Preconceived Notions

As I was standing in the grocery store check out line today I realized that my purchases looked really healthy. I was buying: a head of cabbage, green and red apples, bananas, chicken breast and peas. The ONLY reason that is all I was buying is because I had 10 minutes to grab as much from my list as I could and that is what I came up with. I had to be at Brooklyn's school to pick her up so I figured I would just get what I could in that much time. Anyway, this spurred me to thinking about how some people look like the "healthy natural" kind of people and then there are those who you think are probably the "chips and snackcakes" kind of people. I thought, "I wonder what kind of person I look like??" I thought if a person has lots of fake stuff done to them (hair colors, fake nails, tattoos, peircings or if they are very overweight) I would probably assume they are the "unhealthy" kind of person. But if a person has natural nails, little or no make up, modest clothes, clear skin..then I tend to assume they're probably a really healthy kind of person. Isn't that silly?!? I mean, there could be some truth to that...but not necessarily. That's like assuming every brown person can speak Spanish. It's just not so. Anyway, I wonder...how many of our preconceived notions are really accurate?!? I actually feel embarrased when I walk into GNC with Matt to buy some of his nutritional supplements because I think the workers probably look at me and think "what's SHE doing in here? She obviously doesn't use our stuff!" Not that I think I am a cow or anything..but I don't look especially "fit" (especially when I am fully clothed......or completely unclothed for that matter! ha ha) Anyway, that's what was on my mind this afternoon. I knew you'd all wanna know! hehe

Present Etiquette

I'm wondering...how do you stop giving someone a Christmas gift? Here's the situation: I have a friend who is really just an aquaintance now. We have always exchanged Christmas gifts with one another and have also always had our children exchange gifts. That was back when we saw one another on a regular basis and our children were pals. Now that we've moved out in the boonies, we only see them about twice a year and it just seems silly to keep up this gift tradition. We also do it for ours and the kids birthdays too. I have SO MANY people to buy gifts for this year...that I'd really like to just make it easier on both her and I by not doing this anymore but I can't figure out how to go about it. If I ask her...well, that would be just downright awkward. If I just don't give them gifts this year..I will feel like a real heel when she hands us ours. I don't have the kind of rapport with her like I do with a lot of my friends where I could just say, "hey, lets not do gifts this year, okay?" So, do any of you have any suggestions? I am starting to think I should just bite the bullet and go buy the gifts. The $20 I would spend would be easier than creating a weird uncomfortable atmosphere between us. But then...really, this is an issue I'm encountering a lot these days. I want to buy my closest close close friends a small gift...but how do I NOT buy a gift for the other people who are in our "circle" who I don't know as well??? Also, do my kids really need to give a gift to EVERY ONE of their friends? Last year (in Kindergarten) Brooklyn brought home gifts from about 4 of her girlfriends. Real gifts too..not just little trinkets from the dollar store. I'm talking about $10 gifts. I immediately felt obligated to go out and buy these little girls gifts too...and I didn't even know who they were!
I guess I stress about this so much because the LAST THING I WOULD EVER WANT TO DO is hurt someone's feelings or make them think I don't like them. As a matter of fact, I'd just about rather go into debt buying everyone and their dog a gift than to ever make anyone feel left out. But I don't think that is probably right or good either.
So anyway, if any of you have any suggestions on this topic, I would REALLY appreciate your advice.
One more quick question...if you know someone spends about $20 on your gift...should you also try to spend $20? I got some good deals on some stuff during the summer that I was going to use as family gifts for some people but now I am feeling guilty because the things I got on sale only cost me $4.99 and that seems SO CHEAP compared to what I know they are spending on us (and they are much less "fortunate" in the finance area than we are). BUT..that is why I bought these things when I saw them during the summer..so I could save money come Christas time.
Ugh...why am I making this SO DIFFICULT???

just curious...

How many of you wash your face before bed? Brush your teeth before bed?
I know we should...but do we actually do it? I don't!

