Wife in Progress

This Wife In Progress Has A New Home...

Woooohoooo! www.awifeinprogress.com is up and running!

It is still a work in progress but then again, aren’t we all?!?!

While you are visiting, please read my latest post, Boo Who?
I need your help!

XOXO,
Jamie

My Hero

I know this blog is suppose to be about being a wife in progress, but today I would like to give a shout out to my husband in progress. He has been my hero this week. This cold and rainy Pittsburgh weather had me a feeling a little bit down but lucky for me, Jeff always says just the right thing to cheer me up.

The best part about it is he has absolutely no idea he is doing it.

Here are just a few of the "Jeffisms" that have made me smile this week:

“This is the second time today I have had to lick my hands clean”

“Well, I now know why these underwear were on sale.”

“Sometimes I just feel like I am Andre Agassi in a beginners tennis class.”

And my favorite….

“A bowl of chili, a glass of wine and a new episode of gossip girl? Yes, please!!”

I love you Jeff. Thank you for being my sunshine on cloudy days.

XOXO,
Jamie

P.S. New Site Coming Soon...Get Excited!!!

Morning Glory...

After months of struggling to develop the just-right morning routine as husband and wife, I am proud to announce the Scotts have finally perfected it!

First, let’s take a look back at some of the morning routines that Jeff and I have tried in the past:

June
4:50am: My alarm goes off and I quietly tip toe downstairs to begin brewing Jeff’s coffee. I prepare a homemade-bagged lunch complete with a secret love note. Then I toss a fresh towel in the dryer so it will be warm and cozy when my husband gets out of his shower. Our ambitious morning routine is always topped off with a cheery morning song like, “You are My Sunshine,” as I walk Jeff to the door.

This morning routine would have been great if marriage was a sprint, but marriage is a marathon and I quickly realized I needed to pace myself.

July
5:15am: Jeff’s shower turns off, signaling it is time for me to pull myself out of bed. I slowly put on my robe and start the coffee. I gladly answer any questions Jeff may have about his outfit, “Do these brown shoes go with this black belt?” he asks.
“No, sweetie.” I respond in my nicest morning voice as I search for the appropriate shoes in his closet. I walk with him downstairs and to the door to give him a goodbye kiss.

August
5:35am: The hallway lights flash on waking me with their sudden brightness as Jeff runs downstairs to turn on his own coffee. I casually prop myself up on my pillow and check out the news websites on my iphone. I inform Jeff of any breaking news and the latest weather forecast for the day. He listens intently to my morning news updates and then scrambles back upstairs for a quick hug before he is out the door.

All of these routines were just fine, but none of them felt completely right. Something was missing…

That brings me to today, the last day of September.

Today
6:05am: I am awakened with a kiss. I pull off the cheetah print eye mask I have recently started wearing and see cute little Jeff, all dressed and ready, standing in front of me holding a purple Gatorade and a chocolate chip cookie (My favorite breakfast!!)
He has also brought me my laptop… just in case I feel like blogging in bed.

Finally, absolute morning perfection!

XOXO,
Jamie

So We Think We Can Dance...

Isn’t it funny how God helps to find just the right person for you to spend the rest of your life with?

I mean, imagine if I had ended up with a husband who couldn’t dance? Life would have been almost unbearable but, lucky for me, I found Jeff. Jeff LOVES to dance and he is almost as good as I am. We are always busting a move together and this weekend was the perfect opportunity to show off our mad skills.

Lauren and Matt’s wedding was absolutely amazing. While other guests headed into the tents to enjoy fabulous food and drinks, or even make their own s’mores, my man and I headed straight to the dance floor where we stayed for the next 4 hours.

Only 15 minutes in and we were already drenched in sweat, but the band kept rockin’ so we kept dancin’. From Gaga to Garth Brooks, there was no song we couldn’t move to. Jeff did his world-famous (at least Fort Worth-famous) “Man Spin” and I even pulled out “The Cowgirl Kick.” We challenged three other couples to dance offs and won every time. (In the name of full disclosure, only one couple actually agreed to compete, and the win was self-declared, but a win is a win.)

Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, my hip-hop hubby jumped on the stage. He dropped it like it was hot a few times in front of the cheering crowd then grabbed a mic. My heart swooned as his younger brothers joined him for a Glee-like rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing.” The band and the crowd looked shocked…. I guess they didn’t know The Scotts’ were so talented.

