Most importantly I wanted her to go and be with my baby, her grand baby and take care of her! We got off the phone and new we needed to leave that minute to try to get to Sweetwater as soon as possible. I came in, gave Kiley the biggest hug, started bawling and told her we needed to leave right then. Here is the amazing part. Almost instantly Kiley's husband, in-laws and brother and soon to be sister in law showed up.
Please check back for the rest of the post. Lengthy I know. Thank you for hanging with me as I write about this!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Harley Jane Pitts
Hello,
It has been a while since I've been on here. Things in my life have been kind of crazy. Things are still crazy but I feel that it is time to update you on what has been going on.
April 8th, 2014 is a day I will never forget. It will be the day that my husband Ryan and I had the greatest joy followed by the greatest sorrow. I gave birthday to our beautiful baby girl, Harley Jane Pitts. She was born at 8:35am. She was 7 pounds, 4.8 ounces and 21 inches long. She was born Sleeping.
We went to my 38 week appointment with great expectations to hear her heartbeat and feel our baby kick. Things did not happen that way. My appointment was at 9am and I was already anxious. We were meeting with a different midwife. It was my normal midwives suggestion that towards the end of my pregnancy we meet some of the other ones in case she was not there when I went into labor. She wanted me to be comfortable with the others just in case. I knew which midwife I was meeting with and has heard a story about her and how a good friend had a bad experience with her so that made me nervous. I had a bad feeling about the appointment since it was scheduled but I was getting so close I was excited to have my check up and hear my baby. She was unable to hear the heartbeat. She was with a new midwife to the practice and I think they both knew what they were going to have to tell us so the new midwife jumped up and started asking me when the last time I felt the baby move was. Meanwhile the other midwife went to get the doctor. She told me she could not find what she was looking for with the little heartbeat detector. My baby was posterior so at my 36 week appointment my midwife, Deb, gave me some exercises and things to do to get baby to spin. They had brought the ultrasound machine in to check to see if baby had spun and so the Doctor that came in used that to try and find the heartbeat for a second time. She was unable to. At that point she told us "I am so sorry but I believe your baby has passed." She told us she would give us some time but thought that it would be best to head to labor and delivery at OU children's to triple check before inducing labor. My husband and I stood there and hugged each other and cried. We absolutely could not believe the words that had just come out of their mouths. We loaded up and drove across campus to OU children's hospital to check in. In the process Ryan called his boss to tell him he would not be in that day and I text my cousin a simple message that said "prayers please." She text me back and asked if it was my parents or peanut. You see, my parents both got diagnosed with cancer recently and so we have been battling with that. She also knew we were at an appointment for the baby that morning.
We checked in to OU and prepared to be induced. I had planned for a completely natural birth so an induction was completely against my plan. I also was in shock that I was going to have to deliver my baby, stillborn. They checked me in, gave me a gown and had a doctor come in to triple check with another ultrasound. Once everything was confirmed, that our baby has passed, they began to prepare me for labor. Ryan started calling our family and friends to inform them of what was going on and explained that we had no clue what happened to our baby. Family and friends drove from all over the country to be there with us. I am not joking when I say that. South Dakota, Illinois, Texas and all over Oklahoma. To be completely honest, I did not want anyone there during this time. I was scared and embarrassed and wanted to be alone. (needless to say after all was said and done I am so glad that everyone was there to comfort and support us.)
As we began to prepare for the labor I kept thinking "I just want to go home and come back and do this." "How long is this day going to last?" and "how long before I meet my baby?" I just knew it was going to be the longest day ever. They told us they thought we would have a baby by noon the next day and that just seemed SOOOO far away. Little did I know she would arrive before noon! HOURS before noon.
They first started the induction by putting some sort of medicine "up there" to soften my cervix. This was very uncomfortable and happened 4 times. Then they used something called a Foley Bulb. Basically it is a water balloon filled with saline that was going to help soften my cervix and it got me dilated to a 4-5. They would come in and tug on it every 30 minutes and once it finally came out that meant I was at a 4 or 5 and they would start Pitocin. That was when the pain went from a .5 to a 10 and fast! I was having contractions while standing in the most awkward positions trying to get comfortable. I sat on the labor ball for a while and leaned on the bed. One contraction hit as I had one leg up on the bed trying to get back in. It was intense. Ryan was there the whole time and was such a rockstar. He helped me keep to my plan to not have an epidural and I am so glad he did. He helped me with my breathing and even when the I kept asking for the epidural. Labor was pretty quick. I have to think it was God's way of making this situation easier on me. It was only about 20 - 30 minutes of really hard, hard labor and contractions before I felt the need to push and deliver my baby. The contractions started like mild period cramps and grew into hard and painful ones. I finally asked what my other options were for pain and they told me Stadol was something that would "ease the pain" but basically make me be able to relax between the contractions. That is exactly what happened. I would be in terrible pain one second and sleeping the next. After this medicine took effect, which was really fast, I was able to scream in pain and then sleep. I am so glad I opted for this instead of giving in to wanting an epidural. I don't think I really wanted it I think I just wanted something for the pain. I knew I didn't really want anything stuck in my spine.
When you hear stories of women that say their body takes over and when you need to push you NEED TO PUSH and nothing can stop you. Well, that is absolutely accurate. Once I felt the need to push my body wouldn't stop. I told them I was ready and they said to hold on and I basically said "Screw You!" I am pushing. I didn't really say it but my body did and wouldn't stop. I swear once I started pushing the nurses put their gloves on and just stood there. Then all of a sudden a swarm of people came in to assist. I started to push and baby started to come, she got stuck though. She was truly her father's child because she had her arm behind her head just like he sleeps! Her head came out and then they had to readjust to deliver the rest. They told me when I was pushing to hold my breath, tuck my chin and then push. It made it so much easier! Somewhere in there before contractions got really bad they attempted to break my water. I am still a little confused on what happened with that and where my bag of waters was and why they were unable to break it. That is the one part of the labor process that I will probably never know fully what happened.
Ryan helped me so much through the labor process. He was in my face the whole time telling me how to breath. I also attribute my breathing to the hot yoga I had started before I got pregnant. I learned how to breath and that is how I was breathing during labor. He just picked up on my rhythm and kept me going when I would get off track and "stop breathing." I never actually stopped breathing but I would get out of my rhythm and he would have to keep me on track. It really helped.
Once our baby was delivered they told us that SHE may not look exactly like a newborn baby because of the situation. That gave away the sex. We had kept it a secret and Ryan was supposed to tell me if it was a boy or a girl. The nurse caught herself but it was too late. They handed her to me and Ryan told me that it was Harley Jane. We took turns holding her. Later family and friends came in and saw us and her and held her too. I was so glad that they allowed us time with her. We took pictures and some relatives sang to her. My aunt sang her Boomer Sooner and Oklahoma. My dad drove from Texas and arrived in time for the birth. He was able to hold his first grand baby and see her and have his picture taken with her.
After they took her from us for a while they were able to take her weight and height and molds of her perfect hands and perfect feet. They also took imprints of them to make ornaments and ink prints for her baby book. These are keepsakes I will keep for every. Such a special memory of my little angel. They said she had a little bit of hair. Her head was misshapen and soft from being gone for a few days before delivery so they put a cap on her that we never took off. I asked the nurse after they took her the final time if she could trim a small amount of her hair for a locket my aunt got me. She did. It was brown like her momma. She had my nose for sure and her daddy's chin. At our last ultrasound they printed off some 3d images and we compared those to our baby pics. She was perfect. I mentioned earlier that the nurse said she may not look like a newborn. She has some blood on one eyelid and her lips were a really dark red color. Her head may have been a tad misshapen but she was perfect.
After a few hours they moved us to the recovery room. All of the friends and family that had been with us for the past two days followed us down there. We moved as a pack. That night they brought Harley back for some of the family and friends to see and hold. Most everyone there took the time to hold her and talk to her. That meant a lot to me, that even though she was not alive that everyone would still hold her as if she was.
They took her away that night and we were able to get some rest. I was only on a Motrin for pain and kept it under control. The next day we saw more family and friends before we were dismissed. We did get to spend some more time with Harley before we left the hospital. We held her and took more photos and talked to her. Her Meme sang to her. It was special.
This was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Thanks to God for helping me through the labor process and for bringing Ryan and I closer together rather than pulling us apart at this time. I am thankful for my family and friends for all their love and support during this time. I wanted to tell my story before I forgot all the details. I will never forget the day that I brought my precious Harley into this world but there are so many details I want to be able to share with her future siblings. I want to be able to tell everyone who asks about my story. You know, you don't hear much about stillbirths and because I had only heard of them but didn't know all about the details I want to be able to share my story. I never imagined this would happen to me. Now that it has I want to tell everyone who wants to know. I am thankful to my friends who have talked with me about Harley and who ask questions and want to know. I pray for Peace and Comfort for myself and my family and my friends who have been there for me and Ryan through this difficult time. Harley you will be my angel in Heaven forever and ever and I love you so much!
Here are some photos of Ryan and Harley and I. Papa Tom and Harley and Harley and I.
It has been a while since I've been on here. Things in my life have been kind of crazy. Things are still crazy but I feel that it is time to update you on what has been going on.
