I'm Back!

Hi guys! Life has been crazy busy since we found out that we are expecting our Little Peanut in May 2013. This pregnancy is going by so fast and we are both so excited! As of today I am 16 weeks pregnant and feeling really well.

I just wanted to check in and let you guys know that I am still around and check in often. I will also be posting a lot more; especially the further along I get in this pregnancy. We have lots of fun baby things planned that I want to document and share, so be looking for that.

We hope you are all doing well, staying warm, and having a great holiday!

Swapoween Package Reveal!

I know, I know, I am about 2 weeks behind on posting this and I am so sorry! Up until this week, I've had just about the worst case of morning sickness ever! Anyways, 2 weekends ago I received my AMAZING package from my Swapoween partner and it's been killing me to share the awesome things I received.



Every year, right before Halloween, Miss Angie and Miss Beth over at Chaotic Goddess Swaps, host The Swapoween swap. Halloween is one of my favorite times of year; I love to decorate my house for the holiday, as well as bake and shop for fun packages for this swap. This year, was a little different. We got to send to a person as a secret and received our packages from another secret partners.

I sent to Miss Vandy, who I have followed and adored for a while. There was a crazy postal mix-up issue, but I really loved buying for her. :) You can hop over to her blog and look at the package she received if you'd like.

I received my amazing package from Miss Jacquie. Let me just say, she put together a really heartfelt and thoughtful gift, complete with items I have never seen before and love!!!

A picture of all of the amazing things I received. 

Harvest Potholders and Kitchen Towels, Cinnamon Crumb Cake Coffee, and Pumpkin Latte Candle.- All smell amazing!!

I love that she included books for me to read! I have read either, but I love The Nanny Diaries, so I know that I will love the books. I am also sooo excited to make the Pumpkin Quick Bread; especially now that I am feeling better and everything tastes good!  The Autumn Mix was awesome! The pumpkins are my absolute favorites!

Inside the cute ceramic travel mug were polishes- one gorgeous Essie purple color, a nude from Sally Hansen, and a pretty shimmery purple from Revlon. She also included a tube of Lip Massage Lipgloss from Blistex, which I love. My favorite item, was probably the Q&A Journal from Barnes and Noble. I intend on using it to document some of my pregnancy and some of the crazy dreams I've had as a result of the hormones.

Last, was the adorarble orange lid ceramic travel mug, which I can never get enough of! Along with the polishes and lipgloss, she included 2 packs of Disney Villans Hot Cocoa- one is orange colored and one is green. I cannot wait to try these when it gets a little bit colder.

Thanks again, Jacquie. I really appreciate the awesome package you sent me and can't wait to get to know you better!

Bumpdate: Week 5

How fun are these to do and look back on? No bump pic this week, because I forgot :( New weeks start on Monday's, so look for Week 6's Bumpdate tomorrow :)


How far along: 5 weeks, 6 days.

Fun facts: Baby is growing at a crazy, fast pace. It's made up of three layers-the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. Neural tube is starting to develop-which will later form the baby;s brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone.The heart and circulatory system are also starting to form. Heart begins to divide into chambers and pump blood.

How big is the baby: The size of a sesame seed and looks like a tadpole.

Total weight gain: So far, only a pound, but it is early on, so I am sure I won't be this lucky through the whole pregnancy. Since I am overweight, I really have to watch my weight gain, so that I am not at a bigger risk or getting hypertension and diabetes. I am trying to eat well and take care of myself.

Sleep: I am sleeping comfortably and lots, but it never seems to be enough. I am usually ready for a nap around 1 and ready for bed by 10.

Best moment of the week: Getting the pregnancy confirmed. I knew it would be, but the extra confidence helps a lot.

Food Cravings: I have been craving an orange creamslush shake from Sonic sooo bad since my sister got me one last weekend. You better believe I'll get one this weekend when I get paid :) Also, anything ice cream/shakes. Yum!

Food aversions: Most lunch food at work has grossed me out; chili and raviolis were the worst!

Movement: Not yet, still have a few months to go :)

Gender: Won't find out until around Christmas.

