All dressed up in black and white...

I haven't done a blog lately and I'd really like to do them more often. Don't hold me to it though. I'm going to "try".

We have pretty much completely moved into our new place. I've realized moving into a smaller house we have a lot of junk! Well, not exactly all junk but our camping stuff, holiday decorations, books, year books and future stuff for our next kids is way too much for our small 3 bedroom home. We have zero storage in our new place as of now but we got a small storage unit for all our extra stuff. I feel like a hoarder, seriously. We have donated and tossed even more stuff moving into our house. It's ridiculous all the stuff we thought we needed.

January 5 we started a family/friends Biggest Loser. Justin and I are doing amazing. First month Justin, my mom and myself all tied for first place. We're doing it by weight percent or something. I can't exactly remember but we lost 8%! We have incentive prizes around $30. We drew a name and I was the first months winner. We weighed in again in March and my moms friend, Mike and myself tied with 4% lost. Drew a name and like always I won. Just kidding, I really don't always win but lately the odds were in my favor. I've lost 22lbs and I believe Justin has lost 25lbs. It's be really difficult lately but we need to get back on the wagon and really start working out again. I'd like to lose 13-18 more lbs. I believe Justin is shooting for 25-30 more lbs. I'm really proud of him and he looks awesome but I think that no matter what.

Lorraine moved in with the boys early February. It's been rough on them because I know they all miss Zach. (he's in boot camp for the Air Force) It's sad because you can just tell when each of them has a hard day and that's the real issue. I try and imagine how I'd feel if Justin was doing that and I'd be miserable. Titus loves his daddy so much and I couldn't imagine seeing him miss Justin everyday. I can somewhat understand what Lorraine feels but I'm not going through it so I can't say for sure but I'm sure it just sucks. Besides that I've loved seeing my nephews and going places with Lorraine during the week.

Titus is doing awesome. He started walking a week or so before he turned 15 months and is trying to run now. He wants to be so big. He's learned so much since Benjamin and Isaac moved in. He can climb his slide, go down, climb the slide itself and be daring. He's doing stuff so quickly now. Before he was like yeah I'll get to it eventually and now he wants to do everything Benjamin and Isaac are doing now. He's become super opinionated and vocal about stuff we do that makes him mad. I thought fits start at 2 not earlier. I'm that parent in the store with a screaming child because I was letting him walk and picked him up and now he's angry. Besides his tempers every so often he's really a good boy. He plays hard to get and doesn't just give kisses up for free. You have to earn them with him. He likes to help daddy and mommy with anything even if that means he's really not helping but making a mess. He really is a huge blessing to Justin and myself even on those rough teething days/nights. We want to keep him and love him forever.

Sweet One

http://calluscrazyblessed.blogspot.com/?m=1

If you can donate, pray or have any ideas how to raise money please help! My BFF/sister and family feel called to adopt and have found the child they'd like to adopt. Lorraine has talked about adopting with me since she was 16-17 years old and now they feel like the time has come. Please help with whatever you can. Thank you.

Hunting for houses

House hunting this weekend went pretty smooth. Titus didn't hate the car rides as much as normal and we found 2 house that could work.

The first house was on 25 acres of land, with a pond, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, small kitchen, small living room and huge master. For such a small house the price was a little high. We were hoping the next place close to Albany would be better. We stopped off at my moms. Let Titus take a little nap and we were off again.

The second place wasn't awful on the outside but not beautiful. Just a normal town house. Living room was huge, okay kitchen, basement, 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bath and shared back yard. It was doable. Lots of space and Justin and I filled out an application right away. Big concern was the stairs. We have gates but in my head I'm not sure how they'll go up and stay up. But it's on our list of top houses.

As we headed back into Middleburgh we went and checked out another place. 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths? Maybe 1 (I can't remember haha), nice kitchen, living room was ok and old old basement (kinda scary). Cons- the yard, it just drops off into the forest. It looked scary and I don't want Titus dropping into the forest like that. Ceilings in bedrooms were super low to where I know Justin would go to the bathroom in the middle of the night get wacked by the fan and we'd be making an ER trip. It wasn't a favorite. (This house I didn't get a picture of. It was super dark)

That night Justin and I both couldn't sleep well. He stressed about how to organize the moving truck and how many trips he'd make. I kept thinking maybe the house we really like isn't going to work. Maybe it's too expensive and can we afford it? Will we be saving any money living there? I worried about the stairs and where I'd put stuff and etc. I try and decorate in my head and it drives me insane.

The next morning I ask Justin if he's really sure we can afford the house and he says he'll crunch numbers again. He tells me why he couldn't sleep and I tell him we'll figure it out but let's see the other place that's showing today.