Wednesday Weigh-In

I SO did not want to get on the scale this morning. I feared the worst---seeing the big 5. (150) BUT...after that whole jeans trying on experience the other day, I knew I needed to hop on there and see what I was dealing with. It rang me up at 147 today. Not good-not bad. Certainly better than the 150 I was fearing. I NEVER want to see the 150's again...ever~! My goal for a couple of years now has been to get down to 130. BUT..I think I am going to change that for now. I am going to make getting down to 140 my goal for now..for 2007. Losing 17 pounds sounds daunting...but losing 7 sounds do-able. If I can get to 140...I will be able to fit into all of my jeans, including the new ones I bought the other night. Then come January..I can start thinking about 130 again.
I started tanning yesterday. I can't stand this pasty white skin. Yes, I know....you're all thinking..."but you told us to use the Dove Energy Glow to get rid of that"..and you're right, I did. And I still LOVE the stuff...but...I want a "real" tan. The kind that is all over my whole body--not just the parts my hands can reach. At the gym I go to, I can tan in the nicer, 10-minute beds for $2 a pop....and that's way cheaper (and more convenient) than any of the tanning salons around here...so I am gonna do it..for a while anyway.
I just had SUCH a "down" kind of day yesterday--about my looks. Here I was at the gym for the first time in a week standing in the front row of my class feeling like a HIPPO. Usually I am one of the more "fit" people in the class..but apparently every skinny/buff girl that has a membership to that gym decided to come to class yesterday morning. and...not only that..but 2 of them were wearing barely-there sports bras showing off their rock-hard abs and gigantic fake round-as-a-cantelope boobs. They are all also really tan and pretty and just pretty much disgusting! ha ha Me on the other hand...I was wearing probably the most unflattering pair of shorts I own...gray cut off sweat-shorts from AE that are a size too big, a brown tank that is too tight and whose straps KEPT falling off my arms. I just felt so out of place and I HATE that feeling. It reminded me of when I first started going to the gym and I weighed 190 pounds. I was so miserable being there surrounded by all those tiny, muscular people...but I used that as my inspiration to keep going and it worked.
Anyway, I didn't mean to ramble about that...but for once, the kids are at school and I have a minute and I just let my fingers go wild.
So...the other thing I wanted to talk about in this post is last night's eipsode of Biggest Loser. I was so bummed to see B go. He was trying SO hard to keep the red team in the race. I would've hate to see Hollie go too-or any of them (except Julie) for that matter, but I will miss Kim. I wonder what will happen with her now? I SO would LOVE to try all of those challenges that they do on there. It would be so fun and interesting to see how in-shape I actually am. I think I am probably a lot less "in-shape" than I should be for having worked out on a consistent basis for the last 3 1/2 years. Maybe that's why I liked B so much---he and I struggle with the same thing--nutrition.
Okay, well, I should really make good use of this time at home alone and get some work done. Bye for now!
Ps. Did you see that they are coming out with BL work out DVD's on December 18th? That is now the #1 thing on my Christmas Wish List!

warning---this is really yucky

Tonight I went over to my mom's to help her and my grandma (who lives with her) put up their Christmas tree. After we took the tree out of the big box and started putting it up, the kids asked if they could play in the box. They were having so much fun using it as their "club house". I was enjoying seeing them actually PLAY together....that was until my Grandma told me a story from 'way-back-when'. It was so disturbing and shocking and alarming..I wanted to share it with you all. Not to put fear in your hearts/minds...but just as a reminder to keep safety a top priorty-especially when your children are involved.

So..here's the story:
One Christmas morning after a family had finshed opening their gifts, one little boy snuck outside in his jammies, no shoes or coat--and without his parents knowing. He had seen a big box their neighbors had put outside by the curb and wanted to play in/with it. Apparently they had gotten some kind of new appliance or large TV and there was a box out there that looked just right for a little boy to use as his "club house". As the little boy crawled inside, a large semi drove down that street and ran over that box. Afterall, it just looked like trash there by the curb. The little boy was able to get out of the box and run a small distance towards his house before he died. When my grandma saw him, he was laying on a hospital bed wearing only his jammies which were covered in blood. (she worked at the hospital) She said the sight of that child there like that has always stuck in her memory and she can't help but think of it every time she sees a child playing in a big box. Whew! That gives me the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it. How horribly horrible! Can you just imagine?
Anyway, I know that was a terrible story...but for some reason, I felt like I wanted to share it. I know I take my kids saftey for granted WAY too much. God gives us protection...but He also requires us to use Wisdom.

okay...enough seriousness..I'm off to bed! love ya'll!

Why can't everything be like scrapbook paper?

I have been searching for months for the perfect bedding for Brooklyn's room. I know what I want. I can see it in my head. I thought I had made it up but now I know where I got this "idea"....scrapbook paper! They have the most beautiful scrapbook paper imaginable out there right now and I could probably find a hundred different sheets of it that would satisfy this "idea" of what her bedding should look like. BUT...no one (that I can find) makes anything like this--and believe me, I have spent countless hours in front of the computer screen browsing websites after googling the terms: Funky, retro, swirly, unique, unusual teen girl bedding. It's about to drive me nuts. I know I am asking for a lot. I want this totally awesome, completely unique quilt that no one else has or has ever seen and I want it for CHEAP! Ha!! If ONLY I could sew!! I know I could find plenty of perfect fabrics too--but I can't afford to pay someone to make me a custom quilt. Grrr....Why do I have to be so picky? Why can't I just go to Wal-Mart and buy her a butterfly and flowers Or Hannah Montana bedding set for $59 and be done with it? Just thinking of having something like that makes me wanna gag. I despise "themes". Sorry to those of you who have such a thing in your kids rooms. I PROMISE YOU...this standard ONLY applies to me. I might walk into someone elses "themed" room and LOVE it..but for me and my house...we will go ala carte! ha ha
I am SO NOT into matchy-matchy. I am all about mixie-matchie and funky. Plus...seeing as how this room is NOT about ME anyway...this is also very much what Brooklyn likes. The girl has her OWN sense of style..let me tell you..but if anything, she is less "normal" than I. The funkier..the better in her book. We are both into over-the-top designs. Stuff that other people would never be brave enough to do. That's what I like. That is why I put brown paper bags all over my sons room to make a "leather" wall. No one else I know has that.
Anyway, I have spent the last hour and a half looking AGAIN for the perfect bedding and I haven't had any luck.
In a way I think to myself "why am I making such a big deal out of this? it's just a 6-year-olds bedroom...not a showcase." And then the other side of me says "yes, but this is going to be her room for the next (at least) 5 years and we might as well do it right and make it something she'll love."
I know me...I will never be satisfied with something mediocre.
So..on that note..if any of you have any suggestions, advice or websites for me---please share.
If you're interested, the top contender right now is at www.sweetpeachesbedding.com and it's the one called Hot Chocolate. I don't like the sheets or any of the accesories...JUST the quilt.
For those of you who know "Somebody's Nobody" over at http://lilahsnobody.blogspot.com---her style is exactly what I am looking for! Jaye...I need your help!!!

