Thankful Thursday

I think it goes without saying what we are thankful for this week.

There are no guarantees in this life, but at this moment Jeremy and I are experiencing something I wasn’t sure we would ever see – pregnancy.

I don’t feel too much different, apart from the gas and sore boobs of course, but my world has changed this week. I am reserving my freak-out, jump up and down, excitement for Friday when we get the results of our second beta. But folks – I went and got myself knocked up.

There is a lot to be thankful for today.

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Thankful Thursday

This week has given me a number of things to be grateful for.

1) Summer! Summer has finally arrived in the pacific northwest. I love summers here. I cannot get enough of being outside. This one will probably pop up on my TT posts for weeks!

2) We are DONE painting! The kitchen and dining room are painted! The wallpaper is no more. I could stand in the doorway and just stare at the walls. It is beautiful. Next is tile shopping. I love looking at tile and now I finally get to design the layout and actually buy it instead of window shopping. Almost done with the kitchen revamp project!

3) Getting to see what a big fatty follicle looks like on the monitor on Monday. As soon as the pictures from the dildo cam came to life on the screen I said 'WHOA! THAT is what they're supposed to look like!' I almost cried. When the doctor turned away to clean up, I looked at J and whispered 'I did it!' and he smiled and nodded like a kid. It was a great feeling.

4) The Harry Potter books. I'm a dork, but we've covered that previously, so let's just move on. I've got to reread the series before the first installment of the last movie (follow that?) comes out in November! They really are great books. Love!

5) OVULATION. Obviously that is the highlight of my week. I have had some cramping today. Not crippling or anything, but dang. It is funny that the shot is what I was most nervous about (especially after the soreness I had last time) and it's been the easiest part this week! My lower tummy is hard and tender. I think those follicles ruptured like fireworks in there today. If they were at 19ish mm on Monday and I am just ovulating today, that means they've grown another 1-2mm a day, for a total size of about 22-25mm! That is basically and INCH! Hot damn, that just seems giant...

This week I am grateful for the progress we've made in many areas of my life. From the minor, my kitchen; to my ute, which is much more emotionally satisfying. Tonight is dinner and a movie at our friends place. A night OFF. Just another something to be appreciative of. Good food and good friends. If I ignore the stress and generally crappiness at work then it has been a fantastic week thus far.

This weekend we're going to a wedding and next week is our anniversary! Nothing but good times ahead. Got to keep my butt busy for the next two weeks. Any fun weekend plans?

Thankful Thursday

1. My Family - Tomorrow I will have attended two funerals in one week. Both people died younger than they should have. It is sad and unfortunate, but it has given me perspective and extra appreciation for my family.

2. Cough Drops - My week started with awful allergies and that stuffy nose led me to a sore throat. So much for allergies. My throat isn't so much sore as it is dry, if that makes any sense at all. Cherry Cough Drops = Tasty wonderful heaven.

3. AF - I know, CRAZY TALK, right? But I am grateful that it has come early after a frustrating cycle and we get a fresh start.

4. Thursday - Because if it is Thursday, that means it is almost Friday and thus almost a long weekend. Long Weekends = Tasty wonderful heaven... wait that's cough drops... Hurry up weekend, I'm losing it here!

5. Cute Banana Republic LBJ - If I've got to attend funerals, I'm grateful I have a stylin' little black dress. With pearls (I mean really, is there any other way?).

TGIT Peeps!

Thankful Thursday

It's been a couple of weeks, but I'm back with TT!

1. A wallpaper free kitchen! People, I don't think you understand what we were dealing with. When we looked at the house we said 'this will be the first thing to go!' and TWO YEARS later we're now getting to it. I can only describe it as country chic. With birds nests and houses, gingham, two different boarders, etc. I cannot tell you how much we hated it. But, the kitchen is DONE! Just a bit left in the dining room and we're all done! Pictures to come when we're all done.

2. A busy schedule. I credit that as the only reason I got out of my AF/BFN funk this month. Distraction is a beautiful thing. But seriously, I might need to do something about the fact that we have all of two available weekends until September. Yikes!