What I really miss: I don't miss anything. I am really enjoying this journey and am so happy to get this blessing after praying for so long.

Most worried about: Gestational diabetes and screwing up the health of the baby somehow. General concerns, I'm told.

Most I'm looking forward to: The first ultrasound, hopefully soon :)

Anything else? I have had gas bubbles so so bad. It's kinda embarrassing, but it is what it is.

A little Update with BIG news!

In case everyone was wondering where I've been and what has been going on, here's an update with a tiny little haul :)

Friday Confessionals 9.14.12

It has been soooo long since I've done this, but I am back! :) Mamarazzi will be on bloggy break for the next few weeks, so the Friday Confessional party will be hanging out here. If you also play along with her Happy List party on Tuesdays, that is be hosted at Art @ Home.

I confess...

Today, while waiting at a stoplight two separate times, the children in the car in front of me turned around and stared at me. That is such a pet peeve of mine; I realize they're kids, but I hate being stared at. I also hate that kid's aren't in the proper restraints and are able to turn around to stare. 

I confess...

Today was also the day of slowness. After work, I was in a rush to get to the bank and of course, I get stopped at a railroad track. I waited 5 minutes and a train never came, but the guards would never go up and I had to turn around. I then got stuck behind every sloe person in town on the way home.

I confess...

Wal-Mart ticks me off. Seriously, they're suposed to have tons of workers, but I always end up standing in line for forever. Today I had 3 items and had to wait on a guy that looked like McLovin' to check me out. He looked new and I felt kinda bad for him because he was clearly frazzeled. On another thought, why are all the carts busted? Our Wal-Mart finally got new carts and their already screwed up.

I confess...

I dunno if this is an Oklahoma thing or not, but I cannot stand how lazy people are here. Seriously, people wait in the main parking lot entrance and back up traffic to get a front parking spot. They also refuse to get out of their cars and go inside places, and will sit in drive-thrus to avoid doing so. Honestly, the time it took you to park in your front spot, I'm already inside the store, burnt some calories getting my heart rate up, and am almost done shopping.

I confess...

I was sooo excited to watch the season premier of Glee yesterday and it didn't disappoint. I am so ready for the sexier Rachel! Speaking of which, how hot is the new guy that's crushing on her? Anyone else think Puck's brother was screwed over? That audition was awesome!

I confess...

Speaking of Glee, I am in love with how hot Kate Hudson looks. Honestly? That Gaga dance was hot!

I confess...

I cannot wait to indulge my face in fatty fair food Monday. Bring it on!

I'm Off To A Good Start

Do you ever have one of those days where it automatically starts off in your favor? Today is one of those days for me, so far. It started with me waking up 30 minutes before my alarm goes off. I did lay around for a while, but then I started thinking about what day of the week it was. At first, I thought it was Wednesday, but then I remembered that No, it's Thursday! I then got up 15 minutes early.

I have 20 minutes until I have to leave for work, so I was able to take my time on getting ready and catch up on my Songpop challenges (I'm what you'd call an addict) and write a morning blogpost, which I never get the chance to do.

I feel like the rest of the day is looking pretty good. I also was thinking about The Swapoween 2 swap I am participating in. As much fun as it is to take pictures of everything I receive from my partner, I thought that maybe it would be just as fun to tape it and upload the video from my youtube onto my blog? What do you guys think?

Hope you all are having a great Thursday morning! The weekend is almost upon us and mine will be a really busy, but fun one!

Swapoween 2: I'm In!

You guys know how much I love a good swap and The Annual Swapoween is a great one to be a part of! I participated in last years and had so much fun! Halloween is one of my favorite times of year, so getting to shop for a custom box for my partner is a real treat.

In case you aren't familiar with Swapoween, it is hosted by Miss Beth and Miss Angie, who have created a new blog devoted to all swapping goodness Chaotic Goddess Swaps. You are assigned an awesome swap partner, who you in turn, create the perfect swap package filled with all things Halloween. Sign ups have just started, so you have until September 17th to sign up :)

I know I can't wait to get started on some Halloween crafts and shopping. I have tons of ideas in my mind that I want to do. If you'd like to participate like I am, just click the sign up linky down below and all the instructions will be there for you. As always, I will do a post when my partner is drawn next Tuesday, as well as a package reveal when I get my package early October.

