porch time with Paisley

loving today and tomorrow's forecast...
Friday's forecast through the weekend? Not so much.

mmmm a delicious (and super healthy!) snack and relaxing with my girl

It feels like it is summer. The temps are in the high 80s, the sun has been shining bright all day and there is the slightest breeze. Why can't the weather be like this year round?! Since the forecast takes a giant turn downhill as on Thursday night, Paisley and I took full advantage of the nice weather that we had for the day! I mean, there is SNOW in the forecast for Friday and then rain for FIVE DAYS STRAIGHT?!!! What the heck is that crap?! It is almost May! Ughh soo ready for nice warm and sunny summer weather! Paisley chewed on her bone and patrolled the neighborhood while I munched on some carrots, cucumbers, green peppers, pita slices and cheese with some hummus for dipping! I also made myself a frozen drink that was only a raspberry lemonade but it was still refreshing none the less...even more enjoyable drinking it out of a margarita glass! I'm hoping tomorrow stays as nice as they say it is going to so that Paisley and I can enjoy a long walk together and more porch time relaxing! 

bringing an old rocking chair back to life!

While we were all in Madison a few weekends ago, us girls spent an afternoon out thrift shopping. I love that  our form of quality time is going thrift shopping to see what kind of good bargains and old deals we can find....we usually find some pretty awesome and quality things which I'm always impressed by! So I was just browsing when my eyes laid upon a cute and perfectly old rocking chair. It was screaming my name actually. I promptly walked over to it, made myself comfortable and immediately claimed it as SOLD to ME! I just knew that I had to have it for Peanut's nursery. What kind of nursery doesn't have a classic rocking chair?! The cushions were definitely outdated so I knew I would want to do something about them but for the cool price of $25, we could not pass the beauty up! It was in great condition with no big knicks out of it anywhere or broken off wood pieces! Score! Thankfully my parents were coming back to stay at our place in North Liberty so we managed to fit the chair into their car so we could bring it home with us that weekend! I have been surfing the net for nursery ideas and I think we have it narrowed down to what we like and what we want to go with...I really like the ones with neutral colored walls and then bright vibrant colors paired with several mix-n-match bold patterns. Modern but still classic and so cute for a baby! With that in mind, I made a trip to Hobby Lobby last week to find some fabric to update the chair cushions and was pleasantly surprised with what they had in store....sooo many bright colors, fun patterns and awesome designs!!!! Perfect! I picked out the aqua chevron that was "duck canvas" fabric because I thought it would be more sturdy and hold up better for chair cushions! I scoured the website for a tutorial and how-to for recovering the cushions and couldn't find any that I really liked so I basically did my own thing. I didn't measure anything (sorry Mom, I completely ignored your tip of "measure twice and cut once!) and I didn't make a pattern...just winged it and thankfully, it all worked out! All in all, the chair only cost $40 total ($25 for the chair, $10 for the fabric, $5 for the batting) which is a steal considering how much a brand new rocker or glider would cost! I think I will still keep my eyes out for a bigger lounge type chair for the nursery too because Jordan says the rocker is too small for him...perfect size though for me and Peanut!

Paisley being no help whatsoever...
she kept trying to fluff up the batting and would lay on it!

the finished project! the bottom left is what I started with...
and then I redid the cushions and squared them off!
I also added arm cushions and side pockets!

Friday Funnies - 4.26.13

What?! This is the last Friday Funny of April! How that is even possible, I just don't know!!!! This weekend it's supposed to be sunny and in the 70's!! Whoo hooo!!! And I have an awesome weekend project lined up to do while Jordan is working at the golf course. Hopefully I will get it done over two-days and then can post the pictures by the end of the weekend...that is my goal! I've been busting my butt with school stuff lately so I'm taking some time to enjoy doing something that I really want to be doing....which is obviously crafting stuff for Peanut! Plus, it's so hard to study and focus when the weather is this nice even if I can't be out enjoying a nice cold drink on the porch...ahh I guess lemonade and tea is just as refreshing! Enjoy the beautiful weekend and do something fun!

image via Pinterest
This is part of my nightly routine once Jordan falls asleep after I talk his ear off....

