Year 2K12 In Review

It's that time! Time for my annual end-of-year post. The post where I highlight what has gone on this year, in month-by-month fashion. I like this post because it gives me time to reflect and really look at what has happened in a year.

For a year that seemed so uneventful following the big 2011 (and no preceding a big 2013), a lot of things have happened. So here we go!

January
Our family cat of 16 years was finally laid to rest.
We celebrated the engagement of two wonderful people - Adrian and Tiffany!
I started my new job and it has been a blast ever since.
The whole family prepared to make our trip to Cabo happen.
Murphy showed more signs of having a finicky digestive system.
My gallbladder launched its first attack, while on the road to Austin.

February
Phillip started a temporary assignment with FC Dallas as an assistant equipment manager.
For Valentine's day, I gave Phillip an old bleacher from the Ballpark in Arlington.
I found out that my gallbladder needed to come out, and surgery was scheduled for March.
We almost lost Phillip's dad when a routine cardiac out-patient procedure had complications. SO GLAD HE IS STILL WITH US!

March
We really started noticing Murphy had a problem with his digestive system, and his weight loss was proving it.
Rooms were all booked for Cabo.
Gallbladder surgery was successful - and they took my appendix too, which led to a slightly more difficult recovery.

April
We started packing up our apartment and looked for places to live.
The night-of-the-twisters rocked the metroplex, as we took cover together under the FC Dallas stadium.

May
We moved in with Phillip's parents until we could find our next residence.
Heather graduated from college.
Screenings at work kept me swamped - with flights as well.

June
We celebrated our first anniversary at the Stoneleigh in Dallas, sans wedding cake that didn't make it.
We started packing for Cabo.
We signed a lease and prepared to move the day after returning from Mexico.
Murphy reached his lowest weight, which prompted a trip to the vet and a successful food adjustment.

July
Celebrated the wedding of Adrian and Tiffany and had a great family vacation.
Moved into our house in Argyle.
My identity was stolen in Mexico - all fixed now!
Phillip started his temporary position with Collin County College.

August
We finally got on our own insurance plan.
Started planning a family.
I applied to graduate school.

September
Phillip began working full-time for CVS.
Enjoyed a relaxing month with nothing too important happening.

October
I finally finished putting my office together.
We trekked out to the Flower Mound pumpkin patch and carved pumpkins for the house.
Murphy was "fixed" at the vet to help calm him down.

November
I was accepted to graduate school - to start January 14!
Phillip and I voted together.
President Obama was elected for a second term.
A great Thanksgiving full of family and friends.

December
Decorated for Christmas. Our decoration supply multiplied exponentially with outside lights, a new tree, and a house to fill.
Newtown shook the world.
We had a white Christmas.
I FOUND OUT THAT I'M PREGNANT.

And now, as I look forward into the new year, I am anxious, excited, and nervous. A new baby will be joining us, Heather will be taking off with her career and life, Grace and Emily will be graduating and venturing into their new professional worlds, we will be moving into a bigger house (of course), hopefully Phillip will be starting a new career, I will embark on the adventure of graduate school, and so so so so so much more!!!

Let's get this 2K13 party started!

Guest Post: A little explanation, a whole lotta love

So, um, about yesterday.



I guess I was a bit, well, excited.



I realize that the way I was expressing my emotions was a bit different than how I tend to express emotion on here and that probably took y'all a little by surprise. But the thing is...



I'M JUST SO HAPPY!!!


Okay, inside voice.



The thing is, one of my best friends in the entire world just found out that she is pregnant!



She's been wanting this and waiting for this and she deserves this and now it's happening!



And now I'm caught up in all the wonderful things that a baby means - for her and her husband and their families and just in general.



This is truly love multiplied. This will be happiness added onto a marriage that is already full of love. What a lucky little poppy seed.



This baby will have some really awesome parents! For so many reasons. Alongside all of the love and protection and security, there's gonna be so much fun! In between the creativity and talent of his or her parents, this child will have some really cute and awesome traditions and activities, and also a collection of really great pictures! Can I just say, "creative photographer daddy and artsy jack-of-all-trades mommy"? Yeah, it's gonna be good.



There's gonna be a little Long baby (Long being the last name) born into a wonderful family. The parents will undoubtedly pass the best of their traits onto this tiny little life, with just enough personality hiccups to keep things interesting. This baby will be strong and determined. He or she will be passionate and willing to fight for what he or she cares about and believes in, but also laid back enough to know how to pick their battles and let the little things roll off their shoulders. They will be artistic and creative and tech savvy. They will have a strong sense of family. They will be a little spoiled, but never bratty, and they will work for what they want. They will be a good problem solver, and know how to take charge when necessary. They will be active and happy and athletic and funny and bunches of other great things that I can't even fathom right now.