Fall Is The Air!

Fall is right around the corner; I can feel it in my veins. This time of the year is my absolute favorite! I love the sweater wearing weather, cooler temperatures, the change of times and seasons, and the end of the blistering hot summer. The fall always feels like a new start for me; a time for me to recharge my batteries and regain my focus, a time for me to be thankful for all of the blessings I have in my life. Lately, that's been something I have really struggled with. I have really not been the most pleasant person to be around. My hormones and emotions have been in the depressive mindset.I have been continuously broke and just in a major funk.It;s showing to everyone around me, so I think I need to do something for a change.

I have so much to be happy for. Big changes are going to happen in the next few months. Even though I am broke, I have to remember all of the expenses that my paycheck is going towards- my education and working towards getting back in the fall to finish up. Finishing school means a better life for our family in the long run. I just need to stick it out and realize that things will get better. I have been in this spot before and God always pulls me through. If I was unable to handle the situation, I wouldn't be given it to deal with.

I have really neglected this blog and I am sorry. I adore this blog. It is my way of clearing my head in a healthy, good way. I will be around more, that I can promise. I need a hobby and a medium to turn to in hard and easy times.

How is everyone else? I have missed you all and have missed so much.

Blog Sale?

Hi guys! It has been a long time since my last post, but I wanted to do a really fast post and see if anyone would be interested in purchasing items from a blog sale if I did one? I have accumulated so much makeup, skin/bath products, and outgrown clothing that I need to do something about it.

I have some lightly used MAC shadows, Kat Von D palettes, Bath and Body Works, and plus size clothing/lingere that if I could sell for a reasonable price, I'd love to do that. I'm needing to replenish my stash of Mary Kay skincare products, so any money I made would be used for the order and for Christmas shopping.

I've never done this before, but I sell on Ebay all of the time and have a 100% positive rating. Would anyone be interested in this, or should I find somewhere else to list them?

We're Back!

Hi readers! I have really missed getting to do regular posts on this blog, but I am back! No, I haven't gotten my own computer yet, but Josh got his laptop back. It sure beats using my I-Phone, that's for sure!

What did I miss while I was gone? Here's some things that happened with us:

*We celebrated our 4th anniversary on the 19th :)
*I am no longer brunette, but now a blonde!
*It's been hot as heck down here in Oklahoma; over 100 most days and super humid!
*Going back to school- January 2013 and should be done December 2013 :)
*Should be on family vacation, but we're not. Instead, we're working... :(

I'll try and do a bigger post in a few days. I think I need to do a fertility/baby vlog, since I haven't done one in a while and some things have changed. Kinda at a stand-still/plateau and could really get some pressure off of my chest.

A Quick Update

Hi readers! Long time, no talk. I am currently updating you guys from work to let you know that I am alive and well. My computer decided to croak a few weeks ago, so I have no way of being an active blogger right now. I will be saving up for a new computer/laptop soon, but please be patient with me until that happens.

Hope you all are well!

30 Day Challenege- Day 14-24

Again, I am a slacker and have to make up 10 days of these questions. Oh well, here you go!

Day 14: Done, and done!

Source: goo.gl via Alfreda on Pinterest

Source: goo.gl via Crissy on Pinterest

Source: jason-segel.com via lane on Pinterest

Source: themenofbontemps.com via Chance on Pinterest

Source: featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com via Bruno on Pinterest

Day 15: 

Day 16: I would spend time with love ones and let them know the impact they had on my life. We'd have a big cookout, play games, and share old memories.

Day 17: I am super close to being a teacher :)

Day 18: True Blood!

Day 19: Texas-Sherman, Houston Oklahoma-Norman, Ada, Roff, Shawnee Jackson, MS

Day 20: Britney Spears and Aerosmith.

Day 21:Turn ons: Good hygeiene, sense of self and of humor, romantic, relaxed, goal-orientated and supports himself. Good with family and kids.

