We Have Returned!

WE ARE BACK!!!

It has been a whirlwind 8 days, let me tell you. Tired is not even the word I'm trying to describe. However, I want to counter that with the fact that it was a great trip, and I'm so glad we made the effort to go to Texas and spend time with our family there. I've grown up going every summer, so it was nice to feel "at home" again, so to speak.

First, let me promise that pictures are coming soon....lots of pictures. I'm frustrated because right after I had finished selecting all of my pictures to upload, my camera battery died. I just don't have the energy to go through all of that again and wait for my battery to charge, so I'll do it tomorrow!

Before I forget, here are a few random things that people have asked. It's hard to answer in the comment section (I forget or get sidetracked or people can't find the response), so I'll do it quickly here:

-I painted our fireplace with just a normal latex paint. I believe it was a semi-gloss finish. Yes, you CAN paint brick, and I don't think anyone should have to suffer with ugly brick if they don't like it. You can paint it! I did prime the brick first. My dad is the expert on painting fireplaces. My mom has a thing about ugly brick; maybe that's where I get it from (the painting skills and the hatred of ugly brick)!?

-I got the iron-on appliques for Evy's onesies at Hobby Lobby---aka my second home.

-I am going to do my baby gear post in the next couple of weeks; it's going to be one of the topics for a Kelly's Korner Friday, which works out perfectly!

Okay, now continuing my thoughts.

I am going to post pictures soon of updates that I've made to the house. They're little, but they've made a difference! I went shopping with my aunt in Fort Worth for some unique home accessories, and I'll show pictures of those. I've also hung my vintage artwork that I bought recently in the living room, and I think it looks nice. So be looking for that!

I am catching up on my recorded TV shows, and let's just say that I'm thoroughly depressed after watching Jon and Kate + 8 and then the Bachelorette. I'm sorry; there's nothing more sad to me than a broken marriage. Especially when we've been watching the Gosselins for so long. I had hoped that they might announce that they were stopping the show to work on their marriage and family--boy, was that wishful thinking. And I know that Kate has her issues, but Jon is a complete and utter jerk. He said that he was "sad but partly excited" about this "new chapter." After all, he's "only 32" so he has "a lot ahead." Are you KIDDING ME!? Just because you're going through a mid-life crisis (ie: the new ear piercings?) and found a new girlfriend, doesn't mean you get to open new chapters when you feel like it. Give me a break. I'm not saying I'm on Team Kate by any means, but he is just walking on some thin ice and playing with fire. They used the word "separate", but then at the end they put up text which said that they were proceeding to "dissolve" their ten-year marriage. That's cry-worthy for me, folks. And I did shed tears.

Then, even though this wasn't as serious, I was still SO FRUSTRATED when Jillian let Jake go. However, in the teaser for upcoming weeks, apparently he makes another appearance. He's just such a nice guy. I have no idea why none of the guys said anything to Jillian after Wes made all those public comments about his career. What a loser. Why do I ever get involved with these shows?

My sweet baby girl is recovering from all the travel. She napped really well today, which shocked me. She's gotten in the habit of nursing to sleep at night, which isn't recommended because they learn to rely on that. However, when I put her in her crib she is usually awake but drowsy, so I still think she's learning to work herself into sleep. And she really doesn't cry anymore, which is fantastic.

I do have one thing to say: I will not be making any more major trips for a LONG TIME. I'm so serious. It really took it out of us. She did as well as could be expected, but good grief it was exhausting. She got SICK of her carseat, and I felt like I was a nursing machine for the entire trip. We did introduce a couple of formula bottles, because I just couldn't make enough bottles for when Kurt and I wanted to go out once or twice. She took it perfectly, and didn't even bat an eye. I'm not weaning her by any means; but it's nice to know that formula is an option if we're in a pinch.

I will post more about this later, but I had a wonderful anniversary and 24th birthday! I actually got to celebrate more than I usually would, because I had so many helpers with the baby! I have more to say about the celebrations, but just wanted to mention that they were fabulous :o)

We got our 5-generation picture, which was so special! Nan, my 96-year-old great grandmother, is as funny and sharp as ever. We loved spending time with her. She still lives by herself in her farmhouse, if you can believe it! I do have these saved on my computer, so I'll show them to you!


We praise the Lord for letting us capture this legacy in a photograph!

And I'm so glad to be Home, Sweet Home!