tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68498282194479370202024-03-14T09:29:48.278-04:00Shades of GrayJust the usual trials and tribulations of being a newlywedCarolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-68388014545223328482015-02-09T15:21:00.002-05:002015-04-07T08:56:15.747-04:00Reasons my child cries....<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you all ever seen those posts floating around from the Dad who documents all the ridiculous <a href="http://www.reasonsmysoniscrying.com/" target="_blank">and insane reasons why his son is crying?</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you haven't checked it out, you're missing out because it is some quality entertainment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Want to know what isn't quality entertainment? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dealing with your child's insanity during the ridiculous meltdown.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am not exaggerating when I say that I would prefer a root canal to dealing one with one of Brooks' bipolar meltdowns. The root canal is infinitely more relaxing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And they give you pain medicine to get through any unforeseen bumps/issues you might experience after the fact.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No one gives you any kind of medicine to deal w/ Toddler Meltdowns </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AND</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they're completely unpredictable. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At least with a root canal, you know what is fixing to happen. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me give you an example...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Exhibit A</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNirAfoH1OpKGhS42e-aiZIRG17RN-BXhTCYFdb8TXLdysVpcvjGdlxpSTzRoLBE2cOUoPSqmgtlTyNtLDYYZSEUOaB0IHPFlq42iVaOSmo61Y5XXy3POZggItU4OTNx99hUDSzU8ZVg/s1600/IMG_0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNirAfoH1OpKGhS42e-aiZIRG17RN-BXhTCYFdb8TXLdysVpcvjGdlxpSTzRoLBE2cOUoPSqmgtlTyNtLDYYZSEUOaB0IHPFlq42iVaOSmo61Y5XXy3POZggItU4OTNx99hUDSzU8ZVg/s1600/IMG_0654.JPG" height="640" width="448"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My, what a well behaved little man. So sweet, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 seconds later......</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRxlMey2kgwMj0Y3ABMa1EI26CA6wkvLKjpKBoXXSO0SbOB4FCxcdRe5wPXd-mERfBgFO55CaRR_SHU0xH4TsG7VhmcBDJ_KrWrms1B-0-mVmxVH1jo4vpUljh4fpJU4mJje6lS04cw4/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRxlMey2kgwMj0Y3ABMa1EI26CA6wkvLKjpKBoXXSO0SbOB4FCxcdRe5wPXd-mERfBgFO55CaRR_SHU0xH4TsG7VhmcBDJ_KrWrms1B-0-mVmxVH1jo4vpUljh4fpJU4mJje6lS04cw4/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG" height="640" width="480"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hell has apparently broken loose because we had the audacity to offer him an oreo blizzard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How DARE we interrupt his daily Bible Reading w/ a delicious frozen treat?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yall, I can't make this up. He really went insane over us trying to give him a blizzard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My child is clearly confused in life. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think the most insane part of trying to deal with such fits is that Kev and I are constantly trying to reason with him, which makes about as much sense as trying to teach my cat how to speak mandarin.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Exhibit B-<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOJ-0AaA3NXnSG8AM4kv1M3htoYc4wUW3pfBkQ7vF9dVppMRol9cmDDi91td6EKxxrgRz31k98lDdUXaCzziGpo9fvu6JFu9Z2xij6CvS_nQftjhrctXNxpz7NbZ6L8MYpCAGhyphenhyphen1RDX0/s640/blogger-image-1902676234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOJ-0AaA3NXnSG8AM4kv1M3htoYc4wUW3pfBkQ7vF9dVppMRol9cmDDi91td6EKxxrgRz31k98lDdUXaCzziGpo9fvu6JFu9Z2xij6CvS_nQftjhrctXNxpz7NbZ6L8MYpCAGhyphenhyphen1RDX0/s640/blogger-image-1902676234.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Homeboy started off pumped about his pasta. I mean, who doesn't love some homemade baked ziti? I know I do. I can straight crush Italian food at any hour of any day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not my child.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ohhhh no. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He acted offended by the fact that some of the cheese had melted together and formed (gasp!) a chunk of cheese. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Never mind the fact that Brooks asks for cheese at least 15 times per day. Every day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Exhibit C-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-SVTjqum0EJxLjwLSGaQfpvkcB-1KEgbz8Ny0MAo3yWg7u7Y-pdAH6-aOJtwoQNNU9q1532ZjhIRu56FTn2L8g_hfk8P_JZjLY23R-ID3ftDchrSd7q1tUc2PTkMUda7mD0PA7uMskM/s640/blogger-image--1599400507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-SVTjqum0EJxLjwLSGaQfpvkcB-1KEgbz8Ny0MAo3yWg7u7Y-pdAH6-aOJtwoQNNU9q1532ZjhIRu56FTn2L8g_hfk8P_JZjLY23R-ID3ftDchrSd7q1tUc2PTkMUda7mD0PA7uMskM/s640/blogger-image--1599400507.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Who doesn't insist on wallering in their clothes basket, which is full of clean laundry? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Why help my mom fold said laundry when I could just mean mug her for 20 straight minutes & refuse to move? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'll tell you why...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Because friends, that would be far to rational. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In order to be a toddler, you have to thrive on having little fear and ZERO remorse for every stunt you pull from sun up to sun down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, my best advice to alllllll soon-to-be parents and parents of infants:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1. Enjoy these non-mobile/non-verbal months while you can. Seriously, soak them up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2. Invest money into an area in your home where you can send your child. I know parenting books really push togetherness time & what not, but you NEED a place to send your kids when you're ready to jump out of a window.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3. Have your friends with kids on speed dial. Trust me, it's super comforting to be reassured that your child isn't a complete psycho path. And validation that you're still a decent parent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE-G0JY6q8XpHdlji_nr4dmf3XeZpUPQlYHfLpsskfWfiJJJi8_cIn2NfROVziZgb12l_DVzyOk9uX2lv2vopCqS8-0_6_xO0eljL5uv2mYDDVfpsWNjQK2tajfNgANlu-V3arZKNzdc/s640/blogger-image--261133136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE-G0JY6q8XpHdlji_nr4dmf3XeZpUPQlYHfLpsskfWfiJJJi8_cIn2NfROVziZgb12l_DVzyOk9uX2lv2vopCqS8-0_6_xO0eljL5uv2mYDDVfpsWNjQK2tajfNgANlu-V3arZKNzdc/s640/blogger-image--261133136.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mom friends = saving grace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">4. Stock up on wine. A lot of it :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-85994997913790851532015-01-21T09:13:00.000-05:002015-01-21T13:45:22.502-05:00Mickey Mouse Rehab<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I know, I've gone like 2 months with zero posts. I'd love to say I was busy with something super important, but the only thing I've been busy with (aside from work and the child) is reality tv. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Vanderpump Rules (btw- how much weight has Stassi gained since last season? And why does she go to Sur every day to visit her 2 friends? Get a job, sister) and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (Brandi needs some serious help. Holy disaster.) have been keeping me highly entertained. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc8ZHMUnMJckYFxMKPTQDFNB_kC-3dtNdmp3H-MRsWCk7whiI5NgkywD4yFOkX9EiLysFqbfu_hEea8VlquYg47CXGrdSIElXSXqnKFZwXmQ2hJld1lbBP_8wh4dOBqOIqWNc9mNxEEw/s1600/Vanderpump-Rules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc8ZHMUnMJckYFxMKPTQDFNB_kC-3dtNdmp3H-MRsWCk7whiI5NgkywD4yFOkX9EiLysFqbfu_hEea8VlquYg47CXGrdSIElXSXqnKFZwXmQ2hJld1lbBP_8wh4dOBqOIqWNc9mNxEEw/s1600/Vanderpump-Rules.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq01gqB5pKVNbvnoU8gEkyomZWXLfX2aZP7foGVe2TzSn2t4MfZF1-EpEQHL94DrqDf-0CVJxDfkZb4zcm1cz2eZACbk1uGIAiMWPmyJKhl7yPsP6d2dr73vp7vgN6k02rGxgWlcZsbRQ/s1600/250px-Housewives_of_Beverly_Hills_Cast_(2014).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq01gqB5pKVNbvnoU8gEkyomZWXLfX2aZP7foGVe2TzSn2t4MfZF1-EpEQHL94DrqDf-0CVJxDfkZb4zcm1cz2eZACbk1uGIAiMWPmyJKhl7yPsP6d2dr73vp7vgN6k02rGxgWlcZsbRQ/s1600/250px-Housewives_of_Beverly_Hills_Cast_(2014).png" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">So, obviously, Ive been suffering from a case of writer's block.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Until now.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">So we've already discussed my disdain for Mickey Mouse Club House, (If you're new to this blog, click <a href="http://adifferentshadeofgray.blogspot.com/2014/10/get-it-together-mickey.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to revisit.) but I think I failed to mention just <i>how insanely </i>obsessed my little guy actually is w/ Mickey Mouse.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwxM9hHalnh1OdDlUvv66qoUs4PbsndG2QpRAmRYpjEh1ggKBKvQsYNt8UM9oKub856kclyyo3NRT6f_geu0xMpnjk3zbBBPdjzGEiF2fxLEknHEGhM2P5kwttCYfrdtM7mMxb36NBoc/s1600/cp_FWB_MMCH_20120926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwxM9hHalnh1OdDlUvv66qoUs4PbsndG2QpRAmRYpjEh1ggKBKvQsYNt8UM9oKub856kclyyo3NRT6f_geu0xMpnjk3zbBBPdjzGEiF2fxLEknHEGhM2P5kwttCYfrdtM7mMxb36NBoc/s1600/cp_FWB_MMCH_20120926.jpg" height="142" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Well, to start, We may or may not have <b><i><u>102 episodes DVRed of Mickey Mouse</u></i></b> clubhouse (don't judge me- If im forced to endure Mickey's perpetual whiny voice and his lack of preparation for his adventures, you can bet your tail, I'm gonna at least have a variety to choose from.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">When Brooks wakes up in the morning, he yells, <i><b>"Mommy! Daddy! Mitty</b></i>? (His word for Mickey)." Like, really, Kid? He's the 3rd thing you think about when you wake up? Hell, I prefer him to go back to yelling for cookies vs mickey. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">In addition, homeboy has gone from politely asking for more Mickey to legi throwing the remote at us & saying "<i><b>More Mitty, Momma! GO! Goooo</b></i>! "</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Ummm, excuse me, sir. I will not stand for taking orders from a one year old. Hell to the no. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Needless to say, we created a Monster. And yes, it was 100% our fault bc we would let him watch Mickey any time we needed to get something done. (or just needed a parenting break. It gets exhausting) We also started using Mickey as a bribery tactic. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Its a bad habit to get in, but omg, negotiating with a Toddler is basically the same as negotiating with a terrorist at times. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRhV7SMEgvM3JjmDs2Fsu1sYTEEb3GyIoUudX1sXcBzBU4gBS9W-iH171MYEHrrMn8PvHWDAjnGDsJMi1FqUGqyG3K2OhA8VOT7GkbjSz74uysaEfCV5SUpNMEIZAvw4Pmc_ROF02pLE/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRhV7SMEgvM3JjmDs2Fsu1sYTEEb3GyIoUudX1sXcBzBU4gBS9W-iH171MYEHrrMn8PvHWDAjnGDsJMi1FqUGqyG3K2OhA8VOT7GkbjSz74uysaEfCV5SUpNMEIZAvw4Pmc_ROF02pLE/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't let that sweet face fool you. He knows exactly what he's doing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Sooooo, I decided it was time for an<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intervention</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">. </span>Yes, with a 19 month old. While we couldn't take it away entirely, Kev and i both recognized that we needed to set some major limitations. So, we decided to only allow him 2-3 Episodes per day. He gets one while we're getting ready for work in the morning. One when he gets home from school. And one when im cooking dinner.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">You would think that this would be relatively easy boundaries to set, right?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Uhhhh, wrong. I'm fairly certain that getting my Masters was easier than sticking to those rules.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Watching Brooks realize he didn't get endless Mickey episodes anymore was basically like watching an addict go through their first day of detox. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Lots of crying. Lots of stalking off. And lots of toy throwing</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i>**Side note- while dealing with his fits was stressful at times, it was also kind of hilarious. My little dude is clumsy as all get out. So when he would dramatically stalk off, he repeatedly either tripped on things or ran into doors. Call me a mean Mommy, but it was priceless entertainment.**</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">So, we started implementing this Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Rehab last Monday, and holy hell, I thought Friday was never gonna get here. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Legit, it was</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the.longest.week.ever. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Seriously. I used to think Finals Week was hard in College, but that stress looks like small potatoes compared to dealing with a toddler CONSTANTLY whining for Mickey Mouse Rehab from Sun up to Sun Down. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">I totally get how and why people crack under torture now. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIfUZHRu5__oid-9bu_0hSgp3wZqafbbN5plGD9MZvpXGri0YAJ1qTzC98x_w8X1IttUxWeAxZYdgjsvi9iTkcmaGgUfXFVyb33vENcYlTbzqdvna1aHZbI52Q4jszK1ZU6n5GTkav8w/s1600/IMG_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIfUZHRu5__oid-9bu_0hSgp3wZqafbbN5plGD9MZvpXGri0YAJ1qTzC98x_w8X1IttUxWeAxZYdgjsvi9iTkcmaGgUfXFVyb33vENcYlTbzqdvna1aHZbI52Q4jszK1ZU6n5GTkav8w/s1600/IMG_0545.JPG" height="400" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh hey, Mom. I'm gonna try to climb the blinds since you won't let me watch Mickey. Thats cool, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">It takes some serious stamina to resist giving in under that kind of duress. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">BUT</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">I am happy to report that Kev and I pulled together, like Band of Brothers style, and stuck it out all week.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">While we endured pure hell, something magical happened,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b>OUR MICKEY REHAB WORKED!!!</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">All of a sudden, little man quit asking for Mickey the minute he woke up.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The incessant whining for More Mickey as soon as a tv was turned on stopped.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Best of all?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">He quit stalking us around the house with a remote control because he knew we weren't gonna turn it on for him. <!-------><!-------><!-------><!-------><!-------><!-------></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Huge win.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i>I mean, Do you know how stressful it is to have a 1 year old trying to mess with a remote or Directv box during a UK basketball game? Holy. Awful. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Sooooo, I know it doesn't seem like much, but basically, I feel as though we deserve a trophy for winning this parenting battle. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">I mean, look at that face- I'm even confident that our Rehab Program didn't even scar him that badly, which is an added bonus!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYEajNh4uvRZI6IBbryB3buB8yn6QPEI1H4-f66wRaPDUB6fwwRAJJsGWtYGyy8lTJEMDnKKhaN0pwrPzHUSizNcAlJBJtmAtgWcZsvviIXBv2miqmmNLOBfQNX1UzFQ7rha_P5zS1vk/s1600/IMG_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYEajNh4uvRZI6IBbryB3buB8yn6QPEI1H4-f66wRaPDUB6fwwRAJJsGWtYGyy8lTJEMDnKKhaN0pwrPzHUSizNcAlJBJtmAtgWcZsvviIXBv2miqmmNLOBfQNX1UzFQ7rha_P5zS1vk/s1600/IMG_0570.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Okay, trophy might be a bit strong, but at least a gold star. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Okay, Okay, I might be reaching, but I will say this-</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>I definitely think we earned some major parenting Tiger Stripes during this ordeal, right?</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>So in my book, thats good for at least 1 bottle of wine :) </i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Well, until the next parenting battle arises... </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Yall have a great week!!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-57562732376311976132014-11-19T14:51:00.000-05:002014-11-19T14:51:21.220-05:00I confess....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, its been a hot minute since I've had a confession session blog post. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm honestly an open book, and will typically say whatever is on mind to anyone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, I do feel like the time has come to comment on my real feelings about a few things.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I confess...</span></b> I am utterly appalled by Kim K's newest selfie from behind. I mean, holy hell woman- you're a MOM now. GET IT TOGETHER, SISTER. I have no doubt that Baby North will be in therapy on a daily basis as an adult. I can't lie, I silently judge people when they tell me they still watch any Kardashian show. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqN8XoDkAS4dO7Yoy0SX6FciNiftjDJfK87TdOy3ebCo-OvYTMo0yMVgVbbO3N1Y9ngqf-fsgucvd_BLdcyIXfihjy2EJYOa0JxIVO6n28LYz6M4PIOrzRWpYdZuBya_tZ8-WTL92Tb0/s1600/images-128.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqN8XoDkAS4dO7Yoy0SX6FciNiftjDJfK87TdOy3ebCo-OvYTMo0yMVgVbbO3N1Y9ngqf-fsgucvd_BLdcyIXfihjy2EJYOa0JxIVO6n28LYz6M4PIOrzRWpYdZuBya_tZ8-WTL92Tb0/s320/images-128.jpeg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still think she looks like shes trying to tell the world that they should save her from the Kardashian Madness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>On the Flip Side...</i><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I confess... </span></b>I have no business judging anyone as far as reality shows go. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoljz8wTCMuSG3MRET2LTibdykaYSOJ4yOMLciBtGOSUEAW2EMo0ouy1RdUP8snojphYX1_-OjTNB4E8jB7OUEPHwqEKHiVPQjiqzvI-w-WIKl9yiUKzW5fDiaJMkOEFVjlB-d-LcYIr0/s1600/493px-Bravo_TV.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoljz8wTCMuSG3MRET2LTibdykaYSOJ4yOMLciBtGOSUEAW2EMo0ouy1RdUP8snojphYX1_-OjTNB4E8jB7OUEPHwqEKHiVPQjiqzvI-w-WIKl9yiUKzW5fDiaJMkOEFVjlB-d-LcYIr0/s320/493px-Bravo_TV.svg.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>My addiction to Bravo's reality shows are at an all time high. Below Deck? Vanderpump Rules? Every City of Real Housewives? COUNT. ME. IN. </i><br />
<i>I can't get enough. Its so pathetic.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i></i><br />
<div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>I confess...I think #hashtagginghasgottenoutofcontrol</i></b></span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><i>It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if we all took a step back from having the need to put hashtags on things. </i></i></div>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><i><br /></i></i></div>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><i><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/57dzaMaouXA" width="560"></iframe></i></i></div>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>In addition, I confess...</b></span> I don't understand the new fad of hashtags in regards to people's own kids. Seriously. I don't get it. If someone could explain it to me, that would be great because as it stands, it makes no sense to me. Your child is never going to be a trending topic on any facet of social media. Aside from Prince George or North West, has any other non-celeb baby ever trended? Didn't think so. Maybe I'm missing something, but I can promise you that I'll never caption anything with #BrooksGray. (Unless he wins a Nobel Peace Prize, gets drafted to a Pro Sports Team, or something of that nature. I'm clearly not holding my breath of either event...)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">I confess... </b><span style="font-style: italic;">my nails look like they belong to a homeless person. Like, my one year old son's nails look better than mine. Truth be told, I hate manicures with a passion. I can't sit still long enough for them, and the nail people always wind up yelling at me. </span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvcPNc1lhsjeEaVXusg0PN09MAp1WtSLf7xhLcfP5OrY0cRHKIkKRXSnyz9aCjsnZF8ROOVs3YRptkBzcUeNX54KkiBBxCs0LscqXthyphenhyphenKX2MkZoOGJIuEB_sgGryHloyxtzbs_3aJe4c/s1600/woman-getting-manicure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvcPNc1lhsjeEaVXusg0PN09MAp1WtSLf7xhLcfP5OrY0cRHKIkKRXSnyz9aCjsnZF8ROOVs3YRptkBzcUeNX54KkiBBxCs0LscqXthyphenhyphenKX2MkZoOGJIuEB_sgGryHloyxtzbs_3aJe4c/s400/woman-getting-manicure.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-style: italic;">I can't take stress like that. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I confess...</span></b>I despise when <u>childless</u> people ask if Baby #2 is coming soon. Brooks isn't even 18 months yet. Calm your sh*t down. Why don't you just worry about your own first baby before heckling me about having a second? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVIs5o5_PeEV__8etO6ngYQ3M7ZaBkhs4lIpOBP_WiNcVTZJ2k7lsgisFbqZvYewxSIKtbcDXOz36h-SJLEW07JieWPY48ndXM9STAqB6VaVbYBmJs7daey-n9rHEexJnjA3Vfi12fz8/s1600/8162947d125d87777583b0bd1379761a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVIs5o5_PeEV__8etO6ngYQ3M7ZaBkhs4lIpOBP_WiNcVTZJ2k7lsgisFbqZvYewxSIKtbcDXOz36h-SJLEW07JieWPY48ndXM9STAqB6VaVbYBmJs7daey-n9rHEexJnjA3Vfi12fz8/s400/8162947d125d87777583b0bd1379761a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I confess... </span></b>I am completely obsessed with Christmas this year. Like, I'm well over half way down with buying presents and I am literally DYING to put our tree up. Oh & I'm slightly hell bent on buying Brooks the most ridiculous gift ever from <strike>us </strike> I mean, Santa. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJZIBn_Nt5PAo0rz2_HcsKfsbKUjZ2BQQi0jgO18-etzISnpIRYRlTTGeK6KEfOM3LmC_lqsJT4i4ynjBrK0iVrO5ykDYfNhaaNIXUhafcr5UrmTJsMWWzVG15sNlPSkVaA2IEaosMn0/s1600/CFhighlandsclimber400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJZIBn_Nt5PAo0rz2_HcsKfsbKUjZ2BQQi0jgO18-etzISnpIRYRlTTGeK6KEfOM3LmC_lqsJT4i4ynjBrK0iVrO5ykDYfNhaaNIXUhafcr5UrmTJsMWWzVG15sNlPSkVaA2IEaosMn0/s400/CFhighlandsclimber400.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin has already banned me from buying this little number. Granted, it might mess up the living room decor a bit, but I mean, isn't it worth it to make my child happy?? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OH... And I confess... </span></b>I might already be listening to MixMas. On a daily basis. And singing along at the top of my lungs.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSN2UlDwmbCtjTRNd2Pj96c6jQ_sUWuyDgFC31kvVWMV_6lKecQFMKqQse79eXm8osBE7g9AuuuRV2uaXZN2p6O1el0m5JP7c7IiwSAH5ei-a6n4CoxsoHlsej4dNrxaAQ7WKtgCwmo4/s1600/thumbNew.php.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSN2UlDwmbCtjTRNd2Pj96c6jQ_sUWuyDgFC31kvVWMV_6lKecQFMKqQse79eXm8osBE7g9AuuuRV2uaXZN2p6O1el0m5JP7c7IiwSAH5ei-a6n4CoxsoHlsej4dNrxaAQ7WKtgCwmo4/s400/thumbNew.php.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i> Dont judge me, you Scrooges. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I confess... </span></b>It drives me insane to hear people plan their pregnancies around social events. I totally understand if you try (key word is TRY bc planning a pregnancy is like trying to predict the weather- aka it can be impossible) to time it to where its a better fit for your work schedule or if you're worried about job security, etc. However, if you're waiting to get pregnant because you want to drink at a certain upcoming event (A big birthday, the NCAA Tournament, a fancy trip, etc), chances are you aren't ready for a child. At all. Grow up, Peter Pan. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdltYGdnxhP44o8fukCqIbaL3ABttwtkaCqS24kHwOD8lOmKNsiBJBCk0OmTVsfq2SAQGFCGiE35GJIMs3IuuTHIaF01NX8OVLdwnuvSrD7KPAa_-zfOZCQ8KkXSCiAZRYdL5kVPRvkyk/s1600/Peter_Pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdltYGdnxhP44o8fukCqIbaL3ABttwtkaCqS24kHwOD8lOmKNsiBJBCk0OmTVsfq2SAQGFCGiE35GJIMs3IuuTHIaF01NX8OVLdwnuvSrD7KPAa_-zfOZCQ8KkXSCiAZRYdL5kVPRvkyk/s640/Peter_Pan.jpg" width="521" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I confess...</span></b> it slightly hurts my feelings when Brooks repeatedly yells "GO, MOMMY!!," and then proceeds to bring me his shoes & lunch box on the weekends. I'm clearly not fun enough for my child these days. Maybe he heard I've been talking smack about his boy, Mickey Mouse? hmmmm :)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVFmwjW2eRVJFc04DIImqnv9hyq6kCFSm8rumkyp6NXYKRLk7-XCUQXxdmzcrqEqdCVW8JZeK_FzE4Mdt1CIqTmteRkADcmzrxEJd07xcQzjb19NtHcKJgOI06sA2S3J6Kjaryp7-kAw/s1600/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVFmwjW2eRVJFc04DIImqnv9hyq6kCFSm8rumkyp6NXYKRLk7-XCUQXxdmzcrqEqdCVW8JZeK_FzE4Mdt1CIqTmteRkADcmzrxEJd07xcQzjb19NtHcKJgOI06sA2S3J6Kjaryp7-kAw/s640/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Subtle much?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(Brace Yourself, Kevin) --- I confess... </span></b>While I LOVE all things UK & I definitely pulled for the Cats last weekend as they got crushed by the UT Vols, I can never get enough of Rocky Top. Lets be honest- It is definitely the catchiest Fight Song in ALL of College Sports. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NhsEqOdx8Tk" width="560"></iframe></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Don't act like you've never found yourself randomly singing it from time to time :) </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Shew. Huge weight off my shoulders with that last one. </i><br />
