Randomosity

I've been a very inconsistent blogger lately. Sorry guys, I really have no excuse. I've been reading A LOT during naptime and giving my normal chores of cleaning, blogging, and commenting the shaft. I have to make a plan and schedule and get with it!

Here's what we've been up to:

*Hanging out with Emma's (and my) friends from my old school. So hilarious! The kids are both like 1-3 months apart, so Mindy and I have lots to talk about. Our friend Ali came with her PRESH little 4 week old too. So little and sleepy! I miss it already.........

*Playing outside LOTS. Enjoying this weather while we can. However, it has been raining the past two days!

*Making chocolate almond pie. The easiest thing I've ever made! And, delicious! Melt 6 Hershey's with almonds bars. Mix with an 8 ounce container of cool whip (I used light. I'm sure it's because I'm watching my weight. Not. Old habits and all). Pour into an oreo crust. Freeze. Keep in freezer when you're not stuffing it in your face.

*Reading. As mentioned above, we've been library whores like woah. Emma is getting about 5-6 books a week, and I'm putting down about 2. I've made my way through most of Tess Gerritsen, working on James Patterson, and finishing up most of Kristen Hannah. By the way, I LOVE her books! Firefly Lane, Winter Garden, The Things We Do For Love, and True Colors. Very interesting!

*Having friends over for dinner. So much fun! I plan to do this more often! I miss my work friends!

*Making plans to go to school and visit old friends. And, thinking of them as they go through the heinous-ness that is the end of quarter one. (Conferences, grades due, etc.)

*Looking forward to an afternoon of drinks and gossip with friends this Friday! Yay!

*Having a blast as a family last weekend at the pumpkin patch and our neighborhood fall festival. Pics coming soon. Beware, cuteness overload!

*Neverending laundry for the love. I get all caught up, then bam! I still have to put it away and then there are more dirty clothes! Cray-cray!

*Starting to research and make Harrison's baby food. I really wanted to do this with Emma, but I didn't make the time. I have the book Super Baby Food and am excited to do this for Harrison! Plus, I have lots of friends who do this that I can turn to for advice!

*I've been working on swaying husband on the iPad2 for Christmas. I need some more selling points please! Hook it up @grizas :) Me want one bad!!!!!!!!!! (On the way to a Mac household!!)

*Not much else around here. Like I said, it's random. I know what y'all have been up to because I have been reading. Please leave me some advice on scheduling, baby food making, and the iPad2!!!

Weekly Update

We have been so busy this week!

On Monday, we went to the library for the first time ever! Emma doesn't really understand the concept yet-she kept going by each bookshelf and pushing the books back. We found about 5 books she was interested in, and of course we got a few DVD's to watch int he car (chica is obsessed with Care Bears! I like it too...........) We plan to go once a week for story time (free!) and to get new books.

On Tuesday, Harrison had his 2 month doctor visit. At 9:30 am. Me-with two kids-alone. Yeah, we were late. They most likely want to stab me for always being late, but I think with kids, you have to build in "late time" per kid. So, I should automatically get 15 extra minutes. :)

Wednesday Emma had her first dental checkup. It was really just a meet the dentist/get to know the dentist's office thing. She sat in the chair and they counted her teeth. I was highly impressed-she didn't cry or fuss and let them do all their stuff. The dentist said she had to get rid of the paci-she's getting an overbite on top. I didn't know that it affected the jaw-I thought it was just the teeth. I didn't see the big deal since she will lose these baby teeth, but it's not just the teeth that are "bucking" out. Sooo, we are now on binkies only at night night time. After next week, we will start weaning that too. So far, she seems to understand. We have talked about only getting the binky at bed time, but when she gets upset (like at today's shot visit) she was calling for her binky. It was SO HARD to not just give her one for my own sanity!

On Thursday, we had to go to the library story time. It was so cute and fun! However, Emma needs some serious work on sitting still/listening. The reader had 3 or 4 stories to "read" (it was projected onto a huge screen so they could all see the pictures). In between each short story, she played the guitar and let the kids get up and sing/dance. It was a time specifically for 2-5 year olds, so when they were melting down/over it, it was okay. After the second story, Harrison had a doo doo murder and I had to take my whole entourage out in the hall for a change. That was fun. We ran errands the rest of the day and ate lunch out. Both jokers came home and slept for several hours, so that was nice.

Friday was our last appointment of the week-Emma's two year old visit. All was well, but the doctor found a tiny heart murmur. He wants us to get it checked out by a pediatric cardiologist. He thinks it is an innocent murmur. I hope so, because you know J and I both about lost our shiz. Emma had to get her toe pricked and she didn't flip out-she was too worried about getting her band aid! But, when the two shots came out (delayed MMR and Hep A), she LOST IT. All day she has been walking around with a limp saying, "Ouchie!" It's quite pitiful. We ran by Emma's eye glasses store to get a new pair of glasses ordered. After six months, she has about destroyed the lenses in this pair, and we bought the replacement insurance just for this reason! So, in about one week, we will have a fresh pair of glasses. After that, we went to get lunch for some teacher friends, and we went to eat at school with my old team. It was bittersweet. I LOVE my school and colleagues. I really miss it. A lot. But, I don't want to have to deal with about 50% of the bull shiz that comes with it. I so wish I could work part time and that some family lived here so I could substitute or something. Right now, it would be dumb for me to pay someone to watch them just so I could go sub for 100$ a day.

Anyway, I think I need to get into a routine. I've been thinking  a lot about why I seem to be struggling with being at home, and it seems like I just need a daily routine. Like get up, shower/dress, have a freaking plan for the day. Right now, it's by the seat of our pants. I may shower, I may go somewhere. I love getting out each day though. But I can't plan something every day. This was a fun, busy week having something to go to/do every day. Once Harrison is older, I will look forward to being able to go to the park or playground almost daily. I do still really miss the adult interaction-not gonna lie. Need to find a mom's group or playgroup to hang out with/gossip with.