That Really STINKS!

Last night my good buddy Rachael called to see if I wanted to go Christmas shopping with her while the guys watch the kiddos. Woohoo! Now that's my idea of FUN! he he
Anyway, on the way to her house which is just a 2 mile feild from mine...I took a little back road. It was super dark even with my brights on and I was going...hmm...oohh..probably a teensy bit faster than the 25 mph speed limit when a SKUNK ran out in front of me! I swerved and slammed on my brakes (bad, I know) to try to miss it...but I hit it anyway. "Ba-Bump!" I felt my car go! ICK! But that was nothing compared to the SMELL! My car stinks so bad that we can smell it inside the house!!! I don't know what to do! I have had a headache ever since it happened because that smell is so strong and it's disgusting.
Any body have any suggestions?
Other than the skunk incident, it was a great night though. We went to the mall first and we split up so she could go where she needed to and so I could go in the GAP and try yet again to find a pair of jeans that fit right. I hated that I felt like I had to buy them there...but I had a $20 gift card plus somehow I overpaid my GAP bill by like $17 last month...so I had almost $40 to spend. I decided to take 1 pair of every style they sell and go from there. I picked up all size 8. Now...the last pair of jeans I bought from the GAP are a size 6...but I knew better than to try that. For one, I've gained about 10 pounds since those fit comfortably and besides that...everything has been feeling tight lately. GRR! Anyway, after about an hour of taking jeans on and off, on and off..I finally decided on a pair of boot cut indigo wash (real dark). They're really a tad bit tighter than I'd like...but...the salesgirl INSISTED that she has these same jeans and that they stretch out really bad. She promised me that if I bought the sz. 10 (that felt wonderful) that they'd be way too baggy within an hour of wearing them. She actually told me to wear them around the house for a few hours before I take the tags off just to see. Which I will certainly do. I got them on sale for $49 (down from $69) so they are only going to cost me about $11. Yay! Now...of course, I am back on the weight-loss wagon. That was totally depressing last night to see that I am almost back in a size 10. I'm not trying to be a size 4...but I was comfortable with 6 or 8.
Anyway, time to get the kids ready for school! I'll write more later! Bye!

Brotherly Love

 

Matt and his little brother Cale cuttin' up!

Painting Ornaments

 

I bought each of the kids a ceramic ornament to paint this year. They had fun painting them and I love the way they turned out.

Silly Net Heads!

 

The kids got the nets from our game Elefun and put them on their heads as hats. It looked pretty funny so I snapped a picture! They have SO much fun playing together!

Super Shoppers!

 

My SIL, Lindsay and me on Friday before our big shopping adventure. We shopped for 11 HOURS STRAIGHT!!! Whew!

Candy Kisses

 

There is this song out (in the hip-hop world) that is called Candy Kisses that we both like. Here we are blowing you all some kisses!

Best Buds

 

Me and my hubby snapping pictures during the drive.

Family Time

 

This is a bunch of Matt's family all gathered around looking at old photos. From left to right: Matt's grandma "Nane", Matt, his little brother, Cale, his cousin, Caitlyn and his dad. (you see where Brooklyn gets her red hair?)

Mr. Attitude

 

I know I have a lot of pics of Grant...but I couldn't resist putting this one on here too. It's such a cute picture even though he's got a big scowl on his face! ha ha He's so sweet...but sometimes he can be SUCH a grump!

Horse Swing

 

We've had one of these tire/horse swings in our yard for 2 years and the kids hardly ever touch it. But when we went to Matt's Aunt & Uncle's house for Thanksgiving...they had one and the kids played on it for as long as they could stand (it was FREEZING out there!)

Me and my little man

 

Miss Personality

 

Brooklyn poses as soon as she sees the camera! She's my little Diva!

Tear Drop

 

Grant on Thanksgiving afternoon while watching Brooklyn and Jaxon play on the swing. He had just been on it and scraped his knuckles and had a big tear drop on his cheek.

Making Sugar Cookies

 

The kids had so much fun cutting out Christmas shapes from this cookie dough. Unfortunately, the dough was too sticky and we weren't able to actually keep the shapes intact while transferring them to the cookie sheet. Still, they had a blast playing with (and eating) the dough!

fyi:

if I eat another peice of left-over dessert, I will burst. I don't want to hear the word pumpkin again till next year.

I have lots of pictures and stories to share...when I ever get a quiet un-busy minute.

Be back later......

I am thankful for DESSERT!!!