April 8th, 2014 is a day I will never forget. It will be the day that my husband Ryan and I had the greatest joy followed by the greatest sorrow. I gave birthday to our beautiful baby girl, Harley Jane Pitts. She was born at 8:35am. She was 7 pounds, 4.8 ounces and 21 inches long. She was born Sleeping.
We went to my 38 week appointment with great expectations to hear her heartbeat and feel our baby kick. Things did not happen that way. My appointment was at 9am and I was already anxious. We were meeting with a different midwife. It was my normal midwives suggestion that towards the end of my pregnancy we meet some of the other ones in case she was not there when I went into labor. She wanted me to be comfortable with the others just in case. I knew which midwife I was meeting with and has heard a story about her and how a good friend had a bad experience with her so that made me nervous. I had a bad feeling about the appointment since it was scheduled but I was getting so close I was excited to have my check up and hear my baby. She was unable to hear the heartbeat. She was with a new midwife to the practice and I think they both knew what they were going to have to tell us so the new midwife jumped up and started asking me when the last time I felt the baby move was. Meanwhile the other midwife went to get the doctor. She told me she could not find what she was looking for with the little heartbeat detector. My baby was posterior so at my 36 week appointment my midwife, Deb, gave me some exercises and things to do to get baby to spin. They had brought the ultrasound machine in to check to see if baby had spun and so the Doctor that came in used that to try and find the heartbeat for a second time. She was unable to. At that point she told us "I am so sorry but I believe your baby has passed." She told us she would give us some time but thought that it would be best to head to labor and delivery at OU children's to triple check before inducing labor. My husband and I stood there and hugged each other and cried. We absolutely could not believe the words that had just come out of their mouths. We loaded up and drove across campus to OU children's hospital to check in. In the process Ryan called his boss to tell him he would not be in that day and I text my cousin a simple message that said "prayers please." She text me back and asked if it was my parents or peanut. You see, my parents both got diagnosed with cancer recently and so we have been battling with that. She also knew we were at an appointment for the baby that morning.
We checked in to OU and prepared to be induced. I had planned for a completely natural birth so an induction was completely against my plan. I also was in shock that I was going to have to deliver my baby, stillborn. They checked me in, gave me a gown and had a doctor come in to triple check with another ultrasound. Once everything was confirmed, that our baby has passed, they began to prepare me for labor. Ryan started calling our family and friends to inform them of what was going on and explained that we had no clue what happened to our baby. Family and friends drove from all over the country to be there with us. I am not joking when I say that. South Dakota, Illinois, Texas and all over Oklahoma. To be completely honest, I did not want anyone there during this time. I was scared and embarrassed and wanted to be alone. (needless to say after all was said and done I am so glad that everyone was there to comfort and support us.)
As we began to prepare for the labor I kept thinking "I just want to go home and come back and do this." "How long is this day going to last?" and "how long before I meet my baby?" I just knew it was going to be the longest day ever. They told us they thought we would have a baby by noon the next day and that just seemed SOOOO far away. Little did I know she would arrive before noon! HOURS before noon.
They first started the induction by putting some sort of medicine "up there" to soften my cervix. This was very uncomfortable and happened 4 times. Then they used something called a Foley Bulb. Basically it is a water balloon filled with saline that was going to help soften my cervix and it got me dilated to a 4-5. They would come in and tug on it every 30 minutes and once it finally came out that meant I was at a 4 or 5 and they would start Pitocin. That was when the pain went from a .5 to a 10 and fast! I was having contractions while standing in the most awkward positions trying to get comfortable. I sat on the labor ball for a while and leaned on the bed. One contraction hit as I had one leg up on the bed trying to get back in. It was intense. Ryan was there the whole time and was such a rockstar. He helped me keep to my plan to not have an epidural and I am so glad he did. He helped me with my breathing and even when the I kept asking for the epidural. Labor was pretty quick. I have to think it was God's way of making this situation easier on me. It was only about 20 - 30 minutes of really hard, hard labor and contractions before I felt the need to push and deliver my baby. The contractions started like mild period cramps and grew into hard and painful ones. I finally asked what my other options were for pain and they told me Stadol was something that would "ease the pain" but basically make me be able to relax between the contractions. That is exactly what happened. I would be in terrible pain one second and sleeping the next. After this medicine took effect, which was really fast, I was able to scream in pain and then sleep. I am so glad I opted for this instead of giving in to wanting an epidural. I don't think I really wanted it I think I just wanted something for the pain. I knew I didn't really want anything stuck in my spine.
When you hear stories of women that say their body takes over and when you need to push you NEED TO PUSH and nothing can stop you. Well, that is absolutely accurate. Once I felt the need to push my body wouldn't stop. I told them I was ready and they said to hold on and I basically said "Screw You!" I am pushing. I didn't really say it but my body did and wouldn't stop. I swear once I started pushing the nurses put their gloves on and just stood there. Then all of a sudden a swarm of people came in to assist. I started to push and baby started to come, she got stuck though. She was truly her father's child because she had her arm behind her head just like he sleeps! Her head came out and then they had to readjust to deliver the rest. They told me when I was pushing to hold my breath, tuck my chin and then push. It made it so much easier! Somewhere in there before contractions got really bad they attempted to break my water. I am still a little confused on what happened with that and where my bag of waters was and why they were unable to break it. That is the one part of the labor process that I will probably never know fully what happened.
Ryan helped me so much through the labor process. He was in my face the whole time telling me how to breath. I also attribute my breathing to the hot yoga I had started before I got pregnant. I learned how to breath and that is how I was breathing during labor. He just picked up on my rhythm and kept me going when I would get off track and "stop breathing." I never actually stopped breathing but I would get out of my rhythm and he would have to keep me on track. It really helped.
Once our baby was delivered they told us that SHE may not look exactly like a newborn baby because of the situation. That gave away the sex. We had kept it a secret and Ryan was supposed to tell me if it was a boy or a girl. The nurse caught herself but it was too late. They handed her to me and Ryan told me that it was Harley Jane. We took turns holding her. Later family and friends came in and saw us and her and held her too. I was so glad that they allowed us time with her. We took pictures and some relatives sang to her. My aunt sang her Boomer Sooner and Oklahoma. My dad drove from Texas and arrived in time for the birth. He was able to hold his first grand baby and see her and have his picture taken with her.
After they took her from us for a while they were able to take her weight and height and molds of her perfect hands and perfect feet. They also took imprints of them to make ornaments and ink prints for her baby book. These are keepsakes I will keep for every. Such a special memory of my little angel. They said she had a little bit of hair. Her head was misshapen and soft from being gone for a few days before delivery so they put a cap on her that we never took off. I asked the nurse after they took her the final time if she could trim a small amount of her hair for a locket my aunt got me. She did. It was brown like her momma. She had my nose for sure and her daddy's chin. At our last ultrasound they printed off some 3d images and we compared those to our baby pics. She was perfect. I mentioned earlier that the nurse said she may not look like a newborn. She has some blood on one eyelid and her lips were a really dark red color. Her head may have been a tad misshapen but she was perfect.
After a few hours they moved us to the recovery room. All of the friends and family that had been with us for the past two days followed us down there. We moved as a pack. That night they brought Harley back for some of the family and friends to see and hold. Most everyone there took the time to hold her and talk to her. That meant a lot to me, that even though she was not alive that everyone would still hold her as if she was.
They took her away that night and we were able to get some rest. I was only on a Motrin for pain and kept it under control. The next day we saw more family and friends before we were dismissed. We did get to spend some more time with Harley before we left the hospital. We held her and took more photos and talked to her. Her Meme sang to her. It was special.
This was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Thanks to God for helping me through the labor process and for bringing Ryan and I closer together rather than pulling us apart at this time. I am thankful for my family and friends for all their love and support during this time. I wanted to tell my story before I forgot all the details. I will never forget the day that I brought my precious Harley into this world but there are so many details I want to be able to share with her future siblings. I want to be able to tell everyone who asks about my story. You know, you don't hear much about stillbirths and because I had only heard of them but didn't know all about the details I want to be able to share my story. I never imagined this would happen to me. Now that it has I want to tell everyone who wants to know. I am thankful to my friends who have talked with me about Harley and who ask questions and want to know. I pray for Peace and Comfort for myself and my family and my friends who have been there for me and Ryan through this difficult time. Harley you will be my angel in Heaven forever and ever and I love you so much!
Here are some photos of Ryan and Harley and I. Papa Tom and Harley and Harley and I.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Thank You
Just a post to say Thank you. Thank you for your Thoughts and Prayers for our family during this very difficult time. Thank you for the food and the snacks and the help you provided as we came home from the hospital. Thank you for traveling many miles to be with us as we said Goodbye to our baby girl. She will forever watch over us. She will forever be in our hearts. She will always be with us. She is our Guardian Angel.
XOXO
Hillary & Ryan Pitts
XOXO
Hillary & Ryan Pitts
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Battle o' the Baby Showers!
This last weekend was full of traveling, celebrations, out of town guests, stress, more travel and finally we are home. I spent the majority of last week in Texas at my parents prior to my second baby shower and my hometown's claim to fame, The World's Largest Rattlesnake Round Up! Mostly I need to be there this week each year because mom gets really stressed about all the extra company and the open door policy that happens from Wednesday until Sunday at our house. Since dad and I enjoy this weekend SO much she typically sucks it up and we make it through but that does not mean there are not some fights and added stress! Always a Joy! :)
Anyway, when talking with the hosts of the shower in my hometown, I asked what they thought about doing it Round Up weekend so that if there were "out of towners" they would be able to make it to the shower and the rest of the Round Up festivities! They liked the idea so that is what we did!
