wedding shoes

FINALLY! After months, weeks, and days of searching for the perfect wedding shoes...I have FINALLY found them! They are literally, EVERYTHING that I was looking for. I thought I was going to have to lower my expectations or eliminate one thing that I wanted in the shoes because for the longest time, there was nothing to be found. I was looking for: a purple, peep toe, mid-low wedge, NOT suede and for preferably under the price of $50.00. Yes, this seemed like an impossible task. But my mom and I stuck to this search because once I get something in my mind and I picture it, it's hard to turn away from. But low and behold, DSW came to my rescue!! 

This picture does not do them justice! Here you can see every view of them!

I ordered them last Thursday and got them on Tuesday...two days earlier than it said for delivery! Yipee, I love when that happens!!! I ran down the hall and stormed into our place just to get these beauties on my feet. They're SO comfortable! And have so much cushion and support in them, it's unbelievable! The only downfall is that they were about a half size too big...just a little toooo long in the toe. DSW at least has a great shipping policy where you can ship stuff back for free and if you're exchanging an item, they will mail the new item back with no extra shipping costs to you! Cha-ching! I put them in the mail this morning and now will be anxiously awaiting for them to return to me again. I'm so soooo happy and relieved to cross this off my wedding list! One thing down and only 4,837,502 things left to do.....kidding! My "To-Done" list is definitely wayyyyy bigger than my "To-Do" list which is an awesome feeling with 5 1/2 months to go til Wedding Day! I can't wait to dance the night away in my unique, purple peep toe shoes! 

sibling love

I love my siblings. And I especially love weekends together when it's my siblings plus all of our significant others. Just call us the 6-pack. We were always really close growing up that's for sure. I mean, my sister and I shared a bedroom until we were 12 and 14 years old. And my brother and sister are only 17 months apart in age. So to say that we're close and love each other, is an understatement.


This past weekend we all traveled to Madison, WI to cash in on our Christmas present from our parents. My mom and dad got us a weekend getaway which consisted of dinner, drinks, and a comedy show all on their tab. Amazing? Yes. Much needed? Hell Yes. Worth the two-day hang over? Absolutely. We all started off the night by having dinner at Cooper's Tavern. The drinks were flowing and it was set up to be a great night. Until I turned on my camera. Errrr or tried to and realized I forgot to put the damn battery back in it!! UGH! Nothing pisses me off more than my own stupid mistake! Thank god for my sister and her obsession with pictures as well that she had her camera with her. Ahhh problem solved!! Dinner was fancy and delicious, nom nom nommmm. We then decided to go on a mini bar crawl as we made our way to the comedy club. And of course we ended up at a bar that had some amazing mixed drinks for the lovely price of 2 for 1. Seriously, those bahama mama's were to die for! Turns out we didn't need to go to any other bars after that. We love some good drink deals! And we drank the shit out of those good drink deals mind you!


Finally, once we were all good and half way to stumbling, we made our way to the comedy club. And conveniently enough, they had an open table for 6 just waiting for us....IN THE FRONT ROW! No joke, Jordan stretched out his leg and his foot was touching the stairs to go up to the stage. Great, not only now were we front and center at the show but we were also the drunkest. And for anyone who's never been to a comedy club, you HAVE to drink while there! I'm not making this stuff up...they have a two drink minimum for everyone! A couple rounds of shots later and with the table loaded up with some drinks, we were set for the show to start. And let me tell you, these comedians, whose names I couldn't even tell you if my life depended on it, were all hilarious! Like, busting a gut-can't breathe-watering eyes-knee slapping hilarious! Well, let's be honest, from what we all collaboratively remember at least. Shockingly enough, for as obnoxiously loud and drunk and up close and personal to the comedians, none of us got heckled during the show. Probably a smart call on their part.


Naturally, once the show got over, everyone made their way out and made their way home. Not us though, of course not us. We made our way to another bar. Where we threw down a few more drinks. And then shit hit the wall. Next thing I know, us three Cross siblings were all getting into it and crying about family stuff and drama. Is there anything more bonding than bawling over beers and family drama with both of your siblings? I think not! Meanwhile, all of our significant others just stood to the side all thinking, "what the fuuuck have I gotten myself into?!" But that's the beauty of unconditional love and even in our drunken crazy emotional states, they all still love us in the morning. Before we knew it, it was bar close and time to head home. Janelle and I took off running, Jordan chased after us, and threw us both in the car. Classic Cross Sister scene. They all got Taco Bell and I got put to bed. Good night. 