Wanna see how animals eat their food?!!

the lizard and rhino are so great! and how isn't the friend busting up laughing the whole time?!

it's April 25th aka the perfect date

today has been a good day strictly because it's April 25th....I mean, it's the perfect date! And yes, the weather was nice enough for only a light jacket. Bonus! Get out there and enjoy the perfect date doing whatever it is you have to or want to do! 

15 weeks

15 weeks update: well, still no official bump pop! just to clarify, it's not like I am mad or upset about this by any means because I will be sad to retire all of my go-to pants and favorite shirts but it's just weird not really feeling pregnant yet! I'm thankful for having such a smooth ride so far and have my fingers crossed it stays this smooth for the both of us but I am looking forward to being able to dress up my bump and not have people whispering if I'm gaining weight or am actually pregnant...I'm in that awkward middle stage! I also bought a scale because I have been having a huuuuge uncontrollable appetite. If more than an hour passes since the last time I ate, I feel incredibly hungry so I always make sure to load up my bag with plenty of snack options and things to munch on! I was also very happy and surprised to see I've only gained 1.5 pounds since my last appointment considering how much I feel like I've been eating lately! It's starting to get slightly uncomfortable to sleep on my stomach but not too bad...I know I need to start adjusting now and not  letting myself stomach sleep all night! I am excited to work on my weekend project...updating an old rocker for Peanut's nursery! My mental vision is really cute so I hope the real deal turns out just as cute!

aunts & the kiddos

This picture makes me so happy. There's nothing like a family weekend that really warms my heart! What a perfect way to spend the afternoon than with my sister and best friend....and with our hilarious and adorable niece and nephew, Teagan and Kemper, to love on as well! We are so blessed to be their Aunts and Godmother's! I never knew how much they would impact my life and how much I could possibly love them but my heart grew exponentially when each of them were born! I can't wait for them to meet their baby cousin this fall and watch them all grow up together!

all I want for Christmas is a ticket to Ellen's Mother's Day Show!!!!!!!

This is my plea to get on Ellen's Mother's Day Show!!!!!! I have been emailing her once a week since the day I found out I was pregnant for an invite and a ticket to her show. I may or may not have at one time told Jordan that our first baby was going to be planned around Ellen's Mother's Day Show so that I could attend the taping and be far enough along to have a belly but not too far that I couldn't travel.....and well, what do you know?! That "plan" actually worked out for us! I know the odds are so sooooo slim of ever getting that magical call that I'm getting a ticket but I like to think my odds are still just as good as everyone else's that's applying to be on it! She has a contest going right now that's called "Ellen's Baby Phrase That Pays!" where each day on her show, a word flashes then on-line, you enter that word and at the end of the week it makes a phrase so you enter the phrase then too....easy peasy! And you know I've been entering with the word everyday and the phrase at the end of the week! Jordan and I both have all of our fingers and toes crossed in hopes of getting a ticket! Peanut, I hope you have your fingers crossed for us, too! I know there are hundreds, probably thousands, of women and families worse off than Jordan and myself who are much more deserving than this incredible day of give-aways than I am. I haven't saved anyone from a car stuck on the train tracks. I haven't jumped into water to rescue someone who is drowning. I don't have any secret or hidden talents (unless being able to crack every bone in my body counts?). I haven't invented any crazy product to make our daily lives easier. So what have I done? Well, let's see... I have always been supported by my amazing family. I have some of the goofiest friends in the world. I married an incredible man who will make an awesome daddy. I have been inspired by kids with cancer and their families to always do my best, laugh every day, and be thankful for who I have in my life. Because of the people in my life, I am a better person and it's them who will make me the best mom I can be - not all the latest and greatest gadgets. Winning a ticket to Ellen's Mother's Day show would be one heck of an experience that I would never ever forget. And sure, it would make some things way easier on us and our bank account! And I would definitely not pass up the ticket or the opportunity to go which is why I find myself thinking about it pretty much daily! Ahhh! Please, Ellen! Pick me! I would love to dance with you and be infected with your kindness to bring back home and spread to everyone here...we can all use a little more love and laughter in our lives everyday! 

