Headed to the POOL

I am so HAPPY today because I am going to see one of my good friends...who I haven't seen in awhile!! She has many names...KP, Alley Cat, Kelly Parker, or just regular ole Kelly.  I need to go get ready and head to my parents for a relaxing day of laying out and hanging out with one of my good friends!!

I think this picture is from 3 summers ago on one of our MANY piano bar nights ha!!  KP has been a great friend to both Michael and I for some time now. lOVE her!!

Backyard Fun

Today, Dickson and I spent some time outside together.  In the mornings when we first get up, he will usually go outside for 10-15 minutes which gives me time to make the bed without him chasing me and the pillows around the room.  The longest I have ever gotten him to stay outside is about 20 minutes...however, he usually likes for us to stay a few seconds and then we will go play by himself.  Usually during the day he will sleep and sleep and sleep some more. NOT today though!!  We went out at least 4 times this morning together so he would "hopefully" run some energy off.  He did lay down for a little bit while I took a shower and got ready for the day.  Then I had a retirement party to go to...Gini, my parents best friend and the mom of some of my good friends...she also helped us with our loan for our house.  So glad we got that done before she retired from the bank. Anyways...after that I ran to the mall to grab a few things.  When I got home Dickson was just as crazy as before I left.  So we went out several more times this afternoon and evening.  My parents came over so my dad could help Michael move a small sleeper love seat into the office. Dickson ran and played more with them.  He really is lOVING his new backyard....now only if the grass was a little shorter (hint hint Michael ha)!!!

Isn't he precious?!?



Summer Days

Summer days...oh how I lOVE them!!  Today I got up and did a few things around the house and then around noon I headed over to my parents to lay out by the pool all afternoon. (At least till I had to get ready for class.)  It was a little cloudy, but it was still hot and I got a little pink so I call it a successful day!!

I have a couple of families that are on my mind tonight as they are having services tomorrow for family members who have gone to dance with Jesus. I pray that they are all at peace and feel the lOVE and comfort from their family members, friends, and community.

Meggie....

So this is a little post about one of my best friends in the whole world....MEGGIE!!!  I am linking up with Kelly's Korner for her Show Us Your Singles!!  Meggie and I met in college at the University of Arkansas.  We were both members of Alpha Delta Pi.  We quickly became really good friends.  Meggie has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever known.  She is fun and outgoing.  A fabulous advice giver and a wonderful listener.  She has your back whenever you need her!!  She is originally from Houston, TX but now lives in Dallas, TX.  She is 25...almost 26.  Meggie has an Apparel Studies degree and is working as an Assistant Buyer for JC Pennys.  She enjoys playing soccer, running, and Top Golf.  Meggie loves a good baseball game and of course SEC football!!!  She is involved in the junior high youth ministry at her church. There really are not enough words for me to describe how awesome of a person she is, but if you think you might want to have a chance to know her a little better leave a comment!!

Meggie (right) and I at my Bachelorette Party dinner.

 New Years Eve...

Dickson's Life

So pretty much all our little lovebug does is SLEEP!! He sleeps ALL DAY long!!  I have never really spent all day long at home with him because I was always either in class or at work.  The first few days I would tap him every once and awhile to make sure he was still alive.

Sleeping in his favorite spot..on the couch pillows...

Sticking his little tounge out...

Sleeping in the bed...

Oh look he does stay awake for a little part of the day...watching me do homework

Oh I just lOVE this little guy!! He isn't spoiled one bit haha!!

Playing Catch Up

So A LOT has happened in our lives since I last posted here it is SHORT & SWEET.........

1. Hosted a bridal shower with my mom for Megan in Fort Worth
2. Babysat one weekend for sweet H & S
3. Hosted a Bachelorette Party for Megan...discovered a fabulous Nail Salon & had my first "threading" experience
4..WE MOVED and we are still trying to get settled
5. I am on SUMMER BREAK!!
6. MEGAN & SHELDON got MARRIED
7. I officially started and finished my first Grad School class..made an A I might add ha!!
8. We went to Lewisville, AR for Michael's grandparents anniversary party

I think that brings us to today!!  I am just enjoying summer break, taking it easy during the days unpacking and cleaning. Then heading to class at night.  Dickson is loving having me home and if he isn't following me around he is passed out ha!!  Michael is working but is on summer hours...so he is off on Fridays.  Anyways..I have lots of things that I should be doing. Till next time...

