x
, , , , , , , ,

Beach Belly

 Warning! You are about to be blinded by a very white belly! Alex and I had to document my growing stomach in Port A, even though it was covered up most of the time by a fishing shirt. I still feel like people think I have a beer gut, so I'm a bit skiddish about letting the sucker out.  The best part about being pregnant at the beach was that I could scarf down a full bag of Cheetos and a hot dog, and still feel perfectly ready to go out in my bathing suit. Nothing like a bloated belly to help me float in the water.






Bathing Suit: Victoria's Secret (3 yrs. old)

Read more »

5.30.2012

3 Comments
, , , , ,

"Am I being Punk'd?"

For Memorial Day weekend, Alex and I took a short trip to Port Aransas with family.  I ate junk food and processed meats all weekend, didn't get a hint of a tan because I lathered myself in sunscreen and wore a fishing shirt most of the time, and officially become the designated golf cart driver (thank you pregnancy).  My family rented some awesome 6 person golf carts that we drove all over town, and at night were quite the adventure when you have drunk adults screaming directions at you.

Now, for my horror story. 
One afternoon when we were on the beach, I drove the golf cart down to the nearest porta potty. I grabbed the golf cart key and hesitantly walked in. I plugged my nose, and tried my hardest not to look down. Suddenly, I heard this high pitch noise, that sounded just like a key falling. Oh yes, I dropped the key in to the toilet. Words can't describe the "Oh crap" feeling I experienced at that moment. Not only was the rental quite expensive, but it wasn't my golf cart to start with. Yep, I was screwed.  Now, the horror begins. I proceeded to stare into the toilet searching for the key, but after 10 minutes of staring at the most disgusting things you've ever seen in your life, I gave up.  I seriously stood up at one moment, and thought, "Seriously! I'm either in a horror movie or I'm getting punk'd."  Thankfully,  we were able to get a copy of the key, and I didn't have to make the plunge. 

Lesson learned: Don't take anything important in to a porta potty!


Playing Banjo w/PaPa

We've got to protect our vampire white skin

The infamous golf cart


Read more »

5.29.2012

4 Comments
, , , , , , ,

Sticker shock

A few days ago Alex and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary, but unfortunately our big night planned had to be cut short due to me getting sick. I think it had something to do with the late night wing stop and fries w/blue cheese I had the night before (supposedly I'm not supposed to eat blue cheese, but I LOVE it!)  We made a quick stop at the Domain for dinner. Alex enjoyed his ridiculously expensive meal, and I had a baked potato because it was the only thing I could stomach.  I'm glad I didn't eat a full meal, because I think I would have passed out when I saw the check. Fine dining is a fun experience, but I am way too cheap to spend so much money on food.


Dress: BCBG via Dillard's. Jacket: Forever 21. Shoes: Dolce Vita via Nordstrom. Purse: Gifted Michael Kors


Read more »

5.25.2012

1 Comment
, , , , , , , ,

19 Weeks

Have you seen, "What to Expect When You're Expecting"? If not, it's hilarious, but I'm sure much funnier if you're pregnant.  One scene in the movie a character talks about her "Ghost pregnancy". Alex looked over at me and laughed because that's what I feel like I'm experiencing. I've been patiently waiting for the bloating to go away, and the real belly to arise, literally.  I'm sure I'll regret saying that by the end of the pregnancy.  Once this belly comes in, I need to learn how to master the "cradle belly with hands" pose. I seriously look like I'm trying to suffocate my lady parts. It just looks akward. I don't know how so many women take such beautiful maternity photos and look so natural. 






Top: Francesca's. Skirt: Jcrew. Belt: Thrifted. Sunglasses: Forever 21. Watch: Michael Kors. Sandals: Aldo


 Big thanks to Francesca's for this perfect summer top! Love the stripes, and it's super comfy. Use the code "Jesse" for 30% off your online purchase.

Read more »

5.24.2012

0 Comments
, , , , ,

5.22

Today Alex and I are celebrating our 2 year wedding anniversary!  Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have a great marriage with a man that is kind, ambitious, loving, strong, and can put up with my crazy self.  I truly believe that God uses marriage to show you the absolute worst qualities about yourself, but blesses us through that so that we can learn, grow, and become a better person.  

