New Beginnings

About 5.5 years ago, just after my wedding, one of my best friends from childhood broke up with me. It was so sad. It was a misunderstanding. I haven't stopped thinking of her all these years. I have dreamed about us being friends and doing things together and would wake up sad.

She has recently lost her beautiful mother. I found out through another friend. My heart hurts for her. I was so sad I wasn't there for support. However, I didn't waste another minute. I looked at my phone and her number came back to me. She invited me right over and I went running.

Things we had to catch up on:

Her engagement

Her wedding

Her pregnancy

My pregnancy

Her sweet son born June 2009

My sweet son born Sept 2009

The good things that happened while we were on a break. Some not-so-good things.

Funny thing, I was getting weighed in at an OB appointment and saw her birth announcement on the wall right in front of my eyes. We went to the same office. And not a big office, either. I was thrilled for her and sad we couldn't share those pregnant moments together. We were only a few steps away from each other, and didn't know.

I could never truly describe how happy it makes me to be reconnected with my dear friend. We have a new place to start. My husband is also thrilled, he and her husband were friends, too. Marky doesn't even realize all the good times he's up for. Now our families get to go on double play-dates. I'm thrilled for this new beginning.

Its Painting Time!

That's right-Saturday we had to get down to business and get Little Mark's room painted. Things are finally starting to come together. We found some really great buys on craigslist (Stacy, you would be proud) and will be picking them up very soon.

Luckily, we had some lots of friends and family offer to help. However, we weren't sure what time we'd get started so we had to wing it!

We went with two shades of blue...but I I like the lighter one way better. Almost enough to repaint the two walls with the darker blue, however I promised Mark I'd wait and see what I think of everything!

Here we are, the excited parents-to-be. I'm showing off my ta-tas that just won't stop growing. I joke that by the end of my pregnancy I won't be able to clap...I think I'm almost there. I can barely reach the steering wheel in my car around these things.


Ravi (who hates to paint) offered up his services and helped move things along really quick.

Yep, here I am breaking the rules. I was painting, on a ladder with my hands over my head. I wanted to be part of the action. At least I wasn't also eating cookie dough, deli meat sandwiches, sushi and snow skiing that day. I do know where to draw the line!

And yes, Mark is wearing his favorite shirt! In fact, our Mac Tools guy gave him more of these jerseys after I told him how often Mark is wearing them.

My parents came by. Little Mark's Proud Pappaw (as the future shirt will read) was there helping.

Mom was there to boost morale and boss us around. Sometimes that's just what you need.

This was the last picture we got. My dad had Mark convinced he got paint all over his favorite jersey. Mark was more concerned about getting it all over the house, he claims he didn't care so much about the jersey.

The little guy's room is coming along. Once we get the furniture in there we'll keep showing the progress. We're so excited that we're down to 69 days! Just when we thought it would take forever to get this little miracle here, it really has flown by. I know the last month will probably feel like an eternity of discomfort, but I'm ready. Can't possibly feel as long as 3.5 years of negative results! We can't wait to fill our lives, this room and our home with all the love that this little bundle will bring.

Girls Camp

I got back from camp yesterday. Wow, it feels great to be home, be clean, bug free and best of all, next to my husband!

This year I managed to keep my voice, make a bunch of new friends (since most of mine either couldn't attend or moved up to the "big leader" cabin), not do as much as usual (that was a promise to my husband and my baby in the womb) and not kill anyone with my "shockers."

Things I missed: of course my husband, my family, my sweet little bulldog Cami, chicken, smelling nice and I missed my camp sisters who couldn't be there. You know who you are! I missed you bunking with me, sneaking in the kitchen with me, going to the lodge to dance with me...you know how we do!

Those new sisters I met...I loved being with you! Can't wait to do it again and hopefully not be pregnant and putting someone else first. Cause then we'll have a REALLY good time! Thank you for sharing all the laughs, stories, food and fun.

Guess what I didn't do? I didn't take one SINGLE picture! Usually I hate camp pictures so I should know better than taking my camera. I know some who took pictures, so I'll have to beg them to send them over and post them.

Camp always reminds me where I found my testimony and all the love and sisterhood that is found out in those woods. And fudgesicles! I have a severe love for those girls. Each year I question why I would do that to myself and then I get my arms around those girls and realize my purpose for being there. Now you know why I go back year after year. Out of the last 18 years, I've only missed 1 year...and that was while I was serving my mission. I know if the Lord needs me there, He will get me there.

P.S. I'm making camp chicken enchiladas soon, if anyone would like to come by for some let me know! We'll make it a party! :)

Memories from Memorial Day

Every chance to spend time with the man of my dreams...its like a dream come true! Memorial day we didn't know what we were going to do. Mark took himself on a walk, a 7 mile walk. Came back exhausted and decided he wanted to go to the beach. Our friends, Aaron and Mandi, called to see what we were up to. So we went with them for their plans, and they joined us for dinner and the beach.

If you read our blog, you know we can't go to the beach without salivating over Campeche Bay! Which is why we went to the beach after joining the Jammes/Graden cookout. So we relaxed at the Graden's home for a while watching the kids play in the pool.

When we got to the beaches we went straight to eat dinner. That's all Mark could think about. To be honest, I was dreaming of those darn Campechangas! Because Jax beach was so crowded, we decided to drive down to Ponte Vedra. That wasn't much better. It was LOADED with people, dogs, a metal detector, horses and a HUGE kite that required the guy to wear a body suit/back brace thing just to control it. It was perfect weather for walking the beach.

Here's Mark walking ahead and Mandi and Aaron are right there with him...Aaron is almost completely blocked by the man walking his dog.

Here's Mark. Eyes closed and all...we'll have to try that one again.

Wait, his eyes appear to be closed again!

This was how beautiful it was on our way off the beach (picture monkies everywhere).

Aren't we lucky to be so close to such serenity?

This little guy couldn't keep his eyes open either! This is Aaron and Harris, their 3 month old.

Yes, this is a jersey. Now this isn't for a team. Mark doesn't like football, but he loves the Mac Tools Jersey. Just like Mandy Jarvis, Mark wears it any chance possible!

And what a romantic ending? Horses on the beach!

It was a fabulous day and I couldn't have been happier! Great day spent relaxing, enjoying the beauty around us and quality time together. Isn't that what life's all about anyway?

Sydney weekend...the girl not the city!

What a fun weekend. Mark and I had the opportunity to keep one of the Bastians. Our friends Quinn and Kelly were going on a cruise and asked us to keep either Tanner or Sydney (out of their 6 kids). I'll tell you, I have a hard time deciding where to eat dinner. I am not good with choices- so we flipped a coin. Obviously Sydney got to stay the weekend with us. She is too cute and she is a triplet. We had a great time. When she got to the shop on Thursday, we introduced her to everyone and put her to work coloring a picture for Mark.

After coloring it was REALLY important to go out into the shop and help Mark with the 23 T-bucket he's working on.

Of course Mark was thrilled to have her in the shop with him so he jumped in some pictures too!

Of course we went to the park and played, ate yummy food (at her request), played Disney Memory, cooked dinner, painted toes, played 400 questions (she's very inquisitive), cuddled and watched movies, played with Cami (the best bulldog ever), partied with friends, looked for Slayer the cat and napped together. We were all exhausted at the end of our weekend together. She was a blast to have around. Made us even more excited for our future arrival.

Kelly, thanks for thinking of us when you needed some helpers! We were THRILLED to have her. Now, she'll forever be in our hearts. If you don't have a triplet in your heart, get one! :)