Halfiversary aka 6 months

This time 6 months ago Michael and I had already had our pictures taken, walked down the aisle, had our first married kiss, had our first dance, cut the cake, threw the bouquet & garter.  I just can't believe we have been married 6 months!! The time has flown by.

Tonight we went to the Razorback baseball game to watch the HOGS play Florida.  We picked up my brother when we got to Fayetteville, had dinner, & then headed to the game.  Once we got in the game I went and found my dad and the Berry's.  My mom and Jenny went on a float trip this weekend with other people from school. So David had C and the twins, my dad wanted to go to the game so he was with David.  It was funny seeing the 2 of them with 3 little boys they each had a twin in the front facing pack thing (not sure the name ha!!)  My dad had to go to the bathroom so he handed me T.  Well he just didn't like that. Long story short neither T or B wanted me to do anything with them!!  So I was just helping out with C.  My dad got T to sleep and after awhile I held him.  He was fine with me when he woke up and was happy just sitting in my lap.  David ended up taking B to the car because he was so fussy.  We were all sitting there and then Ribby the Razorback came down our row and was about 2 steps away from us..well C is afraid of him so Michael was trying to distract him in the meantime a foul ball is hit and is seriously heading straight for us!!!  I turn and lean over T, my dad stands up over me, and we yell at Michael who luckily stood up and he was able to hit the ball away from C.  It was a bummer the ball bounced out of his hand and someone else picked it up...but we were all glad that none of us were hit!!!  It was a fun night and the HOGS won the game so that was even better!! We are hoping they will sweep the series with a win tomorrow night!!

Also, tonight I submitted my final research paper for my first graduate class at Harding.  I am so glad to have that over with!!  I wrote my paper over informal reading inventories in the classroom...any questions, I can answer them ha!! 

Tomorrow Michael and I have to go to a home buyers class for our housing loan. We are not looking forward to it too much, but we are looking forward to MAY 31st when we CLOSE on our house!!!

I can't wait to see what the next 6 months have in store for us!!

Sussies...

I lOVE sussies aka presents!!!  So a few weeks ago I was joking around with Michael and asked him what he was going to get me for my YAY you survived your first year of your first real job!! By the way..there are 23 SCHOOL DAYS till SUMMER VACATION (I am not excited at all ha!!) Anyways...last night we went and celebrated my mom's birthday & when we got home Michael told me he had something for me..woohoo I was I excited.  I didn't believe him at first, but he made me sit on the couch and close my eyes.  When I opened them this was sitting in my lap............

WOOHOO I was so excited!! I have been talking about wanting a Nook for some time now.  He did say it was a little bit of a justification for the new golf clubs he purchased last week ha!!  So today I had to go to Barnes & Noble to get a pretty little case.  I got this one by Kate Spade....

I am in lOVE with it!! On the inside it is a pretty turquoise.  I also just purchased my first book...Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin.  I have been wanting to read her series but had been holding out till I got a Nook (I was praying I would get one for my birthday in August.)  I can't wait to start reading it so I can go and see the movie!!  Has anyone read any good books lately?!? I am excited to get a list going of books to read (ha I am a dork)!!

Mother's Day Cookbooks

So today at school we started working on the kids Mother's Day gifts. They are PRECIOUS!!!  We are making cookbooks.  Hannah took pictures of all the kids in an apron and chef's hat holding some kitchen utensils.  Then, we asked them what their favorite thing to do at school & at home.  Then we had them tell us why their mom is special to them.  Next..(the best part ever) we had them tell us what their favorite food was & how to make it!! HAHA some of their answers are AWESOME!! One boy said his fav food is chocolate chip cookies....this is how you make them: first you get the box down, then you open it, get the cookies out, & eat them!! A girl told me how to make Smashed Potatoes...well you get potatoes, you smash them, you cook them, and then you have smashed potatoes to eat.  Here's how to make mac & cheese: put milk, cheese, and macarroni in a bowl then it makes mac & cheese.  Anyways...it is really just so funny to listen to them tell us how they think things are made!!  The cookbooks are going to be super cute, but are going to take us FOREVER to make..good thing we started a week early!!  The kids will give them to their moms next friday at our Mother's Day Tea.  I lOVE my job!!! OH an speaking of mother's day gifts...Michael & I have picked out what we will be getting our mom's...we just have to go and get them haha!!

