my bday

Well, kids...

I'm 33 years old now.

(I'm telling you, so that it'll help me remember...)

Somehow it just doesn't seem right.

Is it?!  Hmmm...

I can't get my mind wrapped around it.

Last I checked I was 28.  Or 25, I can't remember.

Where did the time go?

Oh wait. 

Yes, I remember.  KIDS. 

I've been busy.  You have kids and years just sneak by!

I guess.  That's my explanation and I'm sticking to it!  So not fair.

Anyhow...

For my birthday this year, the kids and I went to MD for the day to visit my parents and my grandma (Dad's mom) who was there visiting!

Riley, Owen and their great grandma!

 

I joined in the pic...(Grandma and I match)

 

Owen with his grandmas
(they are matching too)

 

My parents, grandma and kids
(Owen is stepping on Riley, hehe)

 

and with me again...33 year old, me.
(we all are matching!  too crazy)

We had a nice day together with the family!

I enjoyed my bday celebration too!  (thanks guys!)

And we always love seeing my sweet Grandma C (miss you already!)

Love,

Eleven

I was tagged by Jenn (Life with the Lieutenant) to do this fun (in depth) questionnaire! 

The Rules

1. You must post the rules (and link up who tagged you).
2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.
4. Tag however many people you want.
5. Let them know you've tagged them!


Eleven Facts

1.  I love Winnie the Pooh.

via Abby on Pinterest

via Abby on Pinterest

2.  I love anything sweet.

3.  I hate cleaning my bathtub. It's disgusting. I'd rather clean 100 toilets before my bathtub.  (Does that make me weird?)

4.  I have to tell myself to eat healthy.  With that said, I always feel better about myself when I do try harder to eat well balanced meals.

5.  I love the show The Bachelor.  And I know I shouldn't even be admitting that right now.

6.  I am a true blonde.  It is one physical feature I have always loved about myself.  (Though, it has gotten darker over the years!)

7.  I get stressed out if my dining room table (or house!) is a mess.  We load a bunch of stuff on our table because there is no where else to put it - but it makes me nuts.

8.  I have two holes in my ears and seriously regret ever getting a second hole in HS.  I just think it's silly! 

9.  Yes, I say the word "silly" more than any adult should.  Thanks, Riley!

10.  My daughter makes me happy and angry.  Every single day.  Its a roller coaster ride - being a parent!  But it's also the greatest joy, ever...in a million years.

11.  I love pink.  And white.  I wish we had more white in our house - but my hubby would move out!  (ha ha)

via Abby on Pinterest

Eleven Questions

1.  How many states have you traveled to and which was your favorite?  Umm...I counted 22.  But don't hold me to that number (it may be more or less).  My favorite?  I think Colorado.  I was born there.  Only went back to visit once in my adult life but thought it was so beautiful.  I really would love to see more of it someday!

2.  Would you be more likely to be featured on an episode of Hoarders, What Not to Wear, or Wife Swap?  Ha.  Definitely not Hoarders.  I'm quite the opposite.  It's between the other two.  I wear comfy clothes; I am not into fashion; I don't have the body for most styles out there; I don't have the time or money to invest in a new wardrobe.  So maybe What Not to Wear would love to rip into my closet!  BUT - I also am pretty extreme with tidiness, organization and routine in this household - so Wife Swap would probably love to have me too.  I could so whip a sloppy, unorganized family into shape!  Ha ha.  And they could probably help me to relax and let go of some stuff too!  I'm pretty sure Aaron would not let me go though...pretty sure.

3.  If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Two words.  Cheese pizza.

4.  Do you try to leave one or two little pieces of toilet paper on the roll so you don't have to change it?  Or are you the martyr that changes it as soon as it starts running low?  Ha, neither.  When it's low - I am (usually) the one to get a new roll ready but we finish the entire roll before swapping it out.  And it's a good balance between me and my hubby as to who changes it.

5.  What is your favorite comfort food?  This is actually hard.  Favorite?  Possibly mac and cheese.  And possibly chocolate.  You know, health food.

6.  How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?  I'd say 30.  Married, with kids.  Feeling pretty good mentally and physically.

