tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76641688933785489822024-03-12T18:44:48.522-05:00The Cunningham FamilyThings that are going on in our world.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-38008751354112100342010-09-24T10:01:00.000-05:002010-09-24T10:10:20.816-05:00Friday Follow<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Do you know how many blog hops are out there??? I found 16 today! I am cleaning up my google reader and the best way to find new blogs, is to jump on the bandwagon and follow some random people. Sometimes you find your bloggy soul mate...that person who thinks like you do, or has the same kind of crazy life you do and can commiserate! So take a chance, pick one, pick several...be BOLD and pick them ALL and go find a new bloggy friend!<a href="http://whirlwindofsurprises.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Let's Just Give It Away" src="http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj78/valmfain/FF2.png" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.smartandtrendymoms.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Smart and Trendy Moms" border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/smartandtrendymoms/stmbutton.png" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.ecofriendlyandfrugal.com/search/label/Green%20Follow%20Friday"><img border="0" src="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x123/jebuellwedding/EFF%20Blog/greenfollowfriday.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://bellavita-bellasblog.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj227/ewhites/BLOG%20FAIRY/freshfridays-1.png" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://22yroldhousewife.blogspot.com/"><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g103/ARV2LC/laurenbutton-1.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<center></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://goobergrapemonkeyman.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy8/JumpingJaxDesigns/ChickadeeButton.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://myweeview.com/category/blogging/" mce_href="http://myweeview.com/category/blogging/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://myweeview.com/category/blogging/" mce_href="http://myweeview.com/category/blogging/" target="_blank"><imgsrc="http: alt="My Wee View" border="0" funfollowfridays.jpg?="" height="175" images="" mce_src="http://myweeview.com/images/funfollowfridays.jpg" myweeview.com="" width="175"></a><a border="0" href="http://www.toddlerawesome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4624788364_8f66dc4d57_o.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://familyandlifeinlasvegas.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww147/bugluvs/sunflower_yellow_insect_8280_l-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.riathurston.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="LifeasaWife" border="0" src="http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz81/riathurston/fab_fridays_new-1.png" /></a><a href="http://www.thanksmailcarrier.com/"><img src="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q310/christi3715/FriendlyFriday_Button.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="New Friend Fridays" border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1403/4731192098_60e98411a4_o.jpg" /></a><a border="0" href="http://www.chubbycheeksthinks.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s317/stephaniesblog/button2-3.png" /></a><a href="http://designitchic.blogspot.com/search/label/Boost%20My%20Blog%20Friday" target="_blank"><img alt="BoostMyBlogFriday" border="0" src="http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt262/designitchic/Boost-My-Blog-Friday.png" /></a><br />
