Weekend Wrap-Up

Lydia's birthday party on Saturday was loads of fun, but SUPER HOT! They had it at our local park (Buchanan Park), which is named after my grandfather. The food was delicious. We had BBQ ribs, chicken, and pork along with potato salad, green beans, chips, and cupcakes. Yum! Here's a few pics from the day:



Kate thought it would be cool to EAT the mulch. Sweet.



Found this cute diaper bag for Kate by happenstance.
On the way to the party, I stopped at one of my favorite children's boutiques, Heaven to Seven, to get Lydia's birthday present. Because I'm on top of things like that. I got Lydia her gift and grabbed this for Kate. What?! It was on sale!

Sal Gal doing what she does best.

Me: Hey, can you email me copies of those when we get home?

Her: Sure thing.

Just ASK me if I've seen that email!

My grandma and me. She's the one who I get all the recipes from that I post. She's also the one who asks my sisters and me when we're leaving to go somewhere, "Aren't you going to wear some more makeup?" Or, "Do you need to borrow my lipstick?" Love her!

And yes, yes that is sweat on my shirt. I told you it was H-O-T!

Notice something? The bow has left the building.

Kate was obvioulsy not too thrilled about taking this pic. She was hot and sweaty.

Me and my love.

The birthday girl!

J.P. - My younger sister's (Big Al) son. How cute is his red hair?! Sweaty and all!

Note: Ali was not prepared to make her debut on my blog on this day.

Funny Unfortunate story involving her to come later.

My little princess gnawed on a corn cob for the majority of the party.

Swinging with her cousins: J.P., Chas, and Lillie.

Lovin' on Chas.

Always making Lillie laugh!

Oh did mommy put your bow back in for a quick shot?

So after the party we headed to Sal Gal's house to watch my beloved Gators tear up Hawaii. Big Al, my younger sis, came over shortly after. By the way, the beauty of her nickname is that she is in no way shape or form big. That's how weird I am. She had been at work all day. I asked for a quick pic for the blog but you know how you feel when you get off work, a little less than picture worthy. She said she had a bump on her cheek but I didn't notice, she always looks flawless to me. Anyway, we ordered a pizza and the three of us (Sal Gal, Big Al, and myself) volunteered to go and pick it up. This is where it gets funny and gives you a glimpse of how we are together.

Some background: Ali's friend from high school runs the pizza place with her husband. As I mentioned before, she just moved back home after living in South Carolina for about 5 years. Well, she's talked through email with her friend and tossed around the idea of getting together sometime, although that has not yet happened.

So, we pull up and I say, "Who's going in? Not me."

"I'm not", Ali jumps in.

"Ughh, I will.....". Way to go Sal Gal.

Well, when she returns with the pizza, Big Al asked if her friend was inside. This is where it gets good!

"Yeah, she was in there. She asked how you were doing and what you've been up to. I told her you were out here in the car."

"What? Why you weirdo!? Why didn't you just give the normal answer of, "she's doing good, working alot, yada, yada, yada..??????? What did she say about me sitting in the car?"

"Well, I just said, ' She's sitting in the car and didn't want to come in cause she's been picking her face."

hahahahahahahaaa!

We ended up calling her Martha Lillian (my grandma's name) because she's known for not having the best "should I say this or not filter."

And that my friends, is how we roll.

Edition 3: Sunday Savings

Matt was on call today so we were only able to go to Winn-Dixie today for our money saving jaunt. Even so, I saved some cizzash. I got 90 something dollars worth of groceries for 50 something bucks. My savings were around $48.00. No bad for one stop! I lost my receipt this go round. It's somewhere either in the back of my sister's car along with about 103 other random things or floating around in the WD parking lot. Anyway, you believe me don't ya?
There's something to be said about having a house full of groceries. I told my sis that I feel like a real mom and wife now. As if laying spread eagle pushing a child out wasn't enough? Nope, it's the groceries that do it for me. I like knowing that if someone runs out of something, I'm pretty sure I'll have an extra stashed away somewhere. Now whether I'll be able to find it is another story!

