Liebster Award

Rebecca over at The Brooks Board nominated this little blog for a Liebster Award! Liebster is the German word for favorite/beloved, and this award is given to blogs with less than 200 followers by other bloggers to say "Hey, I like you. Other people should read you too." Thanks Rebecca!

Everyone should go check out her blog too! She is so sweet, and she has a little girl that is only days apart from E.  It has been fun to watch her experience the same things we are in the same time frame. I love bloggy friends!

Here's how it works:
1) You must post 11 random things about yourself.
2) Answer the questions that the nominate set for you.
3) Create 11 questions for the people you nominate.
4) Choose 11 blogs you love (with less than 200 followers) and link them in your post.
5) No tag backs ( but please leave me a comment on this post with the URL to your Liebster post so I can learn more about you!)


Eleven Random Things About Me:
1) I have different size thumbs. The medical term is brachydactyly. Megan Fox has one too so I think I am in good company.

2) If I could be on any reality TV show, it would be Amazing Race! Jason would do the driving and I would be the navigator. He would do anything with heights and water, and I would eat weird food. We would be the nice ones that everyone likes =).

3) I LOVE to travel! Love it! I want to instill the traveling itch in my children. However, I'm terrified of flying. I squeeze the life out of Jason's hand during flights, and I'm so thankful to be back on the ground when the flight is over.

4) I'm very much into healthy things for me and my family. We try to eat organic where it counts. I haven't had a coke (although the occasional sprite or club soda) in almost 10 years. The more I read about what is in our food the more things I want to extinguish from our diet. About 3 years ago, I changed all make up, lotions, and hair products because of our infertility. Since I started this journey of healthiness, I haven't had to use my asthma inhaler or go to the ER for breathing treatments - that is a big deal if you know me.

5) I am reality TV junkie. I'm almost embarrassed to say how many reality shows I watch and record. Real Housewives, The Bachelor/ette, Dancing with the Stars, The Voice, Duck Dynasty, and all the shows on HGTV are just some that make it on to my DVR.

6) Friends is my all time favorite show, and I quote it frequently in every day situations.

7) I love to read! I have been known to bury myself in a book for an entire weekend and only come out to eat. (That hasn't happened in the last 9 months but I'm not complaining!)

8) I had to go completely dairy and soy free in March due to E having a possible allergy. It's been hard - dairy and soy are in EVERYTHING - but my little girl doesn't have a rash anymore, and I actually feel really good.

9) I love quotes/ scriptures. I have a running list of favorites.

10) I like writing in fun colors with purple being my favorite. Black and blue ink is so boring.

11) I love musicals. You can find me belting out a song quite often.


Nominators Questions Answered:

1) If you were offered the vacation of your dreams, free of charge, where would you go and why?

Oh gosh this is really hard! I would say a trip to the United Kingdom and Ireland. I love all the history in those places, and London is probably my favorite city. I've been to London and want to go back. I've always wanted to visit Scotland and since I have Irish heritage, Ireland would be great too.

2) Are you a cat person or a dog person?

I like both but I would have to say I am more of a dog person. They are just so loyal and are always excited to see you no matter how long you have been gone.

3) Are you in your dream job? If not, what is your ultimate career goal?

Yes. I love staying at home with E. I have wanted to be a mom ever since people started asking me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I'm so thankful that I am able to stay home with her and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

4) What is the last gift you were given? What is the last gift you gave?

The last gift I was given was my charm for my Pandora bracelet and my fun wedges for Mother's Day. The last gift I gave was a set of towels for a friend of ours for her wedding gift.

5) What's worse..Sunday night or Monday morning?

I hate mornings. So I would definitely say Monday morning.

6) If your house was on fire, assuming all people and pets were safe, what 3 items would you grab?

Probably my computer as it has all of our pictures backed up on it, sentimental jewelry, and my journals.

7) Coffee or tea?

Coffee! I used to go to Starbucks so much in college that they would start making my drink the minute I walked in the door.

8) Do you believe in love at first sight?

I didn't until last August. When they placed E on my chest after she was born, I had the most overwhelming love come over me. It's amazing how much you can love someone you just met.

9) What is the worst movie you've ever seen?

I've seen some pretty bad ones. The Terminal and V for Vendetta come to my mind. Sorry if you liked them, but they just weren't my cup of tea.

10) If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?

I would choose reading people's minds. That way I always know what they are thinking =).

11) What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

I've received lots of good advice over the years but I have two that come to mind. The tried and true "Treat others how you want to be treated" is something I always try to live by. It can be followed by 2-100 year olds. The other one is Romans 8:31-32 (really that whole chapter is awesome)

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Nominee Questions:

1) If you had a night all to yourself, what would you do?