We both didn't know what to expect. It's considered a mobile home park but they are more like manufactured homes. We've seen a lot of ghetto mobile home parks. We didn't have high hopes but it was in a really nice area. My mom has told me a few times how nice Clifton Park is. I hoped for the best. We drive in and I notice everyone has decent cars. It doesn't look ghetto. The only thing is the homes are a little close but not too bad. We walk in and were greeted by Bob. Wow it's really nice inside. Living room is an okay size, kitchen modern and really nice, 2 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms. Rooms are a little smaller than the town house and we won't have as much storage but we both really liked it. Justin doesn't even ask me if we should fill out an application just tells the guy, "yep lets do this. We'd like an application." We really like it and are hoping it works out. It's brand new and hasn't been lived in. It's our number one choice. A lot of other people applied so there's a chance we won't get it. But we were the only ones without pets. He said that would bump us up the list. Lets hope it does! Everyone say little prayers for us. We really want it.

Come fill my glass up a little more...

It's been a month since I've updated on the Emerson family. We're doing fine. Titus is still teething. I think 3 teeth are trying to come out. He's been miserable at night. Teething has been a rough experience for all three of us. Justin and I hate seeing Titus in so much pain. We've tried cold stuff, chewing toys and medicine. It all works to a point but never lasts. Sad for my baby boy but during the day he's normally pretty happy.

Lately he's been very attached to me. I leave the room and he crawls like he's running a marathon to get to me. Lots of tears this past week. Justin and I are trying to be patient since we don't remember how bad teething is. But I always think if I was in pain would I want Justin to tell me "you're fine" and be all annoyed. No. I'd be kinda upset. We try and reach down for him when possible but sometimes it's stressful and hard. We're trying our best to constantly show Titus he's loved and we're here for him. Good thing teething doesn't last forever. :)

Titus is always learning something new. Tonight he picked up my hand to tell me he wanted to do high fives. Cute. He's a smart little boy. We're blessed daily that we have him in our lives. I know he's the best part of our days and each others.

Justin has been working from home and it's been awesome. Titus was so excited the first few weeks and he had a hard time napping during the day. Almost liked he'd miss something fun with daddy. It was pretty cute. Now he knows daddy is going to stay upstairs and will nap. We love having breakfast, lunch and dinner with him. Justin wasn't super busy at first. No one really knew what to do or have him do till he got his laptop. He had a few easy days and since he's had his laptop he's been pretty busy. Lots of conference calls and busy work. Justin seems to like it and says he loves seeing us more.

Me- I'm just doing the mommy thing. Taking care of Titus, Justin and then myself. I love being a mommy. It's a huge blessing but lots of work at times. I wouldn't trade it for anything though. I love being with my baby boy. I couldn't imagine taking him to a daycare. I think I'd cry all day long. I know most moms need to work but I didn't want that and I'm so lucky Justin supports my choice about staying home and has made it happen. Titus and I are so blessed. Being a mom is what I've wanted for years and so I soak it up. No, we won't have the nicest/newest stuff or toys but I'm okay with that. Being a mom is way better than a brand new car or Mac or whatever. ;)

Justin and I started dieting about a week ago. Justin is doing really well. I'm constantly starving but I also still nurse Titus so no wonder, right? Haha I've been working out on and off for a month and I've been trying to with the diet but today all I could think about is, I should have eaten before working out. It's been rough on me. We joined a biggest loser competition with my mom, Kurt and my moms friend. I'm hoping Justin or myself wins. I'm pretty excited about it and I want to lose 20-30 lbs. I know I can do it and I have more incentive. Money. Haha but my biggest incentive is Justin and I want to try this summer for baby number two. I want my body to be stronger and healthier for this baby. I need to be more of a beast for labor. Specially since I did Titus completely natural, I know I can do it again.

Besides that Justin and I are searching for places to live. We're still living with my mom which is fine but I'm sure she'd like her house back. We also have Lorraine and the boys coming soon, we need a place for all 6 of us to live. Hoping we find something this weekend. Fingers crossed and praying it happens.

Blessings

This is going to be long....

We've been in NY for 3 months and about a week. It's been good and kind of rough. Justin was blessed to find a job to get us out here but we needed something that would have him closer to home and be home more often. He'd leave around 6:40am and not roll in till 7pm. I love staying home with Titus but around 5pm he's done with mom and ready for someone new to come home and play with him. My mom gets home around 6:30pm so that's a long wait for both of us. Justin has been looking every where for a new job. Walmart wear house, a cable company and moving up with his current job. Anything that would change his situation and pay more.

We've been trying to wait patiently and it's difficult. I think almost everyone wants things to workout quickly but we've been waiting, stressing and praying. Justin old manager from Spokane called and told him about a new position and she thought he'd be perfect for it. Weeks of different interviews and keeping in touch with them. Justin was still unsure if the position would even be approved and accept a new hire. This week they finally told Justin you have the job and you start Monday. He'll be working from home and he'll have more income than his job he finished on Thursday. Prayers answered!

