13.) Apparently... I'm pregnant!?!

The proof is in the bloodwork.  I'm pregnant, I'm pregnant, I'm pregnant! 

Now let's hope I stay that way for approximately 36 more weeks (or close to it)! 

I do still have some hurdles to cross: a second beta (HCG test), an early ultrasound, and of course an entire three trimesters of pregnancy.  But, so far, as of right now, I AM PREGNANT!

12.) all things fall!

I love fall.  The first day of fall was technically one week ago, but today it actually FEELS like fall.  I have the windows open and I can hear crispy leaves rustling in the wind (they haven't started falling yet, but they are starting to turn color).  The temperature is perfect: 67.  The skies are blue, the air is fresh, the season's new t.v. shows are starting, kids are picking out their Halloween costumes, and the grocery stores are selling pumpkins and apple cider.  Yes, fall is here! 

These are a few of my favorite (fall) things... Crock pots, hot apple cider, and hoodies, oh my!!


But wait, that's not all!

11). to only seeing ONE word on the digital...

Usually, when I take a home pregnancy test, there are two words that show up in the screen: "Not" and "Pregnant".  However, when I took one this morning, there was only one word present.  And guess what it was?  "Pregnant"!!!!!! anyone who knows my history knows that THIS is HUGE! We are bordering on MIRACLE here, people!

I have to go for a blood test tomorrow to see what my HCG level is.  I am praying that this is it.  Please God, let this be it.  Whatever lesson I was supposed to learn throughout this journey, surely I've learned it.  I am hoping with all I've got that tomorrow's numbers look good. 

So nervous!!!!

10.) five years married to my best friend.

Five years ago, I married my best friend.  Truly, I did!  It was an incredible day, filled with so much love.  Everything went perfectly (just as planned!) and everyone had an absolute blast.  The dance floor was packed the whole night!


We have had our share of ups and downs over the last 5 years, including (but not limited to!) job issues, real estate issues, relocation issues, family issues, and recently, fertility issues.  But no matter what goes on in our life, our marriage is the one thing I can always count on, and I am so thankful for that!


My husband is amazing in so many ways.  I can't imagine loving anyone more! 

9.) the end of a 7-month deployment!

Today, it is easy to find the "happy".  Today, I'm thrilled to announce that, after seven months in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marines, my "little" brother's boots are finally back on U.S. soil.  We are blessed by his safe return, and we will continue to pray that God watch over the troops who sacrifice so much each and every day to defend our great nation.  We also leave room in our hearts for those families whose beloved soldiers have not (or will not) return home.  My heart hurts to think of the number of soldiers being lost in the wars on freedom as a result of senseless acts of violence at the hands of insurgents and radicals. 

It should be noted that so far, in 2010, 355 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan (icasualties.org).  All in all, 2,100 troops have died in Operation Enduring Freedom since 2001.  And just think, the war is not over yet.  Say a prayer for these families.  Support our troops.

"Victory Kiss" statue and USS Midway, San Diego Harbor

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

- Ronald Reagan, President of the United States

Old people have no filter!

Why is it... that when people get old, they no longer have any inhibitions in regards to speaking about their bowels??  I mean, is this a requirement for those approaching (or already well into) old age? 

You tell me: maybe I missed something somewhere.  Is there currently a rule that in order to get your social security checks in a timely manner, you must demonstrate the ability to work constipation, gas, and diarrhea into any given conversation with no regard for the listener's discomfort level?  I mean really!  I do not need to know about your blocked bowels, and I certainly do not need to know when you have the runs.  Similarly, I do not need to hear about the gas you had last night after you ate a sloppy joe. 

Please, let's just stick to talking about your wartime memories, you mother's lasagna, the woes of penny-pinching during the Great Depression, and how provocatively the kids are dressing nowadays!

8.) the gift of photography.

When I turned 30 in August, my mom signed me up for a six week photography course at a local camera shop (great gift, right?!).  It was a course I'd had my eye on for a while, since I had gotten a nice new digital SLR camera the year before and hadn't mastered it's full potential.  I had my last of the six courses tonight, and I have to say that honestly, the class has been one of the best things I've done for myself in a long time!  (thanks, Mom!)

I've always loved to take pictures and loved finding unique ways to capture what is in front of my lens.  Recently graduating from a point-and-shoot to a DSLR has been an intimidating leap, and there is still so much more to understand.  It has a million and one capabilities beyond the "Auto" settings, and there is only so much you can learn from an owner's manual. 

Before the class began, I wasn't sure what to expect.  I was afraid it wouldn't hold my interest, or be too technical for me.  In the end, it was actually a really great mix of art + creativity + technique + technical mumbo-jumbo!  And, not only was the instructor knowledgeable and an incredible photographer, but he is also very approachable, which is really nice for shy folks like me! 
Photography is, as our instructor put it, telling a story through images.  But to acheive those images, one must first understand the functions of their camera and also have an eye for the composition of a photograph.  I may try to find a way to get some pictures onto this blog so that I can have somewhat of a portfolio as I really hone in on certain skills, or specific techniques.  It might be a nice way to keep myself organized while providing a visual log of my skills as I learn. 

I don't typically have "hobbies", so this is quite an experience for me.  I've found something I really like!  Too bad it's not the most affordable hobby out there.... but it does motivate me to explore other things that I feel I might enjoy.  S.C.U.B.A., anyone??