Turkey Week.

Don't know how much I'll be able to hop on here, as our Turkey week is rather stuffed. Haha... stuffed. ;-) So I wanted to go ahead and wish you all a fabulous Thanksgiving! I am constantly reminded of how very blessed I am and how much I have to be thankful for... the first thing I usually spit out of my mouth in prayer (almost without thinking) is "thank you for this day." Because, truly, no tomorrows are guaranteed. I haven't been very bloggy this last week other than to obsess over my vampire boyfriend, Edward, but truthfully I haven't really felt up to it...

A little over a week ago, a dear friend of mine lost her mother to a long, long battle with ovarian cancer. We all knew it was coming, but it just broke my heart. And I just could not stop crying Saturday morning after finding out she was gone. I called my mom from the Costco parking lot and just cried. I just can't imagine what my dear friend is going through. The same day I found out our small group leaders lost their IVF baby at 5 weeks. And my heart broke a little more. So I was just in a very weird place that day... and worst of all we had a party to go to that afternoon and I'm just not good at faking it. I sure didn't sit in a corner and pout, but I was probably a little more subdued than normal. And really, with all that in my head, I haven't known WHAT to write on here lately. Somehow all my superficial topics seem so stupid when I see real life happening around me. So while I haven't been able to put much into words, some others did it for me.

First, a fellow Georgia peach that I stumbled on recently at Chapters wrote this amazing post on infertility. It really spoke to me and totally echoed how I feel in so many ways, yet rarely share. I've gotten to a point where I really struggle being around kids and I truly hate that. I have a hard time getting excited for my pregnant friends. And I hate that. I look for excuses to get out of kids' birthday parties and baby showers because I get so tired of the whole thing. And I hate that. I feel like *I* am the elephant in the room with this big-ass sign across my forehead that says, "Infertile. Watch your step." And it's this horrible catch 22 as well... I don't EVER want my friends to feel as though they have to tip-toe around me or be discouraged from sharing news with me, but at the same time I'm hurt when there's no consideration taken. I'm not sure that makes any sense. None of it makes sense, but we keep going. I know God has a plan for us, I just wish he'd let us in on it sometimes. It's been 3 years this month since we started trying.

And then the most amazing writing comes from my friend, Jill. I know y'all don't know her, but she has opened up on her blog about losing her mother by looking back on that final week with her mom and recounting each day. It's a truly beautiful "story" and I hope you'll read it. Start with this entry and then work your way up. Jill is unbelievable and my heart is so heavy for her and her family right now.

So yes, that's what my mind has been juggling lately and I suppose that's why I've been a little shy from blogworld. Didn't mean for this to turn into a Debbie Downer post - just letting y'all know where my head's at. But no worries... I'll be back at it soon enough. So before I part, I shall do the obligatory things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving!! But not out of obligation, because my heart is certainly full of thanks. We are more than blessed...

1. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband. I can't imagine going through life with anyone else. We are totally opposite in a lot of ways, but I think that's what makes us click. Sure, he can piss me off like no one else (and I him), but we both just know this thing is forever and that's that. It's really that simple.

2. This may be a weird one, but I've recently discovered how thankful we should be for having financially responsible parents - both the hub and me. We may make our own financial messes, but I learned lately that some of my friends are also having to take care of their parents' messes. Something I never even considered! So I'm very thankful for the examples my parents have been for me and the smart decisions that I've witnessed them making. Maybe that's a selfish thank you (as in, Thank God I'm not dealing with their mess too!)... but it's still a really big praise on my prayer list, for sure.

3. So naturally, I'm thankful for my amazing parents. They celebrated 40 years of marriage earlier this month. I can never fully express how thankful I am for all they've done for me and the hub. Can't even put it into words...

4. I'm thankful for my 3 crazy doggies. They keep us laughing everyday. What is life without doggies? I just don't know. They are truly God's love and joy in animal form. What human can love that unconditionally?