7.  Are you brand-loyal when buying laundry detergent, or do you grab whatever is cheapest?  I've changed over the years.  I used to buy Tide.  Just because.  Then we bought cheap stuff and I hated it.  So now I buy All  (mostly) because it's not outrageous but works well!  I'm not tied to any one brand.

8.  Tea: sweet?  unsweet? hot? cold?  All of the above.  Depends on the season and my mood.  I love tea, in all its forms!

9.  Do you ever believe what your fortune cookies says? Or has one of the fortunes in your cookie ever come true?  I can't remember even one fortune to know if it ever came true.  And no, I don't believe what they say.  It's all for fun.  In bed.  (Get it?!  Ha ha.  I'm funny.)

10.  If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?  Hmm...there's a lot.  But, I have to go with Brad Pitt.  Ha.  I don't care how old he is - he's a stud.

11.  If you were forced to choose, which of these things could you live without forever: TV, Internet, or condiments?  Not Internet.  TV - only if it was cable.  I love my movies!  So...condiments it is.  They are just added calories anyway!  Maybe someone should force me to live without them. 

Eleven New Questions:
1. Favorite thing to do as a family?
2. If you had 2 hours of alone time (today) what would you do?
3. How do you handle stress?  What helps you?
4. What is one piece of advice you'd give an expecting parent?
5. What is your least favorite household chore?
6. What is your #1 hobby?
7. If you could only pick one store to shop at, which would it be: Target or Walmart?
8. What is the first thing you'd buy if money wasn't an issue?
9. How do you take your coffee?
10. When is the last time you wrote/sent a card or letter in the mail to someone?
11. If you were forced to give up one of these from your diet, which would it be?  Chocolate, cheese, or bread?

Tag!  You're It!
Lindsey @ Sassy Ms. Ginger
Haley @ just the little things
Shannon @ Welcome to Mommy World

stay-at-home momma...

I'm linking up with I Pick Pretty for this post!

To those that don't know, I am a stay-at-home momma.

It's a job I always dreamed of, to be totally honest.

I wanted to be like my mom.

When talking about college, work, etc. there were times I just said "I want to be like Mom!"  Ha ha.  Well, it was true!

So, yes.  I do have a college degree.  And no, I'm not using it currently.

While pregnant, Aaron and I had big discussions about the plan after Riley would be born.  (As all couples do when a baby is on the way!)

Aaron knew my desires to be home with Riley, and he had the same wish.

It fell down to finances (as most everything does anymore) and we were convinced we could not afford my being home. 

I can't tell you the number of times I went through our budget, while sitting at my desk at work.  I wanted so badly to get the numbers to work out.  They never did.

So, I worked.  I went on maternity leave; had Riley and took the maximum leave I could (even unpaid leave) so that my job would be held open at the end of it all. 

Each day I was home with Riley, the more and more I dreaded the idea of returning to work.  (I know many of you know this feeling!)

God, obviously, didn't want me going back to work either!  By some miracle - Aaron's work schedule changed.  He was put on the same exact work schedule I had.  Monday through Friday, 8 hour days.  (He was working 24 hour shifts on and off before that.)

See - our plan was that Aaron would be home with Riley a few days a week (the days he was off of work) and she would be in daycare part time the days that he had to work.  And I'd have her on the weekends and would be responsible for dropping and picking her up from daycare.

Well, this job change wasn't necessarily the best news for Aaron.  But, it did make us think even harder about our lifestyle.  What would change; how Riley would do in daycare five days a week and how we would manage our life with all that going on.

We ran the numbers again.

It was doable!

Tight.  But doable.  We'd have to sacrifice a lot.  Spend less.  Budget wisely.  But, we could pull it off.  I could stay home with Riley. 

YES!

I will say this...you can plan and think you have it all figured out - but when that baby is born, I'm sorry but things will and do change!  It's amazing.

And, the rest is history.

My employer was very understanding about my leaving work.  It made the decision easier on my part.  It's not like I was in my dream job, anyway.  To be completely honest.

So.  That's it.  Our story as to how we came to this decision.

