I've been vacillating back and forth on whether to spill my guts out about where we're headed today. But I've decided I want support from you guys. Encouragement, prayers, and your happy endings etc. Most of you know M and I have been trying for baby #2 this year and haven't been successful. And while we were purposely avoiding certain times of the month last year we weren't taking any other precautions. 

My cycle has been wonky ever since I had Blair so today we're off to the infertility clinic. There. I said it. All I really hope to accomplish today is getting some answers. Answers to why my cycle is weird. What that means for baby making. And what the next step is. I have a ton of questions and am praying the doctors are eager to help and understanding of our situation. 

Nonetheless I know I've grown in my relationship with the Lord through this trial. I've put aside the "pity party" and am consciously choosing joy every day. And now that I'm looking for it I see it everywhere. Mostly in Blair, my sweet little nugget. The way she hugs and kisses me without being prompted, how she sings "Jesus Loves Me" along side me at bedtime, and tells me "I luf you, Mommy." I know when this trial passes I will look back and cherish the extra time I've had with just me and B. She's growing into such a sweet little girl and I love doing life with her.

The anxiety I get when each month passes and I'm not pregnant is not from Him. Anxiety makes me doubt God and His perfect plan for me. It makes me focus on myself and directs me to lead a self-seeking life. But when I focus on having faith in Him and casting my fears on Him, it strengthens me from this temptation. I will persevere in faith because He has never forsaken me as long as I have lived. Genuine faith overflows with joy. I should be expecting challenges in this life and I know this trial will end just as the rest of them have and for that I'm grateful.

Thank you for listening and leaving me sweet comments. It's therapeutic to write out my thoughts and I appreciate all of your support. Hopefully I'll be able to report back soon with answers! In the meantime enjoy some pictures of us at Blair's swim lessons...

what is that smile?!

Charlotte and Blair

that grin...

mommy and me fun

"this is the way we wave bye-bye" oh yes. we sing at swim lessons.

the lesson wouldn't be complete without a little drama. not a fan of the diving board...mostly because it means she's jumping in to a stranger!

We've really been loving summer time. Blair has been waking up around 9:30 and I'm pretty sure I've died and gone to heaven. Each day we have a nice breakfast, go for a jog, come back and play in her kiddy pool (since the real one is still being remodeled), eat lunch, nap, then head off to swim lessons with her bff. Absolutely no complaining over here! It's summer time and the livin's easy.

My Suit
Blair's suit: vintage baby gap

It seems like we're always in a time crunch to get dinner on the table. Either Blair is hungry or I'm whining about starving to death. M does all our cooking (I know, I suck as a SAHM) and I'm in charge of telling him what the menu is. We eat really healthy (I think) which is one reason I like Fresh and Easy so much. They offer many of the same organic products that I see at other health food stores for less. And they are located in CA, NV, and AZ.

The other day when we went to Fresh and Easy I found awesome healthy products that could be put together quickly...score! Here is what we came up with...

checking out my options (bag from FP)

This rice is SO flavorful!

so easy

heat it up and be done

perfectly marinated and ready to grill

the kid loves corn (corn? when did I eat corn?)

And salad believe it or not!

Our meal was delicious, healthy, fast, and easy. And whatever passes the toddler's lips these days (that's NOT mac n cheese) is a real success in my book. It doesn't matter that half the time she sucks the dressing off the salad and then takes the leaf out of her mouth and returns it to the plate. She'll get there one day. ;) 

Go HERE for all our ingredients

This post was sponsored by Fresh and Easy. Check to see where the closest store it to you in CA, NV, and AZ! 

PS Were you the winner of the glitter heart by Oneword Designs? Come see! 

When you get home from a l o n g day of travel with a 2 year old at 2:00 in the morning you are allowed to have a late blog post. Rule #65 in my book of blogging. ;) Actually Blair was a pretty great traveler. She loves all things that "go." Airplanes (She actually whined when our 6 hour flight was over. What?!), busses, cars...the girl likes to move.

However now it's 11 am here and she's still in bed. No way she's napping at 1pm. I'm thinking I better go wake the beast so with that here's a couple pics from our trip! More details later. :)

SO thankful for our awesome trip from Gramma and Grampa!

Lovin her little death grip around my neck

already missing you, Oahu!

Congratulations to Gramma and Grampa who celebrated 35 years of marriage! Grateful they decided to bless US by taking us on a trip to Oahu! We will never forget all the fun we had. :)

 Remember when I asked you for advice on what rug to get for my living room? Well I decided to go with the last rug option since it was the overwhelming winner of the bunch. I think it looks great! Well done, girls. Now I just need to head over to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and pick up some curtains to complete the space (although is it ever really done?).

it complements the entry way rug well

And something has to be done with the bright game boxes. I'm thinking maybe wrapping them in kraft paper? Totally anal, I know, but I hate how bright they are in such a neutral room.

