Ring Bling

Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Okay, so bare with me, this is a long story...

Ryan and I got engaged in November of 2007, about two weeks after Braeden was born. It was the most special night of my life. I had said that it was the hardest thing giving my son a last name that wasn't mine. The night Ryan proposed was amazing, he had Braeden involved, and told me he wanted us to all have the same last night ... still brings tears to my eyes. That night, he also surprised me with a beautiful ring. I was extremely surprised too, because I did not pick out a ring like many girls do now. I just told Ryan the cut that I wanted (Cushion) and that was about it.

I wore my ring religiously until I was preggers with Bayler. My fingers swelled and it just became a hassle, so I set it aside until I ran errands or left my house. I still only wear my ring a total of about two times a week. Because I am at home, I am always cleaning, feeding or bathing, and I don't want the ring to get a bunch of
"gunk" in it. So imagine my surprise last December when I realized I was missing a small diamond. I was pretty much horrified! I took the ring in immediately, and they were happy to take the ring and replace the missing stone. It did take a while, a month to be exact, but I received the ring back, re dipped in white gold, and all shiny and new looking. Needless to say, they did an amazing job, took care of me, and it did not cost me a thing.

Now, fast forward a month later. My birthday dinner at Ryan's Grandma's house. Here I was sitting at the table, eating delicious crab legs, and I look down and I am missing FOUR more stones. Oh my gosh, I thought I was going to die. (Yes I am thankful it wasn't my large stone.) That next Monday I took my ring in again, and well ... was a little furious. It had not even been a month yet!! So here is where the story gets good...

Pretty much they told me that my side stones were not on prongs, therefore, this would continue to happen. They were on a tongue and grove system, so if I lost one stone, I would lose many stones. UMMM, not happy. So because they told me this would continue, and I have to drive an hour away to get it fixed, I decided I wanted to look at other settings. Now, let me say this. I LOVE the ring Ryan got me. It was the ring I put on my finger on my wedding day, it was the ring I wore when I had my two kids ... it's beautiful. HOWEVER, while I was looking for other settings, I found the ring of my dreams. Of course it was quite a bit more. So much more that I thought ... well that's not even a possibility! I was frustrated at this point and just told the jeweler to fix my ring, even though I was extremely unhappy with it.

Two days later, ring is still not fixed after they told me 48 hours. The jeweler calls and says it will be a few more days. 6 days pass ... still no ring ... Thursday rolls around and I get this voicemail on my phone...

"Natalie, this is ________, I have tried to fix your ring, but the diamonds will not stay put. I am really sorry about this, I want to make it up to you. You know that ring that you really liked? I would be happy to put your diamond in that setting, and have it ready for you to pick up next week ... does that sound alright?"

UMMMM, YESSSSSSSSSS! I am SO SO SO excited! So this morning, before I went to go pick up my right, this is the message I received ...

"Natalie, this is _________, Your ring is ready to be picked up. It looks amazing, and all I have to say is ... you're going to be one happy girl! Congrats!"

WooWHOOO. Now let me please state that my ring is very symbolic to me. What I consider sentimental is my large stone, the setting can always be changed, but I will never change my center stone :)

So, now I have a brand new ring, and couldn't be happier! Thanks Mr. Jeweler! ... did I mention this one has double the carat weight? :) Happy belated Birthday to ME!

Here is my ring before ...



Here is my new ring ...



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Northern Illinois Family Visit

Tuesday, March 30, 2010
This past weekend my whole entire family piled into a suburban and traveled 8 hours away to visit family in Northern Illinois. We're talking my WHOLE family, my dad, mom, brother, Ryan, Braeden, Bayler & myself ... it was a LONG trip!

We left Friday afternoon and headed up near Chicago. Luckily, because we have the kids with us, we are able to stop half way and stay at a hotel. It's a great way to let the kids hang out, stretch their legs and get their energy out. My secret ... only staying at hotels with pools ... or as Braeden calls them "pooltels." I will have to tell you though, the whole sleeping in a new place ... did not work too well with the boys ... Friday night I was up until 5, and we woke up about 6:30 am. Not cool!

Saturday we were able to spend most of the day with my Grandma and family members on my dad's side. My grandma lives in a nursing home and is not able to leave anymore, so we all meet once a year at her place. Everyone brings food and we let the kids run around while we catch up.

This year was fun because Braeden was a little older and able to play more with the other kids. I am so glad we were able to make it this year ... even if it was really long :)











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Womily Touch Jewelry

Monday, March 29, 2010
I have a new jewelry LOVE. I'm not even kidding. I am seriously in LOVE with these pieces of unique jewelry from Womily. Sibohan's "touch" line is so amazing, that I am now adding it to my wish list. Each piece captures a loved one's fingerprint and becomes a priceless keepsake.

Here are a few of my favorites ...





