Those Days

 

You know those days . . .

 

Those days that start with your alarm going off at 5:30am but a minute after you reset it for 6:00am your child wakes up.

 

Those days where the routine is out of wack and your child is clingy and doesn't want to play in his crib like usual.

 

Those days where you have to wake up your grumpy husband to watch the grumpy baby so you can take a quick 3 minute shower.

 

Those days where you're trying your hardest to quickly get ready but continue to be interrupted because you have to remove the child from playing in the toilet and then bribe him with animal crackers every 5 seconds so he stays away from the toilet.

 

Those days where you are getting lunch ready for all members of the household, starting laundry, and emptying the trash all before the daylight breaks.

 

Those days when the dog snatches the bread out of your hand at the same time the child throws his head back hitting you in the face during his attempt at a fit.

 

Unfortunately, it's been one of those days - and this mom lost it.

 

Upon arriving at working and reading my devotions in my inbox, I was quickly reminded of a verse in Philippians 2 (14-15) :

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world

 

We need to remember that when we have days like those days, God's grace is all we need. Even though we are completely undeserving, God's love and kindness reaches down to us through Christ.

For this I am so thankful.  

 

Kingston Changed My Marriage . . .

. . . for the better! 

In two and half short weeks, I can say that my marriage and relationship with my husband is 100% better than it ever has been. 

 We work better as a team. 

CT is so hands on with Kingston and it truly is the biggest blessing to have someone do everything with me. From bath times to diaper changes and from me feeding and he finishing off with the burping - everything we do wit Kingston is together. CT helps out around the house or if I need something when I'm unable to do things because I'm needed by the baby. It really is the best feeling in the world to work together as a team.  

 We communicate so much better. 

We haven't raised our voices. We haven't been rude to each other. We consider the other persons opinions and views on each subject. I know it's because we are now thinking of more then just ourselves. The things we disagreed on before Kingston was born (daycare, etc.) we now have total different views on and we were able to discuss things as 'adults'. Becoming parents has really made us mature in how we communicate. 

I'm sure there are a lot more things that have changed and I'm sure things aren't always going to be this easy - but it's a good feeling. CT and I have been together going on our 8th year and I think things can only continue to get better from here.  

I love our family we have created and I am truly so thankful that God has given me a man that wants nothing more then to be an amazing father. It makes my duty as a wife and mother so much more rewarding and doable with the extra help and encouragement from my husband. 

I continue to fall more in love with this man as the days go on. 

My First Son - Bentley

His whole world is about to get rocked - like drastically changed. 

He has been a mama's boy since the moment we brought his little 1 lb. body home. He follows be everywhere, spins a hundred circles when I come home from work each day, goes to bed when I go to bed and wakes up with me when my alarm goes off. 

Lately I've noticed that he's becoming even more clingy. Like he knows a human is about to come and take over his spot in our home and in our heart. 

He's been the 'king' of our home for almost 6 years and now the real King is about to arrive. 

CT took him into the vet last week for his yearly appointment and they told him he is 1 year away from being considered a senior citizen. How sad is that? I can't even imagine what our lives would be like without him. I am so thankful for our little bent/bent-tail/puppers. He has taught me what it's like for someone to depend on you for their every need and in return show you nothing but unconditional love. I think he's helped me prepare for this thing I'm about to embark on: motherhood. 

I pray that during this new change in all our our lives that I am able to still show him the same amount of love and attention as I previously have. 

How do I make sure this happens?  

Maternity Photo Ideas

Last week I put a down a deposit with a photographer to do our maternity and newborn photos! Let me tell you - these days there are SO many photographers... it seems like everyone and their mom can take photos. 

When deciding on a photographer I knew I wanted:

Someone who didn't want my first born as payment. 

Someone who had good props for newborn photo shoots (that means less I have to buy).

Someone who would give us a photo release with a copy of the disk. 

Someone that came recommended. 

We decided to go with Rosario Chico Vietti Photography.

She met all of our criteria. She didn't want Kingston as payment, we have friends that use her for everything and their pictures are always great, included in her package is the disc with photo release, and she has a wide variety of newborn props to use! 

I won't have much to buy for our newborn photos, but I do want to customize our maternity photos. 

1. Crochet Fringe shirt to show off the growing bump - I will pair this with a maxi skirt and hopefully #2

2. Some sort of flower or lace head band 

3. Balloons - K balloon and confetti filled balloons 

4. A mini king's crown

5. A mama-made sign. All I need to do is find a cute frame for this bad boy. 

It seems like I am forever spending money these days - but I find these things necessary. 

Aren't they? Pictures last forever! 

Bi-Racial = Happy

So there is this thing going around social media these days about 100 happy days. 
I must not be that cool because I don't really know what it's about ... 

but it has got me thinking about certain things that make me happy. 

First - lets start off with a little Pharrell: 

Doesn't that song just make you want to jump around the room and dance all ridiculous like? No? Maybe that's just me. 

