I almost forgot

While we were in Kansas over Thanksgiving our bathroom was getting a make over!!!

BEFORE:

out with the old 70's teal tile and in with the warm neutral tones!

AFTER:

notice there is no more window in the shower!  That means no more moldy window seal.  They also moved the shower head up since we are both pretty tall and did some plumbing work to increase the pressure!  I LOVE the results.  Only problem is I can't drag myself out of the hot shower in the mornings, and I don't think I can use the excuse of my perfect shower for showing up late to work any more :)

Isn't it GREAT!?!?

and so we wait

It is that time again.  The next two weeks will be LONG, as we wait for the 25th.  Yes, I'm excited for Christmas - but for a completely different reason this year.  December 25 is the day we can test with confidence to see if this has been the magic cycle.  TMI - sorry, but I'm already starting to get excited and it is still two extremely long weeks away.  I mean geeze, I've already waited 30 days just to get to the 2 week wait.  These LONG cycles are any girls dream when they are younger but when it gets time to start a family they are killer.  Being pregnant this time around would be a blessing - I would really like to be pregnant when the anniversary of my 1st due date rolls around on January 6th.  I think knowing that there is a baby on the way would help ease the pain of that day. 

So say a little prayer, cross your fingers, toes, arms, legs, etc. 

you get the point

hopefully we will have even more cause to celebrate this year!!

THANKSGIVING BREAK

Luke and I left bright and early Wednesday morning for Kansas.  After dropping the dogs off at their doggie hotel we were on our way.  We made the drive in pretty good time (only 9.5 hrs) and had the evening to relax with family.  I was able to meet up with my family and go to a birthday party and then headed back to the Simmering's for a good nights sleep.  Driving wears me out so I was ready for a nice warm bed.  Luke was up at 5:30 the next morning to hunt so I sat around and watched Molly work in the kitchen, preparing for the lunch feast.  When the hunters arrived home we all showered and got ready for the day.  Molly had prepared the traditional Thanksgiving meal and it was GOOD!  We were also able to celeberate Mary's birthday with the entire family which was fun! Luke and I hadn't seen Mary since last New Years Eve so it was great to get to spend some time with her.  We also got to meet Andy, her boyfriend for the first time.  Luke approves with is a pretty big deal.  He takes his role as big brother very seriously and doesn't approve easily.  He acted the same way with Katie, too.  He may be her little brother but he is very protective of her as well.  So Phil, be glad he loves you!! ;) 

Friday we spent at my parents.  I woke up bright and early to shop with my Lauren her fiance, my mom and a friend.  We had a great time.  Consumed TONS of caffeine and spent some quality time together.  I even made a few purchases, no Christmas gifts but a few shirts for myself and a game for Luke and I!  That afternoon I WORKED!  I do my dad's payroll so I went into the office and spent a little time there getting everyone paid before Dad and I headed back to Wichita to shop for cars.  I have always been his helper when it comes to cars!  We have alot of fun looking and spending time together.  I think we decided on another Maxima, they just set the bar a too high.  The others we looked at didn't measure up!  That evening we had Neufeld Thanksgiving at my parents house.  It was so great to see all the cousins and aunts and uncles.  We dont' get to see that group very often so we really enjoy our time together when we get it!  We will try and see them all again at Christmas but with Anna's due date and all the other Christmas activities going on I'm not sure that we will get to see most of them.  Saturday I got to do some wedding shopping with my mom and sisters.  Since I live 10 hours away I dont' get to be a part of most of these trips so I was so glad to get to tag along.  We went and bought samples of fabric for the bridesmaids dresses.  After bringing them to the seamstress that evening Lauren was able to pick one and has officially ordered the fabric!!  We will all get measured when we are together over Christmas so she can begin sewing!  I can't wait to see the finished dresses, they are going to be super cute!  Lauren has such good taste!  It makes me want to get married all over again, just to get to do all the planning and shopping!

Sunday we were up early to hit the road.  Our drive took a little longer because of all the traffic but we made it in about 10 hours, just in time to pick up Buddy and Kato from their vacation.
attempted family pictures.
Thursday with the Simmerings

Friday with the Raleighs

If only I were crafty

Check out this AMAZING blog!  I would kill to be just 1/2 as creative as her.  Just look at these amazing transformations. 

I have a sewing/embroidery machine combo but I would NEVER think to take a goodwill find and turn it into something so cute! See her blog for some great ideas. Also, she is giving away a A Silhouette Machine. My youngest sister just got a Cricut and I've been wanting one badly but after reading about the Silhouette I think that is the route I would rather go!

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/

year, doctor, questions .............

just a quick update.  We have been trying to expand our family for a year now.  I decided it was time to switch doctors.  I met with the new Dr. today and was THRILLED!!!  He asked me questions, listened to my concerns and CARED! This is a change from our previous Dr.  Needless to say we have a game plan and looks like we have some people on our team now!  Long story short today was a GREAT day and it makes me excited about the future!

-Morgan

Weekend Update

Saturday morning we woke up nice and early so Luke could run in the Sparta 5k at Squire Creek.  It was a miserable morning to run but he was a trooper.  Can you see him there in the middle, he has his arms crossed.  Not exactly the most intense set position but it was FREEZING!  And look at the crazy girl in the spandex and sports bra!  But I guess if I looked like that maybe I would wear that too!  Luke ran great, he got 2nd in his age group and 7th overall.  He broke 20 min and finished in 19:53 which is pretty darn good for such a hilly course!  I'm super proud of him.

After the race Luke dropped me off with a friend and I spent most of the afternoon running errands with her so Luke could have the house to study.  I tend to bother him when we are both home so it was best that I not be around :)  I did get some Christmas shopping done, I've never started this early but I found some cute stuff for the Simmering siblings and I think I'm done with them for the most part!  Successful day! 

 Sunday was study day for Luke.  We skipped church and Sunday school and he spent the day writing papers and studying for finals this week.  So as a good wife I made him a hearty breakfast! Sausage, egg and cheese biscuits.  They were yummy and provided him fuel for the morning.

 We were planning on attending a social with our Sunday School that evening but Luke was at his office still and I wasn't quite up for doing it alone so this dessert went to work with me today.  I think it was a hit - Luke ate a big piece when he was finished with school work yesterday and seemed to think it passed the test.  It was super easy and tasted great, I'll have to make it again!  

Great relaxing weekend in the Simmering household.  Next weekend we have big plans to get some work done around the house so it was nice to have a weekend where I could just enjoy my time off.

-Morgan

Call Me Crazy

But I love these 2 like you wouldn't believe!!

I just picked them up from the groomers, which is one of my favorite things to do!  First off they are clean and just too darn cute plus they are so excited to see me!  They come tearing out of the back like they just can't wait one more minute.  I love that Kato can't stand still because her tail is wagging so hard and Buddy makes a crazy crying noise because he can't contain his excitement!  I think maybe they love me too, just a tad ;)

I love that they will 

cuddle for hours

keep all of my secrets

sit on the couch with me all day if I'm on bed rest

or if I just want to be lazy

run around the backyard on a beautiful day

play fetch whenever I throw a toy

love whatever I cook - even if it isn't for them

run when I say "kisses"

but give me them when they know I need it

Right now they are guarding me, as I sit at the computer they are on either side at high alert of any and every sound.  It's no wonder we spoil them rotten, they do the same to us!