Truthful Thursday...the Couples Version!

 

1. What are your middle names?
Diane and Terry

2. How long have you been together?

Since August 4, 2002

3. How long did you know each other before you started dating?

A few months

4. Who asked who out?

He asked me out, I am far too chicken!

5. How old are each of you?

I am 26 and he is 27.

6. Did you go to the same school?

No, we did not.

7. Are you from the same home town?

No.  I'm from Little Rock and he was born in Rome GA, grew up in Knoxville, TN and Rock Hill, SC, and went to college in Columbia SC.

8. Who is the smartest?

Steve. 

9. Who majored in what?

SS majored in Electronic Journalism.  I majored in Nursing and will complete my master's degree in December 2010.  I can't wait to be an APN!

10. Who is the most sensitive?

Me for sure!

11. Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
 
Seattle Washington on a mission trip.  We flew!  In a car, several times we have driven 14 hours or more.

12. Who has the worst temper?

Me for sure.  But we are both pretty fair.

13. How many children do you want?

As many as God allows me to have!

14. Who does the cooking?

That would be SS. I burn grill cheeses.  I would starve without a microwave and hate cooking...I always mess it up!
 
15. Who is more social?

I am, but I have social anxiety and it is hard for me.  Steve is  very social as well!

16. Who is the neat freak?
 
I am the neat freak of our relationship.  We have had to compromise.

17. Who is the most stubborn?

Me.  I don't let go well.

18. Who wakes up earlier?

Me.  I have to be at work by 7 am.

19. Where was your first date?

US Pizza for lunch after church.

20. Who has the bigger family?

SS

21. Do you get flowers often?

No, but I really enjoy it when I do.

22. How do you spend the holidays?

Since we live so close, with both families. 

23. Who is more jealous?

I think me.  I am always worried about him, not that he would do anything but that he is too kind and others take that the wrong way.

24. How long did it take to get serious?

We were almost immediately serious!

25. Who eats more?

Steve, but not by much.

26. What do you do for a living?

Steve is a TV news producer, and I am an RN.

27. Who does the laundry?
 
I do mostly, but he helps if I ask.

28. Who's better with the computer?

Steve by far.

29. Who drives when you are together?

Steve unless he asks me to drive.

30. What is your song?


I would say "Come What May" from Moulin Rouge, or "This I Promise You" from NSync.  Steve would probably say we don't have a song.

Thankful Thursdays

Inspired by my blog friend Kate, I am posting a thankful Thursday. 

I am thankful for my family.  I love each of them and know I need them.

I am thankful for my sweet husband who sacrifices for me and our family.

I am thankful for my job and how I get to care for one patient at a time.

I am thankful for my 2 dogs who love me no matter my mood.

I am thankful for a phone call I recieved today from a dear friend I thought I had lost.

I am thankful I have enough to eat and enough money to pay bills and the mortgage.  

I am thankful for the opportunity to go back to school.

I am thankful that even though I have PCOS, I have a strong body that can run and exercise.

I am thankful that God is using PCOS to do a work in me and my family.  

I am thankful for a warm safe house full of memories.

I am thankful for being an RN.

I am thankful for my Lord and Savior and all He has done and will do for me.

Post your thanks!  I think it is fun to think about all we are thankful for.

Free to Be Me--Public (nailbiting...)

Hello!
Since I just took my blog public as an experiment....I thought I would post the lyrics from the song that inspired the title of my blog. 

I think it's important to share what is going on in your heart with those you love.  Today I was handed some bad news, but I am trying to make the best of it.  I was diagnosed with PCOS today.  (polycystic ovarian syndrome)  Basically it's my 2nd or 3rd worst nightmare come true, because I desperately want children.  My husband has been so good to me through the whole diagnostic process, and I am trying hard to be at peace with the whole mess.  I have a large cyst on one ovary, so for now I can't even try to get pregnant.  These next two months while I am taking medication to shrink the cyst I am committed to praying daily and spending a daily time with God.  If you want to join me, please let me know.  I believe we can do it! 

The next thing I have to do is lose 30 pounds, preferably 40 to help with my fertility.  My husband is being supportive, but I need your help too.  Please be encouraging!  (and offer healthy restaurants when you invite me somewhere :). 