The reason I titled this post "Battle o' the Baby Showers!" is because once I showed these ladies, my mom's dearest friends, photos of the shower my dearest friends hosted they new they wanted to try and "win!" I have to declare this competition a TIE because the showers were equally lovely and perfect but so different at the same time!
The OKC girls hosted a New and Trendy shower where the theme matched the colors of the nursery and they focused a lot of the decor and made sure that they foods they served made me happy! They asked my pregnancy cravings and planned a delicious menu based off those cravings! They know the way to my heart! FOOD!
The West Texas gals hosted a truly Southern Belle's Baby Shower! It was a morning shower where they served brunch foods and Petit Fours. Anyone know what those are?! They are delicious little moist cakes that are personal sized for you to pick up and bite or eat with a fork. One of my favorite desserts that I only get to enjoy at bridal showers or baby showers in Texas! I have never enjoyed a petit four anywhere else that my hometown! Something that also made this shower different was that it was a display shower. Instead of my having to sit in front of everyone and opening gifts, I was able to mingle with everyone that was there while the hostesses collected the gifts as guests arrived and displayed them in another room so people could go look if they wanted or just grab a bite and chit chat with friends.
As I said, both showers were equally PERFECT and I could not have asked to be honored by two better groups of women! My moms best friends and my best friends made Peanut and I feel so extra special! I will post some pics from the second shower for you to enjoy!
OH, one more thing that was EXTRA special from the second shower was the old school alphabet blocks that were used at the party entrance. Since we aren't finding out the sex, they spelled out both our girl and boy name with the SAME building blocks that my mom's friend Vicki used at mom's baby shower when I was born! We looked and looked for a photo from the shower 28 years ago but we did not have any luck! Either way, the fact that the blocks were the same made this piece of decor so special!
XOXO
Hillary
Anyway, when talking with the hosts of the shower in my hometown, I asked what they thought about doing it Round Up weekend so that if there were "out of towners" they would be able to make it to the shower and the rest of the Round Up festivities! They liked the idea so that is what we did!
The reason I titled this post "Battle o' the Baby Showers!" is because once I showed these ladies, my mom's dearest friends, photos of the shower my dearest friends hosted they new they wanted to try and "win!" I have to declare this competition a TIE because the showers were equally lovely and perfect but so different at the same time!
The OKC girls hosted a New and Trendy shower where the theme matched the colors of the nursery and they focused a lot of the decor and made sure that they foods they served made me happy! They asked my pregnancy cravings and planned a delicious menu based off those cravings! They know the way to my heart! FOOD!
The West Texas gals hosted a truly Southern Belle's Baby Shower! It was a morning shower where they served brunch foods and Petit Fours. Anyone know what those are?! They are delicious little moist cakes that are personal sized for you to pick up and bite or eat with a fork. One of my favorite desserts that I only get to enjoy at bridal showers or baby showers in Texas! I have never enjoyed a petit four anywhere else that my hometown! Something that also made this shower different was that it was a display shower. Instead of my having to sit in front of everyone and opening gifts, I was able to mingle with everyone that was there while the hostesses collected the gifts as guests arrived and displayed them in another room so people could go look if they wanted or just grab a bite and chit chat with friends.
As I said, both showers were equally PERFECT and I could not have asked to be honored by two better groups of women! My moms best friends and my best friends made Peanut and I feel so extra special! I will post some pics from the second shower for you to enjoy!
OH, one more thing that was EXTRA special from the second shower was the old school alphabet blocks that were used at the party entrance. Since we aren't finding out the sex, they spelled out both our girl and boy name with the SAME building blocks that my mom's friend Vicki used at mom's baby shower when I was born! We looked and looked for a photo from the shower 28 years ago but we did not have any luck! Either way, the fact that the blocks were the same made this piece of decor so special!
XOXO
Hillary
Monday, March 3, 2014
Hello Slacker!
Happy Monday! I am doing 'better' than the first few times I started this blog thing, but I still feel like I am slacking on my posts! I apologize also for mostly using this as a journal to just talk for the time being, that will hopefully change in the future. For right now, with all the things going on in my life, I find it hard to sit down and post of blog that explains how I am organizing my house or decorating my nursery or baking delicious treats! Each day is different and I just don't have a project going to blog about. I know that blogging can be about ANYTHING but I want to occasionally entertain my readers with helpful hints like I did with my V-Day Blog! Other than RANDOMLY packing boxes to take to or storage unit there is nothing that I feel would benefit my readers at this point! If I blogged about how our packing and moving situation has gone so far, NO one would want to move or take my advice, EVER! I attempted to start a spreadsheet to keep things organized! My best friend and seester, Jennifer , did this when she moved and I thought, "WOW, this is great! When it comes time for us to move I will totally do this!" Well, I have labeled the boxes we have put in storage so far but now I have a Word List telling me what is in storage and a very short excell spreadsheet telling me what is in what boxes. This being pregnant thing is making packing hard! I have to place a box where I want it to stay until the weekend because once It gets packed it stays until my husband gets home move it. I can't always count on him wanting to move them after work either so I have been stalling. I swear I am trying to make progress though! We are still in the process of finding a house but we are working on de-cluttering so we can list ours! My house feels naked because they say to remove all the personal touches when showing your home. We only have two photos still up of us and that is just not normal! My shelves are only holding a few items each when normally they are packed with "P's" and photos of us! I say "P's" because I am OBSESSED with monograms and our last name Initial - P! If you are ever looking for a gift to send just put a letter "P" in the mail! I will gladly accept it and display it somewhere in my house! Maybe after this week I will have some exciting info about a house to share but until then I am going to go do some random "organizing" if you can call it that or maybe some packing! We will see.
ALSO, 50 days until Peanut is due!!!! We will see if He or She arrives early or on time or late! I go this afternoon, despite the snow on the ground, for an ultrasound! It is crazy to think that when I left my midwife appointment last week that I scheduled the REST of my visits until my due date! Holy Moly!!!
Take care!
XOXO
Hillary
ALSO, 50 days until Peanut is due!!!! We will see if He or She arrives early or on time or late! I go this afternoon, despite the snow on the ground, for an ultrasound! It is crazy to think that when I left my midwife appointment last week that I scheduled the REST of my visits until my due date! Holy Moly!!!
Take care!
XOXO
Hillary
Monday, February 24, 2014
BUSY BABY WEEKEND!
WOW! It's been a while! I was trying NOT to skip so many days between blogs but this weekend got outta hand and I didn't turn on the TV or the Computer all weekend. There was a lot about ME but not a lot of ME time to just chill. This pregnancy thing tires me out so I have been taking a LOT more 'ME' time but really it is just resting time so I don't over do it!
So this weekend was all about babies! I would have to say it started on Thursday when my friend Brook was due in from IL. The plan was to pick her up from the airport at two and then head to meet Ryan to look at a few potential houses! Due to some plane issues she was delayed and we didn't meet up until later that evening. Ryan and I made it to see the houses and back home before we picked Brook up. Then we dined at the Cheesecake Factory. Brook and I sat up talking for a while since she recently moved away and then we decided it was time to hit the hay because we knew we had a FULL day planned for Friday!
Friday AM we woke up and grabbed coffee and breakfast before going to get pampered at the pedicure place. While we were there she received a text from one of the other hostesses, Jennifer, that he flight was delayed as well and that she and her husband and son would be making the trip via car! About a 12 and a half hour drive Jenn and her family would arrive! Since she was unable to get here a day early like planned, Brook and I spent the already busy day running around tending to Brooks final shower prep AND Jennifer's final shower prep!
Saturday was SHOWER DAY! I am very blessed to have such wonderful friends that wanted to host me a baby shower! 6 of my closest friends came together and planed what I would call the most spectacular Baby shower ever! Peanut is going to have the best Aunts in the world! They have already spoiled him/her with all the wonderful things they "showered" us with. The food was INCREDIBLE!!! I was able to have a a Virgin Bloody Mary that tasted JUST like a real one without the vodka! My cousin Meridith even duplicated a delicious dessert that I enjoyed in NOLA when we were there for the sugar bowl in January! They hit the nail on the head with the decor! I could not have asked for a more Beautiful shower to show my Peanut how much he/she is already loved!!! I have posted some photos below so you can all see how wonderful our day was!!!
Sunday was spent celebrating more babies! Brook and I have the same hair dresser and since she wasn't flying out until around 5pm we planned to go see our hair dressers new baby boy Thomas! He is two weeks old and SOOO cute!!! I can't believe babies are really that small! Then we picked up Ryan and headed to Jennifer's mother's home to celebrate her baby boy! He will turn 1 in March so since she and her family where in from out of town for the shower, they chose to have his 1st birthday with all the rest of their Family. Baby J had great party and he is truly loved by all his family and friends! Such a cutie!
Overall the weekend was spent celebrating babies with ones that I love! Again, I am so blessed to have the friends and family that I do to make me and Peanut feel so special!!!
Thanks to everyone involved for a great weekend!!!