Friday Funnies - 4.19.13

I love Friday's and I especially love only having to work half-days on Friday's! I could only be so lucky to have a real full-time job where I only have to work half-days on Friday's....maybe that will happen! This week has sort of drug by after having such a fun weekend with my family last weekend and with all the horrible things happening this week through the US. Not to mention, since the semester is winding down, that means it's time for semester end final projects, papers and presentations so I have been busy chipping away at my to-do list for school! I'm just so relieved and happy that it is my last semester...so these are all of my LAST papers to write and presentations to make! It's exciting to think about being done with school but also kind of scary. I mean, I've been a full-time college student for the past 6+ years so it will be quite the adjustment to the real world but I'm sure I will find the perfect job to help me make a smooth transition! This weekend the weather is FINALLY supposed to be sunny, ahhh!! It has been rainy and gloomy for the past 4 days it seems so the sun is definitely gladly welcomed! Jordan plans to work at the golf course and do some golfing of his own while I do some school work and things around the house like some serious spring cleaning and organizing...can't wait! Hope everyone has a fun weekend and some nice weather to top it off with!

image via Pinterest
even with a loose tooth, I would still avoid going to the dentist...

the laughing gas didn't phase me!

riiiiight...and husbands don't film things like this to humiliate their wives later!

14 Weeks

14 weeks update: nothing much new to report it seems! My pants are definitely starting to fit pretty snug it seems but I am still wearing all of my regular clothes. I have a pretty good stockpile of maternity clothes thanks to my awesome Mom for buying a few and then of course, making some for me! Thanks so much, Mom! I am looking forward to the warm weather for sure for many reasons but also for when my bump starts getting bigger and I can just wear comfy dresses and tank tops every day instead of pants.... right now, yoga pants and leggings are my choice of pants (not like they weren't before I was pregnant!) and now I don't feel bad for wearing them almost every day! My bump is starting to pop and not look like I'm just gaining weight anymore so that is exciting too! I'm really looking forward to being able to feel Peanut move around and kick! And our next appointment is still 6 weeks away but I can't wait to see the ultrasound to see how much Peanut is growing! 

Boston Strong.

Today was the famous Boston Marathon. And if you've been watching the news, you won't hear about who won the race and what their winning time was. You won't hear the stories about people who have been training for weeks, months and years for this event. You won't see the pictures of the crowds full of family members, friends and strangers cheering on these incredible runners from all around the world as the compete in the most prestigious race. Instead, you will see pictures and videos of the tragedy that happened today. The details are still spilling out and the injuries seem to be increasing by the minute. Today, some person or group have forever altered everyone's thoughts and views of the Boston Marathon. Or so they think. They didn't think there would be so many heroes, who at the sound of the bombs exploding, ran toward these explosions and helped pull, drag, carry, and wheel people out of the mess and to safety. I may have given up on running a long time ago but my heart aches for those in Boston that have been affected by this. Ever since the news broke here, I have been reading the details but I for now, I am done. I am choosing to look for the stories about the heroes who helped others. The son who was running for his dad. The friends who have been running marathons together for almost ten years. Those are the stories that need to be read, remembered and celebrated. My heart and prayers go out to Boston tonight. I am Boston Strong. 

