Checking big stuff off the list...one by one...

So...got a car!  Worked with some really great people at Honda, and I got the car for us.  It's so nice, and the payments are under my budget.  I'm so thankful, and so blessed that my mom and Delilah waited around all day that day for me to get my doctor stuff and car stuff handled.  

Ben stayed up late while I was negotiating/making decisions, so I could share them with him in real time, I love him so much.  

Other than that, I have been painting up a storm in hopes of selling some of my artwork.  I've got an upcoming small event this Saturday, and then another one in October.  I've got lots of wool dryer balls ready to be felted, and lots of art to display.  I would really like to help out financially while I'm not officially working.  Ben takes such good care of us, I just want to help in any way that I can.  

I've been featured on Made in KC!  

(You can check out some of the art I've listed for sale)

Only 11.2 more days. (the .2 is because this day is almost over) 

I miss Ben. 

I'm ready to have him back. 

Everyone have a good week!

Still so much going on!

First off, I have to say how thankful I am for a few things:

1. The generosity of my mom and Jack. Seriously. They help me when I don't ask for it, but need it, and I can't thank them enough for that.

2. My amazing kid who is dealing with the incredible change from moving to America from Germany without Ben AND going on all kinds of boring grown up errands. She's the best.

3. My incredible husband, Benjamin, who is taking care of business across the ocean.  We are one solid freaking team, and I'm just so happy about that.

4. These tiny little dancers in my tummy who make me tired and happy and scared and excited all at once. 

Went to the new base today and took care of passport stuff as well as got my ID renewed.  

Met with 2 fencing guys who measured my new backyard. All were over the budget that Jack had originally given me, so I was going to keep looking.  Got home and showed him, and he insisted that a privacy fence was going to be best for safety and peace of mind, so that's what he is going to get for us.  I held back the pregnancy and thankful tears, but I gave him a huge hug and thanked him because that is INCREDIBLY generous.  We have a beautiful backyard in the new house, and now it is going to be even better.

Tomorrow, meeting with my maternity heart care specialists and then possibly getting a car?  Gotta check it over and make sure the monthly payments are what we want. 

The only really stressful thing happening right now is our landlord not signing a paper properly (and now she's in the hospital) and digging her feet in about a known problem.  The realtor who has been working with us is 100% on our side and has contacted both housing and the landlady for us.  Hoping that she has the power to sign the paper for us so we can get the contract taken care of and officially check out of the house.  Landlady is very close to not being able to rent to military anymore, and that would be the loss of her income, so I hope she comes to her senses.  She told me today she's too busy to talk to the realtor...realtor is NOT happy about that.  Just going to keep praying that things work out in our favor. 

I am officially listed:

Made in KC! 

(link opens in a new window)

So if you need some art or dryer balls, check me out!

Time for bed.  Going to do my stretches and snuggle up next to my daughter and pets. 

Happy Friday!

Spent today like any other normal Friday.  Delilah had school and I ran errands.  Went to a Black Forest Clock store to look for a cuckoo clock for a friend's grandma.  Found one, I'll pick it up next week.  Sold some bows that I made, normal stuff.  Picked Delilah up from school and was surprised with the BEST Mother's Day card and some lavender bath salts.  So wonderful!  I love the stuff she makes at school. 

Went home and had lunch.  Spent the afternoon painting (I have 4 orders to complete) and she had a paint by number.  It's a little advanced, but she's doing a great job.  We've decided that Once Upon A Time is "our show", so we are starting from the beginning.  She just thought that was the coolest.  

Grabbed dinner at McDonald's (gasp!) and had a picnic in the living room and played Go Fish while we ate.  Showered and jammies on, time to watch a movie.  Read her to sleep with The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.  

All in all, a really fantastic day.  I also got to see one of the twins do a roll!  They take turns being active, baby boy twin is more active at night and baby girl is more active in afternoon/evening.  

Ben is having the BEST time in Norway.  He's already picked us up some creepy trolls and took a boat ride on the fjord today!  I'm so thankful that he is getting to do this trip.  