<i>I feel so cleansed. Ha!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Okay, yall... that about does it for me. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Hope youre having a great week :)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-56799589620976479572014-11-04T08:54:00.000-05:002014-11-04T08:54:00.505-05:00Halloween with a Toddler<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll admit it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I totally glorified Halloween in my head.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had these illusions that Brooks, Kevin, and I would be strolling through our neighborhood, hand in hand, visiting with all of our fav neighbors. We would also get some quality family pictures that would be IDEAL baby book material.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, I never took in the account ANY of the following...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>1. The weather forecast</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Rookie move. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpbkpeIQsEdA0kMi4Vx1XpXnOclYhkSEbEnoRyAEJPes7kr0TelNmFixmZZyh9pkJ3lNfZ47BWnBLdAGmBupEMOBK8Yz0xhteAvWayhyU-oewvCg_1NclBtQYO3wsjr8pp9brDEAr750/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpbkpeIQsEdA0kMi4Vx1XpXnOclYhkSEbEnoRyAEJPes7kr0TelNmFixmZZyh9pkJ3lNfZ47BWnBLdAGmBupEMOBK8Yz0xhteAvWayhyU-oewvCg_1NclBtQYO3wsjr8pp9brDEAr750/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Of course it was the coldest Halloween we've had in 18 years, complete with a lovely rain & sleet mix. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>PERFECT weather for a 16 month old, who walks around like a drunk sailor 90% of the time, to clomp around in, right?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Furthermore, romping around in 28 degrees is 110% miserable for a parent too. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Why on Earth Kevin & I didn't think to take <strike>cocktails </strike> Hot Chocolate with us was a <u><b>huge </b></u><b><u>fail</u></b>.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thats obviously the only way to get through such an event. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>No wonder all of the other parents looked so happy & calm as they accompanied their children around our neighborhood. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hmmmm...I wonder if thats how my parents dealt with the craziness of Halloween all of those years? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>2. I love his costume, but does Brooks?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Well, HELLLLLL NO, he didn't like his costume. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>What land of delusion was I living in, thinking that he was gonna be thrilled to wear massive Mickey Mouse ears all night? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>EARTH TO CAROLINE. Homeboy will barely keep a hat on in 20 degree weather, let alone a headband with Mouse Ears. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I also didn't take into consideration that drawing a black mouse nose on the child would take an act of Congress to accomplish.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Once again, another clown move on my part- little man doesn't sit still for more than 2 minutes ever, so why I thought it would be easy to draw something on his face is beyond me. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Heres a pic, pre-Mouse nose....</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>He's still decently happy, right? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3arwS1JTx8RlmVcTjF7Re8WodG23DV6fC-h8HNlvUucwitk3-63IF6kPb_tdifUw40ao2qCd0DrReMfcHWoV7kPMVHQCeX48ImPS4rbiyyO3fmfo0T5VyrLfEmaavn9qvPIWelsBBDD8/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3arwS1JTx8RlmVcTjF7Re8WodG23DV6fC-h8HNlvUucwitk3-63IF6kPb_tdifUw40ao2qCd0DrReMfcHWoV7kPMVHQCeX48ImPS4rbiyyO3fmfo0T5VyrLfEmaavn9qvPIWelsBBDD8/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" height="640" width="356" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's post Mouse nose....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE_UoeUaz_s3Fr_h6nc05RF3L6tancThkOkVmbbZM0gtUfZ0iv1TOkN9hs_8d7f5E8qxPvO8f742atElhVir9ur6E19sWcgmBu2e1CFzkz4f_CUhyphenhyphenSv-eZVhAGfDJ2POI4nzai_BOGpk/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE_UoeUaz_s3Fr_h6nc05RF3L6tancThkOkVmbbZM0gtUfZ0iv1TOkN9hs_8d7f5E8qxPvO8f742atElhVir9ur6E19sWcgmBu2e1CFzkz4f_CUhyphenhyphenSv-eZVhAGfDJ2POI4nzai_BOGpk/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Holy Hell, attitude. The nose clearly cramped his style. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Yall would have thought we were strangling him, given how loud & dramatic his screams were.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>3. We were gonna wind up with the CUTEST family Halloween pics ever.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Once again, my little fantasy world completely got the best of me with that unattainable thought.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It is damn near impossible to get a great picture of Brooks on a normal day. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Add in a full costume, a sugar high from candy, AND the door bell ringing constantly?</i><br />
<i>Trifecta of Terrible. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lets put it like this... </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Kev & I have a better chance of winning America's Next Top Model, Couples Edition vs. getting a fabulous family picture with everyone smiling at the same time.</i><br />
<i>Not to mention the fact that by the time all the festivities were over, I felt like I had run a flipping marathon. </i><br />
<i>Between working that day, buying candy, fixing dinner, wrestling his wild tail into his costume, and rushing him to the neighbors homes before we got soaked, it's kind of a miracle that I was still able to keep my eyes open & my makeup hadn't totally gone to hell in a handbag.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsGtTtXtp-h7m4ZuprLJ4lKyzpDlTAYEOFiN0QomtAHj-TzP-wW-ztf0irlJq7aI3PLaKrT5VSD8RxkHc1OzXFT46GfLHb2Z9Utym9qKmyv3j9qrX9G9Vazh39a4yuVIBnC83wJ18K5c/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsGtTtXtp-h7m4ZuprLJ4lKyzpDlTAYEOFiN0QomtAHj-TzP-wW-ztf0irlJq7aI3PLaKrT5VSD8RxkHc1OzXFT46GfLHb2Z9Utym9qKmyv3j9qrX9G9Vazh39a4yuVIBnC83wJ18K5c/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>The only halfway decent picture we were able to get was accomplished by bribing Brooks with a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode and Marshmellows.</i><br />
<i>Don't judge me. </i><br />
<i>In all honesty, I'd tap dance in a Mickey Costume, while juggling flaming batons, if I thought it would make Brooks smile for any length of time & we could get a quality picture.</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>On the flip side......</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Halloween wasn't a total waste.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-Brooks LOVED watching all of the Trick or Treaters come to our door. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-He would get sooooo excited to hear the door bell ring/knocking, and then he LOVED putting candy in their treat buckets. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(Brooks might have also tried to ditch us & run after some of the kids that were wearing cool costumes at various points throughout the night. While I tried to tell him that his moves were slightly stalkerish, I can't say I blame him. Those Duck Dynasty outfits were pretty legit.</i>)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-He also got a huge kick out of putting the Mickey Mouse Ears on EVERYONE, but himself.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNxhdERtcMDh7kymurKxon6EYE9c48oKMHvyRl7gSSrDe9KezHEULPQaDpTq1gDmMx_taCUlgIcLHnchMk9n0SM36uGRQ3neavH_hdoVr-8mT807aUEpWNQp8VNP_sr8euxXyJKSaJ9A/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNxhdERtcMDh7kymurKxon6EYE9c48oKMHvyRl7gSSrDe9KezHEULPQaDpTq1gDmMx_taCUlgIcLHnchMk9n0SM36uGRQ3neavH_hdoVr-8mT807aUEpWNQp8VNP_sr8euxXyJKSaJ9A/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickey's Ears on Papaw? Obviously, its hilarious. On Brooks? Pure Torture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lesson Learned as far as Holidays go with a Toddler</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I need to set my expectations REALLLLLLLYYYYYY low from here on out.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>That way, anything that actually DOES go smoothly will be an added bonus :)</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, Hope yall alllll had a great Halloween & fabulous weekend! XOXO</div>
<!----solid--></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-16585083605114617582014-10-26T19:26:00.000-04:002014-10-26T20:18:44.883-04:00Get it together, Mickey<div style="text-align: center;">
I would honestly love to know how many times I've already eaten my words since Kevin & I became parents.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Actually, probably not.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of my most notable proclamations have been the following:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"My child WILL only eat healthy foods."</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Bahahahaha. My child has an obsession with cheese & cookies. Legit, one of his first words has been "Cookie." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wj_qMCWCT4I" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>Exhibit A.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Maybe its because I straight dominated a pack of Keebler Elf Double-stuffed Cookies every other day when I was pregnant. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>**Mental note for next time around, eat more carrots. Yep. Only snacking on veggies & nuts. And peanut butter, since its technically made from nuts. Nutella basically fits in that same category too, right?** </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"I refuse to let my child play with my iPhone."</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Okay, I really did try hard with this one. But lets face it: an object that lights up all pretty, plays music, takes pictures, AND it allows you to see your Grandparents & cousins? </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6Zohp4T18G4pYab5VIuJpU1UrvXqFqoJY1Kx2lsg0h94GlC_l3Ai3TN7ruA2gSJ32y4kJOIxlCeOhm4xGUXYWJ1yB2wu5GbSxJwErC1iGGSd3Y2h3ny1qKyq0s65QQ0wo9NXG9QCdeE/s1600/photo-282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6Zohp4T18G4pYab5VIuJpU1UrvXqFqoJY1Kx2lsg0h94GlC_l3Ai3TN7ruA2gSJ32y4kJOIxlCeOhm4xGUXYWJ1yB2wu5GbSxJwErC1iGGSd3Y2h3ny1qKyq0s65QQ0wo9NXG9QCdeE/s1600/photo-282.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooks clearly loves a good selfie. Ha.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I had an uphill & virtually impossible battle to win w/ it. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I really do only let him have it to play with this <strike>super annoying </strike> highly educational Fisher Price Alphabet app. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank God, he hasn't realized that he can watch cartoons on it yet. <-- u=""> Yet<!------></--></i></div>
<!------><i>being the key word in that sentence. </i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Speaking of cartoons...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>" I wish Brooks would find a cute tv show he liked so I could get some work done."</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Famous.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Last.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Words.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ohhh, Brooks finally found a tv show he likes. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Actually, I wouldn't say he just "likes" it. A more accurate description is that he is OBSESSED with it.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Enter: "MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4W6LvLPI2uFIkiJr4X4mUZPPFz48hFK8EuMChFx-Z8gjl3Pj_iCi2j9yMQf5nUFcHuI4vqq1DbL4QRUqlGx-MOXYVayLSk7lf0CImwg-HhydtH529xoJXQq3l03KMnMip0R631BxQaQ/s1600/images-123.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4W6LvLPI2uFIkiJr4X4mUZPPFz48hFK8EuMChFx-Z8gjl3Pj_iCi2j9yMQf5nUFcHuI4vqq1DbL4QRUqlGx-MOXYVayLSk7lf0CImwg-HhydtH529xoJXQq3l03KMnMip0R631BxQaQ/s1600/images-123.jpeg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Enter: "Caroline & Kevin's personal hell."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Enter: "I want to punch Mickey's face in."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Yall, after watching 345875630340 episodes, I have sooooo much rage against this show.<br />
<br />
<b>For starters, why does Mickey never come prepared for any of his adventures? </b><br />
I mean, instead of packing necessities for his shennanigans, he relies on his buddy, <b>Toodles</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrg226h2FDkmk7eg9g00cVsEk0n3Dq8fltAILjmU6fCqEFI1YHrRVI3hyvPHnLK3rRzH5ATOgO4k1CeyNlLuTpzJMBubiqen4GDAHDjTmTfsCo8AzWAjACE5oPjDg3MxLZSEejbDUgyL8/s1600/images-124.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrg226h2FDkmk7eg9g00cVsEk0n3Dq8fltAILjmU6fCqEFI1YHrRVI3hyvPHnLK3rRzH5ATOgO4k1CeyNlLuTpzJMBubiqen4GDAHDjTmTfsCo8AzWAjACE5oPjDg3MxLZSEejbDUgyL8/s1600/images-124.jpeg" height="320" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Toodles, who is clearly the only one at the Clubhouse with any damn sense, is expected to be at Mickeys beckon call AND cart around anything and everything for Mickey and his pals.<br />
<b>The worst part??</b><br />
Poor Toodles doesn't even get to hang out with Mickey & his gang. Once he delivers the necessary tool to help Mickey out, he is then banished back into the scenery.<br />
<b>Mickey needs to get his head OUT of his tail, and start appreciating all that Toodles brings to the table. Without Toodles, there would be no adventures. </b><br />
OR, Wait....<br />
<b>Toodles just needs to grow a backbone & quit being Mickey's servant. Poor guy. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Also, why is Donald sooooo flipping grumpy in every episode?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FZelGc2FOOt6k15cNGAciDCkuD3pnH6MZL02i2B_CPAVX7AbeumkrSdGKz1XSwwhmWfLu4sE0GhyphenhyphenY1LmioCavu-FLDYjv_ktKFurno6mqFCEQdTfDD8QzRaPtfXjxIOgX81RAO42OOg/s1600/images-126.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FZelGc2FOOt6k15cNGAciDCkuD3pnH6MZL02i2B_CPAVX7AbeumkrSdGKz1XSwwhmWfLu4sE0GhyphenhyphenY1LmioCavu-FLDYjv_ktKFurno6mqFCEQdTfDD8QzRaPtfXjxIOgX81RAO42OOg/s1600/images-126.jpeg" height="320" width="269" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
I mean, homeboy landed Daisy, who is seriously a catch. She's a super sassy dresser & is way less whiny than Minnie Mouse.<br />
<b>Donald, </b>you should be counting your lucky stars that your posse continues to puts up with you, given your bad attitude. (Once again, Poor Toodles. They let Donald the Downer participate in every adventure, but not him. Awesome set of friends.)<br />
<br />
<b>Other than Pete, why does the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Crew think its cool to follow Mickey along on every adventure? </b><br />
Seriously. I really wish that one character would stand up to Mickey, and be like "Mickey, this adventure is a truly god-awful idea, and I'm not going. Peace out."<br />
But noooooo. Instead, they follow the underprepared Mickey wherever he wants to go.<br />
I guess the writers parents never taught them the whole "If all of your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?" concept.<br />
Once again, huge fail on Disney's part.<br />
<br />
<b>Another thing, why is Pete ALWAYS the villian? And furthermore, I think its a baddddd message to send to kids that the plump/husky character is the bad guy. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6kw4l0qy-gvvl3Bxoz82DvGr2MZNWZKPsq_pMTqc5L3O12v3HtBVvE3Fk2ik0tS5ONjOMLKhrfoj05st42dy7dBUJ9Uvo89fWGs5L-B7v3np1qdV2rzTqLWnJ8lFX3jixU3nI72zbuU/s1600/images-125.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6kw4l0qy-gvvl3Bxoz82DvGr2MZNWZKPsq_pMTqc5L3O12v3HtBVvE3Fk2ik0tS5ONjOMLKhrfoj05st42dy7dBUJ9Uvo89fWGs5L-B7v3np1qdV2rzTqLWnJ8lFX3jixU3nI72zbuU/s1600/images-125.jpeg" height="320" width="196" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Way to go, Disney. Lets have small children associate being plump with being bad/evil. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Along with Toodles, I think Pete is the smartest character on the show. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not only does he march to the beat of his own drummer, he's one hell of an entrepreneur. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He's always finding ways to make that cash money, and turn a profit from whatever ridiculous adventure Mickey puts himself in. Last I checked, Mickey is unemployed and continues to live rent free in his clubhouse. Talk about entitled. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pete is a straight hustler compared to Mickey Mouse. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Once again, way to go, Disney. Awesome message to send to our children. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>And finally, the worst 2 parts......</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>1. I'm clearly entirely too invested in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, seeing how I've had time to thoroughly dissect every character and plotline. This is what happens when you have 43 episodes recorded on your DVR. (Pleaseeeee God, let nothing happen to erase those bad boys)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>2. Lord knows we'll probably have another 40+ episodes recorded before its all said and done. Brooks is obsessed with ole Mickey, so that show will continue to dominate our DVR until the next thing comes along (which lets hope is veeerrrry soon!). It is truly amazing the things you will do to keep your child happy. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, all of you expectant parents out there, just be cautious about what you wish for/make proclamations about as it relates to kids or parenting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can promise you that you'll wind up eating your words 90000 times, just like we have :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hope yall have a great week!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-19142311082226887762014-09-24T09:04:00.000-04:002014-09-24T09:04:00.298-04:00The Never Ending Questions + Some Easy Recipes<div style="text-align: center;">
For those of you who haven't had a child yet, be prepared for a vast amount of random (& somewhat intrusive) questions that occur LOOONNNGGG after you bring home that sweet bundle of joy. Like, my child is 15 months old, and I still get them from people all. of. the. time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some prime examples:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Sooo, like, does he sleep through the night? Do you sleep?"</span> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Note, this question occurs 1234890382 times from the time they are born until...? Oh wait, I still get it on a regular basis. </i></b><br />
<b><i>So, let me disprove the myth regarding getting no sleep being a 1st time parent:</i></b><br />
<b><i> I actually get more sleep now than I ever have. Brooks slept through the night at 6-7 weeks, and has slept great ever since. </i></b><br />
<b><i>(Yes, we followed the Babywise schedule. I know people have differing opinions about Babywise, and it def. doesn't work for everyone, but it did work for us. </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"What can he do right now?"</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Lets see... he's become fluent in French, earned his Black Belt in Karate, and dunk the basketball like Demarcus Cousins. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Bahahahaha, yeah, right. </i></b><br />
<b><i> Ummm, honestly, its pretty anticlimactic until they hit around 6 months, so if people try to claim their child is some rockstar before then- <u>Newsflash: they are LYING to you</u>. After 6 months, the milestones come at you 90000 miles per hour.</i></b><br />
<b><i>And by milestones, I mean, crawling, saying their first words, walking, etc. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Refer to the picture below to gauge their talent level at 15 months.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fqowm25UUbM9ser2-Khim3Kf3NJ5u74nFkEVa_Ru3GzYjH0Q606IQv83h9aqrAW7L3PNQdF9jbV9gTiEifXPPCqjpC2rn8R-UU2EJPy_p8vfRv6kIRHJR6Gd1LaWaTNaNx4LzbhngxE/s1600/photo-277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fqowm25UUbM9ser2-Khim3Kf3NJ5u74nFkEVa_Ru3GzYjH0Q606IQv83h9aqrAW7L3PNQdF9jbV9gTiEifXPPCqjpC2rn8R-UU2EJPy_p8vfRv6kIRHJR6Gd1LaWaTNaNx4LzbhngxE/s1600/photo-277.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>I mean, the child is clearly gifted, right? Just look at those mad crafting skills. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Bahahahahaha. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, here's question that I have gotten <i><b>repeatedly</b></i> and I honestly didn't anticipate getting asked this at all...<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>"I bet you don't cook anymore, do you?"</b></span><br />
<br />
Seriously, people ask me this all the time (along with how long it took me to get off the baby weight, but thats a post for another time), and I find the question so incredibly weird.<br />
I'm unsure if people assume that when you have a child, you just have absolutely no time to do anything but tend to them, or what? Or maybe they think that you stop cooking normal food & replace it with baby/kid food?<br />
<br />
Those are the only things I can piece together, because otherwise, I'm not sure how being a new Mother & not cooking on a regular basis correlate?<br />
Maybe I'm missing something :)<br />
<br />
But to answer that question,<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">YES, I do still cook 4-5 nights per week. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Honestly, I find it just as therapeutic as I always have. For me, working out & cooking are the two things that make me feel like I have some control in my life.<br />
Now, I know not everyone feels that way, which is absolutely fine. I don't judge.<br />
I'm a firm believer that people have to do what works for them.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*Side note: I will say that it has absolutely blown my mind when people get an attitude and/or get defensive about eating out, <b>AFTER</b> they ask me how often I cook for my family. </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Listen peaches, if you don't want to know the answer, then don't ask the question :)*</span></i><br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Believe you me, I'm not trying to be Martha Stewart over here. </span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I just really like to eat :)</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPH7mwyZz-cpaMCTDfCeeaqN9vyIij7h11kkY8sZQ_U8kSw_43vQ7wuA7HzCG3NF5XZfwY9zPeh25UFDgbOMG_vbPWaxOsxmsIEIg0MPIPml0hcuZLjys9BgStJF-WGGjg07Whh71d-g/s1600/photo-279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPH7mwyZz-cpaMCTDfCeeaqN9vyIij7h11kkY8sZQ_U8kSw_43vQ7wuA7HzCG3NF5XZfwY9zPeh25UFDgbOMG_vbPWaxOsxmsIEIg0MPIPml0hcuZLjys9BgStJF-WGGjg07Whh71d-g/s1600/photo-279.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My happiness in this picture is a perfect example about why I will never be a size zero again, and why I have to work out on a super regular basis :) </div>
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
To break it down even more, I honestly just find solace in the kitchen. I've said this before in another post, but I actually cook in complete silence. No tv shows, no radio, no podcasts, etc.<br />
I <i style="font-weight: bold;">neeeeeed </i> that time to unwind every day after work.<br />
<br />
