Early Mother's Day surprise!

Ben and Delilah decided to surprise me with an early Mother’s Day gift (since he’ll be in Norway on actual Mother’s Day).  They kept it a big secret (Delilah is so good at secret keeping), and I still had no idea what was going on up until the last minute!  

We left the house and did our errands, picked up pizza and drove to a friend’s house.  Now, at this point I’m thinking that maybe he’s gotten a babysitter and all the kids are hanging out while we go out…and before I thought we (the 3 of us) were going to go see a movie together…but then we walk in the house and he says, “Ok, now you and Krissy go enjoy lunch at Ayame and get a pedicure after.  Kids are here with us.  Love you!”  It was honestly such a sweet surprise to get away and just do something for ME, which I rarely do, and I know that he’s so appreciative at all the work I’ve put in with the move, finding a car, finding a house, etc…on top of just normal day to day stuff. It’s just nice to be appreciated.  I’m going to have to figure out something really special for him on Father’s Day, even though we will be apart. 

So after over 4 years, I had a pedicure. My feet look great. I have mermaid toes.  

Now it’s just Delilah and I for a few days, and it brings me back to the year apart in Korea and the 2 months apart during his training in 2014, and it’s strange but familiar.  

Having a garage sale this weekend, and anything we don’t sell is getting donated.  I’m not bringing more stuff to another house that I don’t want.  No more junk.  No more unnecessary stuff.  I want what we need/want in the new house.  

Now I’m currently almost falling asleep as I type this, so I need to go do my bedtime routine, stretch, and read until I fall asleep.  Hope everyone had an excellent week and wakes up to a beautiful Friday!!!

First set of movers come TOMORROW!

I have been over it and over it in my mind, and I feel pretty prepared.  I still have that nagging thought that I'm forgetting something...but I will still have room in my own personal baggage as well as in our large shipment, so it's not like something will be left behind.  Still, it's that first "goodbye" to things, and it's nervewracking!

Had the baby shower this weekend, and it was very fun!   Star Wars themed!  

Thankful for the people who came and the hard work that was put into it!

We had a rest day on Sunday.  Allergies have been kicking our butts (except Ben, he's been lucky).  I'm so tired of coughing!  Delilah has been puny too. 

I'm off...I'm going to go through the list of mover stuff in my head again. 

Taking it easy

I was reminded to take it easy on Sunday.  

While at a wonderful picnic/friend gathering at the zip line field by my house, I needed to leave and get to the ER.  4 hours and many tests later, I was told that I have placenta previa.  It's not life threatening and it's not painful, but it does limit some things I can do AND could mean a possible c-section for delivery (if the placenta doesn't shift back up).  I'm OK, babies are OK, Ben and Delilah are OK.  Just need to keep praying that it shifts so there aren't any complications. 

Other than that, we had a really great weekend.  

Dinner with friends on Friday.

Pool party for Delilah's friend Saturday morning.

Friends from the other base in Germany came Saturday night for dinner at Ayame (YUM).

Picnic/frisbee/zip line with friends Sunday. 

It was a great time, and I need to be better about taking more pictures. 

I hope you all have had a great week so far.  

Totally forgot to post last week.

It's saved in my drafts. I just never got to posting it after making it.  Oh well, whatever.  This week/weekend was more interesting anyway.

First, I am really excited that I ran at a faster speed and for longer than I ever have before.  I think I would have been able to keep going, but I got excited and forgot to control my breathing. ha!  I was quite proud of myself, especially because I HATE running.  

Another heart check up on Friday.  Back in October, the battery life had 16 months left. Then in Jan, it only had 8 months!  They were worried that I would have to have surgery in April.  Got it looked at and discovered that I still had 6 months.  Still have to have surgery this year, but it's not draining as fast.  Part of me thinks that it's due to not only eating well, but working out more and getting more physically fit.  I've always been in relatively good shape, but now I'm actually working on being fit and it's definitely helping me in more ways than just appearance!  

Went back to Heidelberg yesterday.  Instead of driving, we took the train and it was REALLY easy!  (really fun too!)  

Train was easy to do. No wonder everyone uses it around here!

Someone was a little sleepy when we first got there...

At the castle!

In front of a bakery. I love Germany.

Inside the castle grounds

A great group to explore a Germany city with!

LOVE.

Hello from a castle!

Yeah, had a great weekend. We were all pretty tired afterwards, totally worth it though.

