Books: Belly Laughs (and prego talk)

My friend Hannah, who is also pregnant just 5 weeks behind my due date gave me this book last Friday.  Let me first of say how cool it is to have a close friend going through what you are! We had dinner last Friday and its great to talk about experiences and fears of being pregnant with another first time mommy!! I was so excited when I saw that she had this gift for me! This is the type of pregnancy book I enjoy!  I much rather read true, non-sugar coated, "this is the way it is" type stories than the boring pregnancy medical books (which tend to scare me!).  The book Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy was an easy and enjoyable read, I just read the book start to finish tonight.  There were chapters that spoke of subjects that really put me at ease while I was thinking, "Oh Thank God that is Normal!!"  It was refreshing to know that even Jenny McCarthy had some of these not so pretty and not so pleasant things happen to her too!!!

I will say that I feel so lucky (I'm saying this because right now I feel good) that I haven't had a a lot of the awful pregnant stuff happened to me, at lest not yet! The first trimester I did pass out at the post office and morning sickness STILL sucks or all ALL DAY SICKNESS is what they should call it, but I have not experienced mood swings and stretch marks.  I hope to avoid them completely, which is possible with only 10 weeks, right? My Friend Tiffanie tells me she doesn't think of me as being pregnant because I don't seem moody and whinny and that I pride myself in, however if you ask my boss aka my Dad he is very  aware I am Pregnant!! Mornings are so hard!! Getting out of bed is the worst thing when your up all all night having to pee plus just being tired 24-7!!! Then when I finally get to work I get off and on  sickness which is hard to handle with a long to-list starring me in the face!!! I never thought I would want to be a stay at home mom, but I envy them every morning I wake up to try to put in a full work day! Night time is when I feel my best (until heartburn kicks in) and its hard for me to go to bed cause I dread the morning! But over all I commend myself on being positive and I am so grateful for not having any emotional brake downs and mood swings!!! One day God willing when I find my prefect man to marry and we decided to have a baby I sure hope my second pregnancy goods as well cause I know I'll be bragging about what an awesome chick I am while being pregnant (I'd hope not to prove myself wrong).  

Documentation

I'm so thankful for videos and photos!!! I just sat up with my roommate laughing our faces off of some of the video and photos from last summer! Now that I am almost 7 months pregnant is hard to imagine the time before I was pregnant! I was in tears I was laughing so much, a much needed good laugh!

Anyway most of my day was spent sleeping! I only worked at the office for 5 hours. I was so tired!! I can NOT wait til the day I have my body back. This "sickness," heartburn, and drowsiness is getting old! Not to mention the fact I feel like a Whale!  I still have over 10 weeks.... It seems like a life time!  

Well its off to bed AGAIN! 

Book Worm Wanna Be

How many books do you read a year? 

I have come across studies that found that found 80% of Americans did not buy or read a book last year. Can that be right? 80%?!?!?

I decided at the beginning of the year that I was going to read at lest one book a month this year.  How am I doing? Well so far here is the list of books I have read so far:

Avalanche: The 9 Principles for Uncovering True Wealth

By Steve Sanduski and Ron Carson

 The Blessed Life

By Robert Morris

Skinny Bitch, Bun in the Oven

By Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin 

So I guess I am not doing horrible, but I feel like I should be reading more.  I love to read, I want to read, so why am I not reading more books??? I love book stores and I love buying books but I confess I have bought several books over the years and some I have not finished or not even started! Sometimes I watch a little too much TV although really I only watch the tube maybe three days a week or I am online, yeah thats the reason I spend my extra time online for long periods of times!

So this month in order to read more books I have decided that unless I am at a friends house watching a movie or a sports game I am not going to watch TV.  For the month of April I am not going to hit the "power" button on the television, which I don't think will be hard! I will limit my internet time at night and not spend more than one hour online! (Wow this one is going to be hard).  Other then those changes I will carry the current book I am reading with me so whenever I am waiting I can be reading.  

I can't wait to discover the books I should have been reading years ago!

Food Rant #1

I watched this Documentary by filmmaker Robert Kenner for the second time this weekend and was reminded of the many problems in our food industry today!

