La, La, La, La The Giveaway Winner

I am so excited to announce my giveaway winner! I had help drawing the winner from my 15 year old. I have a picture but I can't figure out how to load it from my phone. Sigh. Anyhow. A big CONGRATS to La from Famille d'Arsenal! I will be emailing the details to you shortly. Thank you to all that entered!

Hope everyone is having a great week! We are having so much fun here in the great state of Texas tomorrow we will be baking and decorating cookies!! Fun!

Drive Friendly ~ The Texas Way

Hubby and I got off work last night rushed to pack and got on the road for Texas by 10pm. The baby is a terrible traveler as in she screams diving across town from the babysitters to our house. So after a few incidents that just made it feel like we were not ment to get on th road we made it by 10. Let me recap.

It snowed all day in Colorado Springs after the news said there would be no more snow. It wasn't a lot of snow but I was a little co cerned because it was the ki d of snow that turned to ice. So after much thought about our last 13 hour drve down to Texas with the baby combined with the snow I suggested we leave that night. I get home hubby is not feeli g well and the scramble begins with a few stops to change explosive diarhea diapers and to run to Target then to gas station for hubbys tummy. After all of that we get everything packed a d on top of the car. Oh wait it is too high for the car to back out of. Only all of the kids are in the car and the Santa gifts are in the rack sack. So hubby takes the must unload items and lays them out on the roof and then stands on the bumper while I slowly back out. He then reloads the topper and after a few more tripsinside we are on our way.

Well folks it was a decent ride down. We switched off driving at some points every hour. But we made it with very little baby screams which is a huge improvement from the 13 hours of baby screams we experienced this summer.

As we drove into Texas the sign said welcom to Texas Drive friendly ~ The Texas Way. I think hubby thought I had become delirious because I was laughing at that sign but you see Texans don't get the irony. I have experienced the friendly Texan driver on many occassions but boy you get that Texan in say Colorado and it is not the same situation! We also live In a heavily military populated area so we have tons of different state drivers and the all come with their own nuances.

Okay so you have about an hour left to enter my giveaway. I will announce the winner I. The morning.

Does anyone use a good blogging tool for their iPhone?

Down and Behind in COlorado Springs

Okay so have you ever had one of those weeks where going into it you have grandeioso plans of how you are just going to kill it, by getting a whole bunch of things done?  Yeah this week was my week.  Let's just say that my two sad blog posts should be a representation of how this plan turned out.  Sad face.

My big plans for this week included some fab post for this sad, sad blog, some workouts, Christmas shopping and and shipping, laundry and packing.  We had the little girls preschool Christmas party last night that included gifts and food and we leave tomorrow morning for Dallas at 4AM yes folks you read that right (and in case we both thought we didn't I made it bigger).  But someone else had different plans for me because I have been sick as a dog.  So I have nothing packed and as I type this I am attempting (pretending) to get ready for work.  So tonight I will be scrambeling to wash clothes, find toys and pack everything.  Looks like nothing will be folded and everything will be arriving in Dallas, in yard bags.  We are a class act my friends.  But you knew that.

If you haven't already entered my giveaway, go do it!  Remember, blogging or mentioning the giveaway on your blog earns you another entry.  Good luck my faithful friends!    Bye the way did anyone notice it landed on my 200th post?  Yeah I didn't either when I originally posted it.  Thank goodness someone is always looking out for me right?  Phew!

It's Time For The Giveaway!!

Alright , here it is, the giveaway.  I hope everyone is as excited as I am.  Here are the details, CSN has graciously given one of my incredible readers the chance to win a $35 gift certificate to any of their 200 online stores!!!  AMAZING!!! 

The giveaway entry deadline will be Saturday December 18th at 11:59 pm.  Each of the following entry types is worth one (1) entry:

Entry 1 -

Follow me or leave me a comment that you already follow

Entry 2 -

Leave me a comment telling me what you would by if you win this fabulous gift certificate from CSN

Entry 3 -

Dream a little, leave me a comment telling me what you would buy from CSN if money was no object.

Entry 4 -

Pass along the good news about this giveaway and leave me a comment with the link.

Good luck and Merry Christmas!!

CSN Stores

Have you seen around blogland others offering giveaways or doing reviews?  Yup me too.  Each time I thought "how cool to be offered such a great opportunity?" Well CSN has conntacted me to do a giveaway! (girl scream!)  The details will be coming soon.  As soon as I was contacted I went back on to their website(s).  It blows my mind everytime I am there.  CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need whether it be a chic handbag, tv tables or even cute cookware!  Seriously, you can get everything you need here.  So while your waiting on giveaway details stop by CSN Stores and check out their huge offering!

Hope everyone has a fabulous week!  We will be leaving Saturday morning for Dallas, so our week will be spent with our usual full schedule, plus all of the errands and details to be ready to head out!

A Woman's Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the fact I cannot fit into some jeans;

the courage to wear the jeans I should;

and the wisdom to know the difference.

I have seen this written a few different ways, but this is SO funny to me!  I hope this brings a laugh to everyone today!  Happy Friday!

My First 5k On Turkey Day

Every Thanksgiving I get up at 5am and start getting the turkey ready and doing the rest of the cleaning in the house.  This Thanksgiving was a little different because hubby signed us up for the YMCA Turkey Trot 5k.  I have been talking about doing a 5k for a long time and apparently he wanted to push me off the high dive.  I am really glad he did.  I did not do all of the training I had planned on doing, really I did none.  i have been doing spin, yoga and Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.  Great for the body, not great for endurance.

