Cuteness Factor Is Off The Charts

Reason #4,810 why it would be fun to have a girl ...

I can not stand the cuteness of this dress and sassy-ness of the boots.

Ups & Downs

It was exactly one year ago (yesterday) when we got engaged.

We have been through a lot of ups and downs in this short year together.

• Jay's sister got engaged
• My brother got engaged
• Jay's sister got pregnant
• We started night school
  
• We got pregnant
• We had a miscarriage
• My brother got married
• My grandpa passed away
• I started therapy (betcha didn't see that coming)

I'm honored to be on this journey with you babe!

A Few More ...

A few more of my cute niece Tatum, beautiful sister-in-law Tricia, and her fiance' Aaron.

Spencer Island

Today was a beautiful day in Seattle.

Since my mom is out of town, Jay, my dad and I took a little field trip to Spencer Island.

None of us have been there before.

Apparently Spencer Island is a bird-watcher's paradise.

My dad is a bird watcher.

So we joined him on his trip today.

Spencer Island is essentially an island with a ton of water in the middle of it.

Hence, the bird watching.

We also learned that it's not so conveniently located next to a sewer treatment plant.

Don't get me started.

We found this really cool run-down shack.

My imagination went wild.

I love this kind of stuff.

Day-dreaming about what it used to be.


A part of an old fence near the shack ...


Take note of the gorgeous mountain range in the background.


Dad and I walking next to all the cat tails ...


Dad and I posing for pictures (If my grandpa were still alive, he'd correct my grammar and say, "Lisa, it should be 'myself and my dad'". I know grandpa - I know) ...

Happy Sunny Day!

Prank Text

I got my 1st prank text tonight.

I feel kind of honored.

The best was my prankster's spelling.

Please don't over look that quality.

Prankster: Hey calm down no need tto ofend wither

Me: who is this?

Prankster: Whos dis

Me: i'm the person you texted. go figure

Prankster: I didn't txt u

Me: actually you did. you texted me this ... FWD: Hey calm down no need tto ofend wither

Prankster: No

At this point, I'm like, "Really? Now you're getting boring."

Mainly because I can't think so dumbly (yes, I made up that word).

Like why would you say "no?"

Does he/she think I just randomly started texted people?

Oh wait.

That's what THEY did.

Got it

Me: no worries. must have been a mistake. have a good night.

Still waiting for response ...

Don't worry, I'm not holding my breath.

Wordless Wednesday

Allergies vs. Bronchitis

I've been M.I.A. all weekend.

I've been fighting with what I affectionately call "allergies" for a couple weeks.

I went to the doctor yesterday.

Turns out my doctor calls my "allergies" a sinus infection and bronchitis.

Weird.

So because of those turn of events, I've been asked to take medicine and stay home THE REST OF THE WEEK!

WHAT?!?!

Who can do that?

So I agreed to stay home today.

And if I'm being honest, I can't imagine going back to work tomorrow either.

So we'll shoot for Thursday, which was already planned as a 1/2-day because I get to have my crown replaced!

To add to the special crown replacement ... I also have report cards due TOMORROW and night school TOMORROW!

This is a FUN week!

UNshaken: Haiti

Unshaken - charity: water's campaign for Haiti from charity: water on Vimeo.

Beautiful Family

My beautiful niece.

Seriously.

And how gorgeous is Tricia (and you too Aaron)!

Way to go mama!

Photos courtesy of Alissa Floyd Photography

That "thing"

You know that "thing" women get once a month?

That "thing" we hope NOT to get because we want to be pregnant.

Mine came today.

I'm not a fan of it.

Quite spiteful actually.

Trying my best to have an outward attitude that is NOT reflective of the mood going on inside my body.

Someone trying to be nice (and they were) said, "Well, on the bright side, this was your first month trying."

Let me fill everyone in on a little something.

It doesn't feel that way.

Because, the truth is, we have been trying for a healthy pregnancy since last June.

And well.

That sucks.

And I'm just not quite ready to look on the bright side today.

I'm gonna give myself today to feel sorry for myself.

Tomorrow will be a new day.

And we have fun plans with friends.

The End.

Work Antics

Our school secretary emailed us today to ask if there were any classroom supplies we needed, to get us through the rest of the school year before she put the supply order in. That was a long sentence.

One of our teachers emailed back saying he could really use more glue sticks.

I replied back to him, "I have 2,678,014,576,558 glue sticks in my room if you'd like some. I might be able to spare a few."

That's two trillion, six hundred seventy-eight billion, fourteen million, five hundred seventy-six thousand, five hundred fifty-eight by the way.

I got no response back, but when I got back to my room from lunch ...

this is what greeted me:

The biggest box EVER taking up my entire desk!

And a note inside that said, "Glue sticks please."

Oh ... he thought I wouldn't play along.

But who is a better joker then me?

No one!

So I swiftly delivered this to his room (I balanced it on my head - it was impressive to see - trust me) ...


Ask and you shall receive my friend.

Ask and you shall receive.

Good Stuff

I've been trying to find eloquent words for months.

