Spreadin' the Bloggy Love

What a fabulous Friday it is!?! Today I am feeling much loved in the bloggy world and I give thanks to a new bloggy friend, ModernMom@HowToSurviveLifeInTheSuburbs. She's got a great blog so I urge you to go check it out! She's also excellent at commenting on my blog (and others). Thank you, MM for the love! :)

And now I pass this award to mailto:Stacy@Stacy. Be sure to check her out, too.

I also received the next award from another bloggy friend, Anissa. She's an excellent blogger and one of my top (and fave) commenter's to my blog. She's very busy on her blog, too. She makes buttons, does blog makeovers and is ALWAYS taking pics of her beautiful kids. Check her out and give her some blog love, too. :) Thank you for my beautiful award. I feel honored that you would notice by my blog how much I do truly love my children.

I didn't even have to think about who I was going to pass this award to at all. I knew right away which fine ladies have captured a Mother's Love.

Brandi

Melissa

Lizzie

Teresa

Tasha

A little update (of sorts)

It's been a little while since I have talked about or even mentioned my weight loss or exercise plan. I am still following my weight loss plan with just a minor bump in the road here in there. For example, Memorial Day weekend. Bumps like that tend to mess me up a little. I am still staying around 12 pounds (give or take a few ounces) down since the end of April. I am pleased with that. I was really hoping to be down another 10 at least by our summer beach vacation (June 20th). I don't know if I can make that happen. I won't say that it will not bum me out a little if I am not.

I am still running. I am on week two of the Couch to 5K program and doing quite well. Yesterday I did day two of week two. Right in the middle of my jogging my crazy little MP3 player decided it's battery was dead. Lovely. SO, I had to improvise and watch Rachael Ray while using the clock on the treadmill! Ha. Running and 30 Minute Meals doesn't mix well, huh!?!? I did leave the gym rather hungry. RR was making some big ol' juicy hamburgers. I've been craving a good hamburger, too. Darn my luck though. Anyway, I had to improvise as I said. What I decided to do was rather than jog the 90 seconds as the program called for I jogged 2 minutes and walked 2 minutes for the last three jogging intervals!!!! I felt so good and was so proud of myself for not falling over (or giving up). I took a rest day today and will probably do the same tomorrow unless I get up super early and get my jog in first thing tomorrow morning. I'll be sure to report back (at some point) on that. :)

Here's what I am using for motivation for now until June 20th. Last night I ordered the swimsuit I had been drooling over from Land's End. I got a great deal and it should be here by the first of next week.

So, that's the latest. I had a weigh in today and was up 4 ounces. Darn it. I have promised my hubby that I won't stress over but that I will work even harder the next few days (and beyond) to keep moving down. My next weigh in is Saturday morning. Wish me luck with that. We have a cookout to attend tomorrow and for the first time ever we are taking our own food. I'm hoping this helps me out a bit. I'll let you know how it goes.

Giveaway alert!!!

My fellow blogging friend Anissa just reviewed BeiBambini clothing line. She is now having a fabulous giveaway!! Head over to her blog and check it out. There are several ways to enter for a chance to win $50 gift certificate! Below are a couple of examples of the cute dresses they have. I'd love to get either of these for my Sweet Annabelle.

Natalie Tie Dress

Katie Dress

Photos taken from BeiBambini.

Wordless Wednesday

A Birthday Gift and it isn't my birthday!

A couple of weeks ago I participated in some fun Birthday Trivia hosted by Cadance. It was her birthday and throughout the day she asked questions about herself for her readers to answer. Upon answering the question correctly she promised a handmade gift to the person who first got it right! I won't tell you how many guesses I had on only 2 of her different questions, but let me just say that it pays to be a coach's wife!! Lucky for me I knew every single track and field event a high school has at a track meet. :) Below are a couple of pictures of what she sent as my reward. I love them! I got them on Friday and have worn them since. Maybe she will open an Etsy shop (if she hasn't already) and can work in her spare time (what mom has any?) to make more lovely jewelry!! ;)

Thank you, Candance for the lovely earrings. I do really LOVE them! I wish I had been able to get a better photo but I took about 32 before giving up. These are beautiful and I wear them with great pride. I enjoyed your birthday trivia.

Memorial Day in the Mountains

We spent our Memorial Day (morning) in the Smoky Mtns. It was hubby's sister's birthday. Her 4oth I might add. So, we got up early (6:30!!!) and headed to Cade's Cove for breakfast. It was so nice. The weather was great, the food was delicious and the company delightful. The kids were well behaved, too. Everyone had a great time! We enjoy being able to get out and do things like this as a family. As summer progresses we won't have quite as much time to get together as a family and have outings like these. Hubby's schedule keeps him busy during the summer. Between football meetings, practices, and workouts he spends very little time at home. Let me not forget to mention that he also maintains the football fields! He's a busy man. Anyway, back to our Memorial Day festivities! Here are a few pictures I captured of the fun yesterday.