Here are a few pics of hubby and I waiting for the start.

Let me tell you I have 3 - 4 layers on.  I think I had 4 layers of shirts, 2 pairs of pants and nylons on and 2 more pairs of socks.  I soon was regretting my choice to layer and not just suffer until I warmed up.  But I am a huge baby but it was cold, like 20 degrees cold, specifically 17 degrees.

Let me tell you how many excuses can come up at the thought of going to run/walk in 17 degree weather on Thanksgiving day. 

So we took off.  I had a nice pace going and was feeling pretty good.  Then I noticed my shoelace was coming untied, I tried to ignore it but it was making my shoe really loose.  I pulled over to the side and tied it and got back in formation.  Not too many strides later and I noticed the other one had come undone.  Hubby is still going and I stop again.  At this point hubby is way ahead of me.  So I pick up the pace to catch up with him, not a smart move.  I have a hard time breathing this time of year to begin with, but let me tell you, it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to catch your breath in 17 degree temps.

So I ended up walking a huge portion of the course but I finished, and frankly I am super proud of that!

After Thanksgiving dinner, when everyone left, I got the rest of the food put away and did not get the dishes done.  I was pooped!  Hubby graciously did them the next day!  Thank You Honey!!

Shutterfly, Be Still My Heart

I have had MANY great experiences with Shutterfly orders.

After hubby and I's engagement we received a Shutterfly book.  Hubby proposed to me at the top of Pikes Peak....during a blizzard.  We were there with my company.  And my boss whom also happens to be a good friend of mine made the book.  The book includes pictures from this day and is a very special book.

After we returned from our honeymoon in London/Paris we made personal thank you cards,

like these:

With this photo.

We had a few pictures taken in front of the Westminster Abbey, but there were other people in these pictures, so we went with this one.  You can order your own personal thank you's here.  There are so many designs to choose from or you can choose to use a simple photo, so that you may use them for any occasion!

I have also purchased several calendars for grandparents for past Christmases.  The grandparents simply love these calendar's, you can order yours here.  Currently they are buy one get one 50% off.

Now Shutterfly is offering Bloggers 50 free Christmas photo cards!  YAY!!  I send out approximately 65 Christmas cards every year.  I usually make the cards myself.  With my busier schedule I simply do not have the time to put that much time into cards this year.  These picture cards are a wonderful alternative!  Just as personal as a homemade card, I feel.  You can peruse Shutterfly's huge selection here.

So here are a few designs I have in mind.  There is such a great selection, knowing me I will not end up with one of these.

The great thing about Shutterfly, aside from their fabulous designs, is how quick your order comes in! 

If you are a blogger and would like to be a part of this please check here.

Did I mention we recently got our family pictures done?  They are incredible.  I want to share them along with my new blog names for my little ones.  (That I have been promising.)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

And Then There Was Christmas.....

......At least some preparation. 

I have been waiting for the holiday season for MONTHS!!!!  So happy it is finally here.  I can not describe my joy the day of Thanksgiving.  Now that joy gets to carry on for entire month!  Yay!

I have some things planned for this holiday season to really make some memories.  Hubby and I are and have really just made sure we do not go crazy with presents.  The kids get nice things but not too much......our families take care of that. :)  Mostly kidding. 

Anyways today we had planned to set up the Christmas tree.  Because we had cleared/rearranged the sitting room to make room for a Thanksgiving table to seat 18 we had plenty of room for a tree.  However, being the visionaries that we are, we had no tree.  That's right folks, the last two years our tree has had some lighting issues.  So we decided to throw it out last year and buy one when they were on sale.  Guess who did not ever get to those sales......  So in the midst of our Dave Ramsey makeover we had to make an "Emergency Fund" dip to buy a new tree.  Yes a tree with three kids is ESSENTIAL, and I will not back down from this statement.  We went with a white tree and not the most expensive option (which hubby wanted).  We bought some red lights and a red skirt.  I was hesitant because I really wanted the magenta lights, but this was the one stand against pink hubby has made, so I respectfully went with the red.  I am proud to report we ALL L.O.V.E. the result.  Even hubby sat and stared at the tree for a bit.  It seriously is gorgeous.  And any new moms with a fussy baby, I suggest getting that tree up and setting the baby in front of it to stare.  It has always soothed my kiddos just as it does me.  *SIGH*  I wish these pictures captured the beauty of the tree but they truly do not.  I hope you enjoy, all the same.  Merry Christmas season everyone, may the joy of the season bring peace to your heart!

Sad news, yesterday Blogger only allowed for one picture upload and now the upload window freezes and when it finally does allow uploads it does not use the new orientation saved.  Anyone else having these issues?.  Please forgive the abscence of photos in my post.  I will load them in another post.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Wow as of yesterday it has officially been 3 months since my last post. Yikes!  With my new job and all of the after school/work activities in our lives I just felt like I needed to be on a blogging break.  I have been thinking  alot about blogging and missing the blogging relationships I have had and so I felt it was time to get back to blogging. 
Well I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving!!  I love Thanksgiving.  It is such a special time to spend with friends and family.  This year we had five new faces at our dinner table.  La, Q and Gooner from Famille d'Arsenal , Clarissa and her husband from In my oh-so-humble opinion...   Let me just say that if you remember me blogging about my first meet up with La here then you may remember that our friendship has been very easy from the beginning.  Strangley natural, in a good way.  Well La brought along Clarissa whom she has been friends with for a long time.  So while I was excited to have everyone I was also a little nervous about maybe things being awkward.  I am not sure how it happens twice but Clarissa was just as fun and awesome as La.  Again it was like highschool friends meeting up after a long abscence and just getting back to where they left off.  AWESOME!!  Here are a few pictures.  Thanks ladies for a great Thanksgiving!