A sweet friend Jessica sent me this verse today and it has been on my heart all day.
2 Cor. 12:19 -  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

So here I am, boasting about my weakness, and inviting God's grace, and inviting you to be part of the prayer.  I am hopeful!

So here are the lyrics that inspired me to name my blog.

Album: My Paper Heart
Artist: Francesca Battistelli

At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream
A war's already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can’t always see

(Chorus)
‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out
My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt

(Chorus)

And you’re free to be you

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything
Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring
But You look at my heart and You tell me
That I've got all You seek
And it’s easy to believe
Even though

(Chorus)

Jewelry!

I love jewelry!  Love it!  Here are some pictures of my favorite pieces and my wish list.

I recieved this watch for my third anniversary!  I love how classy it is and it was on clearance!

I recieved these earrings on my fourth anniversary!  I love them!!!  They go with everything and can be dressed up or down.

I recieved a similar journey necklace for Christmas in 2007 ( I think, maybe 2006..) and I wear it almost daily.

I love charm bracelets, and I LOVE chamilia bracelets.  They are just like Pandora bracelets and have a similar price as well.  The charms are interchangable.  I found mine at a flea market and bought 10 charms and the bracelet for $50...the bracelet retails for that and the charms average $25 a piece!  I have only purchased a few charms and gave my mom a few of the originals I found at the flea market.  I bought this charm today to remind me of God's love for me through this storm.

My favorite jewelry of all time is my wedding set.  The ring is a 3/4 karat diamond set in a 4 prong tiffany setting in platinum, and the band is alternating rounds and baugettes set in platinum.  I couldn't find a good picture online so here is the actual set!

So now my wish list!  I am about to order this beautiful necklace from Amy Cornwell's Etsy shop.

Of course I will make it say Jen and Steve and 2005 and a big S for Shuler, but I don't know what else to put on the bar...I get 4 words or dates...I thought about putting our first date, our first time we called each other boy/girl friend, and the engagement date.  What do you think?

Post your jewelry!  This could be fun!

Ribbon Bouquets!

I don't know about any of you, but I have been maid of honor a few times or in the wedding party and have been asked to make the traditional ribbon bouquet for the rehearsal.  It is fun and there are many guides online, but I believe I have an easier method than the "paper plate full of holes and garbage ties" or the "buy a bouquet base and hot glue them" instructions.

I made one for my sister in law last week. 

Steps:
1. Collect all bows from all showers and keep them safe until you are ready to start
2.  Keep a wire hanger (or two) from your dry cleaning (preferably white)
3.  Buy some floral wire (about $2 at Wal-Mart, I bought some when I made my first ribbon bouquet and have never needed more.)
4.  Keep it all together and when you have all the bows, you can start.

I start by bending the wire hanger into a half circle and crossing over making an X.  Then I loop the hanger over the x and make a half sphere.  I use the leftovers to make the stem of the bouquet. 

I then wrap the entire wire section with white ribbon or tulle.

I use floral wire cut in to 2 inch length to attach all the large bows to the wire junctions to hide them. 

I then look at what kinds of ribbon I have left. I separate lengths of ribbon, bows, tulle, and curled ribbon.  I then attach all the bows first to fill the area, then add the curled ribbon and space it evenly to hide the wire. 

I use the length of ribbon to either dangle from the front of the bouquet or weave into the bouquet, as shown in this picture.

 

Happy making!  It all depends on what you have on hand and how much money you want to spend.  In my case, I have spent $2 and made almost 10 ribbon bouquets!

Fall Decorations!

Oh how I love fall and decorating!  Here's a look at my mantle.  I follow the 3-5-7 item rule when decorating.  Each item on my mantle is special!  From Left to Right...my husband's 2008 best newscast emmy, a "GIVE THANKS" resin sculpture from Kirklands, 3 antique books underneath, a sprig of faux lavender from a wedding gift, my new addition of a plate from Kirklands inscripted with "Bless our home with love and laughter", a fleur de lis from our 4th anniversary trip to new orleans, our church directory picture, and a pair of candlesticks from our wedding.  The mirror was one of my first decor purchases after my wedding.

A close up of the plate.

My newest table addition, a pumpkin and leaves centerpiece for my table from Kirklands!

Happy Fall!

To Dos...The Blog Version!

Upcoming posts once I get pictures loaded to facebook!

1. Fall Decorations!
2.  How to Make a Ribbon Bouquet
3.  Dressing for Fall...the Pear shaped guide to style
4. Race for the Cure
5.  Wedding!!!