I will say that being a stay-at-home momma isn't for everyone.  We all have desires and passions in life.  We all have different personalities.  We all have different lifestyles; different incomes.  We all have dreams.  We all have to come up with what is best for our family.  And for me, trusting God in the process helps!

My plan right now is to be home with Riley as long as we can afford it, and as long as it's necessary.  I do plan on working again someday.  When?  I have no clue.  Doing what?  I have no clue.

It'll come together.  Just as being a stay-at-home momma did!

I have to thank my hubby, first and foremost.  He supported my wanting to be home instantly.  He too wanted that for Riley, all along.  As for today, he's still happy.  It's a relief for him knowing that I'm home with her - especially during this deployment.  One less worry...for everyone.

Being home with Riley is a joy I'll never forget.  It's meant so much to me.  I truly do feel blessed and am extremely thankful and fortunate that we could pull this off.

To me, money isn't everything anyway.  If I wear the same clothes; if I get my hair cut less; if I have to drive a little car, who cares.  My family is most important.  And Riley - well, she's only little for a time. 

Everything changes.  With time.  This isn't going to be our lifestyle forever.

We'll have more money again in the future - and we may always be on a budget.  But I too don't see that as a bad thing.  This lifestyle has taught us more about money and saving than ever before.  It's taught us about sacrifice and what's really important in life.

Good luck to any of you contemplating the decision to work or stay home.  It's a tough one.

Just remember, there is no one right way to do it. 

Most importantly, it's just about spending quality time with your kids - whenever you do have them near!

time management

I hope everyone has enjoyed their first week of 2012!

This past week (as part of my "resolutions") I focused on managing my time better.

Since becoming a mother (almost two years ago!) I have really struggled at finding a balance that works for me.

I remember learning time management in college.  And while that was tough then - it's not even close to what I'm talking about now.

Being a wife has changed things.

Being a mother has changed things.

Being a wife, mother (stay-at-home) and ME all at the same time has been hard to balance.

I know you guys know what I'm talking about - you've been there too, right?!

Balance is hard; something that constantly needs to be revisited and adjusted.

If I get pulled too much in one direction - I start feeling frazzled, stressed, and unhappy.  It may not be immediately; but eventually it catches up and slaps me in the face.

A top priority of mine this year - is, well, to get back to my priorities.

One big priority of mine this year is exercise. 

I complain a lot - and now, even I'm sick of my own complaining!

I'm sick of complaining about no gym membership; no treadmill; not a big enough house for a treadmill; winter - cold and dark; little free time; my husband is deployed, etc.  Boo hoo.

All excuses for not exercising; when exercise needs to be a priority in my life.  It just has to be.  End.  Of.  Story.

So, I am working out at home - making exercise fun again.  I'm not doing the same thing over and over but a variety of things.  I'm just moving.  I don't care what I do or when I do it - I'm just going to be active.  Inside or out.  During the day or at night.

(I've had to let go of some high expectations of mine too - that's part of my priorities this year.  Is to let go.  Stop being so hard on myself; stop feeling so guilty.  I'm not perfect and I'm surely not a super-momma!)

And another thing on my "to do" list this year...

Start sewing.

I have no excuses now - I got the equipment for Christmas!

I really am excited to learn and look forward to keeping you all in the loop as I try out (or fail) projects! 

I have to be honest, I'm a little intimidated right now about it all but I know once I start I will enjoy it (I think) and if I don't...well, there's more to life than sewing.

I'm pretty sure either way, I'll survive.

So...while I have a gazillion areas of my life I'm striving to work on and to better - I just wanted to share a couple things with you.

The trick will be to balance it all in.  I've already re-worked my schedule during the day and night to really take full advantage of the "me" time that I do have; while also keeping the family time intact (a top priority, always).

As for blogging - it's a fun hobby of mine, so it's not going away!

I hope you all are finding the proper balance in your lives too!!

***********************************************

Don't forget to enter my first ever giveaway...winner will be chosen tomorrow!! 

 

25 things

Linking up with Welcome to Mommy World for this post!

I love the idea and always like sharing things about myself...when asked.