Here is a picture of my class from Dr. Seuss Week...it was Hat Day

#rainraingoaway

I feel like all of my tweets on twitter lately have had #rainraingoaway as the hashtag!! It has been raining in Northwest Arkansas for almost 5 days now!! Yesterday there was FLOODING everywhere and then horrible tornado storms near the Little Rock area.  Yesterday the U of A closed at 3:30 because of all the rain.  We were fortunate and it stopped today and we saw a little glimpse of the sun.  However, around 6pm it started back again.  I think we have just a few more days of predicted rain & then SUNSHINE all next week!! I really can't wait because all this rain makes me cranky and tired!! All the kids at school are going stir crazy...we are fortunate to have a projector in our room so we watch a few educational shows and books from the library to break up the day!!  Yesterday people were posting pictures on the KNWA facebook page this one just blows my mind....



This is one that someone else posted..it was taken from the 8th or 9th floor of the Baptist Health Hospital in Little Rock. 

This is all so crazy!!  There was a lot of damage done in the central part of the state because of the storms and a few deaths because of the flooding here.  Please pray for everyone that has been affected and for this crazy rain to stop!! It is crazy to me that there are areas in the country, that are having fires because it is too dry and we are receiving torrential downpours!!

Easter Weekend

Happy Easter!! I hope you all have had a wonderful day celebrating the fact that HE HAS RISEN for US!!!  This weekend has been very eventful & wet for us!! It started on Friday night, I was babysitting for H & S while Michael was with my family in Bella Vista (my family from Fort Worth was in town for the weekend).  H, S, & I were playing in their playroom when I got a call from their mom, she told me that they had just heard the rainy weather that we had been having for 3 days had turned into a tornado warning.  Insert me freaking out...I call my mom aka the weather queen!! She told me that it wasn't really near where we were so not to worry.  I get on twitter and Weather Dan is FREAKING out haha!!! A few minutes later I went downstairs and looked outside..I heard the SIRENS.  My mom calls me back and says that a new cell is coming our way...I get the girls, they put their pj's on we get a baby, blanket, & pillows. We headed downstairs to the safest place that their mom & I talked about...their half bath. I think we were in there for about 25minutes or so.  It wasn't terrible, I hope they weren't too scared!! H asked me if I had ever done this before, I said yes. Then she asked if I had ever done it with kids I was watching..I said no!!  After we were safe and the storm passed it was time for bed. Their mom told me today at church that they didn't seem too worried about the whole situation the next day.

My cousin Megan & her fiance Sheldon stayed with us this weekend because my Nana doesn't have enough beds anymore.  It was fun hanging out with them because we haven't seen them since our wedding.  On Saturday we went shopping and hung out with the family for dinner/Nana's 75th birthday party.  My brother was with us & he has an awesome Michael Jackson voice so since the 5 of us were feeling a little neglected we named ourselves the Jackson 5 and had lots of laughs and good times at our end of the table haha!!  Afterwards Trevor decided that he wanted to come back to our apartment and stay with us.  We stopped by Andy's in Rogers and all got a free cone.  Trevor was enjoying his...

Today I gave (the Easter Bunny) gave Dickson a new toy...

I think he liked it!!  Also, on Saturday before we went to dinner Trevor & Michael decided they needed to get bow ties to wear for Easter Sunday.  We spent 30 minutes watching YouTube videos trying to figure out how to tie them..it was funny haha!! I wish I had taken a picture of the 2 of them this morning at church, but I forgot.  I think they will be wearing them again at Megan & Sheldon's rehearsal dinner so I will make sure to get photos then!!  Our First "Married" Easter...

