Coming Clean

 For the past 5 weeks or so I've been lazy. 

Lazy, tired, crabby and oh-so-unproductive. 

But I have a good excuse!

I'll let Ellie explain:

Yep! Ellie's going to be a big sister! She seems pretty excited about that, huh?

Probably because she has NO idea what she's in for! All she knows is that she likes babies........for now. We'll see how she feels when there's a baby who's here to stay! ;)

Slowly, as the all-day nausea wears off (half true, half wishful-thinking-crossing-my-fingers-and-toes), the shock is wearing off with it. Reality is setting in and we couldn't be more excited! 

The truth is, change is on the horizon. This little family has a bright future ahead of us, but at this point in time, we have no idea where that future will be or what it will look like. Our entire world will be turned around in about two months when Scott finishes school (and his paid internship). For now, all we know is that we will be facing life's blessing and challenges as a family of four! Eeeeek!!

Baby Pawlak #2 due 11/17/12 :)

Steppin' Out: Casual Date Night

I'm no fashionista. And stepping in front of the camera further proves that to me. But, I'm trying. Okay, I'm not trying to be a fashion guru or anything like that.....but I'm trying to do my hair and make-up and get dressed on a regular basis. I'm kind of cringing right now about how I look in these pictures......but I think that's how I've gotten to where I am. By hiding under comfortable baggy clothes, and by not caring. I truly did not care about how I looked for some time, and now? Now I'm a little embarrassed by the way that I look and all of the work it's going to take to get me back to where I'm comfortable and happy with my body. Phew! There, I said it. It's out in the open, and so are these pictures........

I'm making it my goal to get dressed more often, see myself for where I am at, and take care of my body. This is just a start.

And this is what happens when you enlist your husband to take pictures for you......blurry and awkward. Oh well!

Shirt: Old Navy // Tank: Target // Skinny Jeans: Old Navy // Leopard Print Boat Shoes: Sperry

We headed out on a casual, but fun and much needed, date on Saturday. I can't remember the last time Scott and I went on an actual date, just the two of us. The best part was that he planned it all! It wasn't anything fancy, but the fact that he took me to a pizza place that he's eaten at a hundred times because I complained that I've never gotten to try it.......that made me swoon. And then top if off with a movie and fro-yo? That is my kind of date! I love him and am thankful for the alone time we had together.

Linking up with Mandy at Harper's Hapenings http://www.harpershappenings.com/

I hope you're enjoying your weekend as much as I'm enjoying mine!

Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Veteran's Day to our country's heros!

 My Husband and High School Sweetheart.

 Her Daddy.....the best one she could ever ask for.

And our Hero!

Happy Veteran's Day to Scott and the many, many other Veteran's both past and present! This is the Home of the Free Because of the Brave!

Happy Birthday, Dear Husband

I'm sure Scott will hate that I'm writing this. But I'm also sure that it won't surprise him, either.

Today is Scott's birthday!

We celebrated last weekend with my family (my dad's birthday is the 23rd, so they get joint birthday dinners.....which I'm sure they both appreciate), which is great because today? On his actual birthday? Scott is pulling a 17 hour day. Poor guy. Between work, school, and now a volunteer project for school, this is, unfortunately, a typical day for him. He works hard, finishes his assignments on time, and still manages to brush Ellie's teeth and tuck her in almost every night.

I seriously don't know how he does it! I often feel stressed and will complain about how long my to-do list is, but Scott rarely complains. He quietly leaves the house at 5:30 am without waking Ellie or me (except to steal a goodbye kiss), puts in his hours at work, meets with study groups and finishes projects at school, and doesn't even mention how he hasn't eaten all day while I'm still trying to scrounge something up for dinner at 8:00 pm. I don't think I would be sane right now if it weren't for Scott and his calm demeanor and determination.

We know that the turmoil our life is in right now isn't permanent. Scott is in his final year of school, and this June brings us promises of free time together, and perhaps family dinners at a decent hour. After June comes a "real" job for Scott (hopefully, fingers and toes crossed), a real 9-5, business casual, vacation time and benefits, and home with the family on evenings and weekends job. That's our plan, anyway.

It's what keeps me going, and I hope that Scott sees that light at the end of the tunnel, too. He's working awfully hard for that bright future, and I sure hope that today, of all days, he's feeling encouraged and hopeful.

I really wish that we could be together as a family today, celebrating Scott as a husband and father. Maybe next year. Today, he will work, and I will work, and maybe we'll share a yummy dessert on the couch after the day is done.

I love you, Scott! I'm thinking about you today, and I hope that you know how loved you are! Happy Birthday!

Remembering.....

I know a lot of bloggers had a lot to say about the 10th anniversary of 9/11 today.

I don't have many words tonight.

