27 Weeks Sober....

....I mean pregnant!!!! A margarita does sound really nice though!!!! 

Home Sweet Home

Where did the time fly? It seems like just yesterday that it was December and Jesse and I found out that we were moving to Arizona for his new job! It's JUNE and we ARE HERE!!!!! I can hardly even believe it! Well, Jes has technically been here since January but we are reunited as a married couple and living under the same roof... for more than a week!!!!! My heart sings a happy tune when I remember that I don't have to say goodbye to him in a few weeks! In fact, we've been getting to "re-know" each other as silly as that seems because if you've known our life we have been a long distance couple for almost 8 years now!!!! Crazy, right? I'm pretty sure that if we can survive the distance for that long, we'll be good to weather any type of situation, right? And I am a firm believer that distance DOES make the heart grow fonder! We are big time proof that long-distance relationships do and can survive and be amazing!

Since I'm taking time off, I have become a housewifey and let me tell you..... I LOVE IT! Sorry, but I always knew I would! Who wouldn't like getting up when their happy heart desires (even though my preggy heart gets me up at 3:00 am to pee and 5:00 for good..)???? Who wouldn't like making breakfast, packing a lunch, and cooking dinner for their hubby? Well, I guess some wouldn't but I love cooking/baking so it makes me a happy girl! I swear I have never done as many dishes in my life! I think because I have the time to actually cook and bake how I want, I blow through pots, pans, and dishes like a 10 person family would! Jesse even threw in the line "Man, you're bustin' out all your goods now!" Hahah, I love that man! Call me crazy, but I like cleaning! I know some people might be laughing in their chair and saying, "Well good for you, Lindsey," but I do... I have a problem... I know! I have already gotten past the first stage of admitting that! So, I've been dusting every nook and cranny, cleaning the blinds, windexing windows, scrubbing floorboards, sweeping, and well I guess you can say that I am a complete NESTER! I knew I would do this when I was pregnant, but because it's getting closer to the time that we bring our babe home, I want it to be ours... Our dirt, our filth, our germs, ya know? Yes, I am weird and a clean/sparkly house makes my heart so happy! Jesse and I even passed up hiring a maid to come clean this place because I knew I could do it better and my way.... Sick right? The sad part is I don't even feel close to being done! I still have a running mental list of what needs more scrubbing/cleaning.... So, basically, I spend my days looking like a bum, inside doing house chores, decorating and running errands! Bottom line, I love it, feel so blessed to be able to, and feel so much less like a crazy person that has a brain running a million miles a minute with lists and lists of things to do! Speaking of decorating.... I am still in denial that we actually filled a 4 bedroom home with stuff from our 1 bedroom condo....???? How is that possible? I mean, seriously!

Anyways, I know I am famous for writing posts that seem to go on and on and on.... so I am going to leave this one (the rest of it)  to mostly pictures of our new house with just a few side notes! I can't help but fall in love with this place because I know that here in September, this is where we will be bringing our sweet baby boy back to and start our family of 3!!!!

The Grandpa's painting Oliver's Nursery with Love

Our Bedroom

Guest Room

Our Master Bath

Home Sweet Home

Empty Room that will probably be Oliver's Downstairs Fun Room.
For now it serves as a track for the dogs to sprint around...

Laundry Room... Exciting I know!

Guest Bath Downstairs

Living Room (This room will be undergoing many changes coming soon!)
I'm super picky but why would they paint that wall red? Gross...

Dining Area

My Favorite part: Our AMAZING kitchen!
Someone knew I would spend a lot of time in here...
Oh ya... Can you tell there is a full wall of wine? Yah... I'm preggy... BUMMER

Our spacious backyard and a heater just in case 110 degrees isn't hot enough

Yes.... PALM TREES!!!! Am I by the beach???
We have fruit trees too! 

The dogs are in HEAVEN

Soon to be garden (as soon as I figure out what survives in the heat...)

Guest Bathroom upstairs

Oliver's Nursery: Gonna' get workin' on this next week!

Guest Room with Oli's stuff

Our blue office (which will be transformed ASAP)
Lots to do in here too! 

We just got our glider delivered... AKA my new favorite spot...

