KaChing

Good Tuesday Ya'll!

Yesterday I received confirmation that I won some MOOLAH!! This picture is from when we went to the March Madness Music Festival in downtown Dallas for the Final Four. Capital One was one of the sponsors at the free concert and they were giving away prizes if you tweeted a picture of yourself using the #hashtag KaChing. So both Craig and I tweeted pictures to enter (c'mon I would have tweeted it anyways) We waited for awhile to see if they would call us back to the booth, but nothing. 

A week later I got a tweet from Capital One saying I was a prize winner and to Direct Message them with my e-mail to find out what I won. I thought .. OK might as well. Then they messaged me back and said I won $1500 bucks. I guess I was more in disbelief than actual excitement. I followed their directions and they got my mailing address. Yesterday I got a package delivered needing me to fill out a W9 Form and a release form that had to be notarized by the bank. I couldn't believe it. I have never won anything, but if the next thing I see is a check in the mail WWOOHOOO. 

I think this baby is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me and I haven't even met him yet. Needless to say I have been entering a whole lot more sweepstakes lately. Mostly with Fit Pregnancy. I am feeling a little bit more heavy these days. Can't seem to do normal things like sit up, get out of bed, bend over. These things seem to take more out of me and it's definitely a weird feeling. I had my 34 week appointment today. Here is my current bump picture:

I think Craig finally believes it's his baby since I am getting so big!! Doctor said Micah's head is down and everything looks good. My induction date is still scheduled for May 22nd and I'm so excited that Kim Mom and Gary Dad will be here for my delivery. I packed Micah several outfits just like I pack my own suitcase with several Pajama gowns. Is it weird that I'm thinking what I'm going to wear when we bring him home? I mean what will I fit in? 

We have a relaxation/meditation class tonight at the hospital and I'm looking forward to it. I hope Craig can focus on relaxation... he's not really the type to close his eyes and focus on his breathing. haha We will prolly be laughing most of the night.. but to me that's relaxing.

Anyways, this week is all about salads. Craig is on his diet kick, so that means I AM TOO!! Got a ton of stuff for salads and made Chicken Salad last night for lunches. Got to start the habit now before Micah is born so it's an easier transition once he's here. 

Have a great day!!

Love you all

Pinterest Inspired

Good morning!

 

I am so excited that half of Micah's room is decorated and so cute. Pinterest inspired with trees and owls and a hand painted dresser and name decor. It feels good when you put so much work into something and work together. Here is half of his room completed.

First off, let me say, my husband is a perfectionist. When everything is said and done, it's always perfect and I love it. But getting through the process can be a struggle. Whenever we work on something together I just have to remember to not get too uptight about it. In the end, we always are happy with the outcome. But we know for sure in the future we will never DIY home improvements on our house. We will just pay someone to do it. LOL

Yesterday we went to Explore at Chase Oaks church and met some really nice people. We have a life group that already invited us to come join them next weekend. As we were sitting in a room listening to all the different pastors and group leaders talk about the church there was a lady that was introduced who was the Director of kids zone. Guess what her name was???? Peggy HOOKER. Craig and I looked at each other and smiled so big. We were not the only Hooker's at this church. woohooo!! hahah

Afterwards we told the leaders at our table how happy it made us to have more Hooker's at the church and they laughed so hard. 

On Saturday we helped Craig's friend at work move into a house in McKinney. It was actually a lot of fun. I didn't do much but got to know Callie and her husband Kevin and their friends Blake and Ashley. I hope we can all hang out again. Afterwards Craig and I went to this place called Garden Ridge for a rug in the living room. We are trying to pop a new color (instead of Teal and Brown) Red and Orange this Spring!!

Now I just need a center piece for the table and by the fireplace.  Craig is actually a fabulous decorator. I think he gets it from his Mom : )

Have a great Monday everyone!!

Love you all

Just keep swimming..

Hey Hey Hey...