When the performance was over, Jeff joined me back on the floor for a final two-step complete with a dip and a kiss….. God sure knew what He was doing when He put these two dancers together and I thank Him for that every day.

XOXO,
Jamie

"I Do" Crazy...

I am not sure which girl is crazier: the girl who stalks the wedding blogs long before she is even engaged or the girl who continues to stalk wedding blogs long after she is married.

I have been caught doing both, so I may be the craziest of all.

No shame here though, I simply love all things wedding.

I guess that is why I have been smiling all week. Not only did two of my cute little couple friends get engaged recently, (big congrats to Katie and Sam and Leslie and Matt!!), but Jeff and I are also flying home today for Lauren and Matt’s wedding extravaganza. We feel so blessed to be a part of this special weekend. I couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law and sister-in-law.

Bring on the champagne and cake!

XOXO,
Jamie

P.S. I posted a picture of our own wedding to go along with this blog post just because I could and I never get tired of our wedding pictures!

Scramblicious Sunday

No need for an alarm clock in our house this morning. Jeff’s stomach was growling loud enough to wake us both up!

My husband was hungry and he needed breakfast ASAP. That was when I remembered I had picked up some eggs at the grocery store this week.

“How about scrambled eggs?” I asked. Surprising myself with the question.

Jeff was pumped. “That sounds awesome!!” he replied.

Jeff hurried to his closet to put on his Sunday lounge wear and I walked down stairs wondering how the heck you make scrambled eggs.

I slipped on my black and white polka dot apron and wished for good luck. I cracked some eggs, turned on the skillet and Voila! The scrambled eggs just kind of appeared.

Proudly, I prepared Jeff’s plate, complete with a piece of toast and a cup of coffee.

A happy husband and a scramblicious Sunday! Life is good!

XOXO,
Jamie

So We Meet Again...

Marriage, moving, and new adventures…

There is no doubt that Jeff and I have been busy little bees these past few months and I have loved every second of it! But, I have been so distracted by our wonderful wedded bliss, our lazy afternoons frolicking in the flowers, and late nights staring up at the stars, that I didn’t even notice my long forgotten, most despised, archenemy was lurking just around the corner from us…waiting to pounce.

This morning, just like every Saturday morning, I woke early and hurried down the stairs of our apartment to swing open our four over-sized patio doors in search of sunshine and warmth.

This morning was different though. I did not find a Saturday full of sunshine and warmth.

Instead....I found him.

I let out a sigh of disbelief, “Well, hello Fall.” I growled. “So we meet again.”

Fall is my least favorite of all the seasons. He is a chilly and fierce enemy I must face every year. He blows into town with such a boldness that forces the closure of any swimming pools and snow cone shops in his path. He urges me to pack up my favorite pair of flip flops, and even lures away my husband with promises of college football games and fantasy drafts.

It wasn’t as if I hadn’t been warned. I remember early on after our move, Jeff casually mentioning that Fall may track us down even earlier this year since we now lived in Pittsburgh. I giggled at the time, enjoying an afternoon grape Popsicle, holding on to the false hope that this time may be different. This summer may actually last forever…

Now, I stand here on our patio with goosebumps on my arms. I stare out at the gray clouds quickly moving against the horizon and the orange leaves blowing in the wind and I realize the battle is beginning.

Well, Fall, this year I have a surprise for you.

I will be putting up one heck of a fight. I am heading out this very moment on an intense shopping spree so I can be armed with stylish boots, a cozy hat, cute scarves, and even a mighty pair of mittens.

Fall, this year I dare you to mess with me!

XOXO,

Jamie

Things That Make Me Smile...

It doesn’t take much to make this little wife in progress smile. Heck, give me a cookie and a purple Gatorade and I will be grinning for days. In fact, so many things make me smile that I have had to start a mental list to keep track of it all.

The list includes the obvious: chubby babies, butterflies, sunshine and puppies; but it also includes personalized items such as Capri Sun Big Pouches, my favorite pair cheetah print pjs, dance-offs and of course Horned Frog Football!!

As of today, I have a few new additions for my list:
1.   Yoga class at Amazing Yoga on East Carson Street
2.   “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
3.   Skinny Cow Chocolate Ice Cream Cones
4.   Surprise emails from Jeff titled “Pack Your Bags”

The happiness is overwhelming! So, as I head upstairs to do as my husband requested and pack my bags for our surprise weekend adventure, I wish you all a weekend full of smiles.