Okay I had a bunch more pictures but Blogger is not letting me load anymore of the photos.  But this is a good photo.

Hope everyone is doing well!  What did everyone else do for Thanksgiving?

Weight Watchers Update

Before I begin I have a funny.

Tonight hubby was carrying baby (I swear I have picked new names for them but that is for another post), anyways, hubby was carrying the baby up the stairs for bed time and I gave her a kiss, I suddenly realized how much I missed her. So I gave her a few more kisses and then hubby turns around and walks off.

I yelled up in protest; "Hey I wasn't done giving her kisses!"

Hubby; ""We just ate were you going to eat her?"

Which I am still laughing about.  Man that guy is funny. 

Now onto my Weight Watchers News!! 

My last weigh in was last Saturday and as of that day I have lost 5.3 pounds!  In 4 weeks.  I am very excited.  I feel it is going really well!

With my crazy schedule I am depending heavily on frozen meals which is wreaking havoic on my stomach so this weekend I am really going to try to strategize.  Do you guys have any ideas for healthy lunch ideas?  Like yummy salads or sandwiches?  Let me tell you I am so boring when it comes to salads.  Like lettuce tomato and dressing boring.  Sometimes I will spice it up with red peppers and sunflower seeds.  But nothing too fancy.  I would appreciate any ideas!

Thanks again for all of your support!!

Things I Have Learned Form Corporate America

As I said in my post yesterday I am truly loving my job.  I am doing what I always wanted to be doing, but I have to admit corporate america is a huge culture shock.  Did I say huge, yeah HUGE!!

In the last 10 years I have worked for either myself or in a small office.  Working flexible hours with people that I grew very close with.  In most situations I worked alone quite a bit and I enjoyed a lot.

So onward with my list, Things I Have Learned From Corporate America:

1) Going to work is no longer considered your alone time.  And when you have a family of five and you work in corporate america going to the bathroom alone EVER - is a thing of the past.

2) The Office is not as funny, when it seems like it wasn't so made up.

3) I like having a schedule but ACTUALLY having a set time I have to be somewhere and a set time I have to leave really feels stressful.

4) I have my very own printer on my desk - NO KIDDING.  ON MY DESK.  NO KIDDING.  Sorry this one blew my mind.  My first thought was "um, someone left this printer on my desk."  But nope, EVERYONE has a laser printer on their desk.  But if you want dark crisp prints you still have to get off your bum and print them on another printer.

5)  I do not think anyone there is actually there to make friends and my instinct to be friendly and honest is not a good trait in corporate america - I am going to have to calluos and protect.

6) There is an abundance of office supplies, but all the good stuff has already been taken.  I bet the people that are late to meetings are never late to supply delivery day.

7) There are mulitiple "coffee" bars and "Fire Wardens" on each floor.

8) You have to pay for parking.

9) Everyone says "hi" and "good morning" to everyone in the elevator.  Even though they do not know each other.  (This may reference #2)

10) Meetings are not for catching up with everyone in the office, there is an actual agenda and it will probably run over schedule.

I have learned many things in just one week.  I am so excited about all of the things I am learning about my actual job.  These are just a few of my "culture shock" items I thought I would share.  Does anyone have anything else they would add to this list or any stories?

I have a beautiful view of downtown and I can't wait for the snowfall to come!  It will be gorgeous to see the view of the mountains, snow and Christmas lights!  Yay!!

I will have an update on my Weight Watchers tomorrow.  I am pretty excited to share my progress.  I am also getting closer to my giveaway!

Status and Giveaway

My new job is going great.  It is something to get used to of course.  The hours are much more rigid and of course AM (14) has started back to school so it has been a little high pressure around here.  Just another adjustment.  We are getting pretty good at those.  Old pro's around here!

I am trying to get back into the blogging swing of things this week.  To start off slowly I thought I would share a sweet giveaway with all of my wonderful bloggy friends - if you are all still hanging on! ;)

I know I introduced you all to my sister over at Ecletctic Prep, well she is having a giveaway and if you love to entertain you must head over!  I am a huge socializer so I am keeping my fingers crossed or I will add it to my my Santa/ sister list. ;)

Okay she is giveing away two items.  The first is a Kate Spade CD.

This cd has 8 tracks on it that were exclusively written for kate spade by the UK band, Beaumont. The music has a 60s cocktail vibe and would be perfect background music for a cocktail party or a small dinner party.

I would absolutley LOVE to have this CD.  I love all things Britan and I love to have parties with a coktail vibe. 


The second item is the new book on entertaing, Flair by Joe Nye, LA interior designer and party planner. This book has amazing photography capturing beautiful tablescapes. Some of the pictures show many elements of chinoiserie within his design and I simply love how he has put everything together. Gorgeous!!

 
Now head on over to her blog to find out more about this great giveaway and have a WONDERFUL week!  I hope the last few weeks have been beautiful.  Is anyone ready for fall?

A Long Week

This week has been a very long week. Things do not look like they will slow down until September. Is it September yet? Wake me up when it is. ;)


So the news I discussed in my last post is.......I got a new job. Currently, well until Friday I work for a great Non-Profit. Unfortunately, I was also Non-Profiting. I really believe in our mission and I LOVE my job. I will continue to be on committees for the organization. I was not out job hunting, I had a friend call me about a position she thought I was a great match for I told her no, she submitted me and I interviewed, they called back 30 minutes later offering me the job at the money I wanted. I had set a dollar amount that I would leave for and it was not cheap. I really never expected it.