So this weekend was all about babies! I would have to say it started on Thursday when my friend Brook was due in from IL. The plan was to pick her up from the airport at two and then head to meet Ryan to look at a few potential houses! Due to some plane issues she was delayed and we didn't meet up until later that evening. Ryan and I made it to see the houses and back home before we picked Brook up. Then we dined at the Cheesecake Factory. Brook and I sat up talking for a while since she recently moved away and then we decided it was time to hit the hay because we knew we had a FULL day planned for Friday!
Friday AM we woke up and grabbed coffee and breakfast before going to get pampered at the pedicure place. While we were there she received a text from one of the other hostesses, Jennifer, that he flight was delayed as well and that she and her husband and son would be making the trip via car! About a 12 and a half hour drive Jenn and her family would arrive! Since she was unable to get here a day early like planned, Brook and I spent the already busy day running around tending to Brooks final shower prep AND Jennifer's final shower prep!
Saturday was SHOWER DAY! I am very blessed to have such wonderful friends that wanted to host me a baby shower! 6 of my closest friends came together and planed what I would call the most spectacular Baby shower ever! Peanut is going to have the best Aunts in the world! They have already spoiled him/her with all the wonderful things they "showered" us with. The food was INCREDIBLE!!! I was able to have a a Virgin Bloody Mary that tasted JUST like a real one without the vodka! My cousin Meridith even duplicated a delicious dessert that I enjoyed in NOLA when we were there for the sugar bowl in January! They hit the nail on the head with the decor! I could not have asked for a more Beautiful shower to show my Peanut how much he/she is already loved!!! I have posted some photos below so you can all see how wonderful our day was!!!
Sunday was spent celebrating more babies! Brook and I have the same hair dresser and since she wasn't flying out until around 5pm we planned to go see our hair dressers new baby boy Thomas! He is two weeks old and SOOO cute!!! I can't believe babies are really that small! Then we picked up Ryan and headed to Jennifer's mother's home to celebrate her baby boy! He will turn 1 in March so since she and her family where in from out of town for the shower, they chose to have his 1st birthday with all the rest of their Family. Baby J had great party and he is truly loved by all his family and friends! Such a cutie!
Overall the weekend was spent celebrating babies with ones that I love! Again, I am so blessed to have the friends and family that I do to make me and Peanut feel so special!!!
Thanks to everyone involved for a great weekend!!!
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| Delicious Food Spread |
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| Me with 5 of the 6 hostesses |
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| LOVE Cake |
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| Decor - GOLD GLITTER! |
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| Write a note to mommy on a diaper for those late night changings! So funny to read the diapers! |
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| Such a creative guest book! |
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Cleaning Frenzy!
Is it just me or does everyone have to make a disaster of their house before they can completely clean it? I realized that it takes me twice as long to clean because before I can actually clean I have to de-clutter but when I de-clutter one space I clutter another space until it's time to clean that space and then I just repeat the process. It is now 11:30pm and I am finally at a stopping point. I am having a friend in starting tomorrow and I had a lot of work to do. She is helping host my baby shower on Saturday and just moved away to Illinois last week! 3rd Trimester exhaustion has kept me from my normal routine so there was lots of dust and dirt to be wiped away and lots of paw prints to be moped from the floors! I got started this morning around 10, had a lunch break with a friend that I had not seen in weeks and then kept going! I had to make a Sonic drink break run to be able to make it the rest of the night but I managed to make lots of progress! The guest room is ready and we even have a freshly cleaned bathroom in the master suite! Needless to say my husband was excited to be able to see the bathroom counter when he got home. Oh…I also made dinner! So basically today was a HUGE success!!!!
As I mentioned above, my baby shower is this weekend!!! I am so excited. I have the best group of girls hosting it for me. Needless to say this baby is blessed and is going to have the best aunts in the world!!! I hope that after this shower I will feel a little bit more prepared. We have not purchased ANYTHING for this kid that is practical, only a book, an outfit and a toy! NOTHING ELSE!!! I have received some things as hand me downs that I am grateful for but I still feel like there are some pretty important things that we need to be able to bring the baby home from the hospital safely! I will blog again after the shower and the weekend has calmed down and report back on the items we receive that will help us raise this babe!!!
Just a short blog tonight about my cleaning frenzy and the upcoming shower this weekend! I can't wait to post pics because I know it is going to be FABULOUS!!!
XOXO
Hillary
As I mentioned above, my baby shower is this weekend!!! I am so excited. I have the best group of girls hosting it for me. Needless to say this baby is blessed and is going to have the best aunts in the world!!! I hope that after this shower I will feel a little bit more prepared. We have not purchased ANYTHING for this kid that is practical, only a book, an outfit and a toy! NOTHING ELSE!!! I have received some things as hand me downs that I am grateful for but I still feel like there are some pretty important things that we need to be able to bring the baby home from the hospital safely! I will blog again after the shower and the weekend has calmed down and report back on the items we receive that will help us raise this babe!!!
Just a short blog tonight about my cleaning frenzy and the upcoming shower this weekend! I can't wait to post pics because I know it is going to be FABULOUS!!!
XOXO
Hillary
Friday, February 14, 2014
Happy Hearts Day! "The" Valentine's Day Blog!
Welcome to my Official Valentine's Day Blog! In this post I will fill you in on the process I go through to prepare for a holiday! As I mentioned the other day, I prepared a list of ideas last Friday. I also told you that I was fortunate enough to receive a lot of display dishes as wedding gifts so I have a variety of things to choose from when displaying food! Here is a step by step list of what to do to make planning a tablescape fun and easy!
Step 1: Make a list of things you WANT to do. Ideas that you have seen online or in a magazine make a great place to start! Even if you may not be able to accomplish all of those things THIS time, it is good to have a Wish List! (Another neat trick is keep a file of all your lists from the past so you can look back! Maybe if you aren't able to do something this time you can keep it on the list for the next time around!) Your ideas can be as simple as wanting to add a centerpiece to spruce up your table or as complex as making your own table runner, napkins & matching place cards.
Step 2: After you make your list, you can go through your decor, craft supplies, serving pieces and your pantry and decide what is an option for THIS time! You can always get on Pinterest or Google for ideas if you don't know where to start. I have a 'Holiday Ideas for the Future' Pin Board for just that reason! It is always smart to have a list of what you WANT and what you CAN HAVE when planning!
Step 3: I would say step three is set a budget. Once you know what you are willing to spend then you can move forward with your plan. I will be honest, I am not a budget girl and it gets me in trouble. I cannot tell you what your budget should be because it depends on the type of event you are planning for! For everyone that is not me, once you decide what you are willing to spend, if anything, on extra decorations, details and food, you can move on! For this particular V-Day table I only spent money on Flowers and food things. I did not need to purchase any new serving pieces or anything. Also, since I cannot enjoy the Champagne and Ryan doesn't really like it, I did not purchase a bottle. I instead grabbed a bottle of wine from our wine cooler and used that instead!
Step 4: Plan your menu. Decide what you type of event you are going to have. A sit down Dinner, just "Sips and Sweets" or appetizers/snacks. Then at that time, locate your recipes and plan your grocery list. Make sure when you are going through your pantry and fridge to read all your recipes to make sure you have enough of each ingredient. That should be obvious but I have been that girl that has gone back to the store twice or three times before being able to complete a menu because I did not have enough chicken broth or powdered sugar!
Step 5: This is the fun part for me…getting out your decor and serving pieces! Now you know what you are going to serve and you know what the theme of your event or party is, so now you can figure out how you want to display your creations! I love going through my buffet and my cabinets and seeing all my serving pieces and getting ideas of what I can use for what food item. For this particular Valentine's Day, I am just setting up a table to photograph for my blog and to display the Sweet Treats that I am making with some friends to send with Ryan to work on Friday for his co-workers. (We are actually going out this year so no dinner menu here!) I have set the table as if we were having a romantic VDay Meal so I could take pictures for the blog!
Step 6: Get ahead of yourself! Buy anything you plan to purchase that is nonperishable early in the week of the event. I am baked cupcakes and brownies for Ryan's co-workers so I picked up my icing, sprinkles, cupcake liners and baking mixes on Monday. I also made chocolate covered strawberries but I waited until Thursday to buy the berries so they didn't get soggy! I sat down early and made my place cards as well. I had blank tags from Christmas and VDay stamps from last year so that did not cost me anything. I got out my silk flowers and my table runner and fabric and ironed those in advance. I went ahead and purchased the live flowers I used for the table on Tuesday instead of waiting. Normally I would wait until the day before to purchase flowers! (Hint: When using real flowers always trim the stem at an angle underneath running water!) I like to buy flowers at SAM's Club because they tend to be less expensive for more flowers and prettier flowers. I bought two bunches for less than $25.00 total broke them up and made 3 arrangements!
Step 7: Prepare your food! Start your day early. I woke up on Thursday morning and started baking. I used disposable heart shaped baking dishes for the brownies and normal cupcake liners for the funfetti cupcakes! I always stock up on Pillsbury brand pink Icing around VDay! Target stocks it every year and I ALWAYS buy it! Funfetti cupcakes + Pink Icing + heart shaped sprinkles = the BEST VDAY treat! I bought my strawberries and dunked them in Almond Bark to make the chocolate covered strawberries. It has taken me years to figure out what type of chocolate to buy for dunking but finally figured out Almond Bark works the best. I decided that since I had some adorable Coca Cola glasses that were favors from a friends wedding, I would used some cute straws I have to make mini Root Beer Floats! I am obsessed with the trendy paper straws so I have a lot in almost every color. I waited until the last minute to make these though so that the ice cream didn't melt all over the place!