XOXO and Go Frogs!
Jamie

Home Alone

To call Jeff or not to call Jeff?

This is the question running through my head at 2:37 am on Sunday morning.

Jeff is in Fort Worth partying it up for his brother, Matt's, bachelor party and I am home alone in bed scared to death because I think I just heard a noise downstairs.

Analyzing the situation, I decide the noise could have been one of two things:

The refrigerator making new ice cubes
Or
A really scary kidnapper that has made it past the 24/7 security guard, through the residents only entrance, into the apartment complex, up the elevator to the 3rd floor and walked past 20 other apartments before deciding to knock on my door because he knew I was home alone and have a tendency to open doors for strangers.

Ok, 2:38 am and there was the noise again. It is clearly the kidnapper.

Thoughts race through my head. Where do you hide in a loft? No walls…no doors...and darn my bad closet habits, that will not be an option.

Poor Jeff, he will be so sad he left me home alone. I wonder what the kidnapper will say when he calls Jeff asking for ransom. I wonder how much Jeff would pay to get me back. I mean if he asked for thousands…for sure Jeff would pay thousands…but wonder if he asked millions. We don’t have millions, so he would probably have to throw a fundraising event. After planning out the fundraising event in my head, complete with a moving slideshow of my life, I glance at the clock and notice that 30 minutes has passed without another sound.

I decide to call Jeff anyway. I am no longer concerned for my well-being, now I am just curious how much Jeff thinks I am worth.

No answer.

Well, I hope a kidnapper didn’t get Jeff because all I have in my purse is a five-dollar bill and some Sour Patch Kids.
Maybe kidnappers take Visa…

XOXO,
Jamie

Would You Still Love Me If...

This is a fun little game Jeff and I have played for years. It usually goes something like this.

Me: “Jeff, would you still love me if I had a mermaid tail instead of legs?”

Jeff: “Yes, of course.”

Me: “Jeff, would you still love me if I had a hair dryer permanently stuck in my ear?”

Jeff: “Yes, of course…but I wouldn’t go out in public with you.”

Oh, what a great game this is! It has provided us with hours of entertainment throughout our relationship.

Well, just the other day I started up a new round.

“Jeff, would you still love me if… I told you my dirty little secret?” I asked out of the blue.

Jeff looked perplexed. He has come to expect almost anything from this game. Would you still love me if I had forks instead of fingers? Would you still love me if I had two noses? But he never expected a dirty little secret.

I didn’t even give him the chance to answer. I grabbed him by the hand and marched him up the stairs. I said a quick prayer for understanding and forgiveness, then I did it. I swung open my closet door to reveal my dirty little secret.

You guessed it. I have a messy and I mean VERY MESSY closet.

There, in front of my new husband, was a layer of shoes covered with a layer of purses covered with a layer of swimsuits covered with a layer of pjs covered with… I could go on and on, but you get the idea. I have very bad closet habits. I had been able to keep them a secret for our first three months in Pittsburgh, thanks to our separate his and hers closets, but I just couldn't hold the secret in anymore.

Jeff gasped with disbelief. “But the rest of our house is absolutely spotless,” he said still trying to comprehend the disaster that was before him.

“So,” I asked, “Do you still love me?”

Jeff looked at me with a smile.

“Yes, I love you even more for sharing your dirty little secret with me.” He said. “But, you better start cleaning because I don’t think your mom will be as understanding and she will be here in less than 2 months!”

Instead of cleaning, which did not sound like very much fun at all, I decided to make a quick phone call.

“Hi Mom, I have a question. Would you still love me if….”

XOXO,
Jamie

Can You Hear Me Now?

I'm a loud thinker. I don’t try to be. It just comes naturally. Even when I am completely silent, Jeff claims he knows when something is on my mind.

“Shhhhh,” Jeff groans as he grabs his pillow and covers both of his ears.

“I didn’t say anything,” I respond with a smirk.

We both know I didn’t say a word, I was just loud thinking again.

It is late on a Sunday night and we have been traveling since 6:15 this morning. Jeff is glad to be back home in Pittsburgh in our comfy king size bed.

