Friday, November 30, 2012

Fear.


I've always been a worry-wort. Always. This week, in fact this entire month; I've been confronting a lot of my fears. Not only have I been able to reflect upon how I feel after I conquer things that I was afraid of, but I've also watched my son overcome some fears of his own.

So, why am I such a worrier? Maybe it has something to do with how I was raised? There is no one more paranoid than my grandmother. I love her, and  I don't want to speak negatively of her, but geez, does she know how to think of the worst possible outcomes for any situation. My dad, likewise; was always lecturing me of all the horrible things that could happen in any situation. Now, there is a difference between being aware of a situation, and obsessing to a point where you can't enjoy yourself. It has taken several years to gradually step out of my "comfort zone". I would say that I'm at a point in my life now where I'm not as paranoid. I'm always aware of what is going on around me, but I don't view everyone as "out to get me". I've become more adventurous and spontaneous, as well. So, why? Why do I still freak out over situations that I think I will fail at? My current fear: failure. Lately, this fear has prevented me from wanting to move to NY (what if I couldn't adjust?), getting on the subway (what if I got lost?), parallel parking my car (what if I couldn't do it?), or driving through the city (what if I wrecked the car?).  Well, I will have you know, that I've done all of those things. I've adjusted to NY life. I love living in an apartment, walking everywhere, and I'm even used to rude people. I've traveled on the Subway without getting lost. I drove through Manhattan, and  I did great. As of yesterday, I had my first lesson parallel parking my car! Guess what? I did it. ((Thanks to the help of Jenny, my neighbor on my floor)). When I came back from parking the car, my husband gave me a lecture on how I always tell myself that I can't  do something, when I actually can. Yes, I used the word "lecture", because we've had this discussion several times. You know what? I'm thankful that he "lectures" me. He is right, I'm way more capable of overcoming things than I think I am. After reflecting on my parking experience, something "clicked". I'm going to make a vow with myself to not let my fears hold me back. In other words, 

I'm not going to fear change. 
I'm going to change my fears

I'm also not going to encourage my kids to be fearful. I've watched Allen overcome some of his fears this month too. Allen has always been nervous to climb up the bars on a jungle gym. I finally encouraged him enough times, that he decided to do it. Watching his expression once he conquered his fears was priceless. He also has been working on trying new foods. If you know anything about my son, you know that he is very particular about the texture and colors of foods he will eat. I will have everyone know, that Allen tried a mango this week, and he loved it! He was also able to try cauliflower too.  While he didn't care for the cauliflower, I'm so proud he was brave enough to feel it, touch it, and taste it. Go, Allen! 

Today, I encourage each one of you to think about what exactly is holding you back from doing something? Remember, do not let fears choose your destiny. 

~A

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Goals.

BECAUSE THE BATTLE OF YOUR MIND WILL BE YOUR BIGGEST OPPONENT. 

As some of you may or may not know, before we moved to New York my doctor told me that I was a pre-diabetic. What does this mean? According to the American Diabetes Association, a person has prediabetes when "...a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and may have some problems from diabetes already". 

 I wasn't really surprised at the news. I felt horrible for months. I had terrible headaches, stomach aches, dizziness, thirstiness, and moodiness. There were several contributing factors that put me in the category of now being at risk for diabetes. For one, I'm overweight. For my height, I need to be in the 110-120 lbs range. I was not exercising enough, nor did I maintain a healthy diet. I felt disgusting. Worse, I did not like the person that looked back at me in the mirror. I love ice cream, cookies, and carbs. Oh, do I love carbs. However, I wanted to feel "normal" again. What happened to me? Where was energy? Why was I not happy with myself? I was making the choice to live an unhealthy lifestyle. When my glucose test results came back, I made a vow to myself to try to be a healthier person. 

It took about a month to really make the changes to my diet that I needed to. Moving to New York, has been such a wonderful thing, because I don't have the access to as many fast food options. Likewise, I've been forced to walk everywhere. Recently, I went to a doctor here in NY, and to my surprise I've lost thirteen pounds since I've been here. THIRTEEN! Not only do I walk everywhere, but I have signed up for a gym membership. My doctor also suggested doing the Atkins diet. Okay. So, I bought a book. It's been hard cutting the amount of carbs I was used to eating. However, I feel like I have more energy. I haven't had a horrible headache or stomach ache in weeks. I no longer feel "sluggish". I'm starting to look like me again. 