Long Weekend = Big Smile on My Face!

Thank goodness it's Friday. This week seemed to drag along but I'm hoping the long weekend will make up for it, thanks to good ol' Labor Day! I'm gonna try my best to do everything BUT labor, mmmmkay?!

Tomorrow afternoon we'll be going to a birthday party. My cousin's daughter, Lydia, is turning one. Kate loves social events. She's a people person I tell ya, which I think is a nice way to say that she's nosey as all get out! And anywhere there's food, count me in! And Matt, well...he usually doesn't get a choice. I'm just kiddin', he loves going to these little family events because you know the boy can talk someone's ear off!

After the party, I will be planting myself down and watching some GATOR FOOTBALL! Oh yeah baby it's that time again! "TEBOW...The return of the machine!" Matt doesn't really like to watch Gator games with me. He says I get WAY too into them and that I take it too seriously. Is there such a thing?

From our paper last Sunday (you know I saved it!)

No caption necessary.

Okay, maybe just one:

Mack DA-DDY!

......................................................................................ooops, sorry, doing a little college days reminiscing....................okay, back to the real world.

On a random note, I came home the other night from a meeting at work and saw this.

Matt a.k.a Practical Pete. Resourceful, yet tacky wouldn't ya say? But then I glance down and see the title of the bottom book, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff". Okay, I'm good. At least those books are getting used for something!

Also while I was away, Abbi (my sis-in-law) dropped off this adorable little travel bag for Kate. I love it! Now, I've heard of planning an outfit around a pair of shoes, but what about planning a trip around a bag? Is that just wrong?! This bag just makes me wanna go somewhere!

I'm thinking that this will be a fun weekend. Sunday, of course, is my grocery day and you know I'll be saving some money, which I'll HAVE to post about. (Dorky pic of me may or may not be included this go around.) ;-) My friend Kerri will soon be joining us, just as soon as she gets a couple weeks of coupons saved up. Any trip involving her is always a hoot!

Oh, and check out my blog roll. I added some new blogs that I love!

Happy long weekend, ya'll!

I didn't want to

Well, to be honest, I was thinking of not posting tonight, as I was feeling like I didn't have much to say. I've been reading through many blogs lately, and have even developed some friendships through this wonderful blog world. The word 'friendships' may seem funny to some, but I really feel like I've connected with the people I've been conversing with through their posts. Some blogs, I must admit, are ones I've found through comments left on other blogs, and I've visited their site but have yet to post a comment. I am very intrigued by people and their lives, their stories. I realize this is all just sounding like nothing....what's the point of this post? Well, many people seem to be going through tough spots in their lives right now. Some are dealing with sick family members, others are facing the wait period between wanting a child of their own and actually receiving the blessing of one. It's the latter of the two that I feel a tug at my heart when I read about them. It hits home with me and tonight I've found myself in tears as I sit and read about so many wonderful people out their struggling with infertility or other barriers that are preventing them from having a baby of their own.