And this weekend is ASU homecoming...its our Centennial!!!

See you soon!

update!

I just updated my blog's look!  Takes me back to the myspace days of finding the perfect background!

Today Steve had a tooth pulled, he is pretty miserable.  I've been laying around with him all day, so now I hurt all over.  I am internalizing the stress I feel over my health.  I called the nurse today and found out my hormone levels are normal, which further supports the diagnosis of PCOS.  I'll have to wait until my ultrasound and follow up next Tuesday to find out more.  I know that God is faithful, but I don't know what I can do while I'm waiting for his answers. 

So far I have just been trying to be positive and waiting to hear more. 

I haven't run since Saturday...rain is washing Little Rock away!  I hope there is pretty weather for Chris's wedding on Saturday!  Its' also race for the cure day, so I'll be there with my pink on!

Deep questions from the scarf exchange...thought I would post it!

Your favorite colors or trends: I love blue, mustard yellow, lime green, and any shade of pink

Favorite stores or designers: I mostly wear Ann Taylor and Banana Republic...think simple and classy with a twist.  If I had the money I would love to wear more Michael Kors and I can't wait to buy something from Tory Burch.

What DON’T you like: I am pretty simple, classic.  I love vintage.  I wear mostly solid colors and like to pick one funky thing and plan an outfit around it.  I don't like things that are too flashy.

What is your favorite season? FALL! 

What would you like to try if anything?

I like trying new things.  Since I wear scrubs to work 4 days a week, on my other 3 days I love to dress up.  I don't wear many patterns so maybe a patterned scarf would be fun!

Explain your personality:

I am a nuturer, people pleaser, introvert who masquerades as an extrovert, christian.  my profession is nursing and love is art, all kinds, from appreciating to creating.  I love to be busy, and I always have a plan.  I love to travel.  when confronted I back down...when being used I bristle up.  I love being with my sweet husband and 2 dogs...and I love to shop!  I am interested in going green...Since I am now a full time nurse and part time graduate student, I don't have a lot of time to meet new people or to shop for unique things...so I think this exchange is wonderful!

Try to explain your style, likes and dislikes in fashion, explain your daily wardrobe choice, favorite materials or materials you don't like, etc:

My style is simple, classy.  I love structured shirts, trench coats, pointy shoes, colorful flats, trouser jeans, trousers, layered tops, comfy fabrics and warm layers, solid colors, and fun jewelry to dress it up.  I normally wear pearl earrings and a diamond necklace, an all silver chamila bracelet and a seiko watch with a pink pearl face.  I wear simple makeup and like to straighten my light auburn hair, but often let the natural curls fly.  I die for amazing purses, anything from Coach to Dooney to Banana Republic to Hobo, and love to use fun accessories to dress up, like orange coach ballet flats and my awesome daisy daisy vera bradley bag. I love cotton! 

 

I do not like velvet, and i don't like flimsy fabrics that tear easily or come unraveled.  I wear ceil blue (a light powder blue 4 days per week) so avoid that color, or compliment it! 

8 miles later.....

Hebrews 12:1 NLT

… let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

This was waiting for me in my email after my first 8 mile run!  I walked quite a bit....but I did 8.12 miles in 1:56!  That is progress for me!

I haven't started hurting yet, but its just the endorphins.  I know I will be sore!

10 Things You Didn't Know About Me...

1.  I have been an RN since May 2005 and I was an LPN from June 2004-May 2005. 
2.  I play the flute well...since age 12!
3.  I met my husband at church in the Geyer Springs College class in June 2002.  We dated long distance (Jonesboro, AR to Columbia, SC) until our wedding in June 2005.
4.  My hair is ridiculously curly...and thick.  And believe it or not, naturally blonde.
5.  I can't cook.  I can barely microwave.  I would starve if my husband didn't cook for me.
6.  I love poetry, classical music, dancing, old movies, and art..especially the impressionists. 
7.  I wish I had been a teenager/young woman in the 1940s.  I love that era!
8.  When I was 6 years old, I did a book report on Clara Barton, and decided I was going to be a nurse.
9.  I was brought up going shopping every Saturday with my mom...I love to shop!  Purses and shoes are my favorite purchases!  I love to find jewelry at antique stores!
10.  I am very sad that my house is completely decorated...it makes me want to buy a new house and move so I have something to decorate.  If I wasn't a nurse I would love to be a real estate agent!  I love houses and pour over the paper every week!