I'm writing this post in hopes to encourage others not to give up on being a healthier person. It is not easy. There will be times that having a cookie or a slice of pizza will happen. Remember, making the choice not to do anything, is still a choice. 

So, today, I choose to continue to be a healthier person. I choose to reach my goal of losing ten more pounds. I feel like writing it on my blog will make me more accountable. Please, feel free to post encouraging words. I could use a little "boost" right now. Also, feel free to share your fitness goals with me! Together, we can encourage each other. 

Wish me luck, 
-A

For more on diabetes visit this link.
For more on the Atkins diet visit this link.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Love.

Black Friday 2007, I said "yes"! 

It is hard for me to believe that five years ago, Daniel and I spent our first Thanksgiving together. We both spent Thanksgiving in Raleigh, NC. It is one of my fondest memories. Every year, on Thanksgiving and the day after; I can't help but remember our first Thanksgiving together. Here are some pictures:

At dinner. Our Thanksgivings are a little on the non-traditional side. Every year since, I make ribs for Thanksgiving.

Our Black Friday deals? My ring. It is in his pocket.

Me by the Christmas tree. I'm pretty sure I insisted we take these pictures.

After he asked me to marry him at the skating rink. :)

I have a confession...part of me wishes I could back in time and re-live the past five years. There would be so many things I would do and say differently. If given the chance, I would love you more (if that is even possible?!), I would try to be more understanding of you, and I would taste my words before spiting them out. I'm not a very understanding person when things don't tend to go my way. I can also be rather moody. My poor husband is the one that has to deal with my moods, my complaining, and my ups and downs. For that, I'm thankful for his understanding. I hope he knows how much I love him. I hope he knows how proud I am of his accomplishments, and the type of father he is to our children. I love you, Daniel. I hope you love me just as much as the day you asked me to marry you. I know, if given the opportunity; I'd do it all over again. Thankfully, we have a lifetime to love, learn, and laugh together.





Sunday, November 18, 2012

Explore.

 TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW YOU WILL BE MORE DISAPPOINTED BY THE THINGS THAT YOU DIDN'T DO THAN BY THE ONES YOU DID DO. 
SO THROW OFF THE BOWLINES. 
SAIL AWAY FROM THE HARBOR.
CATCH THE TRADE WINGS IN YOUR SAILS. 
EXPLORE. 
DREAM. 
DISCOVER.


Before coming to New York, I was really nervous about living here. I know I have expressed that more than once, and I'm going to say it again. I was nervous. My friend from Santa Cruz visited (as I have also mentioned in another blog post), and she helped me remember the person I used to be. I used to be excited about going new places, trying new things, and dreaming big. Somewhere along the way, I lost my confidence, questioned who I was, and a lost a part of me. I think this is all normal stuff when you are discovering who you are. Part of me thinks that your twenties is supposed to make you feel this way. It is time to explore, dream, and discover. I feel like I found the piece of me that has been missing for the past five years. Siena helped give me find the confidence I needed to step out of my comfort zone. She reminded me of the confident person I know I am. I don't know exactly what "snapped" or "clicked" that helped me realize this, but I'm thankful I did. 

Yesterday, we spent the day exploring. We took the subway to Williamsburg, then we went to Times Square. Both experiences went really well! The boys even enjoyed themselves too! I really do have some great kids. 

Here are some pictures:


This is a vintage thrift store/random everything-you-could-imagine store. We went here first.

Vintage clothing store/consignment. AMAZING boots I saw. Too bad they were all about $300 dollars.

My little man.

Williamsburg had some awesome street vendors. I found this ring. $5. I love it. If you know about The Vampire Diaries: this is my "daylight" ring. (Ha. You know you are smiling right now. ;) )
We ate at a really yummy pizza place for lunch!
My pizza!



Siena finally had New York pizza that she liked!

Toys R Us! I've never been in such an awesome  Toys R Us. It was HUGE! It had four levels (maybe more). The downstairs had an ice cream bar called "Scopes R US!", they had a Willywonka Chocolate Factory, a farris wheel, and just so much stuff to do and look at. We were a little overwhelmed. 




We made it to Times Square!
                        