Trevor & Michael were a hit in the nursery with their bow ties!! After church we headed to Bella Vista and had lunch with my family.  Everyone headed back to Fort Worth, but I can't wait to see Megan again in a few weeks for the shower that my mom and I are throwing for her!!!  Michael, Dickson, & I have just had a lazy afternoon watching TV and taking naps.  It is still raining/storming we are praying it will end soon!!  Hope you all have a FABULOUS week!!!

A few things

1. My ankles are doing AWESOME!! Thanks for the thoughts.

2. We had the house inspection and everything went great & the government did NOT shut down so we are still on track for our May 31st closing.

3. I am lOVING this warm weather we have been having!! It is even better since I don't have to wear my tennis shoes everyday!!

4. I am working on 2 showers for Megan..more on those later!!

5. I am leaving you with the best PICTURE TEXT I have recieved in the last few weeks........

Painful March

In my last post, I mentioned that I was having some health issues.  Well, I went to hopefully my final doctors appointment for a long time last night and was finally given a DIAGNOSIS!!!  The first week of March my right heel area was starting to become very sore.  I was talking to my mom about it one day and she was like why don't you call and make an appointment just to get it checked out.  So, luckily I did because that night I woke up around 3:30 in the morning to go to the bathroom.  When I got back in bed my right ankle begin to hurt & I mean like I have never been in so much pain in my life, it was a shooting pain and was going all the way up to my knee. I told Michael that we might need to make a trip to the ER.  We ended up not going, but when I got up to get ready for work my right ankle was completely swollen & I wasn't able to walk.  I called my principal and told her I wouldn't be making to work.  I had my first appointment that afternoon March 9th.  My doctor diagnosed it as an Achilles tendon problem.  He gave me a medrol pack that I was to take for 6 days & some exercises to stretch out my tendons.  So I did all of that and the problem seemed to disappear.  However, a few days after my medicine ended I started feeling the pain again.  The Wednesday of Spring Break my ankles begin to swell, the next day they were even bigger.  Thursday night my foot looked like this...

I sent those pictures to my dad & he was like ummm I hope you are going back to the doctor!!  The morning of Friday March 25th, I called and left a message at my doctors.  They called me back & set up an appointment for me to come in that afternoon.  I didn't see my doctor because he was on vacation so I saw his partner.  She x-rayed both of my ankles and then said I had some kind of soft tissue problem.  She said I needed to see an orthopedic surgeon.  I also was given more medicine.  On Saturday, my ankles looked like this...

My parents & Michael said I was not allowed to move on Sunday. I woke up, went to the living room & propped my ankles up all day long.  I went to work on Monday and my right ankle looked like this...

I sent this picture to my mom & she freaked out!! We went back to the doctor that night and he wanted to do blood work.  He was worried about rheumatoid arthritis & lupus among other things.  I didn't go to work for the rest of the week.  On Tuesday I had blood work done.  On Wednesday I went to the orthopedic..he said I perplexed him.  He tried to aspirate my right ankle...he stuck a needle into my right ankle and tried to drain fluid.  This was by far one of the most PAINFUL things I have ever had done to me!!!  He said he wanted to do an MRI.  I had that Friday morning.  On Monday I got the results for my MRI.  Basically all that was seen on my MRI was edema, which is inflammation and it was obvious that I had inflammation without doing an MRI.  I was very thankful that rheumatoid arthritis & lupus were ruled out, but frustrated because I still didn't have an answer.  I was suppose to call my regular doctor on Tuesday April 5th. I did & never heard back, so on Wednesday morning I called and just made an appointment.  This is what my ankles looked like yesterday during lunch...

I went to my appointment and my doctor gave me a DIAGNOSIS!!! He said he believes that I have Erythema Nodosum....and that is what?!?!?!  Basically it means 1 of 2 things.  1. I caught a viral infection, most likely being strep throat which is very highly likely considering what I do. Basically, this means I caught a viral virus and never showed symptoms for it and this is just how my body dealt with the virus inside of me.  2. My birth control. He said usually it is seen in the shins, that is why he didn't really think about that in the beginning.  So my first question was do I need to stop my birth control?!?! He said no. He wants me to take predisone, a stronger version of the other 2 medicines I have already taken. If it goes away then awesome, if it comes back then I will stop my birth control and we will see how it goes.  So as of this morning, I was able to walk without pain..without my tennis shoes on!!  I am so thankful to finally have this diagnosis, I am excited that I am starting to feel better.  This has been one of the most painful things that I have gone through.  I have felt guilty because I have literally not been able to do hardly anything.  Michael has been great and has been doing things for me & around the apartment.  I am hoping and praying that the medicine works and that this problem goes away quickly!!  I have a few weddings this summer and I don't think my tennis shoes will go very well with the dresses I have!!

