Mr. Right

I am seriously the luckiest person on earth. Look at this guy. Don't you just want to hang out with him? Well, guess what? I get to every freakin' day.

I had the rare opportunity of snapping pictures of my Mr. and it was fun. I captured most of the looks that he sends my way.

There's the: Really? That's not what your going to do. Really?

And the: Funny, go lucky.

And then there's the.... well, I'm not going there.

I couldn't ask for a better husband and supporter. He's here for me during my toughest times and let's me lean on him whenever I need to. Now, if I could only think of someway to show him how much I love him. He deserves that and so much more.

Vive le weekend!

Run Run Run as F-A-S-T as You Can

If you've been following me on facebook or twitter lately, you have probably noticed that I'm running more than I used to lately. {Translation: I've been running!!.... I haven't been running regularly since Caden was born. True story.}

And it feels good. So good that I'm going to try and run 4 times a week. And Casey's along for the ride too. Here's how we are going to give ourselves the best chance at being successful at this. {Cause we all know exercising regularly is HARD work!}

1. Set a Schedule. We have 4 days a week that we have noted on our calendars as running days. In case you're curious they are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. All other days we will take a leisure walk around the neighborhood- which isn't really exercising, but even a mile walk on days off will help shed pounds.
2. Have a buddy. If you have an exercise buddy, you are more likely to succeed. There are days where you just won't feel like exercising. A good exercise buddy will force you to go. Literally force you. And you will do the same when they are having a touch day.
3. Set goals. We started with a 2 mile run yesterday. It's not that far, but that's okay. We aren't going to start running 5 miles a day, but we will work up to it. Set reasonable goals and you will acheive them. Yesterday Casey was an over acheiver and ran 3 miles. Ever week, we will bump our distance up so we don't get frustrated.
4. Switch it up. Run one day, walk the next, bike on the weekends, go swimming. It always feels good to change it up a bit. And it's good for the body too because it works other muscles. We haven't figured out this one yet, but are doing a good mix of walking and running. Truth be told, it's a great way to get everyone out, including Jonzy. I will probably throw in a pilates video every now and then.
5. Post Notes. Put pictures up of you that you don't like to motivate you. Put notes on the refrigerator that say you can only have one cookie a day. Put motivational quotes on your mirror.
6. Work out to music. Grab your ipod and load it will good songs. Some of my favorite running music: Enimem, Jason Mraz, Outkast, Foo Fighters and for the cool down it's Jack Johnson all the way.

Now this isn't all that we are doing. We are eating better too. My eating has been out of control (READ: Lots of eatting out) and it's time to get a handle on it. Here's to loosing some pounds and being in good shape.

image here

Family Conference Call

When Casey is away, we get to do fun things like this as a family. Caden just giggles and giggles at his dad's funny faces.

Although I love our little meetings online, I sure miss my Mr. I don't sleep well when he's away and I get super jumpy. It's a good thing we have a 70 lb. clown dog to keep us safe. ;)

I really, really miss you babe.
xoxoxoxo

8 years

It has been 8 wonderful years since I tied the knot with Casey. I seriously don't know what I'd do without him. He is the best person I know.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Simply the Best

This is why I have the best husband in the world. These showed up this afternoon at my office. He knows I've had a tough week and has been nothing but supportive. Vive le weekend and Happy Friday to you all!!

Red Barn and my many rants

image via flickr

I have red barns on the mind today. It probably has something to do with fall. I've always wanted to have a barn dance in the fall. You know, a bon fire with honky music playing and everyone doing the dosey-do. Swing your partner round-n-round. Can't you just hear it?

Well, this leads me to my post today. Really it's just a round and round sort of post. (Read: A bunch of random Mumbo Jumbo... now you know how I got the name for my blog... I know-- how original! End sidenote). Last week Casey and I were able to go to lunch. This hasn't happened in ages sans Caden. It was delightful and it's just like we were back in our own little dating world. The world where we would ride around in the old blue slug bug and kiss at red lights. Sweet romance, I tell you. Now our red lights are filled with climbing over the seat to make sure Caden has what he needs, or to swat away the dog from making a popsicle out of him (because he licks Caden THAT much).