<b>Also, nothing delights me more than creating a fabulous meal to share with my little family of 3. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, if you do enjoy cooking, here are a few simple recipes that my family can't get enough of lately......</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Kentucky Hot Brown</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL2v3wvan8Yz713Zh0UtR8-PfxWWSBR3Gs313xBpePxAHMCZ-D-hhD6uhfH4dNlL9GW-w6PP-qz5B2c4qQ4i5TeAtKOyffsumdRs0eHvtuhbnNZRJYCVNVRiooU1QEADyKVtNtDlSJUo/s1600/photo-280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL2v3wvan8Yz713Zh0UtR8-PfxWWSBR3Gs313xBpePxAHMCZ-D-hhD6uhfH4dNlL9GW-w6PP-qz5B2c4qQ4i5TeAtKOyffsumdRs0eHvtuhbnNZRJYCVNVRiooU1QEADyKVtNtDlSJUo/s1600/photo-280.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>INGREDIENTS</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-2 cups milk</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-2-3 tablespoons of butter</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1/4 cup flour</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1/4 cup diced onion</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1/2 tsp. salt & pepper</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1/2 tsp. Worcestershire</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1/2 cup cheddar cheese</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1/4 cup parmesan cheese + Extra for topping</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Dash of Paprika</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Cayenne Pepper to taste</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-2 Pieces of toasted Bread per plate</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-3-4 pieces of sliced turkey per plate</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-3-5 pieces of cooked bacon</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1 sliced tomato</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>INSTRUCTIONS</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Cheese Sauce:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-In skillet, Melt butter on medium heat, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Quickly add in milk & continue to whisk & cook on medium heat until it becomes thick/bubbly.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Add cheeses, onion, salt & pepper, worcestershire, & paprika.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Whisk until mixed thoroughly. Keep warm on low.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-For each individual plate: Layer toasted bread, then turkey slices, then cheese sauce. Top with tomato, bacon pieces, parmesan, and paprika.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-BROIL on HIGH until cheese is bubbly--> Should take 3-6 mins.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Serve on hot pads & enjoy :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmN1n_W7HVf90eIGdOpjhJg_PPYWMdnhKIkgNwT0_khW1wlhlYzJXArvRr8B42nPwBMCnQN0Eg5EoX5mFXXKLLMOo58VpCWV16tuniOMxIepOSP6dPGlud_Q-egh8iKC5aKA9vs30UCY/s1600/photo-281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmN1n_W7HVf90eIGdOpjhJg_PPYWMdnhKIkgNwT0_khW1wlhlYzJXArvRr8B42nPwBMCnQN0Eg5EoX5mFXXKLLMOo58VpCWV16tuniOMxIepOSP6dPGlud_Q-egh8iKC5aKA9vs30UCY/s1600/photo-281.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>INGREDIENTS</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1.5 lbs of cooked chicken, shredded</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-2 tablespoons butter</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1 onion, chopped fine</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1 can rotel</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1 can of black beans</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1 can of mexican corn</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1 large box of Chicken Broth</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-2-3 tablespoons of Taco Seasoning</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-1 package of low-fat cream cheese</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-(optional:Tortilla chips, sour cream, cheddar cheese)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>INSTRUCTIONS</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Sautee onion in butter in large stock pot, until onion becomes clear in color</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Then mix in the rotel, black beans, corn, chicken broth.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Add in taco seasoning.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Stir in cream cheese.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Serve when cream cheese is completely melted.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>-Top with fav taco toppings, if desired :)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Both of those little numbers take less than 30 mins to prepare, and they are both delish!</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> So if you work full time, like me, those types of meals are ideal on week nights :)</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'll be sure to share some more of our favs soon- I'd actually planned on putting some more in this post, but if I don't get my tail in gear, my family won't have their dinner until 9pm tonight :)</span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hope yall are having a great week!</span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-68971812670586850662014-09-15T21:51:00.002-04:002014-09-15T21:51:50.248-04:00Back in the Saddle<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Guess who's back? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.........</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Back again :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Please say you just sang those 2 sentences in your head, Eminem-style. Nothing would delight me more.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yeah, soooo its only taken me well over a year to feel like I have enough time to blog again, but who's really counting? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Between coping with the first year of parenthood, having numerous changes occur within my job that required a ton of learning, time, & attention, I constantly feel like I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I kept thinking I'd come back to blogging as soon as life slowed down for a hot minute. But, that has never seemed to happen. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, I realize something recently....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>THIS IS MY NORMAL NOW</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbUw-PiWYhIqDmclY5NC7pPYyNdDgpjCYduJrGIlJnHOf_r48kuqiDQtiP9jQ834d3_OHqTejZoUY8Re5a5YKwrCLwkOVpOrtuMVYVjRwpzdKW81bpa3Nw1qsX373vBGkTfPb-J9MQdE/s1600/photo-8.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbUw-PiWYhIqDmclY5NC7pPYyNdDgpjCYduJrGIlJnHOf_r48kuqiDQtiP9jQ834d3_OHqTejZoUY8Re5a5YKwrCLwkOVpOrtuMVYVjRwpzdKW81bpa3Nw1qsX373vBGkTfPb-J9MQdE/s1600/photo-8.PNG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And I'm 110% okay with that because I am one #blessed girl.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I should probably throw a disclaimer out about how incredibly deceiving that picture is...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It looks like Kevin and I have it pretty together, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Uhhhh. We totally do! About 25% of the time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The other 75% of the time, we have no idea what we're doing with little man and are just trying to keep our heads above water.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But we get through it together, utilizing equal parts humor <strike>and wine. </strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strike><br /></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7Zym8r0PYN3AG21Wv70Y4U0anQMSrUxS4uL1tZvQeLdqi6fFbBff4OnALMwzLjdg3DTk4R2SigA39LMfuEphcVBTPCZk04kh7teY_g38tbHSPgTznhHb5JBME4bZvMX_mt6x45ebEdw/s1600/photo-274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7Zym8r0PYN3AG21Wv70Y4U0anQMSrUxS4uL1tZvQeLdqi6fFbBff4OnALMwzLjdg3DTk4R2SigA39LMfuEphcVBTPCZk04kh7teY_g38tbHSPgTznhHb5JBME4bZvMX_mt6x45ebEdw/s1600/photo-274.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Yes, we did take a child-free vacation to Sonoma when Brooks was 8 months old. Don't judge me :) It was worth every penny to have uninterrupted adult time for 5 straight days. Some call it selfish to take vacations without your kids... I call it "a reclaim on your personal sanity.")</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o64NaxSENnKxZIIU2lpo1pdQsyRkj0GqfRFdeAcy8fLh7sGJvfaFqF1BaMuWzw6h1voyA0XRdRxtSaDZ1DRrjQX-l-9M5hFoV-WoI6Tj3ttAjnqhaETFlX9bav06Sv0C40UyBgqYe2s/s1600/photo-275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o64NaxSENnKxZIIU2lpo1pdQsyRkj0GqfRFdeAcy8fLh7sGJvfaFqF1BaMuWzw6h1voyA0XRdRxtSaDZ1DRrjQX-l-9M5hFoV-WoI6Tj3ttAjnqhaETFlX9bav06Sv0C40UyBgqYe2s/s1600/photo-275.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I couldn't ask for a better guy to be doing this whole parenting thing with. Seriously. He knows how to keep me calm (no easy task), and help me find the humor in these crazy situations when I have problems seeing it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sorry, I completely got off topic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Let me reiterate... these first few pics are incredibly deceiving. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our life is more accurate depicted by the situations/pictures below... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strike><br /></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strike><br /></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For example, what in the hell do you do when you find your child drinking out of the dog bowls and/our playing in them on a consistent basis? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGhcPEPrRxa1DQItiRaaHfhRMAJERpByvk3QLbIGCwTItQvA4Kt1l-_90X0LzNob39shJJTTFWK84C0LQJShQKaSWBG8CzvPpjA-Dj1M07WuhrHP45Wq7WAh93zLY2VRmRnKTAepZGLc/s1600/photo-273.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGhcPEPrRxa1DQItiRaaHfhRMAJERpByvk3QLbIGCwTItQvA4Kt1l-_90X0LzNob39shJJTTFWK84C0LQJShQKaSWBG8CzvPpjA-Dj1M07WuhrHP45Wq7WAh93zLY2VRmRnKTAepZGLc/s1600/photo-273.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ummmm. You have no choice, but to laugh after it occurs 12390523 times.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm sure people are gonna get all Judge Judy on me and question my child's hygiene, but I can guarantee those are the people that don't have kids.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't worry, your time is coming. Get all your parenting opinions out now while you don't have any bc I love hearing them. They're all so credible :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Heres another example of our normal.... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What about when your child starts stealing food off of other kids' plates at school, while trying to make it look like hes just nonchalantly walking around the lunch tables?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Nevermind the fact he's already dominated his own lunch & snack. #fatsyhead)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrqqnGC9GReAhOtNoWX9PaGunY4fChVd2j717hRDj53dkEZnR0gZdQxrsuVlt49_-gUVSiXuX3joaNVsk0yJdYhzIzSm6mpxacBcTo5WHGog3eaiXGyM327XoiDSJhXoD7cjLvCqC5UE/s1600/IMG_4495.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrqqnGC9GReAhOtNoWX9PaGunY4fChVd2j717hRDj53dkEZnR0gZdQxrsuVlt49_-gUVSiXuX3joaNVsk0yJdYhzIzSm6mpxacBcTo5WHGog3eaiXGyM327XoiDSJhXoD7cjLvCqC5UE/s1600/IMG_4495.jpeg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devious much?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While its absolutely hilarious, I'm also kind of like... holy embarrassing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I mean, do I send even more food? Do I send something to help ensure that his little tail stays in his seat? If so, what on earth does that look like? Should I start to be concerned about how much he seems to genuinely enjoy food? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is seriously what my first thought was when I was told about his food stealing ways...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT_t4TwixYZ3NSO-fxrr7VVmeFoDe1c3bbFmICNejTyHatSpQwgsAwJg62HFzyinoBEM5pjmuuA0X-hRhRfvUBoPLKQBxCemVlhjmXrw1HI-FtlJnhU44MXnKBJDaeZxrq48p7Ni1LWY/s1600/Rottenecards_35467735_g34h7xhg3c.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT_t4TwixYZ3NSO-fxrr7VVmeFoDe1c3bbFmICNejTyHatSpQwgsAwJg62HFzyinoBEM5pjmuuA0X-hRhRfvUBoPLKQBxCemVlhjmXrw1HI-FtlJnhU44MXnKBJDaeZxrq48p7Ni1LWY/s1600/Rottenecards_35467735_g34h7xhg3c.png" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, I was worried that if my 1 year old continues with his eating habits throughout his childhood that he might wind up with Diabetes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Totally normal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Welcome to parenting, yall. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Worrying about insane things is also I something I now do on the reg. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, heres something else I have concerns about..... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCYRSDEYcpNy5OYH2LFCNGvHxmd5TChZQ7wl-N0ianHmcq6valr6-x23gKkmpWn_xiJxZ8oCAR2JeNLjc2nsF9lVdW4ff8S-zXg4t0MYToJv1cJ-0qsESMKwpG8N6j_QemYAuy8gVBN4/s1600/photo-276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCYRSDEYcpNy5OYH2LFCNGvHxmd5TChZQ7wl-N0ianHmcq6valr6-x23gKkmpWn_xiJxZ8oCAR2JeNLjc2nsF9lVdW4ff8S-zXg4t0MYToJv1cJ-0qsESMKwpG8N6j_QemYAuy8gVBN4/s1600/photo-276.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, this looks super sweet, right? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And it honestly really is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, homeboy is <i style="font-weight: bold;">super obsessed </i>with animals. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Like, he gets more excited to see his dogs than me when he gets home from school.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And he also prefers to stalk other people's dogs when visiting friends' homes vs. playing with his friends' toys.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No joke, he also called our dogs, "Mommas" for a solid 2 months. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Can't lie, that one kind of hurt. Thank God he grew out of that phase. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now he just constantly follows our dogs around, making barking & panting sounds. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hmmmm. New revelation. Maybe he is confused & thinks that he IS a dog?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That would explain the dog bowl fascination :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm just gonna continue to tell myself that his love of animals means that he's gonna be a super compassionate guy and will make a great father some day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Whatever helps me sleep at night, right? :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Speaking of sleep, that sounds rather fabulous right now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But before I go, just know that yall have a lot of solid parenting/marriage/life stories & astute observations headed your way. I've got 15 months of pint-up writing to get out :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Consider yourself warned. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-1436794407779857162013-09-03T12:20:00.001-04:002013-09-03T12:20:37.152-04:00New Momma Honesty at its Finest<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have a large confession to make....</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>When I was pregnant, one of the reasons I could not wait to have little man was I thought it would mean my life would get back to normal. </b></span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I don't think I've ever been so wrong about anything in my whole life. And if you know me at all, it is extremely hard for me to admit when I'm wrong. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">While I absolutely adore my perfect little baby boy, I also have never felt so not normal. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Before you start pushing antidepressants my way, I'm not talking about baby blues or post partum. I'm more talking about the fact that no one could ever prepare you for the wide array of new worries & completely raw emotions a baby brings to your life.</span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorL9r7X_q4W3gQsNKSHeSzxTlMBDAgJBw0oRnJ4bwcwU9hVnU_XQKoB7N8iaF-OXUPmBdQo9tHLTHBLmz8bOmqYZAxyF3PDrVQqb72RGqqIWyqKDmcf7RCZcudIbY_2_bUYeJ98HFbT8/s1600/photo-259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorL9r7X_q4W3gQsNKSHeSzxTlMBDAgJBw0oRnJ4bwcwU9hVnU_XQKoB7N8iaF-OXUPmBdQo9tHLTHBLmz8bOmqYZAxyF3PDrVQqb72RGqqIWyqKDmcf7RCZcudIbY_2_bUYeJ98HFbT8/s640/photo-259.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The expression "I love (fill in blank) so much, it hurts" might be the most accurate description of what it feels like to love a child. </span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And it is absolutely terrifying. </span></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>I used to think my Mom & Dad were complete psycho paths for worrying about me all the time. I need to slap my younger self because I bet I am 20 times worse.</b></span></i></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I play the "what if" game in my head on an every hour basis. Like... What if he gets hurt at daycare? Or what if something happens to me while I'm driving to work? Or what if he stops breathing in the middle of the night while I'm asleep? </span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Get a grip, right? Apparently this goes with the territory of being a parent. Who knew you couldn't just turn that instinct on and off? </span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>And then, you know those parents who freak out when their child gets sick & you think they're completely nuts for overreacting about a virus or cold... </b></span></i></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Well, don't even get me started on what it felt like when he was sick with a fever for the first time. I may or may not have started crying because I knew he was so miserable. And you legit feel powerless because there is not a damn thing you can do except wait until the Tylenol kicks in. </span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sgN3JMfPKa5XAxth-UUeyBivP4jKk69Byz0m4_6o86vkTodRLVyPeQZT_8V6jUf6Mzjc0anp7FBI6pzvXCbZMSa6IO9DH1xN1k1jBktOjxrgT2aeEQzG9rbMkot2UafNmOEPAjVhraQ/s1600/photo-261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sgN3JMfPKa5XAxth-UUeyBivP4jKk69Byz0m4_6o86vkTodRLVyPeQZT_8V6jUf6Mzjc0anp7FBI6pzvXCbZMSa6IO9DH1xN1k1jBktOjxrgT2aeEQzG9rbMkot2UafNmOEPAjVhraQ/s640/photo-261.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Clearly he was just as upset as I was over his random virus. ummm wait. Not so much :)</span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b>I also didn't understand the people that just wanted to stay home with their kids on a Friday or Saturday night. Like, just call a babysitter already & be social. When I was pregnant, I thought I'd immediately jump right back into the social scene. I wasn't gonna let a baby hold me down.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Ha. Like thats easy.</b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">First of all, after working all week, I am literally dying to spend time with my sweet boy. The thought of leaving him again on my off time kills me. </span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Second, it still scares the hell out of me to leave him with anyone except our parents. You might call it over protective, I call it peace of mind.</span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Third, when we do make it out, all I'm really thinking about is "I wonder if little man is okay. I wonder what he's doing..." </span>Going out & partying it up with our friends seems to have lost its luster, which I'm sure makes us totally uncool & huge losers, but whatevs. I'm 28, married, & have a newborn baby. I fit in at a bar like Miley Cyrus would fit in at a convent.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsbI42hhWsoy6Jr9vTf7NtjQoQdoIRypyAvgeJy-Jdtla-AZ96jELL4ujwFxNSQo0WBuYUGMHXdgh315ibPDZh5yeBBa8qpFasCGcc5guGZoQH51ag_NKgeKsk0iJD4oEhd0Gl31aD-s/s1600/images-122.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsbI42hhWsoy6Jr9vTf7NtjQoQdoIRypyAvgeJy-Jdtla-AZ96jELL4ujwFxNSQo0WBuYUGMHXdgh315ibPDZh5yeBBa8qpFasCGcc5guGZoQH51ag_NKgeKsk0iJD4oEhd0Gl31aD-s/s400/images-122.jpeg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She frightens me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lastly, while we do take Brooks places with us, it's damn near impossible to successfully carry on great conversations while tending to him. Plus, we don't want to be "those parents"- certain places are absolutely inappropriate for babies/children to be at. Our friends have been absolutely amazing about us carting Brooks places with us, but I don't want him to wear out his welcome. Or scare anyone out of having kids :) </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Right now, to be honest, staying in is just a bit easier. Do I miss going out on the town? Yes, from time to time. However, the thought of waking up hungover with Brooks raring to go at 7am makes me want to jump off a cliff. </span><br />
<br />
However, to be even more honest, one of my favorite nights in the past month was when we had a "family date" with <a href="http://bluedaisybugg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my girl Katie</a>, her husband, & new little guy, Bennett. We had an absolute blast watching our little men flail around with each other, while swapping new parent stories over cocktails. And I mean, have you ever seen anything so adorable in your life? Bennett is 3 weeks younger than Brooks, so <a href="http://bluedaisybugg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Katie</a>, Shane, Kev, & I had loads of hilarious tales to chat about. (PS- Check out <a href="http://bluedaisybugg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Katie's adorable blog. You'll love it.</a> )<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1yUaR9ctIwsmwavRVqQlvKZQ3RoSC_InczfkZiIQysegStIOwBmpGBkEoj1pc2qljh4_QluB6hUqTvDF81wXpGlinatIEmdqOKNo1WNxlIfCyaWYZwPrXduYBN_nnycYV6rjBJPRBho/s1600/IMG_6394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1yUaR9ctIwsmwavRVqQlvKZQ3RoSC_InczfkZiIQysegStIOwBmpGBkEoj1pc2qljh4_QluB6hUqTvDF81wXpGlinatIEmdqOKNo1WNxlIfCyaWYZwPrXduYBN_nnycYV6rjBJPRBho/s640/IMG_6394.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooks & Bennett. BFFs for life :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>I also thought I knew a little something about babies before I had one. Ha. </b></span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I feel like I owe anyone I ever gave parenting advice to before I had little man a HUGE apology.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Let's be honest, is there ANYTHING more upsetting than when people (who do not have children yet) start giving you parenting advice? Or questioning your techniques? Seriously, while I know some are trying to help, as harsh as it sounds, unless you've gone through it, its hard to put a lot of stock into your words of wisdom.</span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I borderline wish I could go back & kind of prepare myself for all of the wrong assumptions I was making. Then again, we all know I wouldn't have listened :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">While I'm still adjusting to my new normal & feel out of my comfort zone a lot of the time, this guy's smile makes every day worth it.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxpMBfS4PfNAqWzknKI5YUum-KB3f1H3ZyhBEEIt9egwffKJFXOfqz0m0ozQUI8TLrEQLpwp9U3tXRPBn1BhDbLtY7rrm-V_IvuW387FMo7BD85UKFTJzB8ACuT912HKIh98CbwqRD0M/s1600/photo-260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxpMBfS4PfNAqWzknKI5YUum-KB3f1H3ZyhBEEIt9egwffKJFXOfqz0m0ozQUI8TLrEQLpwp9U3tXRPBn1BhDbLtY7rrm-V_IvuW387FMo7BD85UKFTJzB8ACuT912HKIh98CbwqRD0M/s640/photo-260.JPG" width="357" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That about does it for me. I hope my insane honesty didn't scare you away just yet :) I promise my next post will be waaayyyy more cheerful. I just had a ton on my mind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Regardless, I Hope everyone has a good week! </div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-6759673687765712582013-08-08T08:25:00.000-04:002014-09-22T15:14:50.153-04:00A Change of Pace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
As you all probably noticed, I've kind of taken a blog break. I figure if I'm on maternity leave from my job, I am also on maternity leave from my blog. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
However, with maternity leave winding down, I figure I better get my tail back to blogging too.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