So here I am with my mixed emotions about the sadness of leaving my beloved/flexible position (with an office), bound for corporate, inflexible America (with a cubicle) but great money. This week has been a long week because I have been training my replacement and apparently I do A LOT of work around this place. I had no idea. Next week, there will be more training. So please excuse me if a am sparse the next few weeks. I haven't forgotten about anyone, I am just busy training and being trained (and learning to work grown up hours).

Onto other news, last night I finally got off my big rumpus and started my 13 week training program. Thanks to La, who is being a GREAT task master in my quest for hotness, I mean healthiness. (Yeah I know it isn't a word, work with me I am very emotional. ;)) Last night was my first run, well actual appearance at the gym, in a long time. I had to push through the final 12 minutes of my workout. How does everyone else do this? Because last night I just kept telling myself "you’re going to be hot".

This week has been a GREAT Weight Watchers week. I am actually very excited to get to my meeting on Saturday and get on that scale!

Watch out World, Adie is on a mission!

So, there are a lot of changes going on in my life. They are all good; I am just noticing as I get older it is harder for me to completely and immediately embrace change. It mostly scares the crap out of me, no matter what form it comes in.

Menu Plan Monday

I am switching things up just a little this week.  I have some exciting news that I will share with you tomorrow.  Because of this news I am feeling like I am going to need a little more planning in my life.  With that said I am trying out Menu Plan Monday hosted by I'm An Organizing Junkie.  I have actually been following her blog for a very long time.  I am new at this and I have not decided how I will handle recipes.  So for right now you will have to beg me for them! ;)  Ha just kidding.  If anything interests you please just send me a a note and I will either email it to you or post it.

I am giving each meal a day, but usually I plan seven items for the week and cook them on the days I am feeling like eating it.

Monday:
Gilled Chicken Salad

Tuesday:
Asian Grilled Steak and Side Salad

Wednesday:
Crockpot Porketta, Yellow potatoes and green beans

Thursday:
Spaghetti, Garlic bread and Side Salad

Friday:
Pizza (hubby has been asking for this)

I will be eating Santa Fe Rice and Beans

Saturday:
Chicken Rice Casserole

Sunday:
Grilled Shrimp Ceasar Salads

I know these are pretty boring meals, but I have some pretty stocked cabinets and freezers I am trying to thin out.  I am also trying to stick with my Weight Watchers.

On that note I am proud to report that this week I have lost 1 pound!  So that puts me to 49 pounds to go.  I was hoping to loose 2 pounds a week, but I am allowing myself to be happy with this small victory.  I know where I will cut back this week and I will add in more workouts as well.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and has a wonderful week!

Book Review: Firefly Lane

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Firefly Lane opens to the thoughts of a woman struggling with the absence of a dear friendship.  There is mention of a fight but not what the fight was about.  The majority of the book builds on the importance of the friendships history and then finally towards the end reveals the fight that took place and caused the riff explained in the opening scene.  The book ended sadly and not how I suspected. I had imagined a number of different reasons for the opening scene but not the actual reason.

I enjoyed this book for the most part. A few times during the read I felt the author was rewriting the same plots in different periods of the characters lives and dragging on others, which felt like a waste of my time.   I would recommend this book to anyone that does not mind a good cry.  I however prefer Hollywood endings. 

This book is the third book out of the last four I have read that have ended sadly.

View all my reviews >>

Favorite Friday: FRIENDS Edition

Happy Friday Everyone!!  Man I have been tired this week.  Has anyone else?  Is it because summer is winding down and school is ramping up, or is it because there is just always so much to do and we don't know how to say no?  Oh well I figure one day the kids will be gone and I will be well rested and I will sit around bored and complaining about that!

Jen over at A Girl With Pearls & A Boy With Toys is hosting Favorite Fridays: Friends Edition.  I LOVED Friends, I still doI thought it was going to be tough picking just one of them to be my favorite but I actually knew right away.

I like Chandler for a number of reasons, I mostly like his quick wit and his ability to make a situation worse.  When I get nervous I do similar things, you know where you are talking and thinking to yourself "just shut up!!".

And Some Quotes:

Chandler: You opened all the presents without me?! I thought we were supposed to do that together!

      Monica: You kissed another woman!
      Chandler: [beat] ...Call it even?!
      Monica: Okay! 

****

      Monica: Wow! You are really fast!

     Chandler: It bodes well for me that speed impresses you.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!  Any big plan's?

Colorado Girls! Represent!

My sister just posted this video on FB and I had to share it.  So funny.  Apparently it is a parody of a Kate Perry song.  I am not going to lie - Chipotle is AWESOME!!  I used to work next door to Chipotle at a copy place, they traded us copies and faxes for free food.  I hated Chipotle at that time so I never went next door to get my free Chipotle.  Now I love it and it makes me oh so sad to fork over my cash for what could have been.....;) 

Not loving the singing voice - but I cannot get the tune out of my head.

I just want to point out to everyone, my spelling may be atrocious here on my blog, but I am a Colorado Girl and I know how to spell it!