780 Reisling

I haven't posted in awhile because I have been having some health issues that several doctors are try to figure out...PRAYING for an answer & hope you will too.  Well, in the midst of all of the health issues, Michael & I met with a Gini a very dear family friend to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan!! After that, she suggested a realtor to us and we met with her and........WE PUT AN OFFER ON A HOUSE & IT WAS ACCEPTED!!! We are THRILLED to OFFICIALLY be under CONTRACT.  The house inspection is scheduled for this Friday @ 1pm.  I will not be able to go because I was out all last week with my health issues, but Michael will for sure be there when the inspector is.  If all goes well with that then we will close on MAY 31st.  The first time we went to this house I wasn't too thrilled because it was not really one of my favorites, but as soon as our realtor opened the door and we walked in OH MY GOODNESS...I was in lOVE!! That day we went and saw a few other houses that just did not even compare we went back afterwards and I think Michael and I both knew that this was going to be our first HOME!! I told her I knew my parents would want to see it also, so last Friday we took my parents. We made our offer on Sunday afternoon and by that evening we knew the sellers answer. We had to sign another paper and then on Monday afternoon, we were officially under contract!! It is a really weird feeling, but it is an awesome feeling at the same time!! So..now for some pictures.

The front of the house..landscaping will be one of the first things we do.

 .

The entryway...my FAVORITE part of the house.

The living room, it's good to know Michael's TV will fit. :)

The kitchen, I lOVE the black granite and appliances.

The dining area, the floor plan is awesome because it is so open.

The master bedroom, it has 2 very LARGE closets so that is a plus.

The master bath, it has 2 sinks which was one of my top requirements!!

The first guest room, this room has a huge closet & will eventually be home for a little Ivers.

The second guest room, this will most likely be Michael's office.

The guest bathroom.

780 Reisling...HOME SWEET HOME

Please pray that the home inspection goes well for us.  Also, one of my dear friends Barbie & her husband Peter are in the middle of negotiations for their first home also, please pray that things will work out for them as they have for us!! Lastly, for my health issues and for the doctors who are trying to figure out what is wrong with me!!

Before & After

So it is my Spring Break this week...WOOHOOO!!! (sorry Michael and all of those that are not fortunate to have a Spring Break)  Since I finally have some time to do things during the day..I decided that the little guy was WAY past due for a haircut.  So I made the appoinment and we went this morning. 

This is on the way to the vet....

And....the AFTER

He looks so much better and I feel like he looks like he lost 20 pounds!!  He is loving his new haircut and I think it is perfect since the weather is warmer and he will be outside more!!

Last Weekend

This past weekend one of my very best friends came to visit. YAY Meggie!!  Meggie and I were/are ADPi sisters and we are pretty much awesome.  I met Megs my sophomore year (her junior year) at the UofA.  My first memory of her was during spirit week aka work week aka the week before the lovely game that we all like to call sorority rush!!  We were taking a break and played a game.  Well long story short a bunch of people fell on my left foot I was left lying on the ground.  My other friend Meredith rushed to me and picked me up, Meggie being the "Director of Standards and Ethics" came to help.  We ended up going to the Heath Center and getting it checked out.  I had to go to an orthopedic surgeon and was in a soft cast for about 10 weeks and a boot for about 3..let me tell you it was AWESOME.....not!!!  Anyways, Meggie and I became fabulous friends and I don't know where I would be without her in my life.  We have had some really awesome times together.  She now lives in Dallas, TX and is an assistant buyer for JC Penny's in the women's department...yay she is pretty fabulous.  So she came to visit this past weekend we had a great time catching up since the last time we saw each other was the weekend of my wedding.  Friday night when she got to town we went to a spot here in Rogers and grabbed a few drinks, went home, & stayed up way too late talking!!  On Saturday we went to Fayetteville to shop.  We went to Riffraff and then to Flying Burrito..Meg's favorite haha!!  I had never been to Riffraff but enjoy their blog and facebook page so it was good to finally go in. Megs got a super cute Razorback ring (that I am really jealous of....I think I need one) and I got a super cute ruffly scarf..I am kinda into ruffles right now!!  Then we went to the baseball game.  We picked up my brother also because Flying Burrito is one of his favorites also haha.  The game was good..the Hogs won but it was super windy.  We came home, watched the Hog Basketball game, & then went to dinner.  Sunday we got up for church and Meggie headed home.  It was so great to see her and I am excited because of all the weddings this summer I am going to get to see her again soon...YAY!! I will leave you with a few pictures........