To start with what I've been doing, I think this pretty much sums it up....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_ij2OmPn8Otr0nwiar4e73hRGPVXAEeLiVQMujojcYwD6yeaaR2c7bm1vb0y5uJ6LeQgTCoJ0TIrzAoJ4Nr1IGspluoxAzdlRLrlWaWxuAgZdFv2nIlW0yOtn45u6uCHM7pf9BmpFDA/s1600/photo-253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_ij2OmPn8Otr0nwiar4e73hRGPVXAEeLiVQMujojcYwD6yeaaR2c7bm1vb0y5uJ6LeQgTCoJ0TIrzAoJ4Nr1IGspluoxAzdlRLrlWaWxuAgZdFv2nIlW0yOtn45u6uCHM7pf9BmpFDA/s640/photo-253.JPG" height="640" width="481" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36ULnZ8Qn3KrxRX_VtPAXlkJrCsyr3c3uOUJySvhESneR4y3im9xAfvTyvxaEla9ufLtb0c6enZ1XTsdGQt1N65EzJWOw5DjP5b4aE5ddH9EqvqefXYs8-_MkiTbd-nEaNRPIdlF8l-0/s1600/photo-254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36ULnZ8Qn3KrxRX_VtPAXlkJrCsyr3c3uOUJySvhESneR4y3im9xAfvTyvxaEla9ufLtb0c6enZ1XTsdGQt1N65EzJWOw5DjP5b4aE5ddH9EqvqefXYs8-_MkiTbd-nEaNRPIdlF8l-0/s640/photo-254.JPG" height="640" width="481" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLILHm9S4SBclDDcUmA9cCJcaYHJUDUr09wCVpxyRYk5o7X47Szbnd0Vzx-aoR0dDPkks2XA0BgJ32OKnpiF03YHk3s41EvOlxdh9Jden5F7jRZpreatHha5bB56UqymMrxFndpYKntRE/s1600/photo-257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLILHm9S4SBclDDcUmA9cCJcaYHJUDUr09wCVpxyRYk5o7X47Szbnd0Vzx-aoR0dDPkks2XA0BgJ32OKnpiF03YHk3s41EvOlxdh9Jden5F7jRZpreatHha5bB56UqymMrxFndpYKntRE/s640/photo-257.JPG" height="640" width="481" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know all new parents say it, but I'm fairly convinced I have the best little guy on the planet. And also, as cliche as it sounds, I dont think I was prepared for how obsessed I was going to be with him.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soooooo as a result, you'll probably notice that my blog might have a bit of a shift. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, I'm gonna continue to write whatever ridiculous happenings that might occur. Because lets face it- with me as a parent, yall know I'm gonna have some insane stories to share. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>Don't worry, I'm not going completely soft, because I don't plan to sensor much either. </b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I thought I would provide yall with fair warning that my blog <i><u><b>might be</b></u></i> include a baby picture or 2 (or eight, hell, you should see the camera roll on my phone. I look insane given how many pictures I take of him every day.) from here on out. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you're not down with that, I totally understand because I would have rolled my eyes at people like me prior to having little man :)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anywho, like I did in the first few weeks, I thought I'd include some parenting lessons I've learned during month 2.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>1) The amount they charge for formula should be considered highway robbery. </b>Seriously, why can't it cost the same as a gallon of milk? I'm convinced the Similac people & Enfamil people got together & decided to price gauge that stuff.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeZ3IaXWWbL2ZT3QD-Ofp-aKUxwz1cEp0s0TuXw8QwOSZP_61MmI9asijc5r8Y0ffHcmP9cWICxS_43N37J3sD0bL99O8iI7ebTEltbgMzNKhAufohzMyev8FPGo4mqLRnJeGKe6AOuc/s1600/images-121.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeZ3IaXWWbL2ZT3QD-Ofp-aKUxwz1cEp0s0TuXw8QwOSZP_61MmI9asijc5r8Y0ffHcmP9cWICxS_43N37J3sD0bL99O8iI7ebTEltbgMzNKhAufohzMyev8FPGo4mqLRnJeGKe6AOuc/s400/images-121.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>2) My child is EXACTLY like his father. </b>I'm not kidding. If he has a good nap, a good meal, and a healthy diaper, he is one happy camper. Weird how his father is the exact same. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPcvQvabpfW1VcZplU-UV1Sdm44nLrC6mODlTvNTb8slTdfdwE4HipaLn16TxcNeB8EHIkGAlXbSF9MbV_Fl4Myn4Zs0mqsas7rMo53dAEyncNA4KRwo-Z4OAwlybGSkm4W-H9jptxFc/s1600/photo-258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPcvQvabpfW1VcZplU-UV1Sdm44nLrC6mODlTvNTb8slTdfdwE4HipaLn16TxcNeB8EHIkGAlXbSF9MbV_Fl4Myn4Zs0mqsas7rMo53dAEyncNA4KRwo-Z4OAwlybGSkm4W-H9jptxFc/s640/photo-258.JPG" height="640" width="481" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In addition to being his little clone, Brooks' mannerisms are identical to Kevins. Its adorable, yet sometimes creepy because I know exactly what movements Brooks is gonna do next.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>3) Babies have no modesty.</b>, especially as it relates to creating a healthy diaper. Without getting too specific, you can hear his groaning from across a crowded room. It is legitimately embarrassing. Its like he must let the WHOLE damn world he's creating something terrible. People should really warn you that babies pull those type of dramatics. Wait, wonder if its must my child that pulls those stunts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>4) Video Monitors at night are beyond creepy. </b>This statement is especially true if you've seen paranormal activity or Blair Witch Project. As soon as you turn out the lights, the display has a black & white/back lit type display. Every night, I scare myself to death because I'm petrified that someone/something is gonna pop up in the camera & take us all away. I'm well aware I wound crazy, but when you're sleep deprived, you convince yourself that anything is possible :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyway, I'm happy to be back & I hope yall stick with me during this crazy life change.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thats all I've got for today, but I'll be sure to check back in soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Get ready because I have a feeling this girl's life is fixing to be turned upside down when I go back to work. And with him in daycare, I'm scared of my learning curve :) hahahaha.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-87020142424174997232013-06-21T08:22:00.000-04:002013-06-21T08:22:00.553-04:00Introducing Baby Brooks!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So, I'm just gonna cheat a bit and skip right over the labor portion of his birth story. We'll save that 15 hour glorious labor story for another day. I'd rather not relive it quite yet (Dont be scared, Momma's to-be & future Moms, it's just a super long story that I'll save for when the time is right. It's not too horrendous, I promise!)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Instead, I present to you all, the happiest ending of all time-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Brooks Walker Gray</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7Qmutbfk3ATezzFV4btatYQxVe5ueeuWaOHtKonjc2VuTCKv-_1n0pU5EEdKmqwy9NMujr4FYUP2SFnqY0fW6-zKuEEmusk8U96x_UaHbd6VXtAsFD5V-z880Rl0fkNL2jKA1xGqZvU/s1600/photo-252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7Qmutbfk3ATezzFV4btatYQxVe5ueeuWaOHtKonjc2VuTCKv-_1n0pU5EEdKmqwy9NMujr4FYUP2SFnqY0fW6-zKuEEmusk8U96x_UaHbd6VXtAsFD5V-z880Rl0fkNL2jKA1xGqZvU/s1600/photo-252.JPG" height="400" width="294" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzBHeNWiljSW_92HWO1amYArbyHCXbT7ZdRgIFtIf9y7RwRcyjG3ST-D3oCeO6oXWoYIKPiyON10VbBzw61D8AFYxNINF8OI6xQAnmQfjcOMLtQWPNz4kWSNhELiNvtKWW3YE6nrA0uU/s1600/dsc_0901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzBHeNWiljSW_92HWO1amYArbyHCXbT7ZdRgIFtIf9y7RwRcyjG3ST-D3oCeO6oXWoYIKPiyON10VbBzw61D8AFYxNINF8OI6xQAnmQfjcOMLtQWPNz4kWSNhELiNvtKWW3YE6nrA0uU/s1600/dsc_0901.jpg" height="264" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzBHeNWiljSW_92HWO1amYArbyHCXbT7ZdRgIFtIf9y7RwRcyjG3ST-D3oCeO6oXWoYIKPiyON10VbBzw61D8AFYxNINF8OI6xQAnmQfjcOMLtQWPNz4kWSNhELiNvtKWW3YE6nrA0uU/s1600/dsc_0901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dviSe65VvdLFECJ8sXLX5U3DoToBnXVpnfgCe4hZJMmBqldWU3UsDbjGHZEir5YapEhDlh3YHkQYN_MZmRjaFqMJ1rmGOPx8HaeNdIVCDJPfeZBYXnvBlc6iRqhcpj5V09MoyxppLF0/s1600/dsc_0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dviSe65VvdLFECJ8sXLX5U3DoToBnXVpnfgCe4hZJMmBqldWU3UsDbjGHZEir5YapEhDlh3YHkQYN_MZmRjaFqMJ1rmGOPx8HaeNdIVCDJPfeZBYXnvBlc6iRqhcpj5V09MoyxppLF0/s1600/dsc_0930.jpg" height="264" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dviSe65VvdLFECJ8sXLX5U3DoToBnXVpnfgCe4hZJMmBqldWU3UsDbjGHZEir5YapEhDlh3YHkQYN_MZmRjaFqMJ1rmGOPx8HaeNdIVCDJPfeZBYXnvBlc6iRqhcpj5V09MoyxppLF0/s1600/dsc_0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQDSFZNr90MyFDq0pv1b-_awAb4bfYCg5EL-asKOjikm671XZ80J6RMcrMmBIiVZByuwqQXBr4joqiqJZ7cxaIR0Tr4tfEA3uVqakPdv8NznD1sF_S0FJ4EfQBsS8NvYODQQG3jKayUs/s1600/dsc_0921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQDSFZNr90MyFDq0pv1b-_awAb4bfYCg5EL-asKOjikm671XZ80J6RMcrMmBIiVZByuwqQXBr4joqiqJZ7cxaIR0Tr4tfEA3uVqakPdv8NznD1sF_S0FJ4EfQBsS8NvYODQQG3jKayUs/s1600/dsc_0921.jpg" height="264" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As you all can imagine, I am absolutely obsessed with this little guy! Lets be honest though, with a face like that, how could you not be? Granted, I might be a tad biased :) </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">However, I have learned a few things in my first few weeks as a Momma....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>1) Homeboy goes through an INSANE amount of diapers in a day. I thought people were exaggerating when they said you went through 10-12 diapers per day. Ummm, no. That figure is SPOT.ON. The amount of ummm matter this child produces is phenomenal. </i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>2) Inevitably, if I sit down to eat, he starts to cry. The irony? (Knock on wood) He is a super laid back baby so far. I guess he wants me to lose my baby weight sooner rather than later, because he always interrupts my meals.</i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>3) Golden Showers are part of the norm with little boys. Along with daily or bi-daily baths.</i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>**And that is the LAST time I will ever ever mention my child's bowel movements on this blog. You have my word. **</i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>4) Breast milk stains certain fabrics. I'd love to say that I'm cool with this because I am so happy my child is doing well with breast feeding, but ummm, I'm not. Boo. Hiss. And sorry for the TMI. </i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>5) Going on a solo trip to Target makes you feel like you're a child who has just gotten out of school for the summer. I want to bust out a, "Let Freeeeeeddddoooommmm Riiiinnnngggggg" as soon as I back out of my driveway.</i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>6) I want to show off my child to everyone & ANYONE who I come in contact with. Ie: I may have mentioned that I just had a child to 3 different people today while I was at the mall. And I was there for 20 mins. </i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, as a result of #6, I have made it a top priority to get out some birth announcements so EVERYONE can see this handsome little devil ASAP. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I was pregnant, I totally thought that I would just get some customized Birth Announcements printed up for him, and send out those bad boys immediately.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>And then I had him, and had to get real with myself reaaaallllll quick.</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My days now absolutely fly by, and my time is crazy limited and/or super scheduled. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As a result, I figured I would have to settle for something not quite as cute or customized online, which totally bummed me out.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then, as I was uploading his newborn pics to Shutterfly,<i><b> I discovered </b></i><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/" target="_blank"><i><b>Tiny Prints</b></i></a><i><b>, and HOLY AMAZING. I AM OBSESSED.</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They have every type of adorable <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/baby-photo-birth-announcements.htm" target="_blank">Birth announcements</a>, <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/birthday-invitations.htm" target="_blank">birthday invitations</a>, & <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/baptism-invitations-religious-cards.htm" target="_blank">baptism stationary</a> you could ever imagine, and you can totally customize it.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ummm, Check yes.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
I don't have to leave my house, can choose from a super cute design, and can upload all of his adorable newborn pics from my mac without having to leave my house? Thank God Almighty.<br />
Tiny Prints is officially my savior.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Now my main issue lies in which one to pick, which I thought I would ask for yall's help in choosing which one we should pick.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>SOOOOO..... here we go.</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>(FYI- I haven't put any of Brooks' pics in, so just imagine his presh lil face in these announcements)</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">OPTION #1- </span></span></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9QrtFtj95mX57uvCHGvKTq6j4mURFnlWvoeL6M5iGOErmLJvrz-VHHKJGgNvl1ns3wPl597oVEPh9F4Oduk5W9W3Z_VsQjumqqPign_cuu8r9Ky79qJa2RIUdSGWVbf2F35WSsWzXcw/s1600/Announce1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9QrtFtj95mX57uvCHGvKTq6j4mURFnlWvoeL6M5iGOErmLJvrz-VHHKJGgNvl1ns3wPl597oVEPh9F4Oduk5W9W3Z_VsQjumqqPign_cuu8r9Ky79qJa2RIUdSGWVbf2F35WSsWzXcw/s1600/Announce1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">OPTION #2-</span></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6vP3bo5TJi6nX-AjuYDeARqM1BdQnilZyfxEvCqeq2PPeJfdtM09awTvDB6I18OZyn7Xp2bf1fqe1hKO-Ymes0EBQHCaWKKRBpZhsfREyNcdYsWnxSp6SSAM0911AQEqeOO0ewapiFE/s1600/Announce2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6vP3bo5TJi6nX-AjuYDeARqM1BdQnilZyfxEvCqeq2PPeJfdtM09awTvDB6I18OZyn7Xp2bf1fqe1hKO-Ymes0EBQHCaWKKRBpZhsfREyNcdYsWnxSp6SSAM0911AQEqeOO0ewapiFE/s1600/Announce2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>OPTION #3</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEF3V98H2-TLTLqzJc73Dl1ezXZyMLdKD8Mbo7xkCKhp-2BBiSoIR5QKxCA6km_HQ49wrn3rvhLBPPJy9CymO4TlXkLo_1NaITXkG7WM_8xMAGjE_J3bzX3TqTjIhttbUEeI7oHT2xUR8/s1600/Announce3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEF3V98H2-TLTLqzJc73Dl1ezXZyMLdKD8Mbo7xkCKhp-2BBiSoIR5QKxCA6km_HQ49wrn3rvhLBPPJy9CymO4TlXkLo_1NaITXkG7WM_8xMAGjE_J3bzX3TqTjIhttbUEeI7oHT2xUR8/s1600/Announce3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>OPTION #4</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLueFn-OHsvkUyc16TWYiIu2qamSirs1qaktM64HDjTzzXhZs2e1y-ZQ4DRWWAGKbDPyAFCp75NkRfQc0Y3at7ioTh58KA0W9sFgtdQ8OBk1tez_3AxFAUBGljhqVPZxMW3ymNP-4dc80/s1600/announce5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLueFn-OHsvkUyc16TWYiIu2qamSirs1qaktM64HDjTzzXhZs2e1y-ZQ4DRWWAGKbDPyAFCp75NkRfQc0Y3at7ioTh58KA0W9sFgtdQ8OBk1tez_3AxFAUBGljhqVPZxMW3ymNP-4dc80/s1600/announce5.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>OPTION #5</b></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxrl9e-GBzPwndAwlZiaHYTORSvss0bmu4iv2N-d8q5h1rJ-fpguORtA3ZAMTtwyfwBnTLKUg5sfo4Lfi-ZUsFfaNxmPDvXJKPqk7A1M8pk2W2FFM8q3hXelKSCkF7MQ7TkglUR_3-DQ/s1600/Announce4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxrl9e-GBzPwndAwlZiaHYTORSvss0bmu4iv2N-d8q5h1rJ-fpguORtA3ZAMTtwyfwBnTLKUg5sfo4Lfi-ZUsFfaNxmPDvXJKPqk7A1M8pk2W2FFM8q3hXelKSCkF7MQ7TkglUR_3-DQ/s1600/Announce4.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Previously, I would have obsessed for hours over which one to choose from, but like, I said before, my "me" time has diminished at an exponential rate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So ALL of your all's thoughts regarding the birth announcement will be hugely beneficial to me!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyways, I think that about does it for me. Let me know what yall think! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And also, thank you so much for all of your sweet tweets, prayers before his delivery, and all around thoughtfulness during my pregnancy & after his arrival.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It has meant the absolute world to me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great Friday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-72215726809646060972013-06-05T10:36:00.000-04:002013-06-05T10:36:00.400-04:00Maternity Leave = Productivity Level at an all time high<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGY6fTbyrYXGZpOG8skgPnZa9ym-XZSVT3-cjyJ8K-KWpyBWiJdyJiVUj-aAO3H76rlxhq6dVqUvddcQWX9bsuptdCxGau11NMN-igtAXEVJXPmKjSdk1dZ48ZSFcTPPlBZ8VchKVa_Y/s1600/images-116.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGY6fTbyrYXGZpOG8skgPnZa9ym-XZSVT3-cjyJ8K-KWpyBWiJdyJiVUj-aAO3H76rlxhq6dVqUvddcQWX9bsuptdCxGau11NMN-igtAXEVJXPmKjSdk1dZ48ZSFcTPPlBZ8VchKVa_Y/s1600/images-116.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like I mentioned in my last post, I am officially on maternity leave.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What does that mean exactly, since I haven't given birth to this child yet? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For most people, it would mean actually taking a break. Like, sleeping in, catching up on various shows via netflix, taking a long afternoon nap, and leisurely hanging out with your husband at night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not most people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't sit still to save my life, so I have tried to make this maternity leave as productive as possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So far....<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-<i>I have cleaned out every closet in our house, which has resulted in an insane amount of trips to goodwill (legit, the people there know my name. Still kind of undecided if this is a good thing or not? I'd love to say it looks like we're being generous, but lets be honest- that many trips kind of reiterates that we couldve been considered hoarders the past few years...)</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSGCvB9Exn0Mq4Ra3caI2ZncKxRz78Q7acoc2gyiqgjQxc6isi7yPuABr2dbwRCpDzM6jQ4VvSYx2Z6fscfrtOwqgxO-cJCWP6PPOiHi_UdVlwieN4gH4jmjhRYl9v74AFXzfAIfBIWg/s1600/images-117.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSGCvB9Exn0Mq4Ra3caI2ZncKxRz78Q7acoc2gyiqgjQxc6isi7yPuABr2dbwRCpDzM6jQ4VvSYx2Z6fscfrtOwqgxO-cJCWP6PPOiHi_UdVlwieN4gH4jmjhRYl9v74AFXzfAIfBIWg/s400/images-117.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>-I cleaned every inch of woodwork in our home, including the kitchen cabinets. Needless to say, Murphy Oil Soap & I have become best friends over the past few weeks. I'm legit acting as though this child is going to give our house a white glove test & the outcome is gonna determine if he stays with us or not. Totally plausible.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Yc4zVd-TMyM09WqemTsghFoc7a09YNd0w7IVFq95JSQIk7EHmrqArz92DcWEMFaMGPA95WjQijg8GnvUp2Ekwk4dMWRrD6UMIEDarmTCuKAo3xXsO0FHAk8AaYbK3nXSJb9EA9yn4XA/s1600/images-118.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Yc4zVd-TMyM09WqemTsghFoc7a09YNd0w7IVFq95JSQIk7EHmrqArz92DcWEMFaMGPA95WjQijg8GnvUp2Ekwk4dMWRrD6UMIEDarmTCuKAo3xXsO0FHAk8AaYbK3nXSJb9EA9yn4XA/s400/images-118.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>-Utilized our </i><a href="http://adifferentshadeofgray.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-geriatric-friday-favorite.html" target="_blank"><i>fabulous carpet cleaner</i></a><i> to clean every inch of our carpet, whether it needed it or not.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>-Have tried to naturally induce labor by walking/running 2-3 miles every day, eating spicy foods, doing weird yoga poses, & other unmentionable actions that I will spare you details on. </i><br />
<i><b>**Main Takeaway--- NOTHING will work. It is absolutely true- these children really do come when they are ready. Beyond disappointing, right? Sigh, I know, especially when you're a crazy A-type personality like yours truly...**</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD14pyQm6VczPpga0PgPA6c3AqK-WQqX8TrSW0BfcGhGmKQP6hG47AOajaBqQipR4Dc5Y2d8u20coQ_TmbiXKexlaMP_6YTj0Hhkhj918xPE84z0B7PmABJkHzQKiPfnoei4pcmeYHbX8/s1600/images-119.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD14pyQm6VczPpga0PgPA6c3AqK-WQqX8TrSW0BfcGhGmKQP6hG47AOajaBqQipR4Dc5Y2d8u20coQ_TmbiXKexlaMP_6YTj0Hhkhj918xPE84z0B7PmABJkHzQKiPfnoei4pcmeYHbX8/s320/images-119.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lies. All of them. Trust me, I've tried EVERYTHING.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>-Completely cleaned out & reorganized our pantry. Because doesn't everyone need to have their food categorized? So. not. normal. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>-Have become a laundry fiend. Hilarious, I know, seeing how laundry has always been my least favorite chore. However, since I've been off work, I absolutely cannot stand to see any piles of laundry sitting around. I think I've almost become OCD about it. </i><br />
<i><b>**Side note: My husband might produce more laundry in a 3 day period that a 5 person family does in a week. It is truly incredible. How one person produces so much laundry is beyond me. I'm starting to think he wears an outfit for an hour & then puts it in the dirty clothes. On the bright side, he's totally prepared me to deal with a baby because I doubt our child will even produce this much laundry.**</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbrAEAF95keeRq2vCCz4NbYkBWt_QYLBNohOmj335VTNxD1qGrMmD9IJIzJwkAiLEUKMaHyS3tGLlJDqz6oekrFTQfokOaGM0BLqbqbwcbDleIlxuKXPVf0IzlKf2DPnXDyaLYECWlM4/s1600/images-120.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbrAEAF95keeRq2vCCz4NbYkBWt_QYLBNohOmj335VTNxD1qGrMmD9IJIzJwkAiLEUKMaHyS3tGLlJDqz6oekrFTQfokOaGM0BLqbqbwcbDleIlxuKXPVf0IzlKf2DPnXDyaLYECWlM4/s400/images-120.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Now, I would love to tell you this is that so-called "nesting" instinct that people talk about, but I actually just think I'm super bored. <br />
Kevin obviously thinks that maternity leave (along with pregnancy, in general) is the best thing to ever happen to him & our home. He even went so far as to tell me that he could start leaving me<br />
"<b><u>a list of tasks to complete every day," </u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">which would ultimately be help curb my boredom. </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b>
Ha. What a sweetheart, right?<br />
<br />
While I'm sure I'm going to regret not taking this time to relax, I think the organization & cleaning has actually been beyond therapeutic. On the bright side, I am no longer having the crazy pregnancy dream that little man decides to pack a suitcase & leave because our house is not clean/big/organized enough for his liking, so that is a major win.<br />
<br />
Wellll, that about does it for me.....With only a few days left before little man gets here, there is no telling what else I'll find to organize or clean before then :) <br />
<br />
Hopefully the next time I post, I'll be introducing all of you all to Mr. Brooks!!!! <br />
SOOOOO EXCITED- and as a warning, my blog might turn into a baby shrine for a bit because lord knows, if its <i>anything </i>how we are with our fur babies, I'll have a gazillion pictures ready & waiting to share with the world :) <br />
<br />
Get ready!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-36824603667730144182013-05-29T11:36:00.001-04:002013-05-29T11:36:25.277-04:00The Name GameI find it absolutely hilarious that people think they should be able to have some say so about what Kevin & I name our unborn son.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbmbtTkZQOkUKfAlerT8XyHms92QOxTLvTEyjn82GkF5wa9mHf-SCATbxBZwjkiKJF6ya6m5CpIIkO8LQLEZSEygOh7MXc-sY32NZxjQeW4aYloTKYG4OAuDFeddCUowP_strdjJi-tU/s1600/images-113.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbmbtTkZQOkUKfAlerT8XyHms92QOxTLvTEyjn82GkF5wa9mHf-SCATbxBZwjkiKJF6ya6m5CpIIkO8LQLEZSEygOh7MXc-sY32NZxjQeW4aYloTKYG4OAuDFeddCUowP_strdjJi-tU/s400/images-113.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For example,<br />
<i>Dear random lady in Kroger, do you think that I'm going to take your opinion about what constitutes a legitimate name when your cart is filled to the brim w/ totinos pizzas, mountain dew, and donut holes, while yelling at your 4 kids (all named after celebrities or totally made up, mind you) as they are wrecking havoc on the candy aisle? You seem to be a totally credible source of all things great in a name. Wait.. no. Not so much.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Dear random dude in my customer's office, I don't really care that you don't like our child's name. You named your child LOUDILLA. Yes, and that is pronounced exactly as it looks. I guess its a spin from his love of Armadillos? Regardless, you forfeited your right to give ANYONE an opinion about their children's name when you named your child LOUDILLA. Thanks.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Dear Facebook friend who is on her 4th child (and is my age, mind you), You've named your first 3 children after characters in the Twilight series. After you ran through your fav names from that super well-written book collection, you managed to name your last child after a character from Shades of Grey because thats a completely appropriate for a newborn. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Can you tell people absolutely LOOOOVVEEEE to tell you their opinions on the name you select for your child? I honestly don't think I would ever have the gall to tell someone that I disliked the name they selected for the baby. While it can be hilarious in some instances, that various people feel like they have the authority to give their opinion about whatever name you've selected, it is usually just plain annoying. <br />
<br />
As a result, Kev & I just essentially decided that once we selected a name, we would stick with that name, end of story. It is when people sense that you are undecided on a name that they try to sway you with the various names they favor (which are usually absolutely dreadful). Anywho, this method has seemed to work, and people (for the most part) don't try to convince us to name this little name anything other than what we've already landed on.<br />
<br />
