Saving

So we've finally figured out a budget system that has successfully proven to be awesome over the past month. The best part about this whole new thing is that we'll be saving several hundred dollars a month if we stick to it and no major emergencies come up (they probably will though right?). I think this has been figured out just in time to. My family has been talking about having our family reunion in either Fiji or Australia (in about 2 years) and tickets will be pricey. I'm all for it though and I really hope that we can stick to this.
The last couple weeks have been adventures. We had our last couple of days at the outdoor swimming pool with Violet, and then we finally made it down to Hogle Zoo ( something we've been trying to do for awhile). It was good for us to get out, splurge, and do something different. I think we all needed it and I felt fully refreshed ready to tackle life when we got back. Cristian even got to eat is pho.

I've been thinking about getting a job and the restaurant I worked at when Cristian and I first met. They're re-opening ( they closed because of flooding and other things) and with the way things are going it might just be good for me to have a small part time job. Lessen the stress on Cristian. Give me something do so I feel like I'm contributing a little more to the welfare of my family. Cristian isn't a huge fan of the idea but it would only be about 2 shifts a week and I think the benefits would out weigh the cons.

Anyway.
Violet, of course is learning more and more each day, and get stronger with each passing moment. I know I sound like a mom but she truly is growing up SO fast to me. The other day I was nursing her and looking down on that precious little face of hers. I started crying because of how happy I felt. She makes everything okay, all the time. Sure like with everything else there are tough moments and I can't always figure out what is it that makes her cry or fuss, but at the end of the day when I kiss her little chubby cheeks goodnight I am happy. I feel peace. I feel like being a mom is the only thing I really want to do with my life, because so far it's been the most satisfying experience OF my life. And there are always new things to learn, or research, or figure out. She really is my everything and I'm trying to soak up all the moments because who knows what tomorrow could bring.

I love her.
I love Cristian.
I love our little family.


In less mushy news I've been decorating our house!!
The bathroom is done,  I'm working on the kitchen, and I've been coming up with some fall awesomeness for our living room and mantle. I even went out and bought pumpkins for our porch and a lovely little fall wreath for our door. I've also been working very hard at becoming more confident in the kitchen. I've been trying to do new things. Spicy Thai noodles, pot roast,  lime infused honey crusted chicken ( all of these thanks to Pinterest) and all have pleased my husband very much. I'm not the best when it comes to cooking, but I am trying to learn and maybe one day I'll call myself a cook. Not today though lol.

My weight loss program.
I am pleased to report that the workout group I've joined ( which started just last week) is awesome and I have thus far lost 3lbs-4 lbs before the program on my own. It's hard waking up, and even worse when I feel sore and achey with a 4 month old to take care of the rest of the day-but my mood is improving, it's something that I'm doing for me (I love my family, but am SO glad that I have this little part of the day entirely to myself), and I am starting to feel so much better.

Halloween is coming up and we've decided on a costume for Violet. Won't be unveiling the mystery yet, but I DO need to start working on her costume. Pretty excited about it.
All around things are good, and hopefully looking up in the future also.
:D

No More Shows

So my program was pushed back until Sept 17th. I already started though a few days ago because I couldn't wait and have dropped 4 lbs. Feeling pretty good, but it is going to be VERY hard getting up in the morning since Violet has decided to be on a random schedule out of nowhere. Hopefully we can get that all sorted and I can get enough sleep to be able to get up and work out.

She's growing up.
She's rolled over once or twice, has found her toes, has started to really giggle more and more and is becoming more aware of everything around her. She's so much fun, and we really can't get enough of her.
Story time.

This last Sunday we went to feed the ducks (as we do every Sunday). For some reason there were a TON of them there. Seriously. I've never seen so many ducks at that dam. There was such a commotion with all the little kids tossing in bread and ducks quacking here and there. Violet though it was HILARIOUS. She just started laughing so hard while Cristian tried to get her close enough to them to really see them. She had a great time, and I think we did to just hearing that cute little laugh of hers. She's the best.

There are little things like that every day that give me reason to smile. No matter how hard the night is with her, or how little sleep I get, or how hungry I feel, her little smile after a good feed and a good nap lift my soul. Her little dimple makes it all worth it to me and I love her so much.
Cristian has been such a help with her. And around the house. He's so good at giving her baths, helping me out with the dishes and taking out the trash. I really feel like we've gotten ourselves into a good groove and it's great.

Some things coming up:

We are FINALLY getting Cristian his ring. It's about time right? And now it's happening. We're heading down on Thursday to get it and I'm so excited!
Violet is having her second round of shots here in the next couple of weeks. Not really excited about that one, but we DID survive the last and we'll do the same thing here in a few weeks.
Selling one of Cristian's motors that are in storage. It will be nice to have some more money in savings, and maybe a bit to play with.
Getting the house ready for Halloween!! I feel like a 5 year old but I can't wait to carve pumpkins, get candy for Halloweeners, and get a costume for Violet. We already know what she's going as, but I think I'll leave that to the imagination for a just a bit longer... she's going to be adorable.. and Cristian LOVES the idea!

Other news:
We watch Hell's Kitchen and MasterChef together every Tuesday night. Those shows had their finales last night... I don't know what we're going to do. Find a new show I guess. We are also going to be doing our own Mystery Box Challenge here in a few days.

And now. A proud mommy/wife moment.
Today Cristian surprised me. He has a very kind heart, and I know that because I see what he does within our own home. Today he came home for lunch with the thought of making some food for one of the homeless veterans who hangs around WalMart. It made me so happy I almost started crying. It was a good reminder that there is plenty to do here in the valley. I've been longing of going on another Humanitarian Aid trip and have been sad because we have no funds for me to do it, but it was awesome for him to show me that there are ways I can help people out here. And doing that I think makes both of us happy. I'm so proud of him and he really does want to become a better person, and that makes me want to be a better person also. Enough mush ;)

And now for some blessing photos of Violet!
She wasn't the easiest to work with, but I think we got a few great shots of her.
So fun :D