It's Friday!! I swear the days goes by so slow, but the weeks fly by. Is that possible? That's how I feel. Anyways, I've been trying to keep busy these days and it's getting tough. I washed all Micah's clothes and blankets, and burp cloths. Now we just have to hang the decorations in his room and organize. I don't want to wash all the bottles just yet. I have started to pack my hospital bag though. I feel like I'm 38 weeks and he is getting real big---Here's my latest selfie at 33 wks

Craig and I are taking childbirth classes right now and we are not sure if learning all this stuff is preparing us or scaring us. We watched someone in class give birth naturally without any drugs and it looked awful. I mean seriously was so draining to watch. I like watching "Teen Mom" better when they skip all the hard stuff and then you see the baby. We learned what Craig can do to help me through the contractions and pain management. Afterwards I scheduled a prenatal massage because I decided I deserved one since Craig only can last for about 5 minutes. I think the best part about going to these classes is being together. Craig likes to crack jokes and made the teacher laugh several times...(you all know Craig)
This weekend we are going to help someone at Craig's work move. Her name is Callie and she is really sweet. I wanted to go out with her and her husband and she said they were moving this weekend, so I offered up Craig to help them. You gotta get friends and this is the best way. Then on Sunday we are going to a luncheon at the new church were attending called Chase Oaks. Hopefully we can get plugged in with a life group and meet the staff.
One thing that always helps me when we first move is COOKING. I love looking up recipes on Pinterest and making easy dinner dishes that look hard. This past month I have been so proud of myself. I want to prepare as many meals while I can. Here are a couple of my favorites so far: Chicken Roll Ups were amazing and so juicy.

This recipe can be found here: http://pinchofyum.com/baked-mozzarella-chicken-rolls?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+pinch-of-yum+(Pinch+of+Yum)

I should have taken a picture myself. That's something I need to be better at. Also, I've made Pesto Shrimp Linguine, Craig's Fav  Parmesan Chicken, Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, Breaded Parm Pork Chops (best pork chops I've ever made) Chx Enchiladas, and this one was interesting Meatball Sub Casserole--I actually took a picture of this one:

But I have to say my staple is the Crock pot Chx Tacos that I will be able to make even when Micah gets here.  Seriously, everyone needs to do this. And trust me is feeds a family of AT LEAST five. Lay chicken breasts in crockpot, then put taco seasoning on the chx, then add a can of your favorite salsa. That's IT! I put in a can or whole kernel corn and black beans so give it more veggies. Cook on low for 6 hours and shred the chicken and mix together in the pot once time is up. 

Also, something I've been trying to do everyday is healthy smoothies. I got a super nice blender for a wedding present and NEVER used it. Now it's getting beaten down. haha. I found an easy recipe that never gets old. Greek Vanilla Yogurt, Vanilla Soy Milk, Frozen Banana, (any other fruit I want to add that day like strawberries, or kiwi, blueberries) then add Spinach and Kale. It's so good and you can never taste the spinach or kale. I used to put some peanut butter in there too, makes it more like dessert. I don't get a lot of veggies in my diet each day, so this makes me feel a whole lot better. 

Lots of Love!!! Have a great day everyone.

Touched the stars and now ready to reach for the moon

Ok, So I'm not good and sticking to something. I'm actually really bad at it. I started a blog almost four years ago now and only wrote in it a few times. That's really sad. But.. HEY I'm Back. This time I'm writing for my family and friends. Let me first go back and tell you in a nutshell the past four years.

My first job was in Kentucky at WPSD for about 11 months(2010). I was a producer/editor there (which they liked to call us Preditor's) and was able to learn a lot. The executive producer started to let me report on stories on the weekend during my own time. They would even air my stories on the weekend shows. It was so awesome to have that opportunity. All I ever wanted was to be on TV.  I spruced up my resume reel with those stories and landed a job in Bryan, TX as a Anchor/Producer.