Colorado Girl - Who's going to join me? You know who I am talking too. *wink*

P.S. I am 14 Posts away from my 200th Post and I am going to have a giveaway!  So pray for rain...well posts, because it is going to be a good one! ;)

Checking In - Weight Watchers

As I mentioned yesterday, Saturday I officially started Weight Watchers. I of course had so many excuses not to do the program, the biggest reason being the added expense every month. However, recently I have noticed any time I am feeling sad or mad or anything other than happiness it all stems from my weight issues. Say I over ate or ate something ridiculously gross and fattening or I had somewhere to go and wanted to wear something cute, only to realize I didn't fit into anything. All of these feelings of rejection and disappointment lead me to be angry with myself and disappointed in myself, these feelings ruined my mood towards everything. How sad is it that something so fixable has so much control over whether I am going to have a good day or not?


I am very excited about my new Weight Watchers journey. I went to my first meeting Wednesday night. At this meeting I realized what a shameful thing weight and self image is for a number of people - men and women. I hear many women talk about how guys do not have to worry about their weight like we do, but I am learning this is just simply not true. Men and woman worry about their weight and image equally, the difference is in how and who they tell about their concerns.

At Wednesday’s meeting we discussed snacking. I noticed that it was difficult for everyone to name a low point healthy snack but when we were asked about a comfort snack, the flood gates opened. It was a never ending list. Then came the confession, from one small woman, "Today I ate 6 - 8 Oreos....in the closet". Now as shocking as this statement may sound to some, this is not that uncommon. I have a friend that used to hide and snack in her walk in pantry. This to me represents all of the shame that can come along with not being happy with your body and feeling so out of control. (I will tell you I personally like to sprawl out on my bed and watch trash TV when I am going to indulge.)

A great example of shameful eating or binging I saw on an episode of Ruby. Have you seen the show?

The show is on style, I believe it is now in its fourth season. Ruby started at over 700 pounds. I have not watched this season but last season she was in the low 300's. Pretty amazing! Anyhow, one episode her friend describes a binge she went on, she sat in house eating nearly everything for an extended amount of time. The only way she could get herself to stop was to strip down naked and paint her finger nails, so she could not drive anywhere or open anymore packages. I know this is very extreme but this image has haunted me on those days when I just do not feel in control. It makes me wonder, how do you get that bad? If I don't get control now is that where I am headed?


I don't believe I am headed in that extreme; I have pretty much had the same cycle/habits for 10 years now. My point is that the cycle I am in is causing me unhappiness and I am determined to regain that control.

I went to a meeting Saturday to officially sign up for Weight Watchers. The group Saturday was very different from Wednesday’s group. There were a number of men there, generally an older slightly larger crowd. I thought it was great to see men there and the men contributed to the conversations! Once hubby is back from Florida I will continue the Wednesday meetings because I felt I fit in with that group a little better.

Please do not worry; my whole blog will not be consumed by WW. I am not comfortable sharing my starting weight but I will share with you the number of pounds I need to loose - 50.   I will post weekly updates of my progress and share meals with you. If you have any questions please feel free to ask them. I am a pretty open person.

I would like to make one final statement on this topic.  This decision and journey, for me, is not simply to loose weight.  My eating habits ar not only physically unhealthy but I feel they have become mentally and spiritually unhealthy.  It is time for me to take control!

Hope everyone is have a great week so far!!

Miscellany Mondays

Sorry about my lack of posts last week.  I have had a lot on my mind, so much that it was hard to separate out, what was what.  I will do better this week, I promise, please don't break up with me. ;)

Here are a few of the things on my mind.

{1}

here

I took the plunge this weekend and signed up for meetings, will post more about this later.  How many of you are doing or have done Weight Watchers?

{2}

here

My oldest flew all the way out to DC by herself to visit my dad (Haus) and stepmom (BG).  BG took AM to New York City!  What a great summer AM has had!  California, DC and New York!

{3}

here

Sisterly Love.  I have been really experiencing this a great deal recently between all three of my daughters, it is very exciting to me.  To be a part of and witness these bonds and moments is truly a blessing to me.  It really touches my heart and makes me excited for the future.

{4}

here

Hubby is once again in Cocoa Beach, FL.  This week for the girls and I will be much better than the last one - because I said so.

{5}

here

I want to be doing more of this.  My plan is to do a little photo shoot of the girls before summer is over.

These are just a few things on my mind right now.  I am going to try and filter more of my thoughts through my blog.  Hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Favorite perfumes/colognes/scents

I love to talk about scents.  Certain scents have the ability to take me back to certain moments in my life.  I will share 1 of the scents that always transports me and than my top perfume pick.

1}  Bed Head, Self Absorbed

The smell of this shampoo reminds me of my first trip across the pond.  Just thinking of it makes me happy.  It was when hubby and I were dating and he was over there for work.  We were not at a point in our relationship that I expected to be invited to visit him while he was there, so it made me so happy that he asked.  We had a great time and we also fell in love with Snow Patrol on this trip.

2} Eternity, Love

 There are two perfumes I bought on this same trip.  I would say this perfume is my long term favorite.  Also it was my first experience shopping on an airplane.  This was amazing news to me - SHOP - on a plane?  Amazing - I will take one of everything. ;)  Ha I only bought this.

What scents bring you happy memories?

Thank you Taylor for hosting!

It Was All I Could Do Not To Scream

I wrote this post a few days ago.  I will start by saying, I am SOOO glad hubby is home from Florida.

These two cuties missed their daddy and they let me know it.  Usually when the hubby is out of town I plan a few activities outside of the house to take their mind off of daddy not being home.  I did the same thing this week.  Let me tell you about our outings.

{Night 1}

Went very smoothly.  Hubby left early this morning.  The girls and I went to church.  A pretty typical Sunday.  In the evening an old friend came over.  She and I rarely see one another so this was a real treat.  We sat out on the porch catching up while the girls showed off for her. Most of the time I think it is adorable when the kids have a new audience.  It was also strange that LD (4) even went near my friend.  LD does not like strangers.  But boy she showed off this night!