In between the two sets of grandparents, and a bunch of aunts and uncles (by birth and blessed grand design of friendship) this baby will have an extended family that is large, quick-witted, incredibly punny, caring, big-hearted, dependable, super involved and just a little bit crazy. And there will be more love than this baby will ever need. This child will never want for love.



There are going to be little bitty pieces of clothing, and a lingering smell of baby powder and baby lotion. There will be experiments with baby food and snacks, and debates and discussion about which new mommy trends to get on board with. There will be baby's first Halloween and Christmas and the first Mother's and Father's day. There will be bedtime stories and lullabies and prayers and laughter and smiles.



Don't get me wrong. I know that having a baby isn't all fun and games. This will be lessons and learning and growth for all involved. It'll be hard work and tough decisions for the mom and dad. There will be a lot of late and sleepless nights. There will be moments of worry and indecision, and there are going to be surprises that may not always be good.



But there's also this incredible love that is going to come with it to make those hard times so much easier. Any rough moments will be worth it in the end. There is going to be so much support. Support for the parents and the child. There are going to be so many prayers and people willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that this beautiful baby on the way will always be taken care of. 



I'm excited for this addition to the lives of people I consider a part of my extended family. I'm excited to be the Mexican "aunt" by blessed grand design to this little Long baby. I'm excited for the journey that my dear friend and her husband are embarking on, and I want to be there to do whatever I can. I love these wonderful people who God is blessing with a baby, and I already love this kid like crazy. How could I not? 

Written by: Tabitha Arguelles on 12/28/12

So grateful to have her as a friend. I love her to pieces and this is just part of why.

Guess what readers!?

I AM PREGNANT!!!!

That's right! It's official. I can shout it from the roof tops! We will be welcoming our first bundle-of-joy on/around September 7, 2013. Crazy, right!?

The truth is, we have been trying for a few months now. We decided we were ready and have been anxious for a positive pregnancy test ever since. And on Christmas day, I got that!

On Christmas morning, I saw a second pink line. It was faint so I was skeptical and didn't tell anyone. Then, yesterday afternoon, I used one of those fancy digital "pregnant" or "not pregnant" tests. And both said "Pregnant" and another one of the old-fashioned tests had a stronger line. So I guess everyone agrees!

The first person I told, obviously, was Phillip. I took the digital test and cleaned it thoroughly since I am a germ-o-phobe then placed it in his stocking when he wasn't looking. I then told him Santa had one last stocking stuffer to give him. I told him Santa wanted to deliver it Christmas morning, but had to wait until we were at home with our stockings.

"REALLY!?" <-- first="first" p="p" response.="response.">Huge hug in the middle of the living room. <-- p="p" response.="response." second="second">
He then made some calls to get out of working last night so we could tell our families. I went to the store to pick up some props to inform the Longs and Galloways. Then off to Bedford for the shock of a lifetime!

First was the big Longs. They knew I was coming by to pick up some gifts that wouldn't fit the first trip home, but they were surprised to find Phillip with me. We brought in a gift saying that Santa forgot one last gift for them. They opened it. It was a picture frame with spots for baby pictures. As soon as his mom figured it out, she jumped and started crying hysterically (in a good way of course). Phillip's dad instantly came to hug us. What a great response!

Then on to the Galloways. My whole family was going out to dinner anyway, so we decided to tell them beforehand. I mean how many times can you get 8 people together at once, especially with my sister living in San Antonio and my brother's bar-like work schedule? We gave my mom the gift to open. This year she has been particularly blessed with gifts, so we knew she'd be the perfect one to open it since she's been pushed to the edge several times with being overwhelmed with love. She pulled  out a small bottle of baby lotion and said thanks, but looked confused. Then was the small bottle of baby powder. Again, confusion. Then all of a sudden it clicked. She asked, jokingly, if she was getting another grandbaby. I nodded. She threw the gift into my brother's lap and jumped up with tears to give me a hug. Another great reaction. There were tears all around. The rest of the gift was baby shampoo, tiny bunny slippers, and a Baby's First Christmas outfit for next year. I'd say it was successful. From then on, the phones were being used to spread the news.

Heather got us a cute celebratory gift, since she knew right after Phillip knew. I can't keep a secret from her. She got me pickles, baby bottle pops (candy), a disposable camera, Runts (candy), Sour Patch Kids (candy), and Sugar Babies (candy). What a cute idea, right!?

Now we just take it all in. Still in disbelief. I am about 4 weeks along and my first doctor's appointment is January 31st. I know it seems late, but it comes with finding out so early. I'm kind of overwhelmed right now with advice, size comparisons (our baby is the size of a poppy seed right now), what to eat and what not to eat, questions, prenatal vitamins, work questions, and more. A lot to internalize!