For our Thanksgiving feast tomorrow, I was asked to bring a dessert the kids would enjoy. This is what I came up with. I think they both turned out really cute. Hopefully they will taste as good!

Pilgrim Hats
Melt chocolate, cover large marshmallow, set on top of the chocolate side of a fudge-striped shortbread cookie using a toothpick and a 2nd toothpick to pull out the 1st toothpick. Stick in fridge to cool completely and then use yellow icing to pipe on the buckle.


Fall Brownies
Prepare a pan of brownies as directed on package. Melt chocolate and spread on top. Cut Snickers mini's in half and sprinkle on top (whole pkg). Sprinkle orange and brown M&M's or Reeces candies on top and let cool.

Bathing made easy...

Since I went to the gym this morning and worked out HARD (and it felt great by the way) I am super sweaty and stinky right now. That was 4 1/2 hours ago and I still haven't showered. I've been blogging and working but now it's time to get cleaned up. I told Grant "Hey buddy, I gotta go take a shower okay?" Being that he is bored and doesn't want to wait for me to take a shower--this was his reply, "Hey! You don't have to take a shower! I have Germ-X!" HA HA! If only it were that easy!

Our baby's growin' up...

This past weekend, Matt and I watched a movie and Grant fell asleep between us on the couch. When the movie was over, I realized he (Grant) and I had been holding hands and I had Matt grab the camera because I know there will be a day when my little boy won't wanna hold mama's hand anymore and I wanted to capture that image. Then as Matt carried him to bed, I snapped another shot of our little boy in his strong daddy's arms. One day he'll be way too big for us to carry to bed...but for right now, I want to cherish these moments.

Mark Harris - Writing on the Wall

You don't need to watch this video (unless you just want to) but do click on the play button and listen to the song while you scroll. It's precious. If you have a child...it will surely bring tears to your eyes.

As I promised, here are some holiday pics of my home. Some of them are pretty good..and them some really don't do it justice...but you get the idea.


This is my favorite thing of all...my manger scene. Matt's grandma gave me this a couple of years ago and I just ADORE it. I would love to have the other pieces some day...but being that it is that Willow Tree brand...it's pretty pricey.

The entryway. That wreath on the door is really pretty...but you can't see the detail in the picture at all--probably because of the sunlight behind it.

Since we don't have a fireplace, we hang our stockings on a shelf in the entryway. One day (maybe this year after Christmas) I hope to get us all beautiful stockings with our names embroidered on them. But for now, these cheapy's from wally-world will have to do.

The tree. I left off the gold bows I usually put on and I'm not sure it looks "full" enough. What do ya'll think?

The dining room. I had bought this hurricane globe thing to give as a gift but I fell in love with it and kept it instead!

Even the dog has a stocking! (thanks to Grandma who makes sure no one gets overlooked!)

Update on the dentist visit..

Well, the dentist took one little look in Brooklyn's mouth and said everything looked great. He said it's actually good when the top baby teeth don't fall out ahead of time because they kind of hold the space for the permanent ones rather than the ones to the sides pushing over and spreading out. He said if she were 8 or 9, he'd probably pull the baby tooth...but for her age (6 and 10/12ths), she is right on schedule. Hooray for Brooklyn! She was so nervous and it turned out to be no big deal!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

...At my house anyway! We put up our outside lights yesterday after church (half of them anyway) and then came in for dinner and to put up our inside decorations and tree. It looks SO pretty in here. I just LOVE Christmas decor. All the lights make my house feel beautiful, even when its messy...it just puts a soft glow on everything. I would take some pictures but they just don't do it justice. Still, if I get a chance when everything gets all cleaned up, I'll try to post a couple of pictures of my favorite things.

We are taking Brookyn to the dentist today to get that front tooth looked at. I hope they aren't concerned and don't have to do anything, but I have a suspicion that they'll want to pull her baby tooth out. I know she'll freak about that and I HATE for her to get a negative image of the dentist this early in her life...but we have to trust that he knows what he's doing.

Anyhow, not much else is going on around here. I've had a nice, busy day of cooking, cleaning, washing sheets and laundry all day and it's actually been pretty pleasurable. As long as my hubby and other child are out of the house, I can be quite productive and enjoy myself too.
On the flip side of that, if Matt is home, I am practically useless. I can't get anything done! So strange!

Okay, well, I will write again soon and let you know how the dentist visit went--and also post some pics of the house and all the decor!

Have you ever seen anything like this?

Brooklyn's mouth was bleeding the other day so I pulled up her mouth to look at it and her permanent tooth is coming in on top of her baby tooth! Her baby tooth is hardly even loose. I am not sure what to think about this. I don't know if it's something to be worried about or not. It bleeds all the time. Pretty much everytime she bites into anything. I hate to call the dentist if its not really necessary, but I don't know. What do ya'll think? Have you ever seen anything like this before?