<a href="http://home-momblog.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_eKi1bgHrSXR6CSB9yBzrbmE_kZfRv3mQxlSZ78FD7b4YLkkzsYrJKkXHvnXPWejjcovjJFWhaSJiCeENRBa7VXdqnXHUmQ94XKpC_5zyC354_Pa1fMHT7BiBP8B3Fv48lbJ1PSgpYA/s320/ifih+hm+hop.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://frugalfreegal.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/britt04aggie/cooltext465140390-1.png" /></a></center>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-60825520877371221752010-09-22T19:53:00.000-05:002010-09-22T19:53:08.736-05:00A Long Time Coming...There are moments as parents that it all makes sense. That all the craziness, stress, and worry just melt away, and you are blindsided with pure joy. <br />
That happened to me last night at dinner. <br />
My sweet 3 year old is speech delayed. It's not something we advertise, but its noticeable. We are currently in therapy for it and he has been making amazing progress. We work on all kinds of things at home, eye contact, structured play, and words. We read like its going out of style, we say silly phrases over and over, and the only TV he is allowed to watch on weeknights has to be something that will enrich his mind. We allow silly stuff on the weekend, because everyone needs a break.<br />
But last night at dinner, he said the most amazing thing, the thing I have been waiting to hear in his precious little boy voice since the day that he was born.<br />
"I Love Momma."<br />
I wept. I had to leave the dinner table so he didn't think that he had done anything wrong. I was so overcome with joy that I was almost sobbing. Some parents take those little words for granted, they hear them everyday and have for years. But this was the first time that my son was able to articulate that feeling. I know he loves me, we are big on hugs and kisses at my house. In the bathtub the "momma" duck will give kisses to the "baby" duck. There is no question that he feels the love that we have for him daily.<br />
<br />
And now, there is no question in my mind, that that love is reciprocated. <br />
I love momma is the sweetest phrase in the world.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-24027402137507377412010-09-14T13:20:00.000-05:002010-09-14T13:20:45.278-05:00You might have a preschooler if...These are funny things that I find myself doing...and I wonder if I am the only one. So to follow the funny Jeff Foxworth, You might have a preschooler if...<br />
<br />
You find yourself randomly quoting Dr Suess books to yourself... " The sun did not shine it was too wet to play" I said this the other afternoon when it was raining. <br />
<br />
You look at containers before you put them in the garbage/recycling bin, thinking how you could make them into a craft project.<br />
<br />
You are guilty of preparing two seperate meals...one for you and the hubby, and one for the toddler who is on a perpetual food strike. I put bits of what we are having on his plate, but I know he isn't going to eat it. Ugh!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip84lWASp3t-GfF2MeVdH2rzGymzIrkBYQs3eWXJYpRvoc8a3QD7FhqUtqMOq0zhi10d70PTGlptKIebUFZmJ8YHN8bGf0qGql0wSQ667fjdrUIseRHEuOv5DmzZ6GYTPvm1p5eauijXY/s1600/102_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip84lWASp3t-GfF2MeVdH2rzGymzIrkBYQs3eWXJYpRvoc8a3QD7FhqUtqMOq0zhi10d70PTGlptKIebUFZmJ8YHN8bGf0qGql0wSQ667fjdrUIseRHEuOv5DmzZ6GYTPvm1p5eauijXY/s200/102_1111.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>You get excited when the Michael's and JoAnn's circulars come out and there are free or cheap projects coming to the store. <br />
