Hair Styles

Abby and I had a great day of hanging out!

That girl says the funniest things and has recently started singing a TON. Sometimes I know what it is (Jingle Bells, Jesus Loves Me, or Justin Beiber) but most of the time it is just random.

I love that sweet voice!

The Nutty Professor version of Abby.

We had lasagna tonight so Abby got to wear her spaghetti shirt.

Doesn't she look so happy!
Didn't eat a bite of lasagna though!

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After dinner, we painted nails.

Then.....it was hair stylin' time!

First look - the ponytail.

Her hair is so fine that it is hard to put up.

But just look how long that ponytail is!

Then we did pig tails.

Very uneven - again with the thin hair.

Watching her ham it up in front of the mirror was priceless.

I am really hoping that she lets me do this again!

What's Going On!

I have really missed writing on the ole blog lately!

But I have had a ton of other things going on....here is a glimpse!

Tuesday night, this sweet little baby joined the world. Yep, Amanda had baby Spencer!!

I was lucky enough to be up at the hospital and got to hold him soon after he was born.

I went again tonight and he is just as sweet as I remember him!!!

I could honestly write an entire book about him, but I am sure he will be featured in the blog many times over!

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I have really been working on making a book out of my first year of blogging.

I have been going back through all my posts and cleaning them up.

I am hoping to order it this weekend and will definitely share pictures.

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I went to my first Zumba class (in about 2 years) Monday night. I danced like a white girl, but will be headed back soon!

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The dreaded day is Saturday.

I am really not looking forward to turning the big 3-0!

But I did get these two sweet birthday pictures from Abby and Christopher.

And then this one! Love it!!!!

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I can't remember if I have posted about our fridge issues. That darn thing has conked out twice and we have repaired it twice. The last time, he said if that didn't fix it - nothing would.

Well, it went out again this past weekend.

We have all of our food in a college dorm fridge and luckily I work at a place that sells appliances.

I found one at a fantastic deal and it will be here on Tuesday. Thank goodness!

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I have the day off work tomorrow. I am so excited to spend the entire day with Ms. Abs!!

We are getting an oil change, going by her day care to turn in some paper work, helping Randy install the car seat, library and some light shopping for school clothes.

Although I did just find out that Stu is meeting friends after work and won't be home until late.

It will be a looong day!!!

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Hope that was a good enough re-cap of my blogging slacking!

Since this is my "baby book" I really need to stay on it!!

Staying Busy...All the Time

I honestly feel like the weeks are just a whirlwind. We get home between 5:45 and 6. With Abs heading to bed between 7:30 and 8, we are just on the go to cook dinner and get baths.

But I did manage to get a few pictures Sat night and Sunday.

Saturday night we went to a joint baby shower for our friends Brad and Amber. Their little girl Callie is 3 months younger than Abby. And baby girl Aubrie is due the end of November.

Abby, Callie and Emmi loved playing on the cornhole boards.

Emmi (who is 4, I think) explaining to Abby how to play the game.


They started on one side and then the point was to race to the other side.

Abby never really got that she needed to face the other side ;)


And she normally took off way before the other girls. But she never ran to the other board....she would just run to me.

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Sunday morning, Abby came in our room at 7:15. Stu is such a deep sleeper that he didn't believe me that she just wakes up and comes in there without yelling first. He actually woke up this morning and almost screamed when our Children of the Corn baby came in the room.

Early Sunday morning is usually reserved for couponing. I cut the ones that I need and Abby cuts the rest out. She is actually really good at cutting on the lines!

She loves it!

We also did a little work on the potty. We are soo unsuccessful with this. She talks a big game and will tell anyone that listens that she uses the potty. But it is so not true.

Abby starts "school" in two weeks and I am hoping that being in a class of 18 that gives prizes for potty use along with us using the same method at home will speed up this process!

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I am having such a hard time with Abby's room. Bought the wrong size curtains, returned them and now want a different color, can't find the shelves I want (Although I did find a tutorial about how to make them, so Stu will be working on that soon), and then procrastinating on the spray paint has put me behind.

