Day eight: My favorite tv shows

Who of you love these shows?

1. Grey's Anatomy (all time favorite)

2. Modern Family (SOO funny)

3. America's Next Top Model (love all the cool photoshoots)

4. The Amazing Race (I so wish I could be on this show. so much ADVENTURE!)

5. The Bachelor (classic reality tv. what more can I say?)

6. Say Yes to the Dress (I just love all things weddings)

7. Raising Hope (best new comedy ever. seriously, check.it.out)

8. CSI / Law and Order SVU (love me some mystery tv)

9. Desperate Housewives (recently discoved this one and watched all 5 seasons on dvd. love it)

10. Private Practice (more love for the dr. drama)

Day seven: Pictures of things that make me happy

These pictures are pretty random, since I just went through my computer and picked out pictures that made me smile. Clearly I love my husband and all things regarding summer. There were so many other pictures I could have picked, and so many more things/people that I love, but I didn't want this to be even longer than it already was. So here are a few of the things that make me happy:

Knowing that I am married to this handsome man FOR-EVER

Being married to my best friend

Having a husband who is such a goof.

The beach: and a husband who wears women's rash guards (mine)

Fresh flowers. Tulips and gerber daisies are my favorite.

Sunburns ~ because it means the sun is out and summer is here!

Spending time at the lake

Seeing this little stick and knowing that the wait was finally over.

Having such a cool kid (with wicked cute pjs)

Going to the movies and getting popcorn & a coke

My family

Nick's family

Flower beds that flourish!

Life long friends

Cute baby shoes!

This bouyant wet suit. HIL-AR-IOUS!

Day six: A song that makes me cry

There are so many songs (or commercials... or tv shows... or movies...) that make me tear up, ESPECIALLY while I'm pregnant, so I will just stick to these two sentimental country songs. I figure that since today is Valentine's Day and these songs make me think about the love of my husband, and the love of a parent, it would be a perfect post. I put these as the first two songs on my playlist, so make sure to listen to the lyrics. Enjoy!

All American Girl by Carrie Underwood

When I was pregnant for the first time, Nick and I were listening to this song and I got all choked up thinking about how much it fit with our life. About how much the song seemed to be describing my husband, and the way I hoped he'd feel about our children. About the expectations we had for our little family, and the hopes and dreams of what our children would be like. Though Nick did get his wish and we had a boy first, I know that when we do have a girl, she will be very special in her Daddy's eyes and will have him wrapped around her finger in no time.

I Loved Her First by Heartland

When Nick and I first got engaged, I was talking to my Dad on the phone and he said that he'd heard a song on the radio that had made him think of me. This was the song. I cried the first time I listened to it (and probably most of the times following) because it so perfectly fit. I think I'm just starting to understand the kind of love that a parent has for their child and how no matter how much they grow and change, they will always hold a special place in your heart, as one of your babies.

Day five: My favorite eats

So as I was going through some of the topics for my 15 day blogging challenge, I was getting a little uninspired. I decided to scrap a few of them and come up with my own. To a pregnant woman, what could be most inspiring? Food, of course! Here are a few of my favs so you can drool along with me.

YUM!

~Joey Tomatoes chicken lettuce wraps with extra peanuts. A Raspberry burst to drink

~Sprite slurpees
~REAL Popcorn. Movie Theatre popcorn is equally amazing. Microwave popcorn is for the lazy. And though I am often lazy, I can always muster the energy to make real popcorn. It's just SO much better! Mmmm...must go to a movie asap!
~Cafe Rio pulled pork salad. Too bad we don't have any in Canada :(
~Sweet Potato fries. It's all about the mayo dips.
~Salads with lots of veggies and avocado. Mama Hall is great at these!
~Waffles with whipped cream and strawberries
~Super cold ICE water.
~Olive Garden breadsticks and House Salad with jalapenos...mmmm... It is infact served unlimited EVERYDAY for lunch ;)

And now that it's 10pm on a Saturday night, and I am hungry for ALL of these things, cursing the fact that tomorrow is Sunday ~ I am going to stop. Maybe I can get Nick to take me somewhere on Monday for Valentine's Day so that I can taste at least one of these delicious items! Here's hoping...

Day four: Something I'm looking forward to

One thing that I am really looking forward to is another one of our Schow Family Reunions this summer. I love going to the lake but even more than that, I LOVE spending time with all of my cousins. Crafting, playing cards, eating tons of good food, playing at the lake and staying up late talking. It is going to be such a blast and I CAN'T WAIT!!! Besides - by then, it will be sunny and WARM :)

Haha Steve looks so creepy. He does have a swimsuit on, he was just trying to be funny!

I am also definitely looking forward to the arrival of our next baby at the end of June. I am excited for the new challenges and change he/she will bring into our family. But... by the end of this pregnancy, I will have been pregnant for 18 out of the last 23 months so I am VERY MUCH looking forward to NOT being pregnant. It will be nice to spend a little time on me (when I can find the time...) and trying to get my body back. Not just to look better and lose the baby weight, but to be fit and strong. To feel healthy and have more energy.

Here's a little reminder of what I used to look like: this was from the morning I got married!

Hmmm... I think I'm going to have my work cut out for me!

Day three: My siblings & parents

I am lucky to be a part of such a great family. I'm not a very clever or eloquent writer, but I am going to try and give you a bit of insight into the lives of the amazing people I love most.