More ???'s

Okay so that last post prompted more questions for you all:
I provided my answers for you in white italics (if you couldn't tell!) ha ha

1) When will you put your tree up?
probably around December 1st
2) Who puts it up? Just you? the whole family? Does hubby help?
Mostly me..but the kids will help a little with the lower half
3) When will you take it down?
Somewhere between December 26th and the 30th
4) When will you begin putting presents underneath it?
The day I put it up--a tree with no gifts under it is just downright depressing! ha ha
5) Do you put lights on the outside of your house? and when?
Yes. Either Thanksgiving Day or the day after usually.
6) If so, who puts 'em up?
Just me (usually)
7) When will you send out your Christmas Cards?
As soon after Thanksgiving as possible
8) Will you write a hand-written message in each?
absolutely. I NEVER send a card without at LEAST a paragraph. No message is just insincere, I think. (no offense!!)
9) How many people will you buy gifts for this year?
I think I counted 56 on my list!!!
10) Do your kids still believe in Santa?
They never have. As a matter of fact, Grant still think's his name is Noah! ha ha

By the way, I wanted to remind everyone to avoid using the term "X-Mas" . It directly crosses CHRIST out of CHRISTmas and that is the LAST thing we need to do--especially as the world tries so hard to do just that!

Just Curious...

RE: Christmas Tree's
Which will you have--Real or Fake???

Wednesday Weigh-In---It Figures!!!

I drudgingly got on the scale this morning since it was Wednesday and it has become my routine to weigh on Wednesday's--and to my suprise, delight and disbelief it said 145 (down from 148 2 weeks ago). 'That figures' I thought. For 2 months I work my butt off and diet like crazy and can't see any progress...then I take 2 weeks off...hardly any exercise or dieting and looky here---I lose weight! Whatever, I'll take it. I'm not complaining by any means. Hey, maybe if I do even less exercising and dieting--I'll lose even more weight!?!?! Ha Ha! Just kidding Kandy! I know better! You, Kate and Bev have been my cheerleaders these past few weeks in the weight-dept. I think these 2 weeks "off" will catch up with me if I don't get back on track soon. If only everyone in my house would get well...I could get back to the gym.
Anyway, what'd ya'll think of Biggest Loser last night? (Kandy-if you haven't watched your DVR taping yet---don't read this!)
I never have like Amy too much so I wasn't heartbroken to see her go last night...BUT...wow! What a transformation she'd made when it showed what she looks like now! She really is a very pretty woman! I think having a husband who has a background in fitness will be her saving-grace since she doesn't strike me as a super-motivated person. I was really glad that B. didn't get voted off. He has a lot of work still to do and I'd hate to see Kim gone. I know everyone out there thinks she's a bit on the wussy side...but hey...you gotta give the girl her props....look at her BODY! She's pretty darn buff for being wussy, I'd say. I like her. I think she and I could be friends. Now Jillian...she's who I'd want training me...but not someone I'd want for a friend. She's WAY too brutal for my tender heart.
Okay, enough BL talk..I really need to get to work..but I knew my girls out there would be looking for my Wednesday Weigh-In and since I actually had good news for once, I took a sec to post it. So...how are ya'll doing with your weight? You know Thanksgiving is only 8 days away! Better lose a few pounds so you'll have some room to gain. At least that's what I'm thinking. :o)

It's Icky being Sicky

It's Tuesday morning, 9:03 a.m. and normally at this time I would be sweatin' my butt off at the gym...but not today. (Again!) Last week it was Grant who was sick--this week it's me. UgH! I woke up Sunday morning barely able to breathe through my nose and with a horrible sinus headache. It's done nothing but get worse since then. The only time I feel okay is when I take this non-drowsy sinus med that I have. But it makes me super energetic and then all of a sudden when it wears off..I am totally drained and exhausted! It is so hard for me to sit still. Yesterday I woke up feeling horrible, took the meds, got my energy boost and cleaned out the garage, tore out the garden and mowed and cleaned the whole house!! Of course by the time I got done I was toast. Now today, I woke up feeling like I wanted to go work out but I knew better than to even try it since just simple things like making breakfast tire me out. I took a shower and felt like I needed to sit down and rest afterwards. Ha! So, I am hoping to use this long day at home to do LOTS of scrapbooking. I've really been on a roll lately and have gotten probably 25 pages done in the past 2 weeks or so. Only 1 more years worth of pictures to do and I'll be caught up! ha ha
Anyhow, just thought I'd do a post before I get started on my "day". Before I can go have fun scrapping...I have to do my "real" work for the dr. office. I picked up another doc part-time to help a friend of mine out and that has been a big blessing (financially) although it means I am at my desk quite a bit more. Oh well...gotta give to get right?
Happy Tuesday to you all! Don't forget to watch The Biggest Loser tonight on NBC. It's getting SO good!!!

Glow like a ghost OR Glow like you've been to the beach...it's your choice!

Okay, I am pushing one of my favorite products today. It's Dove Energy Glow. You need this. Yes, you. You have no excuse for that ashy white skin. This is not damaging to your skin. It only costs about $5 and it doesn't smudge or smell bad. It will make you feel thinner because every one knows tan skin looks thinner and also hides those yucky stretch marks and dimples. It's a win-win situation. AND...if you go over to www.doveglow.com you can click on "See yourself Glow" in the top left corner. In about 30 seconds, you can upload a pic of yourself and then watch yourself instantly get a tan! I'm pretty sure there's a place on there too where you can sign up for them to send you a free sample in the mail. I did it and got mine about 2 weeks ago.