Even Jesse looks small sitting in this!

Welcome to Caribbean Ln in Scottsdale, AZ!!!! Stop by for a visit when you're in town! We'd love to have you and I'll have margaritas and desserts waiting!

Our Dad...

I know I'm a little late on this one, but hopefully you'll understand! Jesse and I are finally feeling settled in Scottsdale (I'll post about that next) and were able to spend this year's Father's Day in our new home!  Like Mother's Day this year, I think Jesse felt a whole new little feeling about what it means (or will mean) to be a Father! I must say, he's gonna make one hell of a Daddy, that I know for sure! I can't wait to see him holding our little guy! Oliver wanted to give his Daddy a little something and this is what it was......

His very first Golf Bag!
(He only needs 2 clubs because he's already that GOOD!)

I'm sure as soon as Oliver is able to hold a club, they'll be out practicing! Jes, I can't wait to start our little family and watch you become such an All-Star Daddy with your little guy! He has no idea how lucky he is to have you as his Dad, but WATCH OUT WORLD.... This kid WILL be competitive and WILL LOVE sports... I don't think he'll even have a choice, poor guy!

Always Keepin' up with the Kids

What I really want this post to be about is my very own, wonderful and all-around amazing Dad, Chuck! You guys.... The man grew up loving every sport there was, played football through college and is nothing but ALL GUY! You might be saying, ya... we know!!!!??? But what makes me smile is that he grew up with 3 sisters, had 3 daughters, raised all female pets for the most part and is FINALLY getting another boy in the family! My Dad was the very first person we called to let know that we were having a little boy, because I just knew that NO ONE would be as ecstatic as he would be... and he sure was! I don't think he believed me or even knew what to do with himself! In thinking about what we were going to name our son, of course if you know me, I had a running list 10 months ago with about 20 names I liked..... A couple of people suggested that I had such a great last name (Maiden) that could be used as a first name if it was a boy! I honestly had never even thought about Oliver, but once it was brought up, it became a front-runner in my mind... Jesse and I talked many times about what we could name him and the only name he was totally 100% set on was Oliver! I thought it could even be used as a middle name, but NO... Jes was set on Oliver because he loved that he could grow up and be called Oli when he was playing sports! It didn't take much convincing, because I kept thinking that it would be so cool to "bring back" the name that I so dearly loved growing up with as a little girl! I must admit, it made me sad to think that there were no more boy "Oliver's" to pass along our family name, so being able to name our son Oliver is just a perfect way to keep it alive! Even though my Dad would be supportive with whatever name we chose, I think there has to be a feeling of pride he must have! A grandson with the name Oliver... How cool is that???? 

Goofballs ALL.THE.TIME

Anyways, just like my Mom, I think us girls lucked out with the best Dad there is! From growing up with so much estrogen around him, I think God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave my Dad 3 daughters to raise.... He has this soft, gentle and sensitive side about him that always seems to do the trick when one of us needs help or is in a pickle of some kind! Just call Dad, and he'll know the answer, find out, or talk you through it! He is brilliant!!!! I mean seriously, he knows so much about so much if that makes sense! To name a few of his specialties: Sports, Money/Investing, Cars, Houses, Landscaping, Playing Craps, Fishing, Boating, Air Traffic Control :) and yes... even shopping (thanks to us!).  I have had some of the most intriguing conversations about different things with my Dad! What I love is that he doesn't act like a "know it all!" He LISTENS!!!!! He likes for others to share their thoughts, ideas and even if it doesn't make sense to him or he disagrees, he will calmly shake his head, continue to listen and very sweetly discuss the differences of opinion.  He is always respectful and I LOVE THAT about him! You could talk to my Dad all day long and never get tired of him! 

Dad... Those are some mashed potatoes you got there, by the way! 