 Me and my boys at the Toys R US store! :)


We also went to the M&M store. It's called M&M's World. It was pretty awesome. It was also pretty overwhelming. Not in a bad way, but in the sense that there was so much to do and look at. I stopped taking pictures sometime after this store, to conserve battery on my phone. However, we also went to H&M and Anthropologie. We saw someone getting married, and we saw lots of Christmas decorations. I can't wait to go back! I would not venture there by myself with the boys, because of how busy everything is, but going and exploring with someone was a ton of fun. Plus, I don't think I would ever go by myself. I have never seen so many people in my life. I felt very "small" in such a BIG city! Oh, and it was a much better experience walking there than driving. Ha!

I hope everyone has a fabulous Sunday. Next week, plan an adventure. The world is waiting.

~A
                                                                                      


Friday, November 16, 2012

As luck would have it, answered prayer, or whatever you want to call it...

Week TWO of not having to move my car!

If you know me, you know I'm one of the worst drivers...ever. Am I exaggerating? No. You've got to trust me on this statement. 

If you also know me, you know that things always tend to work out for me. I'm not trying to brag or boast about the luck that comes my way. Instead, I want to take  a minute and reflect about my "luck". Don't get me wrong, I've had challenges in my life, or periods where I'm wasn't so "lucky". But no matter what, I feel like things have a way of working themselves out. The moments that I find myself in situations that are overwhelming or seem like they are too much to handle, in the back of my mind I always know I shouldn't worry. I used to have a strong relationship with my Heavenly Father, and there has been a period recently where I haven't felt as close to him. I don't want to get into all the reasons why, but every time I take a moment to say a prayer, I always feel comforted and things just tend to work out. You might not believe in religion, or in God. And that is okay. As for me, I do. I believe that we have the right to make our own choices that might lead us to certain circumstances in our lives, however; I know that there has to be some sort of higher power looking after me and taking care of my family. You might ask, then why do bad things happen to good people? Good things don't happen to me all the time. Yet, when good things do happen, I can see them as a blessing. Even if that "blessing" is as simple as not having to move my car. 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

New Yorker in the making!

I rode the subway...by myself with two kids, a stroller, and  a huge diaper bag.

Riding the subway might not seem like a huge accomplishment to some people, but for me, it was a major accomplishment. The past week or so, I've become really comfortable in my new surroundings. 

I remember the first time I came to New York. It was Thanksgiving 2009. Daniel was deployed, and my friend Emily invited my brother, Allen, and I to go visit her family in NY for Thanksgiving. I was so excited to go! Ha, I remember the drive took f o r e v e r. I gasped every time she got too close to the car in front of us, or if someone cut us off. I was then banished to the backseat where I got car sick due to the massive amount of anxiety that kept building in the pit of my stomach. Yeah, I'm a spaz. I told myself that New York was a nice place to visit, but I would never live in New York. I forgot about that life rule that says something along the lines of "never say never"! I guess the joke is on me. 

When Daniel was offered his new job, and it was confirmed we were moving to New York; I remember being nervous about walking every where with the boys. The picture I had in my mind, and where we actually live, are two totally  different things. I absolutely love it here in New York. If I could give advice to anyone moving somewhere unknown, I would tell them to embrace it. Life is an adventure! I can't believe I've waited over a month to catch the subway. Life here is so much easier than I imagined it being. 

Here are just a few things (..or ten..) that I love about New York:
  1. The grocery stores here deliver! Yes, deliver! I can walk to the store, and if I buy more that $30 worth of products, I get free grocery delivery. 
  2. I can walk everywhere! I have everything I need within a 10 minute walk. You name it; I've got it! Grocery store, doctor, shopping, gym, park, and library to name a few. Plus, I'm going to have some killer legs by next summer!  (That is my goal at least)! 
  3. I feel safe. Ha, those of you that know me really well, know that I tend to obsess about the worst case scenarios all the time. I feel like I've gotten a lot better about that, but it does put more at ease when I feel safe in place. 
  4. I love living in an apartment. Again, I can't believe I'm confessing this. I no longer have to mow a lawn. Nor do I have to worry about taking the trash out on trash day. I know, this makes it sound like I'm lazy, but I'm not. It is just nice, okay? It's the little things.
  5. I like the diversity of the people here in NY. It is fun to people watch, to listen to others speak, and to meet people I never would have been exposed to otherwise. And yes, I even like all the rude New Yorkers. The rude people are making me more aware of how attractive it is to be a kind person. In fact, they inspire me to go out of my way to be nice, even if that means smiling more. 
  6. I don't have to drive! Hold on, let me announce that one more time...I DO NOT HAVE TO DRIVE! Mailboxes are officially safe from me! In case you don't know what that means, let's just say I had a run in with a mailbox this summer, and it wasn't pretty.
  7. Pizza. Sushi. Chinese food. Need I say more? Oh, and bagels. However, I have not had them since I've been here. Although, I have had them before, and they are amazing! I need to remember to get an onion bagel, as soon as possible! 
  8. There's so much to explore, and I can't wait to start exploring more!
  9. Fashion. I'm starting to become obsessed. Uh oh.
  10. Most importantly, my husband and kids are here. I'm so excited to be sharing this experience with them. After all, life is just a little sweeter when you have people to share in a new experience! 
I can confidently say, I'm excited to be a New Yorker in the making.