I'm so happy Insight offered him another job. In Spokane he really felt confident in his work and overall enjoyed it. I'm proud of my hard working husband and glad he's so consistent. He easily got the job by constantly calling and checking in. I'm excited he'll be working from home. Most wives think that is an awful word but he'll be working and it's not like he'll just be hanging out with us. I love spending time with my husband and I'm excited to have lunch with him everyday. I'm exciting for Titus to see his daddy when he wakes up and I'm excited it won't take Justin an hour to come home. He just shuts off the computer and BAM! He's hanging our with us. I'm happy I'll have a car when and if I need it. There are a lot of pros to having him "work from home". Doesn't mean we'll always have this luxury but I'm happy for the time being.

We're still trying to get use to the area. Things aren't as convenient as Spokane or Temecula. I've been cooking a lot of stuff, I haven't made since I lived at home or have never made. Justin loves it because now he knows I can make home made spaghetti sauce. We're still looking for stuff to do with Titus, doctors and etc.

It's been nice living with my mom but kind of strange. I haven't lived at home since I was 18 so I feel a little loser-ish. It has been awesome though. Titus loves seeing his grandma. If he had his way grandma would play with him 24/7! He's so in love with his grandma. We have dinners all together and get to spend time together. It isn't much, with her long hours and then me putting Titus to bed around 8:30-9pm but it's been nice and a blessing to us three. We do look froward to having our own place but we hope we still see my mom a lot. Titus is so excited to see his grandma. It's so cute till he cries and screams for her to say hello to him. He's become a very opinionated little boy. He does the same to Justin and myself.

Titus turned one just 8 days ago! I still can't believe my baby is one. Time seriously flew by! I feel a little robbed of my moments with a little baby and that it went quickly. I thought he'd stay little for a lot longer but now I'm watching him grow and learn every day. It's exciting to see his new tricks and his personality. He's pretty silly. He thinks he's funny and always thinks if there is laughter it's all for him. 80% of the time it is but we'll laugh at a movie and he grins and laughs. He's become very vocal. He's having a hard time not being able to say what he wants or needs so I deal with some screaming and crying when I can't figure out what is needed. Around his birthday his third tooth popped out and this week his fourth popped and another is almost out. He's trying to stand without holding onto stuff for a few seconds at a time and walking while holding onto stuff. He's a FAST crawler. He's very busy!

His party was great. Most of my family here showed up to celebrate with us. He doesn't know everyone super well so he was pretty shy. Clung to his daddy, mommy and grandma most of the time. He went to his great Aunt Jenn but mostly was with daddy. When cake time came around I prepared myself that he'd freak and cry. He was unsure but finally dug into his smash cake. My Aunt T did an awesome job with the cakes! We hurried into gifts and we helped rip into his presents. People had to leave to go home and make dinner and get ready for the following week. He is so loved! Got cute toys, pjs and books! It's awesome how much everyone loves my baby boy! We left the party after cleaning up the church, with help from my uncles and within 2 minutes Titus was sleeping in the car. He must have had a nice time.

Life has been a little crazy

Let's just say Justin and I weren't ready at all for our big move to New York but we've been here for 17 days and it's going pretty well.

Justin had a phone interview with a company out in Troy, NY. They loved him and offered him a job. Seriously everyone loves my sweet and hard working husband. It didn't hurt that my moms BFF works as a manager there there.

We pretty much had about 3 weeks to get ready to move. Justin was calling tons of moving companies to figure out what was the best route to go. We had a few options. 1. He drives the truck and I follow 2. He drives the truck and tows our car and Titus and I fly 3. We find a moving company, drive our car with a 9 month old. 4. Moving company drives and we fly and we had a few other ideas. I wasn't thrilled about being in a car for about 10 hours a day with a 9 month old who already HATES the car for 5-6+ days. That just sounded rough but then again I didn't want to fly alone and have to cart around a car seat (that weighs about 50 lbs) , diaper bag and a baby. Finally after about a week or so of looking Justin found a company that would drive the moving truck, load it and unload. We really thought we'd be driving my car. Going to Seattle for our anniversary was an okay drive but on the way back to Spokane, Titus had a hard time. Seattle from Spokane is only around 5 hours.... that would be half of one day! I was very nervous about the whole thing. Justin finally found a company that would pick my car up, load it and deliver it to us. We looked into plane tickets and I thought it was a great deal and worth our money to fly. (We had one layover... It was amazing.) 

Everything seemed like it was going according to planned. I was doing as much as I could with a baby around. But little things take so much longer with a baby. I would run around our house as soon as he went down for nap and bed time. Justin and I thought we had the majority of everything packed. The night before the truck came we decided to wait to pack our bathroom, bedroom and kitchen. Bad idea. Thank God we had Ben and Heather out. They went to town and started throwing stuff away and were packing machines! Lorraine was awesome to have around so when I could pack she'd entertain Titus and try and keep him happy along with her two boys. That last night we packed till around 10:30pm and it wasn't 100% done but we all needed rest.