I'm going to check out a website called macaronikids.com-a parent at the library told me about it. It's a listing of free/cheap kid things in your area. How do you all find things to do that aren't pricey? What are some other things I can do with the kids? I really want to find a church MDO for Emma to go to 2 days a week for about 3 hours just so she can do activities and socialize with other kids. Plus, Harrison and I could grocery shop, or just PLAY. I don't really get to do a lot with him because I have a TWO YEAR OLD who wants to be nonstop.

Share your ideas on things to do please!

Here's a little iPhone Photo Dump from the week.

At the car wash-she has stickers on her legs-she looks like SUCH a little girl now.

Sitting in the dentist's chair. PS they have flat screen TV's mounted on the ceiling. SHUT UP!

Hello-I weigh almost 14 pounds and I'm wearing a 6 month onesie. Stop the world.

Playing with stickers!

Poor HME-Emma loves to "play" with him

"My hold him mommy," someone says.

Convicted-of cuteness!

Emma on her monitor taking her afternoon nap. Look at this position-looks highly uncomfortable.

Have a great weekend! And please share some ideas on free/cheap things to do or other resources!

Updates!

We've had a whirlwind of a weekend, full of lots of fun, family, and friends! A quick update, list style, cause I'm getting ready for the beach! I promise to catch you all up with pictures of the events.

*Emma's second birthday party at Gymboree Play and Music was PHENOMENAL! I seriously can't recommend them enough! The children had a blast, as did the adults! Pictures coming soon. My child is seriously spoiled.

*Harrison was baptized on Sunday. He looked just precious in a 5th generation baptismal gown-pictures also coming soon!

*I'm not ready for a third kid-that was confirmed when my sissy and her kid came to stay for 5 days. Nothing wrong, but I couldn't handle the chaos! :) And, when I turned around in my car to see THREE car seats in the back, I about died laughing!

*Going to the beach for a week with sissy and her family! Nuff said!

*I have an upper respiratory/bronchitis thing going on, so that's fun. My throat feels like it has razors in it, and I lost my voice. Lucky for J.

*Interesting giveaway coming up soon.

*I'm about to consign my pretty little heart out with @maconbabies and @grizas! Cannot wait.

*Sissy totally cleaned/organized my garage this weekend! Reveal pics coming soon! (Send them to me sister.)

*Our beach menu is amazing and I cannot wait to shop/cook/eat! With things like peel-n-eat shrimp, BBQ shrimp, crablegs, and steak/scallops, how could it not be rad?

*I have SO many books I'm dying to get into, but not enough time!

*Harrison is sleeping through the night!!!!!!!!!!!!! Saturday he went 11-9:30, Sunday he went about the same, and Monday he had to be woken up! Today though, he was up at 6:30, BUT he went from 10:30-6:30, so whatever! I'm so happy!!!

*My baby boy will be two months old on Thursday! Where did the time go? He is now in size 2 diapers and drinking 5-6 ounces of boob milk at a time! He rolled over 4 times on Sunday, and is smiling and cooing TONS! So freaking cute!

*On the other hand, Emma's been sleeping AWFUL lately! Up a few times at night, and getting up early. No thank you!

*I'm obsessed with my Mom Agenda.

*My sweet pops planted TONS of flowers for my front and back porch while he was here. Thanks, dad!

*My garage mini freezer is totally full of boob milk-we're going to have to look on Craigs*list for another one! Yikes!

*Annnnnd I hate friggin AT&T with the internet-this shiz goes out all the time! Over it, goodbye, we are switching!

What's new with y'all lately?

Two grumpies taking a rest together

Getting IN the baby pack-n-play....

Admiring the Pooh Bear puzzle her daddy made for her

Playing in the new swing!

Midweek Randoms

Totally copying Megan on the title, but it sounds better than Wednesday Randomosity. Any way you look at it, it's Wednesday, and it's random.

*I still haven't finished unpacking Harrison's nursery. What the what? I'm a slacker. When they nap, I blog, read blogs, watch TV, wash eleventy billion bottles, etc. Also, he has no baby book. Already starting out where he doesn't get the same things as his sister. You will notice that he is also five weeks old and I have YET to take his one month pic and do a post. I am really going to try to do that tonight. I have to not beat myself up over stuff like this, but I really want to do the same things for Harrison that I did for Emma.

*My mom and sis are coming in town this weekend. Word. I'm super excited.

*Emma's second birthday is at Gymboree. We are having a play party! It's coming up soon. Look at her cute invitations! (Not the real ones, just an example of what they look like). Amy is awesome and rushed them to me since I didn't order them early enough. I guess I was kind of busy with HME..... :) If you need some awesome invitations for CHEAP, check out Distinct Designs by Amy.

*We are having Harrison's baptism the day after her birthday since everyone will already be in town. I'm excited, but feel rushed. And don't even get me started on what I will fit into/wear to this event. Guess I'll have to go buy a fat dress because I STILL can't fit into my old clothes. I miss you size 6/8. I hope to see you again soon. Like, real soon.

*My awesome friend Jill is making Emma's Sesame Street cupcakes (Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, etc) and Harrison's monogram baptism cake. CANNOT wait to see and taste those jokers!

*I need some good recommendations on where to get cheap photo birth announcements. Like 1.00 or less. Cause we're ordering at least 50. So, please share some good sites OR links to cute boy ones. Please. I will love you forever if you can recommend a site or a specific announcement. I like classic styles.

*We have a lot of birthdays in July. We've been shopping for FeFe and Fenn, plus getting baby shower gifts for my friend Ali. It's fun, but super hard to tote these kids around in 90+ degree heat and have them hold it together so I can peruse gifts.

*Does anyone else feel like character stuff (Elmo, Dora, etc) is taking over your house? God, I'm going to scream if I see any more Sesame Street or "Dodo" stuff-Emma begs for it, it just seems to be creeping in everywhere. She just realized all of the characters were on her diapers too. For the love.

