My interior decorating obsession

It could be the fact that for almost 4 months now, I've lived in an apartment with white bare walls and rental furniture. Or perhaps it's the fact that I miss what it feels like to live in a real home with my OWN stuff. OR it could be that I have absolutely nothing to do but feed my hobby/obsession (call it what you will) of reading up and observing fun, contemporary homes and their decor... Whatever the reason, I find so much enjoyment dreaming of my future house and all the cool things I would do... HGTV really is my favorite channel, it's just a shame we don't pick it up out here in Miami, heaven forbid I would waste even MORE time on the couch! I did consider majoring in interior design at one point and who knows, maybe all these ideas from library books I read about home decorating will be put to good use one day! I love this bedroom... sigh....

Utah Trip!

So I have a great mom who flew me out to Utah for her parents' 50 wedding anniversary last week! My grandparents, Bonnie & Kent Croft are probably the silliest seniors I know, especially my grandma. We had a nice big family dinner at Magleby's and watched them do their Jitterbug from back in their day.. so cute! My brothers, looking dumbfounded for some reason.

While in Utah, I pretty much went crazy (in a good way), being able to actually DO something, and got so anxious about cleaning our condo that's been sitting collecting dust and spiders for 3 months, that I could barely sleep! It felt SO NICE to be able to drive, get out of the house, and get ideas for what needs to be done as far as the house/baby set-up when we move back to Utah at the end of the summer. Nesting phase has definitely begun, and it was quite a bummer to have to fly back to Miami.. back to sitting, feeling useless. But I did miss my little Aaron and was glad to be back with him! He even cleaned the place all spic and span for when I got home... cute!

ALLIGATOR FARM

A couple weeks ago, me, Aaron, and Craig headed south to the Alligator Farm where we went on Air boat rides and saw huge alligators and snakes! It was SO HOT, I don't know how I made it, but it was fun to get out and see the sights of Florida! This big group of alligators was during feeding time, where they lined up against the fence to eat whole rats.

A random chick from the audience was chosen to wear this huge snake...

We got to hold baby alligators, and apparently Aaron thought this one looked like me, which might be why he's kissing it.

Some of the biggest gators they had at this farm that died, as well as a 20-something foot snake!

Aaron and Craig during our alligator show.

We stopped at this big fruit stand called "Robert is Here" where they had fruits that I haven't seen since my mission in Brazil! This is jaca or a jackfruit, that is HUGE, way heavy and has a really weird taste. I actually used to gag on it on my mission, but the flavor isn't bad. I stuck to my favorite.. passion fruit, and got a giant milkshake, it was delish!

More to come!...

Venting...

You other prego girls probably know the feeling that apparently hits close to the 3rd trimester when you no longer feel attractive AT ALL! I'm a big complainer lately but if pregnancy wasn't hard, I guess it wouldn't be as special or rewarding. And I mean, I've wanted a baby since I was like 12 and being the oldest of 6+ kids, I just had a natural tendency to want a cute precious baby that was MINE (and we were pretty blessed to get pregnant as soon as we wanted to, I realize other people are not that lucky). But no one and nothing prepares you for this emotional roller coaster! How did I not anticipate this?!
Aaron's basketball shorts and t-shirts have become the most comfortable thing to wear, and since I'm stuck in the house and go nowhere, it works! My mom emphasized to me the importance of getting ready everyday, just for yourself so you don't go crazy about your deteriorating looks and get depressed, and she's right!
I've always been an active person.. I don't think I've gone an entire week without exercise in my entire life so the fact that walking on a treadmill is strenuous is rather sad to me. I've told Aaron a few times that I feel physically handicapped.. I've gained such an appreciation for the size and weight that I used to be.. which never quite seemed to be good enough.. til now! I can't wait to run again, to sleep on my stomach, to not be so concerned about "am I eating enough for my baby? Am I eating too much and gaining too much weight?!" And don't even get me started about my bras cutting off my circulation.. I can't even breathe anymore!
But alas, the sacrifices we make for that unseen creature kicking away in our belly! Three months seems like so close, yet so far away, and I'm sure having a newborn brings lots of exhaustion and more sacrifices but there's a reason people keep having babies! And I'm lucky that Carter is healthy and that I've had a great first and second trimester compared to lots of people. I just never expected the emotional craziness and insecurities.. for some reason I thought I'd be tough enough to handle it!

25 1/2 weeks!

Carter is getting big! I've been very whiny to Aaron lately because bending over has gotten difficult and I'm starting to feel more and more uncomfortable. When you're short, baby has nowhere to go but out!

This is hilarious!

The SNUGGIE

Me and Aaron saw this in the local news this morning and we laughed our heads off! Click on the link above.. I can't believe us Americans are this retarded!

The latest

To combat my recent boredom, I took on a project... My mom is redecorating my little sister, Melanie's room back home to a nautical theme (I think she's quite spoiled! She's switched decor like 100 times!) But I had seen some cute decorating ideas online at Better Homes and Gardens that I used to spend hours on when I had internet. Taking advantage of being in Florida, I found some fun starfish and shells and made little shadow box displays for Melanie's wall! They didn't turn out quite how I wanted, but I liked the idea.. and you can always switch out the displays so I figure it was worth it =)

Fourth of July: Our husbands just never get a break in summer sales! We drove a half hour down to South Beach, in an attempt to meet our guys halfway, but even getting off an hour earlier, they didn't make it in time for the fireworks. But they didn't miss much since the fireworks where we were sitting only lasted like 10 minutes, it was ridiculous!! BUT we did go to Outback Steakhouse after meeting up with them, and I had the BEST meal I have ever had at a restaurant, it was soooo good, I'm craving more!
Here's Paula, Holly & Candice

Us girls hangin out on the beach, awaiting fireworks. Okay I look really gross in this picture, but me and Aaron were comparing bellies.. I clearly won.

The other day, us girls went to the beach- only 5 minutes from our apartments and it was SO BEAUTIFUL! Me and Candice, sitting while the sand rides up in our swimsuits!