I've got muffins ready for breakfast in the morning, we are having a garage sale at a friend's house on base.  Whatever I don't sell is getting donated.  I am not moving across the ocean with stuff I don't want or need.  Hopefully I can sell most of the stuff though, that'd be really nice and helpful.  

I'm trying to figure out what to do on Mother's Day with Delilah right now. I'd love to take her to see Guardians of the Galaxy vol 2, because she loved the first, but I'm not sure since I haven't seen it yet.  

Last night before bed, I went through some of my old messages from people that I no longer associate with, and I felt really vindicated.  Looking back, it's easy to see things one way, but maybe that's just because of how things ended...but seeing messages and what not, it was very clear how much of a ruse was going on and just how far it went back.  It was interesting, to say the least. 

Anyway, I am going to finish this episode of Fargo and probably fall straight asleep.  I'm exhausted!

A few thoughts on this Saturday morning:

* Germany has been flip flopping weather like CRAZY, and that's resulted in both Delilah and I having TERRIBLE allergies.  Seriously, we are both just feeling so gross.  I can't wait for this to subside and for us to feel back to normal.  Ben manages to escape each year, and I'm glad but I also envy him for it!

* Ben's birthday yesterday, and I'd call it a total success.  Woke up and gave him his gifts (Neil Young: Rust Never Sleeps album, Fleetwood Mac: Rumors album, and a great pair of running shorts).  Went to Delilah's spring program where she looked like a little angel, and then had a great dinner with great people at our favorite beer garden.  Back to our place for some craft beers and more friends.  Excellent night, and he deserves it.  Now he's out at the flea market finding treasures for us. 

*Healthcare bill: if you support it, I have to assume that either you haven't read it, or you just hate women/children/the poor/the elderly/people with special needs/victims.  

* I have a baby shower today, thrown by some incredibly sweet ladies.  I'm excited, and thankful that I have people take time/energy out for me and my little family.  

I hope everyone is having a successful weekend. 

Moving to America is exciting and stressful!

I think the title pretty much sums up how I'm feeling.  Next week, our first shipment of goods will be packed up and leave our home here to get to America.  Most of what I'm sending is baby things, some of Delilah's toys, and some necessities we'll need right away.  Since we are staying with my mom for a good portion of it, we won't need a whole lot, so that's nice. 

We have our companies set up to pick/pack up our goods, and I'm just hoping and praying that we make it through without any damages.  We have acquired some irreplaceable things along our travels throughout Europe, and I would be devastated if something broke.  

Ben's birthday is this Friday.  His presents have already arrived, and Delilah and I have a very specific cake in mind to make him.  We are going out to dinner with friends that night as well.  Very low key and personable.  The next day is the baby shower that some girls are throwing for me out here, which is just totally sweet.  

Getting the car checked out today to make sure the balance is right on it.  I want no problems on our drive to Paris at the end of the month.  Speaking of that, I ordered Delilah her Aurora mouse ears.  She still has no idea we are doing Disneyland Paris, and I don't plan on telling her until we are parked and walking up to the entrance.  I'm so excited!!!

Easter Weekend

On Tuesday, Delilah and I drove out to another village to pick up a stroller (for free!), and stopped at a Netto grocery store on the way home.  I wanted to grab some chocolate bars to send in a box to friends and I needed trash bags.  

Next day, Delilah was feeling a little under the weather, so we stayed home from school and I had her rest on the couch.  

Next day, she was feeling fine, so we ran some errands.  Ended up at the gas station and...I didn't have my debit card!  I had to call Ben to meet me so I could pay and leave.  Checked the bank statement, nothing since the couple days before at Netto.  Searched my car, purse, wallet, at home in pockets, laundry...I was so annoyed.  

Friday was a German holiday, so I didn't get to drive to Netto to see if I left it there, so I had to wait until today.  Delilah had some digestive issues last night/this morning, but no fever.  Made the drive toward Netto, and right before we got there, she woke up from her car nap and promptly threw up (mostly water) on the floor.  Luckily, I have a Honda Element, so there's no carpeting and it's easily cleaned.  Got to the store, she said she felt "way better".  Walked in and they had my card!  The cashier had forgotten to give it to me!