3. Growing up. My sister and I fought like cats and dogs growing up. Actually cats and dogs don't quite cover it, but you get the idea. In the last couple of years, as we've each grown up, we've been communicating more and actually getting along. I cannot wait to see what our relationship will grow to.

4. My sister. I am thankful that she is maturing. That she is strong enough to have opened up and seek the help she deserves. I am so deeply proud of her. It is only up from here.

5. Broccoli with cheese. Broccoli + homemade cheese sauce = Yummmmmmmy. Yes, you read that right. I'm mildly obsessed. Although when I made it for dinner tonight, I promise it wasn't the only thing I ate this time. Unlike last week...

6. My planner filled with check lists and to do lists (especially the ones on my cute and brightly colored post-its!). I'm not getting absolutely everything done, but I cannot imagine how much I'd be dropping without them!

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

Thankful Thursday

1. Memories - This weekend marks 6 years since my grandfather passed away. He was the glue of our family. We're not nearly as connected as we were before. My grandmother has not been the same since (I suppose that will happen when you marry someone at 17 and are together for 50+ year). However, I am eternally grateful for the time I did get to have him and the influence his memory has on my life today. I miss him terribly.

2. Long Weekends - I had today off and I don't have to return until next Tuesday. We're camping this weekend and I hope it is just the break I needed.

3. Growing Follicles and Positive OPK's - I am certain that I ovulated Tuesday/Wednesday. We have gone at it like rabbits this week and now we're patiently (or not) trying to survive the dreaded 2 week wait. Even if this turns out not to be our time, I'll be sad, but grateful for the forward progress. I finally feel like we took a step forward.

4. My New Laptop! - I finally broke down an bought a new laptop. I love it. I love Windows 7. I love the bright and beautiful screen. I love how fast it is and how I can now edit my photos in a matter of minutes and not hours. Love. Love. Love.

5. My Mom and Sister - since 'outing' myself to my Mom I feel like we have gotten so much closer. I had lunch with my Mom and sister after my appointment last week and it felt great to have an open and honest conversation about what was happening. I cannot express how big of a lift that is from my shoulders. For so long I would have sat there quietly, or talked about something else. They are a great support and I love them dearly.

I'm off to spend my Memorial Day in the woods camping with great pals. It will be our little Lacey's first camping trip! I hope you all have a great holiday weekend.

Thankful Thursday

1. My scale. You read that right. Yup. Sounds crazy coming from me, right? Well, the reason I am thankful for my scale today is that this morning it told me I was 189.7! I met my first goal! I haven't seen that in almost 7 years. Do you know what that means? I have officially lost 48lbs. That's almost FIFTY. Sweet baby Jesus.

Can you even picture what 50lbs of fat looks like? It looks like this:



TIMES TEN! Disgusting right? I cannot believe it.

2. Photography. I am having a tremendously wonderful time in my photography classes. I've learned SO very much about my camera and myself. My teacher in fantastic and I'm meeting some really nice people.

3. Photography. Yes, I'm mentioning it twice. Want to know why? Well of course you do or you wouldn't be here! One of MY photos was selected by THE Pioneer Woman herself as one of the 10 day one shots for this weeks photography assignment 'happiness'. You can see it HERE. Mine is of the cat by Sweetpeas Snapshots. How cool is that!? This picture is older, I'd only had my camera about a month when I took this. I was STUNNED when I was casually perusing through photos yesterday morning and BAM - one of them was MINE. Craziness. I am under no delusions that my photo will stand a chance against the other truly great images, but I was really flattered.

4. Friends. Last week was another rough one after our BFN. I have some truly wonderful and supportive people in my life, you all included, and I am grateful for the support you've given me. This is hard, starting over again and again SUCKS, it isn't fair. But, that's life. Anything worth having is worth the struggle, and this is worth it. So thanks for the pick me ups along the way. You're the bestest.