When it comes to dedication, my Dad is it! In every avenue of his life! Whether it be his family, job, house, yard, car, anything at all.... My Dad works his tail off! He is always striving to be the best at whatever he is doing and give us the best!  I admire this about him because he puts forth the effort and tireless hours to be all that he can be! When my parents told us about an opportunity in Seattle for my dad to become the Assistant Chief, I wasn't surprised at all! I knew he was up for the challenge, and he's not stopping there either! His motto: You work hard, so you can play hard! Growing up I never felt cheated of time with my Dad.  Even though he had to work a lot, he was always there for us, at our games and we were even able to take a few family vacations every single year! He is good at balancing everything in his life and he is smart about it too! His plan is to work another couple of years and then retire so he can really enjoy everything life has to offer: especially sweet little Grandkids! I look forward to that day when he retires because I just know he is going to LOVE it! As hard as he has worked and as stressful of a job that he has, he'll deserve every second of being a retired Gramps! 

Finally, one of the things that I love about my Dad is the relationship he has with my sweet husband, Jesse.  Most Dads are a tad bit sad when their daughters get married, but NOPE.... NOT MINE! He was so excited that he had a "son" now and could do "guy stuff" when we all got together as a family! Most of our family time before I was married revolved around shopping and strolling around "browsing" through towns, etc... Girl stuff that Dad got drug around doing! When Jesse is there now, Dad doesn't have to do that anymore! They can grab a beer and watch the game together! They can throw the football on the beach! They can throw something on the grill and enjoy each other's company. My Dad can give advice and Jesse loves to hear it! And I'll tell you that Jesse loves time with my Dad just as much as my Dad enjoys his time with Jes.  I can't describe to you how overcome with emotions I get when I see the two of them just "hangin" together! It's so sweet and makes me a happy little girl to know that the two of them get along so well and have so much in common! Now, when my sisters get married, there will be 2 more guys around and I'm sure Dad will just love that even more! Finally some "men" around to do "men-things" with! 

Butchy-Boy

So, Dad..... I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK! I couldn't have picked a better Dad for us because you have the perfect touch with everything! From day 1 I was "Butchy-Boy" to you and am still proud of that name! HAH! People may not get it, but I know why that was my name! You know just when I need your sensitivity and gentle side and then you know exactly when I need a firm kick in the rear... And growing up, I needed a lot! Thank you for all you have taught us girls by being our Daddy- You were our #1 guy from day one and we'll never forget that! XOXOX 

The Most Beautiful Woman in the Whole World....

My Beautiful Mom

Tonight as I finally take a few minutes to reflect amongst the craziness of packing and all the changes happening, this Mother's Day takes on a new meaning for me this year! Every year Mother's Day comes and goes and I do what I can to show my Momma just how much I love her from miles and miles away... This year of course was no different in terms of being apart, but having a baby in the cooker myself, something feels different and I get emotional and all choked up just thinking about how amazing and special my mom is... (Yeah, yeah, I know I'm pregnant, but still..)

Ever since I graduated from college I have realized more and more that I am my mother's daughter.... I mean we are almost more like twins sometimes than Court and I... Our bodies are the same, we often get mistaken for each other on the phone, we are both competitive and type A personalities, I could go on and on... Anyways, there is a special place in my heart for my Mom and it seems to grow bigger and bigger as every single day goes by.

As I prepare for our move to Scottsdale, I am also preparing physically and emotionally for little Oliver... My body is starting to quickly remind me these days that I am pregnant and I'm telling you.... I HAVE EVERY PREGNANCY SYMPTOM/CHANGE in the book.... While I love it all because I know the reward is coming, I can't believe that my beautiful Mom carried two full-term babies (7 lbs, and 6.2)!!!!! WHAT??? I think that means she is a Saint in my book! As I am getting overwhelmed with all the preparations still to come and the big changes that come along with a baby, I can't imagine how she felt knowing that God was giving her the 2 for 1 deal! How overwhelming to think about! Mom- I admire you for what you and your body went through for us... and am sorry too!

Not only was she the Mommy of 3 active, crazy and love-to-shop girls, but she did it with such grace! You see, our Mom loved us more than anything and would give up anything to make something work, but she was tough on us! Of course at the time I didn't like it (and I let her know that= soap in my mouth all.the.time) but I now see why and am beyond thankful for her tough love! Being an educator, I see so many Moms give in to everything their child wants and it just breaks my heart.... Those poor kids are growing up in a world where everything is handed to them and everything is a "Yes, honey..." How sad and scary for our society...