Turn-Offs: Alcoholics, mean, abusive, bad hygeine, cusses like a sailor, doesn't work/own car and has no desire too, mean to parents, children, and animals.

Day 22:Getting there :)

Day 23: I dunno how to even show that?

Day 24: Finances, parent hood, family, safety of Josh when he's working, putting God first, my future.

Books and Bloggers Swap Reveal

The time has come for me to reveal to you guys the 3 awesome books I received in The Books 'N' Bloggers Swap I participated in. Once again, Miss Beth and Miss Angie did a great job at putting together an awesome swap for the blogging bookworms out there. 


I was paired with the amazing Becca from Everyday Lives and received 3 awesome books that will be very well read and used.

1. A Book You Love- Sweetbriar. I have never read or heard of this book, but I definitely will. I will even pass it on to my mommy for a read, because I know she'l;l like it too :)

2. A Book You Haven't Read. Fifty Shades of Grey! I LOVE this trilogy and am almost done with the 3rd book. I couldn't resist and downloaded all 3 books to my Nook for instant read. I do want to get the trilogy in paper back though, so this starts that collection. Read it Becca! It gets your heart racing :)

3. A Book I Wanted- The Pioneer Woman's Cookbook! I am soooo happy to have this and squealed when I opened my box and it was in there. I already developed a shopping list to make about 7 recipes from it. I love watching Ree's show on Food Network and am so happy to have the cookbook I kept putting off personally buying for myself :)

I  scored big time in this swap and hope that I can participate in another swap like this soon. I had so much fun and loved shopping for Becca! Thanks so much for the amazing reads!

30 Day Challenge: Day 1

Since I am so good at doing the Photo- A- Day challenge, I figure maybe I can do this and actually succeed. Next month I WILL do the photo challenge and start on Day 1!

Day 1: My name is Jennifer. I am 25 years old and have been married to my amazing hubby, Josh for almost 4 years!

Day 2: Likes: Chocolate, Sex and the City, nail polish, clothes shopping, loosing weight, Diet Mountain Dew, dinner dates with my hubby, having money, working with kids, makeup.

Dislikes: Traffic, excessive cussing, b.o., mullets, bullies, tomatoes, being broke, cashews, dark roots on my hair, heat.

Day 3: Most days, I get up around 6 and leave for work around 7:15. I am greeted by my babies (8 18-24 month olds) and play with them, change diapers, read, etc. I take my lunch around 1 and work until 5. I go home, fix dinner, shower, watch t.v., sometimes read and go to bed. Weekends are church day and time to clean.

Day 4: I don't have a tumbler?

Day 5: Paris, Hawaii, New York City, D.C., Italy

Day 6: I like all kinds of music, so this is hard. If I had to pick though, I would say The Beatles? I have always loved their music and know just about every song.

Day 7: I am a major bookworm! I love The Help. I also love a lot of children's books. I am currently reading the last Fifty Shades of Grey book, which I love. 

Day 8: This is a weird question? But... I love you to hubs and family and most children could use hearing it a few more times in their day; Honey, that's not a cute look to most girls, and Leave me alone to most people trying to tell me how to do my job.

Day 9: BAD, slow drivers and ones who don't use a blinker and or pull out in front of me when there is no one behind me and then go under the speed limit. Smackers and people who grind their straws along the side of a plastic lid. I also hate when people are drinking something and they slurp through the straw to try and get every little bit out of the cup. My mom and sisters are the worst at it!

Day 10: Coffee and creamer and anything Italian :)

Day 11:" When I am overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I am." Psalms 61:2

Day 12:Yeah... no time for that lol.

Day 13: I want a tattoo on my foot- scriptual :) I want to be preggers bad! I am running late for work lol.

A Few Of My Favorite Things on EdenFantasys

Wow! It has been so long since I've posted about EdenFantasys and I feel I owe it to you guys to do so.

Did you know that EdenFantasys caters to women of all sizes? They offer lingerie from XS to 4X, so there's something for everyone. They even offer items in all price ranges and budgets :)

I personally love lingerie. I don't wear it all of the time, but when I do, I feel empowered and ready to conquer the world. Here are some of my favorites:

Anette Bridal Babydoll With Matching G String -$32.99 and is available in a range of sizes.