Now the reason I wanted to go to Texas was because of my husband. He decided he wanted to get his Master's in business. I'm going to cut out all the tough situations and problems we went through to actually move in together, but once it happened it was amazing. I was working at KRHD-TV and he was going to school at Texas A&M.
After about 8 months of Anchoring I switched over to a one man band reporter. I know this sounds like a worse position, but it's actually what I wanted. I was out and about covering stories from City Council to shootings. Some days were very hard and some days were exciting. I loved my job. Telling other people's stories whether it was helping a cause or remembering a loved one. I got to know the BCS (Bryan/College Station) area very well.

Craig and I were still living very far from both our families in the Chicago area. In December of 2012 Craig graduated from Texas A&M and got a job with AT&T in the Leadership Development Program. This new job would require him to move around for the next 2 years doing different jobs in the company. We got to choose our first location and went back home to Chicago.
At this time I knew I couldn't get another job in the news business, since we were going to leave in less than a year, but I still had aspirations of doing what I love. We found a church in Des Plaines called The Bridge Community Church. At first I started volunteering to help with their video production and after many hours of volunteering they finally decided to put me on staff. It was awesome. Probably the best job I've ever had. Surrounded by Godly people who appreciate everything you do. Every work place should be that nice. My job was to record the "What's Happening" video every week and shoot and edit testimonies. I also was the Worship Assistant and sang in the band on the weekends. It was a busy year. I had a blast. The best part about 2013 was Craig and I found out we were about to embark on a whole new journey... A BABY.

We found out in October of 2013 that we were pregnant and new we would only be in Chicago until February of 2014. It was exciting, but a tough situation to leave our family in the midst of my pregnancy.
Craig got transferred to Plano, TX to work at ATT's Emerging Marketing Business. At 29 weeks pregnant we moved away from our family, our friends and our new church home The Bridge. It was very sad and I'm still trying to cope with all that has happened. Now it's almost Easter and I am due on May 25th.
So now I am going to be a full-time mom. I'm so excited about my new position, and nervous. Since I am so far away from my family I thought I would start this blog and make it all about our new addition - Micah Neal Hooker. He will be here soon and we will both be learning new things about each other everyday.
So this blog will now be about my career as a mother. I hope to post videos and pictures of lil Micah and our family adventures. This way we can all feel connected in a different way. And don't hesitate to post a comment here or there and tell me what's on your mind.
It will be very quiet around here for the next few weeks, but soon I might be posting blogs at 3 a.m. in the morning! Micah is moving a lot these days and pushing me in all different directions (signs of things to come I think). He looks a lot like me from the ultrasound photo's so hopefully he's a cutie :)
Here's to a new journey to have fun and enjoy my new job as a mommy.

Love you all!!

Decisions

There are many choices we make in life, and once you choose you will never know where the other choice would have lead you. I know that's why it's very difficult to make certain choices. Right now, Craig and I will either move to Waco in 6 months or stay in College Station for the next two years. There are pros and cons to both sides and we keep praying for God to show us the right way- but we haven't had a break through yet. I know God has great plans for us- but which one is the right one? Its really hard to not be able to plan for the future. Lately we have been talking about where we want to live AFTER Craig is done with grad school. Craig really wants to stay in Texas and I want to be with my family, however I really don't want to go back to Illinois. Both my sisters are new home owners and I can't wait to see their homes. I have never felt that I would be the sister never around. In the end I realize I chose (not realizing) a career that will always lead me away from my home. In this job you will never get a position right next to your home town. And when you have enough experience to get that job you are already settled somewhere else. ... I really think it would be cool to have a house in Dallas, Houston, or Austin where everyone can come visit. Then again I would love to just drive 5 minutes to go talk to my mom.. or sister. So what's more important? Staying close to your family or making a new life for your kids and grandkids in a better state? I really don't want to be the one away from family-but then again I already am. Anyways, I have been anchoring the Brazos Valley News and Views 10 o'clock show since August and I have learned very much about this company and about myself. This was definitely a risky job, however i knew it was something in the right direction for my career. There have been many challenges through this small bureau station. Couple things: Who knew you could have a 3 person newscast? and compete against an army -- We have 2 reporters and I produce/anchor the show. There is absolutely NO way we could compete with the other stations around us. We have been set up to fail- either way we try our best everyday and give our all- Even if no one cares at least we do! I will be going back to reporting in May and am very excited to only care and give my all to 1 story instead of try to produce a 30 minute newscast with barely any help. Anyways, back to the beginning.. there are alot of decision in life- I don't know if I'm made all the right ones... but i do know- now I don't make decision alone. Craig and I and of course God will be figuring the rest out together and always together!! That's what matters.