<br />
Last week at Michael's they had a handprint painting to welcome your new baby from the sibling. All you had to purchase was the 12x12 canvas (which was $8, but bogo, so we bought 4 for $16). <br />
<br />
We had an assembly line going since we were the only people to show up! Awesome!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih04b3OL3obJtSdm1xH4qk755Kn4_F1Jhcow3TovhlXfRjHj_FUgaz6zvcWsQ2GomaoRP-0ANA9NK6aziwjKIJRpQaH6mC2pYX_9CAnCVpTOXLo1J85gQ8nx9uuY-tSpjFY4938LMVDds/s1600/102_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih04b3OL3obJtSdm1xH4qk755Kn4_F1Jhcow3TovhlXfRjHj_FUgaz6zvcWsQ2GomaoRP-0ANA9NK6aziwjKIJRpQaH6mC2pYX_9CAnCVpTOXLo1J85gQ8nx9uuY-tSpjFY4938LMVDds/s200/102_1115.JPG" width="150" /></a>Randy and Bailey did most of the work, but we had 4 canvas paintings just in time for Grandparent's Day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYKfMtwpgcv6PB0k6ITyxWpuG09s3BOFMZM5N30Or8A_kddKAJDu3KiKLSlvDKIDn3whtVUqN5sHYzDAeOBU8l61ihYqjGOzzA4IfvdqiZp5vs516VEY7WPjWgOqt3Zvw20q-s_zA3PI/s1600/102_1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYKfMtwpgcv6PB0k6ITyxWpuG09s3BOFMZM5N30Or8A_kddKAJDu3KiKLSlvDKIDn3whtVUqN5sHYzDAeOBU8l61ihYqjGOzzA4IfvdqiZp5vs516VEY7WPjWgOqt3Zvw20q-s_zA3PI/s320/102_1120.JPG" /></a>We actually modified the picture by adding William's handprint in addition to Bailey's, as the smaller fish in the pond. In a word...Precious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So these are the things that go on in my world...Sound familiar?</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-13504954754871959882010-08-26T10:39:00.000-05:002010-08-27T11:21:41.238-05:00Take me out to the Ballgame~<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So while my step son, Jared was down for a quick visit, we all went to the ballpark to see the <a href="http://www.biscuitsbaseball.com/index.html">Montgomery Biscuits</a> play a game. As a Christmas present for my super hard to buy for hubby, I was inspired to get him season tickets to the Biscuits. Its not that he is a Biscuits fan, but he is a HUGE baseball fan. Bailey and William better hurry up and grow so he can enroll them in Little League (pray that they like the sport :)</div><br />
<br />
<br />
Another cool thing about the night we planned to go...it was Country night (08/06), and they had pony rides for the little ones. Bailey LOVED this little feature! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkTKSVMdnL_W76lgIOO49flJ4opBFc2gcJydKjYYhZ_JK6X9NpjEGunO-1c3pYqpH5PlIQC2IQWT1OiKuDqh6ppoXWh1P8ExnUMQq010czW_zoDpFvA3sb_lIUreJZsF9UVhe9oXK4eA/s1600/102_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkTKSVMdnL_W76lgIOO49flJ4opBFc2gcJydKjYYhZ_JK6X9NpjEGunO-1c3pYqpH5PlIQC2IQWT1OiKuDqh6ppoXWh1P8ExnUMQq010czW_zoDpFvA3sb_lIUreJZsF9UVhe9oXK4eA/s320/102_0998.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWsa4uK5lyS2e4nsSPCZkUsSZVbM7hCqdnhlIghC1qL4S_DZ3wm-G7uQYUMxKKTZtv9_u1OA6PtjznAvaeZAZVhOajvhyphenhyphenVTxUlACpCc_-dqVCFknQ8UMbX38p0igXMgRwvvFPt1KqWMo/s1600/102_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWsa4uK5lyS2e4nsSPCZkUsSZVbM7hCqdnhlIghC1qL4S_DZ3wm-G7uQYUMxKKTZtv9_u1OA6PtjznAvaeZAZVhOajvhyphenhyphenVTxUlACpCc_-dqVCFknQ8UMbX38p0igXMgRwvvFPt1KqWMo/s320/102_1001.