Soooo.... I know yall are just dying with anticipation, right? hahahahaha, I'm sure. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The name for our little guy will be.....</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><u>Brooks Walker Gray!</u></i></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once we found out it was a boy, Brooks was honestly the only name we agreed on. Kev was funny in the fact that if we would have had a girl, he would have let me name that child whatever I wanted. But with a boy? Ohhhhh, hells no. It was <b><i><u>game on</u></i></b> as far as finding a boy's name that was manly enough, yet wasn't completely over done. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We wound up choosing Brooks, because it was the perfect combination of being manly, not too popular, and it worked with our last name. <i> <b>**Side bar**- Kev might also try to tell you its to pay homage to Rich Brooks, the former UK football coach, but I swear there is no connection.**</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We really wanted to use a family name, because it just makes the name of a child so special. While we toyed with the name James (Kevin's first name, his dad & grandfather's name, and my grandfathers name), we decided that James Brooks Gray or Brooks James Gray <b>sounded wayyyyyy too much like a law firm</b>. We selected <b><i>Walker</i></b> because it actually is a family name. It was my Grandmother's maiden name, and it worked perfectly with Brooks & our last name. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>And, there you have it!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Mr. Brooks should be here within the next week, so fingers crossed for a safe delivery :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>In the meantime, here's a little sneak peek of his nursery!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84id-X9bMEHuR1AhX6DNHIbhZTV8sqCnyxO0UkUg_L3kQoSikUG1GcshvJrUm8Hy_KT0-6MAg6skOY7zsUgpMhUwhTKCJ6i_Tz76U7MIj_u0MuqBYFSKAvhnR8wjFHmtlvM2OxK8fsgI/s1600/photo-250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84id-X9bMEHuR1AhX6DNHIbhZTV8sqCnyxO0UkUg_L3kQoSikUG1GcshvJrUm8Hy_KT0-6MAg6skOY7zsUgpMhUwhTKCJ6i_Tz76U7MIj_u0MuqBYFSKAvhnR8wjFHmtlvM2OxK8fsgI/s400/photo-250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thats allllll I've got for today, but since I'm now on maternity leave, be on the look out for some more posts in the very very near future :) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Side Note** (I swear the whole pregnancy brain is not a myth. I would have written more in the past few months, but my mind has been just completely blank. I wrote about our carpet cleaner at one point, if that tells you anything :) )**</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-36257258638283915342013-04-27T08:18:00.000-04:002013-04-27T08:18:00.220-04:00Little English!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
Sooo, as I've mentioned previously, I have become an even bigger shopaholic since becoming pregnant. I know, I know, I didn't think that was possible either.... But it is.<br />
<br />
I honestly cannot help it- baby & children's clothing are just too much fun & too adorable to pass up! Plus, as I've mentioned previously, <b><i><u>shopping for yourself, especially when you're 8+ months pregnant,</u></i></b> <b><i><u>is for the birds</u></i></b>. At this stage, you can't envision yourself ever being skinny again, the only shoes you want to wear are comfy/support flats (Lets face it- unless you're wearing orthopedic shoes, sassy flats that are 100% comfy/supportive do not exist. Tory Burch needs to step up her game & invent a maternity line asap.), & the thought of leaving your house to venture out to the mall makes you want to cry. Its seriously a no win situation.<br />
<br />
In turn, shopping for my son is infinitely more fun. I've become mildly obsessed w/ finding precious clothes for him (along w/ pieces for my nieces & nephews) that I'm not going to see on every other child. I can only handle so much Gymboree & Carters on a child- I swear, all of their stuff starts to look identical, no? <br />
<br />
Lucky for me, I found a phenomenal fix for my obsession of finding unique, yet quality clothing for not only my soon to be born son, but also for my other family members.<br />
What might that solution be?!?!?<br />
<div style="text-align: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Little English</span></b>!!!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALpoA1fh7c_bOFxgIUH8GdL3QWvRQZ31s5a1sZG2FG0t3NkwHPAsBh96w2qD_ZQ7WjVmLT5Jtba6IRbbZmbhgXNYsTWXRoo1HprCTIFOy39Q1Hzaj2s3N1i9JQnxZ8IGvc1c1R0I7sDA/s1600/LE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALpoA1fh7c_bOFxgIUH8GdL3QWvRQZ31s5a1sZG2FG0t3NkwHPAsBh96w2qD_ZQ7WjVmLT5Jtba6IRbbZmbhgXNYsTWXRoo1HprCTIFOy39Q1Hzaj2s3N1i9JQnxZ8IGvc1c1R0I7sDA/s1600/LE.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">f you aren't familiar with this precious collection, brace yourself for a whole LOT of adorable.</span></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mean, lets be honest.... what little boy wouldn't look <b><i>handsome</i></b> in one of these little numbers?? </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW3cHcYifsaqQ8PZ76E-fxWvtaFNM0nr_YsRj904vs6fPJPawRWp4KVX7lcE4-8vWzsO2emcMx7NFV8OFfShqb388pMh3ZVGcJ_m2L31uxgcIkVBzxN4_6K7lJ3YLr-5M-_4pMEY69_I/s1600/bubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW3cHcYifsaqQ8PZ76E-fxWvtaFNM0nr_YsRj904vs6fPJPawRWp4KVX7lcE4-8vWzsO2emcMx7NFV8OFfShqb388pMh3ZVGcJ_m2L31uxgcIkVBzxN4_6K7lJ3YLr-5M-_4pMEY69_I/s400/bubble.jpg" width="205" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2CNqBiz9yNh8cz9k1UJzfwjuiDzbDh6euxqi9GqcdIegm7RtJQ8M4yiZUTLy28rDAAk-uSefEzkRO4_bTjbTG90zLBLeABZvFbUdNxaj8rmtvRD71VISP9ZRTYvbYeIL_jWJRUV-XqM/s1600/shortalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2CNqBiz9yNh8cz9k1UJzfwjuiDzbDh6euxqi9GqcdIegm7RtJQ8M4yiZUTLy28rDAAk-uSefEzkRO4_bTjbTG90zLBLeABZvFbUdNxaj8rmtvRD71VISP9ZRTYvbYeIL_jWJRUV-XqM/s400/shortalls.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aghhhhh! I die! So flipping cute. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't lie though- looking at the little girls' dresses & outfits <i>kiiiiinnnnnd of </i>make me wish I was having a girl.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I guess I'm just gonna have to spoil my nieces because some of these are too gorgeous to pass up. (See- my shopping problem is clearly getting out of hand, yall!)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXBamZseVvgfF7L-B49xg7zW4i2OOhT7rI3RTzNc0o-PV5Km5Y_AladGuk0NwgWuwXpOeZTzhbh0xtWEjxnpFPOMzLwOqdtnqkb3XUJcSnbtHje4nlAy8HXWpseVSo08jU7ELhaH4Yv4/s1600/smocked+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXBamZseVvgfF7L-B49xg7zW4i2OOhT7rI3RTzNc0o-PV5Km5Y_AladGuk0NwgWuwXpOeZTzhbh0xtWEjxnpFPOMzLwOqdtnqkb3XUJcSnbtHje4nlAy8HXWpseVSo08jU7ELhaH4Yv4/s320/smocked+dress.jpg" width="231" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJp88pTkR1WuyZimekGLtK6Tnt0SZNCdc5gxWyZBWMq7iBQ02WQV7G3DsF5YLiulvEF0qnE1VQyIMI3LJGkJ1wcLpZOn1RjR0oDN-1d9kY_nKg6Fs_2VD6dUSYZqYBUnOGpU08IVE3G9w/s1600/Strawberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJp88pTkR1WuyZimekGLtK6Tnt0SZNCdc5gxWyZBWMq7iBQ02WQV7G3DsF5YLiulvEF0qnE1VQyIMI3LJGkJ1wcLpZOn1RjR0oDN-1d9kY_nKg6Fs_2VD6dUSYZqYBUnOGpU08IVE3G9w/s320/Strawberry.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmUCN3MTpqbD5wsy_mI5FnRdFGUHDxdpRbPae_9myxPb3DDJfxE1cOeg4G-VsQOJ6jQ6oZm-VcfM9W7gjDbYKpQCDu_pOm1jWEvqAPAzWg6zJbxtzUhzNJppENcOPhUxvh28tzIdpXzY/s1600/bubblegirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmUCN3MTpqbD5wsy_mI5FnRdFGUHDxdpRbPae_9myxPb3DDJfxE1cOeg4G-VsQOJ6jQ6oZm-VcfM9W7gjDbYKpQCDu_pOm1jWEvqAPAzWg6zJbxtzUhzNJppENcOPhUxvh28tzIdpXzY/s400/bubblegirl.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, here I am feeling pretty excited that I found Little English & all the fabulousness that goes along with it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>THEN, I find out even BETTER NEWS!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>1. For all you Kentucky Girls, they are based here in Lexington. Holy Amazing. (And sorry, Kev, for the dent that might make in our bank account.)</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>2. (Hold onto your hats because #2 will ROCK your world)---</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">THEIR WAREHOUSE SALE STARTS THIS WEEKEND!!!</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>(Even bigger apologies to my husband, because that obviously means that dent in our bank account just exponentially grew in size. oops.)</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Obviously, this is phenomenal news, right? Especially since the weather is supposed to be absolutely terrible over the next few days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, if you're like me & adore fantastic children/baby clothing, especially when those items are on sale, let me give you all the details....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u>Warehouse Sale Location:</u></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Regency Centre<br />150 W Lowry Lane, Ste 142<br />Lexington, KY 40503<br />(Down from TJMaxx)</span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Dates/Times:</u></span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u></u></span></b></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u></u></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sunday, April 28th 2pm-6pm</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Monday, April 29th 9am-5pm</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Tuesday, April 30th 9am-2pm</span></span></div>
</div>
</u></span></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hmmm.. I just had an AMAZING thought. What if I went ahead & bought some of Little English's little girls' clothes, <i>JUST IN CASE, </i>my next child is a girl?? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Too crazy?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I'm totally kidding. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Kind of :)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For now, I'll just have to settle (if you can even call it that because everything they have is beyond perfect!) for buying little boys clothes for our little man.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
PS- Can you believe that he should be making his appearance sometime in the next 5-6 weeks?!?!?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So So So CRAZY!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anywho, I hope yall have a FABULOUS weekend!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And if you're in Kentucky, be sure to cater to your inner-shopoholic (like I obviously plan to do),</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and stop by Little English to take advantage of their amazing sale! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-style: italic;"><br /><b><br /></b></span></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-56211592879887077152013-04-03T12:14:00.001-04:002013-04-03T12:14:40.725-04:00So, who are you married to?I swear I'm still alive :) It has been a wild few weeks for this girl, but be on the look out for some more posting consistency here in the next few weeks/months. <div>
In the meantime, I'm just gonna leave you with this sweet video I took of my niece a few weeks back. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you need a little afternoon pick-me-up, this should do the trick :)</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pwFnd7eeSgI" width="420"></iframe></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How precious is that? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I swear I'm going to remind Riley of this video when she's about 15 :) )</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Goes to show that even at a young age, we all just want to marry someone as good as our own Dad.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That does it for me, but I hope yall have a great Wednesday afternoon!</div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-51243117453840877172013-03-12T09:12:00.000-04:002013-03-12T09:12:00.193-04:00A Whiny Rant & a HUGE Rave<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Tuesday!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soooo, in case you've never read my blog before (or if its been awhile), I'm about 7 months pregnant with our first child. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just know that going into today's post :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found the perfect cartoon to express </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>my rant of the year....</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2juHDrL0vwtv4DFA1H6EOcsbVtTedt0lLBH6J7lzNzUp3A6_MCwYv8eQ6jTmaeK6uxfww4J3CHh0PiveUDU6e5hFgn2pnyOk0QHMbn6AqD2tf6vgfq_pgx-7w0ZKcJBNf1xqrFfhl04/s1600/images-112.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2juHDrL0vwtv4DFA1H6EOcsbVtTedt0lLBH6J7lzNzUp3A6_MCwYv8eQ6jTmaeK6uxfww4J3CHh0PiveUDU6e5hFgn2pnyOk0QHMbn6AqD2tf6vgfq_pgx-7w0ZKcJBNf1xqrFfhl04/s1600/images-112.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yall, it honestly blows my flipping mind that women are SO beyond eager to not only share their delivery stories with you the minute you get pregnant, but to also fill you in on </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ANY and ALL issues they had during their labor & delivery.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>SERIOUS QUESTION....</b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Do women who have difficult deliveries sign some document that says they MUST tell every detail of their awful experience to any pregnant woman they encounter???</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because I'm firmly starting believe that these women with horrendous tales get HUGE kicks out of sharing every aspect of their labor & delivery story, which, if heard from a 3rd party perspective, these stories could be confused with horror stories.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>So, to whom it may concern:</b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>I don't want to hear about how you almost died during childbirth.</b></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>I dont want to hear how your child almost died during childbirth.</b></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>Please don't mention that your epidural wore off.</b></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>Also, I don't want to listen to stories about not being able to get an epidural.</b></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>Lastly, please don't tell me about how awful your first month was with your child.</b></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I mean, ladies, all of these discussions sufficiently scare the absolute hell out of ANYONE who listens to them, pregnant or not.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because lets face it, in these situations.....<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Ignorance is Bliss </span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(in my mind, anyway)</span></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Moving on to my RAVE Review...</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I was always one of those girls who rolled their eyes at women who immediately stopped working out when they got pregnant.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>Wait, I am still one of those girls who rolls their eyes at women who immediately stop working out the minute they find out their pregnant. </b></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, it absolutely kills me to admit that your workouts definitely change during these months.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Those who have followed me for awhile know that I've always been big into fitness & workout 5-6 days/week. More so, I've always been a runner.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I mean, I've done half marathons & a plethora of 5K races.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><u>How hard can it be to continue running while knocked up?</u></b></i><br />
<i><b><u><br /></u></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hyphenhyphen3b9Dwl9z6w6VvMA0c7wTY4IiFc4mLUG-vfU_aAqD8AB-VR_PVYFXYxe5jRiLMhLjk6I8Dr66DHPlYWqAblEqzhI-DT4vw17Yy9dqb3rY6H-JClbm_lnxwFj3zESPublrm4FNT0Fbc/s1600/photo-5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hyphenhyphen3b9Dwl9z6w6VvMA0c7wTY4IiFc4mLUG-vfU_aAqD8AB-VR_PVYFXYxe5jRiLMhLjk6I8Dr66DHPlYWqAblEqzhI-DT4vw17Yy9dqb3rY6H-JClbm_lnxwFj3zESPublrm4FNT0Fbc/s400/photo-5.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(How hilarious is this throwback pic of me & Jan taken after the KY Derby Half Marathon? Jan looks like a flippin super model, and I look like a disheveled mess. Oh Jan...)</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So In the spirit of transparency, I haven't run more than 2 minutes at a time since December.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, to answer my question...</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>IT IS IMPOSSIBLE.</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, I have been super fortunate in the fact that I have maintained a high level of energy throughout my pregnancy, and have been able to work out 6-7 days a week. While I'm well aware how OCD that sounds, I swear on everything that is Holy that I'm not trying to pull a Gisele or Heidi Klum & walk a run way 3 weeks after giving birth. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To be perfectly honest, I've just maintained a steady routine of exercise & workouts because its one of the few things that I still have control over (to an extent). Plus, it has been a great stress reliever. As an added bonus, the consistent workouts will help me once I try to get this body back in shape after I have this child (one can hope anyways!)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, like I said earlier, I've had to adjust my workouts in a HUGE way. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One major thing that I incorporated into my workout routine has been this bit of fabulousness...</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why hello, Tracy Anderson Method!!!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdUZOm0nzikkpBr9qk_Oh_l91F0of_EPMI-yFZ2XVn3ZzGNvfyl0PYDHV_J4Up5D_WIk7XrIFlbPDLFbVnIWItQBkKnyAizmKq_x-HulMoky6st-RtC9eDzEGkzCffg0CWxcGY6C_om4/s1600/photo-246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdUZOm0nzikkpBr9qk_Oh_l91F0of_EPMI-yFZ2XVn3ZzGNvfyl0PYDHV_J4Up5D_WIk7XrIFlbPDLFbVnIWItQBkKnyAizmKq_x-HulMoky6st-RtC9eDzEGkzCffg0CWxcGY6C_om4/s400/photo-246.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Meet Tracy Anderson's method of pregnancy workouts, aka,</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>The Pregnancy Project. </b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>HOLYYYYY AMAZZZZZZIIINNNGGG!!</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I cannot say enough great things about these workouts. The $50 DVD collection provides you with 9 DVDs, one individual workout for each month of your pregnancy (Worth every penny). Believe you me, your abilities change with each passing month, so its great that it adjusts to accommodate that.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbK2eBRHnOXzMwt0rFLuW3AQ4Lz1JhV2GFWw58m_NBEdcAFW4bfGB1v-uNOhjUWRoDHV9XqLf1sgmjapOq7pV4bX1ZYJZueBotLLZ9OgenxVutrXLLFXai6Pmo7PvDgWpKg616pIcJ1Y/s1600/photo-247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbK2eBRHnOXzMwt0rFLuW3AQ4Lz1JhV2GFWw58m_NBEdcAFW4bfGB1v-uNOhjUWRoDHV9XqLf1sgmjapOq7pV4bX1ZYJZueBotLLZ9OgenxVutrXLLFXai6Pmo7PvDgWpKg616pIcJ1Y/s400/photo-247.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Whooooollllleeeee Set!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>The Best Part?</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tracy is pregnant throughout the workout series, so you don't want to cut her nearly as much as you do during other trainers' DVD workouts (<b>I'm LOOKING AT YOU, JILLIAN MICHAELS.).</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Call me a hateful wench, but it makes me feel 100000 times better when I see the trainer struggling during a workout, the same way I am. Don't judge me :) </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, take my word for it- as soon as you get pregnant, <b>I highly recommend ordering this specific workout series asap :)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While my stomach has gotten exponentially larger in recent weeks, I'm convinced that the DVDs (along w/ our trusty workout bike & walks w/ the pups) have saved me (so far) from becoming Shamu's identical twin.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But hell, I'm pregnant & kind of crazy half the time, so I'll let yall be the judge :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkIdU6RG6JdAHXbbYpkKcbo2nndeKPTswPkkeCRWyYtxr8qg9Di9wEv3U3q4djvYXLnk3QKnZpCWbYx3VBgrWFFPP0AEvQIl1mtpipbxcF_iJYxJsgxiQQbr9AiaAZWTkXoutiaIpR-8/s1600/photo-248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkIdU6RG6JdAHXbbYpkKcbo2nndeKPTswPkkeCRWyYtxr8qg9Di9wEv3U3q4djvYXLnk3QKnZpCWbYx3VBgrWFFPP0AEvQIl1mtpipbxcF_iJYxJsgxiQQbr9AiaAZWTkXoutiaIpR-8/s640/photo-248.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7 months. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3rd Trimester.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank God Almighty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, I think i've probably hit my quota for sharing personal info for the entire year after this post, so I think thats about all I've for today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great Tuesday!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-67388029222544381912013-02-25T08:49:00.000-05:002013-02-25T08:49:00.813-05:00Shopaholic + Baby = Terrible News<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi. My name is Caroline & I'm a shopaholic. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT6ckvvlPBgAUO9wXm9deJI6M76eeRVWawWWRPgACSRD8f-iDCx5J__PAcw6M_8JxC_5smRY2UJgVTWft2YXG2M8Y5EG-TuE_7XdiRiNMp4d0TzGFCqlctaNzn4L-ZCGjFPhAvxHEO3A/s1600/images-99.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT6ckvvlPBgAUO9wXm9deJI6M76eeRVWawWWRPgACSRD8f-iDCx5J__PAcw6M_8JxC_5smRY2UJgVTWft2YXG2M8Y5EG-TuE_7XdiRiNMp4d0TzGFCqlctaNzn4L-ZCGjFPhAvxHEO3A/s1600/images-99.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like, I can't leave a store without buying something.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add in some pregnancy hormones & knowing the sex of my child, that addiction is easily amplified my 1000000. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you have that image in your head? Great. Now add in the fact that I am a complete A type personality & am psychotic about planning out every second of my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again, add in some pregnancy hormones, which magnifies the intensity of my personality by 200000.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know, poor Kevin, right? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ha, believe it or not, he actually thinks being pregnant has made me a nicer person. Maybe this is because I cry at every sappy commercial on tv? (PS- I wish there was a way to block the ASPCA commercials. I firmly believe that Sarah McLaughlin & Willie Nelson have a plot going against pregnancy girls because by God, they know how to prey on my hormones. I try to convince Kevin to give to ASPCA at least twice a week, through my weeping. So attractive.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdcEEtmHIY8ywwiRgaqej-kFDEP-YnyKEO5vtw1ZWcIia_6r5ptwC8n-cqF6sDzLHm7hdSYKGE7kbRvtirDSCATfZB1bTsuKgkFa6XSpDyXXJHD7y3tQV2qeM-VxywBa6xsxNHWA5cgk/s1600/images-111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdcEEtmHIY8ywwiRgaqej-kFDEP-YnyKEO5vtw1ZWcIia_6r5ptwC8n-cqF6sDzLHm7hdSYKGE7kbRvtirDSCATfZB1bTsuKgkFa6XSpDyXXJHD7y3tQV2qeM-VxywBa6xsxNHWA5cgk/s400/images-111.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anywho, they say nesting comes in the 3rd trimester. Ummm, I don't know who "they are," but "they" are hugely mistaken. This girl has been all over "Nesting" since day one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also, I'm kind of unsure why they call it "nesting." I call it "Actually being prepared for your child." Crazy concept, huh? Professionals crack me up with their crazy terms. Actually, maybe they coin these terms to make pregnant women feel less crazy? Hmmm. Theres a thought. <br />
Regardless, I just keep trying to convince myself that my compulsive shopping is 100% normal. Especially if my baby purchase is a bargain.<br />
I<b><i>ts NOT my fault that</i></b> <b><i>sleep sacks, swaddles, and bottle racks all sell for under $10 at TJ MAXX.</i></b><br />
<i><b>You can't pass up deals like that, yall. Right?</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-L7r8OfXyyBcgaOfra8rHuNbH7eHVJZVZdsnE7TvZik-rEWJ8bBSvotJDzCqheNzgetjGdAo2bMhGKvKEEZ3YBhteluePrNvFjYoR-pn25wzRV6s3hyphenhyphenUyxgpOE0ZHx7jVt8PLb2clD8/s1600/images-110.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-L7r8OfXyyBcgaOfra8rHuNbH7eHVJZVZdsnE7TvZik-rEWJ8bBSvotJDzCqheNzgetjGdAo2bMhGKvKEEZ3YBhteluePrNvFjYoR-pn25wzRV6s3hyphenhyphenUyxgpOE0ZHx7jVt8PLb2clD8/s400/images-110.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
However, I guess I hadn't really been keeping track of everything I had bought for our new addition, until I organized it all in his closet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>OH.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqiZycvPu1aABVytOH-a1AAlo7gCK3J0JGKJCxl6-9ZJCIjOsyWMLwoLuDq57bt8_n8msCFGIgoHjA53bV1On_6Twp_RrXAUX1gXK9ZFPMmbLSb38GkLlOVGzND3ysPD2hN4kxda12So/s1600/photo-244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqiZycvPu1aABVytOH-a1AAlo7gCK3J0JGKJCxl6-9ZJCIjOsyWMLwoLuDq57bt8_n8msCFGIgoHjA53bV1On_6Twp_RrXAUX1gXK9ZFPMmbLSb38GkLlOVGzND3ysPD2hN4kxda12So/s640/photo-244.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MY. </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8KTghq-kQecCeCKRcSX8b3rfaWxc57VvTQK2BHaJ5BI3ZkWVhNMf83m3MQZq_8hpDOCs2ErKHE5cV6rFz6D_FpROjGOiEigkEGDbqqyiD625R7IEDo5vIWQZNcAYvXtj76hnhJt56Qw/s1600/photo-245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8KTghq-kQecCeCKRcSX8b3rfaWxc57VvTQK2BHaJ5BI3ZkWVhNMf83m3MQZq_8hpDOCs2ErKHE5cV6rFz6D_FpROjGOiEigkEGDbqqyiD625R7IEDo5vIWQZNcAYvXtj76hnhJt56Qw/s640/photo-245.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>GOD.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