2) Describe yourself in five words.

3) If you could go back to a different time in your life would you? And if so, what part of your life would you go back to?

4) What's your favorite holiday and why?

5) What is your favorite comfort food?

6) What is your guilty pleasure (favorite indulgence)?

7) What has been your favorite vacation?

8) What are 3 songs that you never get tired of hearing?

9) What's one of your favorite meals that you cook? Share the recipe!

10) What is your favorite quote?

11) What is your favorite accessory to dress up an outfit?

I don't know if I have 11 blogs that have less than 200 followers but the people I've nominated are great! Go check out their blogs too!

Down with the Dearmore's
Our Lovely Life 
Perfectly Us
The Granberrys
The Brandon and Amanda Story
The Brady Bunch
Life's a party of..5!
The McGuire Family
Welcome to the Good Life

Thanks again Rebecca for nominating me!

I may have a problem

*Before I go on, if your name is Jason and you are my husband just ignore this post. Because if you ever say that I am one of these people and that you read it here on the blog I will adamantly deny it. D-E-N-Y it. For everyone else, carry on =) *

Since we are closing on our house in June, Jason and I have slowly started to pack our house so that we aren't doing it all in one weekend. We used to do that all the time but now that we have a little one, we can't dedicate an entire 24 hours to packing our house. Last weekend, we tackled our bedroom. We cleaned out our closets, our bedside drawers, and our bathroom cabinets as we packed up. And I have come to a conclusion - I'm a hoarder.

Seriously, it is crazy some of the things that I have kept. Take for example, my love for magazines. I read a wide variety from People to Natural Health. Apparently if I read something important in them, I want to keep them so I can reference it later. What? I'm nuts. This picture is just a portion of the magazines that I had in bedside table. I had already thrown out about 15 (yes 15) Natural Health magazines.

I tried to fix this problem by tearing out the articles or pages that I wanted to keep and sticking them in a folder. That makes it better, right? Just smile and nod because Jason already gave me an eyebrow raise when I told him this.


Now let's head to my closet. I love bags and purses. LOVE THEM! I find bags all the time that I just need to have even though I have so many at home. It's a sickness I tell you. Just call me the bag lady.

After this picture, I found 3 more bags in my closet. AND I got rid of several last summer to give to a friend for an adoption fundraiser garage sale. Sadly, I was at Target yesterday and found a really cute beach bag that I wanted but don't worry I didn't get it. Yet...=)

Now this one is a little embarrassing. I keep all the cards that are giving to me over the years. Birthday cards, anniversary cards, little notes from friends, etc. It is insane how many I have accumulated. So I went through them and only kept the ones where a sweet note was written in it. If you only signed your name, I didn't keep it. I know its weird that I keep cards but I like looking at them and seeing all the people who have loved me and invested in me over the years. 

I didn't take a picture of the piles of clothes I cleaned out. I think I filled up 3 trash bags. Now I think I deserve to go shopping for new clothes =). 

Whew! That was only in one room of the house. I'm sure I'll find other things that I  *cough cough* hoard *cough cough*. Please still be my friend now that you know this about me. 

Randoms

• I haven't blogged in awhile. Part is because I'm dealing with a little girl who is struggling with taking naps and part because I feel like my life is boring. Not boring to me but maybe boring to those reading. 
• We finally got to go to church on Sunday for the first time with E. With her schedule and reflux fussiness, we hadn't been able to go until now. E did really well. She fell asleep during the music and slept for most of the service. 
• My 30th birthday is coming up next month and I don't know how I feel about it. It just seems so much older than 29. Sigh...

I love this time of year for the award shows. Golden Globes, Oscars, People's Choice - I love them all. 

E is becoming more fun by the day. I just love her. Taking her picture is getting harder because she can't stay still -ha! This was some pics I took before church on Sunday: 

• Is it weird that this is the first year that I have some excitement for Valentines Day? Don't get me wrong - I like the holiday but with my birthday being right after I always liked celebrating that more. (This does not get you off the hook for Valentine's Day Jason!) I'm just excited to start traditions with E with this holiday. So fun!

• This week I have put on real clothes once. I have taken a shower every day but have put lounge clothes back on afterwards. You know what? I enjoyed it! 
• I have had lemonade every day this week. It brought back memories of this time last year when lemonade was one of the only things that calmed my all day morning sickness. 

How is your Friday going?

Thankful

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I can't wait. Turkey and all the sides - I am excited to stuff my face. We are just having a low key Thanksgiving here at our house with my parents. Thanksgiving has been a hard holiday for me and Jason the past 2 years and yet even with our pains and struggles, I have SO MUCH to be thankful for. This past week I have been thinking about all the blessings in my life, and it has made me grateful and humble for all the things in my life that I don't deserve.