I'll keep you posted.

Baby Long

Week: 4

Size: Poppy Seed

Important Developments: Amniotic Sac

White Christmas

This Christmas will be one for the record books.

It snowed! Not only did it snow, but it was the coldest day of the season and the snow stuck for a good 24 hours. At the house in Argyle, we got about 3-4 inches. In Bedford, we got about 1-2 inches.

We spent Christmas at the "Big" Long's house. We knew it would be chaotic with driving back-and-forth and with our parents living so close to each other, we knew logistically it made sense.

Here is a rundown of our holiday:

Monday
Phillip opened his "big" present from me at the house before we left. He got a huge Craftsman rolling toolbox. It would have been too big to carry to Bedford and haul back. So he opened it early. I got to open my iPad case early too! What a great gift! Phillip went to work and I spent the evening with his family. We went to church with Tabo, ate delicious soup for dinner, and opened presents as soon as Phillip got back from work.

Tuesday
Santa Claus held back Monday night in order to psych out Phillip. He got his "big" present from his parents that morning - a Nexus 7 tablet! That's what he really really wanted. After breakfast, we traveled to my parents for more family time. We had dinner at my grandparents' and awaited Samantha and Jeremy's arrival while watching the snow fall heavily. My parents also got a bluray player and surround sound combo from us kids. My dad got my mom Fiestaware to complete her place settings to 12! What a great husband. I also got some great news I couldn't wait to share with everyone. See next post for details. :)

Wednesday
A relaxing day of shopping, spending time with family, and such. Phillip worked. My mom also made her famous Christmas dinner. Every year she likes to make something special. It isn't a traditional Christmas dinner. Instead, she buys an expensive cut of meat she wouldn't any other time in the year, and makes a great steakhouse-like meal for the family. Always delicious!

Thursday
We returned home after Christmas with Tabo, and unloaded all of our gifts and Murphy. My exciting news was confirmed and I was able to tell Phillip and the rest of the day telling everyone else. Dinner with the Galloways followed. See next post for details.

So a great Christmas!!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas too!

Praying

I am praying.

For a lot of things.

Including Connecticut.

So much loss.

It's Okay (Part 2)

Now that my pity party is over... Seriously. You guys let me sulk? Ugh. But it's over with. Back to the holiday season... and this post!

I loved doing this before, and it will likely become a recurring post.

So here goes...


It's okay...

...to have a million lists going at once and to subsequently be so lazy unproductive that you can't even mark off a single item on any of them.

...to have an unhealthy obsession with cottage cheese. It tastes so good!

...that two cups of coffee is enough to send me into a tailspin of bad moods for the rest of the day, following a great caffeine high.

...that we keep putting off ordering our Christmas cards, even though they have been designed for over a week.

...to NOT be good at multi tasking.

...to fail at New Year's resolutions, but still make them every year.

...that sometimes it takes me a whole week to do laundry. Then I have to start the process all over again.

...that I try to eat healthy all the time but often fail out of convenience, price, or mood.

...to take a bath every night, especially when it's cold outside.

The Haves (And Have Nots)

I am so grateful for everything we have. We are so blessed to be where we are and have who we have in our lives. Don't get me wrong, life is pretty perfect. I can't complain much about where I'm at.

But.

You know the futuristic person in me always wants more. I'm always looking into the future for what I want to happen. It gets in the way of my contentment and I'm working on that. God is definitely working on that with me too.

So while I sit here with a great job, wonderful husband, cute puppy dog, incredible rental house, irreplaceable family and friends, and an opportunity of a lifetime before me with graduate school, I still want more. Crazy, right?

I still want to buy a house. I want Phillip to get a great (permanent) job too. I want a bigger house. I want nicer furniture. I want a bigger yard. I want more of my family and friends to find their permanent niches in the world. I want to graduate as soon as possible.

My life is in constant motion because I don't dare let myself sit idly in the present for longer than necessary.

 I didn't say I was right in all of this. Just stating the facts.

I am a "have" and a "have not" simultaneously. The feeling kind of sucks. Gratitude and Discontentment at the same time. Receiving more makes you feel like you deserve more. Twisted. I realize this.

Happy December!

Wow it's been too long since I last wrote in this wonderful blog of mine. It was a busy and great Thanksgiving that kind of bled over into December. Oops!

Decorating the house, getting ready for graduate school, and Phillip interviewing for a couple of jobs (cross your fingers!) have been taking over lately. Plus, for work we are doing a whole bunch of revamping. That's pretty time consuming as well.

So while my world has been swarming with business, I have neglected my readers. I am truly sorry. I'll try better, but I'm sure the holiday season is about to take over my life. It already kind of has...

Ta ta for now!