Speaking of licking, I love, love, LOVE carmel apples and I need to make some very, very soon. Too bad my parents apple tree has stopped giving us love. I'm sure Caden would love some apples now. He is busy eating everything that comes in his way. Including dog food and lint. Yummy, yummy. I bet you're hungry right now. Speaking of hungry, did I tell you what Casey said last night? He said that we should cut down on our meat intake. Crazy, I know! I tend to agree with him, but we are the meat and potatoes kind of family so this will be hard. He mentioned tofu and I think I shriveled up and died right there. I don't like tofu. I repeat, I don't like tofu. Maybe the dog would eat my tofu... he is on a slight diet as the vet said he's gaining wait too rapidily. Have you seen our dog? Yeah, he's big, but I pretty sure he is suppose to be. So our dog is probably starving. Especially now that Caden's eating some of his food.

Now aren't you glad that I brought you up to date on all of our randomness? You are probably starving now so I will whip you up some carmel apples. Do you want any special toppings on yours?

xoxoxoxo

30 million kisses for you

Happy 30th Birthday, lover!!!

I'm so sorry that you have to be away at training right now, but even though you're not here, there are many surprises in store. We miss you so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so much.

We are so lucky to have you as a husband and a father. You are a father... how crazy is that? Just calling you that makes you sound so old. But remember, 30 is the new 20 so you are NOT old. You are the best person in the world and I hope you know that. We miss you and are giving you thousands of hugs and kisses from afar.


We are counting the days until we can be with you again (9 days too many)
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

P.S. I asked Jonzy if he would babysit Caden while I drove to come see you for a little bit, but he is throwing a teenager tantrum and said "no". Sorry, I really, REALLY wish we could be there with you. Love you!!!

Lucky 7

Today marks our 7 year anniversary of our married life. I must say that these have been the best 7 years of my life and I'm sure it will only get better. I have the best husband in the entire world and this is why:

1. He's a good listener & an even better communicator.
2. He loves to analyze and philosophize.
   
3. He makes me want to be a better person.
4. He's creative.
5. He's a great father and ALWAYS puts family first.
6. He only worries about the important things.
7. He is so funny and makes me laugh all the time.

To celebrate, I think we are going to go out to dinner tonight. We were thinking somewhere special. Maybe the Outback. We love ourselves a good steak. And their bread and salads are to die for. MMMmmmm.

Wooderful

Oh my gosh!!! Can you believe this?

Absolutely beautiful and perfect!
(This picture doesn't even begin to give it the justice it deserves)

Casey and my dad have labored extensively over this project and I couldn't be more pleased. This dresser is the perfect height so that I can put a changing pad on top for the baby. And it's even more perfect because it will be useable long after the changing pad is gone. Casey designed the dresser, my dad was the know-how and they probably the best thing about it is that they built it together! Oh, baby's gonna likey. And if not.... I have the perfect place to put it.... (uh-hm... can you say master bedroom)?

Nudges

I'm feeling constant nudges lately.

Nudges to get stuff done and complete projects I've been working on for some time. Casey & I have been in organizing mode and have gone through every closet and pitched things we don't need (which, I admit, he is much better at doing). I have a slight issue with being a packrat. I wonder if I will ever need the item I am throwing out. So my rule of thumb is if I haven't used it in 1 year (or 2 years if I'm really attached), then the item can go.

I am also feeling nudges in the middle of the night. I wonder if this baby will be born with a walking stick. At night, it feels like he is hiking Mt. Everest and poking and prodding everything along the way, as if to say, "Mommy, mommy, look what I found!" He sure wants me to be awake for the entire journey. When I finally fall asleep, I am nudged again, but this time it's by Casey. Apparently I have developed a tremendous snore. Casey says it would even put a drunken 60 yr. old's snore to shame. I have been reassured that this will go away after the baby comes, but for now, Casey isn't getting the greatest sleep either.

Nudges to get the house clean. Heck, I'm even cleaning things that are already clean! I have this horrible compulsiveness right now to go, go, go... Ah, the joys of nesting... a little bit obsessive and crazy.

Just the Two of Us

I really do love the New Year. It's such a fresh way to look at things and start out with a clean slate. Yesterday was so relaxing as we had a very slow start with our church now starting at 1 pm. I must say that this is the hardest time to go to church, but I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude about it. And it wasn't so bad yesterday. Here's to 51 more weeks of it, though!

After church, Casey and I were able to enjoy a relaxing evening together. It just seemed so quiet around the house and I got to thinking that there won't be too many more days that we have like this together. I must say that I'm having a hard time picturing what it will be like with a little one around. Here was a conversation Casey and I had over the weekend...

