Hooray for Customer Service!

I'm one of THOSE people.  You know, the type who has to research and weigh my options before eventually (and slowly according to my husband) making a decision.  So, as you can imagine, when it came to making purchases in preparation for our little one, I was out of control.  Consumer reports and a few helpful books became my best friends as I figured out which crib, stroller, carseat and baby monitor we would get. 

For the most part, it was totally worth the work.  We ended up getting a great carseat  that was rated very high, but priced moderately low compared to lesser rated models.  The same goes for our jogger stroller (well, WE didn't pay for that, but we DID pick it out), which we are very happy with.  Our baby monitor, on the other hand, was quite a disappointment.  We purchased the iVibe from Graco, which was supposed to have extra far reception, which we really wanted for our summer trips (youth camp, vacation, etc).  Unfortunately, it had problems from the beginning and then 6 months into very gentle it completely stopped working.  I was SO frustrated because it was NOT a cheap model!

When I tried to contact Graco I got more frustrated because they only operate on eastern time (LAME) which made it hard for me to contact them.  BUT, today I finally connected with them and gained victory!  It turns out I had a faulty monitor (duh).  I explained what had happened and without any questions or proof of purchase they are sending me a brand new replacement within the next 10 business days!  YAY!  Thanks, Graco, for being customer friendly (even if you do go by EST).

Wonderful Weekend...

I just wanted to share a few pics from our quick (but much needed and appreciated) weekend away to Depoe Bay.  It was a sweet treasure to be able to be just the three of us for a few days.

Glad that's over...

Wow, our weekend went by so fast and now it's already TUESDAY!!!  I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who prayed for me over the weekend.  Due to your prayers I made it through 2 scary things without completely losing my mind!

The first project of last week was finishing our taxes.  We were super busy with a newborn during tax season and had gotten an extension.  Well, it's now almost October so I HAD to get them done before the IRS came knocking at our door.  I am only missing a few pieces of info and then that yucky project will officially be taken care of.

The second (and scariest) project for the week was that it was my turn to speak at our church this weekend.  I've spoken before, but this was the first time in almost two years AND the first time since we've had two services.  Beyond that, the subject matter was endurance, which isn't something I really wanted to talk about because I always end up a mess in front of people when I talk about our story.  I hate crying when speaking, it feels ridiculous and scary/way too vulnerable.  Anyways, I made it through.  I was satisfied with the first service and want to forget about the second.  Regardless,  I am SO SO glad its over.

Now I face a quick week filled with a bit of work here and there and A LOT of housework that was left behind from last week.  THEN we're off to the beach for a couple days, I can't wait!

Friday Favorites: Fall (pt 1)

Despite the still raised thermostat, fall is whispering its way into our lives and I welcome my favorite season with arms stretched wide.  It's hard to keep a favorites list short when it comes to fall, so I'll try to mention just a handful that have come my way this week...

...spice scented candles...neighborhood farmers market bursting with bounty...dramatic sunlight morning, noon and night...old quilts and a good book...holiday anticipation...

Welcome fall this weekend.  Go for a walk, find some color, light a candle, enjoy a chai...enjoy the season!

Brain Limbo

Thought I'd check in real quick.  I'm having one of those weeks where I can't get my brain to think straight.  This is in part because I have two big projects on my plate, a house full of dust and chores AND (most importantly) a 7 month old that seems to be not napping and wanting mama more than usual lately.  So...I'm stuck in this constant brain limbo..."ok, I just fed her, so I'll put her down to play and hopefully be able to switch over laundry, unload the dishwasher and dust so that I can study while she's sleeping...oh wait, does that make me a horrible mom?...is she watching me with sad eyes?...how can I resist that smile?!  Crap."  See what I mean?  Brain limbo...or maybe it's classic mom guilt and too much to do all mixed together.  Either way, I feel like all I want to do is take a nap and rest from my ever running brain.  The reality is, however, I need to stop writing this blog and get something on my mile long list done.  *sigh*

Pray for me! =S