Friday Funnies - 4.12.13

Oh yeah! It's Friday! And it's a fantastic and fabulous Friday because in less than 3 hours, Jordan and I will be on the road traveling to Madison to see my family for the weekend!! Whoo hoo!!!! I haven't seen my Dad since November, ugh! I also haven't seen my mom, brother, or sister since February, double ugh! So I am freaking out with excitement knowing that I get to see my family so soon and spend the whole weekend with them! Nothing specifically is planned and that's the best kind of family time! Just lots of relaxing, catching up and enjoying each other's company! I'm sure my mom and I will do some baby stuff and shopping at some point but other than that....I just can't wait to see everyone! This week surprisingly went by fast even though we have such a fun weekend planned. I feel like that never happens! Hopefully the week went by fast for all of you and I hope you each have a great weekend too and get to spend some time with those who fill your life with love and laughter! Enjoy the weekend! 

image via Pinterest
Oh you KNOW that the Dad was in charge of the camera and pictures on this outing....

I live in a van...down by the river!

There's nothing like a friendly family intervention from Matt Foley!

13 Weeks

13 weeks update: hellooooo 2nd trimester! wow! that definitely snuck up on me and Jordan pretty quickly! I can't believe how uneventful the first trimester was...I have been counting my blessings and am so thankful that the 1st trimester was good to me! I lucked out and didn't have any morning sickness besides only a few episodes of nausea here and there. I can't complain much about being tired since that seems pretty normal no matter what and a few more breakouts but all of that has even gone away it seems. I'm SO happy my hormones are finally starting to balance out and level off....I'm not sure if myself OR Jordan can handle anymore of my unexpected tears at any given time! Some cravings are definitely here because for a few days, all I wanted was cole slaw! Besides that, I don't think it's actual cravings but more along the lines of if I see someone else eating something, I think I HAVE to have it right then and can't get it out of my mind! Because of that, I make sure to always have plenty of healthy snack options in my bag like a granola bar, trail mix, or a banana so I don't start eating anything and everything I see other people eating! 

Arm-Knitted Scarves

While on Spring Break, I learned the VERY easy and VERY quick way to make a beautiful, warm, big, cozy and snuggly scarf! It is called Arm-Knitting! Before this, I have never knitted before or even attempted it...I've heard a few too many horror stories from people about it all just unraveling and falling apart when they try to take their project off their needles so I've stuck to crocheting for now. But! With arm-knitting, it made for a really simple project and by using really thick/chunky yarn, the scarf (or whatever you're making!) builds up fast so it makes for a super quick project that can be finished in under an hour! I watched this video, How to Arm Knit from Simply Maggie Blog and that's all I needed. She goes through each step very clearly and slowly then does it several times so you can get the hang of it....and of course, you can watch it as many times as you need to (I watched it quite a few times for a few clarifications here and there!) and she has more tips/hints on her blog. Also, there are several other fun projects as well on her blog!

Here are the two infinity arm-knitted scarves that I made while on Spring Break: The yarn I used was Loops & Threads Cozy Wool. It is SO soft and SO thick! When making these scarves, you can use super chunky yarn like I did for a perfect winter scarf OR a thinner yarn for a scarf that would be perfect for the spring when it's still a little chilly but not cold enough for a scarf this big and chunky! Happy crafting! :)

solid purple

grey and teal

bring on the week

This is the start of a busy but yet awesome week! First off, in baby news, I am officially in the second trimester, crazy! And at this time next weekend, I will be hanging out with my whole family....yay!! My parents are starting their drive up to Iowa/the midwest tomorrow and are making quite the rounds to see old friends and family. On Friday, Jordan and I are heading up to Madison to my brother's to spend the weekend with everyone. Ahhh I can't wait! This is a busy week with two papers due and a tough quiz but all of the studying and school work will make the week go fast hopefully! I seriously can't wait to be reunited with my family in less than a week! Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and has a wonderful start to their week!