Drove straight back home and put her in jammies and made a "comfy spot" on the couch with some toast, water, and Swan Princess.  She rested all day in hopes of feeling better for Easter festivities tomorrow.  

I have high hopes she'll feel better.

I scrapped making Easter sugar cookies (because it's no fun to make and decorate without my little helper), but I did get the Reese's PB cheesecake done.  I'm making monkey bread in the morning while Delilah dyes eggs...then off to festivities if she feels better.  If not, no biggie.

Hope everyone is having an excellent weekend!

My week.

All the meals for last week were a definite success.  I think the only thing I would change would be doubling the quinoa patties.  They were good, but didn't make a whole lot...and my husband can definitely eat at dinner time.  

I'm making my new store list/meal plan this morning.  I'll try and link what I'm making to the list on here.  I think that'll be much nicer than just a list, right?

Breakfast:

Yogurt

Pancake bites

Boiled eggs

Fresh fruit

Cereal (a FAVORITE)

Lunch:

Honey&PB sandwich

Roll ups

Apples w/ melted pb, crackers, and cheese

Leftovers

Pasta w/ sauce

Dinner:

Chicken fingers and sweet potato fries (Was going to make this last week, but we had a fun trip to the ER yesterday...more on that below)

Homemade pizza

Chicken burrito bowls (big hit here!)

Oven fajitas

BBQ chicken sandwiches

All sound good!  I think I'll do the BBQ sandwiches tonight.  I've already got cooked chicken that can easily be drained and shredded and mixed in with some warmed BBQ sauce for an easy meal tonight.  Something easy for a Sunday evening.  

Now for the ER visit info:

Delilah woke up from her nap yesterday, and everything was going completely normal...until she fell face first into the hard wood floor of our hotel after slipping.  I immediately picked her up and comforted her, and when I looked down, she was covered in blood.  I remained calm (I'm not really sure how) and ran to get a towel and icepack.  She wouldn't let me near her chin.  Ben was out getting supplies for the car, and I texted him to come home immediately.  I was able to remove her shirt, but I still couldn't get a good look at the injury.  At this point, the blood wasn't flowing, just the occasional drip.  Ben got home, and to get her calm, they started watching Frozen.  At this point, I was able to kinda slide up and look at her chin.  WHOA.  Yep, we gotta go to the ER.  That's gonna need stitches.  

So we got in the car and made the drive.  When we got there, we got seen right away...unfortunately, Ben and I had the task of holding a lidocaine soaked gauze to her chin.  For 15 minutes.  I had an idea of how strong my daughter is, but after holding her arms and head for even 5 minutes was a strain.  Eventually, the numbing worked and things got a bit easier after that.  She kept telling Ben, "No, Daddy, stop! Let's go bye-bye!"  It was heartbreaking.

Doctors came back in, and we had to wrap her up in a blanket to keep her from flailing.  Ben held her knees, I held her arms at her chest and stayed near her head so she could see me.  As she was getting stitched up, she kept saying, "Mama, mama, I need you!"  Holy crow.  I felt like my heart was actually shattering.  It was quick, only 5 stitches, and everyone was telling her how well she was doing.  

I comforted her as soon as they were done, and I had brought her Hello Kitty bandaids (because normal ones are "ugly" according to Delilah).  We got home, and ice cream and Disney movies were on the agenda.  She was brave, I was brave.  It was awful.

I thought maybe I'd post some pics of what I've been up to...

Right before Nessers and I rode the Rip Cord at Worlds of Fun!

Happy dog!

My cool kid at the pool.

Some of my very favorite girls.

Pool day with the girls

My beautiful girl

Delilah and Grandma modeling the new Country Club hats.

She made a new friend at the park.

Getting ready to slide at the park

Swinging!

When did she get big enough to slide down by herself?

Love.

Painting her cardboard play house.

Obviously her leg needed to be painted too.

She knows if she's a good girl at the store, she can ride the horse.  As soon as we pull up to Walmart or Price Chopper, she makes a horse noise.  50 cents is a small price to pay for her happiness.