Here is something to think about: 

You can't start the next chapter in your life, if you keep re-reading the last one.


~A

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

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Monday, November 12, 2012

Old friends. New things. Six years? ((a quick self reflection))


The reason people tend to give up so fast 
is they tend to look at how far they have to go
instead of how far they have gotten.

This week, one of my friends from UCSC came to visit me. Her name is Siena, and I met her through my roommate Juliana (I call her Julie). Since Siena has been here, I've been thinking a lot about where I'm in in my life. It is weird to think that I attended UCSC almost six years ago. So much has changed in my life, and I feel as if my experience at Santa Cruz was just the beginning in helping shape the person I am today. 

I had never been far away from friends, family, or Missouri for an extended period of time by myself. I will admit, I was a little nervous. After a semester, I decided to go back home, get married, and enroll at MU. Not long after, I got pregnant with Allen. It seemed like in a span of just a year my life completely changed. The timeline of the past six years goes something like this:

  • UCSC
  • Married Daniel
  • MU
  • Baby Allen
  • Moved to NC
  • Deployments, deployments!
  • Baby Mason
  • Moved to KC
  • Moved to NY
Whew! Did all of that just happen? I seriously ask myself every day where the times goes. Where? I don't know! Life moves so f a s t

I never thought that my life would be where it is today. I thought I would go to school in California, major in something in the medical field, and never have kids. I have to confess, all of those things weren't what I wanted, but I thought they were expected of me. My entire life, I've let the opinions of other influence my decisions. I couldn't take it anymore. I didn't want to go to school in California. I didn't want to become a doctor. And, to be honest, I wanted...yes wanted (please note past tense)...five kids. Sometime in October of my freshman year at Santa Cruz, I decided that I was tired of doing what I thought others wanted me to do. I decided to make my own choices. I decided to get engaged, get married, have a baby, and figure everything else out as life progressed. I'm thankful for all my experiences. I might not have graduated college yet, like most of my friends. Nor do I have a career. But you know what I do have? A family. I have a handsome husband, two beautiful kids, and the ability to be a stay-at-home mom. The life that each of us is given is unique to each individual. I love the saying that goes "only you are strong enough for the life you live". I know in every situation, I have had the ability to make my own choices. For the longest time, I chose to be too critical of myself. I chose to let others' opinions influence my choices, and I chose to be unhappy. I'm no longer going to make the choice to let others bring me down. I know I'm a smart, beautiful, and stronger than I even give own self credit for sometimes. I'm tired of being friends or associating with people that "bring me down". Even in high school, I allowed others to make me feel inferior or not worthy of being happy doing things I loved. I'm not resentful to those people, in fact, I'm really thankful I've had some challenging people in my life. One of my favorite quotes: 

"To those of you who have pushed me, thank you- without you I wouldn't have fallen. To those of you who laughed at me, thank you- without you I wouldn't have cried. To those of you who just couldn't love me, thank you- without you I wouldn't have known real love. To those of you who hurt my feelings, thank you- without you I wouldn't have felt them. To those of you who left me lonely, thank you- without you I wouldn't have discovered myself, but it is to those of you who thought i couldn't do it-- it is to you i thank the most because, without you I wouldn't have tried..."-Anonymous 


It has taken me a long time to get to a place in my life where I'm happy with myself. I no longer feel guilty for not being the person that other people thought I should be. Nor, do I look in the mirror and resent the way I look. I respect other peoples' opinions, but sometimes it is better to keep your mouth shut. After all, you don't know the impact your words might have on someone else. I would like to think I'm a very understanding person, but I will no longer  put up with people that I feel bring me down. Your snide comments, your judgment that you pass on me, and your ability to make feel inferior will continue no more

Watch out, I actually think I have a pretty good idea of who I am. Uh oh, prepare for a more confident and unfiltered Ashley. Don't worry, you probably won't like me. That is okay, because there are a few people I actually like. 

