The 8 Days of Stephanie

Yesterday was the 8th day of Stephanie... my 31st birthday... and I am still amazed at how wonderful my husband was.

For those of you who have been keeping up and are dying to know what day 7 and 8 brought, well I don't want to leave you hanging!! Day 7 was a nice, big fleece Dallas Cowyboys blanket. It came in very handy and kept me nice and cozy as I watched (and wept) while my team lost their first regular season game. That's all I have to say about that. I'm sure Izzy will have something, though. (BTW, thanks for the sweet email birthday wishes... I'm sure they'll soften the blow of your Cowboy bashing!)

Day 8... let me just tell you, my hubby knows how to go out with a bang! Day 8 brought the entire redecoration of our bedroom and bathroom, which we had been talking about for a while now (and he kept telling me that one day I would come home and there would be all new stuff, but I never believed him!), but he actually went out and shopped (for a long time, I'm sure!) for all new bedding, curtains, pillows, shower curtain - EVERYTHING! And I LOVE IT!!!!

I know I've said it a million times by now, but thanks Joey for making turning 31 a little less harsh. I love you so much! You really are the greatest!!

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

I have to say that this week I am completely overwhelmed. I mean, I know my husband loves me, but seriously... I literally do not think there is a husband out there who loves their wife more than Joey loves me. And it's not just about the gifts, it's about the effort, the time, the creativity.

Have you ever been so overwhelmed at how much your spouse loves you that you can't even put it into words?

The other night I asked Joey if he was disappointed with his birthday's and anniversary's and Christmas' because I'm just not creative. I always have to ask him what he wants and then I just get it. He just looked at me with that crooked smile and said, "of course not! If you did the 8 Days of Joey... that would just be retarded!" and we just died laughing. The thing is, he knows me. He knew what would mean something to me - and yes, I love the gifts, but honestly what means so much to me is waking up every morning and opening the laptop to read the next clue. It's so exciting!

Babe, you totally rock for loving me more that anything, for being so creative, and for making the effort and taking the time to make me feel like the most important person in the entire world. I love you more than anything!

Joey's nuts are here!

Ok, there are so many inside jokes in that title that it would literally take me all week to explain, but basically, here's the scoop... in a nut shell.

Our friend, Isabelle lives in Canada and told Joey about these mixed nuts that are evidently better than any nuts we can get in the US. Joey, of course, made a comment asking Izzy when she was going to send us some. Who knew Izzy would actually ship us nuts?? From Canada!! (Well, she is one of the sweetest people I know, so I never really doubted...)

So today I checked the mail on my way home from the gym and what did I find but a giant box from Canada with Patriot paraphernalia all over it. Well, I only know one person who lives in Canada and only one person who still claims the Patriots after their hideous excuse of a football game last Sunday.

NUTS!!

But it wasn't just nuts, my friends. My good friend Izzy loves me so much that she also included 4 bags of French Sour Patch Kids!! (The kids really got a kick out of everything being in a different language.)

All of this right smack dab in the middle of the "8 Days of Stephanie!" She couldn't have planned this any better!

I mean, I may have to trade all my current size 2's for size 6's or so by the time I finish off all of those Sour Patch Kids, but hey, it's all in the name of friendship. And I have always considered myself a good friend.

Why stop now?

Thanks Izzy! (The kids thank you, too. In fact, Taylor said "That girl sure is nice in that other world!" as he stuffed his face with SPK's... lol...)

Half way there...

For those of you that aren't aware, my fabulous hubby has me right in the middle of the "8 Days of Stephanie" - which I'm a huge fan of, by the way.

My birthday is on Sunday, the 28th, so somewhere along the way he decided that he would drag this out (umm, that works for me) and I am L.O.V.I.N.G. it!!

You guys have to check out his blog to see what he's up to, but in a nutshell, he is posting a clue every morning to a new gift and I have to search for it. This has been one of the best birthdays ever - and it's not even my birthday yet!!

3-0

I may have a new favorite Cowboy. Felix Jones. Seriously... that boy can run!

And I'm sure T.O. was totally happy taking out that Packer so Felix could take the ball into the endzone.

So much for the 'boys not being able to win at Lambeau Field... 3-0 baby!!

Ever have one of those mornings?

I mean, it started out great... after all, it's Day 2 of "The 8 Days of Stephanie!" So of course, I checked Joey's blog for my clue and after much searching, he finally had to just tell me, because after all, who really puts gloves in the glove box? Not me!!

But I ended up with another fabulous gift that I think he's going to post on his blog, so I'll leave that up to him.

Then it was just a normal morning, which always consists of me running late. I've said it before - I am not a morning person! And once I have Taylor finally dressed and ready to go and I have all of my things, I can't find my keys.

