the shepard life

Hello from Maddie

2012-02-02T12:29:00.001-08:00

Hey guys! It’s Maddie!!!!!

Mom let me get on the blog today! I have been really good….

I have been eating lots of treats lately. My mom and dad got me Beggin Strips for Christmas and my mamaw and papaw got me Pupperoni!!!! Sometimes if I’m extra good, I get one of each of my treats.

Yesterday it was just me and mom….and Eleanor too. We went on a walk just us girls. Dad was shaggy, so we sent him off to the groomer…..uh I mean salon. heeeheeee!

Eleanor is my best friend! I love playing in her room. I can’t wait till she is here and I can help take care of her.

I am going to teach her how to roll over….cause I’m super good at it! I’m pretty sure people will want to rub her belly too. Everyone always rubs mine.

I’m also going to teach her how to take good naps! Like me….I can take naps sitting up, laying down….you name it!

I love my parents! And I love treats. Oh and I really love my baby sister. I think that’s it. Oh I forgot….I love Captain Crunch too.

Well, it’s about time for my afternoon nap.

Paws,

Maddie Shepard

Newbies

2012-01-31T07:36:00.001-08:00

We have officially tried our hand at the baby registry!

FUN!!!!

However….with not having a clue on a lot of items….I’m sure folks will be wondering why we asked for 5 bottles of baby shampoo or 10 different types of pacifiers! Newbies.

I have been loving everyone’s help with baby product advice. As I keep receiving advice…..I will adjust my registry accordingly! :)

Regardless of whether we registered for the right things or not….we had soooooo much fun! Husband was a little crazy with the gun. I just kept hearing beeping and would turn around to see him registering for something random! He said it looked like something Eleanor needed! hahah! He’s adorable.

Oh and this:

We had discussed before we went in that we were only going to register for GENDER NEUTRAL items!!!!!! We thought we would be smart and be able to use the goods for all of our kids down the road (Lord willing!)

Smart thinking right?

Well, as soon as we saw the pink jogging stroller…..husband was clicking that gun within seconds!!!! I was obsessed too! We were both pushing that thing through the aisles of Babies R Us making sharp turns just for fun…..plugging our phone into the onboard speakers…..talking loudly and laughing…..going on and on about how much we loved it!

From that moment I knew gender neutral was out the window. Way out!!!!

However, I did talk him out of the pink highchair with flowers. ;)

Ohhhhhh wait…..we did pick out a gender neutral pack n play!!!! Go us!

We are not totally failures.

What can we say, we are beyond excited to have a baby girl in our house. And husband wants to get her anything and everything!!!!!!!!!

HOW DO YOU CONTROL YOURSELF WITH ALL THE CUTE CLOTHES?????? We are in serious trouble people!

Look at me….registering for a gender neutral boppy!!!! :) I can still buy a pink cover to satisfy our weirdness right?

Mr. Tim’s face through the entire process!!!! It’s true!

My favorite part was parking in the special parking spot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have waited years to be able to do that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! weeeeeee! Now…..every grocery store NEEDS these signs! Seriously!

Oh and this:

Eleanor will be here in 3 1/2 months!!!!!!!!!!! What?! I am thrilled yet afraid because that does not sound like very long to get a TON of stuff done. If she comes and we don’t have everything perfect for her…..she will still have a warm and happy home to live in! And that’s all that matters.

I hope you’re having a great week!!!

Lots of Love to you!

xo,

Amanda

Trusting

2012-01-26T19:18:00.001-08:00

So, sometimes I get worried.

Shocker….I know!

It’s true that I’m a professional worrier!

The other night, Tim and I were in bed reading. He was working on a Bible study and I was writing in my journal.

Earlier, I had mentioned to Tim that I was worried because I hadn’t felt Eleanor move in awhile. He calmed me down….as always. (he’s a pro!)

I just started writing down my prayer requests and started praying for Eleanor. I always pray for her about different things….but I was specifically praying for her that night. While I was praying, I felt Tim put his hand on my belly. He was just resting it there while he did his Bible study. (love love!)

All of a sudden in the middle of my prayer, I felt a kick! My eyes opened and I looked over at Tim. His eyes were about to pop out of his head. Until this time, Tim hasn’t been able to feel her move. She had just been doing little flutters. We had been hoping for him to feel her soon! Well, there was no mistaking this! Not only did he feel her kick….she kept moving around for us and he got to feel her quite a bit!

We were just in complete amazement! Amazed at getting to feel her move and how God answers our prayers.

Even in the midst of my fear and worry, God gave me a little peace. And at the most special time.

I’m just so amazed at God! He continues to prove himself faithful to us….in the good times and the bad. He is always faithful.

It’s like God was trying to tell me……hello, Amanda…..trust me!!!!!

Infertility grew me in my faith and relationship with God.

Pregnancy is growing me in my faith…..

and I know being a momma will be a whole new chapter of trusting HIM!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Becoming Parents 101

2012-01-23T11:07:00.001-08:00

It’s time for another addition of Becoming Parents!

Thank you sooooooo much for all your advice on strollers last time. I read every single word and have been thinking so much about it all. It was very helpful.

So here is what I have been thinking about lately…..

Bath Time!

We went to Babies R Us over the weekend and saw all the many kinds of tubs.

Here are my thoughts:

1) We have a tiny house and I’m not sure where to put a gigantic tub like some of them we have seen.

2) Is it necessary to get a gigantic tub with sprayers and other fun things?

3) So, what is this about washing your baby in the kitchen sink? How does that work and many weeks do you wash them in the sink?

4) Have I heard somewhere that you are suppose to cover your baby with a blanket of sorts while they are getting their bath?

Alright ladies…..I would love your advice! And just for fun….and few pictures of what I believe are real baby bath tubs out there. (found on google!)

Baby Eleanor in the spin cycle! hahaha!!!!!

This could be a toy….but no one can be sure.

Annnnnnd GO!

10 on Thursday

2012-01-19T12:47:00.001-08:00

Hello & Happy Thursday!!!!

Thank you for all your kind comments about our infertility story. You guys are so great. I am praying that God uses it to help others going through similar situations. Hugs to you all! :)

So here is the Thursday rundown:

1. Missouri weather is nutso! We had a 60 degree day this week and a 30 degree day this week! I wish it would just be winter for a few weeks and then we can move on to spring (and closer to meeting baby E!) However, I do like to enjoy each season to the fullest!

2. My nails have been painted for over a week now and not a single chip!!!!! It’s a record for me. Go ESSIE nail polish! Mr. Tim picked out the color for me and put it in my stocking this year. :) He’s pretty adorable.

3. If you are a Vera Bradley lover…..their new spring patterns came out this week! weeeee! I happen to fancy this new pattern!

4. We have ate dinner at home every night this week!!!!! YES! And it’s been healthy too.

5. Eleanor’s room is now cleared out and ready for STUFF!!! We don’t have anything yet. Except for a few clothes that we couldn’t resist, a few of my stuffed animals and a few precious things from my parents. We had better get on the ball, cause time is ticking!

6. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR RESPONSES TO MY STROLLER POST!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a huge help! Really. I am planning on posting another question soon.

7. Husband and I are completely obsessed with V8 Splash at the moment! Sooooo good. Our favorite is the Mango Peach. I also enjoy the Berry Blend. :)

8. God has been working in some very special ways around our house lately. It’s been good!

9. I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

10. This is a rather old picture of us….maybe 4 years ago. But I saw it today and it made me smile!

I hope you are having a great day so far!!!

Lots of love!

Amanda

Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus. Part 3

2012-01-17T19:49:00.001-08:00

If you have not read part 1 & 2 of the story go here and here.

It’s September 2010 and Tim is scheduled to have his surgery. Two days before his surgery…..I get a positive pregnancy test! Okay, more like several positive pregnancy tests! We were in complete shock! How could this be? We could not stop crying and laughing and praising the Lord!!! We then started trying to decide if we should go through with the surgery or not. The surgery would be expensive, take Tim away from work for about 3 weeks, take him away from church, and not to mention hinder his lifestyle and cause quite a bit of pain. We decided to go through with it even though I was pregnant. We knew we wanted several children and his problem could eventually cause him health issues down the road. So with mixed emotions, we prepare for surgery.

He did great in his surgery! I was so proud of him and so thankful that he was willing to go through this for our family. I absolutely hated seeing him in pain though. Recovery was slow and painful….but he was doing good. What kept a smile on our faces through his recovery was knowing that I was pregnant!!!!!! We were so thrilled and talked about our baby non-stop!

We went to our first two doctor appointments to check on me and our little one. Tim was even able to make it to those….even though he wasn’t feeling the best. After our second doctor appointment, Tim took me to Barnes & Noble for us to pick out some pregnancy books. He even bought me a special journal to record our journey and got me a special ink pen too! (I’m slightly obsessed with ink pens!) We also started making plans on how to make our big announcement to our friends!

The next month our church was having revival services! It was such a neat time because our hearts were so full and we were so thankful for what God was doing in our life. At the beginning of our revival (around Sunday) I had started having some light spotting. I wasn’t sure if I should be alarmed or not. I called our doctor to let her know about it. She said light spotting can be common in early pregnancy and not to worry about it. She said to call if I started cramping or having heavier spotting. My fears were pretty much eased.

On Tuesday night of our revival it was my turn to sing on the praise team! I love singing at our church. We were almost done with our last song and I felt a huge gush of something wet. I knew immediately that it was a lot of something but I wasn’t sure what it was. I started to feel really sick. The song could not get over fast enough. I was really worried that people could see whatever this wetness was on my pants. I walked quickly off the stage and headed straight to the bathroom. I normally just go sit down in the pew next to Tim when I am done, so he was wondering what I was doing.

I get into the bathroom and find out that the gush I felt was blood. Not just spotting….but bright red blood. And it was everywhere! I couldn’t stop it. My underwear was soaked. I didn’t have anything with me to help it. I was in too much fear and panic to cry. I tried to clean myself up as best I could.

Tim and I left right away to head to the ER. He was driving like a maniac if I remember right. I still could not cry. Neither of us said a word to each other on the drive to the ER.

To be continued…..

Belly pictures

2012-01-12T13:44:00.001-08:00

So, I am a bad pregnant lady because I have not been documenting the belly growth very well! I have heard from several of you ladies that you want to see the belly! Well, I shall show you today.

I am frustrated at myself for not taking weekly pictures. I really wanted to….but got busy and forgot. Really there is nothing to take pictures of in the early weeks anyway right?!

Here I am at a church event…..i’m pregnant but have no idea yet!!!! That is so fun looking back on pictures where Eleanor was sneakily growing inside of me!

So you can’t see my belly in this pic…..but we were on a camping trip in early September and I had no idea I was pregnant! I was very suspicious though. I was late and felt really awful. We found out the day after our camping trip! :)

So yeah….I didn’t take a belly pic until about 16 weeks! lol! Here I am on my birthday (nov. 28th) 16 weeks pregnant. Of course Maddie had to be in the picture. She always does. :) There was some definite roundness going on but not full on belly.

I took this in the bathroom at church one morning! It was about 17 weeks. Please note: It is rather hard to take a cell phone bathroom picture while not making a weird face. I have yet to master this! So my apologies.

I took this one in the bathroom at work! ha! I was about 18 weeks. And I was so excited cause I really looked pregnant in this picture!!!!! I texted this picture to Tim after I took it and he said he looked at it all day. :)

Here I am on Christmas day about 19 weeks. It’s hard to tell in this picture since I wore black. But the belly is there for sure!