My mom is perfect in my eyes in every way and as I become a Mommy myself, I just hope and pray I can be just like her... She does the little things to show us her love, she gives Jesse and I our space so we can grow and become our own little family, she welcomes us into her home and is ready to start cookin' and having fun, she loves planning fun vacations for our family, she takes such good care of my Dad and is such a perfect wifey, she works part time to help pay for all 3 of our colleges and do the extras, she NEVER complains about anything, she loves the outdoors and nature, she is Susie Homemaker 24/7, she has such a tender/emotional heart but won't always show it (she's German... that explains a lot), she has taught us girls how to be independent and strong-willed women, and best of all.... She will be the world's BEST Grammy ever!

Mom- Your DeeDee girl loves you more than anything and I hope you know just how amazing you are! Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!

Yep.... I Gave In!

Well... Welcome to our new blog! :) Do you think I am crazy for doing this right in the middle of about 50 big life changes? Well, I do, but this is something that has been on my "To-Do" list along with about a million bazillion other things so I am so happy that it's up and running! I had about zero clues on how to create my own blog, so yes... I found a super cute gal that does this for a living! What a blessing and what a job! :) I wanted to start blogging because Jesse and I are going through a lot of BIG and new life changes that we wanted you to be a part of! So, let me catch you up a bit....(grab a yummy cup of coffee and dessert)

If you didn't already know by now, we are moving to Scottsdale on June 1st.... And by we, I mean me and the dogs... He's been living there with some friends since January and working his tail off with Depuy Mitek Sports Med.  He's a sales rep for the Mountain West Division in the Scottsdale territory and spends his days traveling from hospital to hospital and kissing up to Docs to make them happy!!!! Ya gotta do, what ya gotta do! There is of course the business side to things and paperwork, yada, yada.... Being in Scottsdale has allowed him to hit up some of the nice courses there with some of the Docs, so that of course is a plus in his book! Not to mention, he's been scoping out new restaurants and where it's happenin'! So, come June we will be starting our new and busy life in beautiful Scottsdale.... OK... HOT SUMMER SCOTTSDALE..... (I'll be sending out new address cards soon) And this brings me to the BIGGEST change that is coming up...

About 20 weeks preggers!

I'm pregnant! Welcome to the world if you didn't know that! I seemed to have popped out like the second I found out I was pregnant, so no I am not just getting chubby.... Well, yes I am- but there is a good reason for it! :) I'm due in September with a little baby boy who we will be naming Oliver! And almost positive that his full name will be Oliver Reid Barnsley. Yes, that's right people- that is my maiden name and we are thrilled that it could be brought back into the line somehow! Jesse is already talking about how he wants to call him Oli! We went to our gender revealing ultrasound on April 26th and right away Mr. Oliver revealed his family jewels... (Daddy was proud to say the least) Jesse and I were so thrilled because secretly we both wanted a boy... I really was so fine either way, but I've known all along this was going to be a baby boy and Jesse was happy to secure a son! :) When I'm not busy packing up our condo and my classroom, I am either at the baby stores or browsing online- which is a problem/addiction.... I mean seriously- that's where the money is people! BABY STUFF! There is something out there for everything and like 200 different versions/brands/colors etc... I am so type A so I don't feel complete until I look at every option- Lord help me, I know!

Sweet Oliver at 13 weeks! Can you just not get over how cute that little leg is? He might be like his Daddy with long legs and big feet!

I am finishing up the school year (my 5th year already) and that in itself is exhausting... THE. KIDS. ARE. DONE!!! And I mean cooked- like overdue crispy bacon and have been ready for summer the first day it got warm... So, it's just tying up loose ends and starting to take down and pack for good.... TEAR! I love that place! I love everything about my school and wish I could pack it up in a box or two and move it and my Principal with me... I'm going to be a crying, hormonal mess when I turn in my key- I just know it!

So, from Jesse getting a new job and moving, to finding out we are pregnant I am about in over my head already and am looking forward to finally being able to reunite with my sweetie for good, decorate our new home and prepare for our sweet blessing.  It's going to be a busy few months, but in the end it will so be worth it!  I will be updating as much as I can and putting up picture after picture I'm sure! So, bear with me as I get used to blogging and I'll see you soon! xoxo