But I did get motivated by the gorgeous weather today and made some progress on my first ever time to spray paint. This is the before picture.

I bought the chicken on the left at an antique store for $4. I love him. The birdcage was from Stein Mart for another $4. I will post the afters soon, I swear. And I decided that "yarning" Abby's letters just wasn't happening, so I painted those white as well.

I am secretly hoping that my super crafty sis in law (yes Jess, I'm talking to you) will come over and help me spruce them up with some leftover paint. ;)

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Stu might kill me for posting this (so feel free not to tell him), but I have set a personal weight loss goal for myself before we start trying for another child. That might sound silly, but I am approx 10-12 pounds heavier than I was before I got pregnant. The crazy thing is that I lost almost all the weight after I had Abby. But I have slowly gained it all back - the stress of selling a house, living in an apartment, working while Stu went to school, moving back to the home cooked goodness of the South, etc.

I told him my goal the other night, he looked at me a little crazy and just kinda grunted. That is Stu speak for "OK".

So hopefully, if it all goes as planned (and I actually start losing the weight) I will share how I am doing. I think if I just get over the initial "bump" and lose 5 pounds, Ill be good to go for the rest.

OK, that was totally rambling.....thanks for listening!

A First Time for Everything

Abby takes a nightly bath. I only wash Abby's hair every other night, but the bath is a must.

Bath time is usually 20-30 minutes long depending on how soon we get started. Abby adores this time and has so many funny games that she plays in the bath. She puts her toys to sleep, sings them songs and cleans them. She is so good that I usually am able to clean the house while she bathes (she sings and talks so loud, that I know she is ok).

Tonight though, about 10 minutes into it, she screams, "Momma" at the top of her lungs and I can hear her start sobbing.

I run in there and she is standing up (which she knows that she is never allowed to do).

I look IN the tub.....and oh.my.god.

There are two golf ball size "floaters".

I grab her out of the tub and just stare. In the history of Abby we have never, ever, ever had this happen. I was honestly at a loss of what to do.

So, I go grab some Kroger bags (three to be exact) and wrap them around my hand. I decide to fish them out and throw them in the toilet.

I am not sure if this is what I should have done, but it was the best that I could come up with.

I was so traumatized. After the first one, I gagged. But I tried to hold my sh*t together (literally) and got the second one as well. Pretty much everything in that tub has been bleached.

And Abby and I can barely look at each other now. We are both embarrassed by what went down tonight.

****Sorry for the wordy posts, Ill put pictures up just as soon as I take them. ****

Little TattleTale

As soon as we got home tonight (and every other night), I put Abby in her panties. I am hoping that it will at least get her thinking about using the potty. I have an entire other post related to that and the "accidents" that go along with.

I had to finish some laundry, so I threw it on our bed. Our bed is extremely tall so Abby has to get help to get in it.

She said; "Mommy, Help me get in the bed."

I told her, "Only people that use the potty can get in my bed. If you will use the potty, you can get in the bed."

She jutted that little chin out, grabbed the baby monitor on the night stand (which she is convinced is a phone) and said "I'm calling Poppa."

I just stared her down.

She (the whole time staring at me) said, "Poppa, Mommy won't let me get in the bed."

I left the room, burst out laughing and told Stu what she said.

I walked back in the room and she said, "Mommy, Poppa said I could get in the bed."

I swear that girl cracks me up every day. All day long.

And no, she did not get in the bed.

Emmy's: Hits and Misses

Emmys!!!

Oh yes, it is that time again! Check out my reviews last year. I don't know if it was because I seem to watch the same shows, but I just didn't recognize as many people this year.

But I did enjoy/hate the ones that I did know.....

Hits:

Hands Down: My Favorite Dress.

I think the black could have been a tad boring, but she totally rocked it with the red bag and shoes.