I am beyond excited to become parents together. Alex has always wanted to be a Dad, and I know he is going to be amazing. If we have a girl, he's going to spoil the heck out of her, and I'm 100% sure he will cry the first time she goes to prom (he cries when we watch Johnson & Johnson baby commercials). And if we have a boy...well, let's just say he's going to teach him how to do Everything!


The best part about marriage is having a best friend.  Alex and I are so extremely goofy and have the most random conversations when we're alone. I can only imagine what someone would think if they were a fly on the wall. We are both dreamers, and I always enjoy talking to him about the places we've been in life and the places we will go.  I feel like we have done so much in the past 2 years, I can't imagine what the next 50 are going to look like.



 

Photos by Matthew Banks Photography

Read more »

5.22.2012

0 Comments
, , , , , , , ,

Mother's Day Weekend

I'm a little late, but Happy Mother's Day! This past weekend my parents and in-laws came in to Austin to celebrate.  All I can remember from the weekend is pretty much eating. We ate out way too much!  

I'm 18 weeks pregnant, but it still doesn't feel real because my belly hasn't been growing much.  My midwife told me my belly was the size of someone who is 13 weeks pregnant, geez, but it's nothing to worry about. It's just my abs of steel pushing the baby back...kidding kidding.      




Dinner w/the fam damily at Buca Di Beppo
And another dinner
My family got to watch my brother and sis-in-law in film making action on Sunday
on the set of their new movie, "The Bounceback", which is being filmed in Austin.
HEAVEN? That's what I thought when I walked in to the ladies bathroom
at the Broken Spoke. George Straight plastered all over the walls!
My Dad was a great extra in the movie...fit the role perfectly.


Read more »

5.17.2012

0 Comments
, , , , , , ,

Tess Dress Fashion Show


Theresa, the designer of Tess Designs, so kindly asked me to walk in her fashion show last week at Deseo Lounge.  Rather than having paid models she wanted to feature professional women that had "real" figures.  Her designs are made to accentuate a woman's curves, and I love that! I've got some hips and I ain't afraid to show 'em (cue rap song that always gets stuck in my head).  I was a bit nervous, but I just channeled my many years of watching America's Next Top Model.  Alex made it hard not to laugh, because every time I walked by he would whistle and yell at the top of his lungs. Thanks Theresa for letting me be a part of the event. I met some awesome women, and it's always fun to get your hair and make-up done. 





Images

Read more »

5.10.2012

0 Comments
, , , , , ,

Mug Shot


No, I wasn't arrested, but if I was I would be proud of my mug shot thanks to the stylists from The Salon at the Domain.   I walked in a fashion show last Friday, and I was kind of obsessed with my hair. Also, who knew a bit of liquid eyeliner can make you feel like a completely different person? 


BEFORE 

AFTER
I thought maybe the next morning I could wake up with perfect hair, just like after prom in high school, but instead of hairspray they used wax. I couldn't deal with the texture.  I'll recap the fashion show with photos tomorrow.  

Read more »

5.09.2012

0 Comments
, , , , , ,

Cinco De Mayo

This past weekend Alex and I were finally able to take a trip back to Abilene! It was the first time I'd visited since I graduated in December.  I was able to celebrate Cinco De Mayo with friends, and visit my old church (man...I seriously miss it).  Alex and I stayed with our best buds, Sierra and Grant. It's always fun when we get together, because we can laugh and joke about marriage.  I miss the relaxed atmosphere of a small town and no traffic!  




Pedicure w/Sierra....they wrapped these crazy hot washcloths around our calves.
Goofy looking but felt amazing!

Tried the Necklace test to see if we could get a hint on the gender.
Got a boy one time, and a girl the next. 


Enjoyed some Republic Tequila Margaritas (I sadly had to decline)

Miss Sierra and I before going out to eat at Perinis

Read more »

5.08.2012

0 Comments
, , , , , ,

16 Weeks

These past 16 weeks I really haven't felt pregnant. I haven't experienced any symptoms, and haven't been showing up until these past few days.  I can still wear most of my clothes, except a couple of pairs of tight jeans. Today I have my monthly appointment, and I'm excited to see how things are going and to check on the heartbeat. 