Peanut always has to have war paint when we are in the mountains. He did not want me to take his picture though which is the reason for the fake smile. :)

Annabelle insisted on wearing her swimsuit to the mountains. For me it wasn't quite warm enough to be running around half dressed (ok fine, half naked), but kids don't mind.

The kids were helped across the creek and river rock by their cousin, Abby.

I'm not quite sure what Annabelle is doing here but I thought it was a cute picture.

I think Peanut was telling me to look at something here. The boy loves the water!

And finally, my handsome husband!

Random Thoughts Tuesday

Keely@TheUnMom likes to be a little bit random on Tuesdays. Head on over to her blog for a little random fun!

I hate long weekends. Well I don't hate the weekends themselves. What I hate is when the long weekend ends. I did not want to get up this morning and go to work. I was glad to have taken a half day and come home to rest.

My silly boy asked me today if he had to go to school (daycare). I told him no. He exclaimed, "YAY it's summer! Let's go to the beach!!" It was rather cute. Too bad our vacation doesn't start for another 25 days.

When I say words starting with the "f" sound I tend to whistle. It makes me giggle. Sometimes even when I say words like buffet, spit feels like it is going to fly out. Kinda gross, too... Darn braces! I'm still adjusting to them.

I was SO happy when I got home today. My wonderful hubby cleaned. He even swept and mopped the floors. LOVE HIM!!! Oh and he did laundry. He's way better than me. I find it hard to get a lot done with the kids under my feet. He gives me a hard time about that sometimes, too. OH well. I'm sure my biggest problem is procrastination.

Being a football coach's wife is a tough job. Sometimes crazy things go on within the profession that others have a hard time understanding. It's been a whacky time for us lately. Nerves have been shot, feelings hurt, and uncertainty has caused a lot of stressed. I've kept these things to myself because I wasn't sure how my hubby felt about sharing that part of life with the blogging world. More to come on the whole football thing later.

I need to wash my car. It hasn't been washed in a while. There are even initials on each door for all of our first names. I recently realized who the culprit of that little act is. She admitted to it not long ago. Thanks, Annabelle for marking our doors with the appropriate initials. :) Hopefully we will have some time without any rain showers and we can clean that bad boy up. Or is it bad girl?

That's about all the randomness I have today. I'm too tired to think. lol

Cancer sucks, but you can help...

A fellow blogging friend, ManicMother, found out last week that her beautiful 2 year old baby boy, Ezra has acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We all know times are tough for pretty much every one in America right now but if you could even spare $1 I know that MM would be so appreciative. All you have to do is visit her blog, read about sweet Ezra and hit the paypal donation button in her sidebar. If you aren't able to contribute financially your prayers for their family would be a great contribution.

Looking for something new to read??

Look no more!! MomDot is hosting a Blog-A-Thon and I encourage you to check out some of the great bloggers listed!

Below I have posted a list of fabulous blogs for you to check out. 330 of them to be exact!!! I know. You don't have time tonight to check them all out, BUT people it is a long weekend!! Ha ha.. In all seriousness, just click on the links in the list below or check out the list in my sidebar. Enjoy!

