The blogoshpere buzz...

Everyone is talking about it. Everyone is doing it.

Oh yes ladies, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

The 30 Day Shred.

It's just my personality, but I don't like to be left out, so I'm jumping on the "30 Day Shred" bandwagon. Not to mention that my gym workouts have been really dull lately, so I think this will help kick me in the butt!

Now, how many of you ladies are doing the Shred? You don't wanna be left out, do you? So head on over to Target and buy your own copy and let's get going!

I'm starting the 30 Day Shred tomorrow, not because I like to procrastinate (although I do like to procrastinate), but because it's May 1st! I'm also going to log my progress on a separate page here on my blog, so if you want to follow along, feel free.

Want to check out who else is Shredding? Big Mama can't lift her arms - and don't be deceived, she's not big at all. Lindsey is still sore, even on day 24! Vicki Courtney has abs - hey, I haven't had abs since I had my first child, or never. Megan, well, she's gonna Shred. She promised!!

So, wish me luck! I think I may need it :)

Like mother, like daughter

I went to wake Ashton up for school this morning and found her asleep, in bed, with her cell phone against her ear.

She's 9, people. Let me explain.

A couple of weeks ago, after a lot of complaining that I wasn't waking her up early enough for school, she asked if her phone had an alarm on it. I told it did so she declared that she was going to begin waking herself up with said alarm at 6:15 every morning.

This lasted for 2 days.

But let me tell you, for those 2 days she was downstairs and dressed before I was even out of the shower.

Amazing, I know.

But now? She does exactly what I do. I have two alarms on my phone - one goes off at at 5:30, and one at 5:45. I turn them both off and hope that I get my butt out of bed by 6:00.

Last week, I didn't get out of bed until 7:00.

It was glorious. The extra sleep, that is.

I've never gotten ready for work that fast in my entire life.

Poor Ashton, there's just no hope for her. When I woke her up and moved her phone, she moaned, "but I'm sooooo tired, mom."

Weekend update

Friday afternoon, I opened up my wallet and handed over my debit card and pin # to the nice little lady at the orthodontists' office.

Well, it didn't go exactly like that, but honestly, I'm not sure why I don't just cut out the middle men - you know, the people that give me my paycheck? - and just have them mail it directly to M & M Orthodontics.

Before

I even have dental coverage, but really, I'm not sure why they bother. An $1800 lifetime maximum?? Have they checked the prices on orthodontic work since 1967? I'm thinking, no.

After

And in other weekend news, Saturday night, one of these precious braces - that should be gold plated - popped right off my baby girls tooth. I could see the money literally floating away.

Ok, not literally. But it's sad. Very sad.

I will not darken the doors of Old Navy or Target for a very. long. time. They will surely be sending out search parties for me.

And just for your viewing pleasure, here is Taylor, who now likes to catch up on his morning news... in Vietnamese.


Happy Monday, y'all!

Plan B

I watched the news last night, which is something I usually don't do. When I do watch the news, I find that generally it only makes me angry.

Last night was certainly no exception.

I was at the gym and because my iPod was completely dead, I was forced to listen to the news as I worked out. That's when I over heard Charles Gibson, from ABC's World News, lead into a story about the "morning after pill."

I don't usually get controversial on my blog, but I'm warning you, here goes...

I stopped dead in my workout and listened to the entire story and was baffled to hear the headline. The FDA has reduced the age limit on buying this "morning after pill," called Plan B (which the name itself makes me want to vomit), to 17. The Bush administration had set the age limit to 18, but evidently that wasn't good enough.

And in case you're not aware, it's an over the counter purchase, like Tylenol. And since it went OTC in 2006, sales have doubled!

Supporters of the drug are, of course, ecstatic about this decision.

I, on the other hand, if you can't tell, am not a supporter, and am not happy about such a ridiculous decision. Whatever happened to teaching our children responsibility? I will first and foremost teach my children that sex is something to be reserved for marriage, but if they choose to have sex outside of marriage, I will certainly make sure they are aware of ALL of the consequences.

Why in the world would we, as a society, create a pill to magically erase poor choices? This is absurd!

And I don't want to get into discussions about rape, because this pill was NOT created for that purpose. And even if it was, the decision to make it OTC and then available to minors has nothing to do with that.

This is about allowing children to do what they want with absolutely no responsibility for their actions.

Oh, and let's not forget that their actions, in this case, is a human life.

Sickening.

(If you'd like to view the story, here is the link to the ABC new page and the story, as of this morning, is on the right sidebar.)

BTW, if you choose to comment, please be respectful. This is my blog, and therefor my beliefs. You are free to comment with your opinions, but if you can't do so respectfully, I ask that you please refrain. No anonymous comments, please.

The Ice Cream Truck

Sunday we were enjoying a nice relaxing day at home when Ashton came sprinting down the stairs and bolted out the front door.

For what? The ice cream truck, of course!


Taylor was so excited, he kept telling me, "I've never seen an ice cream truck before in my life!"