White Boned Lace Corset-$65.99

Polka Dot Corset-$45.60

Black Dress-$19.49

Plum Chemise-$28.49

Rhinestone Robe Set-$34.99

Emerald Corset- $62.99

If you're in the hunt for a new Sex Toys, EdenFantasys is the place to search. They have a wide variety of toys for both men and women. 

I personally have my eye on the Jack Rabbit.

So head on over to EdenFantasys, you won't be disappointed! 

Yep, Another One :)

I couldn't resist!!!

I am joining in on The Homemade Gift Exchange Swap put on by Craftaholics Anonymous http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/handmade-gift-exchange-june-2012?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FBLeF+%28Craftaholics+Anonymous%29

I dunno what I'll make yet or who my partner will be, but I am so excited to get back to my crafty roots that have been neglected the last few months :)

Stay tuned to see what I put together in a package :)

I Got a Partner!

A swap partner that is for The Books 'N' Bloggers swap put together by Miss Angie http://www.mysocalledchaos.com and Miss Beth http://artemishi.blogspot.com/ 


My partner is Miss Rebecca from http://www.everydaylifes.com/. I am really excited to shop for her and I am already 99% sure of the books I want to get for her. 

In case you forgot, I am to buy her 3 books with the following guidelines in mind:

1. A book you love.
2. A book you haven't read.
3. A book your partner will love.

Stay tuned for my package reveal in a few weeks; it's going to be a good one!

Books 'N' Bloggers Swap

Yep, you read that right! I just got my confirmation to be a part of The Books 'N' Blogger Swap hosted by Beth http://artemishi.blogspot.com/ and Angie http://www.mysocalledchaos.com/.

As you guys know, I have been itching to take part in a swap and when I thought all hope for me was lost, I saw the post for this one and it's the thing I need in my life right now. Basically, the swap's theme is books and reading. Instead of shopping for beauty/summer related items, you put together a box of 3 books for your partner to read and escape the everyday hectic life.

Here's the guidelines/rules for the books required to be sent to your partner:

• One book is a book that you love (share your good taste!)
• One book is a book that you haven't read yet (find potential mutual book love!)
• One book is directly from their wishlist/wants (give them something they definitely want!)

By brain is already raking up ideas on the book I want to include in my box.

I cannot wait to start shopping and find out who my partner will be. I always love being paired up and making a new blogger friend :)

If you are like me and are a big bookworm, then head on over to the link below and sign up to be included. It will for sure be a blast!

Click the link below for a list of all rules for this swap:

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com/2012/05/books-n-bloggers-swap.html

Photo Dump and Randomness

Warning: my mind is going a mile a minute and this blog will probably be a bunch of randomness. It's time to speak what's on my mind and to show some recent pictures :)

Anyways, first things first. I just read that Robin Gibbs died. That makes me so so sad because I LOVE the Bee Gees and it's just not the same without him. I am going to listen to songs now. Here is one of my favorites; performed by the cast of Glee of course!



Let's just stop and mention how gorgeous Lea Michele is in this video!

I am so proud of myself for staying on top of budgeting my checkbook and holding off on spending until I am caught up on bills. I did reward myself for my hard work today though.

Yep, that's right. Doughnuts, dark chocolate peanut butter, and Lionel Richie! Is there anything better?

I am down 11 pounds with my weight loss! I am so so proud of myself. It hasn't been easy and i'm slowly getting closer to being out of the 200's.

Last night was one of my old high school friend's bridal shower. I had a lot of fun and had much needed girl time! She had a Breakfast at Tiffany's themed shower (her favorite movie).

The Bride

                                                                  

                                             We had to design toilet paper wedding dresses.

                                                          The result of our dress. :0)
                                                                   

My bestie and me.

The bride opening her gifts.

                                                       Drinking my non-alcoholic drink!

That's all for now folks! I need to go decide what to eat for supper:) Enjoy this video full of love as a gift from me to you :)

I Need A Swap!