5. I'm thankful for Dave Ramsey. These are just getting weirder and weirder, aren't they? No but really - I do mention him in my prayers. Not his program, but him. I think it's awesome to see someone truly living out God's purpose. He has helped SO many people, including us. It's so funny... next time I go to a bridal shower or wedding and am asked to give "marriage advice" or "wishes" for the bride and groom, I know just what to say: Get on Dave Ramsey's plan and you're golden! His plan is nothing short of common sense, but he presents it in a way like no other. It's a ministry and he's absolutely gifted.

6. I'm thankful for my wonderful girlfriends. They lift me up, they laugh with me, they get me through each day. And they're just plain FUN! Each one is totally different and I'm truly blessed to have each of them in my life.

7. Lastly, I'm thankful for God's amazing love... that he gave us his son to pay our debt for us so that we can all be reconciled to him. Most days I forget how crazy awesome that is, but then something will hit me and I'm just like... wow. Oh how he loves us so.

So gobble, gobble! Go stuff yourselves, be merry, and give thanks! :-) Be safe in your travels and give all your loved ones a hug (even the weird ones)...

I'm curious...

...did any of you make it to one of the many midnight showings of Twilight last night? If so, spill! Did you love it? I'm going to see it next Tuesday and I CANNOT wait!!! Oh and by the way, I asked the hub if he'd be OK with me having a vampire boyfriend. He was like, "well, I guess so because if I said no he'd just kill me." Good point.

Just finished Twilight...

...and the movie can't get here fast enough! OMG.






So I'm wondering... if my two imaginary vampire boyfriends, Spike and Edward, went up against each other... who do think would win?!





My heart still goes to Spike for the time being, but we'll see how I feel after the Twilight movie... afterall, Robert Pattinson didn't really do it for me as Cedric Diggory, but holy shiz... as a vampire? Bite me!

Clothing Swap Goodies...

On Sunday I hosted another clothing swap... which I think I can fairly say is now one of my favorite things to do. It's so easy and cheap to host, and hello... you walk away with new stuff! I mean, what more could you ask for?

I snapped a few quick pics of the setup before the girls arrived. I'm not sure why these are all so darn fuzzy, but at least you can get an idea of what our "shop" looked like...

Of course there was a lot more "inventory" once everyone arrived with their stuff. This was only my stuff plus some of the leftovers from the last swap that I thought deserved another go.

I had great intentions of getting pics during the swap, but I was pre-occupied with shopping and of course, chatting with all my girls. So no luck there! But I did walk away with some great new things. I failed to find any new pants, which was disappointing since that's what I need SO badly... but here's what I got!

A great little cap-sleeve black cardi...

Another basic grey cardi...

A couple of blazers!

This tweed skirt - a perfect fit!

And this dress that still had the tags on it... LOVE it!

And finally, a super cute bracelet...


So it was a great time, once again, and I'm already looking forward to doing another in the spring. It's seriously so fun and stupid easy... here's my little how-to if you're interested in throwing one.

I hope y'all had great weekends too! We cranked up our fireplace for the first time this weekend. I am loving this weather!!

Maternity wear is about to get fierce!

OMG, could my dreams be coming true? Appearing in my inbox mere seconds ago... Two of my fashion favorites - Christian Siriano and maternity wear - are coming together! My cup runneth over! If and when I ever get a bun bakin', my belly is gonna be SO fierce!!!

A quick Dave update.

It's been a few since I updated y'all on our baby steps to financial freedom! Our baby emergency fund has been fully funded - I think I gave a big woot-woot to that already. We're looking forward to going full-force-gazelle-intense with baby step #2 here soon, but we've got to get the car situation worked out first. Phoebe, my good and faithful '98 Honda Accord, was dropped off just a couple of hours ago to get a fresh paint job. Poor little love... she needs it so bad and I feel like a terrible momma for letting her get so ghetto. But all is well, because she is getting her much needed makeover!