I have never lost my keys. Never. They are always in my purse or on the bar.

So the first thing I do is completely empty my purse (well almost). No keys. I look everywhere else. No keys.

Seriously - where can they be? This went on for probably 10 minutes and I couldn't find them anywhere... until I looked in my purse - again - and sure enough they were in the only pocket I didn't check - because they are never in that pocket.

I was about to pull out of the driveway until I realized I had forgotten to take my migraine medication. Back in the house I go...

Now I can leave, right? So I get all the way out of the neighborhood and realize that we've forgotten Taylor's snacks for school. This is a major problem. So I turn around. At this point, what's the big deal, I'm already seriously late.

Sheesh... I get the snacks, get back on the road, drop off Taylor and finally get to work 10 minutes late - which isn't bad for the morning I had.

Ever have one of those mornings?

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

So I'm not going to lie. I had already preempted today's MHR post with the post about my little Gingerbread Man, and then my hubby had to go and do this!!!

Seriously, I don't believe there is any husband who knows their wife better than Joey knows me. I'm all gitty with anticipation... I can hardly stand it!!! He always knows exactly what to do, exactly what to get, exactly where to take me. He truly is the greatest.

I love you more than you know.

You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!

Now if this won't brighten a mother's day, then nothing will.

I got back to my desk after eating lunch with my mom and this is what I found in my email. Taylor was the Gingerbread Man in his school play today and his daycare director said he did a fabulous job! I overlooked the fact that I had no idea there even was a play today because these pictures are quite possibly the cutest things I've ever seen.

I mean, look. Even the other little boy is absolutely in awe of how adorable Taylor is as the Gingerbread Man.

I'm sure there is a standing ovation on the other side of this camera.

Now, you can all go to bed. Your day is complete.

Chopped it off!!

I did it! I finally cut my hair. It's been driving me nuts for a while now but my hubby (who rocks, remember?) was just in LOVE with my LONG hair.

So last weekend I just happened to get up the nerve to mention that "I may have to cute my hair" and whatdayaknow? He didn't have a heart attack OR even threaten my life! So you better believe I jumped at the chance, called the world's best hair stylist (TWIRL, people!!), and made my appointment.

Here you have it....

Nothing too drastic - after all, do you know my husband? He texted me in the middle of my appointment to tell me he was scared!! lol He's so silly, but that's why I love him. (Well, one of the reasons... I mean, have you seen my husband???)

Wow, I'm really off track...

So back to my fabulous hair. I totally love it!!! She put tons of super blonde highlights and then added lots of lowlights too for the winter. She totally rocks!! I love her to death!

If you're within a 500 mile radius of me, you have to get your hair done by Lisa as TWIRL. She's the best!!

Look what I found...

It's official. I'm a sucker.

But so is Joey.

A few weeks ago I had a meeting at church on a Saturday morning and as I'm walking up to the door what do I see? The cutest little kitten ever! One of our church staff members found her behind one of the A/C units and here's where she went wrong... she asked very quickly, "wanna take her home?"

So I go over to pet her and she was so tiny, and so soft, and SO cute! At first I said no and then I thought "where will she go if I don't take her??"

So I called Joey, 'cuz I know he's a sucker for kittens, and he reluctantly (well, not really) came up to the church and got her while I was in my meeting :)

Just look at her!

For being such a tiny little kitten, she sure can jump! This is where we found her after work one day... silly cat!

Now, we already have one cat, Leah, and a dog, Layla. (I know, but we didn't name her - she came from the Humane Society and I thought it was cute that their names were almost the same. Joey hates it.)

Leah, ummm.... to say the least, has not quite adjusted to this tiny invader. Can you tell?

After a rather lengthy stare down and much hissing, Milo (the new kitten... we couldn't really find anything to rhyme with Leah and Layla... and thought Joey might go insane if we did, so we didn't try for very long) was allowed to eat.

Funny thing... Layla (the dog... stay with me) just thought we bought her a new toy and tossed her around a bit. She wasn't trying kill her, per se, it's just that Layla weighs about 40 lbs. and Milo weighs, ummm... about 3 lbs? She likes to play though, so all is well with the dog.

Leah, on the other hand, is not quite as playful. Milo tries to play with her...

I think she's coming around.

The only thing to keep me from the Cowboys....

... is a minor medical emergency with one of my babies!

Yes, I will put off the Cowboys game when I hear blood curdling screams coming from my backyard... which is what I heard last night while I was sitting at the kitchen table helping Ashton with her homework.

One safe. That left one unaccounted for. So I threw open the blinds and sure enough, there was Taylor at the top of the swing set screaming like a girl.