1. Lori@Not Always Charming
2. Fairy Blog Mother
3. Crazy Adventures in Parenting
4. Engineer a Debt Free Life
5. Sweet ‘n’ Sassy Girls
6. Good Golly Miss Blondie
7. SavvySuzie
8. For The Love of Baby!
9. Tammy@lovemy2dogs
10. Blessings Abound
11. Coupons, Deals and More
12. Hairstyles For Girls
13. Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy
14. A latte in the morning
15. KiddiesCorner Deals
16. 3 Kids and Us Mom Blog
17. The Ohana Mama
18. Coupon Queens of Laurel Run
19. Today’s Journey
20. Eve @ Confessions of a Housewife
21. My Charmed Life
22. Laurie@DoubleBugs
23. Lisa @ Final Score boys3 girls2
24. New Sue Review
25. Suzanne Calling
26. Just For Me…and You
27. Time Slides By
28. Babes and Kids
29. Declutter a Little Each Day
30. Grocery Savings for Real Families
31. Life Starring Ellie and Eve
32. So Cute Crafts
33. Brea’s Mommy
34. Are Muffins Just Ugly Cupcakes
35. It’s A Beauty Filled Life
36. The crazy suburban mom
37. Donna’s World
38. Momma’s Gone Over the Wall
39. Mommy’s Quiet Time
40. Joyce (Saving My Cents)
41. My Trendy Tykes
42. The Not-So-Blog
43. Confessions From HouseholdSix
44. SiPPyCuPSand FiNGerPriNTS
45. Jennifer@CouponMommie
46. Shasta @ Crackers&Chaos
47. Giftfully Simple
48. Just For Fun
49. Digital Mommy
50. Me And Craig
51. Parenting Princesses
52. Shan@Last Shreds Of Sanity
53. Inside My Head
54. Petit
55. My Love Lucy
56. FreckleBox personalized gift
57. Baby Lulu Dress
58. Blog 4 Mom
59. 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires
60. Jolly Mom
61. My Life My Journey
62. Maman And Gourmand
63. Jess - Life @ 30
64. The POSHpreneur
65. A Blog of Goodies
66. Christy aka The Write Gal
67. LookWhatMomFound
68. Peanut Butter & Smelly’s Dad
69. Lucy
70. Angry Julie Monday
71. The Mogul Mom Blog
72. Angela
73. Deal-ectible Mommies
74. Christy’s Creations
75. Lisa
76. Courtney@Booksnboys
77. Wannabe Supermom
78. Thre Craft Momma
79. Internet Toddler
80. Jennifer@Life is a Sandcastle
81. Kristen of La Dolce Vita
82. Cranberry Fries
83. Toni @ The Mud Bug
84. The Mom Buzz
85. Tricia @Nightowl Mama
86. Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls
87. Mommy Cracked
88. EclecticBird
89. Mama Mentor
90. Moomettesgram’s Musings
91. Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews
92. Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes
93. Diaries of a Domestic Goddess
94. Go Graham Go!
95. NerdFamily Things
96. NerdFamily Blog
97. Making Money Keeping Money
98. NerdFamily Food
99. Flying Giggles & Lollipops
100. Gena @ Morris Bunch
101. Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy
102. A Kindred Spirit’s Thoughts
103. Two Of A Kind, Working On A Full House
104. D-Lo’s Lounge
105. Free Sample Freak
106. What Mommies Need
107. Mom of 2 Boys, Wife of 1
108. icefairy’s Treasure Chest
109. Cheaper Than Therapy
110. Therapeutic Reviews & Giveaways
111. Lily Bean Designs
112. Dirty Diaper Laundry
113. Dance Momma
114. JamericanSpice
115. Mombalance
116. A Pocket Full Of Buttons
117. Ordinary and Awesome
118. Reviews and Giveaways
119. Subjective Beauty
120. Tales From A Shopaholic Mommy
121. Mommiemayhem
122. IE Mommy
123. Nikki @ Blasian Baby Notes
124. Amber Woodward
125. Grammy Janet’s Place
126. Outnumbered 3 to 1
127. ShimmerMeBlue
128. Dev’s Favorite Giveaways
129. Joyful Money Saving
130. 1stopmom
131. A Modern Mama
132. PourSomeSugarOnMe
133. Fancast
134. Lollipop Baby
135. Lola & Ben
136. idoby2celebrants
137. Sue Jackson
138. Cackleberry Kids
139. Gifts By The Stars
140. Jemma
141. Handmade Kids
142. Ollie Rose
143. Babasfarmlife
144. Banquet Manager
145. Monkey’s Momma
146. This Mom Can Shop
147. EcoLabel Fundraising
148. Divine Chaos
149. baby kakes ink alphabet onesie
150. tee from recycle me
151. Elizabeth @ Suzy Q Homemaker
152. marla mandell bread (5/17)
153. ozone socks 5/15
154. Belly Bumps to Baby Hugs
155. Hip T
156. ThenComes Baby
157. Homemade Gourmet
158. Fresh Pure and Simple
159. MomDot Mom Blogs
160. MomDot Mom Reviews
161. Bloggers Give Charity
162. Organic Baby Resource