Friday Funnies - 4.5.13

Wow! Well it has definitely been quite the exciting and eventful week around here to say the least! We have completely went public with our news about Baby E by posting the announcement and by updating all of the weekly pictures onto my blog. It has been so fun and heartwarming that's for sure! So many people love and support us and are sooo excited for the arrival of Baby E. That just adds to our excitement and we can't wait! Things are good so far and I hope they continue to be this great! Anyway, it's Friday, whoop whoop!!! Jordan is working at the golf course this weekend since it is officially golf weather so he's going to be busy working there tomorrow and Sunday! Looks like plenty of time for me and Paisley to get some chores done around the house, snuggling watching some movies and caught up on school work! I love lazy weekends! Next weekend we are heading up to Madison to be with my family and I FINALLY get to see my parents! Ahhh! I haven't seen my Dad since November and my mom since February....super crappy! So I'm bursting at the seams with excitement knowing I get to see them in one week!!!!! Hope you all have a fantastic weekend and do something that you enjoy with people you love!

image via Pinterest
well I WAS going to be productive this week but since our big announcement, my phone and Facebook have been blowing up!

who's your favorite? mom? or dad?

smart girl to say Mom is her favorite... :)

8 Months...and ready for the adventure of our lives!

This I Promise You

By: N*Sync

When the visions around you,
Bring tears to your eyes
And all that surround you,
Are secrets and lies
I'll be your strength,
I'll give you hope,
Keeping your faith when it's gone
The one you should call,
Was standing here all along..

And I will take
You in my arms
And hold you right where you belong
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you

I've loved you forever,
In lifetimes before
And I promise you never...
Will you hurt anymore
I give you my word
I give you my heart (give you my heart)
This is a battle we've won
And with this vow,
Forever has now begun...

Just close your eyes (close your eyes)
Each loving day (each loving day)
I know this feeling won't go away (no..)
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you..
This I promise you..

Over and over I fall (over and over I fall)
When I hear you call
Without you in my life baby
I just wouldn't be living at all...

And I will take (I will take you in my arms)
You in my arms
And hold you right where you belong (right where you belong)
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you baby

Just close your eyes 
Each loving day (each loving day)
I know this feeling won't go away (no..)

Every word I say is true
This I promise you

Every word I say is true
This I promise you
Ooh, I promise you...

Happy 8 month wedding anniversary, Mr. E!

We are in for the adventure of our lives together becoming parents!

I can't wait for what's ahead of us!

You are a wonderful husband and you will make an amazing daddy!

All my love, KE

12 Weeks

week 12 update: ah we are finally all caught up and this is currently 12 weeks! I can't believe the first trimester is almost over. Everyone always says that is the worst trimester and how miserable it is but I have seemed to have somehow escaped it with minimal damages done! My energy is finally coming back, my face is clearing up and my emotions (some times!) are under control it seems so I think my hormones might actually be leveling off finally as we head into the second trimester! Hearing Peanut's heartbeat for the second time was truly amazing....Jordan and I get more and more excited every day at the thought of our baby and becoming parents! We make a great team and I am so lucky to have such a wonderful guy in my life as my husband and the father to my children! 

11 Weeks

week 11 update: I'm definitely feeling refreshed after my trip to Florida even though at times it was exhausting! And I am so happy to be back home with Jordan and Paisley...I missed them both so much! The weather is starting to warm up so that means all of the delicious spring/summer beers are starting to come out so seeing those really makes me want one pretty bad. I know Peanut is definitely worth not having one for though but that doesn't stop me from craving one when I see it! I have been on a big health kick this week by non-stop eating fruits, veggies, salads and everything fresh. Definitely not a bad thing and if I'm going to crave anything, I'm glad it's healthy stuff! I'm sure some crazy cravings are bound to happen here in the next few weeks though since I'm starting to feel hungry every 1-2 hours! 

10 Weeks

week 10 update: holy cow! I can't believe that I am already 1/4 through this! It definitely does not seem like 10 weeks have already passed by because they have flown by! It helps that I have felt so good and things have been enjoyable so far so I hope the rest of the pregnancy is this uneventful and smooth sailing!