Which leads me to:

1.  When you first meet me, you will know very little about me - unless you ask.  I am not a talker.  I will not tell you much of anything personal, actually.  I'm very private when having discussions with people.  But, I love sharing about myself when I get to know someone.  And I always answer a question.  It's just I make the others do all the work!  Ha.  And because I'm on the quiet side - this blog has been a huge outlet for me.

2.  I'm an Army brat.  I was born in Colorado and have lived many different places.  The most "coolest" being Germany.

3.  I used to ice skate (got as far as a single axle).  Heck yes!  I actually love ice skating to this day but don't get to go very often anymore.

4.  My favorite sports when younger were soccer and skiing.  Love them.

5.  I met my husband at a bar.  It's not something I like to share with people.  For some reason it feels weird to me.  I don't like to admit that I had a phase of living the single life - going to bars to interact with other singles.  Ugh.  I know many of us do it - but it's not exactly the place I thought I'd meet my future husband.  Especially being as shy as I am.  Regardless, it led me to Aaron...to which I'm very thankful.  But truth be told, I am glad that that phase is over!

6.  Since we're on "bar" talk...my favorite alcoholic beverage is a margarita.  On the rocks.  I drink them once or twice a year because they have a ridiculous amount of calories in them.  I actually think they deserve to be treated as special though.  It's usually my birthday (in June) when I really want one...and demand one.  Ha!

7.  My favorite type of food is Mexican.  I love most everything they have to offer.  Not to mention, it goes quite well with margaritas!!

8.  I hate the summer.  I really do.  I'm an odd ball.  I guess I should clarify.  I don't hate the sunny days and the fact I can live in flip flops.  But I do hate the harsh humidity that comes with our summers.  I hate feeling sticky.  I hate sweating when I'm just standing outside.  I hate not being able to breathe while out running.  And I HATE bathing suits.

9.  I love fall.  Best time of the year.  Hands down.  Cool, crisp air.  Leaves.  Pumpkins.  Hiking in the woods.  Drinking hot cider while eating pumpkin deliciousness of some kind.  Love. it.

10.  I have a lot of favorite movies - not just one.  But one movie that is at the top of my list is Little Women (1994).  I usually want to watch it in the fall.  It makes me feel happy.  Oh, so happy.  (Even if there are sad moments in the movie!)  Actually, it's a favorite book of mine too.

11.  I enjoy reading but I would rather read magazines any day over a book.  I find books are hard for me to commit to.  Especially now, being as busy (and tired) as I am.  I struggle to start and finish a book.  I read the first Twilight book and not the rest.  I read the first Harry Potter book and not the rest.  The last two books I started to read I left off half way through.  I've been reading the same book now since early summer.  Ha!  Magazines are easy for me to finish and I don't feel the stress of committing to it.  I still like a good book though - that is, when I actually finish one.

12.  Baking is turning into a #1 hobby of mine.  I absolutely love it.  I turn on some music in the kitchen (thanks to my husband's iPod speaker thingy) and listen to music while baking away.  It makes me happy.

13.  I love warm, fuzzy socks.  We have hard wood floors in our house and it's always cold in here.  Socks are a must.  The prettier and the fuzzier they are...the better.

14.  I truly don't care what kind of car I drive.  A lot of people do.  I don't.  (Though, I do want a minivan!  Not necessarily the most stylish of automobiles.)  My first car out of college was an Infiniti G20.  Leather seats, sun roof, etc.  It was nice.  It was used, but it was nice.  Mocha was the color.  How fancy right?  Yeah.  I had that car all of 4 months before getting into a serious, one car, accident and it was totaled.  I was OK.  The car, was not.  After that I didn't care what I drove as long as it was decent, and affordable.  I refuse to be emotionally attached to my car.  It can be taken away in a second.

15.  My family is top priority.  I truly cherish every single family member.  The older I get the more important they are to me.  I feel very lucky.  Our family has always been close, and I get along really well with my husband's side too.  I can honestly say there is no drama!  Aaron and I both always comment on how blessed we are with our two families.  They are different, but we think that's a good thing.  We get all of the good there is to be had, on both sides!  My family is who I want to be around most.