163. Potamus Prefers
164. The Army Wife
165. Through Hazel Eyes
166. Frugal Rhode Island Mama
167. Just Jingle
168. And Twins make 5!
169. Frugal Plus
170. Christie
171. What Happened To My House?
172. Miracles on Mama Street
173. Heck Of A Bunch
174. Blog Designs by Susan
175. mommy23monkeys
176. Hanna
177. Got Kids Need Valium
178. Womb At The INNSANE
179. Katie & Kimble Blog
180. Kim @ Adventures SAHM
181. The Frugalicious Mommy
182. Penny Pinching Diva
183. Another day. Another thought or two
184. Beauty4Moms
185. Nikki @evilflu.com
186. Little Miss Julia
187. Mrs Zeee
188. Cheryl
189. Frazzle Dazzle SuperMom
190. Florida Mealtime Savers
191. Inspiration Station
192. Mommy’s Kitchen
193. Saving with MamaNordy
194. Saving SAHM Sanity
195. A Little Piece Of Perfect
196. Nodin’s Nest
197. Lil Miss Eco
198. Laryn Strickland
199. HeatherMama
200. The Gerber Babies Blog
201. WhateverSuccess
202. Women Who Win
203. Kat @ The Burb Blog
204. Happy Healthy Families
205. Sweeps4Bloggers
206. dramaqueensmum
207. The Mom Trap
208. Multitasking Mama
209. Mama Michies Musings
210. Little People Wealth
211. Belly Beyond
212. Kim Kihega
213. Mom Fuse
214. Juanita
215. Adopt a Do
216. On the Refriderator Door
217. Christine
218. Little Diva
219. My Household Junk
220. I’m Here….Really
221. Brittany@The Greer 5
222. mary
223. Nicole @ Nicole’s Nickels
224. Lori Newman
225. Kris @ NSQSA
226. Debb
227. Shawn Ann’s World
228. Peke Moe -NZ made baby sleep sacks
229. A Simple Kinda LIfe
230. Sweet Serendipity
231. Bouncing Off The Walls
232. Jane Loedding
233. Msbuildingupdabenjamins
234. Msbuildingupdabenjamins
235. Msbuildingupdabenjamins
236. Musings from Me
237. Veronnica
238. The Adventures of Miss V
239. Mudd Kids
240. Mom Most Traveled family travel
241. Relishing the Dirt
242. Good, True and Beautiful
243. Deb @ Frugal Living and Having Fun
244. The Last Blog on Earth
245. A Wrestling Addicted Mommy
246. Rae
247. kimert@diaries of a coach’s wife
248. Dore’s Diaries
249. Blog by Donna
250. Lisette
251. Pillaging With Buffie
252. Mom of Faith
253. GODSOWN
254. flutterbyechronicles
255. shelley
256. Life In A House Of Blue
257. kristen
258. Alex the Fey Thriller Series
259. MamaCheaps!
260. Donalacasa
261. A Jewish Journey
262. Anissa @ Our Chaotic Life
263. BethinNC
264. Stuttering Shell
265. Don’t Blink
266. Life is Sweet
267. Lisa
268. Sue@Stay At Home Mom
269. m.e (cathie)
270. Run DMT
271. Princess Ratbag
272. Michelle G
273. CF Mama @ Nathan’s Fight
274. Moody Mama Says
275. Laurie Ann
276. Cooking During Stolen Moments
277. A Simple Walk
278. Vanessa
279. middleagedmom
280. Ramblings Of A Wannabe Writer
281. Oh My Baby
282. Fordcast Sunny
283. Lisa Miller
284. Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy
285. Bibs & Cribs {very cute stuff}
286. My Lil’ Budget Book
287. Misadventures in Baby Raising
288. My Mommy Said
289. Milk & Honey Mommy
290. Milk and Honey Mommy
291. Amy O’Neal
292. Parenting Children
293. A Girl And Her Life
294. MarieLynn Boutique Blog
295. Born Fabulous Boutique Blog
296. The Pitter Patter Boutique
297. Stephanie Deese
298. Brea’s Baby Boutique Blog
299. digiscrapping.net - Heather Manning
300. Kids Activities Blog
301. Two Little Whales Cloth Diapers & More
302. 3 boys & a dog
303. Karen ~Georgia Angel
304. JenniferB @ my not so hurried life
305. Shannon Blogs Here
306. A Virtuous Woman
307. Secrets of a Southern Kitchen
308. Dreamer
309. Lollipop Book Club
310. Mommie Daze Virtual Baby Shower
311. Heck Of A Bunch
312. MomSaves4U
313. Barely Domestic Mama
314. Emilie @ Baby Loving Mama
315. Professional Family Manager
316. Kathleen
317. Coaching The Family
318. Frugal Creativity
319. Easy Being Green
320. Dandelion Bubbles
321. Shelly aka The Attic Girl
322. Foxtoybox-Discovery Toys
323. Ashley @ Beauty4Moms
324. Colleen - Mommy Always Wins
325. Playground for Parents
326. World of Discovery
327. Kati @ Country Girl City Life
329. A Little Bit Nutty
330. Mahayla’s Mommy
331. Mommy Goggles
332. The Shopping Mama
333. If I Could Escape . . .