Rolling over to face the windows, I try to be as quiet as possible, but the thoughts from the past week race through my head: the ranch shower for Lauren and Matt, the fun dinner at Sapristi with our friends, my photo shoot with Lynn Michelle (more on this in a later blog entry) and of course the big birthday bash for Jamie Jo and Jill!

My thoughts are now full of laughter as I remember the awesome new dance moves I perfected at the birthday party.

How had I forgotten to tell Jeff this hilarious story? He would die with laughter…. I think my very loudest thoughts ….. if only Jeff would wake up.

Jeff lets out a loud sigh and sits up.

“Ok, Ok…tell me the story” he says.

I am giddy with joy as I jump out of bed to perfectly reenact the dance moves…..

Jeff laughs just like I knew he would. I imagine it would be hard not to laugh at your wife dropping it like its hot in her PJs.

Feeling satisfied, I crawl back into bed prepared to go to sleep. But it is only a matter of minutes before my mind cranks back up again. I can feel my thoughts get louder and louder.

“What are you thinking about now?” Jeff says sounding purely exhausted.

“Oh, I was just thinking that 'loud thinking' would make for a great blog topic!"

XOXO,
Jamie

The Long Distance Pop-In

I woke up this morning with Texas on my mind….and a smile on my face!

That’s right, Jeff and I are heading back to the home state for the week and I cannot wait to see my Mom!

After all it has been over 24 hours since I saw her last!

Wait, 24 hours?

Oh, you're not familiar with the long distance pop-in?

Let me explain. It all started two nights ago when I was sitting at my kitchen table, in front of my laptop, just doing some casual Facebook stalking. When out of nowhere, a message appeared on my screen.

Stephanie would like to video chat with you. Accept or Decline?

Everything about this message was super exciting! All I had to do was click on the Accept button and there she would be, in all her glory, my Mom! It would be as if she was sitting at the kitchen table with me!

I was just about to click the button, when it dawned on me….Not only would I be able to see her, but she would be able to see me…and my home.

Clearly, I am just a Wife in Progress, because I was not prepared for this at all!

I sprinted to my cleaning closet to pull out my Swiffer and Windex Wipes. In the following two minutes, I scrubbed my floors, washed my windows, hid Jeff’s beer bottle, brushed my hair, put on my cutest lounge wear and applied a fresh layer of lip gloss. Finally, I positioned my favorite picture of my mom and me on the table and pushed Accept.

“Hi Mom!!!!!” I gasped. “What a fun surprise! Oh me? I am just hanging out…”

From across the room, I could see Jeff open a new bottle of beer and roll his eyes.

Husbands! They may never understand the long distance pop-in!

XOXO,
Jamie

I'm A Big Girl Now...

It has recently come to my attention that I am no longer 7 years old.

You may wonder what caused me to come to this harsh realization….Was it when the minister pronounced us husband and wife? Was it when we moved away from our parents to a brand new city all by ourselves? Was it when I started cooking dinners, cleaning house, and paying bills?

No, it was actually when we took a casual Sunday stroll and passed by our local Urban Outfitters.

“Oh Jeff, I just fell in love! Look at that backpack! It would be perfect for this Fall!!!!”

“Really, babe? A backpack? You’re not 7 anymore….”

Ouch.

That was the moment it all started to dawn on me. I am too old for a backpack. I held back my tears as we walked toward our apartment.

It was then, that I spotted To-Go-Nuts. Any other Sunday night I would have started jumping up and down with excitement and begged Jeff to stop and buy me my favorite coconut flavored donut. But tonight I paused. Was I too old for this, too? Is it odd for a 25 year old to jump with glee at the thought of an afternoon donut?

What else am I too old for? My Britney Spears CDs? The big bows I love to wear in my hair? The Happy Meals I occasionally like to order? The romper I wore earlier this summer?

The list got long quick and slightly depressing. So, I did what any old person would do and called my mom.

“Am I old, Mom?” I asked.

“No, not at all,” she replied. “And even if you were….Jeff would still be older.”

And that, Mom, is why I love you.

XOXO,
Jamie

A Tale Of Two Travelers

Being a Wife in Progress is all about learning. I search for valuable lessons in each new experience I have.

This weekend Jeff and I traveled to Colorado Springs for my sweet friend, Kate’s, beautiful wedding. We had an absolute blast and felt so blessed to be included in such a special celebration!