Have a nice day. 

-A

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Happy 237th Birthday Marine Corps!

Happy Birthday Marines!

Every year since Daniel and I have been married, I make sure to call Grandpa Cherry and sing him the Marine Corps Hymn. I'm excited to do that today. It is our little tradition. 

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom 
And to keep our honor clean; 
We are proud to claim the title 
of United States Marine. 

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev'ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes; 
You will find us always on the job--
The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.

SGT Hernandez served in the Marine Corps for four years. He did two tours to Afghanistan. In those four short years, I think I developed more pride for my country than I ever knew was possible. I love our country, but when someone you loves selflessly serves for the military, I think an individual has the opportunity to really understand what the word "sacrifice" means. I also learned what it means when people say "freedom isn't free". Many young women and young men risk their lives to make sure those they love, and those they don't even know; can live in our country. 

While in the Marine Corps, we endured two deployments. One of which was eight months, and another of which was one year. Everyone always asks me: "how did you do it"? My answer  is simple: I support my husband in everything he decides to do. Being a Marine wife is not easy, but I believe it a very important calling to those that are married to a Marine. I met some amazing Marine wives while at Cherry Point. Their sacrifices and willingness to endure  deployments, no matter what challenges they face; brings tears to my eyes. Most of my friends that I met in the Marine Corps are still Marine wives. Some of them are new to the Marine Corps, some of them are "seasoned spouses", and some of them are going through their first deployments. To all of them, I salute you just as much as I salute the men you support. Each of you have touch my life in ways I can't even begin to express. I will be forever thankful for everything you do every day.   I hope each of you know your courage, strength, and patriotism is just some of the few things I admire about you. 

The Marine wives are not the only people that I grew to love in the Marine Corps. Most importantly, it made me love husband in a way that I feel most people take for granted. I was able to see a side of him that showed selflessness, responsibility, and loyalty not only to myself, but those he served with. I know other couples can say  they might have seen these characteristics in their spouses, but when you spend so much time away from the one you love; I think it gives you a different perspective on how much they love you. I don't think I will ever be able to comprehend the amount of love Daniel has for me. But I do know, that it takes a special individual to serve in the Marine Corps. Likewise, I think it takes strong females to serve in the Marine Corps, or any branch of service for that matter. My best friend SGT Austin is one of the strongest women I know. The love she has from serving others amazes me. I don't think SGT Austin could ever met a stranger, nor do I think she would ever deny helping others in need. Her love for the Marine Corps, her compassion for others, and her willingness to fight for my freedom are all characteristics that make me proud to say she is my friend. I can't imagine the sacrifices female marines make when they have to leave their families to go on a deployment. These ladies are women that I admire and look up to. 

I miss being a Marine wife. I know the saying goes: "once a Marine always a Marine", but does that go the same for all the wives too? I have never felt more accepted,more loved, or more apart of a "community". If I could do it all over again, I would. I feel as if the Marine Corps taught our family that we can endure any challenge that is present to us. It made me a stronger person. It irritates me when people whine about their husbands being gone for a short period time on a business trip or something of the like. I'm not trying to the play the "whose has/ had it worse" game, but the next time you open your mouth to complain, there is a spouse out there that is falling asleep at night wondering if her loved one is safe; there is a spouse that is waiting anxiously for a phone call, because she hasn't heard from her loved one in over a week; there is a spouse raising her family by herself while trying not cry in front of her kids. To those that haven't yet endured a deployment, don't look at it as a negative event that might happen: embrace it. The deployment will go faster than you will can say: "Semper Fi". 

Oorah!

-A 

Me and my Marine. :)
Thanks to all of those that serve! :)


Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thankful.

Everyone else has been doing 30 Days of Thanks on their Facebook status. I've decided to go ahead and do it too. Okay, I know, I'm behind since it is already day 8. That is okay though, because I will just keep making on going updates to this post as the month progresses. Enjoy! What are YOU thankful for?