Dinner for my Bachelorette Party

At my Rehearsal Dinner

This past weekend @ the baseball game..with Megs cool ring

A DIY Project

I had really been wanting to do a project to add some art work around our apartment. I am in "blog world" everyday and look at several DIY blogs. One day I came across a canvas project and was like hey I could do that!! I can't find the blog now..just my luck, by the girl that did this project got the idea from HGTV's Sabrina Soto. I didn't know when I was going to do this project...that was until last Saturday when I had been snowed in for DAYS!!! The temperature was rising and Michael had to go to work, so I rode with him and then dropped him off and I was FREE!!! I was driving around town running errands. I was so happy because I had been stuck inside because of the 2 feet of snow that had fallen earlier in the week. I went to Hobby Lobby not meaning to buy anything, however the paints & canvases were on sale...it was meant to be!! I grabbed a package of 2 11x14 canvases because I wasn't sure where I was going to artwork..we don't have a lot of free space here in the casa. It took me awhile to pick out paint colors, but I finally decided on a cream and a deep red. I decided that would look great with the things we have in our kitchen.

Here are all of my supplies

First I painted both with 2 coats of the cream color

Then Michael taped off the pattern (forgot to take a picture both times) and I painted 2 coats of the red color

When they were dry, I pulled the tape off and this was the final product

They weren't perfect, but we enjoy them!! Here they are above our cabinets in the kitchen.

It was a fun/easy project that I think I am going to do again soon!!  My mom is wanting to redo a bathroom at her house and I think something like this would look great on the big empty wall.

lOVE Day

Happy happy lOVE day to everyone!! Today I went back to school and we had a fun little valentine exchange/decorating cookie party with the little ones!!  It was so good to finally be back at work...but I am soooooo super tired!!  I am not really the romantic type...but I am a lover of any day that could possible get me PRESENTS type!!  Michael got me a few new movies this past week so I would have something to do during my snow days & he also gave me a gift certificate to purchase a new charm for my PANDORA bracelet.  I am kinda obsessed with Pandora these days..I have 2 bracelets and can't wait to fill them up!!  Dickson and I gave Michael a photo of the 2 of us to put in his office, some bubble gum to fill up his jar, an iTunes gift card, and I MADE HIM DINNER.......say WHAT?!?!  So Michael comes from a family where they make all these yummy dishes that Michael loves and well......my mom didn't cook a whole lot haha!!! I emailed Nina (MIL) and got the recipe for their YUMMY YUMMY Chicken Spaghetti and I was going to surprise Michael by cooking it.  Well last night laying in bed I realized oh MY oh MY I don't have $$$!!!  We combined our bank account the week before last and well I haven't gotten my new card yet.  So I ended up having to tell him that I needed his card so I could go to Walmart and buy the things I needed.  I was so upset that I wasn't going to be able to surprise him..but OH WELL because he said I PASSED the taste test!!! WOOHOOO....I was super nervous about this haha.  He did say it wasn't as spicy as he likes it, but I like it a little less spicy so he just added a little something to his.  The recipe makes a TON so we will be eating off of it for a few days..YAY!!  Since a post isn't any fun without any pictures...here are a few that I found while looking back at some old facebook albums from our cruise that we went on in 2009....

These pictures made me laugh and remember what a FABULOUS time we had on this vacation with Michael's family.

OH and here is one of the little guy.....

To all my friends and family...I lOVE you all and I hope each and every one of you has had a FABULOUS lOVE day!!