That being said, the traveling environment was ripe for learning experiences. I would like to share with you a few of the situations I found myself in, and the valuable lessons I took away.

Situation 1:
We must leave our apartment at 5:30am on the dot to have any hope of catching our flight out of Pittsburgh. At 5:25am, Jeff begins to pack his suitcase. Here is our conversation.

Me: “Hey Jeff, since we are running a little behind I will help you pack. What shirts do you want to take?"

Jeff: “Any of the shirts you picked up from the dry cleaners yesterday would be great.”

Me: Silent pause.

Lesson Learned:
A Wife in Progress should never be a selfish dry cleaners picker upper. I had spent 20 minutes in the dry cleaners the day before to confirm every last bit of raspberry vinaigrette had been successfully removed from my lime green silk blouse and I never once checked to make sure any of Jeff’s clothing items had even been included in the plastic bags.

Situation 2:
We finally make it downstairs to the front door of our apartment around 5:45am, 15 minutes behind schedule. As we approach the front door Jeff sees for the first time my four oversized bags. Here is our conversation.

Jeff: "Are you moving back to the Springs?"

Me: "We have no time for jokes Jeff, we are running late."

Jeff: "Do you think you could help me carry one of these?"

Me: "I am sorry, but I really don’t think I have any extra hands right now. I am already carrying my book and my bottle of purple Gatorade."

Lesson Learned:
We need to get suitcases with rollers ASAP. It was downright sad watching poor Jeff carry all of those heavy bags crammed packed with my shoes, hairdryers, and entire wardrobe. I will begin my search for the perfect his and hers matching roller bags today.

Situation 3:
We get through airport security just a few minutes before our plane is scheduled to take off. Jeff runs to the gate with beads of sweat dripping down his brow as he lugs my two carry-on bags (I like to carry on bags that include my hair products, at least a couple of good outfits, and all of my makeup, just in case they lose my checked luggage.)

I follow behind him carrying our bagels and coffee.

We finally board our plane and discover it is an empty flight, so we have our choice of seats. I find an aisle that looks nice and scoot in to take the window seat. Jeff follows me but stops short and takes the aisle seat. Here is our conversation.

Me: “Do you not want to sit by me?”

Jeff: “I am sitting by you, I just thought it would be nice to use this middle seat for our bagels and coffee.”

Me: Tears.

Jeff: “I am sorry.”

He then changes seats and in the process spills his entire cup of coffee on my freshly dry-cleaned white pants.

Me: More tears.

Lesson Learned:
Not only am I a Wife in Progress, but Jeff is a Husband in Progress too. We are learning together and that is what makes our marriage so fun!

Our learning for the weekend didn’t stop there…We also learned it is never a good idea to book a bargain hotel room for $52.00 a night. You will end up paying for that room along with a really expensive room at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort after you switch hotels. We learned that when an invitation says coat and tie required then a coat and tie really are required. We learned that cold pizza tastes even better at 2:30am (Ok, we already knew that, but it was a good reminder.) And we learned that Jeff is not nearly as good of a dancer as he thinks he is.

But most importantly we learned that no matter the situation, everything is always better when we are together, even traveling!

Can't wait for our next trip!
XOXO,
Jamie

Pie? That's A Piece Of Cake...

I was just scrolling through some of my earlier blog posts and had to chuckle a little when I saw the picture of my Bible study cookies…. I was such a baking baby back then. I have developed drastically in the past month and a half and I can no longer be amused by baking plain old cookies.

I now bake pie.

That’s right, pie, the most sophisticated of baked goods. So far, I have mastered Keylime Pie and Coconut Cream Pie with the help of my Mimi’s recipes.

Here is the picture of Jeff’s first taste of my Keylime Pie. I know the picture doesn’t do the best job of illustrating it, but trust me he LOVED it!

Next week….I take on cake!!!
XOXO,
Jamie

Love and Laundry

Jeff and I have learned a lot about sharing during our first two months of wedded bliss. We share a bank account, we share meals, and we even share a bathroom sink. For the most part sharing works like a charm.

Now, I hate to air our dirty laundry here on the blogosphere but the one area where I believe sharing is just impossible is when it comes to…well, our dirty laundry.

I am sorry but I cannot cope with the idea of my girl clothes sharing wash time with Jeff’s boy clothes.