Some of you may already know (although most of you do not) that I had a miscarriage with my first pregnancy. It is something that I rarely, actually I should say never, talk about. It was the absolute lowest point in my life. I had never felt so much pain in my heart. I used to think to myself, "My heart is actually hurting, aching, in a physical way, not just emotionally." I hate to admit it, but initially, I questioned God. Why would He do this to me, to us? Why did I deserve this? What could I have done differently? The day at the doctor's office when they tried to find my baby's heartbeat but could not, I just wanted to lie there and beg them to keep trying. Please, please keep trying. But they seemed to be so matter of fact about it. I guess they didn't want to give me a false hope. They told me to go home and come back in 2 days to try one more time. I prayed for 2 days nonstop that God would give our baby a heartbeat. I cried until I had no tears left. I do not want to rehash all of the painful details here; I don't think I could really put into words how I felt if I wanted to. It's a time in my life I try not to revisit. I just could not understand why it was happening to me. Why me Lord?
But it was one day while I was praying that I heard God say, "Hollie, I'm with you. I'm here beside you. I've been with you the whole time. I'm bigger than any pain you're feeling. I have great plans for you." I soon began to realize that this is where faith comes in. I had to trust God and the plans that He had for me. I knew He wanted to bless us with a child, and His timing is always perfect. I had to let go and let God, which is sometimes extremely hard to do. I had to change the way I prayed. Instead of telling God what I wanted, I had to ask God that His will be done and trust in Him. I was trying to deal with everything by myself, in my own way instead of resting in the assurance that He provides. I know that many people prayed for me during that time and I know that is why I was able to come through it still praising His name, for all of the other things He had already blessed me with, like a wonderful husband, a home, a job, family, friends, etc. I realized that I can't just praise God when things are going smoothly, but I also need to be praising him through the storms that life so often brings. Nothing catches God by surprise. God is still God no matter where I'm at in life. One song that really helped me during that time was Casting Crowns "Praise You in the Storm". This song helped me cry and praise Him at the same time. It helped me heal and to look up, instead of down. If you have time, I hope you take a minute to listen to it.

The great part of this story is that God DID indeed bless us with a beautiful little girl who is my love, my life. He blessed us in His time, not my own. Thank you Lord for Kate.

Sorry for such a long post. Even though I kept trying to blow it off, I kept feeling that the Lord wanted me to write about this, to share my story, my trials and then finally my triumph. I just hope this can encourage someone in some way. I will be lifting up prayers for all of you in the midst of a "storm".
Sending love and prayers, Hollie

Carrot sticks

Conversation from today:

Student: Will you help me spell carrot sticks?

Me: Sure, but why carrot sticks? You're supposed to be writing about the main character in the story.

Student: I know, you told us to tell things about him, so I'm writing about his carrot sticks.

Me: Ohhh, you mean characteristics.

Student: Yeah, that's what I said, carrot sticks.

I've Been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Caroline (whose blog is so cute I could sop it up with a biscuit) so that means I've got to list six quirks about myself. Oh this could get ugly.



1. Seatbelt alert - When I'm driving down the road and the seatbelt alert goes "DING!" and the console lights up with the words "Buckle Seatbelt", I say out loud: "Don't tell me what to do". This may or may not have anything to do with being the middle child.



2. Cheese puffs - love them but prefer for them to be a little stale. I like the chewy texture!



3. Sheets - Addicted to clean smelling bed sheets. When everyone else in my childbirth class (yes, I'm a dork and went to it) was naming tropical destinations as their "happy place", I was yelling "dryer sheets"!



4. Snacking at the store - When I go grocery shopping I like to go ahead and get one of the items on my list (and sometimes not on my list), open it, and snack on it while I grocery shop. Then I give the cashier the empty box to ring up at the end. ;-)



5. Milk - I like it but will only drink it if it came from my house, from my fridge. I don't like to drink it at restaurants. I also will share most any type of drink with my family members except for milk! Don't even try it!



6. Justin Timberlake - amen, and amen



Now, I'm gonna tag the following peeps: Amy, K-Bo, Lianna, and Kristy. I have no idea how many people I was supposed to tag, but there ya go ladies!

JOY, inside and out!

"Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic."
-Rosalind Russell


LOVE, love this quote. It's one of my favorites and is so very true.


But lets's face it, sometimes life slaps ya in the face with, well,................life. So, for the days you're feeling a little less than joyful (and may those days be few and far between) and you need a little help (not that any of you ever do I'm sure!), here's a few inexpensive products that I am lovin' right now.
























1. Albolene - In the past, I used only Arbonne products but have recently tried a few others. Come to find out, it's good ol' $11.00 straight from the drug store Albolene that I've been missing.
I came across this stuff while reading Big Mama. She had a pic of her 90 year-old "Nanna" sitting there looking all twenty-ish and stuff. She recommended Albolene and I figured I'm not getting any younger and tried it.