Overall, the weekend was a total 100% success. I loved every minute of it. And Jordan loved that I was still drunk on Sunday until 4pm. And I love that he pulled over at an Arby's because I thought I was going to crap my pants. And then he bought me some curly fries, mmmm. Seriously, thank god for the unconditional love he has for me. So thanks Mom and Dad for the awesome Christmas present, it was totally worth every penny. I don't know what I'd ever do without my siblings and weekends like this definitely prove that. I can't wait until the next time that the 6-pack reunites because it's bound to be another epic weekend, that's for damn sure. 

Valentine's Recap

What a looooovely week this has been! Literally, just so full of love! And no, that is NOT sarcasm at all. I promise! Since Valentine's Day was on Tuesday aka my day of hell each week (as in, I leave home at 7:10am and get back home at 9:30pm.....yeah, hell!) we decided to celebrate Valentine's over the weekend instead. To celebrate, we went out to eat at a restaurant that we had been wanting to try. It was a BBQ place and it was AMAZING!!! I had the ribs and they were fall off the bone delicious. I think as soon as we walked in the door, both of us were drooling because it just smelled THAT good! So the dinner was a success! We were planning then on going to see The Vow...um Channing Tatum AND Rachel McAdams, how can you turn that down?! But it got too late and we missed the showing...better luck next time. Either way, it was a fun and entertaining dinner date. Now back to V-Day, and just to clarify this, Jordan and I had agreed shortly after Christmas that for Valentine's we weren't going to be exchanging gifts or anything since we have wedding stuff to pay for. And I mean, do we really need to keep trying to impress each other with gifts for Valentine's Day just because our culture and society has made it into the huge ordeal that it is these days?? No, my friends. We do not. I also promised Jordan that come V-Day, when I wake up in the morning to nothing and come home to nothing, that I wasn't going to be disappointed. I swore to him that I wouldn't be one of those girls who is all, "I don't want or expect anything but I'm secretly hoping that you surprise me with a Tiffany's box and some flowers....and I'll be pissed if you don't." Hell no, I'm not that girl. I'm pretty sure I may have also said, "and so help me god, you spend any money on flowers, especially roses, I WILL SLAP YOU!" 


So imagine my surprise when Jordan actually did get me a gift and had it on Monday night. And it was.....drum roll please................................a loaf of bread and a 20oz Mountain Dew! Umm best practical gift ever? Yes. His reasoning? "Well, I know how much bread you go through for your lunch each week so I got the bread to help you make sandwiches in the morning. And I know you have a long day tomorrow so I thought you could use the Dew." What a guy, I tell ya! I must be pms'ing because I cried over bread and mountain dew, ha! I'm not lying, I really shed a few tears. It was just one of those really sweet, unexpected gestures that Valentine's Day or not, reminded me of how he's always thinking about me and one of the reasons why I love him so much. But of course, I couldn't let him outdo me with bread and a Dew. So on Tuesday, I went to the mall and got him one thing I knew he would freak out about. A slice of cookie cake from Great American Cookies. If you've had these, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, then you're surely missing out. Their frosted chocolate chip cookies are perfect and delicious. I mean, we don't call them crack cookies for nothing. Not to say we've done crack, but we like to think that they're equally as addictive. Whatever. Needless to say, when I finally got home and surprised him with the cookie, he was pretty pumped and even shared some of it with me. Win win for both of us.


We were however both pleasantly and very happily surprised at the arrival of a Pampered Chef box  that we got on Valentine's Day. Of course, I tore right into it and couldn't wait to see what we got. We got a small micro-cooker, peeler, adjustable measuring spoons, basting brush, a grilling cookbook and an appetizer cookbook. Score!!! Of course, Jordan's reaction was, "Wow, did we get all of that just for registering?!!!" Ehh, not quite but good try. Finally, after literally taking everything out of the box, the extra packing paper and all, I found a card. Turns out it was all ordered from my parents and my mom had it shipped right to us. Double score!!! Right when I thought my mom was out doing herself for the wedding and putting me to shame....now she's already checking stuff off my registry list! Thanks Mom and Dad for being the best and most giving parents ever. We'd be lost without you both!


And well, that's a wrap on Valentine's Week. But it wouldn't be complete without Paisley's take on the whole day....

Just because I like to chew your socks...
doesn't mean I wanted some for my own paws!

Now that I've humiliated her again, I hope you've all had a fantastic week and that you continue to spread the love the rest of the year instead of for just one day. Enjoy the weekend! :)

Dance Marathon does it again!

F T K

 FOR THE KIDS!!!!