*Showering does not occur on ANY kind of regular basis around here. It's been three days. I just threw up in my mouth a little. I have to "cage" Emma in her crib and Harrison has to be either asleep or seriously calm. I don't want to get in and rush, I want to enjoy myself, so why even attempt if they are being ill pills? On another note, I do have a lady parts appt tomorrow, so I will be sure to shower. :)

*Scheduling appts with two kids is a holy nightmare. I've had Harrison's one month checkup, my OB checkup, and an upcoming dental appt, and Jason either has to meet me on his lunch to get one of them, or I have to find a babysitter. All my school friends are going back to work in their classrooms, so they are unavailable. I'm not even going to attempt taking Emma into my dentist. Harrison is another story. He sleeps. In a carseat. The end. Thankfully, Emma's former babysitter is taking her on the dentist day. I told Emma today, and she starting babbling about Miss Kiss and Reecey! She remembers-it's so cute!

*Since I have the diaper bag from hell (toting junk for two kids), I recently ordered this awesome contraption. It's called the callet. I cannot wait for it to get here. My bestie has one and I've seen it in action-it's a great thing since I'm always toting my phone-now I just slip my debit/credit cards in, and I'm done! This will probably become my new wallet. Until I get a purse back.

The cards go on the back-there's a little pocket there.

*I bought some black tea + lemonade K cups today and I can't wait to try them! Also, I may have purchased some cinnamon bun coffee cups. Pretty sure I'm looking forward to sticking my face in that tomorrow morning.

*Be on the lookout for Mr. Harrison's picture to grace the header soon. My rad designer is working on it.

*I'm on a 'Baby Story' marathon right now, and one of the girls is Skyping with her aunt through delivery. I'm sorry, but WTF? That is effing weird. And gross. She just watched her push.

*Harrison is addicted to this cute consignment bouncy chair ($20!) We love it too-because he sleeps in it. A lot.

*TLC is pretty much the shiznit. Hoarders? Yes, please. My Strange Addiction? Hellz yeah. Baby shows? Right on. Now you know what I do when the kids sleep. However, the Strange Addiction show just showed an ad for someone who likes to "be a baby" and wear diapers and use a paci. Umm, WTH lady? I think some of these jokers make this up to get on the show.

*I need to wrap this rambler up and do something with myself. Holla y'all. What have you been up to?

xoxo

It's Friday. And It's Random

*Title adapted from Babbling Abby (love her, go visit her!)

Well, thank God it's Friday, because after this week, being random is all I've got going for me.

Week one of CRCT standardized testing=OVER! One more week to go. Then, ummmmmmmm, I guess I'll teach fourth grade skills. :) I kid, I kid. Kind of.

Let's get started with some bullet points. With plenty of room for you to share your opinions and advice, okay??

*I am STILL hunting a moderately priced big sis/little bro shirt combo for Emma and HME. I know  I can make my own, but please. Full time job, kid, husband, home, pregnant. NOT HAPPENING. Feel free to make one for me though. All colors/designs accepted. I'll give you my address. (Not joking.)

*Curtains-preferably blackout-for Emma's new room. Where can I find them or have them made where I won't spend $100 or more on curtains?? I don't know about stuff like this. Help me, please.

*Rug-for Emma's new room. Where can I find one, again, for not a lot of money? I want a cute crochet type hook rug, but have a feeling that will cost me. I mean, I guess I could go on Etsy and type in rug. But I may be there for DAYS sorting through all of the rugs.

*HUGE shout out to my hoochies, LG, Sister, Mere, and Brooke for hooking a hoochie up with her dream stroller! I love y'all and appreciate you donating to my cause of frivolity. The stroller is awesome, has already been used with two kidlets in it, and gotten a super pointy screw in the back tire. Yeah, that's nice. I'll have to get a new tire evench. (Their tires are foam filled, so it won't go flat.) But, Baby Jogger feels bad for me so they will sell me the tire for $15.

*Kindle question-can you "re loan" a book that you've already borrowed? For example, if I don't finish it in the allotted time, can the person let me borrow it again? DAR would know-she is a Kindle queen-hopefully, she is reading!

*Two amazing recipes I have tried in the last two weeks and become obsessed with?  P Dubs stuffed shells and peanut butter pie. Do yourself a favor and at least make the shells once. Cause dude? They rock. And the pie? Yeah, my homegirl Shannon made it and brought me a piece at work. I licked the Tupperware clean. No joke. I requested it for my work 'baby sprinkle'. It was so good.

*We are transitioning Emma into her new bedroom. To say the amount of material shit in our house is on my last nerve would be an understatement. I am about to lose my mind. I want to throw away/donate/sell SO MUCH STUFF. I cannot take it. How have we accumulated this much crap in almost 7 years? I am getting rid of it. It is ridiculous, and I'm not taking it around to see if other people want it or can use it. That's what Goodwill is for. Sorry husband.

*I am STILL looking for a daybed for our new playroom. I think I have narrowed it down to a metal one, because I don't want the playroom to look like a bedroom. I think a wooden one will make it look like that. I am cruising Amazon for beds, but any suggestions on where you found one would be great!

What are you all up to this weekend? We will be moving clothes/sorting clothes and generally trying to get Emma in the new room and start "de-girly-fying" the nursery for HME. Also on the agenda? Relaxing, and lots of it. Kindle, and lots of it.

Chilling before the travel time of 2011 hits.

Next up, we're out of town for Easter and two weekends after that, a family baby sprinkle in Bham. Dude, that's a lot of driving. Gotta get my chill on now.

Share some suggestions on products please, and check in! I want to know what's going on with y'all!

Spew Time

The Ramen that shall be discussed below.

Emma just being Emma-in her PJ's from this morning for the love.

This was taken around 6 pm.

You know what it's time for, baby.

*I am eating Ramen for dinner. And it is good. I wonder how J would feel about Ramen + a side once he returns??? With a side of WW stir fry veggies, it's practically Asian cuisine!

*I could not be a single parent. If you are one, I admire you. It is hard.

*Emma has pooped in the tub every night since J has been gone. Shoot me now.

*I taught Emma how to bark like a dog!

*I cannot wait to go to Nashvegas this weekend to see bestie and DPB!!!!!!!!!