Except that "anniversary" doesn't seem fitting. I mean, this isn't something we're celebrating. Remembering, yes. Mourning, yes. Commemorating, yes. Celebrating? Absolutely not.

There's no celebration, and I don't think there should even be any moving on. If we move on, that takes us farther from the feelings we had that day: anger, sadness, willingness to fight.

I think that, as Americans, we should always keep those feelings close to our heart, or else we risk losing our pride.

I really don't want to get all preach-ey about this, because I've spent the day in quiet reflection and silent prayers for those lives lost, their families, and for our nation. But, I guess this topic is closer to my heart than I will allow myself to remember, because suddenly I have many, many feelings about that day, and about our country and those who fight to defend it.

If it weren't for the events of 9/11, I really don't know how differently my life would have played out. Would Scott have joined the Army at all?! The Army took him thousands of miles away, trained him how to be a soldier, and exposed him to things he won't easily forget. I actually don't know why Scott decided to join the Army after high school graduation in 2002, and I'll be darned if I could get him to tell me why. But I do think that 9/11 was a part of his decision. Little did he know that his life would be forever changed. And while I wasn't around for his entire career as a soldier, I can tell you that he served honorably and diligently.

Today of all days was Scott's very last day serving this country as a soldier. I can't believe I'm actually tearing up as I type this, but this chapter in his life our lives is closed.

It changes a lot of things for us, and while this is a little bit scary, it's also a huge relief. Scott served for nine years including active duty and reserves, and spent many, many months deployed overseas. I'm relieved to have him home for good, and also very proud of his service.

He doesn't even think it's a big deal, but I know it is.

My heart is proud tonight, knowing that he finished the noble path that he started nine years ago. Whether Scott joined the Army to support his country after those cruel attacks, or he was just a wayward high school graduate looking for direction is a moot point.

I want to take this moment to thank all of our soldiers and service men and women. It's not an easy job, and the monetary compensation will never be enough for the way that they defend our country with their lives. But, we thank them in hopes that it will keep them strong. If you know a soldier, police officer, fire-fighter, or other keeper-of-our-country's-peace, please say a little prayer for them tonight, and for those who have lost a loved one on 9/11 or in the aftermath.

I will sleep soundly tonight, but only because of the sacrifice of others.

I guess I found more words than I thought I had inside of me. Thank you to my husband for nine years of service.....you have been strong, brave, and selfless, and I love you for that.

It's the end of an era for my little family, and just the beginning on the road back to

freedom and safety for America.

God Bless the USA.

Three Years

Today I just want to say

Happy Anniversary to my hubs!!!

(and now, feast your eyes on years and years worth of silly couples photos :)

Today we celebrate three years of wedded bliss.

Okay, him and I will both tell you that it's not always bliss.

But, most of the time it's bliss :)

I'm so thankful to have found someone who understands me.

I can't explain our love any other way than this: he just "gets" me.

There's no explaining, no wondering. Scott just understands me, where I come from, and how I will react to things. He's not perfect, and neither am I. But we work hard, we play together, and love life together!

Happy Anniversary, babe! I love you!

The Best Friend

Today I'm simply going to show off some photos of my BFF (and her fiance, too)!

Katie and I have known each other for a long time, and I actually talk about her quite a bit here on this blog (how could I not.....we see each other at least once every weekend).
Last week I got to take some engagement photos of Katie and Chase, because they are getting married next May! I'm so very excited for them! I can't wait for their big day!

Katie and Chase let me practice my photography skills on them and try out a new lens.
I need the practice, and I couldn't have asked for easier subjects :)

 And of course the icing on the cake was going out to dinner after our photo shoot!
Working with your best friends can be pretty sweet.
Plus, who knew taking pictures could stir up such an appetite?!

My Two Monkeys

We had a really fun Father's Day yesterday if I do say so myself!

Quite a while ago, Scott had asked to go to the zoo for Father's Day.

So that's exactly what we did!

My parents were able to go with us, and I'm so glad! It is always fun to watch them interact with Ellie one on one, even if we miss the rest of our family when they aren't able to tag along. Our friends Melissa and Tim came too, with sweet little Stella.

We took our time, visited the animals we wanted to, and skipped the ones we didn't care to see :)
My dad and I stopped along the way to talk f-stops and shutter speed, and Ellie even took a nap in her stroller (read: miracle)!
Overall, it was a really fun time. We ended up with a year-long membership to the zoo, so this definitely won't be our last visit this summer!

While my dad and I were honing our photog skills on the animals, I was intent on capturing a couple family pictures, as well as at least one good photo of Scott and Ellie together. Neither of these happen often.

The family pics will come later, but here are some super cute moments I caught of Scott and Ellie, my two loves!

Scott, I hope you had a fun Father's Day!

I know I did. Watching you and Ellie together melts my heart. I love you both so very much!