Anyways ... 
What makes my heart so happy is bi-racial couples and bi-racial families  (and not just because I'm apart of one).  I think it's beautiful.
CT and I talk about this all the time - eventually in a million bizillion years (if Jesus doesn't come back before then) our whole world is going to be one big mixed race.  I think that's how God wanted it. 
There would be no hate - only love.  Everyone would look similar - beautiful. Everyone would be on an equal playing field.  There would be no stereotypes based on color and no persecution. 
I love seeing the older generation couples - because you knew they did it before it was ever anywhere near acceptable. When it was completely against the norm and when people judged and looked down on them. These people are my favorite! I am inspired by their braveness and their ability to fight for love.
It's not about what someone looks like (even though my hubby is a complete hottie) but it's about how they treat you and how they love you.  Love is beautiful - whether you are black, white, grey, or purple. 
I love love. It makes me happy. 

LUST

I had a good feeling today as soon as I saw that I had a new email from Kate Spade. I think I fell in lust. As soon as I landed my eyes on it, I couldn't stop thinking about anything else.

The Claremont Drive Marcella handbag stole my heart.

Here are the deets:

SIZE
12''h x 12''w x 7''d
drop length: 4'' handheld; 17'' adjustable strap

MATERIAL
seed leather with matching trim
14-karat light gold plated hardware
custom woven printed faille

DETAILS
over the shoulder bag with adjustable and detachable shoulder strap; magnetic snap closure
interior zip and double slide pockets
kate spade new york embossed signature with light gold spade stud
imported

Just take a look at this beauty.

Maraschino 

Perfect Brown

Blue Yonder

and saving the best for last: Pink Champagne
via: Kate Spade

My heart was crushed shortly after opening the email when I saw the price tag of $478. That's more than we pay for rent!

The lust will always be there, but I know that it will never work out between us. 


Which color is your fave? 

Weekly Inspiration [7]: To Love & To Cherish

What is love?

Love is patience. 

Love is kindness 

{try and be as polite to your spouse as you are to other people}

Love is selfless & sacrificial.

{it does not brag and is not arrogant}

Love is having good manners.

{let them know they are appreciated}

Love is being a servant with our hearts and our hands. 

{it says I love you with your actions}

Love is having a short memory.

{not easily angered, and remembering that forgiveness is a decision}

Love is being truthful, always. 

{it's easy to do what's not right. true love strives to do what's right according to God, even when it's hard. }

Love is ALL IN. 

{there is no plan B}

What is not love?

Love is not words alone.

{our actions must match our words}

Love is not knowledge. 

{love is practiced}

Love is not actions alone. 

Love is not jealous.

{trust and communication is needed to be successful in love}

Do you love your spouse? 

Does your actions match your words?

Are you being truthful and doing the right thing even if it's hard?

Are you as polite, kind, and good mannered towards your spouse?

Are you all in? 

When you spend every day and every night with your spouse, why would you not try and have the best relationship possible? My hope is that you read this scripture and realize you only live one life, you only have one time to get it right, so we need to make the most of it. 

Be happy and love hard. 

Check out last week's post on God's design for marriage.

52 Lists: List Why You Love Someone Special

Jumping in mid series to link up with Moorea!

Nail Files [5] + Promotion!

Happy Friday yall! 

My Friday started out with a nice little promotion. I am now the Cosmetic Clinic Assistant Director/ VIP Coordinator at Healing Cosmetic Waters. It was unexpected and much appreciated. 

Today's 'Blog everyday in May' post is what is your favorite photo?

This is one of most absolute favorite pictures of CT and I. This was taken during the initial 'honeymoon phase' of our dating relationship. We look so young and were so in love!

This is also one of my most favorite photos.
I am so glad the photographer captured this photo on our wedding day. It perfectly discribes CT's and my personality.


This past week I got a fresh new manicure and wanted to link up with Tara.

Shellac CND - 2 coats romantique and 1 coat moonlight & roses.

The perfect light pink with a little free edge showing. 

This is totally one of those manicures you could wear forever. 

Well I hope you all have a good weekend. I have 2 birthday parties to go to tomorrow. 

I also am on the look out for the perfect red of Annie Sloan chalk paint for my new buffet table, which you can find more about here.

PS- CT is so excited to be done with his 2nd year of teaching next week. Today was his second evening being out of baseball and coming home at 3. Of course it was only appropriate to leave him a little list of things to do. I wanted to be sure he saw it! 

Haha I am so evil but soo good!

For the LOVE of: T-A-T-T-O-O-S

I remember when I went in to get my first tattoo and the artist had asked me if that was my first experience getting a tattoo and I so quickly said 'yep, first and last'. He 100% assured me that it wasn't going to be my last and that I would be hooked.

As I sit here researching and 'pinning' to my permanent ink board, I'd say he was correct! 

I currently have 2 tattoos that I love and am so happy about.

This was my first tat I got in 2009 with some girls from my college volleyball team.

If you are having a hard time telling what this is - it's a tribal wolf with a paw inside. 