If you have never heard of this film it is a documentary of how each year the food industry becomes more and more corrupt.  How is this happening? It's happening because big companies are taking over super markets and profiting big time for the price of the consumers health! Three years ago I read the book Skinny Bitch by by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, that was the year my food diet would change forever.  They both are vegans and although I am not a vegan the more I read about our meat industry today the more I want to go one step father and go on a all organic raw food diet.  Well after reading the book Skinny Bitch I began to buy books and do more research about our food industry.  I'll warn you right now the more you read the more disgusted you'll become with our fast food america.  Although I believe its easy to read and change your eating for a week, month, or even year then go back to that McD's burger if you stop reading and choose to "forget" what you are truly putting into your body! My point is people need to be talking more about what is happening to our food industry as these government funded companies take over!  There is a heart braking story in this film about a mom who lost her 4 year soon to E-coli shortly after he was feed a burger from a place that was selling beef from an infected cow.  Can you imagine losing your child because the FDA's focus is more on profit than on consumer safety?? 

There are so many shocking facts through out this documentary that effect our life every time we put something in our mouth! I encourage everyone reading this to watch the film and then share it with anyone and everyone you know!  I am not some vegan freak that throws blood on people wearing fur or extreme hippie by any means!!! I admit I love Sushi  (Yes I love eating fish and I know once I start to research fish closely I may choose that it's not worth eating because of the growing heath risk).   The meat we eat today is different than the meat our great grandparents where eating years ago and it continues to change. America's food corporations don't want us to know what we are eating, where the meat is coming from (hell it might not be from the US!), or what disease and inflection the animal might have had that was "killed" by the antibodies fed to the meat before saluter! 

I think every one should become more aware of what we eat and then if you STILL want to pollute your body with fast food, soda, and so on... then go ahead! But why wouldn't you choose to live the healthiest life possible for you and your family? Okay, that's my rant about "food" for the night.

NOW GO RENT OR WATCH INSTANTLY via NetFlix FOOD, Inc.!!!!

Tell me what you think, was it an eye opener? Did it make you mad? Will this change any of your choices??

Baby Kicks

The Baby Kicks So Much At Night! 

I've been relaxing on my bed surfing the internet and I find myself stopping and starring at my belly as I see little movements! It's so amazing to not only be able to feel your baby but also see the movement.  One of the hardest parts about always being alone at night while this is happening is having no one to share in the excitement.  But then again I'm not alone my baby is with me always.  It's amazing how you can love so one so much and have never met them.  I am so in Love, I have never felt this love for anyone before! I am so blessed and thankful for the work God is doing in my life durning this time. I pray that I will be a strong woman of faith and the best example possible for this sweet little baby girl.  I pray for her future father and my my future husband that God will keep him safe. I am trusting in God's timing and no longer my own. 

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

AhhhMazing!

So for the last couple of hours I have been drooling over my new favorite wedding blog! Take a look at some of these amazing photographs!!

I love the Lighting in this photo

My favorite thing about photographing wedding is doing all the PJ shots.  I love catching these happy moments!

The the posing in these photos.

One of the cutest and original cakes I have seen! 

All Photographs by The Green Wedding Shoes.  

Baby Room Love !

I found this amazing baby room decor via Black Eiffel  Blog. I think what I like the most is how simple it is although there are a few things missing like a book shelf and a lamp! :) But I love the green wall, the brightness of the room and this clean look! 

JOSHY!!!

My Brother Josh Will Be Back from Iraq and in the US Very Soon!!! 

YAY!

Lovely Dresses

Found these adorable dresses online today!!! I can't wait to see sweet Ella in darling dresses like these!

Mod olive green and chartreuse polka dot dress with leaves applique

Reversible red and red dot pinafore dress with red toile birdie 

Reversible jumper dress or top

I Adore Her!!!

Natalie Portman

I Must Say I Love This Actress!!! I Love her look, movies, and style! This girl really has it going on!
CUTE AND SEXY!!!!

Classy Grill Cheese Sandwiches

Look how classy these grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soups look! I love this!
(Via Mandr)

27 Weeks Down, 13 Weeks to Go!

This week I am 27 weeks pregnant. Still have the last three months to go before my due date, which seems way too long!!

Tuesday I went to Target to get some new cloths, but instead I just found myself in aw about how big my baby bump is now!!!

I went and had an Ultra Sound on Thursday at Mercy. Here are two of the really cool 4D Pictures of my baby's face!

