Yesterday over dinner we (the BF and I) some how got on the topic of children. I probably started it, LOL, but I can't remember. He had a nerd moment and I told him he had to let our kids decide for themselves who they were and what they were interested in. He referred to said child as a her. Later on when I asked I asked him about it he said he really doesn't have a preference. I think he does. He wants himself a little daddy's girl. Me being me, I couldn't let the subject alone. I asked him to describe his kids to me. He was sort of hesitant to go there at first. Maybe he didn't really want me to know he had thought about it. I loved the response so much I sort of wanted to document it for later / share it.
He said he always thought he'd have kids that were like each side of his brain. I, of course, wanted him to elaborate. I was not disappointed.

The Son                                                             
scientific minded                                                  
nerdy                                                                      
introvert

The Daughter
creative
free spirited
spiritual


These kids sound a whole lot like the ones I already have. We're going to have an amazing family some day. SOME DAY. Not any time soon. Don't get too excited!                                                                

Every morning...

what goes on while we are asleep?

I had to go and by some of those clips for your sheets.

It's official. We are MOVING!!

After so much back and forth we finally decided the best thing for us to do was to rent an apartment for the time being. We found a steal of a deal at this little place tucked away off of one of the busiest streets in town. It is a serious steal at around $430 a month for a 2 bedroom. Before you start thinking we have put our personal safety aside for such an amazing deal, I can assure you we did our due diligence. We also totally lucked out! Our apartment is one of the first to receive a makeover. Brand new appliances, stone floors in the kitchen and bathroom, new carpet, and ceiling fans. Our apartment also happens to sit beneath a big ol' shade tree. Less AC cost in the sweltering Memphis summer, and since we happen to be upstairs, less heating costs in the winter. Thank God heat rises!

I have been spending every bit of extra time combing the thrift shops in town for all the STUFF we need. I kinda hate that I left everything behind when I left the ex, but I have managed to do some amazing shopping for right around $100. I am also BLESSED ~ FORTUNATE ~ LUCKY enough to be being given most of our furniture by my A.J. & RIE. How perfect is that?! We are really cutting expenses which means I can start budgeting and catching up on the bills I have fallen so far behind on. Stay tuned for this broke couples journey. Who want's to pay for our U-haul rental? LOL!

The management is amazing and told us we should feel free to paint as we like and really make it home. I doubt we will go quite that far... maybe if we decide to stay on longer than a year.

I am pretty freakin' excited to be spending the upcoming holidays in our own place. The only downer is not having our sweet Lulu there to share it with us.

Celebrated the BF's sister's birthday last night. Fearlessly rocked a pretty short, tight dress. I really should have taken pictures. We were a good looking group. I'm just sayin'.

My love for his family pretty much grows on a daily basis and I really feel like this is my family. (Someday) I was a little bummed that the kids decided not to join us, but there is always next time.

Favorite moments...again I wish I had taken pics...It is so not like me to not.

His cousin Erica asking me to come and sit next to her. Of course I'm going to anyway because she brought my most favorite people along with her. I love her kids, especially Kaylah. I love a sweet baby.

The BF taking Kaylah out of her car seat while making a comment about keeping her happy and quiet. I couldn't quote him, but it was a very daddy thing to say and not so secretly made me very happy.

The smile on his mom's face while she sliced up the cake. The simplest things make her happy. I love that.

The size of the steak he ordered...39oz. For real! It was the size of his head.

I am so thankful to have the time to just sit, in peace and quiet. To be able to rest and reflect. To actually see that there are still good things happening in my life.

I have a great job with awesome co-workers. I'm working hard and loving it. I'll love it even more when there is a paycheck attached to it.

I have an amazing, supportive boyfriend. He is my rock and refuge from the craziness that surrounds me from day to day. I am so blessed and happy to have him in my life.

I have two awesome kids, and while I don't get to see them any where near as much as I would like to, they bring so much happiness and laughter to my life.

My sweet Lulu is always there, just waiting. Tail wagging and so happy to see me.

I am always surprised by my ability to bounce back from the hard curves life throws my way. I really shouldn't be though. My faith is strong enough to move mountains, I am a daughter of the King.

Really love statement necklaces....

They just don't work on large chested chicks. God know I love my boobs (shout out to my girls), but they can really get in the way sometimes.  #firstworldproblems  #bustygirlproblems

In the words of the boyfriend... " Awww Gosh!!"

Today has been practically perfect. Spent the morning cuddled up to my most handsome honey. Those times always go by way too fast.

BUT.... Today I got to spend the afternoon with another handsome guy.

                                   My son.

I could never even begin to explain how amazing it feels to spend time with him after so long.
I can't even show you how happy I was to be with him because he is way too cool to take pictures with his mom these days.


                                 * Bonus*

I got to see my fur babies. My monsters. My most fabulous girls!! #BernerLuv

I miss my sweet monster girls and it warms my heart seeing how happy they are to see me too.