 My maiden name is Wolf and I played around with a couple of ideas before I came across something similar to this!

This one is self explanatory!

I love my boo and I love being married.

Obviously, I'm into the smaller, simple lined tattoos that can be easily covered. 

The next tattoo I  get, I want it to be a cross.

1. Finger tattoos are sexy.
2. Feet tattoos are super girly.
3. I love the position of the last picture but I would want it about an inch long. 

As I was on pinterest tonight I heard "What are you doing?? We are going to have a hard time parenting when you have 17 tattoos and I have 1."

Here's to trying to talk CT into getting one with me! =) 

Weekly Inspiration

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."

 

via 

We all need a daily reminder that The Lord has the perfect plan for everything. We may not be able to see it now, but things are happening behind the scenes every second of everyday to eventually get us to that perfect place.

 Ultimately, we have no control over what is happening. We can only go with the flow and put all of our trust in Him. He has a plan far better than we could ever imagine. Have faith and ride the waves.

My Fairytale: The Proposal

A little back ground information:

I was one of those girls that was always complaining to CT every time I got on facebook and saw that someone else was engaged. It seemed like a ton of people we knew were getting engaged but all of them had been together less time than we had. Needless to say, I was getting extremely impatient and probably super annoying always asking when our time was coming.

It was about this time 2 years ago when we were on our way to Kansas City for the Cardinals vs. Royals game. CT and I had met up with one of my best friends to do some shopping, comedy club, lots of eating, and the baseball game. 

 

The weekend prior to going to Kansas City, CT wanted to go to my home town and visit my parents for the weekend. Looking back I should have put two and two together and knew that he was trying to find a time to talk to my parents. Another thing that should have tipped me off, was the week prior to attending the game, CT took me ring shopping and as I was looking at rings all he was concerned about were the bands.

(If you know me, you know I hate surprises and would have tried everything to find out prior. I know, shame on me!)

SO, Saturday June 27, 2010 as we were sitting in the outfield at Royals stadium CT asked me to marry him and I said yes! 

He had sent me on long treacherous walk (which I had done 2 innings prior) to get him a hot dog and refill of mt. dew. It was his turn so of course it took some convincing on his part to make me go, but when I came back he got down on one knee and asked. =) 

No, I didn't cry. No, that doesn't make me heartless. I was excited and in total shock!

 

Thankfully the ladies below us were kind enough to take pictures because it's something I love looking back on. 

This took place in the 7th inning, and throughout the last 2 innings we were busy updating our family, friends, and facebook! I have never seen my husband so okay with his team loosing, but after he proposed our minds were else where.  

 

Before heading out of town, I had CT stop at a Barnes & Noble where we found a wedding planning book. From that moment on, almost every thought and minute of my life was consumed with wedding planning!

 

He did a great job, huh?

My Fairytale: How We Met

Be prepared to learn about our love story. Over the next few weeks, in between what ever other posts I don't have planned, I will be filling ya'll in on how CT and I met, the journey of our relationship, our engagement, our wedding, and our honeymoon!

CT and I met the first week of my freshman year at college. He was a football player and I was a new freshman volleyball player. Fall athletes were allowed to move into the dorms a week before all the other students. CT was told he wasn't going to be able to move into the dorms because they were all full, but a week before move in day he was told a room came available. He lived upstairs and I lived downstairs. Co-ed dorms = best invention ever! 

 

 (The boys playing dress up in my uniform. It's crazy how young we both look.)

Talking with him later, I found out that he had spotted me in the cafeteria and called "dibs" on me to the whole football table. Must have been my nice tanned legs in my volleyball spandex that got him ;) 

Anyways, I came to college with boyfriend of 2 years and after I met Christian the rest was history. It's funny to look back on what these guys did to try and get our attention. Example below --

(We had the note displayed on the fridge and the old boyfriends didn't like that, so that's where the 'gay' came from. And their PSS was untrue, they never knocked. They were to chicken and just stuck it under the door.)

Looking back, they make for a good laugh! 

Well after the notes, CT and I started hanging out and before long I was no longer with my x and we were a couple. 

A picture on our very first day hanging out. I was going home that weekend and wanted to show all my girlfriends how cute my new 'friend' was! 

Funny story -- after about two weeks of hanging out, we had our first sleep over and it was the most awkward thing ever. We were both fully clothed with shoes on, on top of the covers, trying to sleep next to each other in my twin bed. I wouldn't be surprised if we slept with the light on, that's how awkward it was. Haha. It brings a smile to my face to remember the old times and how smitten and cute we were.

Looking back, it's much easier to see how God has a plan for everything and it's really cool to see how things work out. It was definitely a God thing that a room had opened up a week before move in day and CT was able to move in upstairs. Why do we ever doubt Him? He knows exactly what He is doing. 

Not much in our relationship has changed in 5 years besides our maturing looks and the fact that we are now married. We have been inseparable and best friends since day 1 and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

I love that man with all my heart!