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAL7taTwjBJ_0OR416NNCuNwjhiHAD0VxvO31x5dVW4f1Piyx5zPSs_x6RA3eTe2wjTVtMFq0Z9i_-CsxZ7Vy51NroLpXdUF0unMalMMyL3XK7lY4M2ftTjoPHWHE4NNYmmXIKYZh9yPQ/s1600/102_0971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAL7taTwjBJ_0OR416NNCuNwjhiHAD0VxvO31x5dVW4f1Piyx5zPSs_x6RA3eTe2wjTVtMFq0Z9i_-CsxZ7Vy51NroLpXdUF0unMalMMyL3XK7lY4M2ftTjoPHWHE4NNYmmXIKYZh9yPQ/s320/102_0971.JPG" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am too crazy about my sweet Bailey to let him ride the pony solo just yet, so I walked around and around and around with him....for two turns!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh3WQI_aN_Lswjr4nlEViGiz3YRrSc6bIuOPtNaJYvzMD-qojA77oq1dICNbqgRlO9IQsM0CX0UFp_szhWZFkRlSHFa7EJXKmrJbk98_dwbg-Nc0t93u-3reRw8QqWgi7eJpZ0MsTB3k/s1600/102_1025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh3WQI_aN_Lswjr4nlEViGiz3YRrSc6bIuOPtNaJYvzMD-qojA77oq1dICNbqgRlO9IQsM0CX0UFp_szhWZFkRlSHFa7EJXKmrJbk98_dwbg-Nc0t93u-3reRw8QqWgi7eJpZ0MsTB3k/s200/102_1025.JPG" width="200" /></a>Randy's parents came to town to see the boys and joined us for the game. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHCLOg0j6GK-eZg3r6YKygM7BpxTfrF4tnGU-j1ZAT9CqFJZhAhBu9qWSQDA09Z9ZowYW2Ln2nE7zJB8QzBx6Jb6QtUBC4ZhIhfxFypFGG6iCeBMk55XzR-Mqnyxev5uxjeG_XYtMSrg/s1600/102_1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHCLOg0j6GK-eZg3r6YKygM7BpxTfrF4tnGU-j1ZAT9CqFJZhAhBu9qWSQDA09Z9ZowYW2Ln2nE7zJB8QzBx6Jb6QtUBC4ZhIhfxFypFGG6iCeBMk55XzR-Mqnyxev5uxjeG_XYtMSrg/s200/102_1022.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI20tuQnXXj2XKbwjrcXtjsCzHH40HDcfrOAANE6M_t2GqLEmpZUAWwu6wP7ApisTnB6pQ_xNAQdmlUE66NGKkGynEThvnU8zWZLHoMLdgZUtSb2PD1s0_VdIBUiwXMY2ptANZB9TaXtg/s1600/102_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI20tuQnXXj2XKbwjrcXtjsCzHH40HDcfrOAANE6M_t2GqLEmpZUAWwu6wP7ApisTnB6pQ_xNAQdmlUE66NGKkGynEThvnU8zWZLHoMLdgZUtSb2PD1s0_VdIBUiwXMY2ptANZB9TaXtg/s200/102_1029.JPG" width="200" /></a>And of course we have to show you how little William enjoyed the game... <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8UriH3iXlB9JMQg2W4H190aCa9xhRwaRIKyVpYK46KZ0PFkpyjXmDnH_kw83nvYYanogt5CCQFmMLKkhYmWb03D8RRM_R9Ez8nUfmBlfyVw1v7QB53F_bhMLjbbFZ12MkNsuXiralIs/s1600/102_1023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8UriH3iXlB9JMQg2W4H190aCa9xhRwaRIKyVpYK46KZ0PFkpyjXmDnH_kw83nvYYanogt5CCQFmMLKkhYmWb03D8RRM_R9Ez8nUfmBlfyVw1v7QB53F_bhMLjbbFZ12MkNsuXiralIs/s320/102_1023.JPG" /></a></div>Its always a risk taking Bailey and William to something like this, you never know how they will behave, or how the weather is going to hold up. Bailey was GREAT, Will slept and nursed for most of the game, and the weather cooperated until the 7th inning. Once the rain came...and it was really a downpour, we packed it in and headed home, it was after 9pm and Bailey was tired (OK...I was tired too!) But see the slump :) <br />
</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-10851374768880693312010-08-12T13:30:00.004-05:002010-08-12T13:41:02.412-05:00To Infinity and Beyond! A Costume Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3_CFKoZ8bXV1dkuM0PzB9WXR4zsPoFwBo-jMLO0EJBDWIOSueaDiy0x5gb2ugg_QNkChWk-EyotI3N_d55KWnID5zGhNEa19tq5WgbL0QRBNtLVqyqG350CgO-ERzpU9SBzEwyCCep0/s1600/102_1032+cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3_CFKoZ8bXV1dkuM0PzB9WXR4zsPoFwBo-jMLO0EJBDWIOSueaDiy0x5gb2ugg_QNkChWk-EyotI3N_d55KWnID5zGhNEa19tq5WgbL0QRBNtLVqyqG350CgO-ERzpU9SBzEwyCCep0/s320/102_1032+cartoon.jpg" /></a>I was contacted by <a href="http://www.costumesupercenter.com/">Costume Super Center</a> and asked if I would like the opportunity to review one of their costumes. Being the mom of a toddler who LOVES pretend play, I jumped at the chance! I am not being compensated for this review, the only catch was that I write an honest review of a complimentary costume...so here goes! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>I started searching in <a href="http://www.costumesupercenter.com/kids+halloween+costumes.html">kids Halloween costumes</a>...there was so much to choose from! They have Dr Suess, Disney, and even Pixar characters. I loved that the site is super easy to browse and the search function pulls up great options. I made my way to <a href="http://www.costumesupercenter.com/infant+toddler+costumes.html">toddler costumes</a> where I hit the jackpot! Bailey is all about Buzz Lightyear and anything having to do with rockets and space. So when I found the <a href="http://www.costumesupercenter.com/infant+toddler+costumes-tv+and+movie/5233M-buzz-lightyear-deluxe-toddler-costume.html">Buzz Lightyear Toddler Costume</a> I called my husband and told him all about this opportunity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You know how sometimes, you order something, and the quality is not what it should be, or it looks completely different from the picture on the package. I am happy to say that this was not the case with the costume. It looks just like the packaging and the picture on the website.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We received the shipment of the costume pretty fast, I was thrilled that the entire ordering/shipping of the costume was so easy and timely. According to the website if you order by 3pm EST (M-F) it ships out that same day. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8XYE1JQi33H_pBORqSrd5UL18O0N0g_Z396qmlyq5XWP4LdQCNROccAUsrTCaEGCFWx6R9HJTfcxOk2VpSajGaJ1gA4alae-RlBdql9oSeQ1jToQsc9ERtMyHICbfdHISN2mCg5Gj4Q/s1600/102_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8XYE1JQi33H_pBORqSrd5UL18O0N0g_Z396qmlyq5XWP4LdQCNROccAUsrTCaEGCFWx6R9HJTfcxOk2VpSajGaJ1gA4alae-RlBdql9oSeQ1jToQsc9ERtMyHICbfdHISN2mCg5Gj4Q/s200/102_1038.JPG" width="150" /></a>When we arrived home from daycare, I asked Bailey if he wanted to try on a fun dress up costume. I showed him that it was Buzz Lightyear, and he got so excited! It was a 3T/4T size, which is perfect because he is right in between those sizes. As you can see its a little snug, but he is tall and the length is perfect. The leg covers will also cover his shoes, so if another child was taller than he is, they would still be pergectly covered up. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGgSRut8ICv71VVi32TFKqeH4eQY_jyy4zbmBRmXlC5QOHeJfk6T-W6hywY4hcL9OmDDtjgTDOg6gygY85VlZGzgr6uSqpQPlFY9e4ydV8HQD9u5Olxyc4LgjPNulCRo2cvCKgPd3Fes/s1600/102_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGgSRut8ICv71VVi32TFKqeH4eQY_jyy4zbmBRmXlC5QOHeJfk6T-W6hywY4hcL9OmDDtjgTDOg6gygY85VlZGzgr6uSqpQPlFY9e4ydV8HQD9u5Olxyc4LgjPNulCRo2cvCKgPd3Fes/s200/102_1049.JPG" width="150" /></a>The costume is handwashable...which is good because I couldn't get it off of him until bath time. Thats right folks...he ate dinner as Buzz. Got pink yogurt all over the sleeves and top. I just soaked it and soaped it and it all came right out.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for the opportunity to test out this great costume! You will hear from me soon...because we will need to order the infant alien costume for the baby...so we can trick or treat together. I can't wait!<br />