I mean, really, to a kid, this has to be heaven! A truck that drives a round with ice cream! He was more than happy to pose for a pic with his snow cone.

And when he found out that they have plans to return EVERY weekend? Oh my, I could hardly contain his excitement. (He's a very excitable little boy!)

Ashton, on the other hand... I know she looks happy - and she was very happy about the ice cream, but let me tell you, she is so over me taking pics of every little thing.

Her response? "Do you have to take a picture of my ice cream?"

My response? click.


Bring on Summer!

Fit Izzy

*Don't forget about the upcoming contest on our business site. Today is the LAST DAY TO REGISTER, so hop on over and get to it!! For details, click HERE.


I am SO excited to show you guys the latest release from Blogalicious Designs!

Some of you may be familiar with Izzy, from Protein and Green Veggies (at least I think that what she called her blog formerly). I've been so engrossed in the design and installation of her new website for SO LONG that FIT IZZY is all I can think of!

I can't take it anymore... click, click, click!!! Take a look!!


What do you think?

Isabelle is so funny, absolutely gorgeous, and such a wonderful person, that it just killed me that it took so long to get her site up and running. But it's finally complete. And just in time for competition this weekend! (PS, if you haven't visited Izzy before, hop on over and wish her luck! She doesn't need luck, she'll do fabulous, I know!!)

Hope you like it Izzy!

Easter Recap

*Don't forget about the upcoming contest on our business site. For details, click HERE.

Easter started out with the usual egg hunt around the house... although Ashton was quick to tell me the Easter Bunny does not exist.

Really?

Who hides those eggs? I sure didn't...


Gotta love this hair, right?


The Easter Bunny brought Taylor some Star Wars legos - and he was MORE than ecstatic about that.

Then it was off to church. This year our church had services at the Freeman Coliseum. On a usual weekend, we have 7 services, so this year, they decided to partner with the San Antonio Food Bank, which has been severely depleted, and have the entire church meet all together and bring food to restock the Food Bank.

I must say it was truly a sight to see.


I'm not sure exactly how many people we had all in one place, but what I do know is that the Food Bank was NOT prepared for what the people of our community did. They came with one rather large truck to pick up food. They needed 5 - count them FIVE trucks to handle all of the food that was donated. It was amazing to say the least.

It was also amazing to have so many people worshiping the resurrected God in one place, at one time.

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter as well.

Beating up the bad guys

Taylor is ALL boy. Just read this:

Seriously. Is that not the cutest thing? The boys name's are his friends from daycare and this is JUST like Taylor!!

He loves to ride his Heeley's and he's always playing like he's beating up bad guys.

I love this boy!

A letter to the obnoxious lady at the nail salon

*Don't forget about the upcoming contest on our business site. For details, click HERE.

Dear Ms. Obnoxious,

I was truly enjoying my manicure today. Yes, I had to sneak it into my lunch hour, just like you. But unlike you, I didn't choose to bring my lunch to the nail salon. No, I ate my lunch at my desk like any self-respecting woman would.

But you, you decided it was a good idea to go through the drive-thru of Bill Miller and tote your salad and large sweet tea into the salon and partake of your lunch while indulging in a pedicure. And when you forgot the salt, you didn't hesitate to ask your manicurist if they had some in the back - all while carrying on a very loud conversation on your cell phone.

I could have let this go if you ended the conversation shortly after arriving. But you didn't.

You continued this conversation for my entire manicure. And not at a normal volume. It was as if the other person was in a foreign country. And trust me, I heard the conversation. It wasn't important enough to ruin my peaceful manicure.

And by the way, they have to use those latex gloves. I'm sorry that you're allergic. It's a health code. Is this your first pedicure?

Well maybe it is, because you obviously aren't aware of any kind of salon cell phone etiquette.

And yes, they're talking about you in Vietnamese.

Happy Birthday, My Love...

*Don't forget about the upcoming contest on our business site. For details, click HERE.

My wonderful hubby, of 10 years, turns 30 today. I love him more today than I did when we married.

In fact, here are 30 reasons why I love my hubby:

1. He's the hottest guys I've ever seen.
2. He loves me for who I am.
3. He forgives me when I'm stupid.
4. He helps around the house without me asking.
5. He cleans more than I do.
6. He has a smokin' hot body.
7. He cooks dinner.
8. He takes Taylor for bike rides.
9. He bathes our stinky dog.
10. He kills bugs for me.
11. He takes me on dates every week.
12. He thinks I'm hott.
13. He gives me massages.
14. He makes me laugh all the time!
15. He let's me go to the gym with him whenever I want to.
16. We watch football together.
17. He takes me to see my favorite kind of movies... even though they're not his favorite.
18. He doesn't make me feel bad about how horrible I eat... while he's eating grilled chicken and spinach.
19. He provides for our family.
20. He washes my car.
21. He makes the best milkshakes in the entire world.
22. He takes me to Playa.
23. He always provides me with excellent blog material.
24. He loves my butt.
25. He writes me songs.
26. He plays the guitar and sings - which I love to overhear.
27. He loves my "blonde" hair and doesn't mind paying for it.
28. He's addicted to Facebook.
29. He always makes me try new things, which I always end up loving - except for that orangcicle gum. That was nasty.
30. He helps me fall asleep every night with South Park or Family Guy - and knows that I can't go to sleep without one of them on.