After I got my Ultra Sound my Mom and I went to Babies R' Us and looked around at all the cute and fun baby stuff. I think yesterday is when it really hit me, "I'M HAVING A BABY!" I think just being able to see how real she is on the 4D Ultra Sound and then realizing all the things I am going to need to get for her and my mom being a grandparent for the first time! Wow it's a little scary but more then anything I felt a level of excitement that I hadn't felt before!
I use to see myself as a single, independent, career driven woman. I had plans to work and travel as much as I could. I also was not sure if I would ever have my own kids, I figured I might met the man I would marry and maybe to a step-mom if he already had kids.
Now everything has changed, to my surprise I am having my own baby and although I'm going at it as a single parent I've never felt more sure that I am where God is calling me to be. I have changed a lot since finding out I was pregnant. I started looking to God, having faith and praying more. It's no longer just about me. Things I use to see as "problems" don't even matter to me anymore! I feel like I finally see what really matters in life, and I'm really live the life that God always intended me to live.
I'm so excited to be a mom and I am so blessed to have the support of my family and friends.

I leave with the quote that has really changed my thinking and helped me through this pregnancy:

"Decisions become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please the world."~Anso Coetzer

St. Patty's Day!

Today its one of my favorite days to go out with friends and celebrate! But this year being pregnant I'm taking it a bit easy. My friend Kelly is having a St. Patty's day Party that I'll be stopping by, I just love her and her husband Justin such great people!! Then my friend Rusty and I are gonna grab dinner and start a new series called The Pacific. I might just have to drink some green tea though to celebrate with a little green! :)

An Irish toast: May those that love us, love us.And those that don't love us, may God turn their hearts. And if He doesn't turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles so we will know them by their limping.

HAPPY ST. Patty's Day!!!!

Pics From Last Year's St. Patty's Day:



We all went to McNellie's to Celebrate with Green Beer......And some Irish Car Bombs


The People I spend most of my time with : Christina, Jesse, and Russ


Lauren and Denny,Miss working with these 2 /Ended our night with Dancing Christina and Petra

Prego Cravings

My Current Craving: French Fries with Ranch

Often people ask me what my pregnancy cravings are and I honestly haven't had too many crazy cravings. The first couple of weeks I had mad cravings for refried beans with melted cheese. Cookies, brownies, and coffee has become a consist craving of mine, which sucks because I really should be avoiding all three!! Right now I am craving some french fries, I am so close to leaving the house and making a french fry run, but I won't. One I am too comfy sitting here on my mac in the warm house and two my doctor would be shaking his head at my unwise food choice.

I will say this, Pickles and Pregnant women is NOT a myth! I love pickles more now than I ever could imagine a person liking pickles. I am trying really hard to keep my food choices healthy because not only am I feeding me but more importantly I am feeding my baby!

I Love Veggies!

So anyone who has known me the past 2 or 3 years knows that I have fallen in love with the "Raw Food Moment" or the veggie life style. I admit since I found out I was pregnant last October I have ate the occasional steak filet, Bison Meat ( No hormones added, lean, Im convinced the healthiest meat out there to eat) and Fish. But I really want to eat mostly raw, fresh, fruits and vegetables. I have many reasons I won't go into now, but I discovered this restaurant online that I really want to Visit the next Time I'm in LA. Veggie Grill has four locations in California. Their menu is all Plant-Based (Awesome!). Their Web site is www.veggiegrill.com . What do you think ?

Summer Outings

I always find myself looking for new and original ideas for things to do in the Oklahoma City metro area. Last summer my friend Tiffanie and I would always try to come up with something new and fun to do for a Saturday evening or a night out. Many times when we wanted to think of something we couldn't and would just resort to a weekend in Dallas. However this Summer I will have a new born and getting an afternoon, evening, or possibly a weekend will no longer be guaranteed, so this summer I want to be able to squeeze some of my idea's in when I do get a day/night on the town!

My Summer Idea's and To-Do List:

• Sunset Sail at Lake Hefner, you can pay to have them sail you out and watch the sunset (1 1/2 hour ). I love sail boats probably because I love the water, but I have yet to be on one. This is a great idea for a date or girls night out! I would also suggest a bottle or two of wine to enjoy while relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery.
• Go to a Friday Art Walk that they host at the Paeso (I think the first friday of the month). The great thing about these art walks is that most galleries have wine or wine tastings along with little snacks. I went to one 2 years ago and really enjoyed it. I also loved seeing local art. Afterwards you can have dinner at one of the near by restaurants, I recommend Picasso Grill. The owner Kim is a kick ass chick and my dear friend Brandon will make you an amazing cocktail!
• Cocktails On The Skyline held on the roof top of the Oklahoma City Art Museum. I have yet to go. My friend Kelly has invited me to go with her in the past but I had never seemed to make it. It starts May 6 and runs through October 28 on Thursdays opening at 5pm. They offer cocktails and live band entertainment. This year the opening band is Born in November, which your ears will love! Cliff and the band are so talented and a joy to listen to! The first time I heard them play was at a wedding I was photographing and later got to hear them many times at Cafe Nova, you won't be disappointed!
• Bowling Night Oklahoma city recently opened up a new bowling ally in bricktown, Red Pin. Another place I have yet to go.... They have offer drinks from beer to Martin's and have an impressive food menu. Bowling is not something I've done very often but with right friends it sounds like a fun afternoon or evening plan!
• Go to a Baseball Game Of course here in Oklahoma city we have the nice red hawks stadium. I believe that one Tuesday or it might be Thursdays (not sure) they have drink specials for ladies night. I also just love to be at a sporting event. You won't find me watching baseball on TV, but I'm up to going to the live game! A beer in one hand and a hot dog in the other hand sound good? Well maybe a light beer and some nacho's is more likely for me to be seen with!
• Wine Tastings I am not sure what all liquor stores or restaurants offer them but I do know of at lest one, The Wild Turkey on 122nd and McArthur. My friend Rick is an owner and the first Thursday of the month they host wine tastings, often along with a beer and liquor tasting! I would like to become more of a wine connoisseur and wine tastings always sound like an awesome idea!
• Golf Day weather it is put-put or a driving range I honestly want to put on a polo and shorts (Gotta play the part) and go hit some balls! Then afterwards have some lunch at the country club with some club specials or maybe some lunch at a near by cafe. I guess ideally the thing to do is find some "Golfers" and spend the day on the corse and try to learn how to golf!
• Picnics are great when the Oklahoma wind is not blowing too hard and right before the summer heat or around the fall. I enjoy laying out a big blanket and bringing some wine with a packed lunch or some snacks and enjoying catching up with a friend. Tiff and I did this last summer and preferred to be by the water although make sure the grass is soft and their isn't a pile of dead fish near by (That was gross)!!
• Road Trip , let me rephrase that ROAD TRIP?!?!?!!! I feel like I need to yell those two words loudly and full of excitement! I really want to take a weekend road trip this summer. Two places come to mind 1) Weekend in Dallas 2) Float Illinois River. I did both last year and it was a blast!! A fun weekend in Dallas filled with shopping, dinner, and dancing is just a must from time to time. I also enjoy "camping," (I prefer finding a find with a RV I don't like to rough it too much) cook outs, and floating the river all day!
• Lake my favorite thing about the summer is going out on a speed boat all day on the lake! I just love the sun and love the water. In Oklahoma there are plenty of chances to go out of the lake durning the summer. I would love to go to the lake AT LEST once this summer!

Well thats all I have for now. I really look forward to this summer!!! This summer will be the most exciting because I will be a new mom and look forward to being with my little baby girl.

I know that this summer I might not get to do everything I normally would and thats okay but above are some idea's for the times I'm told "Jenn, let me watch Ella today/tonight so you can have some free time" otherwise I'll draw a blank and ask the repeating question "...I don't care what do you wanna do..."

Last BIG LOVE Date Night of 2010

BIG LOVE = BIG ENTERTAINMENT

Is anyone else watching this, or should I say anyone else just addicted to this show as much as my friend Rusty and I are???

Yesterday was the season 4 finale of Big Love. I first started watching this series 4 years ago Season 1 when my best friend first got me hooked on it. Its one of those series though that is gone for a year and half before it's air with another season, which sucks for an addicted viewer like myself! But After the 1st or 2nd Season I admit life happened and I kinda forgot about it. Then one of my best friends, Rusty reintroduced it back in my life telling me how good it was and how much I was missing.
So this season we made it a point to meet every Sunday (No matter what, he even drives in from out of town or back from a ski trip early) to have our weekly "Big Love" Date Night.
Every Episode is an hour long airing on HBO. I really got hooked, once again on this series.

Looking forward to the next Season, it ended like most season finales end, leaving you on the edge of your seat!!! Russ and I were left with are "OH MY GOSH...WHAT?..." lingering ...while we have our after the episode discussions and tried to figured out what we will fill our Sunday night Void with .....