Alright….another bathroom pic at work at about 20 weeks. I like these types of shirts with the side ruching cause they make my belly look round. (this is probably one of the only times in my life i will say that! haha!)

Bathroom work picture at 22 weeks (which is this week!) so you are now all up to date! This week has been a game changer for the belly. I woke up Monday and felt like it looked wayyyyy bigger! They say it just happens like that. It’s so funny.

Random Pregnancy Thoughts:

(since I have been bad & haven’t done weekly updates!)

*The first trimester wasn’t too shabby. I was only sick until about week 10….and I was able to hold back on the throwing up part! I was super nauseous though. And all I wanted to do was sleep! That part was soooooo crazy! I would come home from work and CRASH on the couch. I felt like a lazy bum.

*I really have not had any food aversions. I hated salad for a few weeks….but that was it.

*I haven’t craved anything except pizza! Give me pizza….lots of it!!!!!!!!!! :o)

*However, I did buy a jar of dill pickles to eat as a snack. Husband gave me a weird look like “here come the cravings”. But I don’t think it was a craving. It just sounded like a yummy snack. I dunno!

*I have not missed anything at all. Expect maybe drinking route 44’s from sonic and eating cookie dough ice cream! But that is it. Oh and maybe sleeping on my tummy. That was sad to give up. But I would do anything or Eleanor!

*The ultrasound was the most amazing thing of my life!!!!!!!!!!!!! Geez I could not stop crying! The ultrasound tech kept asking me if I was ok. It was just so incredible to see our baby girl on that screen after all these years. I can’t describe the feeling. But I couldn't stop the water works.

*Humidifier…..I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*I keep trying to like the bella band. But it really annoys me since I go to the bathroom all.the.time! I feel like I never have it in a good position and I’m always messing with it. I should just be allowed to wear sweats everyday.

*Mr. Tim is the most amazing pregnancy husband in the world! The man keeps me calm and sane. He does everything in his power to make me feel comfy and happy. He is so very precious.

*Speaking of Mr. Tim….he has started having us go in Eleanor’s room to pray for her everyday. It is such a special time! Cue the water works again. Oh I’ll just say it….I CRY ALL THE TIME! There, I said it.

*Being honest…..I am deathly afraid of taking the glucose test. I’m afraid of the test and scared of having GD.

I will end the pregnancy update there for now!

Consider yourself up-to-date!!!!!!!

Hugs!

Amanda

Oh…just a few weeks behind.

2012-01-11T07:27:00.001-08:00

I just realized that I never shared any Christmas pictures on the blog! I’m late in the game. Plus, we just took our tree down!!! I have been sick for a few weeks….so it’s putting me behind on everything. I’m sure there are still some folks out there with there trees up!!! :) Our house is still not back in order yet! It feels good to get organized though!

I’m not posting many pictures…..but you know….it’s the thought that counts!

We continued our tradition of allowing each other to open one gift on Christmas Eve!!!!! We are such kids! Sadly, the first gift Tim opened was a bomb….and he had to exchange it! ha!

Christmas morning! We opened our gifts to each other when we got back from church. I had a nasty cold and was feeling pretty lousy. But I tried to look awake and excited in all the pictures! Cause I’m the crazy picture lady….and I must have mah memories!!!!!

Miss Maddie opening her stocking!

I don’t have any pictures of our Christmas Eve festivities really……because we had a little incident with Miss Maddie. A big dog attacked her and she had to go to the vet immediately. It kinda ruined my day and I cried and cried and cried! lol! I will share more of what happened later. I’m so glad she was still able to open her stocking on Christmas day! She’s a champ!

My momma cooking our Christmas Day meal!

Everyone’s favorite sweet potatoes. Except….I prefer mashed with gravy please!

My sweet nephews opening their Christmas!

And finally Christmas card picture bloopers! Maddie wanting her sweater off NOW! haha!

It was a Christmas we will always remember, with Maddie’s accident and being pregnant with Eleanor….and being sick! But it was very special!

I hope you have a fabulous Wednesday!!!!!!!

Lots of Love!

Amanda

Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus. Part 2

2012-01-09T18:48:00.001-08:00

If you have not read part 1 of our journey through infertility, go here.

Here is part 2:

It’s January 2010. It has been one year since we started trying to have a baby.

I made an appointment with my doctor for a check up to see if there might be any reason I would have trouble getting pregnant. My doctor didn’t see any reason why I would have trouble, but she wanted to run a test on me to be sure. She wanted us to wait a few more months to see if we got pregnant and then if not, come in for this test.

We did not get pregnant in those months, so we scheduled the test for me in March. I was going in for an HSG test. The test runs dye through your fallopian tubes. X rays are taken as the dye passes through your uterus and tubes. This will reveal if you might have trouble getting pregnant. This test was very very uncomfortable. And was the first time I felt very scared about this whole journey. The process of getting an HSG was different than anything I had ever done. I didn’t want to be going through this.

Thankfully, my test results were good. But we still had the news about Tim’s problem looming over us.

Tim went back to the doctor for a consultation to figure out what step we should take. The doctor wanted to do surgery on Tim to correct his varicocile. He was positive it would improve our chances of getting pregnant.

Surgery?! On his man parts?! I’m sure you can imagine the fear we were feeling. Do we really have to do this? We decided to take some time to think and pray about all this.

During these months we continued to “try” and do everything under the sun that might help us get pregnant! We tried cutting caffeine. We exercised like maniacs. I never missed a day at taking my temperature. I would spend hours analyzing my charts. Just being honest here….we had sex all. the. time. I read books on getting pregnant. I joined online communities to get support and ideas. Most importantly our prayers were filled with pleas for the Lord to fill my womb. My journal was filled with prayers, verses, songs and tear stained pages.

We were living a nightmare in silence.

Infertility is NOT talked about. No one knows much about it….unless you personally know someone going through it. It is a dark and lonely journey.

I wish I could explain to you the pain that is known through infertility. Finding out a dear friend is pregnant is just about the most crushing news….though you are truly happy for them. You sit through baby shower after baby shower for different people and long for that to be you. You have to sit through Mother’s Day sermons at church and fight back tears while you ache to be included in that blessed group of women. You hear of numerous babies being had by unwed teen girls and struggle with anger and questions of why. You want to punch the next person that asks you when you are having a baby (even though you really wouldn’t do that, because they don’t mean anything by it…but it HURTS!) You spend an hour on the toilet sobbing when another month has gone by and you find you have got your period again.

At this point in our journey, we had not talked about this to anyone. We had truly believed that we would get pregnant soon and still wanted to surprise people! I think I was also in denial that this was actually happening to us. It was so hard to understand. I didn’t understand how we loved the Lord and served Him faithfully and he still hadn’t granted us with this request. Why can all these other women have babies and not me? Have I done something wrong? We spent hours examining ourselves to make sure there was nothing in our life that we thought would keep God from giving us a baby.

Our faith was tested. Our prayer life was tested. Our marriage was tested.

We went through the summer of 2010 and still all bad news.

We went on a fun beach vacation and just knew it would happen then! Everyone says….if you just relax if will happen! What could be more relaxing than the beach right? Wrong.

It’s September (2010) and we decide to schedule Tim’s surgery. Two days before Tim’s surgery we find out I’m pregnant.

To be continued….

Becoming Parents 101

2012-01-05T09:33:00.001-08:00

Last weekend, Tim and I decided to venture out and look at baby stuff for the first time! How fun! There is soooooooo much stuff! *yikes*.

We stopped off for lunch and I confessed to Tim that I felt really overwhelmed by all the choices for different things. How in the world are you suppose to know what to buy? What is the best thing? What will be right for Eleanor? He said he wasn’t stressed at all! haha! Of course not. He said we will just research it. The only thing is…..research kind of stresses me out too! :)

So, I am enlisting all my blog friends for help! You ladies (that are mommas) have so much info to share. And I know a lot of you have written special posts about baby products etc. Every now and then I am going to post about a certain item that I am “stressed” about and I would LOVE LOVE your info and input! Or if you have already written a post about that item feel free to post the link so you don’t have to retype anything.

Baby item #1:

Strollers!

Goodness….they make a billion different types of strollers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Is it possible to only buy one stroller and have it work from infant to toddler???

*Can a jogging stroller hold an infant and can you take it into stores as well???

I just recently received some advice from a seasoned mom that said she advised to buy a jogging stroller because it will work for everything. She said her regular stroller just didn’t work for them when they would have to go to baseball games etc.

I found this gem on Babies R Us website….

It seems like it might cover all the bases? But I’m not sure!

So ladies……please share your nuggets of wisdom with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lets talk strollers! :)

xo,

Amanda

Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus.

2012-01-02T08:34:00.001-08:00

I have been meaning to share our story for a long time….but for different reasons, I did not. I feel very comfortable sharing it at this time. Plus I hope to encourage others that might be going through a similar situation and just to encourage you in your faith! Our story is one of learning to TRUST in God and His timing and to have faith that He is for our good no matter what happens. I am still in awe of what God has done in our life! Praise Him!

Here is our story….

Tim and I are high school sweethearts! We started dating at the ripe old age of 15. We were each others first date, first kiss, first love….first everything! We never split apart and were married at almost 21 years old.

Out of all those years of dating and being newlyweds there was something that we never talked about….

Infertility.

That is not something that normally comes up in your newlywed conversations. Most people, including us, just assume you won’t have any trouble getting pregnant. You think that whenever you want to start your family…..it will be a piece of cake.

Well, boy were we in for a surprise.

This is how our journey began….

In January 2009 we had been married for over 4 years and decided we were ready to have a baby! A few of our close friends were also starting to have children….so it was going to be perfect! I stopped taking my birth control and we were going to see what happened. We knew my body probably had to get adjusted after being on birth control for several years, so we weren’t alarmed after the first few months went by. We also were not really trying….just stopped preventing. The summer came and we both decided maybe we ought to get serious and start really trying since nothing had happened. I studied up on exactly what “trying” meant and I was ready. And so begins months of temperature taking, tracking, vitamins, scheduled intimacy, examining your toilet paper like a detective and so on and so forth. It really wasn’t too bad for the first few months. It was kind of exciting. But as the months passed we began to feel very discouraged and the excitement wore off. Fear started creeping in. Our friends began announcing their pregnancies. People started asking us regularly about when we were going to have children.

Tim had to go to our family doctor for a cold in November 2009. While he was there he just thought he would tell him about our “trying” and if we should be worried. Our doctor said not to worry yet as it has only been a year and that is fairly normal. So, our doctor referred Tim to a specialist just to get checked out. We knew we had to start somewhere.

A few weeks later, Tim went to see a specialist, and we really didn’t think anything would be wrong. We just wanted to cover all our bases. Well, the doctor found something. He found that Tim had low motility and a varicocile. They told us the chances of getting pregnant with this issue was very minimal. How uncomfortable for Tim to go to this doctor to get checked out. I felt so bad that he had to go through all that. I will spare you the details.

The doctor gave us our options. But first he wanted me to go get checked before we did anything drastic. I made an appointment with my doctor as soon as she could get me in.

It’s January 2010 and we are about to begin one of the hardest years we will ever face.

To be continued….

Give me a G….I……

2011-12-29T19:42:00.001-08:00

The news is finally out! We are so excited to meet our little girl Eleanor Nicole this May! We both had a feeling it was a girl. :) Time is flying by so fast. I’m a little sad because I absolutely love being pregnant….but then I can’t wait to hold my sweet girl in my arms!