I am thankful:

- that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I am thankful for His grace that covers me every day and when I fail that he continues to love me. I am thankful that it is none of my doing that He saved me and His faithfulness.

-for my husband. God blessed me with an amazing man. He is my best friend and I am so glad that I get to grow old with him. Life with him gets better every day.

- for E. We have waited so long for a child and every day I thank God for this little blessing in our lives. She is the most precious thing and words cannot express our love for her.

-for family. For my wonderful parents, Jason's parents, and our siblings and siblings in law.

-for friends. For friends who are like family. I have wonderful friends who have stood by me in the good times and bad, and they are all so special to me.

- for my dog, Lucye. She is such a good dog and has been great with E (with just a little bit of jealousy). She gives unconditional love and makes your day better with just a cuddle.

- for a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my tummy.

- for my health and my family's health.

- for laughter.

- for my church.

- that I live in this country where I have freedom of religion and speech.

- for chocolate and sugar =).

- for coffee.

- for music and how music can tell a beautiful story.

- for creative expression in all its forms.

-for Christmas time - it truly is the best time of the year.

What are you thankful for?

Random Thoughts

• Acid reflux is not fun for all parties involved. Poor E gets upset after it happens and her outfits are always semi wet, and I forever smell like partially digested breastmilk.

• I'm starting to like being a homebody. I haven't really gone to many places since E has been born because we don't want to expose her to large crowds or anything just yet. I'm starting to enjoy it and this is coming from a girl who loves to socialize. 

• I've ordered E's birth announcements and I can't wait to send them out. Thank goodness for shutterfly gift cards because those things aren't cheap =). 

• I'm craving Raising Cane's. I think they put some additive in their sauce because I crave it ALL the time and always ask for an extra sauce when I order. 

• I think it's absolutely adorable that E will fall asleep to Taylor Swift. Does this mean I listened to her too much when she was inside me? =)

• I'm loving this cold weather! I will be getting my first pumpkin spice latte to celebrate. It will also be my first cup of coffee since before we found out we were pregnant.

• Did you know that there are less than 100 days until Christmas?? What?! How did that happen? Wasn't it January yesterday?

• I don't know why commercial jingles get forever engraved into my brain. I can still remember jingles for companies from my hometown growing up. What does this mean? Why does my brain think it's important to remember this kind of stuff and yet I can't remember where I put my keys?

I Believe In...

Saw this on a friend's blog and thought it would be fun to join in!

I believe in Jesus Christ.

I believe in the gospel.

Source: twoheartsforlove.tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

I believe in the power of prayer

I believe that animals especially dogs can teach us a lot about unconditional love



I believe that chivalry is not dead

I believe in pumpkin spice lattes.

I believe in reading a good book in one day

Source: imgfave.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

I believe in never letting the sun go down on your anger. You never know if you have tomorrow.

I believe in always looking good when you go out in public. You might run into an old friend or an old enemy.

I believe in cheesecake, gelato ice cream, and warm homemade chocolate chip cookies.

I believe in singing whenever the opportunity presents itself.

I believe that Friends episodes can be quoted for daily situations.

Source: shechive.files.wordpress.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

I believe in baby snuggles and smiles.

I believe in CHRISTMAS!!

I believe in running.

I believe that love is not a feeling but a choice and you must choose it daily.



I believe in forever friends.

I believe that you can never have enough purple, ruffles, and sparkle in your wardrobe.

I believe in traveling because the world is a beautiful place.

What do you believe in?

99 Things

I've seen this on a couple of other blogs and thought it would be fun to play along.

Out of 99 things, the one in bold are the things that I have done:

1. Started my own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Ran a marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michaelangelo's David

41. Sung karoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taking a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, plasma, or platelets

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp

67. Bounced a check (not my greatest moment in college)

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone's life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Got a tattoo

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person.

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a lawsuit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee 

31/99 - well I guess I better get started on some of the others

How many things have you done?

It's Ok

It's Ok to:

- buy way more make up than you planned on when you go into the store because the lady that helped you was really nice and did a little mini make over and made you feel pretty

- scream like a 12 year old girl at the Taylor Swift concert last weekend

- be extremely excited that The Vampire Diaries comes on tonight

- have wanted to stay home yesterday when it was raining and cuddle up with Lucye and a good book

- be upset that you were a responsible adult and went to work anyway

- be sad that some of your favorite shows are on hiatus for 3 weeks due to coverage of baseball...sigh

Link up here.