This is where I get to feature some treats that my good friend Jennifer prepared! She sent me a photo and some recipes for her treats! Photos and links are attached below! Sadly the link for the Chocolate Cake Mix Cookie Link is broken but I will try and get the recipe for you!
Isn't she talented! I just want to jump into the computer and gobble up these VDay Treats!
Pioneer Woman Valentine's Cookies Valentine Pretzel Buttons
Step 8: While things are baking or cooling you can use this time to set the table. If you have pulled out all your serving pieces in advance then you should have very minimal work. I first laid the table runners down, then placed the chargers, plates, glasses and napkins. Then I prepared my floral arrangements. One for the Table, One for the champagne tray and one for the buffet in the back ground with all the extra VDay treats! After all your treats have cooled and been decorated then you can place them on their appropriate serving dishes and photograph your table. Again, I used the App Typic+ to label some of my photos like Jennifer did!
Step 9: ENJOY!!! At this time you can wait for your Sweetheart to arrive for your Special Valentine's Day! (One last tip-chill your wine or champagne all day and place in the champagne bucket with ice at the last minute!)
I hope this is has been helpful for you and you are able to use the info to plan your next Valentine's Day or special dining event!
XOXO
Hillary
Step 1: Make a list of things you WANT to do. Ideas that you have seen online or in a magazine make a great place to start! Even if you may not be able to accomplish all of those things THIS time, it is good to have a Wish List! (Another neat trick is keep a file of all your lists from the past so you can look back! Maybe if you aren't able to do something this time you can keep it on the list for the next time around!) Your ideas can be as simple as wanting to add a centerpiece to spruce up your table or as complex as making your own table runner, napkins & matching place cards.
Step 2: After you make your list, you can go through your decor, craft supplies, serving pieces and your pantry and decide what is an option for THIS time! You can always get on Pinterest or Google for ideas if you don't know where to start. I have a 'Holiday Ideas for the Future' Pin Board for just that reason! It is always smart to have a list of what you WANT and what you CAN HAVE when planning!
Step 3: I would say step three is set a budget. Once you know what you are willing to spend then you can move forward with your plan. I will be honest, I am not a budget girl and it gets me in trouble. I cannot tell you what your budget should be because it depends on the type of event you are planning for! For everyone that is not me, once you decide what you are willing to spend, if anything, on extra decorations, details and food, you can move on! For this particular V-Day table I only spent money on Flowers and food things. I did not need to purchase any new serving pieces or anything. Also, since I cannot enjoy the Champagne and Ryan doesn't really like it, I did not purchase a bottle. I instead grabbed a bottle of wine from our wine cooler and used that instead!
Step 4: Plan your menu. Decide what you type of event you are going to have. A sit down Dinner, just "Sips and Sweets" or appetizers/snacks. Then at that time, locate your recipes and plan your grocery list. Make sure when you are going through your pantry and fridge to read all your recipes to make sure you have enough of each ingredient. That should be obvious but I have been that girl that has gone back to the store twice or three times before being able to complete a menu because I did not have enough chicken broth or powdered sugar!
Step 5: This is the fun part for me…getting out your decor and serving pieces! Now you know what you are going to serve and you know what the theme of your event or party is, so now you can figure out how you want to display your creations! I love going through my buffet and my cabinets and seeing all my serving pieces and getting ideas of what I can use for what food item. For this particular Valentine's Day, I am just setting up a table to photograph for my blog and to display the Sweet Treats that I am making with some friends to send with Ryan to work on Friday for his co-workers. (We are actually going out this year so no dinner menu here!) I have set the table as if we were having a romantic VDay Meal so I could take pictures for the blog!
Step 6: Get ahead of yourself! Buy anything you plan to purchase that is nonperishable early in the week of the event. I am baked cupcakes and brownies for Ryan's co-workers so I picked up my icing, sprinkles, cupcake liners and baking mixes on Monday. I also made chocolate covered strawberries but I waited until Thursday to buy the berries so they didn't get soggy! I sat down early and made my place cards as well. I had blank tags from Christmas and VDay stamps from last year so that did not cost me anything. I got out my silk flowers and my table runner and fabric and ironed those in advance. I went ahead and purchased the live flowers I used for the table on Tuesday instead of waiting. Normally I would wait until the day before to purchase flowers! (Hint: When using real flowers always trim the stem at an angle underneath running water!) I like to buy flowers at SAM's Club because they tend to be less expensive for more flowers and prettier flowers. I bought two bunches for less than $25.00 total broke them up and made 3 arrangements!
Step 7: Prepare your food! Start your day early. I woke up on Thursday morning and started baking. I used disposable heart shaped baking dishes for the brownies and normal cupcake liners for the funfetti cupcakes! I always stock up on Pillsbury brand pink Icing around VDay! Target stocks it every year and I ALWAYS buy it! Funfetti cupcakes + Pink Icing + heart shaped sprinkles = the BEST VDAY treat! I bought my strawberries and dunked them in Almond Bark to make the chocolate covered strawberries. It has taken me years to figure out what type of chocolate to buy for dunking but finally figured out Almond Bark works the best. I decided that since I had some adorable Coca Cola glasses that were favors from a friends wedding, I would used some cute straws I have to make mini Root Beer Floats! I am obsessed with the trendy paper straws so I have a lot in almost every color. I waited until the last minute to make these though so that the ice cream didn't melt all over the place!
This is where I get to feature some treats that my good friend Jennifer prepared! She sent me a photo and some recipes for her treats! Photos and links are attached below! Sadly the link for the Chocolate Cake Mix Cookie Link is broken but I will try and get the recipe for you!
Pioneer Woman Valentine's Cookies Valentine Pretzel Buttons
Step 8: While things are baking or cooling you can use this time to set the table. If you have pulled out all your serving pieces in advance then you should have very minimal work. I first laid the table runners down, then placed the chargers, plates, glasses and napkins. Then I prepared my floral arrangements. One for the Table, One for the champagne tray and one for the buffet in the back ground with all the extra VDay treats! After all your treats have cooled and been decorated then you can place them on their appropriate serving dishes and photograph your table. Again, I used the App Typic+ to label some of my photos like Jennifer did!
Step 9: ENJOY!!! At this time you can wait for your Sweetheart to arrive for your Special Valentine's Day! (One last tip-chill your wine or champagne all day and place in the champagne bucket with ice at the last minute!)
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| Just a view of the completed table |
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| Cupcakes and Chocolate covered Strawberries |
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| Root Beer Floats! |
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| Extra Treats! |
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| My place setting |
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| A view of the entire room |
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| Supplies for Placecards |
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| Finished - Front and Back |
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| Wine Bucket |
I hope this is has been helpful for you and you are able to use the info to plan your next Valentine's Day or special dining event!
XOXO
Hillary
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Baby Peanut Bump Photos
Baby Pitts: Due in April! Today is the 30 week mark and so I will take a bump photo later and post it to my Instagram!
Before we got pregnant, I ALWAYS thought I would do all the things you see online to keep up with the bump, announce the gender, etc. I just knew I would do all the "popular" things to do during my pregnancy. As days and weeks passed, I decided that I would rather keep the pregnancy kind of private. Not a secret but just private. I was adamant about not posting anything until 12 weeks and even then it was more like 19 before we officially announced it via social media! We told our parents right off the bat and from then certain family members and friends found out! When you come from a small town it's hard to keep things private unless you tell NO ONE! I was not prepared for everyone to know just yet but apparently my family is physic and they "Just Knew." Basically we only confirmed the news! After that day, we told the other close friends that we did not want to find out from anyone but us. That was me trying to be a "Planner" and it came back to bite me. There was a reason that everyone found out right away and I eventually got over the fact that I did not get to tell everyone the way I had envisioned! Telling our friends and family was so exciting! Hearing and seeing their reactions was priceless! We actually took some professional photos to give to family members, frame for the house and the nursery and to announce the pregnancy on social media!
I did not want to NOT keep up with the bump progress so I did start documenting the bump at about 15 weeks! If it is a holiday or a significant event, IE: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Super Bowl Sunday, I have been documenting those times as well. I have used the App 'Typic+' to label the pictures so I know what week it is and if there was a significant weather event or holiday happening. 'Typic+' is a free App that I downloaded on my iPhone. You can add text, frames and filters to your photos before posting them on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter. It has made it easy for me to label my photos and keep track of how far along I am. I took one photo early on, about 6 weeks, and then did not take another until the 15 week mark when I first started noticing a bump! I am missing 2 weeks in the middle of the 20's, but I have one photo that I am not sure when it was taken so I will pretend it was during one of those weeks that I missed!!! I wanted to use a chalkboard to make a cute weekly post with the size of the baby and some details about what I am feeling each week but the App has proven to be easier for me to do! I had a great plan but I can't take a photo of myself unless I use the mirror and Ryan gets home after dark so my plan of taking a photo outside each week did not work. That's when I resorted to selfies in the mirror!