The creator used to work for Tiffany & Co. and has now decided to be a stay-at-home mom. She has now created Womily - a combination of Woman, Work and Family. Now her jewelry is worn throughout the world and available at select Neiman Marcus locations!!

Here is the best part, Natalie, over at Natalie's Sentiments, is having a giveaway. Did you hear me? I GIVEAWAY!! Head over there to see if you can win yourself one ... but don't crush my dreams please ... I am telling myself that I will win this incredible gift! :) Good luck!

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Happy Birthday Gram

Thursday, March 25, 2010
Today is my Grandma Windett's birthday! I LOVE her soo soo much! She lives up near Chicago in a nursing home, which is really sad. It's hard to know that she is there and that she will never get out of there. I know things aren't ideal for her, I think that is what makes it the hardest.



I am packing right now to go visit her this weekend. We are heading out tomorrow afternoon and driving to meet family and see Grandma for her birthday. It will be a lot of fun with all the little kids around!

Can't wait!

ps: I am preggers in the picture with Bayler ... haha, just had to put that out there!

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Girls Weekend in Hermann

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
* Warning: Lots of Pictures Ahead *

Okay, Hermann as a lot of fun, exhausting and a wake-up call to myself that I am not as young as I used to be :) We arrived in Hermann about 11:00, we did a little sight seeing and some antiquing till the whole group was together. Only three of us were able to make it, but it was the perfect number in the end.

Our room was incredible. When we arrived at The Wine Valley Inn, we were greeted by the staff, and then taken to our room ... which was upgraded :) It was a small apartment type room, with a sink, refrigerator, table, two rooms with a king and pull out couch. The best part about our room was the view. We had these huge bay windows that overlooked downtown Hermann ... so worth the price!

After lunch and getting settled in, Cody, Lauren & I headed to Stone Hill Winery. Seriously, the best part of the whole weekend! Stone Hill is one this beautiful Hill ... go figure, with vineyards all around. We opted to go on the cellar tour, which was awesome. It's all underground, and the amount of wine in there is unbelievable. I think I took like a million pictures! After the tour we went inside for the tasting ... yum! We tried EVERY single wine they had available, and our barista was Frank. Frank did not like it if you glass was empty. I just remember telling him some wine that I didn't want to try, and him just pouring it in my glass anyways. One in particular I loved, and every time I turned around, he was filling up my glass with it ... haha, awesome! In fact, we loved Frank SO much he had to get a picture with him!

Dinner was excellent, we ate on the waterfront, and scoped out some good night life. We went out that night to the Beer Barrel, it was a fun crowd ... not tourist like I had imagined, it was a huge party for the townies ... interesting, but fun. We met some friends a long the way ... Cody may have lost a million things (which I just happened to find), and we feel asleep watching the sun come up.

It was a great weekend. I am hoping to do something again in the fall with the other girls that couldn't make it.

Here's to Hermann ... our home away from home!




















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And the Award Goes to ...

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Want to know why I am smiling today? I got a blog award from Staci over at Eleven-Five Designs! Thank you SOO SOO much Staci! She is an Avon rep to, so head on over to her blog {She's having a "pamper me" giveaway!}



Now, since I got an award ... I will pass this beauty on to five other blog favs of mine ... Are you ready?

1. Love from Texas
2. Newlywoodwards
3. God Love Him
4. Ashley's Avenue
5. Walking with the Wheats

Congrats Ladies!


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Packing for Hermann

Friday, March 19, 2010
I am packing tonight to go on a much needed mini-vacation with a couple of girlfriends. I am hoping that this is the view outside of my B&B ...



And that I will be doing a lot of this ...



Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I will be back next week with lots of pictures I hope!

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Southern Fried Finds

Hey you all ... head on over to Southern Fried Dreams today. This awesome Southern Fried Gal featured my DIY Vintage Subway Sign {Marriage Announcement} over on her blog! She has posted about some other awesome finds like this recipe ... Pesto Spinach Polenta Lasagna... ummm YUM!

Thanks a Million!

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White Tufted Sleigh Beds

Thursday, March 18, 2010
I have always loved tufted sleigh beds ... geez, I bought the movie Spanglish, just so I could look at the master bed. If that doesn't tell you something, I don't know what will.

After I saw Knight Moves bedroom transformation, I started to do a little research of my own. I found two, but it comes with a ginormous price tag ... ouch!

I wonder if anyone else sells them?




Sources:
1. ZGallarie
2. Charles P. Roger

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Knight Moves Bedroom Transformation

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Many of you know that I am in the middle of a bedroom transformation myself. I have been ready for it to be over for the last month, but due to sickness, and some minor set backs, it has taken longer than planned.

After I saw Knight Moves bedroom transformation, I went CRAZY. This room is to DIE for! I.Want.It! I can tell you that my bedroom will not amount to anything compaired to this room.




She really out did herself. Check out her blog here.

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