The girls are taking over the Shepard house!

xo,

Amanda

From the Shepard’s

2011-12-27T07:55:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas from The Shepard Family!

a few days late. :)

I have been busy….

wrapping

eating

family time

watching my favorite movies

drinking coffee from our new keurig! (thanks mom & dad!)

being sick with a cold that i gave to poor husband but it’s not fair because he can take delicious Nyquil and sleep good and i can’t because I'm pregnant but it’s okay cause I'd rather be pregnant with this beautiful miracle so i will happily suffer through it. ………….sigh.

taking little maddie to the vet for an emergency. boo! we tried not to let it bring our holiday spirits down.

more eating

my parent’s cat also had to go to the vet for an emergency! :(

spending four marvelous days with my hubby….which i did not want it to end today!

oh yeah….and this little thing happened……we found out the sex of baby shepard….but it’s top secret for just a little while longer! heehee! :)

we are over the moon excited because we know exactly who our little one is and are calling him/her by name!

Lots of love to each and every one of you!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas Friends!

xo,

The Shepard’s

Ever so close…

2011-12-21T07:59:00.001-08:00

It’s only a few days till Christmas!!!! yippeee!

I am so far behind on my wrapping this year. I love doing it….but finding the time has been hard. I think I’m going to have some late nights this week.

Have you seen Christmas with the Kranks? We just saw it for the first time last night (while wrapping!) and I LOVED it! It was so funny. It is now one of my favorite Christmas movies. I would love to live in a festive neighborhood like the Kranks! haha!

Guess what tomorrow is…….

Our ultrasound!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m am so excited yet nervous too!

We still haven’t decided how and when we want to tell people the gender. A gender party sounds so fun….but it’s kind of hard to do right here at Christmas. Plus our favorite bakery will be closed for two weeks around Christmas. :( So no special blue or pink cake.

I have been feeling little movements in my tummy lately. It has been hard to tell for awhile. But Sunday while our pastor was preaching I felt something different and I was for sure it was the baby moving. Then it did it several other times! I was almost laughing! The baby hasn’t moved like that since Sunday….so he or she must like to hear preaching! :)

We had a Christmas gathering with our best friends over the weekend! I have the most wonderful friends in the world! These are a few fun pictures we took together….

We noticed that all of us have brown hair! We said we needed a blonde friend!

Well actually one of our friends is actually more blonde…but she just dyed her hair dark brown!

Here is a little sneak peak of our Christmas card photo……

My mom took the pictures for us. This isn’t the one in our Christmas card but I really liked it! Maddie was a good girl!

Oh and Maddie got her picture with Santa over the weekend! haha!

Sorry this is a picture of a picture so the quality is terrible! We loved this picture cause her little tongue is sticking out!

We had cocoa last night!!!!!!!

We cooked dinner again last night!!!!!!!

And I walked on the treadmill last night!!!!!!!!!!! success!

Have a blessed day friends!

xo,

Amanda

Congrats Bro!

2011-12-19T08:12:00.001-08:00

Saturday my brother Adam graduated from College with honors! I am soooooooo stinkin proud of him! It wasn’t an easy road since he has two boys and works full time. But he did it and did it well! It was an awesome day.

I tried to hold back the tears. That didn’t work out so well!

Our proud parents! Mom cried too….so I wasn’t alone!

Our family!

I love this picture sooooo much! We were all laughing, which is what we normally do!

I’m so proud of Adam!

We had a fun open house for Adam afterwards!

This was the most delicious cake EVER!!!!!!! woah! It was from a local bakery called Amycakes! We love them. And this red velvet was insane!

Well, that’s a wrap!

I am so excited that Christmas is this week!!!!!!!!! My shopping is done…..now about that wrapping. :)

Happy Monday!

xo,

Amanda

Festiveness.

2011-12-15T08:47:00.001-08:00

Okay so I can’t stop eating the Cutie clementines!!!!!!!!!! anyone else?

I love them and it’s one of my favorite things about this season.

This has been such a great week!!!! Tim and I have got to eat dinner at home several times! woot. This is an accomplishment since that has not been the case for the past few weeks. And I’m planning on making a stew this week sometime. However, I’m getting creative with it and kind of making it up on my own! haha! We will see how this goes. Reason being I want to use things that I already have on hand….you know clean out the freezer and pantry! If it’s a fail, I’m callin on Dominos! :)

I promised to show you pictures from our Christmas Extravaganza to Dixie Stampede! Our college students at church had a great time! And pretty much everyone had no shame and wore a festive sweater. But you know there are always a few that are too cool to dress up!

This is our whole group! Look how festive and cute/ugly they look! I love them!

If you have never been….they give you a whole chicken to eat, along with a TON of other food! It’s amazing! Plus you don’t get any silverware! hahaha! So fun!

I hope I don’t gross out any non meat eaters out there!

This is Kelsey & Alex. Kelsey pinned little light bulbs to his sweatshirt!

And look….Dolly herself! There were lots of pictures of Dolly!

Mr. Tim talking/listening/i don’t know to baby Shepard! haha!

I love love love Dixie Stampede! I hope you get the opportunity to go someday. Don’t worry about the no silverware thing. Just have fun & dig in!

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs!

Amanda

My holiday hunk.

2011-12-13T11:22:00.001-08:00

So….Husband found my wig from Halloween last week.

We were both getting our costumes on for Scrooge and this is what he does….

I think it would have added a lot to his character!

My very own hunky Fabio! :)

Happy Tuesday! Christmas Vacation was on ABC Family last night. It made me happy! Someone gave me a loaf of pumpkin bread today at work. It is taking all the will power I have in me, not to eat it all!!!!!!!!!! I brought myself some clementines to eat today. And all I have to say is…..

Clementines lost and pumpkin bread won! #fail

xoxo,

Amanda

Christmas Evening Cocoa

2011-12-09T07:09:00.001-08:00

Last night was the first night of our Scrooge play at church! We had a full house and had a lot of fun!

After that night we came home, got in our jammies and drank some hot cocoa!!!!! Oh, we found peppermint marshmallows at Wal-Mart!

They are amazing!

Oh and this: We have so many Christmas lights etc., we keep blowing the breaker in our living room! ha! Very Clark Griswold of us!

Maddie enjoyed our Christmas festivities too. She even got a few mallows! :)

It was a lovely evening to a very busy day!

I love Christmastime!

HAPPY FRIDAY FRIENDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xo,

Amanda

Brown paper packages tied up with string…

2011-12-07T11:17:00.001-08:00

I have put together a fun little Christmas gift list to share with you!

I wouldn’t mind one or two of these lovely things under my tree…..

Tarte Lip Surgence gift set from here

Oh, Lola perfume by Marc Jacobs from here

Erin Condren Life Planner from here

S & P shakers from here

Set of pretty tumblers from here

This cute shirt dress from here (tummy is expanding rapidly!)

I don’t have a picture for this….but a spa day sounds lovely! I’m talking hair, nails, facial, massage, makeup….the whole kit and caboodle! :)

Those are just a few fun little things I would gladly take for Christmas or anytime! ha!

Are you wishing for anything for Christmas?

xo,

Amanda

Giveaway Winner & Festivities

2011-12-05T09:06:00.001-08:00

I hope you had a great weekend! Mine was packed full to the brim. And this week is going to be packed full too! After this week though….things should slow down and I can enjoy two relaxing weeks before Christmas!

This week is our big Christmas production at church. We do “The Gospel According to Scrooge” every year. We do the show 4 nights in a row and always have a great turnout. My brother and I usually perform a scene together, but he is not able to do it this year. So somehow they roped Mr. Tim into doing it! hahaha! These are a few pictures from last years musical.

Oh I wanted to announce the GIVEAWAY WINNER of the Glory Accessories giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The winner is…..Claire from Fast Forward Girl! Congrats Claire! Email me at ashepard28@sbcglobal.net with your info!

Oh this: I got some candy cane hershey kisses last night! I am sooooo excited! They just might be my favorite Christmas candy.

Moment with husband this week: Last night we took the Lord’s Supper at church. We were singing Amazing Grace….and I felt Tim grab my leg. I looked over at him and his eyes were filled with tears. He whispered to me that this was Baby Shepard’s first Lord’s Supper. That was it for me…..tears! It was all just too much thinking about God’s amazing grace, what He did for us and this amazing blessing He has given us this Christmas. Something that we have been longing for several Christmases past. It was a special night.

How could I forget……we took our college group to the Dixie Stampede on Saturday! I cannot tell you how much I LOVE that place. It’s so great. It was a fun way to kick off the Christmas season. Oh and we all wore crazy sweaters. Of course! I will have pictures to share soon.

Sorry I have been lagging on the pictures lately!

Merry Christmas!

xo,

Amanda

It’s a cupcake kind of day!

2011-11-28T07:07:00.001-08:00

Today is an extra FUN day!

Because it’s my birthday!

I almost forgot that today was the day….with all the busyness of Thanksgiving and all. I was reminded when I started getting Happy B-day greetings on Facebook! haha!

I feel blessed beyond measure this birthday. I don’t need or want a thing. Nothing could compare to having this precious life inside me.

Oh yeah….and i’m inching ever so close to 30! ahhhhh! Today I turn 27! woah!

Also, I know everyone was super busy this weekend….but you must go enter my giveaway TODAY. It is the last day to do so. Go here to enter.

Here is a t.m.i for you: last week was the first week that I couldn’t get my pants to button comfortably! haha! I walked around Thanksgiving with my pants open…..everything concealed of course.

Our tree is up and our house looks beauty-full!!!!!!! We haven’t done the outside yet! It’s coming hopefully this week.

Well, hope you have a blessed Monday!

Love,

Amanda

BLACK FRIDAY GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

2011-11-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!!!! I hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving! I had so much food I don't think I can eat again for a few days! :) Well, I am really excited to be able to host a special BLACK FRIDAY GIVEAWAY from the very sweet Breanna of Everyday Alabama! She has got some of the cutest things in her Etsy shop. You must go take a look. So, lets get to the good stuff. The lucky person will get to choose one item from her shop Glory Accessories. Here is a look at a few of the cute things she has to offer in her shop.....

I love love those hair bows!

If you win, you can pick your favorite from one of the following:

-Hair Bows

-Hair Flower

-Set of 2 Magnets

Here is what you need to do:

-Be a follower of The Shepard Life Blog and leave me a comment letting me know.

You can get one additional entry for each of these:

-Like Glory Accessories on Facebook

-Visit the Glory Accessories shop on Etsy and leave a comment with your favorite item

-Let me know that you have shared about this giveaway on Facebook or Blogger

The Giveaway will close on Monday night.

Good luck everyone! Whoever wins will be looking cute! Be sure to go visit Breanna's blog and her cute shop!

Happy Black Friday Shopping!

p.s. I'm heading out for some $2.99 bath towels! haha!

Hugs!

Amanda

The most beautiful sound!

2011-11-23T10:37:00.001-08:00

Hello There!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Guess what?

There is going to be a fun surprise giveaway on my blog for Black Friday!!!!!!! Oh yes! :)

Today we kicked off our Thanksgiving with something very special. We had a doctors appointment and got to hear our little ones heartbeat again! The first time was early on and it was hard to get a clear reading. Today I am 16 weeks and right when she put the wand on my belly we heard it loud and clear!!!!!! It was beating about 153! The most beautiful sound I have ever heard. I could just listen to that all day if they would let me stay! haha! Our next appointment is a few days before Christmas and it’s our first ultrasound!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN’T WAIT PEOPLE! They said if the baby cooperates we will get to find out the gender! Please please cooperate little one. I am sooooo happy today.