I mean.... does this look like a future episode of Hoarders, or what? I'm kind of concerned that Kevin is going to stage an intervention for my shopping habits sometime in the near future. So, I've <i>tried </i> to cut back & restrain myself from buying baby items every time I see them. <br />
<br />
And while I'm well aware I look like an obsessive first time parent (which is probably a fairly accurate assessment, now that I'm thinking about it....), I do have a legitimate reason for little man's closet looking like a mini Babies R Us. I swear.<br />
<br />
<b>The reason being is that shopping for yourself absolutely BLOWS when you are pregnant.</b><br />
1) People fail to warn you how incredibly unfun shopping for maternity clothes actually is. In addition, people also fail to mention how hideous most maternity clothes are. The <b>ONLY</b> hidden benefit are the pants, which are insanely comfortable- even dress pants. I'm not entirely convinced that I'll ever really want to go back to my normal pants after wearing these bad boys.<br />
2) You all know I am a huge sucker for make-up. Like, the amount of points that I've accrued on my Sephora and Ulta Cards are almost embarrassing because of their high amount. However, once you get knocked up, you don't exactly feel gorgeous, so you don't really want to run out & buy make-up. <br />
Seems kind of counter intuitive, no? It seems like make-up would help you feel prettier, but oddly enough, it just doesnt really work that way. At least not for me anyways. <br />
3) All fun aspects of shoe & purse shopping also instantly disappear once you get pregnant, mainly because you feel guilty about any crazy expensive purchases. This whole guilt concept is an entirely new feeling to me, and I can't say I'm a fan. However, I just can't rationalize $500 on a bag knowing that we could have bought something important for little man with that money.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who AM I???</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
In turn, I think I'm going to just need to surrender my debit and credit cards to my sweet husband until we have this child. <br />
Otherwise, we might wind up bankrupt :)<br />
<br />
Bahahahahaha. That about does it for me. Hope yall have a great week!!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<br /></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-90444719559419832422013-01-31T08:47:00.000-05:002013-01-31T08:47:00.047-05:00Got Munchies? And other random questions<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The minute you get pregnant, I think people think it is their constitutional right to ask you any <b><u><i>insane & extremely personal question</i></u></b> that pops into their head. It absolutely blows my mind some of the things that people have asked me since being informed that I'm having a child. I thought for some quality entertainment that I'd recap some of the ridiculousness & share these questions with yall. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Question 1:</u> "I bet you're craving alllllll kinds of crazy food. So like, what kind of weird things have you been eating?"</b></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKNIBjglNniUj35fDgeO-k37SLREAqopfHj4Z7cUMtmeRX18jF5VmSDN9pRm54tpcRoH0yJ7j-Csc-iptUMucz4Nj1AnOsuus4g0CuBKxl3Kbnswq0Ulg35klqpAdQRYQXxJZyMmSaV4/s1600/images-104.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKNIBjglNniUj35fDgeO-k37SLREAqopfHj4Z7cUMtmeRX18jF5VmSDN9pRm54tpcRoH0yJ7j-Csc-iptUMucz4Nj1AnOsuus4g0CuBKxl3Kbnswq0Ulg35klqpAdQRYQXxJZyMmSaV4/s400/images-104.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Answer: </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hate to crush everyone's hopes & dreams, but not everyone has these crazy "cravings" as soon as they get pregnant. I'm about 5 1/2 months, & I have yet to have any MUST-HAVE cravings where I've sent Kev off to the grocery at 1am to fetch me something. When people ask me that, it causes me to stop & wonder why they're asking that question. Do I look like I've been having insane food cravings causing major weight gain? Is that a polite way of telling me I look like a cow? Or are you just genuinely curious? And if I had been experiencing anything crazy, it kind of opens yourself up to some judgmental Judy's, pertaining to healthy eating while pregnant. </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Question 2: Isn't it SOOOOOO hard not drinking when everyone around you is?</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MCW8hbg7ce8hldsAPvCyjl5MLDeubOiIzkV7cDh7gNQtinCktsjht6m4pDI-3v7R_2m97VM9sYog56elxKH25-KFwnVGso15Q5q6Ko7TAfhe8TFeVacPIL1KrGa6y9i8Vz1S1AQ9qz8/s1600/images-106.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MCW8hbg7ce8hldsAPvCyjl5MLDeubOiIzkV7cDh7gNQtinCktsjht6m4pDI-3v7R_2m97VM9sYog56elxKH25-KFwnVGso15Q5q6Ko7TAfhe8TFeVacPIL1KrGa6y9i8Vz1S1AQ9qz8/s1600/images-106.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MCW8hbg7ce8hldsAPvCyjl5MLDeubOiIzkV7cDh7gNQtinCktsjht6m4pDI-3v7R_2m97VM9sYog56elxKH25-KFwnVGso15Q5q6Ko7TAfhe8TFeVacPIL1KrGa6y9i8Vz1S1AQ9qz8/s400/images-106.jpeg" width="313" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MCW8hbg7ce8hldsAPvCyjl5MLDeubOiIzkV7cDh7gNQtinCktsjht6m4pDI-3v7R_2m97VM9sYog56elxKH25-KFwnVGso15Q5q6Ko7TAfhe8TFeVacPIL1KrGa6y9i8Vz1S1AQ9qz8/s1600/images-106.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Answer: </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whatever do you mean? People are drinking around me & I don't get to partake? Thank you, Captain Obvious for that astute observation. Seriously? Way to pour salt in my wound... Just kidding :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To be really honest, it really doesnt bother me in the least anymore. Its funny because at first, I really thought I would miss my wine more than anything. After awhile, you just kind of get used to being Sober Sally & roll on with your bad self. Can't lie though, It does help that the smell of most types of alcohol makes me want to toss my cookies. Is it fun being around my friends or family when their tipsy? Hahahaha, yes. It is hilarious to watch people having cocktails while you are 110% sober. It makes for the most interesting entertainment one can imagine. It might even trump Real Housewives. Would I want to do it 5 nights a week? Absolutely not. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Question 3: What do you think you're going to name it? Or what do you think of (fill in blank) as a name?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYxyp79ETEL1k9yaV8z-SIysTxEGastjKBGfZtLNFWsl_E3J5sn-6MQLBFBQtZp9rVi_VnRnZ5E0JXZzKYBJdOzu4ooURBksLFpGtk39Wb2CqhCrxXJNMXYkUpMuwe-QSyJOL9BW4WNI/s1600/images-107.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYxyp79ETEL1k9yaV8z-SIysTxEGastjKBGfZtLNFWsl_E3J5sn-6MQLBFBQtZp9rVi_VnRnZ5E0JXZzKYBJdOzu4ooURBksLFpGtk39Wb2CqhCrxXJNMXYkUpMuwe-QSyJOL9BW4WNI/s1600/images-107.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Answer: </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lord knows I used to be guilty of this question. Everyone likes to either know what you're naming the child ASAP, or they LOVE to throw out suggestions. I get an absolute kick when people tell me names they think are beautiful or fitting for my child because all I'm really thinking is how disgusting they are & what awful taste they have. I know that sounds mean, but yall, you should HEAR some of the names people have told us to consider. They would blow your mind. At this point in the game, chances are you & your significant other have already landed on a name or have a few top contenders. <b> (Yes, we do know what we are naming this little man, but I'm saving that for a different blog post.) </b>I also think its funny that people are so willing to tell their favorite names to people who are pregnant, because lets get real, I've had some favorite names I've wanted to name my child since I was in like, the 6th grade. I'll be damned if I'm gonna share them. Mainly because I know I'd be devastated if someone took my name. And yes, I'm well aware that I sound about 12 years old & I know more than 1 person can have the same name, but lets try to be original. </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Question 4: "Sooo, how much weight have you gained so far?"</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2viZUPARDkvTGpn3uf6xKnsNnBfH5khPTaRdzcok_El9_03bnrcp4vX2z4FaDs_VAfKjvQE4j5jZHFT_MAlkxKwUI_074Yi3BeeFkrdF9USUcnFcMrQ7GsyTrNPHTJLfm2RBXqP74vbQ/s1600/images-108.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2viZUPARDkvTGpn3uf6xKnsNnBfH5khPTaRdzcok_El9_03bnrcp4vX2z4FaDs_VAfKjvQE4j5jZHFT_MAlkxKwUI_074Yi3BeeFkrdF9USUcnFcMrQ7GsyTrNPHTJLfm2RBXqP74vbQ/s400/images-108.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Answer: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">None of your damn business. This question absolutely eats at me. How would people like it if I asked them how much weight they've gained lately? It truthfully takes everything in me to not slap someone when they ask me that. Or I just want to cry. Either way, my reaction to this question is not pretty. (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Mom, are you listening?</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">) At the end of the day, I think every pregnant person is well aware that they're going to gain weight during the pregnancy. I mean, you are carrying another person in there. Duh. Do you want to be reminded about it 24/7? Or quizzed on it by random people? Thats a hell no. One aspect about this question that drives me particularly insane is when people who have already had children throw out random numbers that they supposedly gained while pregnant. It is MADDENING, especially when those people re a bit... ummm... fluffy & they throw out that they only gained 3 pounds while pregnant. Ummm. Sure, sweetie. Whatever you say. You realize a typical child weighs around 6-9 pounds, right? Okay, then. Keep on truckin. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Question 5: "Can I feel your stomach?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCW4RUJTeLlllfOUkF7PrK7RPyu_VTBzQ-ePa-RlGO93ETIattApjNPaPfGurWVix6uU5nkde2Phdc94-SL0RjC3MQru5HarW7ig6vgQBrdRLko8RrXUJ4qWVFpHdOi9p2-H7Jdh8oqGM/s1600/images-109.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCW4RUJTeLlllfOUkF7PrK7RPyu_VTBzQ-ePa-RlGO93ETIattApjNPaPfGurWVix6uU5nkde2Phdc94-SL0RjC3MQru5HarW7ig6vgQBrdRLko8RrXUJ4qWVFpHdOi9p2-H7Jdh8oqGM/s400/images-109.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Answer: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Well, Can I feel </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>YOUR </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> stomach first? Yall, this question/action terrifies me more than any other question. I'm not a very touchy/feely person, so when random people ask to feel this tiny bump that I'm now rolling with, I want to crawl under a chair. Its one thing if you are a girlfriend or family member of mine, but PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW OR UNDERSTAND BOUNDARIES. Luckily, since its been winter, I've been able to mask my bump so far, but when I'm wearing something that is kind of tight-fitting or don't have a jacket on, I think people think it is a free-for-all. I would never ever ever ever ask a stranger if I could feel on their stomach. It is so bizarre to me & I really don't understand the fascination. Plus, its so intrusive. Would you do that to me if I wasn't pregnant? No? Okay then, back off. So, unless we're friends, don't ask me because it might set me off into a panic attack :)</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To conclude.... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I swear I don't have a bad attitude about being pregnant & words cannot describe how excited I am to meet our little man. I think I have just been completely overwhelmed & totally underprepared by how people react to pregnant people. The thing about this post is that these questions are just a random sampling from the crazy questions I've gotten so far. Don't worry, I'm sure I'll have more to report on in the coming months that will be equally terrifying. So, if you're thinking about getting pregnant in the near future, I just encourage you to read this post & ask yourself if you're ready to deal with the utter insanity that surrounds you when you are carrying a child. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>I tell Kevin all the time that I feel like a Science Project :) </i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Well, that about wraps it up for me! Hope you all are having a great week! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</b></div>
</div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-38309085974398500992013-01-18T08:37:00.000-05:002013-01-18T08:37:00.019-05:00 A Geriatric Friday FavoriteAfter my day was devoted to all things baby yesterday (IE: 5 Month Ultrasound, routine check-up, and not one, but TWO daycare tours), I thought I'd take a major break from all of the baby talk this week.<br />
<br />
When I was thinking about this post, I was honestly having a hard time coming up with any new favorite items that I've purchased lately. This is mainly because I haven't bought any new clothes recently, due the fact I feel like an obese cow & clothes shopping makes me contemplate scratching my eyeballs out. Unfortunately, I have no new make-up items to report that I'm loving either. Sooo, what does that leave?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OH! Housewares, duh. </span></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because apparently you turn into a 62 year old the minute you get pregnant. OR maybe I'm just forced into having to find sober fun in random places these days. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whatever the case, I am honestly OBSESSED with our most recent purchase, aka AMAZINGESS, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
aka</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Bissell Proheat Pet Upright Deep Cleaner</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTS5Hr81Q2fI1-QPoH4nm6yigv-TDNvx10lpOz8TupT-vPFm2zaUJVqxmvJLlcUNS0Fg1ieB47Nm0m9sooH6HT8PFpdBBhVszM8n15FOHe-i1Iz4OZz2gc5p5eA_vqNoEBmv39bklmCXE/s1600/images-101.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTS5Hr81Q2fI1-QPoH4nm6yigv-TDNvx10lpOz8TupT-vPFm2zaUJVqxmvJLlcUNS0Fg1ieB47Nm0m9sooH6HT8PFpdBBhVszM8n15FOHe-i1Iz4OZz2gc5p5eA_vqNoEBmv39bklmCXE/s320/images-101.jpeg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I cannot even express how much fun I had with this bad boy last weekend. I am literally obsessed with how well this low-cost, impulse purchase works. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Allow me to provide you with an example. As we all know, the Grays love their pets. And with a face like this, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWfL_36qGRmIDaqIqYGB3zByXxQns9_jK2gGdyq3AwzHknvcqPve5sIHaNgpREuDGrRuQX9tk63wEUGmviCfqbq-n6_y2KYiHQx-tHJPRKiECBpOgpxIIMdeyzn2mix0J6ilIAKGvFwM/s1600/photo-241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWfL_36qGRmIDaqIqYGB3zByXxQns9_jK2gGdyq3AwzHknvcqPve5sIHaNgpREuDGrRuQX9tk63wEUGmviCfqbq-n6_y2KYiHQx-tHJPRKiECBpOgpxIIMdeyzn2mix0J6ilIAKGvFwM/s640/photo-241.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
how could you not?? </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, as much as I love our fur babies, those sloppy sloths drag in a phenomenal amount of foul business into our house. Whether it be possum leftovers, dirty play bones that they've hidden outside, or just mud, our carpets wind up looking like homeless people have rolled around on our carpets after being outside all winter.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As a result, we have had to get our carpets cleaned every other month or so, which always winds up being around $125 or so. Last Friday, I decided to take matters into my own hands on an after-dinner date to Walmart. (What? Isn't that where all of you spend your Friday nights? :) )</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDAgSJ8MzeS7sy_hoGx7CxGmPjUJjTYaKoF_1G9NGpSOBNdpdOGPV9xVFMwD5krICyAGJdWYdrm0g5382MFS_1kDZd0rsZeS-TwTyGmm0Cj0E9zbKilh_LUsXdVI3zl3N-KAsQXb0E5o/s1600/images-102.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDAgSJ8MzeS7sy_hoGx7CxGmPjUJjTYaKoF_1G9NGpSOBNdpdOGPV9xVFMwD5krICyAGJdWYdrm0g5382MFS_1kDZd0rsZeS-TwTyGmm0Cj0E9zbKilh_LUsXdVI3zl3N-KAsQXb0E5o/s1600/images-102.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And because my husband is an absolute professional with complaining about things over & over without taking action (ie: Carol, we need to get the carpets cleaned... Two days later.. We should get the carpets cleaned. A week later.. We need to get this filthy carpet cleaned.), I finally convinced him that buying a carpet cleaner was 20 times more cost efficient than continuing to pay $125 every few months.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While homeboy had some majorrrrrrr reservations & also thought I was just having a crazy pregnancy moment for <b><i>INSISTING </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> that we buy a carpet cleaner, he couldn't argue with the results.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaf-MT9frkJBLL6_VGG9pd0jZBE6SK2F_VFFe1xOmRfwltJi6mJF34HrEJlwZjpDXZ4X3x12BqMBL3CDzLo350YnUbds6V4Q6pUIeI2GkJz0Dj9k5Kyk9BxWA73yl1Q2m3MK67qXPJbc/s1600/photo-242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaf-MT9frkJBLL6_VGG9pd0jZBE6SK2F_VFFe1xOmRfwltJi6mJF34HrEJlwZjpDXZ4X3x12BqMBL3CDzLo350YnUbds6V4Q6pUIeI2GkJz0Dj9k5Kyk9BxWA73yl1Q2m3MK67qXPJbc/s640/photo-242.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>BEFORE......</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaf-MT9frkJBLL6_VGG9pd0jZBE6SK2F_VFFe1xOmRfwltJi6mJF34HrEJlwZjpDXZ4X3x12BqMBL3CDzLo350YnUbds6V4Q6pUIeI2GkJz0Dj9k5Kyk9BxWA73yl1Q2m3MK67qXPJbc/s1600/photo-242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToCn4ZGvS5Sle29L4vJ2DF-3UVLEAPb8eXrr8FguyhfPCOqfbQWkQ5-7iwE3ILUOeyI_-AlwEiT8GV22_hVtwdLgZTw-gvLe9QzS0yiCcBZRpkw54YIasCPnC9J9ETwqdmS6niVhtU24/s1600/photo-243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToCn4ZGvS5Sle29L4vJ2DF-3UVLEAPb8eXrr8FguyhfPCOqfbQWkQ5-7iwE3ILUOeyI_-AlwEiT8GV22_hVtwdLgZTw-gvLe9QzS0yiCcBZRpkw54YIasCPnC9J9ETwqdmS6niVhtU24/s640/photo-243.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">AFTER!!!</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And that is home carpet cleaning at its finest. You can't tell me that you all had a more eventful Saturday morning than I did :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't fret though, for a mere $148.99, you can enjoy the Bissell Proheat Carpet Cleaner & all of its glory in your home too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That about wraps it up for me & my senior citizen Friday Favorite. Maybe Next week I'll be obsessed with something even more exciting, like a new laundry detergent or something. Ha</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a Great Weekend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-46341991892279365302013-01-08T08:42:00.000-05:002013-01-08T08:42:00.116-05:00I'm the most impatient person aliveSo, a big portion of my job includes waiting in offices to see various people. The wait time can range anywhere from 5 minutes to 2 hours. It just honestly depends. I consider myself insanely patient in this specific arena. Once I've committed to waiting on someone, I'm there for the long haul. One would think that that type of patience would carry over into all aspects of my life, right?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Bahahahahahaha, yeah right.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Its my personal theory that because I spend sooooo much time during the day testing my patience level, I have absolutely nothing left over. Basically, I'm like a child who has been given 18 pixie sticks, coupled with a Mountain Dew (Oh wait, I guess that's just really a mad amount of Go-Go Juice, right? :) ) when I'm forced to wait for anything. For example, I've been known to write emails to Starbucks when I have to wait more than 10 minutes for my drink, if that tells you anything.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, imagine what a raging psycho-path I have been about waiting to find out the</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">gender of our child. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOIkxhyphenhyphentBkgn06tRoxgTNSHOHUs2pq0MHi1VkkdhlgYczrt03qIW1pREZWZtddReCEA4m_evajcEYzUyAEcfTu7wv3mILWDDInwxE4c_Pl2JdgyaTt8z3cdCq9ehywXDEEW8oKgOS4ac/s1600/images-92.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOIkxhyphenhyphentBkgn06tRoxgTNSHOHUs2pq0MHi1VkkdhlgYczrt03qIW1pREZWZtddReCEA4m_evajcEYzUyAEcfTu7wv3mILWDDInwxE4c_Pl2JdgyaTt8z3cdCq9ehywXDEEW8oKgOS4ac/s400/images-92.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have probably googled "Old Wives Tales Gender Predictions" like 50 times at this point. I. CANNOT. WAIT. Plus, I really cannot wait to answer people when they ask,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"So, what are you expecting?"</span></i></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Ummm, a giraffe... No, a puppy. Yep, definitely expecting a puppy. WTF? What do you think we're expecting? ITS A BABY, YALL. Good grief. </b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Soooo back to the crazy Old Wives Tales. Don't judge me, but I've probably tried damn near every one of those insane tests to figure out what we are having. To some of you, I'm sure you think I'm speaking in Swahhillli right now or you think I'm an absolutely nut-job who would actually put stock into these old wives tales. But you. Just. Wait. The anticipation of not knowing your child's gender for 4 (or more for some) months will eat you alive!<br />
<br />
Anywho, I've been all of these crazy gender predictors like flies on sugar. Let me give you all some examples:<br />
<b>1) If the heartbeat is high (over 140), then its a girl. If it is lower, it is a boy.</b><br />
<b><i>Welll, baby Gray has been a wild beast every time we've heard it on the fetal doppler & its been in the 160s every time we've been, so that would indicate a girl.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRswUaJrTLZyzrVRz_ftfOHYCeANqKhAJofLddC226Z5sBgOLk_QaR2bAhGloQfq73Jc_D4NmQjaZ5RhN9FgKUc_KPvRVVuCQ3Fgd3NPGHUZkTiCtNt2g2d4cGIBCyBy-7zWfFI41OF9I/s1600/images-90.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRswUaJrTLZyzrVRz_ftfOHYCeANqKhAJofLddC226Z5sBgOLk_QaR2bAhGloQfq73Jc_D4NmQjaZ5RhN9FgKUc_KPvRVVuCQ3Fgd3NPGHUZkTiCtNt2g2d4cGIBCyBy-7zWfFI41OF9I/s1600/images-90.jpeg" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b>2) If you're craving sweet things, its a girl. If you're dying for salty or sour things, then its a boy.</b><br />