Which, come to find out, is ok when you've been attacked by a swarm of wasps.

At the time I had no idea what was going on. He was out there with two of his friends from up the street and part of me thought - for a split second - that they were playing. That was quickly overcome with shear panic and I bolted out the back door and by the time I got there he was already to the porch just clawing at himself.

He was screaming. I was screaming. The boys from up the street were calm as could be... what gives? I pulled his shirt off and sure enough... his left arm was swollen up with 5 bites, 1 bite on his right arm, a bite on his chest and a bite on his head.

Boy I tell you what. If I ran into those wasps in a dark alley... well, I would get stung, just like Joey did when he went out to defend his sons honor with a can of wasp spray.

Just look at my poor baby.... you can't see anything here because we've got a cold compress on his arm, blankie, monkey (shhh... don't tell monkey! lol... did anyone get that?), and mommy who won't leave his side. It was just horrible!

BUT, because of this minor medical emergency, Taylor got to stay up late and watch part of the Cowboys game... until he passed out from the Benadryl and Tylenol.

Now seriously people, I thought I was gonna have a heart attack last night! I mean, between the refs making calls with their eyes closed, Romo and his comedic plays, and this...

Yeah baby!!! That would be Felix Jones running it back 98 yards for a TD!! That's what I'm talkin' about baby!! All the way to the end... if you fell asleep before this game was over, you missed one heck of a game!

Way to go Cowboys!!

How about a little navigation??

So take a look at this! Stac and I just installed our first design that included navigation. It was so fun and the client is just ecstatic about her new sight!

So, ever thought about adding navigation to your little blog?? Mozy on over and check out our latest a la carte pricing. We have a whole new set of options to spice up your blog!

Family fun day

Every Saturday we try to take the kids to do something fun as a family and this has taken on the name of "Family Fun Day." Last weekend, you'll remember we played mini-golf. This weekend, it was bowling.

Ashton has bowled before on a school field trip, but Taylor had never been before. We had such a good time! Although we were quite lucky Ashton didn't break the lane DROPPING her ball down the lane every time she bowled!!

She was very good and helping Taylor with his first try. Taylor tried many different bowling techniques, but I must say, "granny style" proved to be the best.

He was so proud of his first frame that he turned around and ran back to Ashton yelling, "hug, hug!" Now for Taylor, this is nothing new, because he idolizes Ashton. But for Ashton to actually hug Taylor - now that was a miracle, because most of the time she's just plain annoyed at her idol status!

Now, I'm sure you're wondering how Joey and I fared in our little "Family Fun Day." Did we make it without our own private wager on the game?

Of course not! Do you even know us??

This is us before the game began.

There is no picture after the game was over because I was too irritated.

Yes, I lost and was forced to give my extremely sexy husband a 10 minute massage.

It was horrible. I mean, having to rub him down for 10 whole minutes! Sheesh! It was pure torture.

(Shhhh.... don't tell him. I lost on purpose.)

I was wrong

A few weeks ago I posted here about how my wonderful, adoring, perfect-in-every-way husband had poured his cereal down the drain because it had gotten soggy.

Well, last night I did the exact same thing. Joey will tell you all about it.

Yes. I confess. I did it.

To my husband that rocks.... I am so sorry. Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive me? And possibly take me to dinner and a movie tonight?

I love you :)

Move over Tom

Taken from Yahoo! This story was posted just moments ago, and I'm sorry, but when the greatest quarterback in the NFL is noticed for being more than just a quarterback, we must all reco'nize! Read on my bloggy friends. (my comments are in the brackets)

Tony Romo may replace Tom Brady as most wonderful man alive
By MJD

Perhaps sensing that there's a void to be filled as America's dreamiest quarterback with Tom Brady on the shelf for a year, Tony Romo is stepping up his game [uh, never had to, but ok]. He's talented, he's devilishly handsome, and he's self-effacing. And while he may lack the manicured Euro-charm [what?] that allows Tom Brady to hold a goat and still ooze sex, Tony Romo is one hell of a nice guy.

An older couple had a blown tire miles from their house outside of Dallas, and with their portable air-compressor thingamagjig malfunctioning, they sat there stranded while dozens and dozens of cars passed them. That is, until a wholesome and handsome young stud pulled up and offered his assistance. It was Romo. [of course it was]

This was after a game earlier in the day in Cleveland, after he suffered a busted-up chin, and after the flight home from Cleveland to Dallas.

That's just a very sweet thing to do. And I'll just go ahead and admit it ... I probably wouldn't have stopped [of course you wouldn't. You're mean.]. I'd have saw [shouldn't that be "seen"?] the stranded couple, felt bad for them, maybe considered it for a second, and then said to myself, "I don't know anything about cars, I'm tired, it's dark, my chin hurts, I just want to get home, and that woman is neither young, hot, or [nor, dummy! who taught you to write?] single," and I'd have rolled on past. Sorry. I don't know. Maybe I'd have surprised myself, but that's my best guess as to what would've happened.