Dance Marathon was this past weekend here in Iowa City. And for those of you who don't know what DM is or have never experienced it for yourself, you are truly truly missing out on something amazing. You're missing out on seeing miracles happen right in front of your eyes. 

What a beautiful sight that is!!!!

 Yes, you ARE reading that correctly. That tote board total says $1,368,147.18....as in 1.3 MILLION DOLLARS RAISED TO HELP THESE KIDS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE BATTLING CANCER!!!! Words can't even express how proud I am to have returned this year for my first time as Alumni and see all of the hard work that my friends and students put into DM this year. It is just awe-inspiring and makes my heart so happy. This organization is just so incredible. It is ran entirely by students who dominate and I can call them all my family. This organization also isn't just about the 24 hours that we spend on our feet, awake, dancing, having no caffeine and acting crazy. It's about what we do the other 365 days of the year. Cancer doesn't quit and either do we. I never would have imagined that signing up to be a spirit dancer and to volunteer at DM13 six years ago that my life would change as much as it has thanks to DM. Dance Marathon holds a near and dear place in my heart and will always be so special to me. Through DM, that is where I met my future husband J Man and all of my closest friends and some past roommates. I have also been led down a new career path that is so amazing and everyday I spend at the hospital, it is so rewarding. 

But most importantly, I can now say that I know the bravest and strongest kiddos and families out there. Some of these kids haven't even seen their 2nd birthday yet and they've already gone through round after round of chemo and radiation. Some of these kids won't ever get the chance to even see their 10th birthday. Some of these kids have had long grueling battles against their cancer and continue to come up on top and fighting. While others, the battle got to be too hard and they earned their angel wings. Each of these kids are inspiring, amazing, incredible, hilarious, sweet, wise beyond their years and yearning to be just like any normal kid. After all of the families I have gotten to know, I honestly can't ever imagine being in their shoes. Can you imagine being told that your child has cancer? Could you imagine having to explain to your child why they can't go back to school to see their friends or home to see their puppy? How about trying to explain what cancer is to them and why they have to lose half of their leg?? Or after the fight was over, could you imagine having to plan your 6 year old's funeral? The families I know have had to answer those questions for their own child. It sucks and it is absolutely awful. And it isn't fair. 

But at least because of DM, we can make it easier. They always thank us students after the Big Event for everything we've done throughout the year and raising the money for the hospital for new equipment, parking passes, food vouchers, sibling support kits, pharmacy co-pays, and the list goes on and on. And from the very bottom of my heart along with everyone else I know who is in DM, they're all welcome. Really, raising money and playing with them in the hospital is the least we could do to help them out! But what they don't know is that we need to thank them as well. Because of these kiddos, my life has been changed for the better. They inspire me every day and have given me a sense of faith and courage when things don't always seem to go my way. They make me want to be a better person each day and have taught me how to be a kid again. Life is too short to have regrets and take things for granted and that's a lesson these families as a whole have also taught me. Be a kid again and be messy. Dance to songs and make up the words as you go along. Inspire others and be a better person every day. Spend quality time with family and friends. And always tell those who you love how much they mean to you. Have you told someone lately that you love them? Do it now. Be the difference. Make miracles.

Baby Bandwagon.

Ok, so just like Kate from Baby Mama, I want a baby. And I want one now. Minus the whole part about me getting promotions, being the oldest mom at preschool and 37 years old, I feel like I am her. Not to mention, I love everything about this movie. For anyone who hasn't watched it yet, Baby Mama, it is HILARIOUS!!!! You can never go wrong with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. They are the bomb and I like to think that we'd make great friends because I'm equally as funny as them. Obviously. 


Anyway, back to the point of this. First off, I am not ashamed or embarrassed to be admitting this or making it public. Even Jordan knows that if I had any say in the matter, I would jump on it, for lack of better words, and have a baby. There's just always been a part of me that has been so excited about being a mom and raising my own kids, that now I'm just getting very anxious and antsy about it. Not to mention, the number of girls and couples I know that are pregnant right now/just had babies/are going to start trying is overwhelmingly high. Which of course, just adds fuel to the fire to get this thing started. It's like every time I log onto facebook, I see another announcement that someone is expecting or pictures of an ultrasound! Poor me, I know. 