<br />
<br />
The only negative thing I can say is that its hard to remove from the child who has fallen in love with it!</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-90681399869334951212010-06-08T09:05:00.001-05:002010-07-19T11:22:56.517-05:00The Arrival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfl7v0probiQ2juVtoVdfp_arTa4ejZWuhPu7pN_eTWmaeHctV4CuNVK6KY-nuOciYWZDhPFCq0burkKq0-ha1yCoxyMkS5ylpGxvl_8FjlbbUG0RkGEFfkA6mUxFiwb0DoEWZ5c12UM/s1600/102_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfl7v0probiQ2juVtoVdfp_arTa4ejZWuhPu7pN_eTWmaeHctV4CuNVK6KY-nuOciYWZDhPFCq0burkKq0-ha1yCoxyMkS5ylpGxvl_8FjlbbUG0RkGEFfkA6mUxFiwb0DoEWZ5c12UM/s320/102_0655.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I have been absent...here is my excuse.<br />
<br />
We delivered William Michael by scheduled c-section on Tuesday, June 8th at 0700. He weighed in at a lovely 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and stretched 20.25 inches. <br />
<br />
My parents were kind enough to keep Bailey the night before and take him to daycare that morning. Then they joined Randy's parents in the waiting room. <br />
<br />
My procedure went well. We were surrounded by my fantastic Dr and some really great nurses, they helped me feel comfortable for the duration. I remember at some point of the surgery thinking, wow, this nurse standing behind me stroking mt hair is really going above and beyond...it was so soothing at the time. Turns out, that was my wonderful husband. I have said it before and I am sure I will say it again, he is my rock. He comforts me, sometimes even when I am not aware that I need it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbvf-LZCLdHHgBh-TjbG0uWpMN-JZFABYdpYs6KGaSGTmHfsKDxAy7RrcoDMseqppHbKned2q3uzzM_jOaqGVx40NYOXXK9Hz1CvfVIZmlnfL5tuwSj0maFboZlP-DiUd8uwGzP5KGQQ/s1600/102_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbvf-LZCLdHHgBh-TjbG0uWpMN-JZFABYdpYs6KGaSGTmHfsKDxAy7RrcoDMseqppHbKned2q3uzzM_jOaqGVx40NYOXXK9Hz1CvfVIZmlnfL5tuwSj0maFboZlP-DiUd8uwGzP5KGQQ/s320/102_0781.JPG" /></a></div>Everything moved pretty quick after William was born, and before I knew it, he and Randy were off to the nursery, and they finished sewing me up and took me to recovery. The hospital has a new way of doing things, so Randy and William rejoined me in the recovery room for what they call "Bonding Time" I guess some study shows that its better for baby to spend 30-60 minutes with Mom skin to skin before rushing off to be bathed, medicated, have blood drawn and whatever else they do. It lowers the stress level of the baby...really? They had to do a study for that? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJ9bMgZLvAG9oVo4zLo9Kqzjeaz6LWpywSoQ7Ou4TBB2q_rUKp1CTTkJX8YdQovMLlQhyhO09swR5nMk3U0ss5MuroK1qFirHR4kylVmN5PveZuxDmMuXCzzjriE1iUVDPDiNe1sjO5Q/s1600/102_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJ9bMgZLvAG9oVo4zLo9Kqzjeaz6LWpywSoQ7Ou4TBB2q_rUKp1CTTkJX8YdQovMLlQhyhO09swR5nMk3U0ss5MuroK1qFirHR4kylVmN5PveZuxDmMuXCzzjriE1iUVDPDiNe1sjO5Q/s320/102_0791.JPG" /></a>So there is a reason for that freaked out expression. This is Bailey meeting William for the first time & he just grabbed him to plant a big kiss on his new little brother. Bailey is so affectionate with William, he is forever giving him hugs and kisses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNG3eiKEfBOsiOefw2-NzOeoJSufGHaQ-98zsO8aJeXEMs9Q2nVcfbw0_WH1VbzbsoPl-TazrFBU2BpZcqe3H_oXB4q8q9uWo16awmOViq0b0lCdxwqGW6PTmKOIfdUCinN86Usr4zhxk/s1600/102_0683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNG3eiKEfBOsiOefw2-NzOeoJSufGHaQ-98zsO8aJeXEMs9Q2nVcfbw0_WH1VbzbsoPl-TazrFBU2BpZcqe3H_oXB4q8q9uWo16awmOViq0b0lCdxwqGW6PTmKOIfdUCinN86Usr4zhxk/s320/102_0683.JPG" /></a>Look at those fat rolls!