"Do you think we are ever going to hang out... just the two of us?" I asked.

"Yeah, but probably not a whole lot," Casey said.

"That makes me sad," I say in my mopiest voice. "Not that I'm not excited... but I love hanging out with just you."

"Me too."

And then we rode off into the sunset on our white stallion horse. Golly, I love this guy and I want to keep up the close-to-perfect love and friendship that we have. And I don't say that in a boastful way... but I really do think we have the best relationship I could ever ask for.

Home bound

Most of my weekend was spent in one of two places: the couch or the bathroom. I probably jinxed myself when I said this last week...

"Gosh, it would be nice to just sit around the house and do nothing for a couple days."

It sucked. Royally. There's nothing worse than having a forcible "let's do nothing weekend."

And poor Casey was home right beside me all weekend playing nurse. And what a nurse he was. Jonzy really likes to cuddle with a sick person. He way of cuddling is laying on the sick person's lap or stomach. I appreciate the gesture and all, but I just can't stand it when I have to remove a 70 lb. dead weight dog off me before I make a mad dash for the loo. So really, Casey was on Jonzy duty all weekend. And Casey made several trips to the store for me. Sprite, please. He brought me home cold Sprite. Warm sprite, please. Needless to say, Casey was ready to leave the house by Friday night, but being the guy he is, he stuck by me the whole weekend. What a guy, what a guy. I luv him oh so much.

I'm feeling better and will be leaving the house today. Hooray for feeling good (and being able to eat too)!!! Have a great Monday.

Overflowing with Love

Have I told you how much I love this guy? He is seriously the best husband in the world for so many reasons.... many of which I can't tell you about. However, this weekend in the season of celebrating the holidays, we had some friends over. Not only did he get everything ready for the party because I had a really bad headache, but he was also quite the entertainer while everyone was over.

Last night we came to the obvious conclusion that it's never going to be "just the two of us" anymore. Never. Ever. And we are okay with that. Well, mostly. I love hanging out with my man and could easily spend another 10 years alone with the guy.

And I love this little guy alot too. He makes me laugh so much and always makes my bad moods go away. Having a bad day? Just let Jonzy give you a nice little greeting (okay, big greeting with a wiggling booty and all) and I promise all your bad feelings will go away. It's no wonder they say having pets decreases depression and anxiety. I can tell you this is so true.

Master this

Casey has decided to jump in and go back to school in January. We struggled with the decision as to where he should go.

-Should we move? House market stinks... probably not the time to sell.
-UNL? That's where Casey received his undergrad... what if he wants to teach someday? Not that he ever plans to, but what if that door were to open. Work and school... Omaha and Lincoln? Do they offer classes at 8pm?
-Creighton? $$$
-Bellevue? Does accreditation REALLY matter?

Enter in the Distance MBA program at UNL. This means that he will be able to continue working full time and juggling school on the side... all from his computer. Classes are on a modular schedule so they are very flexible with fitting them into your schedule. We figure if Casey ever wants to teach someday (highly unlikely, but he would be dang good at it and we want to keep our options open) it's really only the master's and doctorate that matter. Right? We just feel the strong urge that he needs to go to school now and this is how we are accomplishing that.

Would it be crazy if I decided to go back too? Both working full time, going to school with a kid. It's possible, right?

Okay, probably not. But, I really do want to get my master's someday. I just don't want to be one of those moms that gives up my goals and dreams just because I have kids. If I have to put it off for a little bit, I'm okay with that, but I still want to live my life for me too.

And you could be thinking that I'm a selfish person right now. Maybe I am, but I really think in order for my kids to be happy and successful, I have to be happy and successful too. Successful meaning achieved, determined and content. I'm not thinking $$$ or the big time job in a corporate office. None of that really means anything to me. It could mean maybe getting my masters, writing a book or starting a small business. It could also mean dreaming big and leaving those dreams as dreams.

I am really looking forward to being a mother and starting a family. As all other moms, I want to be the best mom I can be and I believe this also means being the best me I can be. My goal is to be there when I am spending time with my kids. I hope to be a mom that sparks creativity and knowledge and LOVE with my children.

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Okay, I realize I have just gone off on a rant. Being pregnant really brings all the crazies out of the woodwork and this is my response to them. My life will not be over after I have a child, it will just be starting on a new level.

I believe it is possible to have my cake and eat it too, because I just won't settle for anything less.

Discuss amongst yourselves