So the big Yahoo!'s since my last Dave update... (1) the hub started a new job this week! He is totally pumped - it's a total career change for him, so it's a little scary but also super exciting. And hey, that whole paycheck thing is great! We loves it. He also has another little side gig that should help us too. (2) We sold two pieces of furniture! We've still got the Restoration Hardware chest up for grabs, and I also just posted a bedroom set on craigslist. If those two sell for our asking price, we'll have our car replacement fund fully funded. Which would be AWESOME because... (3) We sold the 4runner! And um, should you ever need to sell a car - totally go with Auto Trader. People would NOT stop calling. We had a buyer in less than 24 hours and we got $5k more than Carmax offered. We broke even on the sale, but that was our goal. And that car payment is GONE! I can't even tell you how amazing it feels to know that we will never ever ever have a car payment again ever ever!!! (4) We made it through our first full month on Dave's zero-based budget. It was hard to put together at first. We had never been on a real budget before - ever. But we knew we had to go full force here to make this work. And OMG... I freaking love it. It's only been one month, but I'm hooked. And thanks to learning how to give every dollar a name before it comes in, (5) we've been giving like never before. And that feels amazing.

We are just super excited about all those accomplishments and are eager to get to step 2. Like I said, we're still in a holding pattern of sorts since all our extra income is going toward a new car. And by new, I mean a $3,000 beater that we'll be paying cash for. But soon enough, we'll be in full-on attack mode. Currently tattooed on my brain is Proverbs 22:7, which tells us "the borrower is servant to the lender." Not anymore, bitches! Cheeeeeetahhhhhhhh!!!! (OK, I realize only Dave fans will get that, but whatev.)

So thanks so much for your continued prayers! We are really making killer progress and are more motivated than ever. I can't wait to see where we are by the end of the year! :-)

United we stand, y'all.

Well y'all know I don't really go all politik on here. Not my cup of tea. I do have strong opinions, and I'll be glad to jump in on a conversation any day, but my opinions are personal and I don't really use my blog as a place to parade those opinions. I generally vote conservatively, so yes, I was disappointed in last night's outcome, but it's over and it's time to move on! Whether it's the man I voted for or not, I've got a new president. And as an American, he'll have my respect and support. And while my personal views on policy are not in line with his, I'll stand behind him.

I understand people being disappointed when their candidate of choice doesn't win, but to be devastated? Give me a break. Neither one of these candidates will change my life personally. Neither of them can solve my problems. In the end, I'm responsible for me. NOT them. Yes, it matters, and yes, it affects us as a country, but anyone who thinks that any president is going to "fix things" and solve all their problems is sniffin' glue. And to those who proclaim they're going to leave the country if so-and-so is elected... go ahead! Perhaps some world travel will give you a little perspective. You don't know how good you've got it here.

But no matter whom you voted for, it's a historic day here. And I am SO proud to be an American!

Happy Voting!

We got in line this morning at 6:30 and were outta there by 8:15am. Not too bad... it went by pretty quickly. I was dressed, however, in anticipation of standing outside. Which we did not. So I got a little toasty in my Uggs and cashmere hat. But that's OK. We voted!

Happy Day...

Today the hub and I are celebrating SIX years of marriage! Woo hoo! I cannot believe it's been six whole years... it just flies by. I know everyone says that, but it really does. We had an anniversary-day-o-fun-on-a-budget yesterday and had a blast. Well, until the part where Florida kicked our ass yesterday. Not pretty.

But even more amazing, today is also my parents' wedding anniversary and they are celebrating 40 years of marriage! Wow! What an amazing testament that is to us and I'm so proud. They are up in Asheville at a cabin all week for a little anniversary getaway. So happy anniversary wishes all around!

Hope everyone is enjoying this extra hour today... I am LOVING it. I really needed it. Last week was a total whirlwind.