Made the crockpot lasagna again tonight, but switched out the ground beef for ground smoked sausage. It was just a random idea that formed when I was trying to decide what to do with the sausage. I also chopped up some baby spinach leaves and tossed them in with the sausage while it was browning. Gotta get some veggies in there somewhere.Could have been a total disaster, but YAY for happy endings it turned out great. At least I think so.

I will never make lasagna in the oven again. This was super simple and super yummy!

via

You can find the recipe here. Enjoy!

Found this big ol' dog bed for $8 at Goodwill. Lu wasn't really into it at first. She preferred the couch or my bed,which I wanted to break her of before getting my own place and new furniture. The very night she fell in love with it my mother's dog discovered it as well. They are just like children...not wanting a thing to do with it until someone else has it and then suddenly it's the coolest thing ever.

Before

After

My mother's dog ( aka Princess ) is one of those spoiled, tiny dogs with a bully complex and Lu is one of those big, sweet puppy dogs that is terrified of said tiny dogs. #thismeanswar   #bigdoglover  #luvmylu

Had a fantastic MOTHERS DAY afternoon! Spent the afternoon with my two favorite girls. Hopefully my handsome son will join us next time.

Phase two of  "OPERATION WARDROBE EXPANSION" was mostly a success. New jeans were a must!

We're going to work on his modeling skills. LOL!

Not much of a butt, but still a great view.

I have been telling him his pants were a size too big for months. I was right. As usual. I can't wait to replace the rest of his pants. He has some strange sentimental attachment to his clothes so I know I am in for a fight.

I'm up for the challenge though. Let's do this!!

Spontaneous bubble bath for two...




                           A little ROMANCE


                          A little RELAXATION

So not how it happened!

Sounds amazing right!?  WRONG!! So very wrong!

It was a great idea but the execution... not so much. Be glad there are no pictures. Our bathtub is just not meant for two adults. Oh well, it's the thought that counts right?

#stillsore   #thishappychick

I have a confession to make...

Sometimes I look at the shambles someone else's life is in and feel a little bit better about my own. I know, I'm a terrible person,right? Nothing makes you more thankful for your own life... and it's problems quite like seeing another person you consider worse off than yourself.

And (I know sentences aren't supposed to start with and) it is true isn't it? There is always someone worse off than yourself. Even in our worst moments there is someone out there somewhere wishing they could trade places with us. I try to remember that when I am feeling down.

Even in times like these...

When I feel like I am facing the hardest trials in my life
When I feel all alone
When I feel like I can't keep my head above water

I know He is with me
I always have my faith


While my religious views have changed over the years, my faith in God has never changed.

Whenever I think about my faith, I always remember two things...

the parable of the mustard seed.

and Jeremiah 29:11

#stillbreathing   #stillbelieving

Today was a great day!

 I got to spend time with my babies children after what has felt like a lifetime. Thank you God!! They have gotten caught up on their school work and are projected to finish the year on time. My daughter has decided to start looking into colleges/universities that have marine biology programs. She is in 6th grade. I hope this new drive toward achieving scholastic excellence sticks around.
My ex and I are FINALLY on civil terms with each other...for now. KNOCK ON WOOD!!

 I got a call for an interview from a store (don't want to jinx it) that will be opening locally very soon. It is a definite change of pace for me, but still within my comfort zone. It could be FANTASTIC for us if they have a good employee discount. FINGERS CROSSED! They have great hours... for being retail. I am so excited but trying not to get my hopes up because I don't want to jinx it. I definitely can't wait until Thursday!!

The girls were full of drama today and decided to start a bunch of foolishness at the house. Damn, I missed it! The police were called though and in the end they took them all away to wherever it is they were going. Tomorrow morning they come back for the last of their things, then it's SO LONG! SAYONARA!!
No more drama in the house means my sweet hunny can start enjoying spending time with me in what will be our house. PEACE & QUIET. STRESS FREE.

I saw this beauty on the side of the road, just around the corner from the house, while hurrying home to make sure no drama caused problems for my mother. After all was said and done I hustled back over and YAY! it was still there. I have big plans for this baby.

I sure hope the positive changes keep rolling my way. I'm just not meant to be an unhappy person.  #StillBreathingandBelieving  #ThisHappyChick

My aunt treated us to dinner tonight for my cousin's birthday. I was afraid with the new job that I was going to have to miss out. So glad things worked out that I got to go. We had a great night...even if I did have to send my steak back twice. Cringe!! They wound up comping my meal. 

My little brother is insane. Just ignore him. We all do. LOL!

I don't think my cousin will forget this birthday.

         Happy Birthday Rie!!!

Coming soon... okay at least by the end of summer.

                Our Master Bedroom

wall color

window treatment

grey bedding

ceiling

                           

                          Bathroom

wall color

beadboard

window treatment

storage idea

                        Dining Room

wall color

furniture

window treatment

mirrors

yellow area rug

secret door to sun room

                         Sun Room

beadboard

furniture

window treatments

                          Kitchen

wall color

cabinets

window treatment

ceiling

                        Living Room

wall color

accent wall idea

furniture

ottomans

window treatment

Our house is going to be FREAKING AMAZING!! I am so in love with it already. Now I just have to wait for the current tenants to vacate the premises.