Warning: this post is LONG

My Dad: Ron, Ronald, Ronnie, Papa Bear, Ron Schow Electric, I call him pretty much whatever I'm feeling at the moment and he never blinks an eye. Though 'Daaaaaad' used in a whiny voice is probably what I used the most ;) (to get what I wanted when I was younger). My dad is such a great example of sacrifice, dedication and HARD WORK. I don't think I've ever met someone with a greater work ethic and desire to provide for his family. He sets the bar high. He has the greatest sense of humor, and a big, boisterous, obnoxious laugh that I love. He is THE biggest tease and is always giving someone a hard time about something. He has always treated me like a little princess, and called me 'Baby cakes' (I get a little jealous if he tries to use that name on any of the grand kids). I know that he has a special place in his heart for me 'cause I'm the youngest, the baby of the family, and I am grateful to have such a good relationship with him. When I was in high school and he became the Bishop of our ward I began to see him in a new light. He was no longer just the rough and tough electrician with the raggedy edges, but a knowledgeable, smart man. He is a spiritual giant in my eyes and I am so thankful for his example, his love and just for him being him.

My mom: Jeannie, Jean, Jean Marie, but mostly just Mom. She is one of the nicest, most genuine and loving people I know. I don't think she could ever hurt a fly (though she can give a pretty good 'stink eye' when Ron gets out of line - ;). She analyzes over everything, worries and stresses more than she needs to, but I know she always has everyone's best interest at heart. She is the epitome of what a mother should be. I love that she really cares about what my opinion is and always takes me seriously. I have felt for a long time now, that we are more like really great friends, not just mother & child, and I love that. We probably talk on the phone 5 times a week. She is generous and charitable and always willing to give of her time to help us out. Whether it be working, baking, cooking, cleaning or vacationing she never does anything half way, it's just not in her to give less than 100%. She is a beautiful singer and I wish I could play the piano like she does! She has a quiet confidence that I love and I respect her so much. I hope that I can be even half of the parent that she is.

My older brother: Shane I didn't have very many nicknames for since I was just his kid sister, 6 years younger, and most of my memories involve him playing tricks on us. Shane always has something up his sleeve; a plan to jump out and scare someone, a stunt to perform or a joke to play. He is hilariously creative and SO funny. He is adventurous (he's been skydiving!), mischievous, and just plain old fun! As I've gotten older I've gotten to know him more as a person, and not just as an older brother and I love being around him. I know I'll always have a good time, and he just has a way to make you laugh and feel comfortable in your own skin. He is driven and a great provider for his own family of 6 (almost 7). Shane married Jennica 11 years ago, and I am so glad. Right from the start I felt like she fit into our family and she reminds me a lot of my Mom. She is so sweet, nice and just a fun person to be around. She's got to be the most patient person ever 'cause she's raising 4 energetic but amazingly well behaved kids and I've NEVER seen her get mad! Best 'super-mom' I've ever met.

My older sister: Jill, Jilly bean, Jilly poo or my all-time favorite, Trunchbull! Bahaha!!! Growing up Jill and I would fight hard and love hard. Never anything in between. Being 4 years apart we were never really in the same life stages together so we sometimes (........) had a hard time getting along. It didn't help that we are both pretty stubborn and I liked to always get my way. She calls it spoiled, I call it smart. Ha ha! However we still had a LOT of fun memories growing up together. We played all sorts of make-believe games, made home videos (Shane too), did dance, gymnastics and loved our summers at the lake. Now that we are FINALLY in the same stage of being married with kids, our relationship has gotten even closer. We can relate to the things each other are going through, and I love talking to her on the phone and doing fun things together. Maybe it's the Schow genes in us all, but Jill is also SO adventurous and fun. She is a talented photographer and a great mom. She has that kind of natural beauty that makes others green with envy. She is such a great example to me and I wish I had half of her dedication to be fit and healthy. We are hoping to run some sort of marathon together next summer. Jill married Ryan (or Ry-guy) 7 years ago and he is such a great brother in law. When I first met him I realized that he is hilarious, and I love when he just lets loose and shows us all his goofy side (see pic below). He is a Mr. adventure man too and loves to hike. He is so fun to be around, and I think that him and Nick are kindred spirits in the fact that NO BODY could have a love for nachos like they do!

I love you guys!

Day two: Things that I stress about

Nick getting a new job and staying out of debt. Why does money have to be such a headache? I feel like sometimes we are just getting by, and other times we are doing awesome. I think it will be really nice to just be an established, successful family say 10 years down the road. Atleast that's what I'm hoping happens.

Keeping the house clean. You'd think that with one little 8 month old it couldn't get very dirty, but it does! I feel like I'm already running in circles picking up things all day long. And that's not even beginning to think about dinner... How am I ever going to have a few kids? Find joy in the journey. How to I make myself simply follow that?

Having a healthy baby.

That I will never lose the baby weight. I seriously wish I could be one of those people who looked amazing one month after having had a baby. Unfortunately I know it'll be more like 6-12 months of agonizing diet and exercise for me. blah

Finishing home improvement projects. I seriously hate having a massive to-do list of things that take forever and cost a lot of money. Putting in some carpet, finishing the basement, re-doing the yard, etc. I can't wait to just have it all done!

Raising children who are strong in the gospel and WANT to serve missions and get married in the temple. This one is obviously the one that is most important to me, and the one that I feel the most incapable of controlling. I guess I just need to take comfort in the words of our church leaders when they say things like, "Do the small things each and every day. Stay close to the Savior, and be a good example to your children." I'm sure my parents worried just as much about these things as I do, but they had to let me figure it out on my own. I just hope I can be as good of a parent as they were/are.