An Itch

I keep hearing myself repeat "life is so busy!" to everyone who asks how I'm doing. I'm positive that it's probably the most annoying response to any question about your life. Pretty much no one cares. Other than my mom...but that's what moms are for. 

I've started doing Kayla's BBG with Mrs. Auteur Ariel which is kicking my rear, but I'm DETERMINED to finish it. It's a long (and hopefully quick) 12 weeks and I'm nearing the end of Week #3. We are vacationing to Hawaii in April and goshdarnit I'm gonna look amazing in every swimsuit picture. 

My day typically looks as follows...Working out from 9-10am, showering, lunching with Ryan, both of us leaving for work before noon. I work until 6-7pm depending on the load, I come home to watch trashy tv....mayyyyyybe clean the house if I'm feeling really adventurous and then hang with Ryan from 9pm till I fall asleep. Guys, I'm really not that exciting at all. 

Something is missing. While I love what I'm doing...I feel that familiar nag that I get when life is busy. 

I have the urge to practice my piano, go ballroom dancing, blog more, learn a song and sing it loudly, arrange flowers, make a craft, re-learn Spanish. Apparently I thrive on the creative touchy feely side of my brain/heart, weird how that works for us creatives ;) So here I am blogging, and off to go practice some Spanish to scratch that familiar itch. 

The Hernia Has Spoken

Earlier this week Ryan had surgery for his umbilical hernia. He has been living with the pain of having his guts try to escape out of his belly button for over two months! Every cough, laugh, sneeze, and sudden movement would put him in excruciating pain :/ Suffice it to say, we were excited to finally have a surgery date. 

Ryan is one tough guy, and I sometimes forget what it's like to see him vulnerable. He's such a manly mountain man, he can do anything and everything! Then to see him practically helpless this week has been heartbreaking. Just think about it, almost every movement you make is connected to your core! Soooo he pretty much didn't move all week. 

Lots of medicine, Netflix, shakes, and naps were on our schedule. Luckily I have a job that is extremely understanding, so I was able to stay at home for a couple days to take care of him until he could move around the house more easily. He's now doing better, and we are excited to go back to living our lives hernia-free! :)

$550 Nordstrom GC Giveaway

TGIF everyone! Today I am thrilled to be collaborating with a gorgeous and talented group of bloggers to bring you a $550 Nordstrom gift card, or paypal cash (winner chooses). Looking for the perfect Valentines dress? Clothes for the kids? Or maybe even a birthday gift for a friend? Think of all the possibilities!

To enter, simply complete the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway is open until 11:59pm MST next  Friday (January 23, 2015) and remember, the more entries you complete, the more chances you have to win! For fashion lovers around the globe, this giveaway is open internationally. Oh and be sure to go say a big hello to all the fabulous people involved. Good luck!

Your Host

Kiss Me Darling

Co-Hosts

 For The Love of Fancy | Jimmy Choos and Tennis Shoes | Lovely Blonde Closet | Cleverly Yours | Sunshine & Stilettos

January Hart | Lush to Blush | Shar Style | Money Can Buy Lipstick | KB Styled

Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins | Mash-elle | Twenties Girl Style | Love me, Dani Marie | Little J Style

Wild One Forever | The Girl in the Yellow Dress | Dressing Dallas | Glamour-zine | Live More Beautifully

Indigo Pier | Brassy Apple | Style Stun | A Slice of Style | Finding Beautiful Truth



White Stag Boulevard | Team Wiking | Looks for Lovelies | NTYLS | Ashleys Passion for Fashion

Fashion by Mariah | Breezy Days | With Lola

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jokes

This is picture evidence of Ryan and I finally getting around to picking up our house so it doesn't look like a complete trash-pit. 

While it's been crazy busy around these parts, I've also been very happy. 

I love where and who I work with. They value the hard work I put in, which makes me want to work harder and do better. Ryan is finally getting the surgery we've been waiting 2 months for. The poor guy has been in constant pain but has been a champ through it all. I've started a new workout regimen with my friend Ariel that's going to kick our tushes and get us in shape #thekaylamovement. I've been eating healthier the past week and a half (1 week sober from soda) and have been feeling really good. 

Evan comes home in 2 and a half months and I'm over the moon about it. While he wants to live in Mexico and be a missionary forever (too cute), it's time for him to come home. I miss him. We are taking a family trip in April before Jesse leaves for his mission this summer, and I'm twitching with excitement. 

Sometimes I wonder what I did to be so lucky in life. Do I really deserve all this happiness?  I was just thinking that this morning on the way to work. Then I discovered my tire had a screw in it...and there's life crackin' a good ole joke. Keeping me on my toes. 

Winter Floral

If it wasn't so dang cold I would live in dresses all day long! I gravitate towards old school styles and couldn't wait to wear this eShakti dress to finish out the holiday season. Right now they are having an awesome clearance sale and already bringing out their spring line, hooray!! 

To round out my glam eShakti look I paired it with Shoedazzle bow heels, InPink crystal necklace, then curled my hair and pulled it to the side. Bright colors and shiny dresses help brighten up my Monday! :)

Floral Lurex Jacquard Dress c/o eShakti

Necklace c/o InPink

Heels: Shoedazzle

Well, Hello

Christmas just came and went like that. How come the holidays are always like that? It's not fair! My parents flew into town for a week and we celebrated Christmas in the little yellow brick house. My work is possibly the coolest ever and gave everyone the week of Christmas off. Gosh, I lucked out working for such a fantastic company. The family all drove home, Christmas decorations are packed away, and Ryan and I are back to work. Life feels so quiet and calm, although I don't mind after the crazy month of December. 

Currently I'm pulling some long hours at work to help prepare for our next semester of students this upcoming Monday and Ryan is choosing a surgeon to perform his umbilical hernia surgery (hopefully) this next week. The poor guy has been waiting 2 months for the operation, and we are excited to finally get him feeling back to his normal self. 

My parents brought the snow home from Utah...this is Southern California and I am STUNNED! Anyways, I am looking forward to 2015 because of all the fun stuff we already have in store. We're hoping that Ryan's recovery will go smooth so we can go to our niece's baby blessing in February (in Portland) and we are making plans for a family trip to Hawaii after my brother Evan comes home from his LDS mission in Mexico. Then Ryan will be back at BYU for Spring term, the same time as Evan! This year has a lot to look forward to, and I'm more than stoked :)