<b><i>I may or may not be eating Sour Patch Straws as I type this & go through packages of string cheese better than a 2nd grader, so that definitely indicates boy.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGkI-p4wtY_eJ9bYz7PBJJfcRRRqClncWRJT0NNB84S2mXS7r-_WdWxux8d21fqNNqPWd7Ukc4OQZh5srT6Esd1pRaC7lIuyLbWXCLCMw921xamH-slFaSMB5kzyhXhGyfSXu1Qtko_Y/s1600/images-89.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGkI-p4wtY_eJ9bYz7PBJJfcRRRqClncWRJT0NNB84S2mXS7r-_WdWxux8d21fqNNqPWd7Ukc4OQZh5srT6Esd1pRaC7lIuyLbWXCLCMw921xamH-slFaSMB5kzyhXhGyfSXu1Qtko_Y/s320/images-89.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b>3) Chinese Birth Chart- This method sounds so wack because it takes uses the Lunar calendar (because I'm sure you have one of those lying around your house, right? uh huh) to figure out your gender by assessing your lunar age at conception, along with the lunar month of conception to calculate gender. </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUST-Uo1U-0sHALMcrjzdCkTbcHvkgrK0l3Fxi8B0wahz99TVpJAiXXIrtLmXcqKlIa2TLDg3w6AaBdiPuzgSs5XEpMqZ6wXhb0yeE6b6RIv6jgCNONVKBRBLhc-CNNw4by5yLhB5DeY/s1600/cal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUST-Uo1U-0sHALMcrjzdCkTbcHvkgrK0l3Fxi8B0wahz99TVpJAiXXIrtLmXcqKlIa2TLDg3w6AaBdiPuzgSs5XEpMqZ6wXhb0yeE6b6RIv6jgCNONVKBRBLhc-CNNw4by5yLhB5DeY/s400/cal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Although it sounds absolutely insane, my OB told me (if done correctly), it is about 85% right. Sooo, utilizing this wack chart would mean baby Gray is a boy. </b></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>4) Supposedly, your complexion can serve as a gender predictor. If you start breaking out like an awkward 13 year old, then you're having a girl. These crazy tales seem to think that if you're expecting a girl, she takes up all your beauty while you're pregnant.</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>My skin looks the exact same, which would also indicate baby Gray is a Boy.</i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>5) Morning Sickness? Apparently if you are sick as a dog, its a solid indicator that you are having a girl. No morning sickness leans toward a boy.</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Once again, I've been peachy keen (don't kick me mothers who have suffered from morning sickness!), which also says boy.</i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>6) If you are carrying the baby Low, then it means you're having a boy. If you're carrying high, then it means you're having a girl.</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>This one is kind of hard because my little bump is barely there. It basically looks like I had too many cheeseburgers at night. In the morning, it goes back to being basically non-existent. However, when it does look like I robbed McDonalds or took a page out of the Hamburglers book, it looks kind of high to me, which says girl.</i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oIj7UFIqU23joumCN_qZtpCRqytt7kI8IVabZPZMIUdehV-qu5PbcgeKNTyypMENvWpSGiaMFKcMeJ-TjcIUyM-XHbpcz9PjJDF-XEn1ZV3EIcZwyqGXawidCTmpml_BwrNVGjpCWno/s1600/images-93.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oIj7UFIqU23joumCN_qZtpCRqytt7kI8IVabZPZMIUdehV-qu5PbcgeKNTyypMENvWpSGiaMFKcMeJ-TjcIUyM-XHbpcz9PjJDF-XEn1ZV3EIcZwyqGXawidCTmpml_BwrNVGjpCWno/s400/images-93.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, like I said at the beginning of this post, I am like a child who has been given 25 cupcakes the night before Christmas, waiting to find out if we're having a boy or girl.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>LUCKILY.... </u></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The fabulous people at Baby Belly Spa were able to help us out & told us what we were having a few weeks ago.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*<i>Side note: For those of you in Kentucky, I highly recommend going to Baby Belly Spa! It is so incredibly plush & relaxing in side, and the ultrasound lady that we had was absolutely wonderful!*</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>So... without further adieu.... </b></span></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Baby Gray is a </b></span></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">BOY!!!!!!!</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6TsBZlrlPMiTJO49aWG8rC3bxr03cTsluirdiVBsQnddVgBDu2IDhHM-5DMwjX7EIewITSV5sgc9-1V1jzGY-dFeqAFYKl7XVGy5C0tQ48BP9vtsOzT8_sWwN9MqKgkv4gCJcgLBt-M/s1600/images-98.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6TsBZlrlPMiTJO49aWG8rC3bxr03cTsluirdiVBsQnddVgBDu2IDhHM-5DMwjX7EIewITSV5sgc9-1V1jzGY-dFeqAFYKl7XVGy5C0tQ48BP9vtsOzT8_sWwN9MqKgkv4gCJcgLBt-M/s400/images-98.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have ever stumbled upon any previous posts about my husband, you'll know why this news of our baby being a boy has now officially made him the most excited person on the face of the planet. I honestly think he envisions him in utero wearing a UK jersey of some type :) The child doesn't have a choice.. he will be a UK super fan, just like his dad :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And Obviously, being the shopaholic I am, I have already bought some of the most studly outfits for my little man, and I cannot wait for him to look super handsome in them come June. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anywho, thats about all I've got for today! Hope everyone has a fantastic week. More to come on this crazy path I'm on! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-60286287137281282912012-12-17T14:08:00.003-05:002012-12-17T14:25:57.336-05:00And then, there was a surprise :)If you've wondered why I've been insanely quiet in the blog world, this might clue you in... Although I've been writing this post in my head for a couple of months (a little over 3, to be exact), I still have no clue how to get into this topic.<br />
<div>
<div>
So, lets just start with a brief apology...</div>
<div>
I am one of the most cautious people alive, so therefore, I have a tendency to get scared of jinxing any type of good news that comes mine or Kevin's way. As a result, I'm beyond sorry that I've been holding out on you all (and anyone else that I have yet to pass this news along to..) about what is going on in our lives. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>So... as it turns out.....</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QGqYbshJf5ypZZQ_sexdLjMaEgmxUNfKCneXpZEcyCTX28o5TPyABs_amefMj7cMebLKDA8-pYm1kBzewp0ngSDs8xDCXig3bK9lmAyDyh8lWQtTz6sCVRiOlkU_Pgjum0mxhnQVEnE/s1600/photo-240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QGqYbshJf5ypZZQ_sexdLjMaEgmxUNfKCneXpZEcyCTX28o5TPyABs_amefMj7cMebLKDA8-pYm1kBzewp0ngSDs8xDCXig3bK9lmAyDyh8lWQtTz6sCVRiOlkU_Pgjum0mxhnQVEnE/s1600/photo-240.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">We're expecting baby Gray the 1st week of June!</span></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Shew. And there you go :)<br />
I would have come clean with this fantastic news a bit earlier, the thought of making a massive public announcement about my life via facebook or twitter is just not my forte. Plus, lets be honest, I think we can all admit, people have become far too open with all of the intimate details of their lives on all facets of social media, especially as it relates to pregnancy. Example: <i><b>Do I want to hear about how your baby was conceived?</b> Hell no. <b>Do I want to see your positive pregnancy test urine sticks? </b> Absolutely not. Thats so foul. <b>Do I want to see your naked stomach at every stage (ew) of your pregnancy?</b> Umm, ew. Just eww. I don't care if you are Megan Fox, super in shape, & smoking hot-- I feel like that is an intimate type of thing that should only be shared with your significant other or family. </i><br />
<b>To each their own I guess, <u>but its just not my thing</u></b>. <br />
<br />
In turn, because I'm so hesitant & super-stitous about sharing the intimate details of my life, I contemplated just completely avoiding the whole topic of my pregnancy on my blog, but then I thought that was pretty ridiculous. This blog is about my life, so I doubt my posts would have much substance if I completely avoided it.<br />
<br />
HOWEVER, I can promise you all that you will not see any type of ultrasound or belly progression pictures on my blog. I don't exactly enjoy looking at them, so Im going to assume that other people feel the same way. Obviously, you might see the occasional picture of me pop up on here during these next few months, but I swear, it won't be any type of preggo picture montage :)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
I finally started thinking it might be fun to give an honest view about being pregnant. Because believe you me, anyone that says pregnancy is a cakewalk, is straight LYING to you. Or if people try to claim that you'll feel more beautiful when you're pregnant, just hit them in their teeth. Again, complete BS.<br />
As a result to all of the insane stuff people say about being pregnant, I really feel like it is my calling to blog about these next 6 months in the most blunt manner possible, while adding in a bit of humor, no doubt :) <br />
<br />
To close, We are so incredibly thrilled about baby Gray coming into our lives. My excitement level is through the roof, and I cannot wait to tell yall about some of the craziness & hilarity that I'm sure will ensue along this journey. I just ask you all for some prayers during these following months, as Kev & I truly appreciate them in advance :)<br />
<br />
So, with that, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">only 6 months (or less) to go!!! </span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-16754289535265882002012-11-16T08:52:00.000-05:002012-11-16T08:52:00.823-05:00Jan-ismsContinuing on with my November project on the various things I'm thankful for....<br />
<br />
Today, I am incredibly thankful for......<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u><i>Jan-isms</i></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Definition: the hilarious actions/sayings/habits of my Mother, Jan.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For those of you who have followed my blog for awhile or know my family, one thing that is evident is that I am extremely close to both of my parents. Its interesting because in high school, my parents were the epitome of strict parents. No joke, I had the <i>earliest </i>curfew and most rules of any of my friends. I considered it controlling, they considered it their way of ensuring I stayed alive until I was 18. Seeing how I'm still kicking at age 27, I guess there was some legitimacy to their madness. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anywho, I maintain that they exerted so much energy into being "super-parents" while I was in high school, the minute I went to college, they were absolutely finished being parents. Instead, they quickly morphed into some type of mythical creature, known as the friend formerly known as my parent(s). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIAEaCrLn9Q6BhSwG4Trb3CL5tFGzz5-bpqje6sHUG3Ue7ul5SJRhBexQjjJ85kKe5lhwOVt12Ycq8KP6yMjon0JaH9cGsJkyqRK_65bubqlnSvKZ9Prv9tXOF3o-WBD-wEmszOUk250/s1600/25442_798476275110_7352709_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIAEaCrLn9Q6BhSwG4Trb3CL5tFGzz5-bpqje6sHUG3Ue7ul5SJRhBexQjjJ85kKe5lhwOVt12Ycq8KP6yMjon0JaH9cGsJkyqRK_65bubqlnSvKZ9Prv9tXOF3o-WBD-wEmszOUk250/s640/25442_798476275110_7352709_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohhh you know, just Pat & Jan, getting their groove on.<br />At my wedding.<br />Classic.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, as a result of this change, Pat & Jan have become increasingly more entertaining over the past 9 years. I usually tell people that Pat & Jan are two 24 year olds, trapped in 58 year old bodies. They are much cooler than I am, seeing how my Dad tells me what music to buy off itunes, the best new tv shows, & what new apps to download, while Jan tells me the latest fashion trends. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But I digress... I am thankful for both of my parents. However, I am REALLLLLLLYYYYYYY</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">grateful for all of my mother's hilariousness, especially because its untended to be hilarious 99% of the time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Allow me to provide you with some examples:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u>1) "I'M A CHILD OF THE DEPRESSION"</u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So obviously, as I mentioned previously, Jan is 58. She wasn't even alive during the Great Depression. She wasn't even in the womb during the Great Depression, but don't worry, she still has SCARS from its aftermath. Jan will honestly save any AND all food that comes her way. Her refrigerator is kind of like a big box of (sometimes not so great) tin foil surprises. (She may or may not have saved taco bell & ate it for dinner later on that week, after we brought it home one late cocktail-laden night...) Anything that can be put in the freezer, will be saved for at least 6+ months. Milk? Cheese? Chili from last year? No problem! Jan's house has got to be one of the government's top 10 safe places if we ever have bomb threats because she could feed an army w/ her food supply. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u>2) "CAROLINE- HOW DO YOU SPELL ORANGE?"</u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Maybe its because shes from a very very very very small town in Western Kentucky & they didn't believe in vocabulary testing, but sweet Jan would definitely never ever qualify for any type of spelling contests. Keep in mind, she is an RN, so lord knows shes a smart cookie when it comes to science, but I definitely would not trust her with teaching my children how to spell. Over the years, she has asked me to spell the following words for her: Orange, successful, embarrassing, succinct, provolone (except she pronounces it provolonEY), Gray (as in my last name), and that is just to name a few. If you want to laugh, just imagine what her texts look like because she talks in nurse abbreviations & avoids spelling out anything.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u>3) "I just already really miss Doron Lamb. He was just so cute. If he stayed around another year, I think we could've been great friends."</u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j3dQxNVi-pwCoS86EIraup-wAiaG-3Uy86uPaK2j6H-7xSyUAoSCW0uQfk47VBqcy4vS_Jtq-ONguyL_pXh0_Zt-LnE7g6WJtdXkCfQtGJU2EKZaR-_L0lf0Atgl6AmVTRHOWQWunAU/s1600/images-88.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j3dQxNVi-pwCoS86EIraup-wAiaG-3Uy86uPaK2j6H-7xSyUAoSCW0uQfk47VBqcy4vS_Jtq-ONguyL_pXh0_Zt-LnE7g6WJtdXkCfQtGJU2EKZaR-_L0lf0Atgl6AmVTRHOWQWunAU/s400/images-88.jpeg" width="282" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u></u></i></b>Like any good Kentucky girl, Jan LOOOOVEESSS her some Kentucky basketball. I'm not going to lie, it kind of stung to lose everyone to the NBA this year. I'm certain we will grow to love our team, but right now, I think all of us still kind of miss our boys in blue from last year. Jan, after a couple of cocktails, began talking about how she really didn't miss the whole team from last year. Nope nope nope. Jan <u>JUST</u> misses Doron Lamb. In Jan's words, "<i>I just think he was the cute glue that held everything together. I can just tell he was a lot of fun. And soooo cute. Honestly, you guys, I really think if he would have stayed around for another year, we could've been friends. I mean, I'm really fun too." </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bahahahaha, there are just no words for that little monologue. Gotta love her honesty & modesty though, right?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u>4) "AM I DOING THIS RIGHT?!?.... Can you SEEEEE me?!?"</u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jan + technology = epic disaster. Anything technologically advanced just absolutely overwhelms Miss Jan. You know the copy/paste function that is an absolute basic action on any computer? This action just blows Jan's mind. Changing fonts? Holy hell, you might as well ask her to translate Egyptian. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">However, we were pleasantly surprised about how well she has managed to do with her iphone. Homegirl can completely navigate her apps, surf the web, and text people like a pro off of that bad boy. Its amazing how well she does with it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Of course, that was with her 3GS. She upgraded to the 4S. Anyone want to guess what is still rocking her world on the 4S?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you guessed <b><i>FACETIME, </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">you get a gold star from me! Now, she has mastered calling me on facetime, but she forgets that I can actually SEE everything she is doing while were on it. Or she forgets how to rotate the camera when shes trying to show me something in her house. </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The funniest aspect of Jan on facetime is that she still is so utterly fascinated by it, and gets huge kicks out of it EVERY time we do it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0XmuVOsKqkFT7uP9664x7uENtWiWk-Sf3boYi_C1PHWluTF02Ibysphd_O5tcnxYAfiVKBioeH66kX7Xoyy9uX8MTk0rTB3Kqve1r52bjZ3dgis6huLMEtJosUMQ9yY7Ns1W_DZse5U/s1600/JANSEYES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0XmuVOsKqkFT7uP9664x7uENtWiWk-Sf3boYi_C1PHWluTF02Ibysphd_O5tcnxYAfiVKBioeH66kX7Xoyy9uX8MTk0rTB3Kqve1r52bjZ3dgis6huLMEtJosUMQ9yY7Ns1W_DZse5U/s640/JANSEYES.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As evidenced by the picture, Jan + facetime = the ridiculousness of if you gave a camera to a 4 year old, but even funnier because shes a grown woman. If you know Jan & have facetime, I highly recommend you giving her a ring. It will definitely be worth your while.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In conclusion, I am incredibly blessed & thankful that Jan is my Momma. Trust me, there is no other human-being on this Earth like her. Her Jan-isms make my life infinitely better & make my days filled with laughter. I just hope I can be half the Mom to my kids that Jan has been to me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Okay, that about wraps it up for me. Have a fabulous weekend! Get excited for Thanksgiving next week! woooo hooooo!!!</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-66918303421065280822012-11-05T15:05:00.001-05:002012-11-05T15:05:30.008-05:00November Post #2- I'm thankful for not getting kicked out of Old Navy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">No, I didn't pull a Lindsey Logan & give myself a 5 finger discount. Oh no, instead, I put on an Oscar winning performance about my severe distaste over Kev's latest (& hands down most ridiculous/clownie) move to date, while in a public place.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Before I make it seem like I've completely gone off the deep end, let me go back just a bit & fill you in on all the details...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">My sweet Momma came into visit me on Friday night, which is always a solid time. Her visits usually consist of quality Jan/Carol time, which includes really good meals & shopping. After enjoying a fabulous meal on Friday night, we got an early start to our very mapped-out shopping agenda on Saturday morning.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We were literally gone 30 mins & my mom gets a phone call from Kev. I should have known he had monumentally screwed up when Jan kept walking away from me & literally hiding from me in Old Navy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Finally, she finds me & says "Kevin is okay. He's been in a minor accident."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Of course I immediately go into hyperventilating mode, thinking that something is <i>horribly wrong </i> with my husband, ie: concussion, broken limb, etc. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px;">But then Miss Jan quickly follows up with,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>"</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He backed into my car. In your drive-way." </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hold the flipping phone.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">He backed into a <b><u>PARKED CAR THAT HE KNEW WAS THERE</u></b>?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Better yet-</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">He backed into a parked car even though his SUV has a <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">BACK UP CAMERA?!?</span></i></b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDEF04yeW0ndNxy24gM2chs-EVl7ioZXGEW8-orHingvcYARiUa_tBdKQehZ8qg1SPchYemHb6KacLjMyPZjbLE1yZPveCKzOC3H1gZMf_Hl0FeEQ_CnZ-vDwtsb-28Zj1jkvjz7ZJiI/s1600/images-83.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDEF04yeW0ndNxy24gM2chs-EVl7ioZXGEW8-orHingvcYARiUa_tBdKQehZ8qg1SPchYemHb6KacLjMyPZjbLE1yZPveCKzOC3H1gZMf_Hl0FeEQ_CnZ-vDwtsb-28Zj1jkvjz7ZJiI/s640/images-83.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kev's Car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKetOJsLMsyVwoN0i2oqCMZn3GKG6BR-touPvC9zJSfAiJtsI3DkNhcd699Lra2tmeH970G3fGJKmJD-6FMJ4J40Hyxd0Cp3lE0VIggPuk3qsBuQdp20ONedD_5bcqVd0UwhiYw6-kUQ/s1600/images-84.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKetOJsLMsyVwoN0i2oqCMZn3GKG6BR-touPvC9zJSfAiJtsI3DkNhcd699Lra2tmeH970G3fGJKmJD-6FMJ4J40Hyxd0Cp3lE0VIggPuk3qsBuQdp20ONedD_5bcqVd0UwhiYw6-kUQ/s640/images-84.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back up- Camera in Kev's car.<br />AM I MISSING SOMETHING?!?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Are you serious?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">No wonder my mom was trying to hide this news from me. I wasn't just a little upset. I was Britney Spears with an umbrella & shaved head, circa 2007 angry.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nARXWfzLWwzELZxSsp0qFaXm7hSarj_MsxJB_zHu-3zRuFCy4k-cFu2ajP9pI4AL6MMLMkyOenGLTrO6nb8f7jFxzykKU7_N0F78RgYqaQPiyjVNP4El9EB0cTAWI7z9ikMr7HMR-BY/s1600/images-85.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nARXWfzLWwzELZxSsp0qFaXm7hSarj_MsxJB_zHu-3zRuFCy4k-cFu2ajP9pI4AL6MMLMkyOenGLTrO6nb8f7jFxzykKU7_N0F78RgYqaQPiyjVNP4El9EB0cTAWI7z9ikMr7HMR-BY/s400/images-85.jpeg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Now, I know mistakes happen. However, for those of you who are married, how insanely annoying is it to tell your spouse something 849592940 times, and have them ignore you, only to reap the repercussions for ignoring you at a later date? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to my Saturday morning. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Kevin will even vouch for the fact that I have honestly yelled at him for months that he doesn't pay close enough attention when he backs out of our driveway, and that he needs to fix these driving habits ASAP. With the vast number of kids on our street, it always worries me that he won't be paying attention & run over someone/something. On this particular Saturday, Kev was far too busy getting amped up to watch UK lose yet <i>another </i>game &/ or checking out how he looked in his game </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Day attire to either check out his mirrors or BACK UP CAMERA. Sweet Jesus. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;">Anywho, while my Mom was trying to console Kevin about his driving blunder, I was in the background, using choice language for his actions, along with vigorously texting him about how he should listen to me more often. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;">Thank GOD, it was early in the day & not very many people were around, because God knows I made a scene.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;">Obviously, I did calm down after awhile, but the scene I made in Old Navy was pretty ugly & I am not proud of it at all. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;">To keep my November Project going, I just want to say that I am incredibly grateful for the kind people of Old Navy for understanding me wanting to karate chop my husband, and not calling SECURRRRIIITY on my crazy self.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPH_m97fEYetQ-byR2M7ppDPUDixb0cW2vAZ87fXX3WwlhGs0KjWOldj0nghNbITC0ZUR-U4bS7vrB-IpMysUdazBcEY66qAlKrsEvnMe4R1e4mVYkRJL1hoRy3GiwSg2hpplRCIq1jKs/s1600/images-86.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPH_m97fEYetQ-byR2M7ppDPUDixb0cW2vAZ87fXX3WwlhGs0KjWOldj0nghNbITC0ZUR-U4bS7vrB-IpMysUdazBcEY66qAlKrsEvnMe4R1e4mVYkRJL1hoRy3GiwSg2hpplRCIq1jKs/s640/images-86.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Again, while Kevin's ditzy driving moves are kind of funny now, I did not see the humor on Saturday. So, I am also thankful for my Mom for not only dealing with my 20 kinds of bat Sh** craziness, but also still wanting to hang out with me after my tiny outburst(s).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzi9GdkvaBnCmQRHTvUemUDq3s-fdj6thrjDznL4Lx5ncgAsIv1RYZYf5DsiyFJFUr8MMO4oiv6D0M2VJ8wCYMFHcav56PusWEKxo9A7as4LLyvnQdmdNAac6MiMTvhMV48U8ywkuuek/s1600/41632_100000941087972_4427_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzi9GdkvaBnCmQRHTvUemUDq3s-fdj6thrjDznL4Lx5ncgAsIv1RYZYf5DsiyFJFUr8MMO4oiv6D0M2VJ8wCYMFHcav56PusWEKxo9A7as4LLyvnQdmdNAac6MiMTvhMV48U8ywkuuek/s400/41632_100000941087972_4427_n.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyway, I know this isn't the normal "what I'm thankful for in November" post, but tough cookies :) My life isn't exactly normal half the time, so my posts regarding my gratitude probably won't be either. Ha! Anyway, that about wraps it up for me on this Monday. Be sure to check back with what the November forces me to be thankful for next!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-40107101458532146162012-11-01T15:38:00.002-04:002012-11-01T15:38:55.868-04:00A November Project- Really Giving Thanks :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Those who know me well in the blogging world have known that I have been struggling with some major writer's block these past few months. (And excessively whining about it too, just ask <a href="http://www.pinklouloulove.com/" target="_blank">Pink Lou Lou</a> and <a href="http://thebargainblonde.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Bargain Blonde</a>. I've been borderline obnoxious about my frustrations. Love you 2 for sticking with me :) ) While I have been cough busy? cough with my pinterest projects & cooking, I've also just been suffering from a total and complete brain freeze.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOa3PnHtfQDUUmfgpHPK59F11tYKFY_XnU9DyFnmPZxsGYM209sCEnFKC8Xblh53g4FN669ce0LZ8KXCsIEBKkWAw2EJXOCFjd_SzAAr1Ty6bF35XJcKwUkzjRatjpRNSSTBhRNyJtGzY/s1600/photo-232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOa3PnHtfQDUUmfgpHPK59F11tYKFY_XnU9DyFnmPZxsGYM209sCEnFKC8Xblh53g4FN669ce0LZ8KXCsIEBKkWAw2EJXOCFjd_SzAAr1Ty6bF35XJcKwUkzjRatjpRNSSTBhRNyJtGzY/s400/photo-232.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
So, since its November (can you believe it??), which month contains Thanksgiving, aka my favorite holiday, I thought I would pay it homage by blogging this whole about the simple things I'm grateful for in my life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ljc-cFcZHXun6E1SscSnfGwh-vnCJHlIwISUMbbpFmefFVZ0vubF2JtLp3gZeoGBHONXnbL7G1VQY4Ygl3Zip-aqyWNjdlXlryaxoJqbyLf8MjjuEU2t9I12ejjHjeCJOAFEeFO54hg/s1600/images-82.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ljc-cFcZHXun6E1SscSnfGwh-vnCJHlIwISUMbbpFmefFVZ0vubF2JtLp3gZeoGBHONXnbL7G1VQY4Ygl3Zip-aqyWNjdlXlryaxoJqbyLf8MjjuEU2t9I12ejjHjeCJOAFEeFO54hg/s400/images-82.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know, I know, its kind of trendy & overdone, but lets face it: I think we'd all lead much happier lives if we focused on the things that we're thankful for instead of wishing for the things we don't have. <i>**Side note**- My mom actually did this for a WHOLE year. While I consider myself a very blessed person, I'm afraid if I tried that, I'd wind up with posts like, "Today I'm thankful for not punching (Fill in blank)'s teeth in. Or "Today I'm thankful for people not talking to me in offices, " etc. So instead of chancing myself getting salty during these posts, I thought I'd just try for a month to see how it goes...)</i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Soooo, here we go.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">What I'm thankful for on November 1st.....</span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