In the meantime I've added a couple other things around the house...

this tray from target and rustic jar that my mom surprised me with!

this ladder i moved from the upstairs guest bedroom to fill an empty space downstairs. also the creamy rug that our friends didn't want anymore found a new home in our family room

a cute lamp from target (we have no central lighting)

and one more for our mantle (also from target and on sale!)

Rug
Large Lamp
Small Lamp
Tray

Have a fabulous weekend! If you haven't noticed we have been in Oahu all week but our vacation is soon coming to an end. Can't wait to give you updates!

Oneword Designs Winner...

{COURTNEY GEOGHEGAN}

My friends over at ApparelInBags sent over a cute tote that I have deemed one of our "Beach Bags" for the summer. I had the opportunity to use this cute navy bag last Saturday while at the beach with my girlfriends. It is actually the perfect sized bag for Blair's beach stuff: sunscreen, shades, hat, flip flops, extra clothes etc. I don't love taking her diaper bag to the beach because the sand stays in there for an eternity. Check us out below!

crooked shades don't care

The bag has a vintage look with worn handles and brass clasps. They had tons of colors to choose from but for once I turned down pink for a more masculine color (M thanks me for this since he ends up carrying half our stuff anyway). However, eventually I would love to get a cute iron on glittery heart to add to the front of this bad boy. Sorry, M, you just can't win.

The darling Kimberly over at OneWord Designs is giving away one silver iron on heart to a lucky reader! These iron ons can be used for bags (like Blair's), backpacks, onesies, or toddler tees. Be sure to check out her shop...it's adorable!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's hard to believe that it has taken me this long to post about my first party I designed for real actual money (!) but here we are! I had the opportunity to help a friend plan a party for her son who just graduated from high school. He is very talented in water polo and is playing for Cal Berkeley in the fall. We went with a "Berkeley Bound" theme and incorporated all things "Cal." Take a look!

guests were greeted by a chalkboard sign (of course!)

then guests were immediately prompted to grab a prop and snap a pic!

we had to test drive my photo booth backdrop of course ;)

a large mantel displayed Thomas in all his glory :)

the dessert table was just awaiting the cake

i'm considering the water polo balls a masterpiece...M used a toothpick to do the detailing!

the cutest cake by "Creme de la Creme" bakery

yellow water polo balls lined the patio dining area

outdoor dining centerpieces

There is no way I could have done this party without the help of my trusty sidekick, Matt. The guy is a wizard I am convinced. It sure helped that he knew how to draw waterpolo balls since that was the theme of the party. Thanks again, boo, for all your hard work!

And if any of you are interested in NYAP then please email me! Unfortunately right now this would only be feasible for local parties.

Before we talk about 4th of July treats I wanted to announce the winner of the Mulberry Crate giveaway!

{BROOKE HARTSOCK}

It is your lucky day! Please look for an email from me regarding the giveaway. Thank you to all of those who entered and don't forget that they are extending a promotion to NYAG readers that book a Mulberry Crate Craft Party. Book a party in the month of July and hostesses will receive a free crate after 5 guest purchases rather than the usual free crate after 10 guest purchases, so this is a great deal! Grab some friends and get crafty! Moving on...
 

Remember how we made homemade popsicles (ingredients here)?  
Well today I'm teaming up with some lovely ladies in hosting a 4th of July recipe swap and we decided we wanted to get everyone involved and do a festive recipe swap to celebrate! Today we are introducing the Fourth of July Linkup!!! I really can't even call this a 4th of July recipe since it only requires two things: pre-made ice cream sandwiches and sprinkles. BUT it is still a tasty festive treat and who hates ice cream? Lactose intolerant people don't count. ;) 

get your ice cream sandwiches HERE!

Now check out these ladies below and their awesome 4th of July recipes...

Sara @ Running From The Law

Natasha @ Hello Happiness

Colleen @ Meet the Sullivan's

Erinn @ Strawberry Swing and Other Things

Christina @ This Woman Cooks

Leah @ Everyday Love

Alyssa @ Love and Life Simplified

Ashley @ Words About Waverly

Here's how it works: Each one of us is sharing a Fourth of July themed recipe and we are including a link up below for anybody who would like to join! Post your recipe on your blog and link up by next Tuesday, July 1. Entries will close and everybody will be matched up to another blogger's recipe on Wednesday, July 2. Then, recreate the recipe making it your own and share your results of the swap by Wednesday, July 9.