{Night 2}

The moment I walked into the babysitters I could tell AL (1) was not going to be nice.  She was already screeching at me and running around like a maniac and climbing all over her sister making her sister scream.  LD (4) had an accident at nap time and our sitter was washing her blanket, so we had to wait for the washer to finish.  Longest 15 minutes of my life!!

With AL still being a maniac once we got home I decided to take the girls to the pool.  We have not been in a little while and AL (1) has not been sleeping well so I thought this plan would work two-fold.  I have to say by the time I got the girls and myself dressed and packed for the gym, I was ready to be back home.  I was exhausted.

We get to the pool and there were no family rooms available, so we undress in the hall of lockers - a very public walkway to the pool.  Not that big of a deal because we all had our suits on.  However once it was my turn AL did not want to stay still and kept running off.  Let me tell you how much I love running around in my swimsuit.

Finally to the pool, not 1 minute in and LD has to go potty.  I have to get both kids out of the water and walk soaking wet to the bathrooms.  We get back in the pool and LD is clinging to me like a cat in water.  This is difficult to handle when you are trying to help a 1 year old swim.  They both had vests on but LD is not a trusting/relaxed kid.  She finally lets go a little and I realize she is hanging onto one of the strings of AL's lifejacket.  Sound safe?  We finally get comfortable in the pool and the life gaurds make everyone get out.  Now comes the funnest part - getting everyone dressed.

{Night 3}

I decided to take the girls to the mall.  I did not bring the stroller in because I thought AL could run around the mall and tire herself out.  Bad idea once we were getting food.  She was throwing the biggest fit while I was holding her, I did not think we would make it to the table with our food.  Once we begin eating I realize AL is not going to eat anything because she starts pounding all of her food with her hands.  Her only interest was her juice box.  She was doing fine with her juice box until she started to get restless and decided to squeeze the box.  The straw circled around like an ocsilating sprinkler.  So I cleaned up and moved to the next task.  The playground. 

We get to the escalator and all of a sudden LD starts screaming like I am stealing her.  People are staring at this point and I am at the end of my rope.  She does not want to go down the escalator she is suddenly scared.  I try to reason with her that this is the only way to the playground.  She is having non of it.  She is screaming so loud I begin to just walk off towards the car.  Of course this really makes her scream. To top the situation off a man comes over and just decides to watch - NO JOKE!  So of course I am extra embarrassed and I start rambeling about the situation and he says, "well I woul dhelp if I could."  How about just going away?  I am sure he thought I was beating LD by the way she was screaming. 

So let's skip to the end of my story because this goes on for awhile.  Know how do I get down the escalator?  By carrying the 1 year old and the 4 year old.  Did I mention the 4 year old is scared and I am wearing a skirt with a very loose elastic waist band?  So LD is wrapped around me - arms and legs - and her shoes are pulling down my skirt - on a glass elevator.  Oh and because of all of the wresteling I had been doing with AL my tank top was completly stretched out and hanging very low.  Yes ladies - I was looking pretty awesome at that moment.  Hubby is lucky some guy didn't just snatch me right up. 

Now that I have written this out part of me feels much better, the other part of me wants to sit in the corner and rock back and forth.

Truly when I have experiences like these as a mom it is very upsetting and here is why; I am embarrased and I feel like I am not in control.  When the moment is over I can reason with myself.  I know almost everyone has these moments, and as badly as I wanted to just start screaming and yelling, I was able to control myself.  We did make it out of the mall alive, which felt nothing short of a miracle. 

Hubby is home and things are getting back to normal.  Unfortunatley he leaves again Sunday, for 2 days longer this time.  Wish me luck!

Misc. Monday

{first}


I accomplished nothing this weekend. Somehow, when I get nothing done it reflects how I feel about my weekend as a whole. Frankly I do not feel good about the weekend.

{second}
This morning I gave both little girls a bath before work. I went downstairs to get clothes for both girls. Upon my return this baby was squatting in the hall reading a book and I noticed something underneath of her. She had pooped. I guess reading works on and off the potty.  So my first prayer of the day today was to thank God that her poopy was firm today.

{third}

We went to the Renaissance Festival this weekend and I got sunburned, again.

{fourth}
The weather in Colorado has been very fall like. Saturday it was 67 degrees. Burr! I have been thinking about warm sweaters. Like chunky cable knits. I have never wanted a big sweater before, but here I am.

{fifth}
The teenager goes back to school in less than a month. To high school that is! Eek!

{sixth}
Before I was pregnant with LD (4) I hated chocolate. When I was pregnant, I could not have enough. This weekend while at the festival we got cheesecakes on a stick. I did not realize they were dipped in chocolate. I hated the chocolate. Hubby and I realized, I don't like fudgy chocolate.

{seventh}
Carissa, I am so sorry I spelled your name wrong last week!

{eighth}
La has requested I change the nicknames for my girls, on the blog. I am working on some ideas. There pictures are above, so any ideas are appreciated!

{ninth}
Going to be a long week! Let's get it started!!

{tenth}
Bloggers verification is broken again. I think the fix worked 1 stinkin day!!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Love From Florida

My Hubby knows I LOVE the beach.  Seriously.  I feel so at peace when I am sitting on the shore.  It is a serinity I can not describe nor can I duplicate.  Knowing this, here is a little photo shoot sent with Love from Florida.  Wish I could have been there!  These pictures he sent make me happy too! 