I am a firm believer that there is girl laundry and there is boy laundry and never the two loads should meet. Jeff is of the mind set that if it all fits in the washer then it's less laundry to do.

I was unaware of Jeff’s insensitivity to the sexes of our laundry until just yesterday when I made a terrible discovery. Imagine my horror as I pulled out my cutest pair of silky unmentionables to find a huge boy sport sock clinging on to them for dear life!

How did this happen? Was it an accident or did my husband simply not know the rules of boy laundry and girl laundry? An investigation ensued.

As I searched Jeff’s boxer drawer, I found even more evidence. In between two pairs of Jeff’s boring boy boxers was my sweet, dainty, pink camisole! She looked as though she was being suffocated by the smell of generic cotton boy undies.

I could not handle any more. I responded quickly separating boy and girl laundry and placing all my girl laundry in the delicate cycle with an extra splash of fabric softener. I said a little prayer that they would soon return to their bright, fresh, soft glory days.

The boy laundry I just folded and put away.

Today I am on a mission to find his and hers matching laundry baskets! Wish me luck!
XOXO,
Jamie

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Work Jeff Goes...

This is the song I sing at 5:30a.m. everyday as I put together Jeff’s sack lunch. It is one of my favorite times of the day.
Jeff sits at our kitchen counter eating cereal and drinking coffee while I plan and prepare his perfect sack lunch. We sing songs and talk about our plans for the day ahead.

Our morning routine has not always been this simple though. In fact, let me tell you the story of the first time Jeff requested a bagged meal. It was about three weeks ago and I was happy to oblige. I went crazy at the grocery store that day!

Red lunch bags…Check
Cool stickers to decorate the red lunch bags…Check
Baked Cheetos….Check
Grape Gatorade….Check
Colorful straws for Grape Gatorade….Check
Teddy Grams….Check
Cute napkins in case of spills….Check

That night I dreamed of all the wonderful compliments my husband would give me when he opened his red bag full of deliciousness. I was so excited that I woke up 10 minutes before my alarm went off, and headed down stairs to the kitchen while Jeff was still in the shower. I started to pull out the ingredients from the pantry and refrigerator: bread, mustard, cheese, sandwich meat?

Wait, where was the sandwich meat? I searched in every drawer of our refrigerator for ham, turkey, bologna anything…. Surely, I had not forgotten the sandwich meat. Sandwich meat is the heart and soul of every good sack lunch…. No one would forget the sandwich meat, right? Wrong.

I could hear the shower turn off and I knew it would only be a matter of minutes before Jeff discovered I was the biggest failure in sack lunch history. So, I did what any good wife in progress would do and I threw a slice of cheese in between two pieces of mustared bread, quickly stuffed it in a red lunch bag and sent Jeff on his merry way. He never said a word about the lack of protein on his sandwich that day. Although every morning he does now specifically request a "turkey" sandwich.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to work Jeff goes....
XOXO,
Jamie

It's Not What You Cook...
It's How You Look While Cooking

Not even three months into our marriage and I have already convinced Jeff I am a master in the kitchen!

How did I do it? By spending all day studying recipes and slaving over a hot stove?

No way! All it took was a super cute apron.

You see, I have figured out that I can make even a basic grilled cheese seem more impressive by simply slipping on a sassy little apron. Aprons mean business and give off the impression that I obviously know what I am doing. When Jeff sees me tie up my orange and cheetah print apron he knows he is in for a treat...it may be some slice and bake chocolate chip cookies, some tortilla chips covered in shredded cheese (my version of Joe T's nachos), or even just a fresh scoop of ice cream from our freezer! No matter what I make, he always smiles and says he loves it!

This apron thing works like magic...either that or Jeff is just a really awesome husband trying to amuse his new wife!
XOXO,
Jamie

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Yes Mr. Rogers, we will be your neighbors.

That’s right, Jeff and I live in Mr. Rogers' neighborhood and here is the picture of his statue to prove it.

Our new neighborhood is packed full of interesting people just like
Mr. Ra Ra (that is what Jeff use to call him as a kid….So cute!) There is the 12 year old boy down the hall from us who runs To-Go-Nuts Donut Shop, there is the strange gaggle of folks who like to dress as their favorite Alice in Wonderland characters every day, there is the funny man-clown who roams the pubs on East Carson Street, and of course there is The River Man. The River Man is similar to Big Foot; he is giant and hairy and too fast to catch on camera.