I am so excited for Thanksgiving tomorrow! whoohoo! p.s. my doctor did tell me to watch out for the ham! She said I could blow up like a balloon due to the salt content. I think I shall stick to the turkey! ha! I could join the Macy’s parade!

I have so so much to be thankful for this year. Well, I always have so much to be thankful for. But I just can’t get over this precious miracle inside me! I am so thankful.

Oh random: I noticed the Hot Tamale’s boxes at the store are the holiday edition! yay! I picked myself up a box! Even though Tim always puts some in my stocking….I needed an early Hot Tamale fix! :)

Well, I have to finish up my work day and then it’s holiday time! Oh yeah…and BLACK FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful day friends!

xoxo,

Amanda

My Salvation Story

2011-11-17T09:23:00.001-08:00

Today on Callie’s blog she is hosting a link-up to share your Salvation Story! I think this is such a great idea! I have never actually shared my full testimony on my blog before…so I’m very thankful that Callie had the idea to do this.

I am blessed that I have been in church since I was in the womb. My parents were faithful to bring me to church no matter what was going on in their life. I was able to hear about Jesus many, many times growing up.

Well, I was a very stubborn and hard headed little girl. I had heard about what Jesus did for me and how He loved me, but I was stubborn and was not going to make any decisions until I was ready. I even went to Sunday School and VBS after VBS and I still hadn’t decided to make a decision.

I remember how burdened my family was for me…even though I was only in Elementary school. They always prayed for me and would ask me if I had any questions or wanted to talk about it.

When I was 11 years old, I had just finished 5th grade, I went on my very first youth trip. The Gospel was preached very powerfully! I felt God tugging at my heart and I knew I wanted to give Him my life….but I just wouldn’t trust Him. There was a girl next to me that was nudging me and telling me I should “do it” and I caved and went forward to tell people I wanted to become a Christian. That wasn’t a decision I had truly made and I didn’t really didn’t become a Christian that day. Sadly I lived like that all through my school days. I never did anything “bad”. I was a very good girl. And honestly….I loved God and wanted to do good things. But I didn’t have a relationship with Him and I didn’t know Him.

*Just knowing about God and knowing Bible stories won’t get you to Heaven. Doing good things and being a nice person won’t get you to Heaven.*

What a stubborn girl I was!

I got married when I was almost 21. My husband thought I was a Christian and I thought he was a Christian. But we were both living a lie. We loved each other and had a pretty good marriage….but something was definitely missing.

*I looked up to many Christian women and wanted their same joy, peace and happiness. But that only comes from God!

Our church was having a revival service one week in April of 2007. The sermons that were preached were specifically for Tim and I. We were both so miserable because we knew that we were lost as a goose and didn’t have a relationship with God. Our lives were meaningless at this point and filled with frustration. On that Wednesday, my husband fell on his knees and cried out to God. I wish I could say that I was happy for him that day….but I was miserable because I knew that is exactly what I needed to do. But again, I was stubborn. And so worried about what people thought of me. I had been a “church girl” for so long. I had everyone fooled.

*It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of you! If they are a Christian….they will be overjoyed that you too are going to heaven!

So as I said I was so so so miserable. I didn’t sleep that night. I wouldn’t talk to Tim about what was wrong. I went to work the next day and could hardly focus. God was telling me to COME!

I went home after work and was just sobbing. Tim came home from work and found me in quite the state. I finally told him everything and we sat down on the couch. I decided right then and there that I was done running and I wanted to have peace and a relationship with God! Tim and I knelt on our knees by the couch and I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior!

You would not believe the change that took place in our lives personally and as a married couple! We are not perfect by any means. But God has been growing us and we have been learning ever since. Our marriage has been getting better and better and sweeter and sweeter! I know nothing can be perfect….but right now…..our marriage feels perfect! We are so in love. Many things have happened since 2007 when we trusted Christ. So many ups and downs. We walked through a dark road of infertility (which I am sharing soon) and Tim surrenderd to the ministry to be a pastor! Through it all, God has been with us! I now have that peace and joy! I want everyone to know it too!

So what about you?

-Before God created the universe, He had you on His heart! He wanted you to enjoy a perfect, endless life with Him. (Ephesians 1:4)

So why does life often seem so meaningless and full of misery? Or you wonder what happens when your time on earth is done?

-Sin separates us from God. We are all sinners. Just think…you don’t have to teach your child how to sin…it’s already in their nature. Romans 3:23.

-Because of that, the just payment of our sin is death. Eternity away from God. Romans 6:23.

-But God loved us so much that he sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for all of our sins! John 3:16.

How can you have eternal life and a relationship with Jesus?

Simply place your faith in Jesus Christ! To take God at His word. To believe that Jesus is God’s son and died for our sin on the cross and rose from the grave.

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord, will be saved!” Romans 10:13

To call means to simply ask in prayer.

I hope this has helped you today! Whether you have been struggling with making a decision or have never even thought about it before. I hope you would take some time to think about it. You can read these verses in the Bible or read them online. Crosswalk.com is a good source. The book of John and Romans is a good place to start reading! Feel free to email me if you have any questions at all. If you want to share your own testimony, you can link up with Callie.

love,

Amanda

Thanksgiving Pretties

2011-11-16T09:44:00.001-08:00

I pinned some pretty Thanksgiving pictures to my Pinterest board! We never have a table as pretty as these….but I love imagining. Our Thanksgiving is very casual. We have so many people, everyone just finds a place to sit…couches, barstool…wherever! Anyone else have a similar Thanksgiving? Though I have always dreamed of having a gorgeous table scape someday!

We ALWAYS have sweet potatoes with marshmallows! It’s a must. And my mom makes them the BEST!

This year I am contributing by making a green bean casserole and a mac n cheese bake! I also might be making a pie if I have time!

Do any of you make the entire meal yourself?

(props to you!!!!)

Also, about how many people are at your Thanksgiving?

I’m just curious! haha! Someday I also hope to make an entire Thanksgiving meal. I think it would be a lot of work and pretty expensive….but it would make me feel very accomplished!

I hope you have a blessed day!

Hugs!

Amanda

Thank YOU & other things!

2011-11-14T11:30:00.001-08:00

First I just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the precious comments you left me in regards to our video!!!!!! You all are so sweet. We actually made that video to show to our college group at church since Tim is the college director. We loved it so much that we just decided to use that video to announce it to everyone! haha! It was super cheesy….but that is who we are! :) We know the two most talented sisters that filmed and edited the video for us. Thank you Allison and Linds! We love you!!!!!!! So, if you haven’t seen this video yet….you need to go watch it and things will make more sense to you.

So, everyone is wondering…..how far along are you?

I am 15 weeks with baby Shepard coming in May!

WE COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is such a miracle and an amazing blessing to be carrying a child in my womb. Tim and I have quite the story of God’s power and amazing faithfulness that I will be sharing with you very soon. Just to wet your palette….we were told it would be very difficult for us to have children and we tried for almost 3 years….with many speed bumps along the way. I can’t wait to share our story with you in hopes to bring God glory and help those that might be going through the same thing. I promise it is coming soon!

Also….I know many of you are wondering….did I get my earrings out? Well, sadly NO! We actually have been too busy to work on it. And I don’t want Tim rushing with a pair of pliers touching my ears!

I need to do a little housekeeping actually. I posted here about my search for a really good concealer. Well, I still have a really good brand from Sephora on my Christmas list I am wanting to try. But until then, I have found a few good drugstore brands I wanted to share with you.

This is Revlon ColorStay Blemish Concealer. I bought this for the little spots on my face that crop up from time to time. I really do like how it covers and have been very pleased with this product. I have tried similar products from Cover Girl and I like this one better.

This is Neutrogena 3 in 1 Concealer for eyes. This came by recommendation from several blog ladies. I LOVE this! It is your concealer, eye cream and spf! I love how this product goes on and it really does cover and brighten my eyes! The first day I wore it, I thought I looked so much more awake and fresh. I really recommend this one to you! I still want to try the fancy brand from Sephora….but like I have told you….I am a beauty product junkie! :)

Well, I think that is it for today! Thank you again for all your sweet words! I am so thankful to be on this beautiful journey!

Happy Monday!

xo,

Amanda

You MUST watch this video!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-10T14:18:00.001-08:00

xoxo,

Amanda

The time husband took pliers to my ears…

2011-11-07T09:18:00.001-08:00

So last night I was pulling with all my mite to try and get my earring backs off. No such luck! I pulled and pulled forever and I started to make myself feel sick. So, I went to the husband for help of course.

Husband pulled and pulled at the earring backs and even with his brute strength….couldn’t get them off!

*I’m starting to freak out right about now*

Well, out come the pliers!!!!!!!

Husband is trying to pull the backs off with his pliers.

I am screaming out of fear.

They won’t even pull off with pliers!

So, Tim thinks he will try to cut the metal with the pliers!!!!!!

oh no oh no oh no! :/

Now I’m screaming & crying afraid that he is going to cut my ear lobe! With my outrageous behavior, Tim wasn’t able to go forward with the cutting of the metal idea.

My life should be a sitcom, people.

After I calmed down a bit, we were laughing about the whole thing and how this would be good TV.

However, we still have a problem! Earrings are still stuck. I’m terrified they will be stuck forever.

Has this ever happened to anyone?

Any ideas on what I should do?

This is the infamous piercing!

Any tips you could offer me would be greatly appreciated! :)

xoxo,

Amanda

Halloween Party Details.

2011-11-03T07:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Thursday! It feels like winter where I am today! I love it so much. Winter is almost my favorite time of year. :)

Well, I already revealed our Halloween costumes to you all…..so now I am going to share some details about our costume party! We held a party for our college students at church. Tim is the college pastor. It was an awesome party! And pretty much everyone dressed up!

First the food….

Next up the decorations….

The costume that took 1st prize…..

Caitlin made her own hot air balloon costume!!! It was amazing! She got $40, a Halloween pez dispenser and a ribbon! :)

We made everyone stuff onto the stairs for a group picture! haha!

We had almost 60 college students come!!!! It was amazing!

My momma is a miniature Paula Deen! The lady can bake. Thank you so much mom and dad for letting us crash your house and making all the delicious goodies! Mom baked all day. And a few of the college girls came over to help me decorate too.

Enjoy the rest of your week everyone! I hope you have a very blessed day!

xo,

Amanda

Halloween wishes…

2011-10-31T07:53:00.001-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

from Rex and Starla!

If you are wondering what in the world our costume is……you probably haven’t seen Napoleon Dynamite. :)

“Take a look at what I’m wearing, people. You think anyone wants a roundhouse kick to the face while I’m wearing these bad boys? Forget about it. Last off, my students will learn about self-respect. You think anyone thinks I’m a failure because I go home to Starla at night? Forget about it!” -Rex Kwon Do

I hope you have a wonderful day! I don’t think we are doing anything tonight since we had our costume party over the weekend. But that is fine by me….I’m pretty worn out!

xoxo,

Starla a.ka. Amanda

Nephew Time!

2011-10-27T08:31:00.001-07:00

Last weekend Husband and I got to watch our precious nephews! We took them to a Pumpkin Festival and then we just had fun at the house. They are really the most well behaved boys ever. They are so adorable and sweet. Ugh….they just melt my heart. I think I’m in trouble when we have our own children! ha! Sometimes I just can’t handle all the cuteness and I just want to cry.

They were super excited to sleep on our couches! haha! We were going to have them sleep in our guest bedroom….but the bed is really high and that made me nervous. So couches it was! But they LOVED it!