If you're leery of an orangy looking tan, I don't think you'll have to worry about that. After years of "self-tanners" being on the market, I honestly believe Dove has perfected it.

Even if you don't want to bother with doing your whole body...AT least put a little on your face, neck and chest in the mornings before you apply your make-up.

If you don't like it for some reason, you won't have lost much...but I'm telling you--at least for me--it's the difference in being ghostly white and almost "witchy" looking to being healthy and vibrant looking. People ALWAYS notice that I look "better" when I use this stuff. You don't need it in the Summer so much since you'll probably have a little bit of color from just being outdoors...but when winter rolls around, if you're like me...it's like almost overnight all my color fades. I am trying to be careful of what I do to my skin now-a-days since I am getting OLDER! (augh!) so I try not to do too much tanning in tanning beds.

I also really like Jergens and Vaseline Intensive Care brands...but I don't think they smell as nice or color quite as evenly as this new Dove one does.

Good Luck! Let me know if you're gonna try it! Take a before and after picture. It only takes 7 days to achieve your "full tan."

Fashionably Late???

Does such a thing even exist?

A friend of mine made a statement to me a couple of weeks ago that has had me thinking ever since. She said, "Our generation is so selfish. We are late to everything and we always have an excuse. It's downright rude to always make people wait on you--as if their time isn't as valuable as yours."

Wow!

What's more...I am the QUEEN of late. If I am only 5 minutes late..I figure I've done good. If I am there at the time something is starting...that's PERFECT but if I am there 5 minutes ahead of starting time...I am EARLY! Any more than 5 minutes ahead of time and I figure I am just downright WASTING time now.

I'm beginning to think there is something wrong with that kind of thinking though. For one, I HATE it that everyone always feels like they have to tell me something starts half an hour before it really does--so I'll actually get there on time. And, most of my friends know, If I say I'll be somewhere at 10---they have at least until 10:15 before they can really expect me. How embarrasing.

I will say...one thing we are never late for is school. I don't know why I do so good with that...but my kids have never, not once, been late for school. I guess I just do SO much preparing ahead of time (setting out clothes, making lunches, packing up backpacks) that when it comes time to get out the door...everything is already waiting on me.
If only I could be more like that for everything else!

So I am just wondering...what are ya'll's thoughts on this? Is it okay to be 5 or 10 minutes late here and there? How early is too early? If something starts at 7:00, and you have a 20 minute drive to get there..what time do you plan to leave your house? (BTW, I would plan to leave at 6:35 and probably actually leave at 6:45)

What do ya'll think of your friends who are late?
rude? selfish? understandable? thoughtless? inconsiderate? No big deal?

How often are you late?
10% of the time? 25% of the time? 50% of the time? 75% of the time? All the time?

Pancakes anyone?

I went to the gym yesterday...first time in a week and boy oh boy...it was bitter sweet. It felt so good to be back and yet, I had NO energy and I felt like I was dragging the whole entire time. Thankfully, I have lots of gym-friends (people I only know from working out with them for the past 3 years) and they all cheered me on and helped me get through an hour and a half work out session. Yay!
So after dinner and dishes and bedtime with the kids last night, I was feeling pretty sore/tight in my shoulders and back so I begged my sweet hubby to give me a massage and try out some new massage oil I had bought. It was the warming kind that heats up with motion. ***Get your mind out of the gutter ya'll---that is NOT where this story is going!! :o) *** So anyway, I get all ready, he opens up the bottle and trys to squirt some on my back and the stuff comes out looking like Molasses! He starts trying to rub my back and the stuff is like so thick, he had to practically use half the bottle just to cover my shoulders and back! As he is rubbing I can hear the stickiness. Like when he lifts his hand, it kind of makes a sound from the suction! Finally he is done with my wonderful massage (the guy should totally go into business doing this---he's AWESOME---but of course I wouldn't want him touching other women--so no---never mind--rub that out). Anyway, I'm laying there on my stomach just relaxing and I say "Hey babe, why don't you go cook up some pancakes and we can eat them with all the syrup that's on my back." For some reason I found that ridiculously hilarious and I cracked my own self up. Ever since that moment last night...I've been thinking "I have to blog about this."
Now that I'm typing it--it doesn't seem nearly as funny...but oh well...I wasted a whole night thnking about it and how funny it was...so I'm leaving it.
Ha ha!
Anyway, I was going to pose a question to you all: Does anyone have a favorite massage oil or lotion that they could suggest? I love the stuff they use at the spa's because it seems like one drop covers a lot of skin...but I don't know how to find that stuff myself.