As goofy as this sounds, I'm truly grateful for Halloween & Trick or Treaters. We live in a HUGE subdivision, so every year, it is a production. On average, we typically have to spend between $50-70 on candy because there are SOOOOO many kids in our neighborhood. While some people (<b>ahem, I'm lookin at you, Kevin Gray</b>), get a bit grumpy about having to supply such an ample amount of sweet treats, it inevitably winds up being a really fun night. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And last night was no different, nor would I want it to be. Below is a pic of our sidewalk at one point last night....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJE1tsjje6rIP6sz82JuNuWQaRMDBP_myoc1IZ38mumQYXsF3lW8lgxwH-dxnj1cL6yd9Lmwc8advHD91rooJnrWoZPj0MiOYwUy2NvOJk-zFqiBzyCGwwstgfhIiTMv9cepK8t1Ml6Q/s1600/photo-233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJE1tsjje6rIP6sz82JuNuWQaRMDBP_myoc1IZ38mumQYXsF3lW8lgxwH-dxnj1cL6yd9Lmwc8advHD91rooJnrWoZPj0MiOYwUy2NvOJk-zFqiBzyCGwwstgfhIiTMv9cepK8t1Ml6Q/s640/photo-233.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOLY CUTE COSTUMES!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Seriously- how much fun is that?? While <s>debby downer</s> Kev tried his hardest to not be into it, the funny kids in our neighborhood eventually won him over by the end of the night. Lets be honest- its kind of hard to stay cynical when you've got little kids dressed up as Bengals' Football players, Power Rangers (who knew they were still popular, right??), and bumblebees at your door, asking for candy :) Plus, you should note that we have the parents in the background, sipping on adult beverages, making it <i>that much more </i>entertaining of a night. I've said it once, and I'll say it again- I ADORE Halloween & I'm truly <u>thankful</u> that I get to live in a neighborhood that celebrates it with such gusto. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Oh... and one other reason why I am thankful for Halloween? </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZx2cL0QSfSYoVugOgvajJ7cVLqDTUcmN-9e01mAmj33KrnPRtC73liYLH6z5Vg85BuUTcjeZ5MVOMTnjAdcWOIW3Q9spQIIt7Nv_9cdbfO-pEOCINqMIYKxjJvuT_hXJvtXGzHekznw/s1600/photo-234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZx2cL0QSfSYoVugOgvajJ7cVLqDTUcmN-9e01mAmj33KrnPRtC73liYLH6z5Vg85BuUTcjeZ5MVOMTnjAdcWOIW3Q9spQIIt7Nv_9cdbfO-pEOCINqMIYKxjJvuT_hXJvtXGzHekznw/s640/photo-234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nooooo, I swear, its not just because of the left over candy. (Although, that is an added bonus, aside from the fact I have no self restraint. My wrapper piles are embarrassing.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i>In reality, </i></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i>Halloween actually holds a special place in my heart because mine & Kev's first "</i></span></span><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">real date</span></span></u></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i>" was to a Chi O Halloween Date party, over 6 years ago.</i></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLajKzlb47quFUNLmyzEaCpNcby5AxuqDf-bhffqeBI7EJ7tweuJgfmYrjPFj5btEKU1vKAPgrP-Ifd2m5bvk17MSSZXzNUqYIwRMbD02UePkOat5Eem6qo3-w7M1VHsZIa6N0Ql5ADbQ/s1600/photo-235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLajKzlb47quFUNLmyzEaCpNcby5AxuqDf-bhffqeBI7EJ7tweuJgfmYrjPFj5btEKU1vKAPgrP-Ifd2m5bvk17MSSZXzNUqYIwRMbD02UePkOat5Eem6qo3-w7M1VHsZIa6N0Ql5ADbQ/s400/photo-235.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you love the throw-back pic?? So hot. Wait.. no.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, obviously, I will forever be grateful to this silly Holiday because without it, I might have never fallen for a boy dressed up as a wounded patient </span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">:)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well, that about does it for me. Be sure to check in all this month now that I've found SOMETHING to blog about again :) </span></div>
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-17916880248874238452012-10-26T08:54:00.000-04:002012-10-26T08:54:00.652-04:00Delectable Details<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Ever since I finished my MBA, I've been promising myself I will blog more. Yet... That hasn't happened.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Why might that be? Honestly- I'm just going to full & completely blame Pinterest. I think I had pinned 749592940 things while I was in school, so now all of my free time is devoted to crafting & cooking.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Has everything turned out great?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hellllllls no. Unless you ask my mother Who loves everything i do, I'd say my craft projects have about a 40% success rate.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">My recipes, on the other hand, have more like a 90% success rate.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Don't worry y'all, I don't get too crazy or gourmet like with my cooking by any means. But honestly, even before Pinterest (GASP, can you picture your life without it now? I...can't even go there. That thought terrifies me.) I have always thoroughly enjoyed cooking. For me, I feel like cooking dinner (& whatever else) is almost therapeutic. I actually even cook in complete silence, if you can believe it. Kev snapped this picture a few weeks ago because he <s>relishes </s> marvels the fact I can be so content by myself for an hour or so every night :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsk8vWAJ8OUFSke63RHXvm3hWhiqUUY7s8poPsCT9eqfU3WXvlvDVuKXSNUOtishxTThb2H1yL0V1HM3TztQh9t-8Efv-YBDmcNp-kxLMHjIUQIrfV_0C4NWVVq4y7HpgB6V5M47PYFw/s1600/photo-228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsk8vWAJ8OUFSke63RHXvm3hWhiqUUY7s8poPsCT9eqfU3WXvlvDVuKXSNUOtishxTThb2H1yL0V1HM3TztQh9t-8Efv-YBDmcNp-kxLMHjIUQIrfV_0C4NWVVq4y7HpgB6V5M47PYFw/s640/photo-228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Anyway, I know I've said it before & I'll say it again, but finding recipes that please both Kev & myself can be a bit of a <s>nightmare</s> <s>headache</s> challenge because he has the eating habits of an 11 year old. Like an 11 year old that prefers Pizza over Filet Mignon. However, through lots of encouragement & a bit of pushing from yours truly, homeboy has come a loooong way. Just ask him :) I mean, when he ate peas for the first time, you would have thought he had found a cure for cancer.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So if you deal with choosey kids (or have an insanely picky husband like myself), here are some sure fire crowd pleaser recipes that will make everyone happy :)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: large;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Pleasing Pinterest-Inspired Recipes</span></u></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fried Rice</span></span></u></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>INGREDIENTS</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-1-2 boil in a bag white rice, cooked</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-1 bag peas & carrots, cooked as directed on packaging for 5-7 minutes w/ salt, pepper & butter</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-1 cup chopped onion</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-2 cloves garlic</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-2 tablespoons of olive oil (Honestly-any kind of oil would do)</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-2 eggs, beaten</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-1/2 cup teriyaki sauce</i></b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>INSTRUCTIONS</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-Heat the oil in skillet for 3-4 minutes on Medium heat</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-Add the chopped onion, garlic, and peas/Carrot mix & sautee for 5 minutes.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-Scramble the two eggs, using either one side of the skillet (you can push over your veggie mix), or you could use another skillet to do this. I'm super lazy, so I just scrambled it in the same pan.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-Once scrambled, mix it in with the veggie mix.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-Add & mix in your cooked rice (I typically cook the rice while I'm sauteeing everything together)</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>-Pour in your 1/2 cup of Teriyaki sauce, and mix everything up. </i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>AND YOUR'RE DONE :)</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>*I usually have Kevin marinate & grill some chicken to have with this, but I could honestly eat it plain. It is that delicious!!*</i></b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i></i></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i></i></b></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oxegy_unFFzB1jYziKj_Rt3QCohdiNx3h34RobeoZePYVAcz5gyaNb3X62Be-0R_aoIRJV_glGmbVw8bwlartRGydWAAyG1bORwfdhs7nb9fBBGdF3iyU7qrYQUl3VZIOfIVpjJoahQ/s1600/photo-229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oxegy_unFFzB1jYziKj_Rt3QCohdiNx3h34RobeoZePYVAcz5gyaNb3X62Be-0R_aoIRJV_glGmbVw8bwlartRGydWAAyG1bORwfdhs7nb9fBBGdF3iyU7qrYQUl3VZIOfIVpjJoahQ/s640/photo-229.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooooo Good!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>One additional note-- I highly HIGHLY recommend using this specific type of teriyaki sauce- it can be found in the "international" aisle at the grocery store. It is phenom. </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpjeB0s-uDUgb-wrms7CWBS6uZhUyKJUGWmd2u2ccJiy_rn5a7UNhrGDXhcwN0VDWRQHLxgeibHIDH4dpbTjGzrWnznWURaZ3urnLJKEz7m4cJTSr4Q5LKKN240ZxR-uyH8PcAUd0RmU/s1600/photo-230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpjeB0s-uDUgb-wrms7CWBS6uZhUyKJUGWmd2u2ccJiy_rn5a7UNhrGDXhcwN0VDWRQHLxgeibHIDH4dpbTjGzrWnznWURaZ3urnLJKEz7m4cJTSr4Q5LKKN240ZxR-uyH8PcAUd0RmU/s640/photo-230.JPG" width="481" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Pinterest Inspired Recipe #2</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Spicy Chicken w/ Peas Rigatoni</u></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-3 tablespoons olive oil</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1/2 tablespoon of crushed red pepper</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- 1/4 teaspoon of salt & pepper</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- 2 Medium cloves of garlic</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-Two chicken breasts, cooked & shredded (I usually bake my chicken at 400 degrees, for about 35-40 mins, and then shred it. Much better flavor vs. boiling it)</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1 jar marinara sauce (I prefer Ragu, parmesan & romano)</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1 Jar Alfredo sauce</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1 cup of early/young peas, cooked w/ salt & butter</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-3/4 box of cooked penne pasta (honestly- again- any pasta would work, minus lasagna sheets or jumbo shells)</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>INSTRUCTIONS</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Let olive oil heat in large pot for 3-4 minutes, then sautee all of the spices together until cooked through.</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Add cooked/shredded chicken in with the spices & mix together thoroughly.</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Add cooked peas in with chicken mixture</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Drain pasta & add in with chicken/pea mixture. Mix well.</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Add both jars of sauces.</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-AND YOU'RE DONE :)</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>*Top with mozzarella* </i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DDJnc_Z8JtP6Qr_No0fwBrCjRKG23yG85DwU1XokrQxpB8QOVkbIff1ly-eRKnYS4qw8EAcpvN7t0WfGdyF1BcljWuuTHCsFQZ4bZmPvCAPoyZzO2dQPKs4EbwFT5kYE-ghqbOURLbM/s1600/photo-231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DDJnc_Z8JtP6Qr_No0fwBrCjRKG23yG85DwU1XokrQxpB8QOVkbIff1ly-eRKnYS4qw8EAcpvN7t0WfGdyF1BcljWuuTHCsFQZ4bZmPvCAPoyZzO2dQPKs4EbwFT5kYE-ghqbOURLbM/s640/photo-231.JPG" width="481" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>SOOOOOO YUMMY. </i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Andddd... for the grand finale...</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Jan's Red Chili Recipe (perfected by Caroline)</u></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> *Side note- You all should feel incredibly special that I'm sharing this amazingness with you. This recipe has been adjusted numerous times over the years & it is now simply the most perfect Red chili recipe you will EVER ever try. I promise. Kev said this recipe even trumps his mother's recipe (ear muffs, Pat G!- This is the only item he says this about.), which is pretty much the highest praise a wife could ever get from their husband as it pertains to cooking!*</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">INGREDIENTS</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1 onion, chopped</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-2 cloves of garlic</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1.5-2lbs of ground beef</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-2 cans of diced, chili ready tomatoes</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-3 cans of chili beans (2 hot, 1 medium)</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1 1/2 Tablespoons of chili powder</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1 teaspoon cumin</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1 teaspoon of salt</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-1 teaspoon of black pepper</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-1/2-1 teaspoon of white pepper (best kick there is!)</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-1 teaspoon of cinnamon</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-2-3 teaspoons of sugar or brown sugar (I usually do a bit of both)</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-1 teaspoon oregano</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-1 Teaspoon basil</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-1/2 box of elbow macaroni (optional- as I know not everyone likes pasta in their chili)</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-1 cup water, as needed</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>INSTRUCTIONS</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Brown onion, garlic, and beef together, until meat has browned.</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Drain off grease</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Add beans, tomatoes, & spices.</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Let marinate together for 1 hour or so (**personally, I think it just gets better & better the longer it sits**)</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Add in water (as needed-you might not need the whole cup of water, or you might need more. It just depends)</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Add in cooked elbow mac.</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-Let sit for 15 mins & serve</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>-And you're done!!</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>**TWO MAJOR NOTES- I typically taste my chili about 20 times while I make it. I seriously always wind up adding a bit more of the various spices listed above, depending on what I think it needs. I also make Kevin taste it numerous times, so I can get the taste just right. It SHOULD wind up having a twinge of sweetness w/ a pretty big kick of spice. If not, just keep adding more/less of those spices**</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">With cold weather fixing to invade Kentucky this weekend, these recipes are the perfect solution to a good home-cooked meal. I hope yall enjoy them as much as Kev & I have :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And as always- if you have any questions regarding any ingredients or instructions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">With that, I hope yall have a fantastic Friday!! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849828219447937020.post-30090985207343654032012-10-05T08:26:00.000-04:002012-10-05T08:26:00.923-04:00A Few Friday FascinationsI swear to our good Lord that I have not been avoiding my blog. I just have had the absolute worse case of writers' block ever. I literally fall asleep thinking about what I could/should write about, and I draw complete blanks. <br />
Finally, by the grace of God, I realized that it was my obligation to share with you all a few random obsessions that I have had as of late...http://youtu.be/xz3IdiYJ-sk<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Hair Screws</b></span><br />
We all know I love a good up-do, especially one with a Faux Braid (here's a quick tutorial for those of you all who haven't mastered that little trick quite yet)<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xz3IdiYJ-sk" width="420"></iframe><span id="goog_953403180"></span><span id="goog_953403181"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<br />
However, lets face it- unless we wake up super early to have mass quantities of time on our hands before we go to work in the morning, I am alllllllll about easy w/ mahh hair in the am.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Enter hair screws.</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p5LSgS665xMNAnB8WPIsqbRyfvPFXGNlLPhbPnVEg5Qtd3bijSz-YFW928O4WrR_gtBRTsZK4jg7SY3s848s9gTwrX3ROfAeIwz-U948AjxYZl38Y3kAkFTygt6suJ2nwOCYfhAOVg0/s1600/photo-222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p5LSgS665xMNAnB8WPIsqbRyfvPFXGNlLPhbPnVEg5Qtd3bijSz-YFW928O4WrR_gtBRTsZK4jg7SY3s848s9gTwrX3ROfAeIwz-U948AjxYZl38Y3kAkFTygt6suJ2nwOCYfhAOVg0/s640/photo-222.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These bad boys run about $6-8 dollars, and you can find them practically anywhere that sells shampoo. Seriously. I saw them at Kroger, if that tells you anything.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not only are they cheap, they are extremely easy to use... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let me demonstrate (no tutorial- sorry yall- my phone was fixin to die, so pics will have to do today.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03Sf9P7kQDyvkoFuW6ZdovgqtPgy-aEJwbI7wsev16Mr2oXyTSy3v9GykuSbhSc7vU2Ur90tETr4QyPQqQdQf52kfIWumM-VmXYZSF4OP7kNvXgdnr5x7ei2QGrS_FtLqh8BOMvSbKF0/s1600/photo-223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03Sf9P7kQDyvkoFuW6ZdovgqtPgy-aEJwbI7wsev16Mr2oXyTSy3v9GykuSbhSc7vU2Ur90tETr4QyPQqQdQf52kfIWumM-VmXYZSF4OP7kNvXgdnr5x7ei2QGrS_FtLqh8BOMvSbKF0/s640/photo-223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I swear to everything holy & pizza that this is the easiest up-do of all time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>INSTRUCTIONS</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Lift hair up like you were going to put your hair into a pony tail</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Twist around & make the bun shape</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. Insert screws into an x shape into the little twist bun you created.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. Just kidding, there is no #4. Its that easy. 20 seconds, tops.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Suck it, Sock Bun :) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Talbots Outlet</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGn8GO8ym5dqbXQpir9feVbH0RWx1LBK_HF9jN2038t9IFHH1BOwrUYL6t76_QZfvTGJc4KekzNjY2ALRW3upFwtHRjz9YdM3rc_Gla_qbPSo8DePEzUO3cXe3viGX6tb6Wpifofa9y1Q/s1600/images-79.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGn8GO8ym5dqbXQpir9feVbH0RWx1LBK_HF9jN2038t9IFHH1BOwrUYL6t76_QZfvTGJc4KekzNjY2ALRW3upFwtHRjz9YdM3rc_Gla_qbPSo8DePEzUO3cXe3viGX6tb6Wpifofa9y1Q/s320/images-79.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No, my 58 year old mother did not just hijack my computer, you read that correctly. For professional clothing that has a bit of style & classiness, you honestly cannot beat that outlet store. It is phenomenal, I am obsessed with it, and I'm not even going to apologize for loving it so much. I'd like to tell you I'm mildly embarrassed that I see 62 year old women shopping there every time I go, but I mean, honestly- those senior citizens obviously know whats up bc the place rocks. I bought ALL of the following clothing (including the dress in the beach pic) for $92. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkcW0fr6Ce3oMZDgdm__vLok5rU2P8Z4r5rNdRd1QkZJFu-oIj1vI6GQbI7R2Zt33fccHxeJIvhhPDWf1mzhgvjnbZHUk7Xc-g0Nbe9Rg0qYGgueqV8OU4GpKEvnOS21IXsOR82LTwJ4/s1600/photo-224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkcW0fr6Ce3oMZDgdm__vLok5rU2P8Z4r5rNdRd1QkZJFu-oIj1vI6GQbI7R2Zt33fccHxeJIvhhPDWf1mzhgvjnbZHUk7Xc-g0Nbe9Rg0qYGgueqV8OU4GpKEvnOS21IXsOR82LTwJ4/s640/photo-224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5BWBbeN-Xc4Jpokgep7Pm9anNDaGyDIekHimijATy1XsRNSEImHv2YmyWxKWipGD628qMXHmccAerHuTNc-JbxMEvuM0kKNKQx6gts104nYUkEGLuUF51s9saX9-09GcExJIZLWMO3Q/s1600/photo-225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5BWBbeN-Xc4Jpokgep7Pm9anNDaGyDIekHimijATy1XsRNSEImHv2YmyWxKWipGD628qMXHmccAerHuTNc-JbxMEvuM0kKNKQx6gts104nYUkEGLuUF51s9saX9-09GcExJIZLWMO3Q/s640/photo-225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gotta Love some great clothes at senior citizen pricing :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Loreal Nail Polish</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, I'm uptight with OPI & Essie because I honestly think their polish doesn't stay on very well. I promise to yall that I am not cheap in the slightest, but I refuse to pay $8-$9 for polish that doesn't stay on. Here lately, all I have been buying is Loreal. Their fall polish colors are on point & only about $4.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Check out what color I've been sporting this week (and yes--- i'm well aware my fingers look identical to a 12 year old boy, but what can you do?) :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLzjbev4YYmKp85K_HN0XVMKumRiDEBbihbTI-E4WSHWn27U_EUcL7_krJ0F534g_5MJxW6gjVnUlq9ojJiz0RiWHDwRxjnbwmmZ77ol2GqXEcDnHyNNm8KemxCVlFyMClHWdIbt0BWY/s1600/photo-226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLzjbev4YYmKp85K_HN0XVMKumRiDEBbihbTI-E4WSHWn27U_EUcL7_krJ0F534g_5MJxW6gjVnUlq9ojJiz0RiWHDwRxjnbwmmZ77ol2GqXEcDnHyNNm8KemxCVlFyMClHWdIbt0BWY/s640/photo-226.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why hello, Greycian Goddess.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is seriously my favorite Gray color of the season. Its not too dark or harsh, which I love. I know neutral/dark colors are super trendy but I gotta be blunt-- sometimes staring super dark polish day in & day out just kind of depresses me & makes me want to start on a round of prozac. Just saying :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Fallll lalalalaaa la la la laaaaaa</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Typically? I live for Fall. We've got a bit of colder weather, jeans, pumpkin spice lattes, bourbon, etc. (ha, who am I kidding? I live in Kentucky--> we drink bourbon alllll year long. Those of you not from here should follow suit.. it will make your life infinitely better.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, my fall (because I am married to THE super fan of the University of Kentucky) hasn't been too fun, due to my Wildcats being embarrassingly bad at Football this year. And believe you me, super fan is NOT fun to be around when his beloved wildcats are losing on a weekly basis. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyways, I've just gone ahead & focused my efforts straight into <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Christmas.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks to my boredom of now routinely skipping UK Football games, I have channeled my energy into creating various random Holiday items. While I'm going to do a full post about the random Pinterest stuff I've made for Thanksgiving/Christmast/NYE, I'll give you a quick preview.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrJa60kJhIVWHxNY92OYILGPJGr9FKNrUsxm6ighy0HNpJfGTj7jPOvzjTHV9z6cWzkDHDqUvVr_EvxZl9F8GxdWZE6zRDQkPPSbIPoAFxS252znUOuhRFC-dJMctrUJjW9zrUDgnb2o/s1600/photo-227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrJa60kJhIVWHxNY92OYILGPJGr9FKNrUsxm6ighy0HNpJfGTj7jPOvzjTHV9z6cWzkDHDqUvVr_EvxZl9F8GxdWZE6zRDQkPPSbIPoAFxS252znUOuhRFC-dJMctrUJjW9zrUDgnb2o/s640/photo-227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Fabulous, Fun, & For the Frugal :)</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b>INSTRUCTIONS</b><br />
<b>1. Buy a pack of plain glass ornaments, fun tissue paper & coordinating ribbon, & modge podge</b><br />
<b>2. Modge podge those suckers</b><br />
<b>3. Use your fun tissue paper, and stick it alllll over the ornament</b><br />
<b>4. Paint a layer of modge podge all the tissue paper covered ornament</b><br />
<b>5. let dry, add a bow, and you're finished!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Even if your team is having a stellar season (unlike my poor Cats), these are still super fun to make & could be fantastic little gifts for the upcoming Holiday season!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Alright yall, thats about all I've got in me tonight. Hope everyone has had a fantastic week & has an even better weekend! I know I'm ready to get mine rolling asap :) Mmwwwa!</div>
</div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04647267107995477333noreply@blogger.com13