I love all of our neighbors, even The River Man. They are so entertaining and never fail to amaze me. I am so curious about where their lives began and how they all ended up living on East Carson Street.

Sometimes I wonder what all of these wonderful neighbors must think of me... the wife in progress in Apt. 336...
XOXO,
Jamie

Here's To You, America...

Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love spending the day swimming in my bikini, eating hot dogs, and watching fireworks with friends and family. This year I was sent a special reminder that the freedom to enjoy those activities is the greatest blessing of all.

On my trip back to Texas last weekend, I picked up a book at the airport to read during the flight. The book had a pretty cover and looked reasonably short, so it fit all of my criteria. The book is called The Bookseller of Kabul and it has changed my perspective on being a woman in America. The book details the painful and horrific injustices suffered by women in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. It illustrated to me the dramatic difference between the domestic dysfunction Afghan women must live through, and the pure domestic bliss I have been experiencing over the past two months.

So, this Fourth of July, after the smoke from the last firework has cleared the Pennsylvania sky, I will lie in my bed and say a special prayer. I will thank God that I am an American and that I have had the freedom to go to school, pursue a career, marry the man of my dreams…and even wear a bikini!! I will also pray to God that all women all around the world will someday be able to live in that same freedom.
XOXO,
Jamie

'Till Next Time, Texas....

Pool time, birthday parties, and bridal showers...Oh My!

Jeff and I had quite a fun-packed weekend back in the homeland.

Here is a quick Top 10 from our Texas Trip!
1. Reuniting with our "little" love bug, Dub! (The cute brown guy in pic.)
2. Showering the bride-to-be, Lauren, with kitchen gifts.
3. Playing poolside with my cute niece, Mary Cate, and nephew, Caden.
4. Celebrating Kyle's 20th Bday!! Wooohoooo!!
5. Drinking a real Texas Margarita.
6. Shopping with my mom.
7. Lunching with Lia.
8. Spending some much needed quality time with our awesome parents!
9. Getting sunburned.
10. Coming back home to Pittsburgh and 70 degree temperatures!

'Till next time, Texas...
XOXO,
Jamie

"Nacho" Average Taco

Hi Y'all! Big news since my last blog entry: I hosted my first dinner party!  Well, dinner party may be a bit of an overstatement. It was really just Jeff's dad joining us for dinner while he was in town last week...nonetheless, it was my first time to cook for someone other than Jeff and I wanted it to be perfect!

Deciding what to make was simple: Tacos.

There were three basic facts I had always heard about tacos that made it a great option for my dinner party:

1. Tacos are super easy to make
2. Tacos are cheap
3. Tacos are delicious

It only took me 2 hours in the grocery store to learn that not everything I had been told about tacos was true. Tacos are not that easy to make, in fact just finding the neccesary TexMex ingredients in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was a huge challenge. On top of that, I felt compelled to buy double of what ingredients I could find, just in case my first batch didn't turn out quite right. (This proved to be very wise, by the way!) But, the doubling of ingredients, took my tacos from cheap to costly!

At least one thing I had learned was correct; tacos are delicious! Jeff, his dad, and I enjoyed a wonderful meal and great company. As Jeff finished up the last bit of guacomole, he suggested we started eating at home more often. "We could really save some time and money," he said. It was then, that I had to confess those tasty tacos had taken me six hours and $123.00 to prepare. Jeff laughed out loud, "Nacho average taco!" he joked.

Well, that may be true, but I am "nacho" average wife. I am just a wife in progress....
XOXO,
Jamie

I Hold The Key To Jeff's Heart...
And The Only Key To Our House

On the day we moved into our new apartment, Jeff discovered his key did not fit into our lock. “No problem,” I said. “ I am not working yet, and will have plenty of time to get another key for you. I will call maintenance first thing tomorrow morning. Don’t worry about it!”

Two weeks later, Jeff decided to surprise me by coming home early on Friday afternoon! To make the surprise even better, Pottery Barn had called and said they would be there to deliver our new bed! Well, the surprise was on Jeff. I had decided to go get a haircut that Friday afternoon and left my phone on silent in my purse.
So, there sat Jeff, two Pottery Barn deliverymen, our new king size bed and you guessed it…still no key.
“Oooops!” was all I could say when I arrived home 3 hours later. “So sorry! But, I am still not working yet, and will have plenty of time to get this fixed. I will call maintenance first thing tomorrow morning. Don’t worry about it!”