ZZZZzzzzzzz's

The more I get, the more I want.
Since it was dark and the kids were whiny last night, we put them to bed at 7:03 pm!! I wasn't sure if they'd "fall" for it...but they went to sleep as easy as ever. BUT...while Matt and I were in there reading books to them, we got sleepy too. So sleepy---that we decided to just go to bed too! At 7:30 pm, we were all 4 tucked away in our dark house sleeping!! Isn't that crazy?
I knew I'd have to get up early to make up for going to bed that soon, so I set my alarm for 5:00 am. I counted it up just before I went to sleep and I figured that would give me 9 1/2 hours of sleep so getting up that early shouldn't be a problem at all. Right? Wrong! I was so sound asleep (and tired) when the alarm went off this morning that I hit snooze until 5:27 without even realizing it. When I actually woke up and looked at the clock, I couldn't believe I had "snoozed" that long! So, I got up, brushed my teeth, put my robe and slippers on and came out here to my computer to work. I've been sitting out here now for 15 minutes and I feel like a zombie. I can't type, the computer screen seems blurry and I am so tired I think if I shut my eyes right now, I'd be asleep instantly.
What's up with that?
I wonder if it's me just being a sissy (because obviously 9 hours of sleep in one night is plenty) or if my body is trying to tell me something?
I was all set to go back to the gym today (I haven't gotten to go all week b/c Grant's been home with strep throat) but now, as tired and drowsy as feel, I really Don't want to go. You know how sometimes when you get out of bed and you are so tired that your equalibrium seems to be messed up...almost like your drunk. You walk into walls and stub your toes and stuff? That's how I feel. I thought for sure I busted my thumb nail off my finger this morning when I went to open the door because I missed the door handle and rammed my thumb into the wall. Ha!
What's weird too is that Matt said he's been feeling like this for about a week now too. Maybe it's the time change---though that doesn't make sense either since we gained an hour. Hmmm?
Well, anyway, I need to get back to work, but I just thought I'd take a break and blog and see if that would wake me up. I don't think it's working. Nevertheless, sleepy or not...this work has to get done.
Hope you all have a Terrific Thursday.
Oh and for those of you who were looking for my "Wednesday Weigh-In" (Kandy)...I told you "I Quit". :o) No really, I did totally take the week off last week from the gym and from counting calories and it was SO nice. No worries. But, I did make myself get on the scale yesterday morning and it was a pound less than last weeks horrible weigh in. It's nothing to get excited about by any means. I am at 147 right now. I was at 145 2 weeks ago--so you can understand my lack of enthusiam. Anyway, I promise, I haven't "quit" for good...just for a week or so. If next Wednesday is any better, I'll start posting my weigh-ins again. I just thought "what's the point" when I am not making any progress, you know!?!

boobies

By request:
Here are just a few of the names we've given "boobies" in our house:
If you're especially small : mosquito bites
If you're pretty small: ant hills
If you're pretty large: Twin peaks

Miscellaneous nick-names:
chi-chi's
ta-ta's
the "girls"
the "twins"

So, what do you call 'em?

Ps. Both of my kids think nipples are actually called "nibbles". Ha Ha!

Over The Shoulder Boulder Holder

So, Logzie mentioned on her blog about how hard it is to find a good bra. Since I've been on my soapbox today about finding a good pair of jeans...I thought I'd share my "secret" on bras. I have found what I believe to be the TWO best bra's out there---especially if you are well endowed...but even if you aren't...you won't find anything more comfy and more supportive than these 2 bra's. And believe me...I've tried a LOT! Since I've found these 2 bras, probably about 2 years ago...I have not bought a single other bra since. I have 3 of the sport bras and 4 of the "regular" bras and I LOVE them. Even after 2 years, the first one I bought, is still in great condition and I am actually wearing it right now. So, here they are: For an every day bra: GAP's Hidden Wire Full Support Bra. They are regularly priced at $36 and I've paid that a couple of times. Believe me when I say...they are WAY worth it. However, you can also find them on sale pretty often. Right now, if you look online, they have the "cinder gray" one on sale for $17.99. I have beige, black, pink & turquoise. I WANT the red one though! (and her abs!)

For a Sports Bra...I promise you..this is the best one in the WORLD! Not only does it keep your ta-ta's from touching one another...but it also provides lift and support and you can do jumping jacks all days and those puppies won't be going anywhere. This is the ONLY Sport Bra I will ever wear again. It is made by Moving Comfort and it is their Maia Bra. Online it sells for $44 but I buy mine at Academy Sports and I pay $34. Again, they are worth EVERY PENNY! I started with one but then once I started working out 3-4 times a week, I just HAD to have another one. Then just a couple of months ago, I splurged and bought a 3rd one. I have a blue, white and now a black one. This bra is SO comfortable, you could easily wear it as your every day bra too. I do that sometimes, especially when I am wearing a tight-fitting t-shirt and I don't want any spillage...since this one comes up pretty high...it eliminates any extra bumps. This bra is "made by women, for women" and they know what they're doing. I actually wrote a letter to this company asking them to consider making swimwear since they make such great fitting bras. They sent me a reply that said they'd turn in my request.

Anyway, I hope that might help some of you. If nothing else...now you know what's under my shirt! ha ha

addendum to the butt crack post...

Furthermore, on the subject of too low-cut jeans, I would just like to add that this problem also exists in young girls sizes as well. My daughter, who is 6, has the same issue going on. We can hardly find her a pair of jeans that cover everything when she's sitting criss-cross-applesauce. I even started buying her super big granny-panties in hopes that when something does show...at least it will be her undies and not her tush. I'd just like to know what idiot came up with this super-low-rise idea? I wonder if he wears them? I wonder if he'd like his 1st grader showing off her booty to all the other kids at school? I sure don't!
So, to extend my question out even further..those of you who have little girls...please...tell me...what kind of jeans do you buy them?