*I have been keeping up with Couch To 5K. We are doing an official 5K in November. The same one from last year. I will beat my time of 48 minutes. No doubt. I'm doing it with some girls from school, we will kick it and take some names.

*My kid has worn pajamas to day care for the past two days. Did I mention it was hard to be a single parent? And get to work on time?

*I am addicted to romaine/spinach salad with goat cheese, slivered almonds, and craisins on it for lunch. I have been adding some grilled chicken for protein, but I could eat it without-it is soooo good! Plus a little homemade vinaigrette on top. Score.

*I'm really anxious about going out of town and leaving J to deal with everything. I've only been away from both of them once (BLOGGER CONVENCH 2010-WORD). It's not that I don't think he can do it (cause he can), it's the laundry, cleaning, prepping for next week, grocery, etc that I normally do on Sunday that I'm worried about. He's gonna have to do it all. I will be getting back in the late afternoon and I am such a control freak that I want it all done and done well. Get over it now Susannah is my mantra.

*I have been puttin' down on some WW snicker like ice cream bars. Dude, it is a full size "candy bar" for THREE points! It is soooo good!

*I'm not gonna be able to go to WW this weekend and I'm kinda nervous cause I won't be weighing in. For the love, have some self control this weekend!

*I have caught up on all SIX back issues of STAR mag that were on my nightstand. I will choose a new book from my own personal Barnes and Noble tonight! Yay! Choices, choices.........

*I have to grade some papers and make a few lesson plans tonight. Then I will read some blogs. And probably not comment. I'm sorry in advance. I have to prioritize. But I lurrrvve cleaning out my google reader on a daily basis. Again, control freak.

*I got to wear Nike shorts, tennis shoes, and a school spirit t shirt today for "Team Building" after school. It was awesome to come to school like that-I was so comfy and much more motivated! I wish my principal read my blog. Maybe he would institute "Majorly Casual Wear Your Work Out Clothes Day." Maybe not. Just a thought.

*Did I mention I love the Ramen? It's definitely going on next week's menu.

Word. Let's see some randomosity posts from you all too!

Spew

Hellllllloooooo everyone! This will be a pictureless post.

Apparently, I am that boring. I say this because I lost a follower this week. Prob because I haven't posted in almost a week. And I lack pictures. And I am boring and only do randomosity posts of late. Please forgive.

I have read so many names for these posts, and now I'm calling it "Spew."

I've heard: brain dump, stream of consciousness, randomosity, hmmmmmmmmmm, what else? Anyone know any other names for the crap posts of everything in your brain?? Please share. Maybe we should make up a long ass name for these posts.

OK, so here is what I am spewin'

*My lupus meds have been making me suuuuupppper tired lately. Like can't get it together after 2 diet cokes and a large coffee tired. Boo hiss.

*I have been eating grilled chicken salad for lunch for 3 weeks now. I am done.

*Husband is about to go out of town for four days. Yikers on caring for baby and having a job-all by myself-repeat-yikers.

*We finally finished our 5 days of standardized testing.

*My sister is having a heinous time with an out of control water bill. To the tune of 1200 dollars. Please share your advice (be it lawyerly or otherwise) on what she can do to correct the sitch. She has talked to the water company and they say that they water actually passed through the meter, so she has to pay it. There is no way in you know what that she actually used this much water and sewer. What can she do?

*I am planning on doing nothing this weekend and loving it.

*I am hoping to go see bestie and PB the weekend after that. Waiting on confirmash.

*I am addicted to Twitter. One ? though-if I want to look for like a specific celeb, can I just type their name in the search box and see what happens? I am so sure I need to follow the celeb spewings!

*I have scored the past two weeks of grosh for $95 at Kroger. That rocks. However, I am already tired of eating Hamburger/Chicken Helper, spaghetti, and other such lunchroom items. Suggestions on how to change it up and keep it low??

*Did I mention I was tired? And addicted to Twitter? Follow me if you want to see super cute pics of Emma bear on there! @edwardsedition

*Emma hasn't pooped in the tub lately (jinx for me, I'm sure)

*I have read like 5 books lately. I will do a book review when I get five spare, quiet seconds soon.

*I have 5 STAR magazines to read. I must be up on the gossip!

*I am too random for words-I will think of 19+ more things to share after I publish this.


What are all of you up to lately? Random spew posts rock! Please share, and I promise to break out the camera and update you all soon on the growing thing that is my child!

This and That

THIS is something I saw waiting in the front office this afternoon. I swear to you, I wish I could show you his face, because it really made the photo! HILARIOUS! Beyond words. He was maybe in first grade.





THIS is what I saw in the garage upon arrival home. Yeah. Let that sink in. It's a BLACK WIDOW spider. That looks ginormous. Cause it was.



THAT is what I promptly did to him with some tool in the garage. Goodbye sack of nastiness. Sorry, God. He was gross.
Anyone know of some spider killer I can get a hold of?? That I can spray liberally all over this garage area?

THIS is what Emma likes to do when we go out on the patio to get the dog's food bowls ready. It is presh.

For the LOVE, I cannot remember who gave me this 8 questions biz to do-claim yourself please!!!

My 8 Questions:

Before we begin, my life's theme song is, "How difficult can I make this?" Let us commence.

1. BLT or PB&J?

I love, love, love peanut butter, so naturally I would say PB&J first. But I love bacon-and there are few things that taste better than crisp bacon, tangy mayo, and fresh lettuce/tomato!! So, both!

2. If you had to choose, would you give up your home Internet access or cable TV?
Finally, an easy one! No cable! I love blogging and reading blogs and surfing the interwebs!

3. Do believe in astrology?

No. Sorry.

4. What is the last CD or iTunes single you purchased?

Cause I'm living in 1996, Enya. Four songs. And a Miami Saxophone quartet song. Don't judge me. Also, I haven't bought a CD since 1996.

5. If you could trade bodies with one celebrity, who would you choose?

I love Jennifer Aniston's figure because she is very slender, but muscular too. I just want to be skinny!!!

6. How many pairs of shoes are in your closet?

At least 50. I need to purge though because I only wear about 12 year round. I'm not a big heel person-I guess it's the profession.