I've never been a fan of real creamy, vaseline-feeling cleansers but I'm telling you now, this stuff is awesome. It really cleanses and leaves your skin feeling SO very smooth. Love it!


























2. Jane Shimmer Blush (in Natural) - This stuff gives you just enough shimmer and doesn't look overdone.

3. Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush lip gloss (in Passion Fruit Pop or Piece of Cake) - This is my all time favorite lip gloss. It is perfection in a tube ladies.



So there you go, a few of my faves that'll still leave ya some celery in your pockets!

Make this now!

Okay, here's a link to the BEST Mexican lasagna ever. It's by a guy that goes by the name of Pastor Ryan (his site is on my blog roll: this is reverb) but brought to you by The Pioneer Woman Cooks. My sis and I made it about a week ago and I've been meaning to blog about it because YES, it is DEFINITELY blogworthy! So go, quick, fast, and in a hurry and make this delicious dish. It'll have your hubby wondering how he got so lucky! ;-)


Note: His recipe is for 20+ people, so unless you're making it for a party (which you totally could b/c football season is just around the corner), you'll wanna cut it in half. (But to be completely honest, I must disclose the fact that we did not cut it in half and managed to put a pretty big dent in it with just four adults and two kids.) You could always eat the leftovers for dinner the next night.

ENJOY!

Edition 2: Sunday Savings

Alternate title: Saving Some MOE-NAY!

Today we decided to go to all three stores. First we went to Walgreens, then Publix and last Winn-Dixie. I was really impressed with my savings today.

Here's a pic of Sal Gal. She didn't really want me to post it as we were already pretty deep into our shopping. Her exact quote was, "No one looks good midgame, Hollie!"

14 cents Powerade + 98 cents trailmix = perfect halftime nourishment
"Drink powerade, Get powered up!" Because strategic shopping IS a sport!

My favorite quote from her today was when she looked at me dead serious, with wisdom-filled eyes, and said, "Now, you can't be scared of looking like a nerd when you play The Grocery Game." Nerd? You just gave away your age my friend.

We really enjoyed our time together, and she didn't mind hearing me sing "Get your clip on, get your clip, getcha getcha getcha getcha Getcha clip on" (sung to the tune of a once popular Missy Elliott song).

The beauty of The Grocery Game is that you build a stock pile so that when you run out of something, you go to your home store (the mini-grocery store you've created). That way, you're not at the mercy of the seller and their prices. And another great thing is that you try brands and items that you may have never tried. Take for instance, my new found love for Sara Lee's Soft and Smooth bread. I mean, yes we've just started dating but we're already looking at rings. It is soooo good!

Hello lover.


Okay, I should really get to the main star of this post: The Savings!

Walgreens: saved $81.42 spent 102.97

Winn Dixie: saved $54.61 spent $ 74.71

Publix: saved $54.14 spent $51.53

In other words, I got $419.38 worth of groceries for only $229.21! Go ahead, have a seat, take all the time you need. Let me know when you wanna join in. Matt couldn't believe it. If I keep coming home with receipts like this, I could single-handedly be bringin' sexy back.

Savings like this deserve a heel click!

And THAT'S pretty much what's up.

Saturday Shmaturday

The rain continues to come down and I am getting an EXTREME case of cabin fever. It's just been Kate and me as Matt has had to work a lot of OT due to the weather. Bad weather = power outages = no Matt.

Anyway, I've cleaned my entire house, or maybe it was just the downstairs (wink,wink), because I have an immense love for cleaning. Sike. (Yes, I did just use that word.) The real reason is because there is some kind of odor coming from somewhere that I cannot find! We've tried following our noses to the source but it isn't working. Matt's granny and a few other visitors seem to think it's in my head, and say they don't smell what I'm talking about. I think that Kate must have hidden food or SOMETHING somewhere. Welcome to my world people! So I've been cleaning like a mad woman trying to find where the heck it's coming from. I just keep saying, "pue" (pronounced like the word 'you' but with a 'p' sound in the front...). My cousing Ben is forever making fun of me for using that word, which I don't even think is a real word. But, anyone who knows me knows that I am VERY big on smells, so it is driving me crazy! Seriously, I judge a place (and people) on smell more than looks. I'm weird. I know. Anyway, you get the picture. Wish me luck on my scavenger hunt!