I also thought that when I got pregnant that I would have a gender reveal party to announce the sex of the baby. Early on I decided that I wanted to wait to find out. I didn't want to fall into the mold and do what everyone else was doing. When I first saw that for the first time it was new but by the time we got pregnant I felt it had been overdone so Ryan and I discussed it and agreed that we would wait. We are keeping it a secret until the baby arrives! Each month we tell the Ultrasound Tech "we still aren't finding out the sex" and she tells when when to cover my eyes if she needs to check things out down there. I don't know if I have mentioned before that Ryan is convinced that Peanut is a boy. I tend to think the same thing but we will see!!!
I have decided on Nursery Colors that I feel are gender neutral and that will be a post all it's own. I have purchased fabric that my aunt and I will turn into baby bedding and I will definitely post about that! I can't wait to get started!
Something else that I have noticed in the past month is a lot more movement. I get a giant smile when Peanut does his/her daily Yoga and Karate routine. I can't wait to meet this little one!!!
Here are some photos from our photo shoot and some bump pics! That's all for now!
XOXO,
Hillary
Before we got pregnant, I ALWAYS thought I would do all the things you see online to keep up with the bump, announce the gender, etc. I just knew I would do all the "popular" things to do during my pregnancy. As days and weeks passed, I decided that I would rather keep the pregnancy kind of private. Not a secret but just private. I was adamant about not posting anything until 12 weeks and even then it was more like 19 before we officially announced it via social media! We told our parents right off the bat and from then certain family members and friends found out! When you come from a small town it's hard to keep things private unless you tell NO ONE! I was not prepared for everyone to know just yet but apparently my family is physic and they "Just Knew." Basically we only confirmed the news! After that day, we told the other close friends that we did not want to find out from anyone but us. That was me trying to be a "Planner" and it came back to bite me. There was a reason that everyone found out right away and I eventually got over the fact that I did not get to tell everyone the way I had envisioned! Telling our friends and family was so exciting! Hearing and seeing their reactions was priceless! We actually took some professional photos to give to family members, frame for the house and the nursery and to announce the pregnancy on social media!
I did not want to NOT keep up with the bump progress so I did start documenting the bump at about 15 weeks! If it is a holiday or a significant event, IE: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Super Bowl Sunday, I have been documenting those times as well. I have used the App 'Typic+' to label the pictures so I know what week it is and if there was a significant weather event or holiday happening. 'Typic+' is a free App that I downloaded on my iPhone. You can add text, frames and filters to your photos before posting them on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter. It has made it easy for me to label my photos and keep track of how far along I am. I took one photo early on, about 6 weeks, and then did not take another until the 15 week mark when I first started noticing a bump! I am missing 2 weeks in the middle of the 20's, but I have one photo that I am not sure when it was taken so I will pretend it was during one of those weeks that I missed!!! I wanted to use a chalkboard to make a cute weekly post with the size of the baby and some details about what I am feeling each week but the App has proven to be easier for me to do! I had a great plan but I can't take a photo of myself unless I use the mirror and Ryan gets home after dark so my plan of taking a photo outside each week did not work. That's when I resorted to selfies in the mirror!
I also thought that when I got pregnant that I would have a gender reveal party to announce the sex of the baby. Early on I decided that I wanted to wait to find out. I didn't want to fall into the mold and do what everyone else was doing. When I first saw that for the first time it was new but by the time we got pregnant I felt it had been overdone so Ryan and I discussed it and agreed that we would wait. We are keeping it a secret until the baby arrives! Each month we tell the Ultrasound Tech "we still aren't finding out the sex" and she tells when when to cover my eyes if she needs to check things out down there. I don't know if I have mentioned before that Ryan is convinced that Peanut is a boy. I tend to think the same thing but we will see!!!
I have decided on Nursery Colors that I feel are gender neutral and that will be a post all it's own. I have purchased fabric that my aunt and I will turn into baby bedding and I will definitely post about that! I can't wait to get started!
Something else that I have noticed in the past month is a lot more movement. I get a giant smile when Peanut does his/her daily Yoga and Karate routine. I can't wait to meet this little one!!!
Here are some photos from our photo shoot and some bump pics! That's all for now!
XOXO,
Hillary
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Happy 'Almost' Valentine's Day!
Happy 'Almost' Valentine's Day! I am excited about this post and my actual V-Day post that will reveal my full Tablescape and Valentine's Day spread! Now this post is just some of my plans for Friday but I may run out of time or there is the occasional mis-hap in the kitchen that leads to a heart shaped, pep to bismol colored "red velvet" going into the trash! Whoooops! ;) Please don't hold me to all of these things but I DO plan to attempt them all.
I absolutely LOVE to design and decorate tables. I credit that to my two years at the party rental company where I got to decorate all the tables in the showroom for brides to see. It gave them about 5 different "themes" or "design" ideas for their wedding and displayed all the linen options that were available. I used to have the luxury of renting items at a discounted price for any sort of event that I was having personally. Since quitting the party store, I have had to invest in my own table top items. Luckily when I got married we received a TON of awesome serving pieces. I have added some to my collection over the years and have purchased napkin sets, chargers, napkin rings, place card holders, etc. Since I got my handy dandy sewing machine a few years back, I have made some table runners and things that I will use for my table this year! Even though it is only the two of us, for now, I will have a lot to display!
I actually went to work with Ryan yesterday so we could look at some houses and while he was working I made my list of ideas for V-Day! I am excited to share them with you!
A few years back I made a table runner out of burlap that I accented with some felt hearts and roses. I plan to use that again but I am going to pair it with my pink and white chevron fabric that was used for a friends baby shower. I am anxious to see how it will turn out. In my mind I think it will be adorable! I am excited to use my wonderfully carved white, wooden chargers again! They are my favorite investment for table top items so far! I received the matching tray for Christmas last year from my sister in law that I will pair with a champagne bucket, champagne flutes and some flowers! Even though I can't enjoy the champagne I will fake it! Gotta make the table pretty! I absolutely LOVE cake domes, so... I plan to create a dessert to put in my mini cake dome! For place cards I want to dip some strawberries in dark chocolate and tie a place card to them with bakers twine! I must also create the place cards! My friend Jennifer is going to create some other desserts for me to feature on my blog! I can't wait to see what she is going to come up with! She is a WONDERFUL cook! Hopefully the blog posts will give you some ideas for your Valentine's Day menu and table. I look forward to sharing the final product with you! Keep an eye out!
XOXO
Hillary
I absolutely LOVE to design and decorate tables. I credit that to my two years at the party rental company where I got to decorate all the tables in the showroom for brides to see. It gave them about 5 different "themes" or "design" ideas for their wedding and displayed all the linen options that were available. I used to have the luxury of renting items at a discounted price for any sort of event that I was having personally. Since quitting the party store, I have had to invest in my own table top items. Luckily when I got married we received a TON of awesome serving pieces. I have added some to my collection over the years and have purchased napkin sets, chargers, napkin rings, place card holders, etc. Since I got my handy dandy sewing machine a few years back, I have made some table runners and things that I will use for my table this year! Even though it is only the two of us, for now, I will have a lot to display!
I actually went to work with Ryan yesterday so we could look at some houses and while he was working I made my list of ideas for V-Day! I am excited to share them with you!
A few years back I made a table runner out of burlap that I accented with some felt hearts and roses. I plan to use that again but I am going to pair it with my pink and white chevron fabric that was used for a friends baby shower. I am anxious to see how it will turn out. In my mind I think it will be adorable! I am excited to use my wonderfully carved white, wooden chargers again! They are my favorite investment for table top items so far! I received the matching tray for Christmas last year from my sister in law that I will pair with a champagne bucket, champagne flutes and some flowers! Even though I can't enjoy the champagne I will fake it! Gotta make the table pretty! I absolutely LOVE cake domes, so... I plan to create a dessert to put in my mini cake dome! For place cards I want to dip some strawberries in dark chocolate and tie a place card to them with bakers twine! I must also create the place cards! My friend Jennifer is going to create some other desserts for me to feature on my blog! I can't wait to see what she is going to come up with! She is a WONDERFUL cook! Hopefully the blog posts will give you some ideas for your Valentine's Day menu and table. I look forward to sharing the final product with you! Keep an eye out!
XOXO
Hillary
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Rumble in the Jungle
I promised photos of our new Dog Rumble so here they are! He is a South African Boerboel that we got from my husbands brother and sister in law. They have three themselves. We have talked about getting one of the pups for a while but at the time there was no reason because we live in the city. Now that there is a chance we will move to a place with some land we decided to take the plunge. I just thought it would be closer to the time that we actually moved! O well, he is doing just great. Well, he is doing okay. Peaches the Queen Bee Dachshund tends to disagree. Pickles the middle Dachshund is now going through that Peaches went through last holiday season, a new puppy! WTF?! I still don't think Peachy has gotten over us bringing Pickles home! They will get their own posts at a later date! Trust me, I have lots of stories and I am not lacking in the photo department. I am sure that will change once Peanut arrives but from about 2007 until now I have an abundance of dog pics! They are our babies until April 2014!
Okay, here we go with the photos.
The top right photo is Rumble's Momma - Cheyna. Small dog right?!
In the second set of pics the close up of his face I took last night. Isn't he a handsome dog!?!
Next to that is Rumble with Pickles out in the snow this morning.
The others are just random pics of him eating and sleeping and being Rumble!