They slept really good. We didn’t hear them start talking until about 8:45 am. It was so adorable to hear them talking to each other. Landen (the little one) was asking his brother if he could get up. And Izaak kept saying NO…NOT YET! haha! I think big brother was wanting to sleep more.

Izaak LOVES popcorn! We put in a movie, gave him a bag of popcorn and he was a happy camper. Oh and he used to be afraid of Maddie….but not anymore! They were buddies all weekend! :)

This one is a little fuzzy….but I love it. Landen fell asleep while Izaak was watching his movie! Stinkin cute!

I love my nephews so much! They bring so much joy to my heart. It makes me so excited for the day I can become a mother. I long for that so much! Not to mention….that Mr. Tim is going to be an amazing daddy someday.

Our costume party is tomorrow night!!!!!!!!!!! ahhhh I’m sooooo excited!

Happy Thursday to you & Happy Halloween of course!

xo,

Amanda

Pets & Pumpkins!

2011-10-26T08:50:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend Tim and I went to the annual Pets & Pumpkin Days in our city! It is one of my favorite fall events. I love it that I can take Miss Maddie! We go every year. This year we got to take our two nephews with us!!!! They are the cutest on the planet. They also got to stay the night at our house….so we just had a grand little weekend with them.

Izaak was Ironman and Landen was Batman! Izaak kept asking Tim and I why we weren't wearing a costume! haha! We have one…but it is a surprise for our Halloween party this Friday! :)

Maddie looking as adorable as ever….

The little chiuaua is our friend’s Mike & Cori’s pup!

My sweet friend Cori!

So this might have been picture overload! I took wayyyy more than this! :)

What can I say? The Shepards love dogs and we love our nephews!

I hope you have a fabulous Wednesday! Oh and Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!

I can’t wait to show you our costumes this year. They might be my most favorite ones evaah!

Hugs!

Amanda

And the best husband award goes to….

2011-10-19T12:09:00.001-07:00

Can I just take a moment to brag on my husband?

Ok. Thanks.

Sometimes there are seasons in life where you just reflect on certain things. Reflect on life. This is one of those times.

God is good you guys. So good. He is faithful and true! I have just been taking some time to reflect on how He perfectly orchestrates our life together. Everything is for my good. For your good.

I know I say this often….but Tim and I are busy people! We have a lot on our plate and are on the go all the time.

My hubby is the College Director at our church, is going full-time at seminary, works full-time for Expedia, takes care of our home, is an incredible, loyal friend to people and most importantly is THE SWEETEST HUSBAND IN THE WORLD!

Sometimes he just amazes me with how he does everything and does it well. I know he must be tired. He works so hard.

That is why I balled my head off when I came home from work last week and found this on the kitchen table…..

The most precious fall arrangement and the most heartfelt card. It was full of sweet words about how great he thinks I am and thanking me for different things.

woah! It blew me away. I’m not blown away by receiving flowers exactly, because he is a thoughtful person and it’s flowers. But I was blown away at the sheer surprise. At the thoughtfulness of his words. No matter how busy he was that week, he took time to bless me.

Well, I was on cloud nine as you can imagine! What a sweet way to start the weekend.

So….today. Today he does it again.

Last night I had mentioned I was low on gas and that I needed to stop on my way to work this morning. I had also mentioned that I needed to go to the store soon to get us some things for our lunches. (I had just merely mentioned these things…)

I went to bed. Husband stayed up to do some school work and study for teaching the college lesson tonight.

I woke up this morning, open the fridge and there was a special surprise just for me!

He had picked up a salad for my lunch and left a cute little face on it.

Then I get in my car to go to work and I had a full tank of gas!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was done people! He is just too precious. He must have gone late at night to the gas station & wal-mart or early in the morning.

I was just overwhelmed this morning at what a special husband I have.

And then I felt challenged too. He has just been blessing me so much lately all the while he is so busy.

What am I doing to bless my husband? How am I encouraging him daily to be a better man? What can I do to make his day better? How can I pray for him better?

I guess that is how the love wheel keeps on turning. It’s give and take. It’s selfless love. Every day is exciting….I love spending my days with Tim.

So, my heart is just full today and I needed to type it all out!

I’m thankful for my husband!

I just wanted to share the challenge with you….since I have been challenged.

How can we be a blessing to our husbands today?

(or wife…if your a man reading my blog! haha!) you never know….

xoxo,

Amanda

Over or Under?

2011-10-13T12:54:00.001-07:00

I laughed so hard when I saw this picture on Pinterest!

This is seriously an important debate people.

I don’t know about you all….but the Shepard’s are a divided house!

I must have B, and husband always loads the tp as A.

To support my side of this issue….all the fancy hotels and such load the tp with it coming from the top and then they make the cute little triangle (which I love to do when we are having company! ha!) Additionally, the tp just flows better when it comes from the top.

Thankfully, Mr. Tim is not the best at changing out the rolls when one is empty. And whenever he does change it….he always loads it from the bottom.

Of course I quietly change it whenever I see it.

(not sure if he notices that I do this or not!) ;)

So….what say you? A or B.

We can still be friends if you choose A.

xo,

Amanda

Which Wich do you like?

2011-10-10T09:54:00.001-07:00

Hello there! Happy Monday to you!

We had a fabulous, relaxing weekend. I love those kind.

Oh we tried a new sandwich shop….well it’s not new, but new to us!

Please tell me you have tried Which Wich? We fell in L O V E. We loved it so much we wanted to go back for dinner the same day. ha! We both got the Turkey, Bacon, Ranch….with different toppings. Such a good sandwich people!

We drove around town for a bit. We scoured Marshall’s for a few things. I found a new rug for our kitchen! Once upon a time when we had a mouse…..he/she ate the corner of the kitchen rug. So I had to shop for a new one! It’s super cute.

We also went to our favorite Tar-jay! love love. We just looked for a long time and picked up a few house necessities. I debated on getting Maddie some Halloween pajamas? I passed….but I keep thinking how precious she would be in them!

After our outing we can home to chill and Tim did a little school work. Oh yeah….and i reorganized our bedroom closet! Our closets are tiny!!!!! It’s awful. If you live in an older (charming) home…you know what I mean. They just didn’t make big closets back then. Finally, Mr. Tim had a brilliant idea to get an over-the-door shoe organizer. However, it can’t hang on our closet door since we have two sliding doors. We hung it on our bedroom door….so only we see it. It really has already made a huge difference in space!

To end our evening we got Japanese take-out!!!!!!! Our fav.

And that was just our Saturday! :)

Have a great day!

xo,

Amanda

the great concealer debate!

2011-10-04T08:30:00.001-07:00

I am on the hunt for the perfect concealer!

Most days during the week, I am a minimalist when it comes to makeup. I like my sleep….so I don’t like to mess around with a long beauty regime.

However, I am a true beauty product junkie and I love getting dolled up! I only wear a full face of makeup….maybe twice a week.

My minimalist routine involves concealer, a light foundation, blush and bronzer. I won’t even do anything to my eyes. (I’m sure many of you think I’m crazy! haha!)

So, back to the topic of this post.

I am looking for the B E S T concealer out there! I have tried several over the past year and just haven’t been satisfied. Here is what I have tried lately:

Cover Girl Fresh Complexion Concealer

I think this one was too thin and watery. I didn’t get much coverage.

Bare Essentuals Bisque Concealer

I kind of like the one. It’s weird….some days I do and others I don’t. I really don’t like it under the eye area. It is too powdery and dry. I’m not sold.

Cover Girl Invisible Concealer

I liked this one better than the other Cover Girl one I tried. But I still don’t love it.

So….those are the products I have tried as of late.

Here are a few I am itching to try:

Tarte Creaseless Concealer

I have heard good things about this product. I also have Tarte eyeshadows….and I LOVE them! So, I thought I might like their other products.

Laura Geller the real deal concealer

I hear that this one is heavy duty….but not thick and cakey. It has a lot of really good reviews.

Do you have a favorite concealer?

I would LOVE to know your favorite products. Or what have you been wanting to try?

Can anyone else spend hours in Sephora? hehe! I love it.

Let me know your thoughts!

Happy Tuesday!

xo,

Amanda

Yep….it’s me!

2011-10-02T21:01:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I’m still here! :)

I didn’t realize how long it had been since I made a blog post. We have been really busy and have had so much going on in our life the past few weeks.

Honestly I haven’t been in the mood to blog. You know?

Sometimes that just happens I guess. I actually have still been reading posts from you all.

I thought I had better get on here and let you know I’m still around!

Well, this week Mr. Tim got in the attic for me and got down the fall decorations!!!!! Yippeeee! Now the house is super cozy and welcoming! I love it. I got two new fall candles from Yankee! Harvest and Spiced Pumpkin to be exact.

We have had beautiful fall, crisp weather! It has been gorgeous.

We went to our best friend’s home over the weekend and they served us chili and potato soup! And pumpkin bars for dessert. A perfect fall meal.

I think this week I am going to make some taco soup and amish skillet! I love cooking in the fall. How about you?

Oh and Friday we went and saw the movie Courageous!!!!!! Oh my! You MUST go see this movie peeps! It was so so so good. I was laughing and crying the whole time. They did such a good job and it was super challenging. Please go out and support this movie. I truly wish there were more wholesome movie selections out there. Almost every movie choice is trash these days. It’s sad….cause we are movie people!

We got a new mattress topper for our bed…..and now we are sleeping like babes! haha! It is so nice! Our mattress is super old but we didn’t want to spend the money on a new one right now. We got a memory foam topper and it has made all the difference. I love bedtime! ha!

Does anyone know what they are going to be for Halloween? We are dressing up for a costume party! I’m currently brainstorming! :)

Well, as I’m typing out this blog post….I am realizing how much I have missed blogging the past few weeks! I missed you all!!!!!!

I am ready for a great week!

Hope everyone has a very blessed week!!!!!

Hugs!

Amanda

MIZ-ZOU!

2011-09-20T11:53:00.001-07:00

Who loves FOOTBALL SEASON?

The Shepard house does!

We especially love Saturday morning when College Game Day is on ESPN. I love Lee! :) If you watch…you know what I mean!

Well, last Saturday we had the opportunity to go to the Mizzou football game! We are huge Mizzou fans. My parents have season tickets…and the friends they sit with had extra tickets for Tim and I.

There is nothing like the atmosphere of college football! It is so much fun!

Me & Momma! Getting ready for the game!

Too funny…..that is husband and my daddy-o!

Upside down…but still cool! I love marching bands. I mean LOVE.

So so so cool! This flew over us during the National Anthem. You can’t even hear it until it is right over you.

Truman was wearing pink for breast cancer awareness!

I love when the team runs out!

It was GOLD RUSH!!!!!! Everyone in their gold attire.

It was a blast! We had perfect weather too. All cuddled up under a cozy blanket.

What team do you root for?

We are playing OU next week. ugh! I won’t even be able to watch!!!!! P

lease don’t tell me you root for the Sooners….

Hope your having a great week!

xoxo,

Amanda

A ball of emotions.

2011-09-15T08:45:00.001-07:00

How do I describe this week so far?

It has been almost unbearable at times….but yet has been filled with a lot of joyful times and God’s goodness.

Have you ever been there?

This week has been filled with car trouble, family issues, a broken toilet, a busy busy schedule, the death of a close friend’s dad….I could go on.

Though we have also had some incredible joys this week that I can’t stop smiling about! My heart is so full yet so broken at the same time.

It hurts.

It aches.

Yet I’m happy.

I am a ball of emotions and all I can do is talk to the Lord. He holds it all.