Just as I was about to close this post my sis called and I was telling her about my situation and she said she thinks it's probably just from all the rain and everything outside near the house being so wet that it's probably just a wet, stinky smell from outside. It DID just start to smell yesterdayish, which is when it really started to flood. So who knows? She's probably just trying to make me feel better!



This Saturday has turned out to be awesome.

Do huh?

On Amy's blog she did a post and wanted to know what celebrity people say you look like. No one has really ever told me that I look like any specific celebrity, so I decided to do what Shannon did and have the computer figure it out.

I must tell you that I was a little nervous about what the results would be. I was hoping it wouldn't say something like Amy Winehouse or...........Shrek. But I decided I would post the results no matter what they were. Anyway, here they are. And who in the world is Caprice Bourret?????

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Family tree program - Pedigree

Since we're on the topic of look alikes, I want you to answer a question for me. Who does Kate look more like, Matt or me? Be honest people. And you lurkers still living in Lurkville, please vote too, it's just one anonymous click!

Photo by Bella Blue Photography

Fickle Fay

As I type these words, Tropical Storm Fay (a.k.a. Drama Queen) is doing her best to flood my yard and blow everything it can around into places it doesn't belong. But don't worry I've got Fay's number. She's not fooling me. I've pinned her as somewhat of a control freak that craves attention and on top of it all, seems to be going through an identity crisis. She can't decide whether she wants to be a hurricane, a tropical storm, or just a bad rain. She can't decide where she wants to go and when she wants to go there. If she were human, she'd be that 50 year old lady still trying to get into her high school skinny jeans.
Do you sense a little hostility in my voice? Well, I am a bit perturbed at the fact that every county around me (and even ones not around me) have canceled school for today and tomorrow. But MY county? NO. We had school today and so far we'll be having it tomorrow. I thought maybe I could get a day off this week but that isn't looking to be the case.

Here's some pics of my nephew, Chas, enjoying him some Fay.

And Kate, not as much interested in Fay, as she was my earrings:

Here's to hoping Fay puts on her big girl panties, does what she needs to do, and gets outta here!

I guess no one can have it all

Good ole' Sal Gal, she may be GREAT at saving money, but spelling? Notsomuch...as evident here on one of her boxes. (Both of my sisters have recently moved back to our hometown... from South Carolina...they couldn't stand being too far from me! ha!)

Just kiddin', she meant to do this. I hope. ;-)

Hmmmm, the possibilities

I'm pumped. Wanna know why? 'Cause in about one week I'll be getting my first paycheck since a little over a year ago. After taking the last year off from work to be at home with Kate, this first check will be extra special to me. I've been dreaming about it for months now, and I have to tell ya, I've got big plans for the little guy. I've been looking at a few things that I might want to spend some of it on.....like some new pillows for my living room, like these, or these, or maybe these. I also need some new running shoes (or so my knees have been telling me) and the ONLY shoes I ever run in are Asics, so I'm thinking about these. I also saw a lot of cute stuff for Kate at Hanna Andersson and Old Navy. BUT, unfortunately after they take out taxes, social security, retirement, etc., I'll probably actually only get to buy this. Hmmmph.

What a man

Matt kept Kate today while I went to work as he usually does on Mondays. (He works four 12-hour days, so Mondays are his day off.) Well, when I got home, I was so happy to see that he had done more than just watch Spike TV all day long. In fact, he did a lot more, which is why he deserves a post of his own!

