We really are blessed

So lately I have been a bit more depressed and complaining about life a bit more than I should be. Some of it is justified and certain situations just suck, but some I just need to get over and really focus on the positive in life, not everything is that bad. That being said, while I may not have a huge close family, God has blessed me with wonderful friends to make up for it. I really don't know what I would do without them. And it amazes how and when they've come into my life, and how each has somehow because a very important part of it. I cannot be grateful enough for that. Finances are hard, but I am thankful that I do have a steady job that does make enough to support us, and that we are still able to have a little fun with our money. Yes it's been hard lately with as much as we're putting into the house, but we will (hopefully) get that back someday, and while it's a struggle now, I look forward to the day it will be much better. And speaking of the house. While this house has been a huge headache in itself, I'm glad we've put the effort into trying to keep it. For one it has been great coming across certain things and being reminded of something. And true there is a ton of junk we're just throwing away, it kind of makes it worth it when we find that box of pictures from years ago, or my mom's old diary we get to read through and have a way of hearing the old stories she won't be able to tell. I'm glad we have these things to keep with us and not just walk away from. And last, yes, it will be great if we can actually get some money out of the house when it's all said and done to help out with all the debt we've been put into taking care of my mom and all, but more than that, I'm glad because that's what my mom would have wanted. While it might have been much easier to just let the house go into forclosure and walk away because we might not get anything from it anyhow, my mom fought so much to keep that house and we've already put so much effort into it, it would be a shame to let her wishes just die with her.

Our pregnancy update

So I'm sure many of you have already heard, we have found out our little one is a GIRL! I was quite shocked, Derek said he had an inkling it might be, but we're both very excited none the less! Let the shopping spree begin! The ultrasound was great fun, we got to see her moving all around and chatting away already. For anyone with future ultrasounds, a little OJ before hand really wakes them up! A friend from work has been so gracious and we already have a stroller, swing and a couple play mats. We bought our carseat that goes with the stroller, so we're very excited to start getting our baby collection started.
We still don't have our car back, hoping it'll be done sometime in the next week...it is taking SO long!
We've been busy working on my mom's house, and after 3 HUGE dumpsters, the inside of the house, junk out of the back yard and some of the garage is cleared out. I'm sure we could use another dumpster for the rest of the garage, but I think we might have to hold off for a little....those things are expensive! Thanks to a friends dad that has helped us a ton, we have guys that have retextured all the walls and ceilings, cleaned everything up and are painting in the next couple days. End of the week we'll have new carpet going in and the (inside of the) place will look brand new! Well, close, we still have SO much work to go into it, but we are making progress. I am so ready for this to be done!
That is a basic update of our life, working and working on the house on days off. I can't wait to get a life back and focus on something else!

Highlights of the week

So this past week or 2 have been busy and a little more than stressful to say the least. First the happy parts. Our very dear friends Heather and Ian officially tied the knot on Saturday. It was a beautiful wedding, her grandfather walked her down the aisle, there were tears all around and she was one of the most gorgeous brides I have seen. I was jealous of how well organized everything was (she's an event planner, what else would I have expected?) and how perfectly everything turned out. I'm sure they will have a wonderful marriage together. Another happy point I got to spend my birthday with our great friends at Disneyland, with my big happy "It's my birthday" pin and all. The rest of the week stunk as the lovely pregnancy sickness has kicked back in, but he next week Derek took me to see Phantom of the Opera at the Pantages theatre. What an incredible show! I loved Derek for happily going with me even though I know it's not high on his list of things to do.
Now for the not so happy. First off our beloved new car is temporarily out of service. Friday night on our way to the rehearsal dinner we got in an accident that forced us to have our new baby towed away. First off no one but the car was hurt, baby mom and dad are all just fine, along with the poor guy driving the other car. And with the exception of a bent wheel, our car proved to us it is really good in accidents and does a great job absorbing damage! Other not so happy news, I am finding I really don't enjoy being pregnant, not much at least. Don't get me wrong I love knowing there is a child growing inside of me that Derek and I have created, and I want this baby to grow to be strong and healthy, and I cannot begin to explain the love I have this little bean, past that, it's not what I hoped for. I knew to expect the "morning" sickness, but never realized how miserable most days would be. And then just when that seems to get better, it comes back, and brings along a stake through your back causing severe non-stop pain. And the near daily headthrobs that end only in tears. I'm sure everything is exxagerated cause I'm over sensitive right now, but man, this sucks. Everyone kept saying once I get into the 2nd tri it would get better, but it doesn't, and only seems to add things. I just have to remind myself it will all be worth it in the end.
And sorry for no pics of anything, that is in the car in the towyard. :-)

