This Wife In Progress Has A New Home...
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!!!
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
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...
"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
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
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...
Home Alone
Would You Still Love Me If...
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
“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
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...
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.
“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?
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.
Jamie
A Tale Of Two Travelers
Pie? That's A Piece Of Cake...
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.
Next week….I take on cake!!!
XOXO,
Love and Laundry
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Work Jeff Goes...
It's Not What You Cook...
It's How You Look While Cooking
Won't You Be My Neighbor?
Here's To You, America...
'Till Next Time, Texas....
"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
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
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
XOXO,
Jamie
Yeah... I Can Make That!
Jamie
My Husband the Handyman...
XOXO,
Jamie
Sometimes Being a Grown Up Stinks...
XOXO,
Jamie
Home Sweet Home....
XOXO,
Jamie
Pittsburgh or Bust....
XOXO,
Jamie
Oh, Me? I Am Just A Wife In Progress.....
XOXO,
Jamie