I would kill for those curves. Sofia rocks them and is just freaking beautiful in this coral-ish dress.
How cute is she? I think this dress is completely age-appropriate for her. A tad familiar (see above pic), but still cute as a button.

This dress looks a lot better on live TV. It was more of a blueish color and I really liked it.

Heidi: Nuff Said.

But really, if you have read my reviews, you know the gal does no wrong.

Kate Winslet: Love the red dress. Classic and She is just royalty in Hollywood

Another stunning red dress. It may be cliche to love red dresses on red carpets, but I just think it is regal and stunning.

I love Julie Bowen. And for her age, this neckline was daring, but she totally rocked it.

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Misses:

Seriously, what was she thinking? This dress is hideous. She looks like a shiny Christmas ornament.

Way, way, way too much time in the tanning bed. And I think the white dress makes it worse.

I was looking back through my Emmy reviews from last year and I pretty much have the same review this time.

I guess....if you got it, flaunt it????

This was my worse pick of the night. This picture really doesn't even do it justice.

Again with the Christmas ornament look. The top was super shiny with giant gems on the top.

Not flattering at all.

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Well there it is.....the Emmy's are just the beginning!!

Pictures From the Weekend

Stuart has been out of town since Thursday morning, so it has been a loooong weekend. But he is back tonight and Abby was so thrilled to see him!

But it was fun and busy....and ended too soon!

Thursday night we had chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. I cracked up because I am totally eating dinosaur nuggets and Pheneus and Ferb mac and cheese. We are gourmet in my house!

Friday night was watercolor night.

Such concentration!

Saturday, We got up and early to go to the Warrior Dash in Manchester. Ha - no I did not participate! But I went to support the family.

From left: Phil and Maggie, Jessica, JD, Mom, and Nathan and Justin.
Nathan is seriously the tallest person that I know. I am about the same height as my mom so I come to his shoulder.


Abby was very entertained picking up acorns (which Mommy forgot about so they made a cycle through the washing machine).



The "after" picture. After the mud pit.





*I will also note that Abby got about 2 drops of mud on her (from all the muddy people) and you would have thought her arm got cut off. She screamed, cried, and generally just threw a sh*tfit until she was clean. I am pretty sure that I used an entire pack of wet wipes on just her.*






Today, I went to a dual shower for my two besties. They are due within 3 weeks of each other and sis-in-laws!





Me and Michelle. Michelle and I have been friends since 3rd grade and she is such an amazing mommy to a beautiful 6 year old. She is expecting a little girl named Elizabeth Ann. She says that it is after her two grandmothers, but I am totally telling the baby it is me :)

Me and Amanda. Amanda is a first-time Mommy and I am so excited to meet little boy Spencer James! She is going to be such a loving, sweet Momma and I can't wait to see her in action. She is due in three weeks, but I think Spencer is ready to come out and meet his awesome parents!

**I am also going to point out why I am dressed for winter. I got FRIED at the Warrior Dash and was so embarrassed. My arms were completely farmer-tan looking, so I just pretended to be cold!**

Earlier today Abs and I decided to go outside and do some yard work. Since I managed to keep her sunburn-free yesterday, I wasn't taking any chances today. I got her to put a hat on!!

Isn't she adorable? Granted she took it off 5 minutes later, but since I wrestled with a hose and lost, we weren't outside long.

And sneak peek on the room makeover - do you see the new paint color? I promise I still have "before" pictures. Stu and I will be working on some more of it Tuesday night and I will be ready to reveal soon! I'm loving what has been done so far.

Day 16: Blogs

Day 16: 5 Blogs You Visit Daily

I have quite a few blogs that I visit daily, but I will try to narrow it down.

Young House Love - This has been a recent obsession. And I do mean obsession. This a DIY couple that shows in detail how they are transforming their house. I am nowhere near their level of creativity, but I love watching how they transform their house. Cheap!

Kelly's Korner - I have to believe that this will be a favorite of most people. Kelly is awesome and a true inspiration to Christian mommas. I love hearing her stories of Harper (who is about 2 weeks younger than Abby) and her new baby Hollis.