7. Do you make your bed every day?
Tricky. Yes and no. Because I am the first one up every morning, I make my side as best as I can, then husband "makes" his side like only a husband can. When he's late. And doesn't care. So imagine what our bed looks like.

8. What college football team are you rooting for this season?

Auburn. Duh. Weagle griza!

Now, my 8 questions:

1)How clean are you? Describe your OCD ness or lack thereof.

2)Do you prefer pasta or rice as a side?

3)What is your favorite healthy lunch?

4)How often do you workout/exercise?

5)What is your typical weekend like??

6)How often do you see your immediate family?

7)Do you want more kids? How many more? (If you have none yet, how many do you want?)

8)What is your favorite thing to do besides play with technology??

I tag:

*b.e.g

*iGriza

*Macon a Mess

*Lessons in Life and Light

*Ruby Turtle Hippie Times

*Southerland Living

*Wanting What I Have

*Life Accounts

Also-has anyone heard anything about A Blonde Walks into a Blog?? She was really sick at the beginning of August, and I just checked her blog and she hasn't written anything since August 7th.

And last but not least, I am attempting my first Kroger run based on ad shopping and couponing thanks to Shannon!!! I got loads of good feedback on couponing and lots of encouragement on the budgeting from you all! Now, I just need Leslie Lambert to move in with me and Publix shop for me and teach me the ways, oh master! Come on Leslie, pack your bags!!

Tomorrow I have WW weigh in, Gymboree, and a trip to the True Religion outlet about 10 minutes from here. Don't even ASK ME how I have never been there or known about it until today-thanks Tribble!! And, that was uttered in the same paragraph as, "I am couponing to save money............."

Hello pot, this is kettle...

Have a great three day weekend girls!!

Tuesday Randomosity

Cause I can't go one week without a randomosity post. And, cause I'm still procrastinating on the birthday blog. No reason, just tired, overworked, and lazy!


*So, the first day of school was yesterday. I wore this dress in a dusty rose (with a NY&Co cardi thing over it). Super cute and got lots of compliments. Bonus: I was comfy!





*I wore this dress today (in black) with a pair of wedges. Basically, I ravaged NY&Co and Loft on Sunday. More photos to come. And, as mentioned above, I didn't wear the heinous booties-sorry, I cannot get down with that trend. I live in GEORGIA, not NY.





*Ummmm yeah, I miss my phone. I tried at least 4 times yesterday to text and/or call someone on the way home from work. Boo hiss. I need communications while in the car. I did talk to AT&T today and my phone was ordered on Saturday. So, I am hoping for a Friday arrival of THE PHONE.

(Livin' in 2000. Yeah, that was me.)

*I went to the gym yesterday. The dude at the desk was all like, "No soliciting." I was like, "Dude, I am a member here. You just haven't seen me in 9 bajillion weeks!" It hurt.

*First day of school was pretty rad. As was the second.

*OK-lots (read 4) of you asked for "background" on Shasta a.k.a. My Brunette Reality, etc. Here is what I know (cause I love her.)

-She lives in the Pacific NW-Washington state I think.

-She is loaded and dresses super cute and takes pictures of her outfits.

-She is TINY and adorable.

-She changes hair colors/extensions all the time.

-She is like a PA or something at a dermatologist office. She does lots of recs on skin care stuff.

-She is smart-even though people are mean to her and degrade her-she keeps on.

-She has a history with depression and stuff and when people are "mean" to her on her blogs, she basically shuts down, deletes, and moves on/makes another blog.

-She has three kids.

Lots of y'all (again, read 4) have told me she deleted her "old" blog cause she felt it was getting too personal. Now she is writing for CupcakeMAG. I am now reading that "fashion blog" JUST for my Shasta fix. I can't really explain it-I just like her and want to befriend her in real life. :D

*And, cause it's been like 4 months, I figured why not post a MENU MONDAY!

Even if it's Tuesday. Shhhhhhhh!

Monday-grilled veggie rigatoni
Tuesday-pork tenderloin with brown rice and grilled veggie salad
Wednesday-chicken salad with fruit and crackers

Thursday-WW turkey sausage and pepper pasta pot with salad

Friday-grilled chicken salad with garlic bread

Saturday-linguine with sun dried tomatoes and grilled veggies
Sunday-grilled chicken breast with WW stir fry veggies and noodle side

OK, if you want any recipes, email me. And, can I JUST SAY that tonight's grilled vegetable salad (served warm with things like squash, zucchini, onion, tomato, romaine hearts and FETA was TDF!!!!) I may eat this three times per week now. Srsly. Srsly y'all. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh.

*PS-check out my "Blogs I heart" sidebar for new blog additions-I will try to do a book review post soon along with another round of "new" blogs-cause I've found some. Oh yeah.

Peace.

Ramblings of a Domestic Diva

Hi Sweets! I have been domesticating it up, diva style this weekend!

I have some questions for you before sharing my domesticities. And then a Menu Monday-it's been awhile, no??

*When you have something to ship, how do you ship it? I have been going to a UPS store for convenience, but it is costing me an arm and a leg. I ship a lot. So, do share how you do this.

*Where can I get zip up PJ's for Emma? I used to get them from Walmart, but they are no more. It is so hard to wrangle a 9 month old into button up PJ's-those should all be banned!

*How do you cut your cantaloupe? I am having major issues with this. :D I go through about 2 cantaloupes per week, and I am OVER trying to find the fastest/best way to cut them.

Moving on-yesterday was a super fun day-for me! :D After I recovered from a bit too much girl's night fun on Friday (PTL that Emma slept until 9:30-I know!) we were off to run some errands. I had to get some last minute tidbits for my bestie's baby shower that is next weekend. Sidenote: it is soooo hard for me to reign it in at Babies-R-Us-I always end up getting like 3-4 things for Emma every time I go for someone else.