Breakfast:

Greek yogurt banana muffins

PB/Banana chia pudding

Oatmeal with PB2&honey

Greek yogurt with honey & blueberries

Cereal, juice, and toast

Lunch:

Pizza buns with veggies

Tuna salad (with greek yogurt not mayo), crackers, and carrots

Chicken & quinoa salad

PB/J, apple slices

Leftovers

Dinner:

Stir fry chicken and spinach

Italian chicken bake

Honey apple pork tenderloin

5 Ingredient white chicken chili

Leftovers

Snacks:

Homemade Lara balls

Peanut butter granola

PB2 Granola bars

Chopped fruits

Chopped veggies

There you have it!

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.  

Birthday Weekend

Had a super fun birthday weekend.  Went to Kona Grill.  I was late for the reservation, but luckily almost everyone who came lives nearby and they were able to get there on time.  Holy crow, the parking at the Plaza on a Friday night is crazy.  I went into 2 parking garages, and both were full.  Finally, I just decided to do valet. $7 well spent.  

Dinner was fantastic. Had a rainbow roll, my favorite sushi roll.  Had a mojito which helped calm my nerves after driving around the Plaza.

After dinner, most everyone came back to my house for drinks and game night.  We all got to skype with Ben, which was awesome.  A couple more people showed up later, and we all played Cards Against Humanity.  I absolutely love that game.  Delilah was well behaved and slept through everyone being there.  So awesome.  I felt great, I was wearing a cute new dress, and I had a great time.  

Saturday night, a friend came over and we watched a couple movies and stayed up talking.  

All in all, I was thankful for a weekend full of friends and fun.  I need that every once in awhile.  

So on Sunday, I sit happy, exhausted, and peaceful.

Busy busy busy

Been quite busy lately.  Lots of stuff going on.  Here's a rundown:

*My great-uncle got very sick suddenly and was in the hospital unable to talk.  Mom had this urgency to go see him, so we drove up that night.  We talked to him, and he knew who we were and understood what we were saying.  I told him that I loved him and to get back home so we could come visit again.  Within the week, he passed away.  As sad as I am, I'm so thankful that I got to see him one last time.  I'm glad he met Delilah, and I'm glad I got to tell him I loved him.  They're still trying to find out what caused him to pass. 

*I've been going to trivia night with a group of friends once a week.  I'd love to put where, because it's really a fun place, but I have some actual crazy people that read my blog, and I honestly don't want them to know where I go.  

*I've got 2 friends getting married within a year (October and March).  Ben and I are in both weddings!  Delilah is the flower girl in one of them.  I'm so excited and happy for all of them, and I can't wait to celebrate.  

*Working on getting our passports...it's such a darn process.  It's all coming together though.

*I got baptized and joined the church that I've been attending!  It was an awesome experience and I'm so glad that I did it.  I've really been growing and learning a lot in the church and I feel really at home there.  

*Delilah is saying more and more words every single day.  She can say more words than what's typical for her age, and can sign most of them as well as some that she can't say.  She communicates so well, and I'm just so proud of how smart she is.

*My computer died on me.  I was going to just wait around, use my phone, not worry about it...but Ben had me go out and get myself a new one today.  A brand new one.  A Mac.  He really takes care of me.  Delilah and I are so lucky to have him.  

*I ran a 5K!  I did it!  I am so incredibly proud of myself.  Ran the entire time and had a blast doing it.  It was the color run on the 1st of this month.  What a freaking fantastic time.  I'm looking to do some more!

*I'm getting a Bountiful Baskets started for Harrisonville. If you don't know what it is, you should.  http://www.bountifulbaskets.org

Picture updates:

painted this for a Disney redditgifts exchange

Pre-race. We were ready.

The three team runners!

Victory beers!

Part of my anniversary present.  The other part was a Keurig!

For my sister-in-law's birthday.

Sidewalk chalk paint. Easy to make.

She's such a cuddler!

Started a series of paintings pink+gray for Delilah's future room

Day at the park!

This dog loves her.

These two...they are just so adorable. He loves her so much, and she loves him!

Part of the wall of paintings for D's future room in Germany.

She got into my BRAND NEW lipstick.  When I caught her with it, she smiled and then signed "pretty" to me.  She was right, so I couldn't be mad!

Outside on her play set

Facetime with Daddy!

Completely unintentional-my footprint and she happened to step right next to it.

Trash bag couture.

Got baptized and joined my church!

Delilah and Mom were there to see me baptized!

Another beautiful day in my life.  I'm so blessed.

My beautiful, wonderful, smart, awesome daughter.