When it will be my turn to make that announcement? When can I post cute belly pictures and ultrasounds? When will I be able to call my mom at all hours of the day when I start having weird feelings in my belly and questions about anything and everything baby and parenting related? Seriously, I want on the baby bandwagon! I already have the perfect guy lined up to make a great daddy...good thing he's also on board with this whole baby bandwagon thing as well. Jordan and I have made the decision that one year-18 months after the wedding, that's when we'll try and join the bandwagon. A not preventing but not trying sort of deal, ya know? By that time, we'll both be entirely done with school and internships/student teaching and we'll (well, hopefully!) have full-time REAL jobs under our belts. Jordan will actually be done with school a year earlier than I am so by that time, he'll be the bread-winner and teaching and coaching by then. Yipeee!! Of course, on paper, this all works out great. In real life, I could only hope that it all plays out this perfect. 


Besides, all of the classes I have taken about child development say that a woman's body can best handle pregnancy and labor between the ages of 16-28. Why would I want to jeopardize myself and the baby by not taking advantage of this age range?! Neither of us want to be 30 and still having kids so we have agreed on that much at least. Heck, even done having kids by 29 is a more realistic goal. Just bam bam thank you mam', have kids close in age just like that. Of course, because we have talked about all of this and have been entirely open and honest with each other, some people applaud us for being adults and realistic with each other and honest about what we want in the future. However, some people might and have judged us and look at us as being unrealistic or thinking way too far ahead, yep that's happened. And to that end I say, wouldn't it be MORE WEIRD AND UNREALISTIC FOR US TO NOT EVEN TALK ABOUT THIS STUFF CONSIDERING WE'RE GETTING MARRIED IN 6 MONTHS??! Why would we not talk about when we want to have kids, how we want to raise them and how old we'd like to be?!! Ideally, I'd like to end up close by my parents. Who are currently in Texas and it seems like they will be for the long haul. Hmmm unless Jordan and I can land some jobs here or at least close by Scott and Janelle then that would convince my parents to move back to the midwest! Then they would be near us when baby gets here and that would be perfect! Everybody wins in this scenario! One can dream I guess....


The bottom line is the fact that I want a baby. I love everything about them from their sticky hands and smelly toes along with their poopy diapers and booger nose. See look, I'm already rhyming! I'm totally mom material! I know I know, my time will come and I'll be on the bandwagon sooner than later. And when that time comes, whether it be a year from now or three years, it will be the right time. Our time and the best time for myself and Jordan. Letting others have so much say and influence during wedding planning is one thing....letting others have say and influence on when and why we start to have kids, is a whole different other thing. And absolutely rude, uncalled for and downright unnecessary and screams control freak! Aren't people are more than excited and bursting at the seams with love and happiness when they hear about a new grandbaby/niece/nephew/cousin/friend on the way?! So, while we will wait to start our own family, I know I can't wait to make the official announcement that Baby E is on the way! 


In the meantime, I will continue to absorb every minute of being the bride-to-be and bask in my bridal-like glow (or so I've been told that's what I have.) But seriously. This baby craze has not taken over how excited I am for the wedding and to marry Jordan! I can't wait to have both of our entire families and all of our friends and favorite people all together at once on the same day...all there just for the two of us. I will just enjoy every minute of the day come August 4th! I love being referred to as "the bride" and fiance but I can't wait to replace those with "wife." I can't wait to officially become Mr. and Mrs. Easton!

Just Breathe.

Holy smokes, it's been 8 days since my last post. And what a crazy-whirl wind-nonstop-emotional-challenging-awesome-exciting-big mix of emotions it has been in 8 days! This semester is definitely going to challenge me....not so much in the classroom (whew!) but definitely outside of it. I have officially started my new position at the hospital so along with that, I am still teaching two discussion sections, working at the rec center, trying to teach Paisley new tricks, make crafts/gifts/decorations for the wedding and trying to keep up with Jordan's hectic schedule and also keep our relationship fun and exciting. This is recipe for a five course meal because clearly, just one plate isn't going to cut it. Thankfully, I have become obsessed with excel and already have all of my obligations for school and work stuff scheduled in on each day and of course, color coded. And I have weekends and specific nights marked as NOTHING NIGHT. As in, we're doing absolutely NOTHING school-work-wedding related. Just lounging. And watching movies or playing games or whatever we wanna do damn it! Because we can and we should! It's healthy! 


Besides school and work somewhat taking over my life the past week...although, starting next week it'll really amp it up when I start to juggle working 34 hours on top of my own classes and teaching two. I'll report back later how that goes. I just need to remember to breathe and tell myself that it will all be worth it. Anyway, the best part of January is that all of the fall shows are finally starting up again after their long winter breaks. I have never understood that anyway. Why do they always do that to us as viewers, get us engaged and on the edge of our seats then take a 2 month long break?! Dude, ABC and NBC producers, if you need some creative writers and some new ideas, I'd be more than happy to share my thoughts with you. Anyway, enough of that. I don't even know why I'm complaining because obviously I waited the 2 months and am still going to watch all the new episodes as if they didn't just ignore us! 