17.  I am a lot like my husband.  They say opposites attract, right?  Well, that's not entirely true for Aaron and I.  We are a lot alike in personality.  Don't get me wrong - we definitely have our differences too.  But I would say we are more alike than different.  He may disagree...but if he does, he's just in denial.  ;)

18.  I "dated" Aaron over email and phone calls for 3 months.  When I met him he was getting ready to go to TX for some training.  He left.  We kept in touch.  He returned, and a year later we were married.  Aaron is, without a doubt, my absolute best friend.

19.  I married in Maui.  Just my hubby and I.  No family.  No friends.  Do I regret it?  No.  I will say, there are times I wish my parents (and in-laws) could have been there with us.  But in all reality I needed our wedding to be private; I needed it to be quiet and peaceful.  It was perfect.  I would marry Aaron again in a heart beat...as long as we get to go to Maui again!  Our families were amazing for supporting us in our decision.  (Again, no drama!)

20.  I never thought I'd love being a mother as much as I do.  It's truly "the hardest job you'll ever love."  It's awesome and stressful all at the same time. 

21.  I love cats.  We have a cat.  And, I'm also allergic to cats.  When I tell people I have a cat and they say "Oh, I'm allergic."  I say "I am too."  Then they look at me weird.  Ha!  Seriously, I shouldn't have a cat but I grew up with them.  The allergy has gotten worse the older I get.  I never hold my cat.  Never.  Kind of sad, right?  (He's too big to hold anyway, heavier than Riley probably!)  I rarely pet him and if I do - it's on his head and I wash my hands after.  I'm lucky Tater is not an affectionate cat that jumps on our laps.  I don't think we could have him if he did.  He doesn't sleep with us either.  His fur seriously bothers me, I can't handle it.  I vacuum all the time.  It's crazy.  I love cats and really hate that I'm allergic.

22.  I love blogging.  I should be doing a million other things right now but wanted to share this post with you!  I just can't stay away...

23.  I think one of my favorite CDs of all time is Pieces of You by Jewel.  It's just one of those albums that means a lot to me.  I still love it. 

24.  I love to dance but don't dance in front of people.  I'm so shy about it.  But I truly love doing it.  This white girl definitely has some rhythm!  Ha ha.

25.  I love God.  I haven't always gone to church (but I did grow up going).  I don't always read the Bible.  I can't quote scriptures (maybe a couple...)  I'm very much out of practice.  I don't like to pray out loud in front of people, either.  But, I do love God.  I'm really happy that I'm going to church again and starting over (in a sense) with my faith.  I will say I've always prayed.  It completely helps me to stay sane.  If something isn't going my way I just stop, pray and let it go.  We only can control so much in life.  Praying has helped me so much.  I'm not naturally laid back.  I get frustrated and stressed very easily.  I'm a perfectionist.  (Uh oh...I'm seeing Riley has these same qualities!)  I don't like to be around a lot of people.  Etc, etc.  In moments like this I just know God is watching over me and helping me to be more patient and to only give my best.  That's all He asks for - is our best.  Every day.  My faith has helped me through many (minor) challenges in my life.

Thank you for letting me share with you!  If you want to link up and post 25 things about you - do it!  It's FUN.  And, we all like fun!

Later gators!

26.  Yes, I'm a little corny too.

"fit" talk

I was just talking to my mom about this tonight (she visited Riley and I today!)...

I thought I'd post it too.  What the hay!

Last week I purchased a cute little book to help me log my exercise and nutrition info.

My jeans felt tight last week...one of many reasons I decided to purchase this book.

I know why my jeans are tight - no brainer!  I'm not exercising as much, and I had been eating the same (and maybe even slightly more than I was before).  Darn cookies!!

Actually, I blame it on Aaron's deployment!  OK.  Not true.  I blame it on me.  Emotional eater, and all.

Anyway, I needed an old fashioned way of keeping track of what I'm doing daily - with pen and paper.  I need to physically write down what I'm doing...or not doing, because that's just what works for me.  I'm routine oriented to the core.  I live by "to do" lists, calendars, and reminders.  I know this will get me back on track (and it already has!)  This book has been the perfect solution.

I started tracking on Monday.  But really I started being more conscious of everything last week after buying this book.  And I have to say - so far, so good.  I can already tell my stomach has shrunk too, because I'm getting full quicker than I was even a week ago.