I got in the car to leave for work Wednesday morning and nothing. The car doesn’t even crank. We think it is the battery. She is old and nearing the end of her life! ha! So, I have been bumming rides off of people.

I’m so frustrated about my car….and the money that will go with it….but yet I have been able to have sweet fellowship with my daddy who has so graciously taken me to work. Precious time in the car and a stop by Starbucks for some pumpkin spice lattes.

I cherish it.

I am so mad at our stupid toilet that keeps breaking….a call to the plumber is inevitable. Again…see ya later cash! Yet I am so thankful for my home and everything that I have. I don’t deserve any of it.

My heart is aching for some family issues. Though I know the Lord is powerful and mighty and able to do miraculous things!

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

We are busy! I mean BUSY. But we have had precious time ministering to young people and building relationships with them. Tim preached an outstanding message on Wednesday night. We have spent late nights in prayer together.

“Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

I am so sad for my sweet friend who lost her dad to cancer this week. Though I am thrilled that he was a Christian and is with the Lord and pain free now.

As you can see my heart is full of many things. I have so many emotions. I’m sure you can relate. I’m just sharing my heart today.

I don’t know how people walk through this life without the Lord? Life can be so hard sometimes.

I could fill endless blog posts with things that I am thankful for and the joys that I have in this life.

I don’t understand everything. But i know that God is good and He is always the same. He will never leave us.

I have heard the saying…you are never stronger than when you are on your knees.

Just get on your knees and look up.

Do you know Him?

Life lately….according to my camera phone.

2011-09-12T11:26:00.001-07:00

This is what my phone has captured over the past few weeks.

My fav being the sprinkle donut. :)

Over the weekend:

-we floated down a freezing river *stupid*

-had delicious smores around a campfire & sang praises to the Lord!

-folded a ridiculous amount of laundry. still. not. done.

-gave thanks to God for His many many blessings. He is GOOD!

-husband finished his first week of school work for the semester.

-took little Maddie to the spa for a haircut and play time!

I hope you have a beautiful Monday!!!!!! Enjoy your day!

xo,

Amanda

It’s that time again.

2011-09-07T09:12:00.001-07:00

I don’t know about your area….but in Springfield the weather is perfect 70’s all week long! It is the most gorgeous weather. And has everyone thinking

f a l l!

So I thought I would share some of my favorite Pinterest pics for fall! You can find them all and follow their links through my Pinterest.

(oh and if you don’t know what pinterest is….where have you been? on second thought….don’t start. it’s ADDICTING!)

i love kendi’s fall look!

(everyone say it with me now…..PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE!)

All right. That is your fall dose for the day!

Who’s excited???

xo,

Amanda

So how was my weekend you ask?

2011-09-06T08:28:00.001-07:00

Oh yeah….my weekend was fabulous…..

Except for the part when I saw a MOUSE scurry across my living room!!!!!!!

ahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

*insert ultimate freak out*

Sunday evening we were just relaxing. I was on the laptop and husband was playing xbox with people *online"*. (remember the online part….)

Out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw a little black something run across the living room under the coffee table. I did…only a slight freak out….since I wasn’t sure if I really saw anything. Tim calmed me down and assured me it was NOTHING at all.

Well, about 5 minutes later I REALLY for real saw a little black mouse run out from the coffee table into the dining room!

*insert crazy lady uncontrollable screaming and dancing around on chair*

I screamed at Tim….I saw it….I saw it!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh….and everyone on xbox live heard my screaming fit! haha! so embarrassing!

He then goes to search for it. And nothing.

He did find where there little entrance is. He has trapped them….or so we think. I’m sure they have other entrances around the house.

As you can imagine….I COULD NOT FALL ASLEEP THAT NIGHT!!!!!

I made Tim check the sheets for mice….

Every little noise I heard…I jumped.

I was about to drive my poor husband crazy! So sorry baby!

Precious Stuart Little…..in his cute sweater…..

Now if all mice were like him.

So, what do we do now?

Set some traps? Someone suggested putting flour around the trap? Another suggested putting steel wool in the entry hole?

I told Mr. Tim…..let’s not mess around!

I’m calling the exterminator!!!!!!!

I need sleep at night.

Plus I have been wearing shoes in the house….just in case he scurries out in front of me….I don’t want to feel him on my bare feet! *barf*

So there you have it!

I promise we actually did have a fabulous weekend.

(when you slice out this little portion of the events!)

I will share more of the good stuff later!

Have a wonderful week friends & family!

Hugs!

Amanda

my 3 day forecast!

2011-09-02T11:11:00.001-07:00

This day has been going swimmingly!

Speaking of “swimmingly”…..what does that mean? ha!

I used the word the other night at home, and Tim died laughing at me. Sure…it just came to me, and then I said it.

I am pumped for this nice, long weekend! Tim and I have absolutely NOTHING planned!

spectacular.

We have little things we need to accomplish….but no place we have to be!

These things will probably happen:

-both cars need an oil change

-make a breakfast casserole for church

-practice making cupcakes (tim loooooves when i practice this!)

-dog sit for some people (you know we are professionals….)

-fro-yo

-hitting the gym

-SLEEP

-tar-jay

-catch up on blogging

-clean the house

-organize the bathroom cabinets

-begin organizing our “xtra bedroom” which Tim lovingly calls the landfill :)

-print out new pictures to update frames in the house

-work on a few church related items

-laundry

-wash the cars

Okay…..now that I’m typing out this list….it’s rather lengthy! haha! We will see what we can accomplish! I rather enjoy most of the things on this list!

One last thing:

I tried a fun, new hairstyle!

Okay, so this picture is not the greatest……Tim snapped this at the end of the day!

Sunday I had woke up late for church and didn’t have time to start from scratch with my hair. I have been seeing looks like this all over Pinterest and such. So, I thought I would give it a whirl! I know I could do it better with a few extra minutes. I literally had about 15 minutes to get ready from head to toe!

I really liked it. I will work on perfecting it and trying some other new styles!

Have any of you tried this type of style or anything else new? I love finding new hair ideas….that I can actually do!

Ok…I’m signing off! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!!!!!!

Happy Fall!

xoxo,

Amanda

What i’m loving today….

2011-08-31T08:07:00.001-07:00

Hi there!

It has been forever since I have done a WILW post.

So, today is the special day! :)

Link up here with Jamie!

I am loving striped walls….

Via my pinterest

Tim has agreed to stripe something for me! yippeee!

I’m loving my new Yankee Candle…..

I got the Farmer’s Market scent because I thought it would be a good “bridge” candle into the autumn season! lol! It gives the hint of autumn smells….but not full out! I reallllly love it.

I’m loving this dog picture……

Because this dog looks an awful lot like my little Maddie! What do you think…..Maddie as Harry Potter for Halloween?

I’m loving my workouts this week! I have been pushing it really hard and I feel great! Except, I must get my crazy schedule more organized….because the husband and I hardly ever have “chill down time”! I’m looking forward to this weekend…..NO PLANS AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! whoohoo!

I’m loving this verse……

“Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait I say, on the LORD!” Psalm 27:14

Mr. Tim and I are memorizing scripture together….and this week was my turn to pick the verse…..

I’m loving my precious hubby….

And that’s a wrap! :)

Hope you have a beautiful day!!!!!

xo,

Amanda

Guess what i did this weekend?

2011-08-29T08:05:00.001-07:00

I got my ears pierced! (again!)

I have been meaning to get my double piercing for awhile now….but I am such a chicken! My pain tolerance is rather low. Okay….maybe zero! ha!

Well, I had my small group girls over to the house yesterday afternoon. And one of the girls had been itching to get her double piercing too. So, she got her moms approval (of course) and we all headed to Wally World!

We ran into a roadblock. The ear piercing lady wouldn’t let Bethany get her piercing done without her mom’s signature. :( I obviously did not look old enough to sign off as her mom. ha!

Plan f a i l.

So later that night we got her mom to come to Wally World with us!

Round two…..success!

This was our before pic!

And after…….

Feeling a wee bit nervous….

And this would be my terrified face!

And Bethany’s terrified face….

Success!!!! We loved them! :)

It was a very eventful day!

I am such a wimp….so I am probably done with piercings. ha!

So, how was everyone’s weekend?

xo,

Amanda

Do you have a dog? If so….

2011-08-26T11:07:00.001-07:00

Did you know that today is National Dog Day?

Now you do! ;)

So, I am posting twice in one day! I don’t think I have ever done that. Hooray for me!

Maddie deserved her own post on this very special day……

Maddie enjoys naps, popcorn, ottomans, brisk walks, paper products and her parents.

Maddie likes standing on tables & being the center of attention.

Maddie enjoys picnics with her family & friends on sunny days.

Maddie loves trips to the lake and feels confident in her very own life jacket.

Maddie can lick her nose. Very talented.

Maddie prefers to order her own ice cream cone at the drive thru.

Maddie can demolish a rawhide bone in hours.

Most of all she loves her parents with all her paws.

Miss Maddie loves you all and sends you her hugs!

Give your pup some love today!!!!

Full Weekend Ahead…..

2011-08-26T09:30:00.001-07:00

Hello & Happy Friday!

So….the husband and I were going to try to wake up at 5am this morn and go for a run. And, yeah…umm…that didn’t happen! ha! I guess we were not fully committed because we didn’t go to bed until after midnight. That just isn’t enough sleep for me. We really wanted to wake up early to workout today…..cause we won’t have a chance tonight. We have the craziest weekend planned!

FYI: the new Under Armour socks are simply AMAZING!!!!! Well worth how ever much they were. I love wearing them. :) Just thought I would mention that since several people asked!

Another FYI: you must try the new Ocean Spray Diet Sparkling Cranberry Juice!!!! You will just love it! ;) We saw the commercial and knew we had to try it. Sadly, they only come in a 4 pack…I think cause they are new. Hopefully they start selling them in larger packs. So so good.

(i’m just full of information today! ha!)

Also…..you guys were cracking me up with the fedora comments on my last post! lol! Everyone seems to think I should get one. Mr. Tim reallllllly wants me to get one. Every time we go into a store together, he makes me put one on! haha! He’s cute.

This weekend we have a Worldview Conference at our church that is focused on youth & college age peeps. It will be addressing creation vs. evolution, atheism and lots of other things that teens and young adults face in school. We are having this really smart man come speak….and there will be an open forum where the kids can ask questions. I’m sure they will come up with some doozies! I am excited for it…and I know I will learn a lot too!

After the Friday session and slew of college girls are staying the night at my house….then we will wake up early to go to the Saturday morning session!

I don’t see much sleep in my future….

Sunday afternoon, my 8th & 9th grade small group is coming over to the house for lunch and to hang out! We are having our last hangout since the small groups will be switching for the new school year. :( I just love those girls.

So, that is what my super full weekend looks like! It will be all FUN though.

Random: Someone gave Tim the game Jenga for his b-day…..and we are loving it! Haven't played Jenga in forever. It’s a good time! We are trying to grow our collection of games. :)

I hope everyone has a very happy & fun weekend!!!!!!

xo,

Amanda

what not to wear.

2011-08-24T07:39:00.001-07:00

As I have stated before….I am a tight wad. A real penny pincher.

However, I love shopping!

Not necessarily buying, but just going is fun to me.

My mom and I are the BEST shopping partners ever. We have so much fun. I just love doing anything with her actually.

Well, the other week we were shopping….and we wandered into the accessories section. I decided to try on. of course.

I look absolutely ridiculous in these pictures…but they were too funny not to share! I tried to get mom to try on, but she didn’t want to mess up her hair.