Meeting a neighborhood cat.

Just another morning walk.

This girl knows how to relax.

Mom got her a little monster toy from Old Navy and she's pretty obsessed with it.

This is my most favorite painting I've done recently.

I've been pretty happy lately.

Delilah got herself a new kitchen set.

I guess that's about it.  Nothing too crazy/exciting happening, but just lots of good.  I'm thankful for the people making this separation easier for both of us.  Moving back here has opened my eyes to who is a good friend, and who isn't really.  Those that make the time to see me, knowing that I can't do as much as I used to are so appreciated.  You know who you are.  Thank you.  I appreciate you more than you know. 

I'm going to take more pictures when I'm out and about.  

Hope this week has been a good one for everyone.  Mine sure has been.

xoxo 

Danielle

Good Tuesday morning to you all!

First of all, The Little Mermaid was absolutely amazing.  Went with my friend Jonny and we just had a great time. The show was great, the singers were fantastic, and the night was cool.  It was a PERFECT evening.  I couldn't have been happier.  

Fun thing that happened: we heard gunshots about 20 minutes before the show ended and a helicopter flew over with a searchlight.  The zoo/Starlight is located near a pretty crappy area, so I'm not really surprised.  Kinda scary though. 

Other than that, I've just been doing normal stuff.  I've had a lot on my mind, but I'm not sure of how to put into words what I've been thinking, so I'll let it simmer some more.  

I started a new painting this week, and am LOVING it so far.  I woke up this morning and looked at the work in progress and smiled. Usually, I won't feel happy until something is complete, but I just really like this one.  The colors and design of it is really pleasing me.

Delilah is just beyond amazing.  She sings on key and knows words to songs at 19 months.  All the time, people ask me how old she is (when we're out and about and they see her doing that).  They are shocked when they find out how young she is.  Good genes and engaging your kids is a good way to help them grow mentally.  I saw way too many people in Clovis who just pushed their kids off to the side like they were just accessories.  I'm very proud of how much Delilah knows and how much she's able to communicate, verbally and using sign language.  There aren't a lot of times that she and I don't understand what the other is trying to say.  Not a lot of frustration when communication is there!

Picked up my bridesmaid dress for Chelsea's wedding in October.  Love the color sooooo much.  The cut is great too!  I can't wait.  What an exciting wedding this is going to be.

Well, time to go get my butt in the shower and ready for the day.  I've got a lot to do, and that's perfect!

xo

Danielle

Oh, and hello to the people in Clovis and estranged family members still reading this.  Hope you're getting the dirt you need to continue to talk about me.  It's actually really weird that you are still very much..obsessed...with my life and how I live.  Ah well, doesn't effect me.  I'm living a happy and fulfilled life.  

My last day as a 27 year old

I still feel like I just got out of college.  It's weird to think that was 5 years ago...so much has changed.

Mom and I are getting our nails done tonight.  That's my bday present from her!  I haven't had my nails done professionally since Delilah was a newborn!  Haven't had the time for it.  I guess my brother is coming by this evening to get some of his stuff.  He's not living here anymore, which is fine with me.  Hopefully being out of the house will help him get his life straightened out.  I really hope so.  

Going out to dinner (sushi) with friends on Friday night.  It'll be fun.  This will be my first birthday spent without Ben since we started dating.  So weird to think about.  I'm waiting impatiently for our passports to come back so we can go and visit him!  He said as soon as I have passports in hand, he'll book the tickets.  I can't wait!  It's going to be hard traveling with an 18 month old, but totally worth it.  

I miss him so much!

Saw my uncle at the store the other day with his new wife.  She's pregnant!  She looks great and they seem to be very happy, so I'm happy for them.  I can only imagine some of the stuff that went on, and it makes sense that things move forward now.  I saw my young cousin too, was nice to her, but unfortunately, she stared blankly at me and wasn't too friendly.  I can't blame her, I'm sure she's been fed the same lies I've laughed about.  Too bad though.