(wish I would have sent the real camera with him - would have framed these!)

Where is your place of serenity or how do you fully recharge?

Chomp!

I noticed this morning when I brush this babies teeth, it is like a tactical mission.  I only have a very short moment to get the toothbrush in her mouth and get a few teeth cleaned before she realizes there is toothpaste on the brush.  Once she realizes there is toothpaste it is all over.  She chomps down on the toothbrush with her alligator jaws, making it impossible to even wiggle the toothbrush.  I have to wait until she is satisfied that she has sucked all of the toothpaste off the brush and than she will release her jaw and let me finish brushing her 7 teeth.  A lot of work to ensure the sustainability of 7 teeth!  HA!

This baby is a TURKEY!!

Funny How Things Work

I find it interesting that I posted a blogger issue on my Miscellany Mondays, that has been going on FOREVER, and tonight it is magically fixed! 

Dear Google: Please contact me and I will let you know where to send my check! ;)  I also have several other items on my "bugs" list.

Miscellany Monday

                                                         

Okay every other Monday I have felt serene and ready for the week.  This Monday you ask?  Not so much.  I could have just stayed home!

{first}

I am totally loving being a matchmaker for my little brother! 

{second}

Hubby is in Florida, and I already miss him.  LD misses him more.

{third}

I was a terrible blogger last week and I am going to work at getting back to business this week.

{fourth}

I have been many things in my life, to include a software tester for web based applications and other types of software.  Google/Blogger is about to get a list of bugs from me.  Like why does the word verification not show when you initially land on the page?  You have to press submit to essentially refresh and than it gives you the verification - SO ANNOYING!!!!  I have others but this is currently the biggest thorn.  So Google - if you would like to hire me as a contract tester, let me know.  Will send references. ;)

{fifth}

To add to my many things list I am currently editing my friend/ex-boss' book.  I am pretty excited to add this to my resume!  I am also pretty nervous about the experience.

{sixth}

My husband did an ugly amount of laundry on Saturday in an impressive amount of time!  Yay hubby!!  I usually get 1 load going with big ambitions and completley forget I even started laundry until a few days later.

{seventh}

Something in my personal life I am going to try to be very aware of this week (and going forward) is being more aware of portion sizes, gossiping and spending......gonna be a busy week. ;)

{eigth}
Have you ever noticed that milk that sat out and got warm taste different from milk that was warmed?

I hope everyone has a splendid week!  Thank you Clarissa for being a wonderful host, once again!

My Brother

I don't speak much about my family outside of my house.  However - I have a big one!  Three sisters and a brother and the list of family goes on and on!  I don't speak too much about them because this is my blog and I choose to share about my life and I respect that they may not want the same for themselves.  However!!!!!  Over at Kelly's Korner she is having "Show Me Your Life: Single Guy's".  I happen to think I am related to the BEST single guy ever.  How he remains single is a mystery to me!

I have so much love and respect for this man that he is the God-Father of my two youngest daughters AL and LD  He was so happy and proud of this honor, it truly made me and hubby thrilled  and pleased with our decision!

All of the nieces and nephews LOVE their uncle!  And he loves them!

My brother's name is Justin, he lives in Southern Colorado and he is 26. My brother is a very patient caring man; he listens quietly and cares deeply. When he has an opinion and has thought about what he would like to say, he will speak it, but not before that moment. Justin is also a hard worker; he has been focused on a particular goal that looks like it is coming to fruition come January! My brother complains about very little, in fact I can hardly pin point any particular thing he has ever complained about. You will rarely see him without a smile. He is easy going and a lot of fun to be around, he loves to be goofy and have a good time, once you get to know him. Justin is very athletic, he is a downhill mountain biker, retired semi-pro, also loves dirt bikes and 4 wheeling along with just about anything else that gets him out in the beautiful Colorado outdoors. 

 

When I asked my 14 year old how she would describe her uncle she said he was "genuine" and "big hearted".  These truly are at the base of all things Justin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me!

What's a Busy Mom To Do?

This morning AL desperately needed a bath.  I chose her outfit and realized that this may be the last time she would be able to wear this outfit.  This paticular sunsuits was one of my favorite so I wanted to do a mini photo shoot.  The outfit was a bit wrinkled for a photo shoot and the iron was two-stories down.  So what's a busy mom to do?

While AL did this:

Mommy used this:

To iron this:

Yes that is right, I do this all of the time for minor or baby wrinkle jobs.  I use my strightner as an iron.  It straightens my hair why not my shirt, or my collar or a baby sunsuit?

What household items do you use for other purposes other than their intended purpose?

Miscellany Monday

Another wonderful Monday! 

{first}

I was so disoriented when I woke up this morning, I could not decide what today was.  Did I need to get up and get ready or could I lie in bed until the kids dragged me out? 

{second}

This summer has been amazing.  Although we got to go to Mexico last summer, this summer has been much better!

{third}

Hubby is going to Florida twice for work.  The kids and I get to stay home - boo!!

{fourth}

I had a PartyLite party this weekend and so I got my house clean!  I swear the only way for my house to get clean is by committing to a party like this.

{fifth}

I am a horrible speller and "beginning" and "beginner" are thorns in my sides.

{sixth}

Sugar Plum Jam spread over cream cheese makes an absolutely fabulous party snack item!

{seventh}

All week and weekend I think of funny things or see funny things that I think will be perfect for Miscellany Mondays, and I totally forget by Monday.  Anyone else experience this?