Disneyland, Family cars and Crazy bachelorettes

We've been busy lately, lots of celebrations going on and busy with work and kids. Last week we had my niece and nephew for 6 days. While I love those kids they can certainly be a handful. You find out so much more about people after 6 days. It was a real eye-opener for what we have to look forward to...and I'm scared!! Last week was one of my very best friend Malia's birthday so of course we celebrated at Disneyland. Maybe it's because I never went to DL on my birthday as a kid, but I cannot imagine any better place to spend a birthday! We had a great time hanging out and I was so proud of the awesome breast cancer blanket I made her, I had to force myself to give it up. The following Saturday was another close friends bridal shower and bachelorette party. There were a few hick-ups but overall the girls all had fun. Of course I got to be completely sober pregnant one, but I had a really good time dancing and hanging out. I just cannot believe Heather is getting married. I can only imagine how she felt at my wedding now! Lastly we got a new family friendly car! We went to look at small SUV type cars and ended up driving home in a brand new Rav-4. We love it! It has just about everything we could possibly want, plenty of space and is a blast to drive. So Derek had to say goodbye to his fun 350Z of childless days and welcome in the family car.
We traded this
for this

The bachelorette getting down with one of her bridesmaids
Hubby and I at Disneyland
The birthday girl and I

I really don't know how people do this!?!?

How on earth do pregnant women grow babies and work full time!?!?! I know we've got a lot of stuff and stress going on besides this, but man, I can hardly make it into work anymore, and when I'm there, it's miserable. I had to call out last night, again. I know working night takes a toll on your body anyhow, but it's just kicking my butt now! I can't sleep during the day much, so between the normal nausea and feeling tired thanks to pregnancy hormones I am beyond exhausted for work, which nearly doubles the nausea! What I wouldn't give to be able to quit my job or at least go down to part time. In between that I've been wearing myself down trying to get my mom's house cleaned up so my bro can be able to move in. That has been a much harder job than we anticipated. So, thanks for my little rant, I know things will get better, it just can't come soon enough!

This year is full of surprises!

With sorrow there also comes joy. 5 days after my mom passed Derek and I found out we were pregnant (well, thought we were, 3 positive tests later we were convinced!) While the time has been hard missing my mom, I am so looking forward to having this new life that is growing within! It's bittersweet, but this little bundle of joy has definitely allowed me to keep my focus on something else and be hopeful for the future and not longing for the past. We're now 9 weeks along and so far things are looking good. It's very exciting as I'll get to share this time with a long lost friend from hs that is just a few days further along than me! What a blessing this child is!

Here's to 2009!

So it's been awhile, we've been relaxing and trying to get through the holidays. We went up to WA to visit Derek's family and that was a great escape from everything we'd been dealing with. It snowed up there and was absolutely beautiful! My buddy Desi and I even got to build a snowman which I can't remember when I've last done. I got to spend a great day baking with my mother and sister in law, it was such a great bonding moment. I really lucked out with amazing in laws! Spent Christmas eve with the whole family and then flew back home on Christmas day in time to have dinner with my brothers and niece. New years we went out with some friends and while everyone else looked like they were having a blast, I wasn't feeling too great but tried to make the best of it. So we're looking forward to the new year and all that it holds. I'm planning on this year being a good one for us. It'll be busy, but so far so good. Here's a few pics from the past couple weeks.
The new butterfly in memory of my mom.
Desi and I's snow-woman
Mom and sis cracking up while baking and refusing to look at the camera. What a great day!
The kids patiently waiting to open gifts. I would've had that thing tore up already!
The snow on our friends road.
Well, hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!