Next, I went to Ann Taylor to get a shower outfit. Ladies, I flipping bought a size 8 in some pants and skirts! Holy crap! This is huge! And a medium in shirts! I am still like, "Are you sure this is my size???" Hubby went with me and was my critiquer. I got several pieces that I can wear to work and a really cute shower outfit-white lined pants and a ruffle tank. Love. Anyway, that afternoon we had a professional photo shoot for Emma-it was hilarious and fun. Girlfriend changed clothes 4 times! We got a ton of precious shots, and I can't wait for the photographer to give us the CD and prints! Yay!

Later, we went to eat Mexican and celebrate that ALL of my kids passed ALL SECTIONS of the state standardized testing. What a relief!

Today has been spent with washing six, yes six, loads of clothing and sheets, vacuuming (yay for vacuum lines, right K :D), folding said clothes, grocery shopping, and preparing foodstuffs for the upcoming week and tonight's dinner. I just cut 2 cantaloupes, 6 kiwis, and 2 pints of strawberries. I also made homemade salsa for tonight's fajitas, cooked the chicken for the fajitas, and cut the onions and pepper for fajitas. FAJITAS anyone? Dang, I haven't used that word so much in my whole life.

Emma and I also went to return some shorts to Old Navy (that are too big! :D) and I got two cute maxi dress things-I have never bought things like this before. I tell ya, losing weight is so good for your mind and body, but so bad for the bank account. I am wanting to buy soooo many things because stuff fits and looks cute!

Hubby has cut the front and back yard, and is preparing to give our eczema covered hound dog a bath-I will have to take a picture and show you his nastiness. It is sad really. His whole back is COVERED in spots-he looks like a leopard. But, if you look at them closely, they are peeling and nasty and flaky. It is super gross. The vet has prescribed him some shampoo that has to sit on his back for fifteen minutes. Do tell, how do you get a dog with shampoo on his back to chill for fifteen minutes?

Woah, we are super busy round these parts! Now, for a menu.

Sunday-chicken fajitas with onions, peppers, and corn, served with chips and homemade salsa
Monday-WW spaghetti with asparagus and turkey sausage, served with sweet corn
Tuesday-crockpot chicken stroganoff served with salad
Wednesday-the usual standby: turkey burgers served with broccoli and baked Lays
Thursday-baked chicken served with WW stir fry veggies and low fat mac-n-cheese
Friday-leaving town in the AM for Nashvegas with other bestie for said bestie's shower! Super excited-no work that day!!!

Weekend-commence fun with best hoochies from college! Cannot wait to see you all: Em, Laura, Nicole, Cory! Yay to the Yay!

Updates are sure to follow.

So, if you have any advice on my asterisked questions, please share. Also, if you want a recipe, just ask! I hope you all have had a fun, relaxing, productive weekend!

xoxo

Where am I?

Hello friends! I have been in Birmingham since Wednesday. We have been super busy getting ready for sissy's shower that is tomorrow! I can't believe it's finally here! Today we went to the Birmingham Zoo (pics to follow!). It was so fun for sissy and mom and I, even though Emma seemed less than impressed. I just got home from food shopping for the shower and will make sure to take lots of pics and share them after the shower tomorrow.

Hope you are all having a great week, and boo that it's Friday-cause that means I go back to work on Monday!!!

xoxo

Happy almost Easter!!

Hello loves! It has been a whirlwind weekend so far, and it's just gotten started! Yesterday was my first day of SPRING BREAK, PTL I needed that break like nobody's business! Let me give you a brief recap of what has transpired since Thursday after school.

Thursday: I am sitting at my desk at 3:30 trying to finish lesson plans, go make copies, etc., when husband calls me and basically says he is blacking out, cannot breathe, and is generally losing it. He has a brief dramatic history, so I try to "talk him down" and then ask him to make a decision. Basically, I am 4 miles from home, but traffic is so bad on this road home that it will take me 20 minutes to get to him. The decision choices are A) wait for me to reach home or B) call 911. He says he needs me to call 911. At this point, I begin to freak. My husband is VERY "Let's all remain calm, etc." and does not like to make a fuss. So when he chooses this, I am wiggin.

I call 911 and blast out of work to race home. Then I call my BFF and ask her to take care of Emma. When I finally get home, I find my husband laying in the foyer less than clothed while hooked up to 3 machines with 3 massive paramedics hovering over him. I decided it would be more interesting for me to practically faint too, so we did that route and then I got it together. I remain very calm in a crisis-so I went into major momma mode. I got clothing, diet coke, and other necessities and loaded up the car. I followed the ambulance to the hospital like a lunatic.

Long story short, husband was seen at an urgent care that morning for a sore throat, and the doc gave him amoxicillin (why? no clue...) and some blood pressure medication. He has high blood pressure. He took both pills and went in to work. He left work after lunch feeling nauseous and begin vomiting about 6-8 times. Once he got home he started sweating, getting dizzy and feeling faint. Apparently his blood pressure dropped severely (to the 70's) and he couldn't get it up.

All was fine after a while, and we were discharged around 8:00 pm with instructions to go see the primary care doctor on Monday to determine what needs to happen next. We went and got our baby and promptly all passed out by 10. I think at one point in the hospital I looked at husband and said, "April Fools??? Ha ha, maybe??"

Friday began my first day of spring break. I was up as usual taking care of Emma and letting hubby sleep in. We went off to drop a gift with a friend, then Loo went to the sitter. I went to workout and get a pedi/wax. Then I brought hubby some lunch and went back to clean the church from the Good Friday service. I am on Altar Guild and set/reset/clean the altar. After that I went to get Loo and we came home to grandparents.

Today, we have been super busy. We had lunch at Atl Bread Co then went down to Babies R Us to get some last minute goodies for sissy's shower, then we hit up Walmart for some other items. Can I just say that I feel like I am having a new baby too (vicariously of course). :D Love ya sissy!

We created a feast-ivus tonight and have just finished. I probably consumed all 35 flex points and then some. I am about to pass out though. We are going to early church then attending an Easter buffet.

In other news, Emma decided to not only up her crawling speed to about 10 mph, she is now smacking her lips constantly and pulling up! She did it 3 times today! We had to lower her crib tonight so she couldn't launch herself out. I can't even reach down to kiss her now! Stay tuned for the next post in pics!