{eigth}
My sister came up with my blog title and now she is blogging!  Check her out over at Eclectic Prep.  She has a magnificant eye for interior design pieces and antiques!

Well I had a fantastic weekend and I plan to have a fantastic week.  Hope you all do the same!!

I Discovered the Solution

I am a very social person.  I LOVE to go out and socialize and meet new people.  Since we have had kids most of that has stopped.  There is just never anytime.  Even when there is time there are two other factors 1) my hubby and I usually want to spend the time together, alone 2) the cost of a babysitter, plus a movie, plus dinner, it just get's out of control!

So what is someone like me to do?  I feel guilty leaving hubby at home so I can go do things, but I really feel that need to be out doing something and having friends.  As a 30-something mother I find my friends are either married with kids and careers or married and no kids and still going out.  The first group is just as busy as we are and also have trouble getting out.  The second group have a group of friends and are usually going out-out.    We have tried to get together with some friends and just do game night, but it just never seems to happen.

As you can probably tell I have put a lot of thought into this situation.  Well folks I have come up with a solution - Lunches!!  Today I met one of my faves for lunch.  We never see eachother and it is just a relintless guilt trip that I am too busy for her. ;)  Really we are just too busy for each other.  It was so good to catch up and to hear her vacation story.  As well as catching up on our favorite topic, The Housewives.  So fun.

This my friends is my solution.  I will be planning more lunch dates.  The beauty of it?  Daycare is already paid for and lunch menus are cheaper! 

What things in your life have changed since you got married or had kids?  And how have you adapted?

Very Fancy

I can not stop laughing.  I see and hear of so many people getting great finds on Craigslist that I want to get the same great finds.  Now I have to admit that I have this very strange affliction to the smell of used items.  I have tried to go to Good Will or other salvage type shops and because of the smell I can not stay in long enough to look around.  Unfortunate, again, because I see and hear of people getting such great finds.  So I am occasionally inspired to look through Craigslist.


Some of my inspirations have included chairs like these for our sitting room.

From here and here

  However everytime I look I find nothing or I find something too funny not to share.  First image is of a table that the lister is asking $200 for, um it may be oak but it's day has passed and the chairs did not match the table, not to mention the "staging" done in the second picture does not detour from the damage.  Now I will not pretend to know anything about furniture, because I don't, but I certainly think the asking price is high.  Although in a picture not shown, they do zoom in on the claw foot legs of the table.  Which I also found funny.

This second table I like as a little bistro set, and I do think it is nice, but here is the description. 


A beautiful dining room table with clear top and four matching chairs. Very nice fancy set for only 200.00 OBO
Please notice the "fancy".  This had me cracking up.  Anytime you feel the need to describe something as "fancy" you can pretty much bet nobody will be buying.  Well maybe somebody, but not me.

 

I am like this with several words.  Certain adjectives, just give me that feeling that if you felt the need to tell me you are leading me to something that is not there.  Does anyone else have these words?  Words that just instantly make you laugh or turn you off of something?

So another hour or so wasted searching Craigslist with no luck.  I will have to be a little more presistent I think, but I sure could use some chairs that I can refinish.  My sitting room really needs something!  Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

How Do You Know When Baby is Done?

She excuses herself.

AL has been doing this for months.  When she is all done with dinner she just slips through the bottom.  She is getting a little big to do it and keeps getting stuck lately, to which she screams.  This baby has no fear!

I have no idea what is on her dress, you can only see it in the picture.

We have been spending a lot of time at the mall play area lately.  She can climb on all of the toys, up the stairs, down the slide all by herself.  It is quite impressive.  One mother actually climbed up on the play mountain to get her down.  I had to let her know I was watching her and she was okay.  She also enjoys the pool.  Unfortunatley we live in Colorado and have very few outdoor pools, so we are stuck inside at the YMCA.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!

Miscellany Monday

Here we are again, another Monday.  This Monday has been pretty awesome and now topped off with one of my favorite things, Miscellany, thanks to Carissa!

{first}

NO doctors trips for this family this week.  Thank goodness considering I don't think any where open.

{second}

AM, 14 year old is in SoCal for the next two week, so far she has been to Knotts Berry Farms, parasailing and zip lining.  I have not done either of the last two.  How fun would it be to do both of those things?

{third}

Tonight I am going to sit down and set some serious goals for my week.  The weeks keep slipping away from me and I have so much to do - ALWAYS!

{fourth}

Still working on this mental block I have with working out.  I just am not getting to the gym like I used to - and I can tell.  Blech.

{fifth}

LD, 4 year old, informed us she is not a baby she is a grown up.  I am not sure what to say to that.  She is always talking about when she is my age she is going to do things I do.  Yikes, slow it down, please!

{sixth} 

This summer has been pretty great, and this weekend was awesome!!  We got a few things down around the house and also squeezed in lots of vegging time to watch a whole season of Bones, I really like that show.

{seventh}

I bought the book, The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks back in October at an airport and I just finished the book today.  I believe in between the time I bought the book and the time I finished it I have read at least ten other books.  I just could not get into it.  When I did get into it, the book had a less than desirable ending.  I am all for the Hollywood endings in most cases, this was one of them.

{eigth}

Two things you should know about me; my two greatest senses are my sense of smell and my sense of touch.  La can vouch for the touch one, as can anyone whom has shopped with me.

{ninth}

LD said her first competitive prayer this weekend, "please God let me win, i really need to win".  Hearing this I thought maybe she was in the NBA finals, but she was just playing Dora on the computer.

Well here is to a fabulous week!  Let's get it started, so we can get it finished!  What goals have you set this week?