Paisley had to make another trip to the vet's office today. She went under the knife and got fixed and more shots. And she also took a huuuge crap right in the front office on their welcome mat. Basically saying, "you're gonna cut me open today? I'm gonna shit on your floor, jerks." At least, that's what I'd like to think she'd say if she could talk. I could just tell by the way she looked at me that she knew I was leaving her there. Seriously, the puppy dog look?? It's A MILLION TIMES WORSE when it's a real puppy giving it to you!!!! I held her on my lap and kissed and cuddled her for as long as I could until the vet assistant was ready to take her back. Ironically, she wasn't as happy about this visit. It's like she knew that going in the door on the other side of the office didn't just mean some quick shots and lots of treats. Poor Paisley. She kept looking back at me as she was getting  taken to the back room so I had to leave before I lost it. And duh, of course I shed a few tears on my drive back home. Because I'm a paranoid freak about stuff like this. What if she doesn't wake up? What if she has a bad reaction? What if she gets a bad infection? My mind was going crazy all  morning until they called and said she was waking up and recovering just fine. Ahhh what a relief! So we picked her up at 4:00 and she has been cuddled up on her pillow snoozing away ever since. She has been wagging her tail at least but damn, she just looks so sad and in pain. I'm so thankful our vet sent her home with pain meds to take over the next 5 days. Hopefully, she'll bounce back sooner than later!

And that's just the beginning of the endless thoughts and ideas that are constantly running through my head! It's no wonder that I have bizarre and off the wall dreams and can't ever sleep a whole night through! Just never know what you'll get in this crazy life of ours! But it's a journey that I'm glad to be on and wouldn't trade it with anyone else! 

And so it begins...

Well, the second semester is officially underway. And with two days in, it has already been quite the whirlwind of events. And of course, the two classes I'm taking this semester are in the two formats that I despise of...online and at night. Double Curses!!! Seriously. Oh well I guess, whatever gets the requirements checked off is all that matters to me! I have also been getting ready to start my new job at the children's hospital next week. I don't think I've ever been this excited before just to start a new job! But I know it'll be great and hopefully a good lead in for my future internship and jobs. In the Child Life field, it seems like the biggest part is networking and it comes down to who you know, not what you know. I'm thankful I know the right people. However, I'm not thankful for what all I had to go through today just to start orientation. The hospital requires two TB tests, which yes, that is ridiculous. And why you might ask? Wellllllll obviously, because the first one could just be read wrong and is a "control" to get your body geared up for the 2nd one! Oooh right. Thanks Nurse, because my body was really sad without these two TB tests and now I'm gonna feel all nice and geared up after having both. Wow. I have a better idea....um how about you read the TB results right the first time so not everyone has to do a second one?! There. Boom, problem solved. Anyway, since I'll be in the children's hospital, I also had to get a flu shot and tDAP shot (it's a combined tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine for all of you non-medicine people) and on top of that, my blood drawn to test for chicken pox antibodies! Which, if you're following along, that totals up to 4 pokes. I may be 24 but that doesn't mean I have to be okay with getting 4 pokes in one day...in a 30 minute time frame and two in each arm. This, I am not ok with at all. And no, your Muppet Character bandaids didn't make it hurt any less but nice try. Needless to say, I left the clinic with my arms feeling lifeless and slightly throbbing. You know when Ace Ventura got hit with the tranquilizer dart and his arms were just flailing around and he couldn't lift them? Yeah, that's how mine felt.

Now that I'm finally starting to have feeling again in my arms, turns out my biceps and shoulders are feeling pretty sore. Why must vaccines make your arms all achey and then your whole body starts feeling it?? And on top of it, I've already been fever-ish with a wicked sore throat and a nasty head cold over the past few days. I haven't had strep yet at all this winter season so maybe my body is finally caving in. Big bummer. Good thing the weekend is in the near future! But better yet, good thing my bed is even closer right now. One week in and I'm already exhausted. I need to start mentally preparing for next week when I have to work 30+ hours a week, do my own class stuff and teach all the newbies about health. Yikes. Since Jordan is playing Call of Duty (ugh, don't even get me started about that) I think I'll mentally prepare by snuggling up with Paisley and watch The Lion King in bed! I knew that 5 week break would catch up to me eventually....