Valuable Time Saving Tip for ya

(that's a old lady trying to swipe her credit card in the attendents crack)Ha Ha!

So I got a few hours to myself on Friday and I went shopping for a new pair of jeans. I had a $20 rewards certificate to spend at the GAP and a $25 gift card to spend at American Eagle. I figured SURELY I could find a pair of jeans at one of these 2 places. Wrong. I found some I liked alright at the GAP...but just couldn't bring myself to pay $69.50 for a pair of jeans I just like "okay." (even with $20 off)
But at American Eagle....What a JOKE!
Here's my "Valuable Time Saving Tip" for ya: Don't even BOTHER trying on jeans that have a zipper length of less than at LEAST 2 inches. At AE, their jeans come in 3 cuts: Low-Cut, Super Low-Cut and Ultra Low-Cut. That translates to zipper lengths of 2 inches, 1 1/2 inch and 1 inch. ONE INCH! What's even the point? Take your fingers and make an inch with your pointer and your thumb. Now, imagine that being how much fabric you have to zip up over your tummy---or on the flip side---your butt crack. What a JOKE! I promised myself I wouldn't buy a pair of jeans that showed my butt crack if I bent over...but Good Heavens...these jeans practically showed my butt crack when I was standing straight up!
I just don't get it. WHO (teenager or not) would want to wear jeans like this? It's so digusting and offensive to me. Besides that...it is TOTALLY unflattering on everyone. Even the skinniest of skinny look like they have a little innertube around their middle with these super low cut jeans.
Now don't get me wrong, I am not into those jeans from the 80's that button just below your bra strap and have pockets 6 inches higher than your butt cheeks...that's almost as gross. But can't we find a happy medium somewhere in the middle? There is one brand that I can always find jeans that LOVE by...but it's Lucky and they cost a small fortune. Like, if I wanted a pair right now, I'd probably have to take out a loan. They range anywhere from about $85 to $135 for a pair! But, they fit perfectly! I may have to feed my kids mac-n-cheese and hot dogs for a few days so I can get a pair. Ha ha. (they'd LOVE that!! (seriously))
Anyway, what a waste of a day. I ended up going home empty handed and being completley frustrated.
So, I want to know...what are ya'll's favorite jeans and how much will you spend on a good pair?

Welcome Easton James!!

Just a litte shout out to my best friend since elementary school, Amy and her hubby Jason! They finally welcomed their first baby into the world last Sunday! Hooray!
He is SUCH a doll! They named him Easton James which is so cute and very cool since Easton was Amy's maiden name. I "stole" a few pics off of her blog (www.craftylildevil.blogspot.com) to post here so I hope she doesn't mind. (let me know if you do Amy). I just HAD to show you all how cute the little guy is!! It totally STINKS that she lives in WV and I can't get my hands on him.....:o)

Git-R-Done

Matt and I opted to skip the gym this morning (for the first Saturday in months) and help my dad build a fence for his horses. He (my dad) had surgery on his knee about a month ago and he's such a go-getter...that he hasn't ever given it time to heal...which means that now, a month later...it's still hurting him pretty bad. (take notes here Kate!:o) He tried to do the fence yesterday all by himself and didn't get very far before he was in too much pain...so we decided we'd get our work-out today by digging holes and setting poles and pulling fence. It was SO much FUN to be out there working hard like "one of the guys". I hope I made a hand. I tried anyway.
Speaking of my dad, he'll be turning 58 on Monday. I can't believe he's that old. Not that 58 is "that old" but still..for him to be nearing 60 is just crazy. He still seems like my same old dad most of the time. But today, when I saw him nearly fall to the ground from pain (in his knee) it really opened my eyes that he is getting older. Of course..He'd absolutely HATE to know that I just said that. Ha! He still thinks he's about 25 I think.
So, that's how we've spent our Saturday so far. Now I think we are gonna get cleaned up and run into town to do a few errands. I had pictures printed of Matt's buck and he wants to pick those up so he can show them to the guys at work. He's certainly got something to be proud of with that thing. Too bad it's gonna be MAY before we can get it back from the taxidermy place. We did have the meat processed and I think we ended up with 56 pounds. I haven't eaten much deer meat in my life...but since it's lean and healthy...I will learn to like it. Period. And so will my kids. Period.
We have been working on our manger too lately. It's coming right along...almost finished actually. We just ran out of nails so once we get those, we can put the legs on and then I'll take a picture. I will probably paint it an distressed brown color since we just used scrap wood and it's not very pretty. I figure the more rugged it is, the more realistic, right?
Here's a pic of Matt a few days ago when we were just getting started. He's such a handsome handyman, I think!

Here's a pic of Grant with his new Shrek gear on. My grandma brought him this T-shirt and hat when she came home from CA last week and he's been wearing it non-stop ever since!

My Camo Man

Before:
After:

Hooray! Matt got his first deer! This was his first time to shoot his bow (at an animal and not a target) and he got one! Good Job Babe!!!