This was the most ridiculous one out of them all. heeheee! oh my! I’m sure this would actually look cute on someone…and they could pull it off. But definitely NOT me.

hmmm…not as bad. But not a good look for me. ha!

Okay….now this one….i’m kind of being serious. I have been wanting to buy a fedora but have been too chicken. But I think it would be nice for fall.

Those are all the silly pictures of me for today. :)

happy wednesday everyone! :)

ENJOY your day.

xoxo

Back to the gym & other thoughts.

2011-08-22T11:56:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! I’m ready for another week. How about you? We had a fabulous weekend. Not much went on…but it was great. Tim had to focus on his school most of the weekend. He has until tomorrow to get his last assignment done.

I have realized something since Tim has started Bible school:

We are going to need a second laptop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Due to the fact that last week was finals for him….he was on the laptop all the time working. I was like a lost puppy without the computer! ha! I normally have the freedom to blog, surf the web….whatever I please. I will be honest. It was tough for me! Plus, next semester he will be taking even more classes….so I will N E V E R get to have laptop time! That just can’t happen people! I know you sympathize with me! :)

Actually, I did use some of that “free” time to clean and read. So I was trying to be a good wife and be productive!

In your family do you have just one computer? How do you work it?

So, Mr. Tim surprised me with these Under Armour socks!

At first I was mad (being the tight wad that I am!) He wouldn’t tell me how much they were. haha! I felt bad having “expensive” socks. But then I put them on…..and boy are they amazing! I think they are going to help my workouts….as silly as that may sound. My husband is very sweet to do those little things like that. I really need to be better at “loosening up” a little bit! If you are the tight wad of your family….you know what I mean!

Speaking of my workouts: I am going to my crosstraining class tonight!!!!!! I am scared. It has been several weeks since I have been to crosstraining class. It kills! Though I am excited to try out my new socks. :)

Oh boy did we have a good Sunday at church yesterday! wow! It was such a great day. Our pastor spoke about losing your cutting edge. Meaning that sometimes in our life and our work we do at our churches…..we can loose our cutting edge. We don’t have God’s power on us because we are not daily building our relationship with Him. It hit home to me. Tim and I have worked in the youth ministry for so long….sometimes I get so focused on the teens and wanting to see them grow spiritually….I forget about myself. I forget that the most important part of my ministry with the teens is to make sure that I am personally “in tune” with the Lord. When I am personally walking close to the Lord….it spills over to the teens. It was for sure a challenging message. I never ever want to loose my cutting edge or God’s power on Tim and I’s ministry.

Well, I know I’m a little wordy today! I haven’t blogged in awhile….so it’s all coming out! ha!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous day so far!!!!!

May you have a blessed week friends! :)

Hugs!

Amanda

Mr. Tim’s b-day dinner!

2011-08-21T21:46:00.001-07:00

We went to McCormick & Schmick’s for Mr. Tim’s b-day dinner last Friday! It was so fun! We LOVE love that place. If you are a seafood lover….you would be in love. Tim got the wild sockeye salmon. I’m not much of a seafood person, so I got the filet mignon.

We had the best waiter too! I love really good waiters. I was impressed.

So far it’s one of our most favorite places to eat.

He had a very fun birthday!

Thank you to everyone who left him a little message! You guys are so very sweet!!!

xoxo,

Amanda

friday night update:

2011-08-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! How are ya? I was gone for a few days on a little trip, so I haven’t been able to update the blog. This is the first time in a whole week that I have had the time to sit down and blog! wow! Thankfully we don’t have much planned over the weekend so I can get caught up on things.

We had a lovely trip to Kansas City last weekend! We might have gone to the Cheesecake Factory twice. We don’t have one in our city….so we get reallllly excited when we are nearby one!

Tim’s little brother moved into the dorms at college for the first time yesterday! I can’t believe it!

He just graduated last May…..ugh I feel old!

Speaking of Mr. Tim, this week he wrapped up his first semester in Bible college! I am so very proud of him. He still has one more final to take before Tuesday. He did such a great job in his classes. Way to go babe!

Also, some of our dearest friends had their first baby a few weeks ago! We are so excited for them! Little Corban is so so precious. Congrats Landen & Greta!

We loved getting to hold him!

Well, I’m in my flannel jammies and have taken to the couch for the night! I LOVE it! I don’t plan on moving either. :)

Night night!

xo,

Amanda

It’s husband’s birthday!

2011-08-12T06:51:00.001-07:00

Today my dear husband….Mr. Tim if you will…..turns another year older!

But just as HOT as ever! ;)

I thought I would do a photo tribute to my man….

I love how he dresses up real nice. ;)

I love his heart for teens. He connects with people.

I love that he looooooves babies! He looks good holding one too!

I love that he always feels free to be himself. Which is pretty hilarious in my book.

I love him with our little furbaby. He is a good dad to her! :)

I love how he is very artistic. He is normally up to any project!

I love how he sends me random pictures throughout the day…..this being one of them.

Most of all….I love his love and sweetness to me. He is a one-of-a-kind husband!

If you leave him a birthday greeting….

I will make sure he reads it! :)

Happy Birthday Mr. Tim!!!!!!! I love you dearly.

A bundle of fun.

2011-08-10T10:04:00.001-07:00

Hello there!

I hope everyone is having a good week so far! :)

Well, this post will be r a n d o m. Just so you know. Due to the fact that I am feeling pretty random and have lots going on this week.

I started out my morning with some McCafe. Not terrible…..thanks McD’s!

I wanted to say congrats again to my friend Sarah from Newlywed & Decorating on winning my 1st giveaway!!!!! You should definitely go visit her blog…..she has the cutest nursery in the works for her baby girl on the way!

If you missed my first vlog you can see it here. It’s pretty ridiculous. But it’s just a little snippet into life at our house.

Speaking of the vlog……I have had requests for more vlogs! haha! So what should we vlog about? Do you have anything/questions about us that you are just dying to know? *chuckles*

My sweet friend Jade came to town just for one day last week and we got Chinese at one of her favorite places! I just cherish the moments I get to see her cause they are few and far between.

Have you smelled this???

This is my new favorite smell/scent whatever! All I have is this body cream….but I need more!!!!!!

Mr. Tim will soon blow out some candles!

His birthday is Friday!!!!!!! I love my husband.

(via pinterest)

This quote is meaning a lot to me right now. It’s so easy to wish that God would just show us a diagram of what our life is suppose to look like. A timeline of exactly when this or that is going to happen & why. Lately I have been struggling with the “whys”. Why this? Why not? Why us? Why? Compete faith is trusting in God in every circumstance. To walk daily with Him….trusting that things might not make sense now…..but it’s all working together for my good and for His glory. And that’s exactly what I want. God to receive glory from my life.

“We walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7

I hope YOU are having a wonderful day!

xoxo,

Amanda

1st Vlog & Giveaway Winner!!!!!

2011-08-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! We are here on this lovely weekend with our very first vlog. We wanted to announce the giveaway winner! :) Thanks so much to everyone who entered. I wish I could send you all a fun surprise! We hope you enjoy our first vlog.

Enjoy your weekend!

xo,

Tim, Amanda & Maddie

My dream summer date dress!

2011-08-04T07:24:00.001-07:00

I went to the Modcloth website last night and I got so excited that I nearly screamed!!!!!! Look at this dress I found!!!!!! As you may remember I am completely obsessed with cherries! This is the cutest dress I have ever seen.

How sweet would this be for a summer picnic with my hubby?!

Oh I’m just over the moon! Sadly, it’s $100! :( I don’t normally spend that on a dress. Unless it’s for a special occasion. So I’m out of luck.

My b-day isn’t until November….

Here is an up-close of the adorable pattern. Those buttons go down the back of the dress.

Wouldn’t these shoes look amazing with it? They are also from Modcloth.

Well, I just had to share my joy with you!!!!!!

Even though I really wish it were my dress for real! haha!

p.s. You have until tomorrow to enter my GIVEAWAY if you haven’t done so already! Don’t miss it! :)

Hugs!

Amanda

Imaginary guest bedroom redo.

2011-08-02T11:08:00.001-07:00

Do you watch HGTV?

We do…..regularly. And regularly drool over pretty houses.

Mr. Tim and I are quite the pair. We both love HGTV, we both love projects, we both love design….etc. etc. etc.

We have been watching the new season of Design Star! LOVE this show. Who’s with me? My favs right now are Karl, Kellie, Leslie and Mark. In the episode last night they got to redo rooms in a bed & breakfast on the Jersey Shore! How cool! I would love to go stay there someday.

Most of the rooms turned out awesome. I loved the suite that they did! Feel free to chime in if you watched the show….. :) I loved all those colors and patterns!

Well, while we were watching the show….Tim looks at me and says lets redo a room. In all seriousness. haha! He is always ready to redo something. Our guest bedroom has never been done. It’s a catch-all room with a bunch of random junk. The sad thing is….we have had many people stay the night there! ha! So embarrassing. Decorating an entire house takes time and lots of green! I think we are going to set out to redo it on the absolute CHEAP! It will be fun to see what we come up with.

I decided to do a little web window shopping on Urban Outfitters. They always have different things at good prices. I like it. :) I threw all these items together rather quickly….if I was really buying stuff….I would spend some more time really thinking about it. Or just being ridiculously indecisive like I always am!

So here are some fun ideas of what I would love my guest bedroom to look like:

This bedding is reversible! And it’s neutral enough I could throw lots of fun pillows on it.

I’m in love with this chair……

I want my guests to feel right at home….

Some pretty patterned curtains to mix things up.

I think i will do this again but web window shop on Target, Pottery Barn, etc! I also love finding things on Craigslist & thrifting.

Are you redoing any rooms right now or have the design bug?

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!! I can’t wait to send someone a really fun package in the mail. :o)

Hope your having a lovely day!

xo,

Amanda

Happy Summer Giveaway!!!!!!

2011-07-31T14:25:00.001-07:00

Hello & Happy Monday! :)

Well today I am having my very first G I V E A W A Y!!!!!!

I have been meaning to do this at the beginning of summer…..but time got away from me! This is really for no special reason….just cause it’s FUN! Also, I have won a few different giveaways from blogs in the past and they are so much fun to get in the mail! I wanted to pick out some fun things to share with one of you! I just used the word FUN too many times in that paragraph! haha!

Well, here is what I am giving away to one lucky person:

1. HOT TAMALES!!!!!! Only my most favorite candy on the planet. Plus there is a heat wave moving across the country…..so these were only fitting. :)

2. Pretty summery blue nail polish! It’s the Sally Hansen Extreme kind….in the color Blue Me Away.

3. Adorable Hallmark note cards. With cute little apples on them. (I’m obsessed with fruit!!!)

4. Paper-Mate Profile pens! These pens write so good! To top it off….they come in pretty colors.

5. Last but not least a Sonic Drink Buddy! hehe! :) A little blue dinosaur that will sit on the edge of the edge of your lemonade or what have you.

Well that’s it! I’m sooooo excited to send it off to someone! I have been wanting to do this forever.

So here is how to get in on it:

Just be a public follower of this blog……and that’s it!

I won’t make you do anything else! haha!

Leave me a comment letting me know you follow & just say hello or something nice….whatever you would like!

The giveaway will be closed on Friday, August 5th.

Thank you for reading my blog and sharing life with me! I love you guys!

Good Luck! :)

Amanda

p.s. (this giveaway is only open those in the U.S.A.)

Floating & another yoga story!