5. Did I mention that I finally got below 190 this morning? OH! I did?? Oops. :)

Thankful Thursday

1. Half Days - I took a mental health half-day today. I've had kind of a rough week, so it will be nice to do nothing but lay on the couch and read until I go workout this afternoon.
2. New healthy babies - a friend of mine had her baby last night. He is healthy and mom, dad and big brother (who turns one in a week!) are happy.
3. Chef Salads - Seem to be my favorite go-to meal during this low-carb diet. I mean egg, ham, turkey, and cheese? Lettuce too of course, but who cares about that. YUM.
4. Red Bell Peppers - I'm not sure where this came from, but I cannot eat enough of them. I cut them into strips and put them in a sandwich baggy with a little bit of fat-free Italian dressing... ::drool:: I snack on them throughout the day at work. Keeps the snacky cravings away.
5. My planner - I carry it with me ALWAYS to keep my life organized, but it is going to be my life line for the next couple of months. Photography classes start next week, championship game is coming up for softball, i have two exams to take for work, there are camping trips, graduations, birthdays, etc. Busy, busy!

Thankful Thursday

1. My Husband. I know I've included him in TT's of the past, but this Saturday is his birthday and I'm feeling a little extra appreciative for having such a wonderful person in my life. He takes such good care of me, supports me in whatever it is I'm doing and is the reason I get up and face another day. I honestly do not know of a better man, or person, in my world. He is kind, generous, and loyal. He's totally the boy scout that helps little old ladies cross the street and help a buddy haul gravel. Babe, I know you don't stop by here often, but if you do I love ya more than life itself. Happy Birthday.

2. Vanpool. I live approx 35 miles from work and the traffic in my area can turn that into about an hour, give or take, of hell. Thankfully I meet up with some other peeps from work and we commute together in a van. I don't even have to drive. That leads me to #3...

3. Naps. Since the pup has entered our lives my sleep is hit or miss. I am an 8 hours a night kind of gal (I know this will change when we have babes...). Since I don't have to drive to and from the office, and I have the invaluable talent of being able to sleep ANYWHERE, I get 1.5 naps a day. Got. To. Have. My. Naps. They're priceless and I'm pretty certain they're what keep me from jumping off my building.

4. www.livestrong.com/myplate I love this site. It has really helped me hold myself accountable for counting calories (it has every food imaginable in their list!), tracking how much water I drink, my weight, and even recording how many calories I'm burning during my workouts. I find that I think twice about what I'm going to eat if I know I have to record it someplace.

Thankful Thursday

I cannot believe Thursday is here again already! I'm having kind of a long and rough week (anybody want to volunteer to stay up with my pup when she wants to party from 10:30 - 2:30AM??), so it is good timing to take a minute and chat about all that I'm thankful for.

1. I am employed. My job is incredibly frustrating right now. Like most everyone else we're being asked to do more with less. Unfortunately for managers that makes everyone on your team a little pissy. So now I need to do more, manage more, put up with more, etc. However, I am fortunate in that unlike so many I am collecting a reasonably decent paycheck every two weeks and am able to pay my bills.

2. My dogs are now the best of friends! At first Harley (who is 6 1/2) didn't want too much to do with our baby Lacey. Mostly he just avoided her. Starting this week they are snuggling, playing for hours on end, he'll even let her clean his ears and he'll give up his toys. They're really sweet. It warms me heart.

3. Working from Home. I am fortunate in that every other Friday I get to work from home. It allows me a chance to catch up on a lot of my administrative tasks, thus allowing me to be more 'present' when I'm in the office. 8+ hours of uninterrupted time are priceless. Save your drama for Monday unless it can be handled over the phone or via email!

4. My Mom and Sister. When J and I got home from our trip on Sunday my house was SPOTLESS. They had vaccuumed, organized my hall closet, cleaned the kitchen, washed all the sheets, etc etc etc. I almost cried I was so relieved not to have to worry about it after being in the car all day.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

1. Spring Snow - the northwest is getting dumped on and considering we are spending the week in Whistler, we are LOVING it.

2. Good food - one of the people we are traveling with can cook. No joke, I'm fairly certain I've gained back all the weight I've lost eating baked mostacholi (sp!?), ribs, twice baked potatoes, salmon dips, brie, etc, etc, etc.

3. Wine - I have had some of the most delicious wine ever. I have some wino friends and I am definitely reaping the benefits.