Before, I left this morning I asked him to please make sure that Kate gets dressed at some point today. And get her dressed he did! How funny is it that she was wearing a dress when I got home?! Granted it was a denim dress 2 sizes too big and probably more appropriate for Fall-type weather but I thought it was adorable on her and even cuter that he went to the trouble to dress her up a little. He also made a trip to Wal-mart and bought Kate her first potty. Yes, she's only 14 months old but she's been obsessed with potties lately and I guess it's never too early. And get this, he had already gotten the video camera out and taped her sitting on it for the first time. But to top if all off, he had a load of towels and sheets in the dryer. Oh yea baby, a girl could get used to this.
Whatta man, whatta man, whatta man, whatta mighty good man... (cue me some old school Salt-n-Pepa here)
So here's to my Mattie. Love ya!

Sunday Savings!

Today was my first day as a strategic shopper. Sal Gal and I originally planned to hit Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Wal-Greens, but after eating a big Sunday dinner consisting of chicken and rice, macaroni and cheese, peas, rolls, brownies AND ice cream, we decided to just keep it local and make Winn-Dixie our only stop for today. And since today was my first time playing The Grocery Game, I didn't know what to expect as far as savings, but to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. I only had 3 or 4 weeks worth of coupons saved and I wasn't sure how far that would take me. But, being the good sport that I am, and the fact that I'm a WONDERFUL sister, I went for it. I have to say, I was surprised at how much money I saved on this one little trip!

Here I am with the two necessities required to make this trip a success: coupons (of course) and a Diet Coke fountain drink (Styrofoam cups were not available at this store....hmmph!)

Drum roll please......

Here's the receipt with my savings:

I saved $48.39! I only spent $32.87, which means I got $81.26 worth of groceries for only $32.87. I've never SAVED more than I've SPENT, before now. It was awesome.

So, my overall feelings about this new way of shopping?

I think I could get crazy with this!

A few things...

1. Dana Torres ended her 24-year swimming career this morning with a silver medal, missing the gold by only a hundredth of a second to Britta Steffen of Germany. Some describe it as only a fingernail length apart. (Note: Winning the silver medal is still awesome and she should be very proud of herself.) Torres was interviewed after the swim and here's what she had to say: "...I gave it my best shot and I'm thinking, maybe I shouldn't have filed my nails last night." Filed your nails?! Not only would I have not filed my nails, this chick would've gone and got her nails did! You can believe that if I made it to the Olympics for swimming, I'd be strokin' me some Bon Qui Qui nails fo sho! I wouldn't be losing by a nail length!

2. As you know, Kate won't wear a bow in her hair for anything, but she will rock a big, black headband (Cyrpt-style)!

3. A blog I check sometimes (Fabulously Frugalicious - we have the same blog background on our page!) posted a link to a site called Yearbook Yourself. It's a site where you can upload a photo of yourself and it will show you what you'd look like in different time periods, such as the 50's, 60's, 70's, etc. Well, I did it last night and it was HILARIOUS! I tried to post one of the pics on here but for some reason it wasn't letting me. (I'm gonna try again though, so ya'll can see and feel sorry for me.) All you need to know is: Toe up from the flo up!!!!

4. My older sister has been clipping coupons shopping strategically for a few years now using The Grocery Game and she's finally talked me into joining her. I really do care about saving money when I can. Or at least it's fun to think that I do. So, I'm gonna give it go. I'll keep you updated on my mega savings!

Have a great Sunday!

On a serious note...

I'd like to interrupt the regularly scheduled post of light-hearted banter to share a bit of information that is disturbing yet unfortunately true.

Last Thursday I attended a baby shower at my church and a friend of mine (Becky, my Sunday school teacher) told a group of us about a kid's CD-ROM she gets in the mail for her children. You may have heard of it or even be a member, it's called Publix Preschool Pals.