Aloha Friday - 05-22-09

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

~Kailani

So, my question for you this week is....

What household chore is your least favorite?

~My answer is laundry. I used to hate the dishes but now I have moved on and realized the dishes are easy. I hate laundry because it seems like it never goes away. No matter how many loads we do the laundry pile grows, there is no room to put stuff away or my kids change 1000 times a day and it's hard to tell what is dirty or not. ~sigh~

2 down, 1 to go

Today I completed Week 1, Day 2 of the Couch to 5K running program. Only one more day to go to say I completed the first week!

I cannot tell you how proud I am of myself. I don't really brag on myself much and I especially don't like to brag even, but I just had to. I won't say that today was quite as easy as Monday's run but I made it without stopping at all or without even thinking about giving up and walking one of the runs. I think today was a little tougher because I did a 45 min workout on the elliptical last night. My thighs were burning! Anyway, I will do my third and final run of the week on Friday evening. I decided to take tomorrow off and not doing anything. If, and that is a big IF, I do anything tomorrow exercise wise it will just be a little ab work on the stability ball. But that's an if. (hey, the body needs rest, right!?!?)

I have another weigh in tomorrow morning. I'm hoping it goes well. I'm slightly nervous because I haven't done as well with my meal planning today. I ran away from home for a couple of hours last night (lol ... i needed it!!!) and when I got home I was so pooped from the gym that I was lazy (you guys know how I am). Anyway, hopefully I will make my goal of 1.5 down since Tuesday. I will keep you posted.

And thanks for taking the time to read my posts about my weight loss/exercise struggles. :)

Wordless Wednesday - 5/20/09

Annabelle - First Day of Kindergarten

Annabelle - middle of school year (Kindergarten)

Annabelle - last day of Kindergarten

Random Thoughts Tuesday

I love Keely over at TheUnMom. She cracks me up with her humor and I love her Random Thoughts Tuesdays. Head on over and check out her blog and join in the RTT fun!

First I would like to say that I restarted (for like the umpteenth million time) the Couch to 5K running program last night. I kicked it's butt rather than it kicking mine! I only did day one, week one but still I was surprised to find myself not even considering stopping my jogging to walk on the jogging intervals! woohoo, go me! I'm actually looking forward to day 2 tomorrow.

I want to know who came up with all the quizzes on Facebook. You know you take them, too...don't you!?!? I cannot be the only one who thinks that while they are ridiculously addicting they are slightly funny, too. Say you're with me on this one?? Please.. ha ha I mean seriously how can one tell what movie my life is most like by the car I drive?

Why are the nails on my right hand growing out but the nails on my left hand the same as they were a month ago? It's totally weird and actually bothering me a little.

I want to get a new swimsuit before vacation. What I'd like to do is go to Sears and at least try on a Land's End one because I've been eyeballing them for a while now. Liz Claiborne suits have been my go-to suits for the last couple of years, but I didn't find any of them in any of the major department stores in my area. Bummer. And I cannot fit (gasp! holy fat booty) the suits from 2 years ago that are still in perfect shape. Double bummer. My vacation is in about 32 days. So, maybe in a couple of weeks I can get on that.

I guess that's all I've got today since it has taken me almost 2 hours to even come up with those few things. HA HA..

Recipe Swap - 5/18/09

Cranberry Spinach Salad w/feta

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
1 pound spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons minced onion
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir almonds in butter until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the toasted almonds and cranberries.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, onion, paprika, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, and vegetable oil. Toss with spinach just before serving.

4. Sprinkle as much or as little feta you like on top.

You're as pretty as a princess!

Friday evening the lovely Bethany that does my hair

held a great fundraising event at bebe salon.

Princess Party

For a donation of $15 to Relay for Life girls were able to get their hair done in pretty little princess up-dos and such, they got their makeup done and also nails painted. Oh and don't forget the glitter for their hair! So cute! And for those girls that wanted to they could even dress up for photos! Annabelle and I had an absolute blast! All the little girls were excited and looked just precious!

Annabelle having her hair done by Bethany!

And now her makeup is being done by our wonderful friend, Brooke!

Can't forget the pink nail polish!



Just like any little diva, Annabelle had to make sure her nails were dry before we left!

She looked so pretty!

And of course after dinner out with our handsome Prince Charming (aka Daddy), my sweet Annabelle was exhausted. She even fell asleep on her carriage ride back home.