Fast forward to tonight. Jeff rushes home from a hard day of work to watch his favorite TCU Horned Frogs play in the College World Series. He pulls into our parking garage just in time for the first pitch. Another surprise, I am at dinner with friends and Jeff still doesn’t have a key.

Jeff is taking the key with him tomorrow to get a copy made. Isn’t he the sweetest?
What can I say....I am just a wife in progress.
XOXO,
Jamie

God Is Sweet

So, what better way to worship Him than by baking some sweets….ok lots and lots of sweets!! I joined a new Bible study here in Pittsburgh and decided to bring in some treats for our first class. They were a huge hit! A special shout out to Mimi for answering all of my baking questions!

Wishing you all a week full of blessings and baked goods!
XOXO,
Jamie

Yeah... I Can Make That!

I remember the look clearly. It was a look I had seen Jeff give me before. It was a look somewhere between curiosity and amusement. It was a look that said, "Really, you think we need to register for a CUISENART 2 qt Frozen Yogurt-Sorbet and Ice Cream Maker?"

The look wasn't totally uncalled for. We were newly engaged and out on our first registry outing at Williams-Sonoma. After dating for 4 years, Jeff was well aware of the fact that I was not a gourmet chef. In fact, at that point, the only homemade meal I had ever made for him was macaroni and cheese from a box (which he totally LOVED by the way.) But I had BIG ideas! I was going to register for an ice cream maker!! I was going to register for a waffle maker, a saute pan, a really awesome blender and more. I was going to use these appliances and I was going to learn to cook! I just knew it.

So.... why the trip down memory lane? Because tonight, I saw a different look from Jeff.

It was a look that said, "Wow Wife, this is the best strawberry ice cream I have ever had in my whole life!!"
XOXO,
Jamie

My Husband the Handyman...

When we first moved in, we had a debate... what do we need more a bar or a desk? I will let you guess which idea prevailed. I was so impressed with my hubby's handyman skills!!! It only took us six trips to Ikea and two toolboxes to complete this little treasure. And let me just add that this is getting much more use than a desk would have gotten :)
XOXO,
Jamie

Sometimes Being a Grown Up Stinks...

My mom always said, "Put your big girl panties on and deal with it!" But that is easier said than done sometimes. Like when you are saying goodbye to your parents.

My parents are pretty much amazing and were nice enough to drive with Jeff and I up to Pittsburgh to help get us all settled in. After three days of hard work and decorating, it was time for them to head back to Texas. I cried. I am not embarrassed to admit it. I cried like a little baby. I cried so hard that they actually agreed to stay an extra day.

Ok, that is a little embarrassing...
XOXO,
Jamie

Home Sweet Home....

I absolutely adore our new home! It has all things wonderful: hardwood floors, gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows, stainless steel accessories and an awesome patio. I love our new place so much that I actually enjoy cleaning it! My Mimi would have been so proud this week... I ironed our new sheets before putting them on our bed, I swiffered all of our floors at both morning and night and I even hand-washed our new dishes!

I must admit though, I still refuse to iron Jeff's boxers and I don't have my pantry organized in alphabetical order...but what can I say... I am just a wife in progress.
XOXO,
Jamie

Pittsburgh or Bust....

Jeff and I decided just getting married, wasn't quite enough change for us in one month. No, we needed something even bolder and more adventurous!

So, I quit my job, we packed up all of our belongings, rented an oversized Penske truck and hit the highway!! 20 hours later we arrived at our new home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!!

We miss all of our friends and family in Fort Worth just terribly.....but we are learning to love this new stage in our lives!
XOXO,
Jamie

Oh, Me? I Am Just A Wife In Progress.....

Well, hello! It's me, Mrs. Jamie Ann Scott.

Hope you all are having an absolutely blessed day full of sunshine and butterflies! Today is the start of my adventures in blogging. To be honest, I thought I pretty much had this whole marriage thing under control when the minister pronounced Jeff and me, "Husband and Wife." 41 days later, I am realizing I still have quite a bit to learn!

I guess I am just a wife in progress.....
XOXO,
Jamie

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