Sold 2 paintings from my etsy shop the other day and shipped them yesterday.  I love doing stuff like that.  It's really cool to think that something I made is hanging in someone else's home.  Such a cool idea!

I'm trying to get to Worlds of Fun sometime soon.  It's been ages since I've been, and I truly love roller coasters!

Til next time!

Visiting family

Well, the family reunion went wonderfully.  Got along famously with my cousins and my great uncle and great aunt.  The kids were some of the nicest, most well-behaved kids I've ever seen.  They didn't have their faces glued to any electronics, they all were playing outside and talking to the family.  Delilah loved all of them, and the feeling was mutual.  They'd run up and high five her or talk to her and she just soaked it all in.  Me, Mom, and Delilah got invited to the big 4th of July bash that they throw.  I think we're going to go. It's going to be a lot of fun.  I love that we are connecting with family again.

Aside from all the fun, I was really thankful that a couple of the estranged family members didn't show up.  We had a day without any family drama or issues, which is something that couldn't have happened if they had shown up.  It's kind of like they bring the Jerry Springer type vibe, and it's unpleasant.  There was someone there that hadn't met Delilah yet, and we didn't speak.  My choice. I don't enjoy her company due to her behavior stemming from her treatment of my grandma while she was sick with cancer. (Among other things).

Delilah, Mom, and I also went to go visit my other great uncle in the hospital tonight.  He is such a wonderful man, and is at a point now where he is coherent, but unable to speak.  No stroke, he just can't get the signals from the brain to the mouth.  I sat and talked with him, shared some yogurt covered pretzels with him.  He knew who I was, and knew who Mom was.  I told him about what was going on in my life, and Mom did the same.  Delilah perched near his bed and rubbed his knee.  He tried to smile.  I'm so lucky to have such a tender-hearted sweet baby.  She also gave him a fist bump and he seemed to like that.  

It is such a terrible thought to be completely lucid, but unable to speak.  He has a big family that loves him and will take good care of him though.  

Upcoming stuff:

I'm running in a 5K on Saturday!

Yes, I'm excited.

Yes, I'm nervous.

Yes, I think I'm ready. 

It's the color run, the happiest 5K on the planet.  I only wish Ben would be here at the finish line to see me run across it.  

Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is my last day at work!  I'm pretty excited.  I already turned in my resignation paperwork, signed myself up to be a sub starting in Feb, and let the principal know I wouldn't be returning.  I'm excited to have this next step in my life so close.

Another doctor's appointment tomorrow.  Checking the fluids and her heartbeat again.  Gotta make sure everything is good in there.  I am really hoping they just say, "Oh, you're in labor, go to the hospital."  Course, I've been hoping that with the last few visits, and that hasn't happened.  Ah well.  Soon!

Tried a new dinner last night and it was DELISH.  I didn't get a picture of it because everyone was so hungry, the plates were soon empty!

Asian Inspired Lemon Chicken

YUM.

With it, I also made white rice and also made some broccoli stir fry (with a pinch of salt and splashes of soy sauce.)  Needless to say, everyone was quite satisfied afterwards.  It was also good on day 2 when I took it for lunch!

Adventuring in New Mexico, surprise baby shower, AND Breaking Dawn

Yesterday, there was a planned power outage in our neighborhood, so Ben and I decided to go off exploring.  We drove West into New Mexico and stopped to take pictures of the interesting things we saw.  Ben really has an eye for detail.
Here are some of my favorites:

It was a REALLY good day.  I love spending time with him.
I took some pictures of stuff we found too, just with my iphone:

This stuff is AMAZING

Our favorite place was an old abandoned church.

Last night I got together with some ladies here in town to go eat at an Italian restaurant and go see Breaking Dawn.  Little did I know that it was actually a surprise baby shower for me!
When I walked in and saw the baby plates and napkins, I actually thought, "Awww, who is having a baby?"  (Um, duh, me...9 months and almost 3 weeks....)
I got some really cute gifts and the thoughtfulness really made me tear up!

Presents!

Cupcakes!

D for Delilah

All in all, a very successful day/evening.