Trying to put all my thoughts and feelings into words that make sense.

Words that aren't as confusing as the thoughts.

Because the truth is ... I am in pain.

My pain is healing, but it still hurts.

Now that Jay and I are trying again, so many new emotions are coming up that I'm dealing with.

I recently started reading a book called Trying Again: A Guide to Pregnancy After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss.

And I literally just highlighted the ENTIRE 2nd paragraph of the book.

And thought, THIS is what I've been trying to convey.

THESE are the words I've been looking for.

"As you embark on another pregnancy, it is normal for fear to color every aspect. You may feel uneasy because you know that even if you do all the "right" things, there are no guarantees. You may wish you could relax, but you can't forget what happened before. You may feel certain that you're unable to have a baby who can survive. While intellectually you may know that the odds are in your favor, it can be difficult to convince yourself emotionally."

And there you have it friends.

The words I've been trying to say.

And I especially like that last sentence.

Distinguishing between your intellectual self and your emotional self.

Yep.

Good stuff.

More to come.

What's Up?

In related news ...

This is my 2nd St. Patrick's Day in a row that I'm spending in a dentist's chair.

Last year due to a filling.

This year due to the crown I cracked today.

What's up with St. Patrick's Day?

What's up with my teeth?

What's up with me?

What's up with that?

It Keeps Getting Better

This day just keeps getting better.

I just broke the crown on one of my molars.

Seriously ...

Can someone please throw me a frickin' bone!?!

Finding Humor

Finding some humor in today.

WILLING myself into a better mood.

Yesterday a special needs student told me he loved school.

"Hey teacher, I LOVE school!" he said.

When I saw him in the hallways today I said, "Hey buddy? You still like school?"

He gleefully responded, "Yah, I still like school a lot. I love it! It's my LIFE!"

I smiled.

And that was nice.

School.

It's his life.

That is smile-worthy news.

Fore Warning

I am seriously a force to be reckoned with today.

Not sure what my deal is.

My mood is foul.

I thought yesterday was bad.

But no ...

it's today.

I don't even like being with myself today.

I'm really tired and super irritable.

And I'm worried that these are all indicative of starting my period soon.

Which in turn ...

puts me in a worse mood.

You know that feeling?

When little things feel so big?

Help.

Save me from myself.

I keep reminding myself, "it's days like these that make the good days feel so good."

Just waiting on that good day.

I know it will come.

Until then - stay clear.

Wordless Wednesday 3/17/10

I've noticed that some people post a Wordless Wednesday blog once a week.

Essentially it's a picture without accompanying words or an explanation.

I'm going to try it.

No guarantees that I'll remember every week.

My intentions are good.

Here is my first Wordless Wednesday (WW) entry ...

Waiting

Waiting and hoping that your period doesn't start is so nerve racking.

My period is supposed to come on Friday or Saturday.

I really, rEaLlY, REALLY don't want it to.

The End.

Lisa Leonard Give-Away!

Go HERE to read about Lisa's fabulous give-away.

Every time I go to push the add to cart button, I cry.

Mainly because I don't want to be one of the women who have lost a child.

I don't want to be a mother without a baby to hold.

But I am.

So I'll summon the courage and perhaps purchase one of these beautiful necklaces.

Baby McPherson!

Congrats to my friends Jonathan & Kelly McPherson!

They welcomed a little ___ ... yah right ...

you thought I was going to spill the beans.

Congrats to you both!

Can't wait to meet your bundle of joy!

Missing

Just found this great picture of my brother, my Grandpa, and my mom.

Thanksgiving 2008

Miss you Grandpa.

Love you.

Tatum Marie - 3 days old

We drove to Spokane to see Tatum Marie yesterday.

She's a bundle of sweetness.

We had to fight over holding her.

Every time someone new held her -

an army of cameras quickly emerged from pockets and purses.

We joked that Tatum had her own paparazzi crew.

All in all, we all remained patient and ended up getting our own Cuddle Time.

What a joy.

Tatum & Auntie!

Baby Tatum!

Happy Birthday Cooper!

Happy 6th Birthday Cooper!

You are loved beyond words!

In Honor Of Your Special Day

In honor of my brother's birthday, I'm pretty sure he'd LOVE it if I posted this picture of him for everyone to see.

Danny dressed in my dad's old clothes and tried to look as amazing as possible to celebrate SeaFair a few summers ago.


You're welcome.

Happy Birthday Brother

Happy Birthday to my handsome brother!

(Photos courtesy of Amy Cheng Photography)

Welcome To The World Tatum!

Jay's sister Tricia had her baby yesterday at 2:49pm.

Tatum came into the world weighing 8 pounds and 1 ounce.

Welcome beautiful baby.

You are already so loved!

Way to go Tricia!

We are heading over to Spokane this weekend.

Can't wait to wrap my arms around her sweetness.

Devilishly Handsome Date

I can't show his face for privacy reasons ... but check out this devilishly handsome young man!

He was my lunch date today along with 4 other girls.

I told him since he's on a date with 5 gorgeous girls and he's the only man, he might want to dress up.