Hope you enjoyed! More later!
XOXO
Hillary
The top right photo is Rumble's Momma - Cheyna. Small dog right?!
In the second set of pics the close up of his face I took last night. Isn't he a handsome dog!?!
Next to that is Rumble with Pickles out in the snow this morning.
The others are just random pics of him eating and sleeping and being Rumble!
Hope you enjoyed! More later!
XOXO
Hillary
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
The Planner who can't Plan
Hello All! Sorry I have been absent for a few days. I honestly don't know what day it is, I think it's Wednesday though! This post will be a little random! I promise one day I will actually post about something that might benefit you or help you with something going on in your life!
First, I want to touch on the fact that this weather is getting old! It is 14* here today and we do NOT live in the north! Once Christmas is over I am good with the snow being gone and warmer temps! Too bad the Groundhog disagrees! Silly Phil!
As I have mentioned before, I am expecting my first child in April. I am very excited! That leads me to what I have been up to this week so far. I am a Planner! I always have been! When we decided not to find out the sex of the baby until birth, that threw a LOT of people for a loop! Anyone who knows me knows how much of a planner I am. Everyone asks "How are you doing it? Don't you want to decorate the nursery? You of all people I figured would want to know the gender!" Normally I would want to know so that I could "Plan" all the things for the nursery and get things in order but after thinking about it I told myself "NO." This is the one big surprise you get in your life and I intend to keep it that way until April! Although my husband is pretty sure Peanut is a boy, we still do not know for sure. That being said, I do have a plan for my nursery and it will be gender neutral. Monday I went shopping with my FaveAunt for fabric because she and I are going to make the baby bedding! I am so excited! (For our first anniversary Ryan gave me a sewing machine. I jumped right in and have made 4 baby quilts, aprons, table runners and random other things!) Since I am still learning, my aunt needs to be there to assist me and make sure I make the right cuts and things. Monday was successful, we picked out the fabrics at my favorite Quilt shop and I can't wait to get started.
Tuesday we spent the morning at the dr. I had an ultrasound, my glucose test and since I am AB- I had to get a shot of Rhogam. This will protect baby from being attacked by my anti-bodies. It lasts 12 weeks so hopefully we will have a baby by then and I won't have to get it again. We need to get on the ball and find out Ryan's blood type, if we do that and his is a certain type then I won't have to get it after baby arrives! We were slackers and did not find that out prior to yesterdays visit! Baby yawned 3 times yesterday during the ultrasound and they said Peanut is looking good. 3Lbs and counting. Since we have a 2 vessel cord instead of a 3 vessel cord they will continue to monitor the growth of baby until birth. I go back in a month! Also, I PASSED the glucose test! Phew! I was nervous about that.
Today I spend the morning at the vet with our newest baby. His name is Rumble! He is a South African Boerboel! I will post some photos of him. He weighs a whooping 29Lbs. He is join to be BIG! That leads me to the reason we got the BIG DOG! Ryan took a job about 75 miles SE of where we live now and has been commuting since November. In my little planing mind, we were going to be moved into a house in the country by January 1. Needless to say, that has not happened and now we have a dog that is growing into our house in the city. Since we are going to a small town I wanted to look at some places outside of city limits. I also wanted to get a large dog to run around on the land and be a protector for our home and family. On my way to the fabric store on Monday, I called my husband to talk about about our living situation. We got into the argument that happens every time we bring it up about how I am ready to figure it out and have a plan and how he doesn't want to rush into things and we need to be smart. He said to me that I cannot plan everything and that is our main difference. He flies by the seat of his pants and I am the planner. That brings me to my book…here is Tuesdays reading. Although it wasn't Monday's, it still spoke to me because we had just talked about this and he said the exact same thing that I read last night before bed. I feel like it took a lot of writing and words to get to this but here we go.
First, I want to touch on the fact that this weather is getting old! It is 14* here today and we do NOT live in the north! Once Christmas is over I am good with the snow being gone and warmer temps! Too bad the Groundhog disagrees! Silly Phil!
As I have mentioned before, I am expecting my first child in April. I am very excited! That leads me to what I have been up to this week so far. I am a Planner! I always have been! When we decided not to find out the sex of the baby until birth, that threw a LOT of people for a loop! Anyone who knows me knows how much of a planner I am. Everyone asks "How are you doing it? Don't you want to decorate the nursery? You of all people I figured would want to know the gender!" Normally I would want to know so that I could "Plan" all the things for the nursery and get things in order but after thinking about it I told myself "NO." This is the one big surprise you get in your life and I intend to keep it that way until April! Although my husband is pretty sure Peanut is a boy, we still do not know for sure. That being said, I do have a plan for my nursery and it will be gender neutral. Monday I went shopping with my FaveAunt for fabric because she and I are going to make the baby bedding! I am so excited! (For our first anniversary Ryan gave me a sewing machine. I jumped right in and have made 4 baby quilts, aprons, table runners and random other things!) Since I am still learning, my aunt needs to be there to assist me and make sure I make the right cuts and things. Monday was successful, we picked out the fabrics at my favorite Quilt shop and I can't wait to get started.
Tuesday we spent the morning at the dr. I had an ultrasound, my glucose test and since I am AB- I had to get a shot of Rhogam. This will protect baby from being attacked by my anti-bodies. It lasts 12 weeks so hopefully we will have a baby by then and I won't have to get it again. We need to get on the ball and find out Ryan's blood type, if we do that and his is a certain type then I won't have to get it after baby arrives! We were slackers and did not find that out prior to yesterdays visit! Baby yawned 3 times yesterday during the ultrasound and they said Peanut is looking good. 3Lbs and counting. Since we have a 2 vessel cord instead of a 3 vessel cord they will continue to monitor the growth of baby until birth. I go back in a month! Also, I PASSED the glucose test! Phew! I was nervous about that.
Today I spend the morning at the vet with our newest baby. His name is Rumble! He is a South African Boerboel! I will post some photos of him. He weighs a whooping 29Lbs. He is join to be BIG! That leads me to the reason we got the BIG DOG! Ryan took a job about 75 miles SE of where we live now and has been commuting since November. In my little planing mind, we were going to be moved into a house in the country by January 1. Needless to say, that has not happened and now we have a dog that is growing into our house in the city. Since we are going to a small town I wanted to look at some places outside of city limits. I also wanted to get a large dog to run around on the land and be a protector for our home and family. On my way to the fabric store on Monday, I called my husband to talk about about our living situation. We got into the argument that happens every time we bring it up about how I am ready to figure it out and have a plan and how he doesn't want to rush into things and we need to be smart. He said to me that I cannot plan everything and that is our main difference. He flies by the seat of his pants and I am the planner. That brings me to my book…here is Tuesdays reading. Although it wasn't Monday's, it still spoke to me because we had just talked about this and he said the exact same thing that I read last night before bed. I feel like it took a lot of writing and words to get to this but here we go.
Bring Me your weakness, and receive My peace. Accept yourself and your circumstances just as they are, remembering that I am sovereign over everything. Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning. Instead, let thankfulness and trust your guides through this day; they will keep you close to Me. As you live in the radiance of My Presence, My Peace shines upon you. You will cease to notice how weak or strong you feel because you will be focusing on Me. The best way to get through this day is step by step with Me. Continue this intimate journey, trusting the path you are following is headed for heaven.
Psalm 29:11; Numbers 6:24 - 26; Psalm 13:5
I will walk each day and remember this. I know there are things to plan, like dinner menus, but things much bigger you cannot plan and need to let Him guide you to them. I need to remember not to rush things, for they will happen in due time.
Happy Wednesday! Maybe I will be back sooner next time!
xoxo
Hillary
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Second 1/2 of my Super Bowl Sunday Post! "My Pretend Super Bowl Party!"
It's Super Bowl Sunday Y'all!!! Go Broncos! I am cheering for the Broncos by default because Ryan likes Peyton Manning. Also, Shout Out to my girl in Cali who is also cheering by default for the Broncos because her husband likes them as well. She may be a bigger fan that me and that's okay! I am just more of a college fan so I don't have a NFL team that I typically cheer for!
So my husband and I have both been battling sickness this week! He's been fighting a cough since about October and has finally gotten some relief with a new Cough Syrup he got at the Dr. on Monday. I also went to the Dr. and was diagnosed with a sinus infection and a cough. Since I am pregnant I am limited on what I can take but they were able to prescribe me something for the sinus gunk!
Since I have had basically no energy this week I have been online a lot and I planned a Pretend Super Bowl Party! I even started a Super Bowl Party Pinboard that I will attempt to add a link for. We will see how that goes! Super Bowl Party Board! I hope next year I am able to host a party and serve some of these delicious looking football snacks! After all there are only 209 days until it's Football Tiiiiime in Oklahoma! Surely I can find something to do between now and then…
Anyway, as I sat on Pinterest this week I thought of all the yummy super bowl foods I wanted to make and the things that I am craving due to this baby!!! I have always been a buffalo chicken fan but it sounds especially delicious right now! One thing that I just started to like before I found out I was pregnant was a hot and spicy Bloody Mary! I love the spice! I love the Salty-ness! Just YUMM-O All around! ANYTHING with ranch sounds delicious as well so of course a twist on the traditional "Jalapeño Popper" is in order. Wish homemade ranch OF COURSE! Those are not links for the recipes but just pictures for you to drool over like I am right now!