Perfect Ten

I am SO happy with my weigh in today and thought I would post here! I am doing LA Weight Loss for the second (or maybe it's the third) time since 2007. I started my program on April 25th! I am now down a total of TEN pounds!!! I can't remember the last time I was more pleased with myself. I've really worked hard and really watched everything I've been eating. I am staying as on track with my food plan as I can. I weigh in 3 times per week at my local center and that is going great. I was measured this week and hopefully in the next few weeks or so (once I start actually working out and jogging again) I will see the inches move move move off of my body. My goal was to lose 10 pounds in 28 days. I am thrilled that I did that in 22 days I met my first goal. So far my only set back are these braces and not being able to eat most of the stuff that I enjoy on my plan. NO worries (hopefully) because I got some great ideas from one of the counselors for some alternative foods I can try while I am still adjusting to eating with this mouth full of metal. Anyway, it feels good! -10 and counting.....

Stainless Steel Sex Appeal

or at least my hubby better think so! (ha ha) And I am pretty sure he probably doesn't want to come near my new stainless steel. I don't blame him.

I now pity anyone who has ever had to have the spurs. I sure as heck ain't gonna be hollerin' giddy up, y'all! ;)

Thought Provoking Thursday

ManicMother hosts Thought Provoking Thursday over at her blog. She asks one question that you can either answer by posting a comment or using her same question and posting your own Thought Provoking Thursday in your blog. You can even ask your own question in your blog. So, head on over and answer her question and post a Thought Provoking Thursday on you blog! Just be sure to link up!

My question for this week is:

What did you always dream of becoming when you grew up?

What do you do now?

And lastly, what do you wish you were doing?

My answer:

When I was a child my sister and I always played school. I always said I wanted to be a teacher. When I was in college that was the path I was taking. I spent one semester in a 2nd grade class and was bored out of my mind! I also had some health issues at the time and missed a lot of school due to doctor visits. I also had to move out of state at one point and never even finished college. I worked at a bank for years before becoming an Administrative Assistant to my father in law. I work for a union (we represent employees that work for the railroad) and a lot of what I do is equivalent to that of a paralegal. I never imagined that my full time job would be sitting behind a desk all day plugging away at a computer. A couple of things I would like to do for a career would be a part time stay at home mom. I'd go crazy being home all day even as much as I love my kids and my daughter is already in school. I would love to be able to have more time volunteering at her school though. I'd also like to be a wedding planner or open some kind of scrap booking and/or craft shop.

Kindergarteners and Dating

Did you know there is such a thing?

Me either. But my daughter certainly thinks that she will be going on a date with a boy from her class. Actually she has mentioned a date with more than one boy on several occasions since about midway through the year. She is very much boy crazy. Or maybe she just doesn't want to get involved in all the catty nonsense little girls tend to come up with? I'm not real sure which is better. And please if you've had experience, maybe you can share it. Or maybe I don't really want to know.

Annabelle has come home with phone number after phone number scribbled on little scraps of paper several times this year. Is it ever a girl's number? NO! When I clean out her folder every evening I find little clippings with messy handwriting and numbers on them. Of course I inquire with my girl who these numbers belong to. All of them little boys. And I am always asked, "Mommy can I call boy (no names used to protect the innocent)?" No you may not. Ugh. I hated that answer, too when I was younger. My mom always told me, "Nice young ladies don't call boys." Are you kidding me??? Who said I was nice or even a young lady!?!? ha ha (just kidding about the lady part)... ;)

Anyway, I'm a little weirded out that my daughter would want to call these boys or even call a girl in her class. Maybe it is just me but something about a 5 year old chatting on the phone with her classmates just seems odd. The one and only time she did talk to a kid (yeah, it was a boy) on the phone was when his mother and I were planning arrangements for me to take him home after a field trip. When Annabelle hung up with him she told me, "HA ha mom, T told me he was naked!" What!?!?!? You are SO never talking on the phone with him again. (okay so I was just thinking it).

Boys boys boys. It is really all I hear about from Annabelle when I ask about school. "J did this or M put his arm around me at music today. " Yesterday it was, "M put his head on my shoulder AND his arm around me today." Oy. Keep your hands off my kid, boy! I ask constantly if she played with the girls on the playground only to find out that, "No they're not that nice." or "But I just like playing with the boys better." I did too kid but not until I was much MUCH older!!

So where am I going with all this? Fine, I will get to the point. Today Annabelle wanted to wear a dress (second day in a row) because she wanted M to still go on a date with her Friday. Yes, you read that correctly. My daughter thinks she is going on a date with a boy Friday. Even her teacher told me at pickup today that she told Annabelle she liked her dress and asked if she was going on a date. And what did my girl tell her? "Yes, on Friday with M. My mom is taking us to the Kid's Playland at McDonald's."

I can't blame these boys for liking my girl. Just look at her (fine, I am biased).

Gosh, I'm not sure any of these silly boys have even seen my girl's daddy. He can be quite fierce.