I am planning on painting the office on Monday and Tuesday and then leaving for the Ham on Wednesday. I seriously CANNOT WAIT to see the fam! This is the first Easter that I haven't been with them EVER.

Normally, sissy and I are cracking up dyeing eggs right now. I love coloring eggs with sissy! We always eat way too much and make a huge mess. Last Easter, I was pregnant with Miss Emma and starting to get uncomfortable. So family, I am super excited for Wednesday and we shall play like nobody's business!!!

I hope you all have an inspirational Easter and say a prayer thanking Jesus for what he did for each of YOU. Be blessed!

Love,

Susannah

Lack of Posts Much???

Seriously, I just noticed the last time I posted was MONDAY. I mean get real Susannah-people need to know what you are doing and thinking, gah!! :D Just kidding!

One of my close friends has recently started a blog (she isn't ready to come out of the closet yet, I will pimp her out later!) and she is posting like EVERY DAY-like it's her job! I remember the days-it was called no baby and maternity leave. Life was good.

I digress. I meant to post this on Wednesday, but life got in the way. There are several important things to bring up:

*I gained an obscene amount of weight this week. I DO NOT want to talk about it. My goal this week is to track and measure all of my food. I'm not gonna lie, I have been slacking off in a big way. Still eating healthy, but not tracking OR measuring. Well, it doesn't matter if you are eating healthy if you are eating boatloads of it!!! (Ahem, husband...) Pot/Kettle/Black. I shall persevere and lose what I gained (at least!)

*Pray for my friend Taylor. She just had a miscarriage. I don't want to link up to her blog, but you probably know her. She is so sweet and funny-I know she and her family are devastated. It will hurt for awhile, but pretty soon you will be able to wake up without thinking about it first thing. I am here if you want to email me. :D

*Pray for my friend Laura's dad-I know you all that follow Groovin' with the Grizas know she is taking a short bloggy break to help the family and be with her dad, but he is suffering some major backlash from a botched appendix removal. Ridiculous what is going on. We are all thinking of you Laura and family!

*Can I get an amen to the weekend-srsly. In the midst of conferences, writing assessments due, etc, I am OVER it with a capital O.

*This weekend I plan to hit up a consignment sale and a consignment shop and use a sweet 50$ giftcard to a smocked kid's clothing boutique. Who says I'm buying it all for Emma??? I have some peeps about to have girls up in this neck of the woods and they need some precious girl loot!!

*Emma is going to an Easter egg hunt on Sunday (hope the rain stays away!)

*I plan to do NO schoolwork this weekend-and it's going to get even lazier as the year ends-PTL! (Wait, that would imply that I actually do schoolwork on the weekends now. Hilarious, but no.)

*First day of Spring is tomorrow, woop woop!

*I want to go shopping for some new clothes even though I gained like a trucker. I may just need one or two new pairs of pants..............

What do you all have going down this weekend?

What has been happening with you? (Even though I secretly know cause I'm still reading my google reader, just being a total slack on commenting-sorry!)

Share and have a great weekend!

I'm Still Here....

I have had a super busy couple of days, starting on Friday when my parents came in town, ending not in sight!

I will do a real post soon-starting with a WWW, Menu Monday, and Sunday Sayings, all rolled into one, probably tonight!

I have been off work since last Thursday, went back to school today, dented in about 2 inches of the 4 inches worth of papers to grade, and have been super busy! So, I shall try my darndest to get up a combo of three posts tonight!

Love!

Menu Monday...and Stuff

Warning: Boring Post below.

Well, I have been feeling yucky for the past 5 days, and on Friday I went to the doctor. Apparently I have laryngitis and maybe a sinus infection. My throat has been hurting int he morning and at night, I've had a GLOB of mucous (TMI, I know) in the back of my throat, and I've been coughing a lot. Friday it was so bad, I left work at 11, which I never do! The doctor said there is fluid in my ears (ewww) and that I may have an infection. So I did what anyone would do when they went to drop off their Rx for a Z pack. I bought pizza for dinner, some onion dip and Fritos for comfort food, and 4 boxes of Weight Watchers ice cream. Because we all know that will balance out the four cheese CPK pizza I ate 3/4 of on Friday night.

I totally lost my voice on Friday and am getting it back barely today. Hubs said it was a nice reprieve. I slapped him.

We had our buddies over for dinner last night: J, L, and J plus the kids-I got a vision of what our house will look like on kid # 3. It wasn't pretty, but man it was fun! Wine, caramelized onion dip, reduced fat Triscuits-again, they balance each other out. We were going to have delicious, fall off the bone ribs that hubby had been smoking ALL day, but they accidentally caught on fire and were BLACKENED. Bad. So he went to the store and bought 2 rotisserie chickens. We feasted on chicken, WW mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw. Then, we had an incredible cookies and cream pie that L brought. Wow. Way to fall off the wagon.

Today, I will re-introduce myself to the tracker.

So, I need to get back on the wagon in order to meet my goals. Remember???

Also, this week's menu is a bit of a pantry/fridge/freezer clean out. I have deduced that one reason I am so stressed out is my cooking-I am choosing to cook meals every night, and that is a lot of work and prep, so I am taking some help where I can get it, and we are eating some easier meals twice in one week. I think we will survive.

Let's take a look at the menu, shall we:

Monday-Slow cooker turkey chili (never had it last week-I have a phobia of leaving the crock pot on all day and burning my house down. I need to buy a timer.)

Tuesday-Grilled chicken, box of noodles (like noodle roni or something), green beans

Wednesday-out to dinner for my 31st birthday! Yikes!

Thursday-Turkey burgers, baked Lay's, green beans

Friday-Penne a la Betsy (Pioneer Woman), salad

Saturday & Sunday-no clue-probably turkey burgers again maybe with other sides

So, that has been our exciting weekend in a nutshell.

What have you all been up to? Do you have some good things planned for dinner next week?

Weight Watchers Wednesday

Well, hello there friends! You will have to excuse me-I am in a bit of a funk and cannot get my act together. I am tres overwhelmed right now, so just let me get it together and I shall return. Dang, didn't I just do this to you all?