And Romo didn't say a word about his good deed to anybody. No one in the Cowboys organization even know [knew!! seriously... does this guy get paid to write?] about it until yesterday. The Star-Telegram only found out about it because the lady sent them an e-mail.

Notice has been served, Handsome Tom. You are not irreplaceable.

Ok, I know I got a little off track with the moron who wrote this article, but isn't it nice to know the NFL's BEST quarterback is such a great guy?

I think so.

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

Ok, I confess, I've been a complete and total slacker the last couple of weeks - but it's not because my husband doesn't rock, it's just because I'm a total slacker. No other excuse, I'm just a slacker.

So here goes... My husband rocks because he is a TOTAL snuggle bunny! Yes, I said it. He loves to snuggle. In fact, it's not just that he loves to snuggle. He MUST snuggle. He has his little nightly ritual, and when all is said and done, if I haven't moved from my pillow to his chest, he will come to my side of the bed and get right in my face - with that cute little crooked smile of his - until I remember where my "home" is.

Yes, that's my home - on his chest. BUT, he's very particular about where on his chest, right honey? I have to lay in a very precise position that most of the time he must place me in. It's really quite funny.

There is a lot of laughter in our home....

I love you snuggle bunny! (I totally sold you out...)

It has begun

Football.

The last six and a half months have been somewhat dull I must say. But life has been restored. There is now football filling our TV nearly 24/7. If it's not a live game, then it's a rerun on the NFL network.

I know, most of you wouldn't peg me for a football junkie, but it's true. I LOVE football.

But the one thing you should know is my heart belongs to the Dallas Cowboys. (Sorry, Izzy. It had to be said.)

Here's your weekly pic of the 'boys rolling the other team. Who was it? The Browns??

Just a little Marion doing what he does best... flying in for a TD. (Sheesh, look at #94! He doesn't even try to stop him!! Just stares in awe...)

Oh, and in case you weren't aware, football season brings out the trash-talker in me as well.

Got somethin' to say? Bring it!

The day my husband tried to kill me.

Ok. Some people say I exaggerate. And obviously I am still alive because I'm typing this blog post. But I did say tried to kill me.

No, he didn't succeed, but I am not convinced that it was not his plan all along.

Here is how it began.

It was a nice Saturday morning. I awoke to the very large smile of my wonderful husbands face just inches from mine. Usually I'm the one who wakes him up this way quite early on Saturday mornings, but last Saturday, I slept long past my usual 7:30am body alarm clock.

I know, we're silly. But we have to wake each other up this way. It makes us laugh and keeps us from being grumpy. Most of the time.

So I just switched gyms and Joey and I decided to go work out so off we went. It was leg day. I like leg day. Nothing wrong with leg day. Legs are my friend.

Until they met Joey. Now I can't walk. Or sit down without falling. Or get up from the toilet without moaning.

This is not normal.

And I haven't even gotten to the part about how he tried to kill me. It was the ab mat. Yes. He grabbed a 10 pound plate, took me to the mat, made me lie on my back, and forced me to do hideous ab exercises.

All of this while he quoted lines from South Park.

Anyone who thinks my husband was not trying to kill me, please raise your hand.

And there are none.

I am WOMAN, hear me... kick my husbands butt at mini golf!

He he he. I know, it's only mini golf. And yes, it was actually for the kids, but hey, they lost interest at about the 3rd hole and just starting swinging their clubs everywhere.

It was pure mayhem, I tell ya!

At first, I was not the least bit interested when Joey started keeping track of our above and below par numbers. Especially when he wagered a bet - a massage bet. A 10 minute massage bet! I mean, I can not give massages. My fingers cramp up about 30 seconds into it and then I'm the one in dire need of a massage! It's horrible. I'm pathetic, I know.

But, when Joey's little bet began to backfire, I was L-O-V-I-N' it. Here, I'll let you in on a little secret. My hubby is a registered massage therapist. He no longer does this for a living because I made him quit. After all, I didn't want his sexy hands all over other women all day.

I kid, I kid.... he quit a long time ago, which worked out well for me because he was always too tired to give me massages after massaging other people all day.

Back to the story. Wanna know the final score??

Me +4 over par. Joey +192 over par.

Ok, I kid again, but that last whole was a complete nightmare and after he almost had a mental breakdown trying to get that little golf ball in the tiny hole at the top of the hill, we stopped counting.

Yea me!! That massage was so great honey!! Thanks a million!!!!