Wordless Wednesday (almost)

This was me 2 summers ago. I fully intend to get that thinner, much more fit body back. I'll never be a super model but I do want to feel and look super again. So, this picture is my motivation and reminder of what I can do and what I want to be.

Random Thoughts Tuesday

TheUnMom is hosting yet another fabulous Random Thoughts Tuesday.

I don't have a whole lot to say today. I'm tired, which is why instead of doing a craft today after I picked Annabelle up from school I let her turn on Noggin. She and I are relaxing on the couch until time to pick up the Peanut. We don't let the kids watch a whole lot of TV but Noggin I don't mind so much. I kinda like Pinky Dinky Doo anyway. ;) And it isn't likely that Annabelle will actually watch much anyway since she didn't have a nap at school today.

I've lost 7.2 pounds since April 24th. I feel pretty good about that. My food planned changed a little this week at my weigh in Saturday. I am slowly adjusting to that. It changed a little again today. I have a hard time getting dairy in my diet. I'm just not a huge fan of 2% low fat (that means less than 3 gr per ounce) cheese. I like yogurt but only the full fat/full calorie Yoplait in with the red label. It isn't allowed, but I can understand that considering one of those 6 oz containers has 170 calories!! So, my counselor allowed me a food exchange. Instead of two dairy items now I can have one and add another fruit and veggie. I do so much better with fruits and veggies as it is anyway. I'm loving cantaloupe right now. Anyway, I'm hoping to continue with the whole weight loss thing through the fall and hopefully will be close to my goal. The date I have in mind is October 16th and I have my own good reasons for that date. (and they're sorta kinda football related) Maybe I'll post a story about that soon. ;)

I have a list of things around the house I sure would like to get done. I lack motivation somewhat today. I need to fold a load of laundry that's residing in the over sized chair in the living room. I need to probably fold the load that is in the dryer and transfer what is in the washer to the dryer. I have a few things to clean up in the kitchen including putting the dishes in the sink into the dishwasher. Gee, I bet you are thinking that I sure sound like quite the slob. ha ha it isn't quite as bad as it sounds. I'm sure most of you are like me too in that you have toys in the living room. That has become a household pet peeve of my husband and mine lately. Toys belong in the kids' rooms, right!?!? I also have a list of home improvement type things I'd like to have done (by hubby) or get done at some point (preferably this year), but lack the time (hubby too) and $$$ (for some of it anyway).

I ordered a cute cropped denim jacket by Motto off QVC (I'm an addict) a week or so ago. It's got 3/4 sleeves (sort of longer than that on a lady with short arms). It came today. It is so cute. Sadly it is a heavier denim that I will need to wear in the fall/winter. I guess that gives me something to look forward to later this year.

Ok, that's all I got for now.

Manic Martha Moment #2 - babyshower invite

ManicMother is hosting another Manic Martha Moment today! Head on over to her fabulous blog to see what great stuff is going on!

I made these cute sailboat baby shower invitations for my baby sister's shower last year. I varied the design on each card a little. I was quite pleased with how they turned out. I purchased the sailboat and anchor die cuts on Ebay. I was glad I did because #1 I do not own a Cricut and #2 they were not something I could find around these woods I live in! Also, it was difficult to find any kind of embellishments like I was looking for. Luckily for me a trusty scrap booking friend was able to help out and dig some stuff out of her stash for me and Target had a few packs of Jolee's. Since I had so many different embellishments to choose from it made the task of making each card a little different that much easier on me. And I just have to add that I love paper tearing. That's how I made the sand! I used vellum paper for the water and I love using vellum, too. Oh and PopDots! I used those to pop out the little cloud that says, "you're invited." I loved them and was even more happy that my sister loved them, too.

I just want to floss already!

Okay, relax folks! I have been flossing my teeth. Well, I take that back I have been flossing most of my teeth with the exception of like 8 of them! It is finally beginning to get to me. It's been two weeks already. Whatever am I talking about? Ok. Here is the scoop. For several years my wonderful dentist has been telling me she thinks I should see an Orthodontist. I've known it for some time. While looking directly at me and my teeth straight on it would not appear that I would need any kind of orthodontic care. Well, you are right. But deep within the parameters of my mouth there lies other issues. My bite. It really is quite interesting, to say the least.


So, I finally bit the bullet and in January scheduled my first appointment with the orthodontist. That appointment consisted of impressions (gag me with a jello mold), x-rays and consultation. It was relatively easy. Of course hubby and I didn't have tons of extra cash laying around to embark on this whole journey right then and there so we waited a few months (while saving for the fun) and now here the time has come.