I Hate Green Beans and Some Guy in Austin - I can only stand watching the Bachelor series because of these two blogs. They write the girl/guy perspective of the show and crack me up every week.

In this Wonderful Life - I started reading this blog when her son was diagnosed with a heart condition in the womb. She recently had two beautiful twins. Her blog is super sweet!

For my number 5 (well technically 6, 7, 8 and 9), I am totally promoting my friends' blogs.

Fine Wine and Diapers - Former co-workers wife. She is preggars with number 2 and I am personally dying to know Baby Girl's name!

Warf Party of 4 - Good friends that just went through the birth of a son at 26 weeks. Houston is doing awesome and I love this little family of 4.

Julie's Blog - My bestie that doesn't update as often as I wish she did ;) but she has an amazing daughter and an amazing story.

Lindsay's Photography - Lindsay does all of our photographs now and I love them! Not only are her pictures amazing, she is terrific to work with. Doesn't hurt that she is a good friend of mine and Abs loves her!

Date Night

Last week, we had the pleasure of watching Abby's friend Casey for a few hours. They currently go to the same sitter so are Best Buds.

It was very entertaining to keep two rowdy kids.

Case in Point:

Casey: "I have crayons at my own house, what else ya got?"

We filled up the water table and it was a hit.

I asked them to smile for the camera. Only one of them paid attention to me of course.

And they really enjoyed laying in the dog bed!

Abby was unwilling to leave the comfort of Ali's bed.

We had a great night with Casey and I know Abby slept like a rock!

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Abby loves to say "I Do It" to almost everything.

Her newest is taking her own clothes off.

But she did manage to get out of this hold.

Now.....if she could just learn to use the potty....

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We only have a few more weeks until she moves to the day care. I have been on the waiting list almost 2 years (before we even moved back), so I am really excited for her to start.

I am already on the email list and get the monthly and weekly updates for her class.

Every day has a theme or activity. For example, tomorrow the kiddos are learning about the letter "F" and are bringing a flashlight.

Wednesdays are dress up days and Fridays are show and tell. I am so excited!

Oh and they have a potty chart complete with a treasure chest....score!! They send them home too so we can do the same thing here. Let's potty train before Christmas!

Day 14: Looking Forward To

Day 14: Share Something That You Are Looking Forward To

I have to say.....The Holidays!!!

Fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving/Christmas is probably my favorite time of the year.

I may be in the minority, but I love that all of the decorations are already out at the stores. I recently made my first trip to Home Goods and was drooling!

I cannot WAIT to decorate my house for the holidays.

We have a formal dining room in the front of the house, but no dining room table. I am thinking it will be the perfect place for a giant tree!

Day 13: Favorite Bible Verse

Day 13: Share your favorite Bible Verse

It is hard to name just one!

For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (hung in Abby's room)

Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. Romans 10:13

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

I have many, many more, but glancing through my Bible those are some that I have highlighted.

And I have to say that our preacher does an amazing job of picking "ordinary" scripture and digging into its true meaning. It has made me see and read the Bible in a whole new light.

Day 12: Goals

Day 12: Goals Your Goals That You Would Like to Accomplish This Year

1. Finish Abby's room transformation. Painting, bedding and curtains are done as of tonight. Still have some yarn work, spray painting and hanging to do. I am giving myself about 30 more days to get it finished.

2. Work on the laundry room. That is my next room to paint (I like small rooms).

3. Tackle painting the master bedroom. We have double trey ceilings so it will be a project.

4. Readjust the fence. I want to make our fenced backyard bigger, this is probably a spring project, but something I really want to do.

5. Lose 15 pounds!!! We joined the YMCA last week, so hopefully this is sooner rather than later.

6. Be more "green. We started recycling a few weeks ago. It has made a DRAMATIC difference on how much trash we have. But I would like to get more into organic cleaners and using those instead of my standard 409.

Those are my goals, hold me accountable!