Post your 10 things!  I want to know!

Prayers Appreciated!

So I've been putting this off, but I'll blog about it :). 

I went to the doctor yesterday and they are testing me for polycystic ovarian syndrome.  Basically what that means for me is that I will have problems getting pregnant :(, and I need to lose 30 lbs.  I am taking a new medication this week to hopefully start my cycles again.  I'm not doing so well with the news...but I am talking about it with close friends and family, and I am choosing to be positive and trust in the Lord. 

I go back on October 20 for an ultrasound then to discuss my "options."  I've been reading about it online and I just keep freaking myself out so I am going to just pray about it and stop researching it.

I am so thankful for the Lord and all he does for me, and for the great people he has placed in my life.  I can't say thank you enough to Mom, Mary, Jessica, Lindsey, Jen, Rachael, Jessi, and Steve.  It has helped so much to get out some of my fears and frustrations and helplessness.  I love you guys! 

The weight loss counter is on!  Yesterday on my scale I was 201 and at the doctor I was 206.  My goal is 165.  Time to run!

Shoe Obsession

So I have 3 pairs of shoes that I am really eager to buy!  I need to get some extra call pay and get them!

First...running shoes!  I love mine so much I want to rebuy the same pair!  Asiscs Gel Evolution 4! 

Second....work shoes!  I am wearing my running shoes out by wearing them to work....boo!  A girl I work with bought some leopard danskin clogs....so I want the Zebra ones!

 Third....Toms!  I love that when you buy one pair, you actually buy 2...one for you and one for a child in need!www.tomshoes.com

Home for the day!

I have a doctors appointment today and my manager wanted me to take the whole day off....not a problem! He did agree to let me work at home but so far I have been blogging, on facebook, and watching glee sneek peeks. I love that show!

My doggies are thrilled I am home! They are both so awesome! Shadow is getting so big! He is only 5 months old, but he is so obedient and very good about only pottying outside. He is crate trained now!What my dogs normally do if there is no one on the couch...but today poor Maggie is on the floor.

An artsy photo of my work badge, my lead and my scrub jacket....to remind me it's back to the grind tomorrow!

My to do list today:
1. Email my bible study
2. Catch up on my bible study lessons
3. Do laundry since hubby is going out of town this weekend and needs clothes :)
4. Walk dogs/go running at least 3 miles
5. Clean house and file....I've been putting this off for a while! Our file cabinet is very full!
6. Work from home on the Radiology nurse smart book.
7. Doctor's appointment at 1:15
8. Set up an account on flicker so my blog will have more pictures!
9. Make more scrap blogs to put on my blog!
10. Study for midterms on Friday!

Whew! I better get back to the grind!

Emmy Weekend!

Steve and I went to St. Louis this weekend for the Emmy Gala. We got up at 5 am on Saturday and drove in to St. Louis. We arrived, found out there was no early check in by phone, then went to eat at Pappy's Smokehouse. It was so good! Steve and I are barbeque judges and had judged the owner's BBQ before, so it was so good to see them and the food was delicious!

We headed to the hotel afterwards, checked in, then went to our room. It was a beautiful suite! The hotel was built in the 1920s and was lovingly restored. I loved the decor!

Then Steve went to an Emmy workshop and I went to my hair appointment. It is so fun to get dressed up!

We met back at the hotel, got ready and headed to the gala.
We didn't see anyone we knew, but I enjoyed seeing all the dresses! I made a mental best and worst dressed list while Steve looked for people he recognized.

The food was great, a salad, then chicken and fresh veggies with mushroom risotto. Dessert was a choice of chocolate mousse or lemon sorbet. I chose the chocolate!

The awards ceremony was fun, and a few people at our table won! Then it was Steves turn. He didn't win, but he was quick to point out what an honor it was to be nominated.

Sunday we slept in, then went to eat at Pappy's again. The travel channel was coming that afternoon to feature the restaurant! I had researched free things to do in St. Louis, and came up with the Zoo or the Anhauser Busch Brewery. It was cold and I had only brought light clothes, so we went to tour the brewery. It was so neat to see the Clydesdales!



After a long drive home we crashed! The pups were so glad to see us!