I love you so much baby! I hope you have the best birthday ever, with so many more to come!

Kindergarten. Already?

*Don't forget about the upcoming contest on our business site. For details, click HERE.

Yesterday I registered Taylor for kindergarten. I have to admit, it was bittersweet.

He's definitely ready, but then again, when one of the kinder teachers was ready to take all the kids around the school for a tour, he absolutely would NOT go without me. Even when I went with him, he would not let go of my hand, wouldn't talk to anyone, and hid behind my leg the whole time.

Thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes.

I mean, he'll be 6 when he starts kinder, but he's still so little. So little in such a big place.

But he's way too smart not to go to school.

Last night at dinner he was telling us all about his Easter candy that he got at school (daycare) and how he was going to share it with all of us. He explained how there were 4 eggs, and 4 of us, so we could each have one. The he went on for about 5 more minutes with all sorts of math and how if one of us didn't want one how he would divide the eggs. Or if 2 of us didn't want any, how he would divide them. And he was right every time.

Simple, I know. But still impressive.

When I told him how impressed I was with his math skills, he told me "yeah, I'm getting smart in my brain."

His kinder teacher will never be at a loss for laughs, that's for sure.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

These were the words that Joey spoke at Jerry's funeral yesterday.

Last night I was watching some TV, eating some pizza, and resting after a LONG day at work when Ashton burst into my room with tears streaming down her face. I could hardly understand what she was saying, but I knew.

I knew that Leah or Milo had finally reached their goal. Ashton was a good mother, but as we all know, you can't be there 100% of the time.

Ashton had unfortunately locked Leah in her room yesterday when she left for school. With two mice in a cage.

Now Leah is a great cat, but c'mon. I'm sure she showed self-restraint for as long as possible, but we were gone for 11 hours. What's a cat to do?

Other than knock that cage right off the bookshelf?

I'm sure it was the blunt force trauma that killed poor Jerry. Luckily, Despero survived the fall.

Joey came home just in time to perform the service and Ashton posted a note on the cage that read, "Jerry went to Heaven on April 7, 2009."


Jerry, Leah will miss you. Oh, and Ashton too.

Polar swimming. Well, kind of...

So the kids have been BEGGING to go swimming. I know, it's only April. And not even mid-April at that. But my parents have a pool in their subdivision that's open year-round.

And, no. It's not in-door. My kids are just crazy.

So I told them I would take them, but I KNEW we would only be there for a short time.

And I love being right.

We even took friends from up the street.

Just look at them...


They were so funny. They kept trying to last, but just couldn't do it. They were shivering and shaking. Poor things...

Oh well. It will warm up soon enough. TRUST ME!!

It's unveil time!

Blogalicious Designs' new and improved site is up and running. (WOO HOO!!) There are a few kinks to work out but it is still FABULOUS!

Go ahead... check it out HERE. I'm sure you'll agree.

Now for more GREAT NEWS! Because we love you all so much, we thought what better way to release our new site than to host a giveaway? This particular giveaway is special because it not only involves you, but also someone you love, admire or respect. So here's the scoop:

First, you need to leave a comment HERE on our new Blogalicious Blog nominating a blogger (or maybe someone who should be blogging!) that you think deserves a free makeover and why.

Next, become a follower of our new Blogalicious Blog. If you were previously following our site, you'll need to begin following the new blog, since we've created a whole NEW space to communicate with everyone! In order to win you need to be a follower.

For extra entries:

1. follow Staci at Staci's Heart
2. follow Stephanie and Live.Laugh.Love.
3. Post about it on your blog and leave a comment HERE (on the Blogalicious Blog) with a link to the post.

The giveaway will be closed at midnight CST on Thursday, April 9.

Friday, April 10, we will review all the entries and choose a winner! AND guess what? If you win a makeover for your friend, then you will win something special too.

What can say? That's just how we roll.

So, thanks for checkin' out our new digs... and pass it on!

Neglected

I've been totally uninspired lately to blog. And it's a vicious cycle because every time I open my blog and see how long it's been since I've blogged, it makes it harder to blog.

Does that make sense?

And it doesn't help that I've been spending every.waking.hour. on the release of our new business site which will, by the way, be the bombdiggity.

No worries, though. We're almost done, I promise.

And that contest we tempted you with? We haven't forgotten. Have you been thinking about who you will nominate for a new blog design? And don't be tryin' to pull one over on us... 'cuz you can't nominate yourself! BUT if you win, you will win something for yourself as well, so no worries!

We wouldn't leave out our loyal followers... that's how we roll.

So... Happy April 1st. And here's hopin' I can get back in the swing of things!