Anyways, I feel like I am in a Groundhog Day movie. Over and over, I am doing the same things and I am getting more and more stressed. I need to literally take a little pill, a chill pill.

Two bright spots: #1-I lost 2.2 pounds this week. I have lost 16 pounds so far! Only 4 more to go till my original goal! I have now revamped it and have about 20 more, but still, I have almost lost 20 pounds, and that motivates me to keep it up! That, and your support. ♥ ya all!

#2-Dinner with good friends this weekend! Cannot wait-BBQ, WW mac and cheese, and wine. The end.

So, I promise, I am trying to take Mrs. Potts advice and just snap out of it-but dang it's hard. I cannot get over the blahs right now. Sorry for the lack of commenting too-I am reading Google Reader, and am so proud and impressed with all the things you have going on. You rock!

I will get some good posts soon-don't give up on me!

xoxo

Beauty Issues

I know, I'm at work, why am I blogging? It's specials time and I am pumping while my kids are in Spanish. I am such a multi tasker. Pumping while I type, I have skillz! Anyway, I am having some beauty issues, and once again need your help and advice!

By the way, thank you for the comments on the devotional readings, and keep them coming. I have a few books to check out at my local Christian bookstore so far!

And, way to go b.e.g. for correctly identifying the Sunday Saying-it was indeed from Talladega Nights-the ballad of Ricky Bobby.

So, recently I have come upon two nasty and disturbing beauty issues (not TMI, I swear!) One is my skin is practically flaking off it is SOOOOO dry! One of my colleagues actually said yesterday, "What is wrong with your leg?" It is sick I tell ya-she recommended Eucerin lotion and I got some yesterday. It seems to be helping, but what else can I do or try? I also bought some Neutrogena Rainbath-it's like shower gel oil, and it felt nice and seemed to help a bit. But I am guilty of a 12-15 minute super hot shower, and I know that is awful for drying out the skin. So, any advice?

Next up we have my hair. It's falling out in huge amounts. Is this normal post baby balding or what? It's A LOT of hair. It's starting to freak me out. And I think it looks thinner at the front. What can I do or use to combat this? When will it stop, for the love of a duck, tell me it will stop. I can't handle baldness now (or ever!)

Can you help a sister out here? Leave me some info please ladies!
xoxo
Now, back to work-grading for the new quarter, plans, etc.
:D

Help Needed!

Shhh, it's me-I'm at work and I am supposed to be grading papers. Grades are due by this afternoon and I still have 2 sets of writing to get through. But, I am hoping you can help me.

I need a recommendation of a good devotional to do. My relationship with God is in a rut. I'm lucky to get out some measly prayers at night. I feel like something is lacking in a big way, and when I read many of your blogs, I feel that you know something I don't. I haven't been consistent in spending time in the Word, and I need to know what I can do about it. So, please tell me, what do you do, when do you do it, and how can I get my relationship right? Any and all suggestions welcome!

Thanks, and I hope you are all having a great Monday!
xoxo

Dude, hiatus much?

I am still here, alive and well! I cannot really post right now, but will soon! I am a heinous friend for not wishing you all a Merry Christmas, but at least I got one in on time for Happy New Year!

I am SUPER overwhelmed right now-just got back to Georgia, unpacking the car, gifts, putting up decorations, maids were just here, I've already trashed the house, laundry, life, etc!!!!!!!!!!!

I go back to work on Monday for a teacher workday, and husband has to work on SUNDAY-ugh! No daycare and I have 4 sets of writing to grade (still!)

I am trying to take a deep breath and just get over it all. Husband informed me last night that I have been in a slump and just moping around and "overwhelmed" for the past month. That was nice to know. Hmmmm, what is my deal?

I need to take some time to get things accomplished, then I will do a real post with lots of pictures!

I have set new WW goals and have to get back to planning menus and going grocery shopping. I also MUST do some workouts-but that is also by the wayside. RAH!

But, for right now, I'm not reading google reader or posting. I'm loving on Emma and trying to get shit done. Is this just a mommy thing that we go through? I did this before kids, but it didn't seem as bad or intense. Just that nagging feeling of not getting even the basics done. And I really haven't been on the computer either-I was feeling like I was neglecting you all and I miss our daily convos!

PS-like 18 people I know are pregnant right now! I am so excited for you all! Anyone else want to share some news??

I will be back soon! Don't give up on me! :D

Bleh~

Okay, I am about to just lay it out there. I need a bit of a pit-ay par-tay. I also need some advice or comments on how to get out of a friggin funk-I have been a slack ass with no motivation today. I have so much to do. So please tell me how you get out of your funky ass moods and how you get your motivation back. Puh-lease.

Allow me to make a list of all the shit I have to do (it helps my OCD ness):

*Laundry

*Tidy up the house

*Mani/Pedi/Wax

*Finish wrapping presents

*Pack all of our crap for the trip home

*Make a list of what to pack for the trip home

*Workout

*Go through Emma's clothes and pack up 0-3 months, and get out the 3-6 months

*More shit, I just can't think of it all right now because I have been up since 7.

I don't know why I'm tired, I practically haven't done shit all day. I had such big plans to get about half of that list accomplished today, but alas, somehow we didn't leave the house until about 1:00. We went to lunch at Chili's, hit up Babies R Us, and Home Depot. Last minute shopping and daily life stuff. And I've been stalking blogs, doing google reader, and checking email for the last 3 hours. I need a freaking time management class. This is why I am up till 11 and tired in the AM. For the love Susannah, get a grip. Ugh.

Okay, I feel slightly better. I have a plan for tomorrow.

My Plan:

*Get up at 7:30 (if Emma sleeps that late) and go to the gym

*Go get the mani/pedi/wax

*Finish laundry

*Make list for out of town

*Finish wrapping gifts

*Call maids to reschedule

I won't have to do a menu or grocery shopping since we are going out of town. That is so nice. So, my crap is all on the table. Somehow I feel better after having purged my BS lists and feelings on the topic.

Good Day Sir. And good night.