I just looked back and it's been a really long time since I've done a swap! My obsession is getting the best of me and I want to participate in one. I love going out and putting together a really fun package for someone.

Does anyone know of any swaps taking place or would anyone want to do a swap with me next month?

Weekly Weigh-Ins:Week 1

Hi all!
 I have decided to start recording my weekly weigh-ins, both as a way for me to keep track of my hard work,and for anyone going through the same battle, to maybe get some inspiration.

I started my journey a month and a half ago and there's no looking back. When I started I was clocking in at close to 250 pounds, which is not an acceptable weight for someone my size. I am also doing this to help increase my risks of fertility. I want to just be an overall healthier person.

I have been doing portion control and using Myfitnesspal.com, which has been a total lifesaver and helps me keep track of my exercise and eating. I throw some Herbalife in there too.

Here's my results for the week:

Previous weight: 233. 2

Current Weight: 231.6

Neck:16 inches
Waist: 50 inches
Hips: 54 inches

Overall weight loss: 9.6 pounds :)

I am going to start doing the putting marbles in a jar thing so I have a visual aid as well that I can see my actual progress :)

I Confess: I'm On the Ball!

I Confess:
 I actually made it in time to link up on I Confess this week! I've been late 2 weeks in a row!

I Confess:
 I have really missed seeing/meeting new friends and subscribers on my blog as a result of linking up. I have also missed reading everyone else's posts.

I Confess:
I am still really sad I slacked off and missed Mamarazzi's favorite colors swap :( I so could've rocked that. Oh well, maybe next time :)

I Confess:
My skin is a hot mess! It's dry, really sensitive, and red. It's gross! My lids are really dry. It's a result of being out of skincare items and not giving my skin the T.L.C. it so desperately needs.

I Confess:
 As a result of bad skin, I went and ramsacked my bathroom cabinet and found my bottle of Avon Anew Microderm. I used it in place of my Mary Kay Tiemwise Microderm scrub that I am out of and my skin feels amazing!!! It was WAY in need!

I Confess:
I am not doing a dang thing and/or leaving the house today. My goal is to be as lazy as possible.

I Confess:
 My hair is in dire need of a change. I look like a hag with my roots coming in and super thick mane. Not a good look!

I Confess:
I had a rough week. I did have some great moments through out though; like Wednesday when my big butt broke the adult chair at work while eating a snack with the kids, or yesterday when I was vacuuming the carpet at work and ran over a kid's shoestring on accident. I had to turn the vacuum off to help save the child, while laughing so hard I almost peed my pants.  Look on kid's faces in both incidents= PRICELESS!

I Confess:
That chair must've been crap, because today I weighed in and i'm down 8 pounds in a month and a half!!! Hooray!!!

That's it for this confessional. Come leave me some hellos and messages- I have missed you guys!

I Confess: Disappointment and Grumps

I am a few days late, but here it is :)

I Confess:
I just saw I missed Mamarazzi's Swap sign -up. I am so so sad that I didn't pay attention and catch her posts about signing up. Maybe next time :(

I Confess:
I am really grumpy today and really emotional. Dang Aunt Flow and her unwanted, unexpected trip to town.

I Confess:
 I am soooo sore from playing my sister's Kinect Sports yesterday. Like, seriously, it's almost embarrassing how sore I am!

I Confess:
I have a new addiction to Nachoritos from the gas station. Soooo good, do not good for me.

I Confess:
I am still at the 6 pound weightloss mark, which is good and bad. Good that I am able to keep it off and maintain it. Bad that I have already plateaued and can't get over this number 6. I need to detox and push myself hard!

I Confess:
I had the lady at the gas station check and make sure the area newspaper had coupons in it today. Last week I bought a paper with NO COUPONS! What the heck? That's the only reason I buy the Sunday paper. I even made sure I check the paper myself to see if it had coupons in it.

I Confess:
I am pretty happy with how my sister's hair and make-up turned out for prom last night. First time I have ever done prom stuff and I thought I did good. I was exhausted afterwards!!!

That's all my confessing for today! :)