2011-07-29T10:28:00.001-07:00

(Via Pinterest)

Hey all! A very happy Friday to ya! :o)

Well, I am going floating this weekend….hence the floating picture! Wherever they are floating in this picture looks wayyyyy cooler than were I will be floating. I am taking the high school girls from our church on a lil float trip! It should be a blast. However….I am definitely NOT an outdoorsy person….so me leading this is quite laughable! hahaha!

I once went on a canoe trip with a bunch of people…..and no one wanted me in their canoe! I guess I made the canoe flip or whatever! hehe.

I think this float is more up my ally…….

(Via Pinterest)

And can I get a YUM?! :)

It’s been a long while since I had a root beer float.

I have never heard of root beer float cupcakes until Pinterest…..

(Via Pinterest)

Those are amazingly cute and I’m sure just as tasty!

So……another funny yoga story for you:

You can read about my first yoga embarrassment here.

***Last night I went to the Advanced Yogalates class at the YMCA. (haha! i am in no way advanced!) Anyways…..At the end of class is “restoration time”. The instructor turns out the lights and we get to lay there for like 10 or 15 minutes in the dark. Then she comes around with smelly good lotion and rubs our necks. It’s pretty amazing. Well, this time I don’t remember anything after my neck rub! Seriously! I just remember opening my eyes and the instructor was talking to the class…..and I was like “oh no…how long has she been talking!!!!” I’m not sure. I just hope I wasn’t snoring or anything. Yikes!

Maybe I shouldn’t go to yoga? ha! I look pretty ridiculous!

I am really feeling it today! ouchie!

Well, that sums up this week’s embarrassing yoga story. Don’t worry….I’m sure I’ll have another one for ya next week! ;)

p.s. There is a new Chinese takeout place that opened up next door to the ymca!

Cruel? I think yes!

Have a super amazing weekend everybody!

love ya!

Amanda

pedi talk time

2011-07-26T14:27:00.001-07:00

So lets talk Pedicures.

Definitely not for the ticklish.

I got my first pedi with my friend Cori last week. I really did love it. I’m anxious to see how long my polish stays looking good. However I am going on a float trip this weekend….so that could cut its life span short. :(

We went to Rainbow Nails. It seemed like they were very sanitary. They got brand new files and made me my own box if I ever come back in. They cleaned the foot soaking bins really well in between customers. It seemed like everything was a-okay!

Cori was rather ticklish the whole time! I think more so than me even! :)

I was really nervous about them working on my heels. I have some super duper rough heels! haha! I blame it on the fact that I was a dancer for many years growing up….and a lot of times we danced barefoot. Not good on the ole feet! I have the ped egg at home and it almost makes me cry! I hate using it. The nail tech really didn’t do much to my heels……

Maybe she got one look at ‘em and thought there was no hope?

Quite possibly! ;)

When she was cutting my toe nails and pushing the cuticles back…..I really thought she had cut my skin cause it HURT REALLY BAD!!!!!! I was just sure there was blood. (but i don’t think so) Everything was okay in the end.

*truly that was the only part i hated*

Plus, I had already trimmed my toenails before I went in….I didn’t think they needed trimming anymore? I dunno.

The foot bath really does feel amazing! Oh yeah, and the massage chair! I would have liked to have just sat there for awhile longer.

Cori and I both picked out a shade of purple for our toes!

*I struggled with the picking out of the polish part!!!!!*

Way too many choices for this indecisive person! haha! I should have just went with rainbow.

So my final verdict…..

I would definitely go again! :) I can’t believe I waited so long.

Well, probably cause I’m cheap…..

I don’t think I would get these done regularly….again cause I’m cheap! haha! I am absolutely terrible at painting my nails, but I LOVE saving money.

Well, I guess if I only got these during the summer months…..that wouldn’t be too bad. I think that would be worth it to have pretty feet while wearing sandals!

If you have never got a pedi, you must go and give it a try!

Everyone should try it once. :)

I wish starbucks delivered….

2011-07-25T11:14:00.001-07:00

I didn’t get any coffee this morning! That’s right……AND it’s a Monday. Only the most important day to start out with coffee. Oh well, somehow I will manage. Even though I feel ridiculously tired today for some reason.

Jesus is the real reason I’m out of bed on this day anyway! Rejoice in the Lord always…..and again I say rejoice! :) I love that part at the end of the verse….*again* I say rejoice.

I still need some coffee though…. :)

Well, this weekend was indeed fabulous! I had my very first pedicure! Several people have asked my thoughts on it….so I will share that in a post soon. I really enjoyed it (for the most part!) haha!

Feet are so weird looking. Well….maybe just my feet? I have exceptionally long and bony toes! haha!

I went to a cheer competition! This is Bethany….one of the sweetest girls around….she is in my small group at church. They took 2nd place and did amazing!

I got to pick my mug up that I painted last week!!!!!!! I was so excited! I am pretty happy with how it looks……except for a few things. I always get carried away and I painted too many little twirly doo dads.

And we saw the movie Zookeeper!!!!! I cannot tell just how f u n n y this movie was! I was laughing the entire time. I thought it was going to be a little too cheesy from the looks of the previews, but I was so surprised! You must go see this! It will brighten your day! :)

We also had an amazing day at church yesterday! God really spoke to me through the messages. I’m still letting them marinate. Also some of our good friends are getting ready to leave this week for deputation. They are going to be missionaries in Nicaragua. They will be traveling around for several months raising support. I am really really going to miss them.

Oh I almost forgot…..Miss Maddie got her haircut! They gave her a pink camo bandana! She looks so presh! :)

Have a very HAPPY Monday everyone! :)

Hugs!

Amanda

Pedi, Frapp, Gelato…..you know…..

2011-07-22T08:24:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone! Who is excited for the weekend?! ME!

Oh guess what?!!!! I am getting my VERY first pedicure tonight! Yay! I am super excited. But I’m actually really nervous too. I’m scared that they will hurt my heels……I don’t have the smoothest heels. Any thoughts? :)

Attention Coffee Addicts: Starbucks now has a Mocha Light Frapp for 140 cals!!!!! It is awesome! :) No whip of course…..but it’s still good.

Okay today I’m going to finally wrap up our anniversary recap. Tim made reservations at this fancy shmancy restaurant. If you ever get to visit Springfield….you should definitely visit Flame!

Okay….I’m not going to say this place is affordable…unless of course your rolling in the dough. But for a special occasion it is totally worth it!

From the very start….the salad had me LOVING this place! Oh it was divine.

This picture ended up blurry, but you can still see the goods. Their steaks are dry aged and amazing! That yellow stuff is lobster mac n cheese!

This is a look at the inside of the restaurant. We got to sit upstairs! Then I got to people watch….which I love! haha!

It was totally worth every penny! :)

After that we walked to a cute gelato place!

They also had cupcakes! :)

We had a wonderful evening out!

So…..what are your weekend plans? I will let you know how the pedi goes! hehe! I’m not sure what color to get?

Have a blessed weekend!

xoxo,

Amanda

Pottery painting & stuff.

2011-07-21T08:12:00.001-07:00

I’m so glad that everyday is a NEW day! I had a crummy day yesterday. Nothing seemed to go right…..and i felt on edge all day. It was terrible. I know everyday can’t be perfect. TODAY is a beautiful day and there are soooooo many reasons to rejoice and be happy! It truly would be a shame to hang on to anything that bothered you yesterday or not allow yourself to be happy today.

So here is to TODAY! :o)

*I get to go to a step aerobics class with a friend

*Grill yummy kabobs tonight with my hubby

*Be healthy & active

*Continue in my Bible study tonight…..i’m reading Esther

*Do my best at my job….and hopefully make someone smile today

*Get some cuddle time in with Miss Maddie before she gets her hair cut Saturday :)

I had mentioned earlier this week that me and husband painted pottery on our anniversary! :) It was such fun. I had gone many times…..but Tim had never had the pleasure. ha! However, he told me he loved it and wants to go again! He has always had an artistic side to him.

We picked out our pieces. Tim chose the ripple coffee mug and I went with the travel mug……it was so hard to choose just one thing! haha!

Next you select your paint colors and your tools…… this is so hard for someone as indecisive as me! :)

Then you get to work! I was working on a cute little birdie!

Tim hard at work! He is actually really good at this! It’s adorable. :)

We both painted an anniversary reminder on the bottom of our mugs. :)

I love that.

Tim wrote on the inside of his mug…. “live everyday unashamed” and put 1:16 for Romans 1:16.

We left our mugs there so they could fire them. We get to pick them up this Saturday! I can’t wait to see how they turn out! We are both so anxious to see our final product! haha!

If you have a place like this in your city…..I highly recommend it for a fun date! We both had so much fun!

I hope everyone has a lovely day today!

Lots of LOVE!

Amanda

6 years.

2011-07-18T09:33:00.001-07:00

Saturday we celebrated 6 years of marriage. It was a beautiful day…..but more importantly it has been an amazing 6 years. I didn’t make a special anniversary post Saturday since I was spending the day with my groom (duh!) :) I will share a run down of our day later this week. We painted pottery, went to this fancy shmancy restaurant and had gelato & cupcakes! It was perfect.

Our marriage is not perfect. Everyday of the past 6 years have not been perfect by any means. But with God holding us together in the beautiful bond of marriage and the love we have for each other….you can get through the good days and the bad days.

I am really looking forward to this next year being married to Tim! We really feel we are on the brink of some exciting things that God has in store for us. We are just being patient and enjoying our time together now. Tim is in Seminary (and he is doing a fabulous job by the way!!!), we are excited about growing in our areas of ministry at church, God is working in our hearts and growing us everyday, we are majorly looking forward to and anticipating the day we can become parents. And of course I’m always looking forward to the little joys that come along everyday in life! I know sometimes people think I’m silly….but I really try to enjoy and savor every little moment. Sometimes the little things in life can be the most special!

Tim surprised me with a fruit bouquet! These things are seriously amazing!!!!!!

Little pineapple hearts! So cute and delicious! :)

Thank you for all the sweet well wishes on our anniversary last week! I really appreciated it! Our weekend couldn’t have been better!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend as well!

Happy Monday!

xo,

Amanda

Oh what a beautiful morning….da dee do….

2011-07-15T08:11:00.001-07:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay! What a feeling! :) I am drinking the most amazing coffee today too. It’s called Churchill's Sinless Pastry. It is sooooo good. I’m normally a Dunkin Donuts kinda gal. But this might be my new favorite.

I think it’s going to be a fabulous day! I woke up early enough this morning to have my coffee, a blueberry bagel and actually put on eyeliner! haha! Most mornings I will slab on a quick eye shadow and call it good. But I had time for eyeliner today! It really does make such a difference for me. However, most mornings I’m barely making it out the door…..and I finish getting ready in the car. :)

I just saw the extended forecast…..and it is going to be crazy HOT next week! I mean, heat indexes in the 105 range. I’m loving summer, but that is crazy!

Just a few cell phone pics of some summer loves. :)

Confession: I have never seen Harry Potter or read the books! Anyone else out there? Or are there crickets? I do think I’m ready to watch them all though. I would love to see what all the hype is about. I’m not sure why I have never watched them…..

Funny story: Last night in yogalates class…..we were using those bouncy balls. Well, we had them between our legs doing leg lifts. And I was reallllly struggling to keep mine stabilized. (i blame it on my pants!) Well, I lost control and my ball flew out of my legs and almost hit our instructor!!!!! haha! Probably one of my worst yoga nightmares……except for maybe farting out loud while holding an awkward pose! ha!

Random: I am completely addicted to “words with friends” on my cell phone! haha! Does anyone else play?

Have a fabulous FRIDAY everyone!!!!!!

Hugs!

Amanda