  I'll be having the baby at the Austin Area Birthing Center, which is a super relaxed and professional birthing center that has certified Midwives/RNs.  I believe there are 8 midwives, and every appointment I meet with a different one so I get can get to know each one.  When it's time to push, the midwife on call will be the one running to my rescue. I think what sold me was the jacuzzi bath tubs in every room.  I don't mind laying in a hot bath, especially considering my back issues over the years.  I have no idea how my labor will look, but the birthing center gives me the option to pretty much do whatever.  Pilates ball, bed, bath tub....wherever I'm comfy and ready to push is where it will happen.  






Read more »

5.07.2012

1 Comment
, , , , , , , ,

Swagger Wagon

I attended Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover conference a few weeks ago, and I'm just now getting to the recap.  I think I just have so much to say, I don't know where to start. After this past weekend at home, I know exactly where to start. Two words, SWAGGER WAGON! 


Alex and I got hooked on Dave Ramsey's radio show a little over a year ago, and now every morning all I hear is, "Wee'rreeee dddeebbbtttt fffrrrreeeee!!!!" blaring out of the speakers. After hearing that so many times, it really makes me want to be the next caller. Thankfully the only debt Alex and I have are school loans. We did however have a credit card for a long time that we would use for all our expenses, and then pay the card off on time every month.  The only reasoning behind this was we were getting the free points, and yes, we got A LOT of free points. Probably over $2,000 worth of points we accumulated, which is basically free money. BUT, the point is that we would casually spend more than we had every once in a while, because we had that safety net...that little shiny credit card that always had our backs. Wrong! Dave finally convinced Alex that the "points" really don't help much in the long run. Now, we have officially stopped using our credit card, and are now pretty much using cash for all purchases. 

Now, back to the Swagger Wagon. I was lucky enough to have most of my family attend the conference with Alex and I after a little arm pulling, and it was great to open up to each other about the problems we face with money. At the beginning of the conference I remember my sister, Nacona, saying, "I know he's going to say that I shouldn't have a car payment. I'm not going to give up my suburban! What does he expect me to drive? I have 4 girls, and live in the middle of no where on a bumpy dirt road." I tried to think of a car that would fit her family and their needs, and I couldn't think of too many cars that would fit the criteria and be affordable. Sure enough, Dave touched on large car payments, and how many people's debt problems can be solved by selling their cars and downgrading while getting out of debt.  







Two weeks later my jaw dropped when I heard these words come out of my sister's mouth, "I'm buying a Mini-Van."  Yep, something just clicked, and she decided to give up her big 'ole Chevy Burb.  Now, in a family that has pretty much driven Tahoes and Suburbans most of their lives, that can be a very hard thing to give up.  I was and still am so proud of my sister for making such a huge change. I still kind of laugh that she bought a mini-van (I don't know if I could do it), but now we just call it the Swagger Wagon.  Her girls didn't care, and were so excited to get a new car, "Aunt Rae Rae! Look at our new car. It's awesome!" Thanks Nacona for being such a great example to your family and children! 


I hope in a world of the "Keeping up with the Joneses" mentality that we would stop and realize that the Joneses are probably unhappy and in debt because they tried their whole life to please everyone around them. What kind of life is that?


What are your thoughts about debt? How do you manage your finances? 

Read more »

5.04.2012

3 Comments
, , , , , ,

Home sweet home

I have been a bit stressed lately, so a weekend at home was the perfect medicine..it always is.  Do you feel like that when you visit your parents?  It makes me feel like I'm back in high school. No worries in the world, just enjoying great food and time with family (and a bit of reality tv since I don't have cable).  I spent most of my time rocking on the front porch. I'm just practicing for retirement.  


Sunday we took a trip down to one of my Dad's leases and worked some cattle. Those little guys had no idea what they were in for.  


Loving on Wimpy

Thank you Wimpy for trying to rip my hair out.

My Dad and Alex trying to get our tank Alligator to come up.  I kept giving commentary like we were watching some Australian safari show.


Read more »

5.01.2012

0 Comments
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)