It a free club for preschool-aged children that you sign up for at your local Publix (if you have a local Publix, I don't, wish I did). Once you join, they send you little things in the mail every so often, like newsletters, birthday cards, and a CD-ROM. She went on to say that her kids have always loved being a part of it. Well, the newest CD-ROM arrived in the mail the other day and she didn't think much about it, just tossed it onto the kitchen counter. Her mother came over to watch the kids while she went to work. When she got home that day, her mother asked, "What's the deal with that Publix Preschool Pal CD? There's pornography on it."

Becky didn't know what she meant and figured her mom had just misunderstood something. "Pornography? What do you mean? Breastfeeding or something?" she asked.

"No, there is definitely real pornography on that thing. You need to take it back to your room and see for yourself."

Becky said that she took it back to her room and put it into the computer and was absolutely shocked at what she saw. She said it started out with the normal Preschool Pal animations and then a few seconds later a small square appeared in the center of the screen and slowly kept enlarging until it filled up the entire screen. It was definitely pornography. She said it was extremely graphic. Now, this is in no way trying to bash Publix, because whenever I am anywhere near a Publix, I definitely shop there. I love their stores. And I am assuming that this is just some sicko that wanted to pull a disgusting prank.

Of course Becky and her husband are enraged, as any of us would be. Think about it, most parents (even the best of parents) will put in a video for their children and walk out of the room for a bit, assuming they're watching an appropriate show or movie. Becky, nor anyone else, would have ever had thought that a pornographic movie would appear in the middle of her children's video. The question is, did this happen to only her CD or did it affect a whole batch? Needless to say, she's contacted Publix, and is getting in touch with "the right people" to try to solve this issue.

This is disturbing and shocking, but unfortunately with the way our world is, it's very real. It's something we all need to be aware of and take precautions. Who would have ever thought we'd need to watch our children's preschool-aged CD's/DVD's all the way through before allowing them to view them just to make sure there wasn't porno on it?!

Hearing her tell this story really upset me and the more I thought about it, the more I felt like I should really write a post about it. If you have anyone you know that may be a member of this otherwise reputable club for preschoolers, feel free to pass this information along. It's something to keep in the back of our minds (or maybe even the front) because it could happen to any company's videos, this time it just happened to be Publix.

Cartwheeling the new Olympic sport?

...because I may or may not have won the cartwheel contest during one of my P.E. classes today, which may or may not make me the Michael Phelps of cartwheeling. Just sayin...

The Best of Intentions

Today we had a pretty bad storm system move through our area and since M to the Izz-A works for the electrical company as a lineman (a.k.a. pole climber....however, I try to refrain from calling him a pole climber as it brings to mind a whole other set of visuals), he is still at work right now collecting some major overtime and will probably be out most of the night. But that's okay, because as the saying goes: When the cat's away, the mice will...........finish up some laundry and go to bed early?

He really likes his job and will soon have to go for some more training. He says it will involve a lot of "physical stuff" and that he needs to start "getting in better shape." Hence the conversation we had last night:

Matt: Hey, I'm gonna go get on the treadmill for a little bit is that okay?
Me: Yea, that's fine, we'll probably be eating dinner in about an hour.
(A couple minutes pass and I hear plastic crinkling and see him take a seat on the couch.)
Me: What are you doing? I thought you were going to get on the treadmill?
Matt: Naaahh, I decided to eat some Oreos instead.
Me: Nice.

14 months today

Today Kate officially turned 14 months old. (Sniff, sniff) I know it sounds cliché but I really just cannot believe how fast she's growing up. She amazes me everyday with her new "tricks". For a 14 month old, she's got one of the coolest personalities I've ever seen. Am I being a tad biased? Nah.

And let it be known that it used to drive me nuts to hear people say that their child was "14 months" or "17 months". When they said that I would think to myself, "Do you wanna add how many weeks, days, and hours she's been on this earth as well?" Just say "1 or 2 1/2 years old!" Well, now that I'm a mom, I understand how much of a difference there is between each month's developments in children this young. I'm learning...and now I'M one of "those" moms.



Here's some pics of my love from the past month or so.