My first appointment (2 weeks ago) I got spacers/separators put between 8 of my teeth or did I just get 8 spacers? Either way, let me tell you that it was less fun than I had anticipated! Ha. The girl cut the roof of my mouth up pretty bad, but I forgave her. It didn't take too terribly long and by the middle of the next week I had adjusted. I was ready to get them out though, which I thought was going to happen last week at my second appointment.


Wrong. My thirty minute appointment Wednesday ended up being over two hours long! It was absolute torture. You see they did take out the separators to fit me for my "custom bands." Custom bands, you ask!?! Yes. Lucky me. Just call me cowgirl. My bands will contain some lovely apparatus called a spur. That said spur will be to keep my fat tongue in the correct place. Ouch is right! (I knew you were thinking it because I'm smart like that.) Anyway, back to what I was thinking. I was under the impression that my separators were coming out and the bands were going in. Nope, just a fitting. They sent my bands off to have them customized with the spurs. Oh joy.


Well, friends, I ask that you keep me in mind come 1:00 pm this Thursday. The whole ordeal begins then. I tend to get myself all worked up over procedures like this. Well, not like this since I haven't actually ever gotten braces, but you know what I am saying. I mean I have made it through 2 c-sections, gall bladder surgery and a long line of migraines. So, you would think I can handle THIS! Kids do it everyday, right? Right. But wait... I am NOT a kid. I am a 30 year old woman!! I.am.scared.


Promise you won't call me any names like....

Metal Mouth
Brace Face
Tinsel Teeth
Railroad Track Teeth
Tin Grin
Dum Dum who can't chew gum


I just want to floss again, that's where I was going with all this. ;)

Recipe Swap - 5/11/09

Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels

1 can (8 ounces) Pillsbury(R) Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
1/3 cup gourmet spreadable cheese with garlic and herbs
4 slices (1 ounce each) thinly sliced deli ham
1/2 cup packed spinach leaves

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
Separate dough into four rectangles on Cutting Board. Press seams to seal.

2. Using Small Spreader, spread each rectangle with about 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese to within 1/4 inch of edges. Top with 1 slice ham and spinach leaves.

3. Starting at short side, roll up each rectangle; pinch edges to seal. Cut each roll crosswise into six slices using Serrated Bread Knife for a total of 24 slices. Place slices, cut side down, on Large Round Stone. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven to Cooling Rack. Serve warm.

Yield: 24 pinwheels

*recipe is from The Pampered Chef (fall/winter 2003 Season's Best)

Weekend Recap

Well, the last three days have been....what can I say...a blast, sort of!

Friday I had Mother's Day picnic (indoors due to rain) with my Peanut. I took him a Happy Meal (and he was happy) and I had a LA Lite bar and some fruit. It was a great time! Upon time to leave Peanut says to me, "Mama it's my turn to go wif you to work!" How could I say no? I didn't and the following two pictures show what kind of fun a boy has at mommy's office.

When I got home that evening both kids presented me with a plethora of hand made Mother's Day gifts. I absolutely adore these type gifts the most.

Saturday my wonderful hubby and I attended a wedding for a former football player and student of hubby's. It was the most simple and short wedding I think either of us had ever been to. It started at 6pm and we were in the car by 6:27 pm (and that was after everyone greeted and shook hands with the bride and groom). Since we felt slightly out of place we decided to take advantage of the kids being away for the night and had a date night. We ate at a really yummy place called Mimi's Cafe! It was delicious. I had a blue cheese and walnut salad with grilled chicken. I don't think I totally blew my diet but from the taste of my food it sort of felt like it.

Anyway, the evening got much more eventful. Hubby has had issues with his feet for a long time. Poor guy had to crawl to bed that night (literally!!!). And the next three photos are a good reflection of how I spent Mother's Day this year....

Poor guy has been thinking he had gout (which is a form of arthritis) but it turns out he has djd - degenerative joint disease (also arthritis). After an x-ray, a vicodin, a lovely boot and crutches we were sent on our way. The love of my life treated me a most romantic Mother's Day dinner of Long John Silver's drive through eaten in our own car in the parking lot of CVS while we waited on his prescriptions to be filled. I stayed on plan too (just eating shrimp scampi with veggies). I really couldn't have asked for a better day. I did get to go to church with my two other loves, the one's who make this day even more special for me - Annabelle and Isaiah. And to them, I also say thanks and I love you both with my entire heart. Thanks, honey, for allowing me to show the world your lovely face in such a state of despair. You're a real trooper. Glad you're feeling better!

Anyway, Happy belated Mother's Day to all you other moms out there. I hope it was a fabulous one!!