Here's to a fresh new start to life!

Updates

It's been way too long sing I last posted. So much for keeping a so called online diary. Anyways, here's what has happened since I last posted. I left Paducah, KY in August for a job in Bryan, TX. WOW- why you ask? Good question!! I was getting really concerned that Craig and I would never live together if we didn't make a plan. Craig decided he wanted to go to graduate school at Baylor in Waco, TX. I looked for a job and luckily I knew a good friend who worked at a TV station in Waco. Unfortunately, I got a job in Bryan- which is about an hour and a half away from Waco. We first thought we would find a place in between both areas like a small suburb. We had no idea suburbs don't exist in Texas. There was no where to live in between only small country run down places. Craig was supposed to be transferred to a Target here in October, and when that month rolled around they asked him to stay through Christmas-- Can you believe it? They asked him to stay away from his lonely wife during Christmas!! HOW RUDE For awhile I thought he would never get transferred, and it was probably the hardest time of my life. I had never been so depressed and angry with life. During this time, I had no friends b/c their was only two girls i worked with and they we did not get along. And yes this was the first time I did not get along with people I work with. I was so difficult. After a couple months I started hanging out with another girl who worked in the office as a executive accountant. Her name was Colby, and she saved me. I cannot tell you what a good friend means when you have nobody. She really did save my life!! Anyways, my mom came to visit for 3 weeks in November and that was amazing!! We had a great time and I will never forget it! When Christmas rolled around I knew I was going to be alone and I was prepared to deal with it. Christmas Eve I was at work alone all night listening to Christmas music looking at photo's and crying- hah what a sad night. Craig told me he would call me around 6 p.m. - so I waited by my phone at work and nothing. I tried calling him several times and thought he forgot to call me. I started feeling even more down that my husband didn't even call me. When I got home I walked up the stairs slowly to look for a package at my door. My family had told me they sent my presents so i could open something on Christmas. Of course- nothing was at my door and I just broke down and started balling on my stairs. When my family called they were acting very strange. I saw Craig trying to call me when I was on the phone with my family and I told them I wasn't picking it up b/c I was mad at him. My sister said to me, "Liz You need to call him back and then call us." At that point I knew something was up. I finally called Craig and he said, "Hunny i'm sorry i didn't call. I was on a plane." Yep, he surprised me on Christmas Eve with the best present ever-HIM. He also brought all the presents in his suitcase. And yes that was a Christmas I will never forget- It was actually our first Christmas together as a married couple. Ok so now I had been in College Station, TX by myself for 5 months and thought there was no end to this separation. Craig finally called me in the middle of January and said he was being transferred to a Target in Huntsville,TX at the end of January!! Of course there are two Targets super close by our house, but he has to work at the one an hour away. He drove down here and picked up my pup, LOTTE on the way. They drove together for 18 hours and finally got here on a friday night. It was the best night of my life, and the start to my new life. We have been living together for about 2 and a half months now and have been married for a year and a half. We are newly weds at this point and love every minute we spend together. Now the question is does Craig go to Baylor or Texas A&M. He was accepted to both graduate programs.... Here is the dilemma- If he goes to Baylor it's a free ride, but we would have to move and I would not have a job there If he goes to Texas A&M he would have to pay, However I would have a job here WE are still deciding what to do- but the big thing is we are never going to split up again- EVER. I am glad i pursued my career and am happy with myself. I do not regret anything at this point however I will never leave him again for a job. I swear I am going to keep writing in this thing!! --