I even got on the Wii Fit last night (for funs and grins) and it said I was one pound down from last time (ahem...two months ago).  So, maybe I didn't gain weight?  Or maybe I just ate a lighter dinner?  Ha ha.

Whatever.  It doesn't matter.  It's only one pound we're talking about.  So, I'm going by the feel of my jeans.  And, they felt snug.  I was neither pleased, nor surprised.

I have two very simple goals.

1. To exercise more regularly (about six times a week).  Simply put, burn more calories. 
2. To eat better, well balanced meals, and less sugar.  Simply put, take in less calories.  

Don't get me wrong - I will still be sharing some yummy (sugary) treats on my blog with you all.  I will also be eating my own treats.  I wouldn't be Abby if I didn't!  My goal is - just less.  Moderation.  Not to give up completely because, well, I can't do that.  To live happily, is to eat cookies. 

OK.  I'm losing focus. 

This book is going to help me reach my two goals.  I can log my exercise and plan my weeks in advance.  I can log my daily food intake (without having to get caught up in calories) and make sure I drink more water too!

exercise page (fill out each day)

food page (fill out each day)

I'm loving this little book!  Lets hope it loves me back. 

I'll keep ya posted on how I'm doing...whether you want me to or not.  Ha!

I've run twice this week and did the Wii last night, so I'd say I'm already off to a great start.

Keep on keeping on.

P.S.  Is it odd that I'm posting this right after bragging about being part of a cookie exchange?  Nah!  I didn't think so either.

Abby's 30!

It's official, I'm 30 years old.

Saying I'm "30" really creeps me out in a way, because when younger that age seemed old.  It's a grown up age.  It's an age many fear crossing.  I'm not sure what 30 is supposed to feel like.  I just know I don't feel old, or upset about being 30.  Is that good or bad?  I guess I'm just OK with it.  I didn't dread this birthday at all (and I know some do) but I also didn't enter it feeling overly excited either.  I guess it's just one of those things...it is what it is!

What I can tell you is that I'm happy at this point in my life, so maybe that makes being 30 all the easier.  I feel so blessed in my life and love where I'm at right now.  I do feel grown up.  I'm living that grown up life - married with kids.  I think 30 fits me, even more than 29 did ;)

Many, like my husband, dread birthdays - dread being a year older.  Especially the older we get, right?  I have always loved my birthday, maybe just as much as loving Christmas even.  I love having a day for me.  I'm not a selfish person at all, and since being a mom really have put a lot of my needs and wants aside - even more than before.  But I'll admit enjoying and celebrating "my" day is something I fully take advantage of!  It's awesome.  My birthday is mine! 

I also love reflecting on my life on the day of my birthday.  Instead of dreading being another year older, and feeling down about it - I like to celebrate my life, and thanking God.  Knowing that I have lived another year and have been on this earth for 30 years truly gives me something to celebrate.  Life is so precious and it's one thing I try my hardest not to take for granted.  None of us know when our time is up, but we all know people who have left this earth way too soon.  It just gives me something to think about. Something to always remember.

I will admit I tend to be a negative person, a "realist" as I like to say.  I don't always see the bright side of things, or even choose to see it.  But on my birthday, I truly do see the bright side and I celebrate it.  I smile.  I laugh.  I drink margaritas.  I am happy.

This year for my 30th, Aaron and I went to Gettysburg, Hershey and Lancaster, PA.  Riley stayed with her grandparents in MD while we were gone.  This was our very first trip away from Riley so we wanted to do something somewhat local (and more affordable).  We've never been to Gettysburg and it was Aaron's first time to Hershey too.  While we thought of Riley every single day, and even talked about her, we truly did enjoy our alone time.  We knew she was in good hands and probably having a blast so it didn't make us nervous being away from her.  For me, it was absolutely a vacation.  I got to have "me" time for a full weekend and loved it!  I think I showered more this past weekend than I typically do in a week.  Ha!  It was just nice having time to relax and not have to think about caring for Riley for a few days.  A much needed break, for all of us.

Thanks again Mom and Dad for watching Riley!

And thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes, cards and gifts.  It's always very much appreciated!