So my husband and I have both been battling sickness this week! He's been fighting a cough since about October and has finally gotten some relief with a new Cough Syrup he got at the Dr. on Monday. I also went to the Dr. and was diagnosed with a sinus infection and a cough. Since I am pregnant I am limited on what I can take but they were able to prescribe me something for the sinus gunk!
Since I have had basically no energy this week I have been online a lot and I planned a Pretend Super Bowl Party! I even started a Super Bowl Party Pinboard that I will attempt to add a link for. We will see how that goes! Super Bowl Party Board! I hope next year I am able to host a party and serve some of these delicious looking football snacks! After all there are only 209 days until it's Football Tiiiiime in Oklahoma! Surely I can find something to do between now and then…
Anyway, as I sat on Pinterest this week I thought of all the yummy super bowl foods I wanted to make and the things that I am craving due to this baby!!! I have always been a buffalo chicken fan but it sounds especially delicious right now! One thing that I just started to like before I found out I was pregnant was a hot and spicy Bloody Mary! I love the spice! I love the Salty-ness! Just YUMM-O All around! ANYTHING with ranch sounds delicious as well so of course a twist on the traditional "Jalapeño Popper" is in order. Wish homemade ranch OF COURSE! Those are not links for the recipes but just pictures for you to drool over like I am right now!
As for our ACTUAL Super Bowl Party menu, we did get out in the cold yesterday to make a run to the grocery so we wouldn't starve today. I must say, the husband has spoiled me rotten today. Breakfast in bed, then lunch while I was organizing bills and now he's grilling in the SNOW! Taking him shopping does have its perks!
Menu
Cheese Burgers with all the trimmings
Chips, Queso and Salsa
Crinkle Fries
Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites with Ranch
Homemade French Onion dip with ruffles
MORE than enough food for two people but I am not celebrating the Super Bowl without Buffalo Chicken SOMETHING and we can snack throughout the rest of the game! For now I bid you all farewell as we watch Bruno Mars perform an extra gold and sparkly looking Halftime show!
XOXO
Hillary
1/2 of my Super Bowl Sunday Post
As I sit here on Super Bowl Sunday on the couch with my husband and 3 dogs and wait for the queso to heat up, I can't help but think about two families who lost loved ones this week. I really want to send prayers out to them and let them know that I am thinking about them. I pray for peace and comfort for the parents and the siblings and the friends of these two special people, one of which I did not even know.
Seek my face, speak to Me, and I will light up your mind.
Psalm 105:4
I hope the families of these two individuals can look to Him during this time for peace and clarity.
XOXO
Hillary
Friday, January 31, 2014
TGIF!!!
TGIF! I remember when that was a big thing on Friday Nights! Anyone else remember TGIF?! Boy Meets World, Full House, Family Matters and Step by Step came on on Friday nights and before I got into going to High School football games and playing tennis, we would order pizza and watch TGIF and you knew it was going to be a good weekend!
On another note, I have a lot going on right now and I will fill you all in on what is going at a later date but something that came to me last night around 4am was that I needed to include a gift that I received recently in each of my blogs. I was tossing and turning and up going to the bathroom (cuz I am almost 29 weeks pregnant!!!!) and while trying to fall back asleep I was thinking about ALL. THE. THINGS. and then remembered the gift that a good friend sent me a couple weeks back. Now, if you are as busy as I am I really think this is something you should look into!
After returning from my parents in TX a couple weeks ago this little gem was sitting on the table. I opened the box and found this little book. It came from a lifelong friend that says this book helped her on so many occasions. I can't thank her enough for sending it to me. I have been reading it each day and highlighting parts that I need to try and remember. The book is called Jesus Calling and it is written by Sarah Young. It is a book with a devotional for everyday of the year. It arrived mid January and I didn't realize at first that there was something for each day so I quickly caught up after missing part of the month. I am not joking you, the day I chose to start the book I was laying in bed and I turned to my husband said said "Oh My Gosh, Ryan, Read this!" and it was basically words that I needed to hear and read at that very moment on that very day! It was incredible. I cannot think Katie enough for sending me this book. Thanks Katie! Love you Dearly!!!
So now I will go back to last night, I was trying to get comfy and go back to sleep and my mind was racing like usual so I turned to the book. I thought, you know, I am going to include the devotional from yesterday, January 30th, on todays blog because it is exactly what I need to remember at night and all the time when I am thinking of ALL. THE. 389,392,429 THINGS. I need to be doing! So here we go…
Worship Me Only. Whatever occupies your mind the most before your god. Worries, if indulged, develop into idols. Anxiety gains a life of its own, parasitically infesting your mind. Break free from this bondage by affirming your trust in Me and refreshing yourself in My Presence. What goes on in your mind is invisible, undetectable to other people. But I read your thoughts continually, searching for evidence of trust in Me. I rejoice when your mind turns toward Me. Guard your thoughts diligently; good thought-choices will keep you close to Me.
On another note, I have a lot going on right now and I will fill you all in on what is going at a later date but something that came to me last night around 4am was that I needed to include a gift that I received recently in each of my blogs. I was tossing and turning and up going to the bathroom (cuz I am almost 29 weeks pregnant!!!!) and while trying to fall back asleep I was thinking about ALL. THE. THINGS. and then remembered the gift that a good friend sent me a couple weeks back. Now, if you are as busy as I am I really think this is something you should look into!
After returning from my parents in TX a couple weeks ago this little gem was sitting on the table. I opened the box and found this little book. It came from a lifelong friend that says this book helped her on so many occasions. I can't thank her enough for sending it to me. I have been reading it each day and highlighting parts that I need to try and remember. The book is called Jesus Calling and it is written by Sarah Young. It is a book with a devotional for everyday of the year. It arrived mid January and I didn't realize at first that there was something for each day so I quickly caught up after missing part of the month. I am not joking you, the day I chose to start the book I was laying in bed and I turned to my husband said said "Oh My Gosh, Ryan, Read this!" and it was basically words that I needed to hear and read at that very moment on that very day! It was incredible. I cannot think Katie enough for sending me this book. Thanks Katie! Love you Dearly!!!
So now I will go back to last night, I was trying to get comfy and go back to sleep and my mind was racing like usual so I turned to the book. I thought, you know, I am going to include the devotional from yesterday, January 30th, on todays blog because it is exactly what I need to remember at night and all the time when I am thinking of ALL. THE. 389,392,429 THINGS. I need to be doing! So here we go…
Worship Me Only. Whatever occupies your mind the most before your god. Worries, if indulged, develop into idols. Anxiety gains a life of its own, parasitically infesting your mind. Break free from this bondage by affirming your trust in Me and refreshing yourself in My Presence. What goes on in your mind is invisible, undetectable to other people. But I read your thoughts continually, searching for evidence of trust in Me. I rejoice when your mind turns toward Me. Guard your thoughts diligently; good thought-choices will keep you close to Me.
PSALM 112:7; 1 Corinthians 13:11
There is so much more I could write about today but I am going to leave you all with that. TGIF! Maybe I will see you all again this weekend!
XOXO
Hillary
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Literally…All. The. Things!
Well, they say third time is a charm so here it goes! This is officially the 3rd time I have started a blog! After following two friends from High School, Brittany and Whitney (I will eventually figure out how to "tag" y'all later) I wanted to post about my daily life like they did. That includes work, recipes, crafts, football, my puppy (ONE puppy…when this thing started we had ONE puppy! We are up to three now!), decor in my home, the weddings that I was helping with and SO much more. My first blog started out about weddings and wedding decor because that is what I was into a few years ago while working at a rental company that rented out supplies and decorations for weddings. I thought that was what I wanted to do full time but things happened and I changed my mind. I honestly don't even remember what my second blog was about. I either deleted it as well or it will show up somewhere. I think that that was the blog where I wanted to blog about my life and my daily activities! Again, not sure where it went or what happened to it! So here we are, round 3, 3rd quarter if you will since we are HUGE football fans around here, ready to blog about ALL. THE. THINGS! This is a little saying that I found on Pinterest that started out as "Glitter All the Things!" but since I found it my cousin and I have coined the phrase and use it in our daily lives whenever we need to describe EVERYTHING in a situation! So, that brings me to how I came to name my blog, "All. The. Things. Blog" because when talking to my friend Jennifer she gave me the task of starting a crockpot meal and then coming up with a name for my blog. As I sit here in front of the computer and look at my dining table, that until today, was cleared off I realized that I can't sit and focus on just one thing, I have to focus on All. The. Things. I have so much going on in my life right now that I can't sit and complete one task before thinking about and moving on to another. I am currently looking at, bills, Valentine's Day Cards, Baby gift thank you cards, fabric for the nursery, CONFETTI, V-Day stickers, Harry Potter Stamps, a pile of Kleenex (because on top of everything I am battling a sinus infection and cough) and a bag of "stuff" that was removed from the dining room table Friday so we could have guests for dinner! Phew! I do have dinner in the crock pot so that is one task done for the evening! Well, at least until I have to bake the spaghetti squash for the side dish! It will be my first time so I will blog about that experience later! Hope it is yummy! Before I close and get back to the "Table of Doom" I want to thank Jennifer for urging me to get back into this! Thanks Jenn!!!
xoxo
Hillary
xoxo
Hillary
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