Day 1: I'm thankful for my husband. 
Day 2: I'm thankful Allen and Mason. They are such a joy.
Day 3: I'm thankful for my family and extended family.
Day 4: I'm thankful for friends.
Day 5: I'm thankful for our apartment that has heat and electricity. 
Day 6: I'm thankful for my freedom to make decisions.
Day 7: I'm thankful that I'm healthy. 
Day 8: I'm thankful for random acts of kindness. 
Day 9: I'm thankful for answered prayers.
Day 10: I'm thankful for the military and their families.
Day 11: I'm thankful for food.
Day 12:  I'm thankful for opportunities that help me see  things differently.
Day 13: I'm thankful for technology.
Day 14: I'm thankful for forgiveness.
Day 15: I'm thankful for medicine.
Day 16: I'm thankful for online shopping.
Day 17: I'm thankful for pets. I miss baby cat-cat...okay, maybe I miss Max and Jax too.
Day 18:  I'm thankful for books.
Day 19: I'm thankful for reusable bags. They make my life so much easier.
Day 20: I'm thankful for clothes and shoes. 
Day 21: I'm thankful for things in my life like toilet paper, paper towels, and feminine products. I can't imagine what life would be like without them. 
Day 22: 
Day 23
Day 24:
Day 25:
Day 26:
Day 27:
Day 28:
Day 29:
Day 30:

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Life in NY!

It's official! We finally have a New York address! Whew! We moved the day before Sandy. We were so fortunate not tot lose power or experience any flooding. Others, were not so fortunate. Those of you that are interested in donating things to victims, please let me know! There is a drop-off donation area at my gym, and I would be more than happy to take things there for you. I likewise plan on donating items. Anything and everything helps!

I feel like it has been way too long since I've updated. So much has happened! Okay, let me start from the beginning...

THE MOVE...
On Sunday, October 28th, we moved in to our New York apartment. We decided it would be the easiest on us to hire movers to move our stuff. We didn't have much to move, but driving through Manhattan is a nightmare, and we didn't want to have to make several trips (we've bought stuff since being here, and everything wouldn't fit back into the car). Daniel got up early, and went to Forest Hills to get the keys and meet the movers. Because of the storm, the subway stopped running. So, this meant that I would have to drive through Manhattan by myself, or wait until the morning when Daniel could maybe come back to Jersey City. I decided to be brave, and I packed up the remaining things I had in the apartment into the car. The boys and I then ventured through Manhattan to our apartment. Obviously, I made it just fine. I will openly admit that I'm a terrible driver. Since the drivers in NY are all over the place when they drive, my bad driving wasn't as noticeable. I'm so proud of myself for making it in one piece!

THE STORM...
The day after the move, we got up early and made a target trip to get curtains before the storm. I was really surprised that our apartment didn't at least have blinds. I didn't want people staring at us, so I'm glad that we made the journey to Target.

LIVING IN NY...
Okay, so maybe I like it here more than I'm willing to admit. If Daniel is reading this I'm sure he is thinking I told you so! I really enjoy our little neighborhood. I also absolutely love our apartment. Our broker, Ivan, is a great guy. He listened to what we wanted, and made sure to find us  a perfect place. It has everything we need really close. The people here are actually really friendly, and I have not met one person in my building or in this area that I dislike. I've met a couple people out in town that I've exchanged numbers with that have kids. I'm happy that it is starting to feel like "home" here, and I can't wait to meet new people. As my mother-in-law always reminds me, I will find "my little world" here.

The boys are adjusting well. They love living here. Mason and I are constantly battling about him wearing his coat. It is cold here, and I'm sure it will colder before the winter is over. They are also doing a wonderful job learning how to walk gently on our floors. Ha, I hope our neighbors below us don't completely hate us.

It is snowing here now, and I can't wait to see what adventures await me this week! I joined a gym, and I have all intentions of going...snow or no snow! And, yes, I will be walking.


Until then, stay warm!

A

PICTURES....

"Hurricane Mason" 

We got new furniture!

These are the boots that I walked FORTY minutes to get. When I got home, they had a rip in them. Thankfully, my sweet husband drove me back to Kohls to return them. I'm now bootless, and still in search for the "perfect pair".

I joined the gym! They have kids care, but Mason wanted to be difficult and help me sign-up. Here is my member picture. Haha, this cracks me up!

It's snowing here!