4. Mountains - everywhere I look I have this beautiful view.

5. Vacation - I cannot tell you how badly I needed this time away. I am relaxed, we don't have to drive anywhere, I've not cooked a damn thing, there is amazing snow and we're doing a lot of adventuring.

6. Zip lines - AWESOMENESS. We did our first zip line today and we had an absolute blast!

7. My Mama - She is staying at our house while we're away and is watching our pooches. She's way too good to us.

8. Hot tubs - especially after a full day on the slopes. Speaking of which... I think that's where I'll go now...

Thankful Thursday (Week 2)

Here we go again!

1. Lacey - my new pup. She is so sweet and lovable. Yes, she can be a PITA, and potty training is tough stuff, but damn it if she still isn't cute while she's causing trouble.

2. Working from home. Thankfully tomorrow I do not have to come into the office. It is nicely timed too because I have been anticipating my vacation (see #3) for weeks and one more day at the office might just put me over the edge.

3. VACATION. Even though it isn't here yet, just thinking about our trip brings me happiness. 6 days in Whistler. Have I mentioned that it is just DUMPING snow up there? We are going to have an amazing trip. 3 days of snowboarding, a hot tub on our balcony with a view of the mountains, good food, no work, sleeping in... you can bet your ass these will appear on next weeks addition of TT.

4. Sugar Free Rockstar - (See #1)

5. My new Banana Republic dress. A cute LBD I picked up a couple of weeks ago. I finally got to rock it this week and ya'll it is SO cute. love love love

6. One piece bathing suits that don't have skirts. I wanted to buy a new suit before our trip and as much as I despise suit shopping (especially when you've had a day filled with compliments on my cute new dress! that's a long way to fall), This one is cute and stylish. I described the dress to J and he was not impressed, much like most men are when you're talking about clothes you will be wearing and not clothes you'll be taking off. However, I tried it on to get J's opinion and his face was priceless. 'I really like it!' That made me feel much better.

Okay, so it wasn't a deep and meaningful list, but I don't have energy for deep this week. I'm all about survival. Talk to me after a week of R&R and then perhaps you'll get more than 'sugar free rock star'.

Is it too late to add another entry for the BR dress? Seriously, it is cuuuute! ;)

Thankful Thursday

I am not big on the themed days of the week, but we've covered that, so I will move on.

I have "known" Blair for over a year and a half. She is an (in)famous lovely from back in my BOTB days. She was a big influence on my decision to start a blog. And it is Blair, among some other ladies of blog awesomeness, that have inspired me to participate in Thankful Thursday. With all of the emotional and stressful days in my life, I would like to force myself to sit back for a minute and recall some of the things I am thankful for this week.

So, here goes nothing:

1. My Husband. He is a calm, loyal, steady constant in my life. Saying he's been my rock doesn't quite cover it. He is just a good person. He'd do anything for a friend, helps old ladies cross the street (seriously though, he did work for a retirement community in college and they adore him), and is all around the good little boy scout he's always been. If he's ever lost his hope, he's never let that slip to me. I am grateful every day, even when he's a stubborn man, to have his influence and his love in my life. I'm not quite sure what I did right to deserve it.

2. Friends. Just because. There are too many reason I couldn't go on living without them.

3. Biggest Loser Challenge. My competitive side has won over in my quest to eat healthy and hit the gym. I'm down TWO LBS since MONDAY. Oh yes, watch me go! This summer is going to be the summer of the skinny and HOT Mrs.S. (I've been slacking, but the measurements and weigh-ins are coming back. I promise. And yes, I know you've heard that before..)

4. Photography. I believe I have found my passion. I am a serious beginner, but it really brings me happiness and a sense of purpose. I am starting classes in May. Plus, being complimented for something I can do right feels good.

5. Books. I am on a reading binge folks. I have read 10 books in about a month. If you haven't already, pick up the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. There are currently 15 books in the series and 16 is coming out soon! HIL-ARIOUS. Stephanie is my idol.

There you have it. The top 5 things I'm thankful for. Please take some time to be grateful for the good things you have in your life. I'm not saying everyone should have a Thankful Thursday blog post, but get yourself some perspective and set aside all that may be going wrong, and just focus on all that you have to be thankful for.