He showed up to school today in this little number (I emailed mom and filled her in on his upcoming date) ...


And yes ... that's a skull & crossbones clip-on tie.

I say I had the best looking lunch date today!

Mini Lost & Found

Need a coat, sweatshirt, hoodie, sweater or jacket?

Seriously ...

Our school is the place to come.

This is what greeted us to school this morning.


Personal belongings from ONE day of school.

ONE people.

You DON'T want to see what the actual Lost and Found looks like.

One year our school's lost and found was so overflowing, it looked like a department store.

I actually made a sign for the clothes rack that said "our school's name" Elementary Nordstrom.

I don't know how you moms do it.

Keep track of all your children's clothes.

Wowza.

A Bit of Transparency

This will most likely be TMI for a few people.

Proceed with warning ...

Many of you may not believe in sharing this kind of information. You don't have to agree with me.

All I know is that I have received a lot of healing and comfort from reading other blogs from women who have the courage to be vulnerable.

So here it is ... my attempt at vulnerability.

You all know Jay & I had a miscarriage at the end of October 2009.

You all know I've had a roller coaster of emotions and LOTS of therapy.

I've tried to be very open, honest and transparent about my feelings. You never know who you help and in what ways you encourage others to heal and share their own stories.

You also know that I truly believe in living through each feeling and emotion - it's the only way to heal long-term. I am trying very hard to learn from my girlfriend's miscarriages who have not healed and desperately asked me not to follow in their path. I have relied heavily on my supporters and have been attending regular therapy sessions.

What you may NOT know is that Jay & I have recently started trying to get pregnant again.

Have you HAD a miscarriage before?!?

Do you KNOW how hard it is to try again!?!

Do you have ANY idea how scary it is?!?

Do you KNOW the terrible thoughts my mind thinks?!?

Do you KNOW what a leap of faith this is?!?

So I guess what I'm saying is feel free to be mindful of us in your prayers.

For strength (and fertility) and for us to continue to rely on God's good graces.

Grandpa's Birthday

It's been almost 3 months.

I miss you dearly Grandpa.

Happy Birthday today!

You remain a hero to many.

All your friends and family are thinking of you today.

I love thinking about you looking down - watching over us.

Protecting.

Encouraging.

Loving.

I miss you so much.

My heart aches for you.

I continue to be comforted knowing you are in heaven with our baby.

I love you.

Strength Through Her Daughter

If you start following THIS blog ... you won't be disappointed.

I so appreciate her honesty and transparency.

Click HERE to read her daughter's story.

Fair Warning

Good morning!

I took this self portrait this morning while Jay drove.

Pretty sure he won't ask to carpool with me again.

Don't let my smile fool you.

I am NOT a morning person.

I Teach Bill Gates' Kid

When the kids turn their weekly reading sheets in, they get the chance to have a special lunch date with me.

Today, there were a few of us eating lunch and the kids started talking about their dads.

How old they were, where they worked, etc.

One of the kids said, "My dad invented his own company."

I was interested!

"Oh really!?! What did he invent?"

She said, "It's called Microsoft. It has to do with computers."

I couldn't resist.

"Really? He INVENTED it!?!"

And with a stone-cold, earnest face, she replied, "Yep."

Huh.

Who knew!?!

I wonder if I can get a discount?

In The Shadow Of The Space Needle

We had dinner with our good friends Roger & Mary last night.

Roger and Mary live in Sitka, Alaska and we try to visit them every-other summer.

They recently bought a condo in the shadow of the space needle.

Enjoy these pictures from their BACK DECK!

(excuse the quality - we forgot our camera so these pictures are taken with my cell phone)

Unbelievably beautiful.

They have a view of the space needle from their back deck
and a view of Lake Union from the front.

We had such a great time catching up.

We enjoyed wine & cheese appetizers (my favorite) at their place,
then walked to a sports bar and I ordered the most adorable Kobe Beef Sliders.
Yes, Mary made me take a picture.

The soccer ball plate was an added bonus.
Not expected but highly appreciated.

We are so happy to have you two in town!

Public Humiliation

I would NEVER want to be famous (and I use this term loosely in this case).

Perhaps "in the public eye" is more appropriate.

I'm terribly afraid I'd have a lapse in judgement and wear something like this:


And then someone might cut & paste my picture onto their blog and publicly humiliate me.

Hello?!?

Turtle necks went out of style 20 years ago Jake!

Bonus points for non-pleated slacks.

Bonus point retracted for pants being too tight & too short.

Oh, more bonus point retracted for cell phone belt attachment and USING cell phone belt attachment.

At The Ready

Just in case you were wondering ...

This is what your bathroom counter looks like when your sister-in-law is 3 days past her due date and you may want to leave to Spokane to see her at any second.

You keep your toiletries out and ready for a quick trip.

Said toiletries have now found a new home in the back of my car.

We're ready Tricia!

Come on out Tatum ... we want to meet you and see your pretty face!

And yes - it grosses me out when I look at this picture and notice how dangerously close my toothbrush is to my hairbrush.