Justin woke up early and did some last minute things. The truck showed up around 9am and had everything gone in 4 hours. Our house was pretty empty. We kept a few extra things. We had our blow up mattress, a few pans to cook on, clothes, baby stuff and some blankets. We told everyone we were camping in our house for a week and that's what we pretty much did till they came and picked up our car. We ended up staying at Lorraine and Zach's for two nights. Justin went back and cleaned the house and tried to sell his ghetto car. We didn't have success with selling the POS (I lovingly named his car that). He was told it would be better to just donate it and let someone fix it up and give it to someone in need. We didn't expect that to happen but we needed it gone.

We hung out with Justin's family and Lorraine's family as much as we could.  For two weeks I was with Lorraine almost everyday. Almost in a car accident with her, went to CDA, and Pig out in the park. Around late 2004 Lorraine and I have almost been together daily. There were a few times we'd go on trips without the other and when she moved to MO for a few months but around 7 1/2 years we've been by each others sides. We've known each other for about 10 years and a few years we only lived down the street from each other. She is my sister that God forgot to give me at birth. ;) Instead He gave us to each other later in life. Out of everyone her and her boys will be missed the most by me. I look forward to visits from her and us visiting her.

We will miss Justin's family in Spokane area but know we'll see them and they'll hopefully see us. We keep saying this isn't forever. If Justin gets an amazing job in Texas or Florida one day... maybe that's where we'll be. Right now with having a baby, I feel like I need to be close to my mom and family here. If I had my way I'd move my dad, my awesome step mom, sisters, grandma, grand-Paul and of course Justin's family and Lorraine's family here. (I need to get back to topic here)

The movers over estimated someone's load and ended up not being able to bring all of our stuff in one truck. The stuff that they decided was essential was kinda strange but at least we had some stuff. Lots of our boxes were crushed and same with plastic bins. They misplaced Titus gates. They had really bad attitudes to look for them and one guy said, "all this work for some stupid little gates." I thought it isn't stupid because these gates cost about $60 each and we have two!!! We aren't sure if anything is broken yet. I'm really hoping nothing is broken. A few days later our car showed up. Let me just say almost everything has been some what unorganized. It's been testing my patience. I just keep saying at least we're here and stuff is actually getting here. Earlier this week our last truck came in with the rest of our stuff. I was late meeting him. They give us a time frames and normally aren't on time so I thought my mom, Titus and I will have breakfast and then be on our way. Justin calls just minutes after 9 saying the truck is already there. It takes us about 15 minutes to meet with the guy. He seemed irritated but nice. He ends up getting the ramp out and putting it in place. It wasn't secure and he starts to walk on it to put it into place. It didn't go into place. He ended up landing on his back on the ground. My mom and I looked at each other and I quickly ask "are you ok?" He seemed fine but it was probably the best thing I've see for a while. I held my laughter in. I texted Justin telling him it was AWESOME! Justin laughed. :)

So all our stuff finally is all here. Justin has been doing some work around my mom's house to make us all feel comfortable. Specially in our room in the basement. I bought some carpet for our room. My uncles picked it up for us and delivered it. Kurt and Justin got it down, cut and stapled to the floor. It looks 80% better down here. I just need to organize our room and make it look nice.  Justin is the best husband! He's been trying to fix little things here and there, spraying for spiders and other creepy crawlers. I love him! I don't tell him enough how much he's appreciated but I really do appreciate everything he does. Then to top everything off he works all day, comes home entertains Titus, does stuff around the house and loves up on me and the baby. He's AMAZING! God has seriously blessed Titus and I!

We moved upstate New York. Right now we are in the middle of nowhere. Seriously. The closes Wal-mart and grocery store is about 30-40 minutes away. I'm use to having a Target about 15 minutes down the road. We want to stay close to my mom once we find our own place but I cant live this far out. Right now I'm sucking it up and dealing with it. I've decided if its not needing, I'm not going.

Justin is looking for another job already. He needs something closer or something that pays a little better. Everyone can pray for that one. Besides that and all our little bumps in the road we're doing okay. We're happy, healthy and have each other.

Third Anniversary

The start to us dating :)

Engagement pictures... We have fun ;)

The day that changed it all. August 9, 2009

It was just us for a little while ;)

Pregnant!

The happiest day of our lives! Welcome Titus William

Happy Anniversary Justin! I love you so much! You are such a big blessing to me and now our little boy! I'd still marry you all over again. You're really an amazing husband and awesome daddy! We are so lucky to have you! I cant wait to see what our future holds and I cant wait for many more years with you by my side. I LOVE YOU!!! xoxox