</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-2856765241913234872010-06-02T09:44:00.000-05:002010-06-02T09:44:33.728-05:00Maternity Photos<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I had an opportunity to have some maternity photos taken by the very talented Jeanette Monplaisir of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=606706933#!/pages/Montgomery-AL/JM-Photography/114836601864064?ajaxpipe=1&__a=10">JM Photography</a>. She is just starting out in the world of photography and let me tell you, this young lady has some seious talent. </div><br />
We went to have belly shots taken when I as 36 weeks pregnant with Bailey and we were disappointed. We went to Portrait Innovations and out of the 60 shots that were taken there were only 6 or so that we liked. My husband is not a big fan of having his picture taken anyway...so needless to say, none were purchased and we did not return to have more pictures taken. <br />
<br />
This time I didn't tell my husband. These are going to be a suprise present for Father's Day. So I kept Bailey out of daycare for a morning and we met Jeanette at <a href="http://www.blountculturalpark.org/">Blount Cultural Park</a> right there at the Alabama Shakesphere Festival. My friend Shannon and her mom came by to help out with Bailey so we could do pictures of just me and pictures of the two of us. (Thank you Shannon & Mrs Susan! This would not have been possible without your help!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7CqRjv2whfbqK641VosxuVuSDRDoyoNFqGSKkcY9VaqQRDCOpfzLJlmipEtGW2chOiH46C73saWxPdkQq47RtlFeRY29YuyuaUoufM20b-hUPkQs7p9-4kolAikFFOZhGaQI0H9o_SE/s1600/IMG_7669edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7CqRjv2whfbqK641VosxuVuSDRDoyoNFqGSKkcY9VaqQRDCOpfzLJlmipEtGW2chOiH46C73saWxPdkQq47RtlFeRY29YuyuaUoufM20b-hUPkQs7p9-4kolAikFFOZhGaQI0H9o_SE/s320/IMG_7669edited.jpg" /></a>We started out by the pond, chasing geese.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN7YlCc9pDWPM6z-TSctP1IjqzMF5X0p0sutsG4eIYza8T7lbJu8FzD1i12U9b8x1iEDgnmrBLcEG1I__gM86S1mbqRuc30PhY3ImX2IxYbFt-QHnGQQJnuvetScQ3RpBMCaQNgFoqvA/s1600/IMG_7676edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN7YlCc9pDWPM6z-TSctP1IjqzMF5X0p0sutsG4eIYza8T7lbJu8FzD1i12U9b8x1iEDgnmrBLcEG1I__gM86S1mbqRuc30PhY3ImX2IxYbFt-QHnGQQJnuvetScQ3RpBMCaQNgFoqvA/s320/IMG_7676edited.jpg" /></a>Then headed over to the stone wall...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpyRekxowKTN5gsff4CBE042pkEJ8uczXEBP05bGJrhEdZitAIp9ZvIQhPnzy-oi7DedTEdL_EJtPpX0FBz1v9Q0T_RFAuGX1WLP_dycPCBBvFkHZFYMEo0fuNa_qRGngR42VL2OcFo8/s1600/IMG_7679edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpyRekxowKTN5gsff4CBE042pkEJ8uczXEBP05bGJrhEdZitAIp9ZvIQhPnzy-oi7DedTEdL_EJtPpX0FBz1v9Q0T_RFAuGX1WLP_dycPCBBvFkHZFYMEo0fuNa_qRGngR42VL2OcFo8/s320/IMG_7679edited.jpg" /></a>I really loved the way she edited these, some have that great shadowy quality and then to have them in black and white is such a great contrast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWOKIZ2o6ywzLn5d_6-Yo03XpI_oKnY_ftkGqzhjOJrQqAM39ukZrBqrPxuWvUCyA2pOC2c422eEMdVtp0ue_QKRwW3TL8VVxWJowjj1piRSyMCzra23n5IABiiEo-N5Gp8I8VaI8LUw/s1600/IMG_7684edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWOKIZ2o6ywzLn5d_6-Yo03XpI_oKnY_ftkGqzhjOJrQqAM39ukZrBqrPxuWvUCyA2pOC2c422eEMdVtp0ue_QKRwW3TL8VVxWJowjj1piRSyMCzra23n5IABiiEo-N5Gp8I8VaI8LUw/s320/IMG_7684edited.jpg" /></a> After the wall, we headed over to ASF to the gardens, but they were closed, so we took advantage of this great area, there was lots of greenery and some shade! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivR-ODH95zdZpgMbGncxNx8h2GJ-yU9wsNB3bE_T1ry3HZKxjHeg95Vhpc3uX3xDV_DX7P5Q8Y2-5VCZ6Lx_hhNCfbIdUJfXnH9JxFhbOET6Q3cyHfEFIYInac_Ge-ZP_NxLal5UF5t6U/s1600/IMG_7690edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivR-ODH95zdZpgMbGncxNx8h2GJ-yU9wsNB3bE_T1ry3HZKxjHeg95Vhpc3uX3xDV_DX7P5Q8Y2-5VCZ6Lx_hhNCfbIdUJfXnH9JxFhbOET6Q3cyHfEFIYInac_Ge-ZP_NxLal5UF5t6U/s320/IMG_7690edited.jpg" /></a>Look at that big belly! I am telling you, there is a 10 pound baby in there! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwN52eRWGkCDVo8z2zhGPREnouig7Oe_-0U7RtdkK695tdkJGcGLAYQUnfBhfWsIvhiW4tAQVtLeku1E25zjRfz13hpP-r66aASim571KzWIb3zUIdpey2QrlJVVbEk2Ehv5OEZeX2-n4/s1600/IMG_7697edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwN52eRWGkCDVo8z2zhGPREnouig7Oe_-0U7RtdkK695tdkJGcGLAYQUnfBhfWsIvhiW4tAQVtLeku1E25zjRfz13hpP-r66aASim571KzWIb3zUIdpey2QrlJVVbEk2Ehv5OEZeX2-n4/s320/IMG_7697edited.jpg" /></a>I saw a similar shot like this on someone's blog a while back, and I mentioned it to Jeanette and she was happy to help me create something similar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBqxj8o_DcLyOHHLRCOP7CLKTEfoGoz107w8cbO7NucV2-5n9fvDbV9RZgzlhdk3TXQ3JaKorGSX9eUUd1Ghs9vp_x-OBOwx3UV2kci3A9LwNQEkctqJmKtFA1Kh3K7naLjbzxHe2EPw/s1600/IMG_7686edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBqxj8o_DcLyOHHLRCOP7CLKTEfoGoz107w8cbO7NucV2-5n9fvDbV9RZgzlhdk3TXQ3JaKorGSX9eUUd1Ghs9vp_x-OBOwx3UV2kci3A9LwNQEkctqJmKtFA1Kh3K7naLjbzxHe2EPw/s320/IMG_7686edited.jpg" /></a> More shots of the big belly :0) I did manage to fit my wedding rings on for these pictures, and it only took a small miracle to get them off. Swollen fingers are the greatest!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See those flushed cheeks! That sweet boy was playing hard! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWq2nlnZ3TuCxuOBur4DIUS_EC_sOWnKsfu5eB08kpiJNJjAJ_ulZ5OiKsnSTPEV8CCROM8X3TwzO3_N2gJP2NkO2mD_-SxRnd_5MWgYvN0IU3rN9m4pmmo3p-BNTPZJSl8v6y-c6OLgc/s1600/IMG_7717edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWq2nlnZ3TuCxuOBur4DIUS_EC_sOWnKsfu5eB08kpiJNJjAJ_ulZ5OiKsnSTPEV8CCROM8X3TwzO3_N2gJP2NkO2mD_-SxRnd_5MWgYvN0IU3rN9m4pmmo3p-BNTPZJSl8v6y-c6OLgc/s320/IMG_7717edited.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So overall I am THRILLED with the way these pictures turned out. Jeanette did an amazing job. I will have to call her and sweet talk her into doing some newborn pictures of William once he arrives. Hiring a photographer to do family pictures like this is always a challenge. I really think that it is important to have that perfect blend of skill and chemistry, and Jeanette has this lovely personality, and she was SO very patient with Bailey, who is a bundle of energy. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And in the meantime...don't tell my husband these pictures are on the blog...you'll ruin the suprise!</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-81942602733362892622010-05-14T11:07:00.002-05:002010-05-14T11:08:21.021-05:00A trip to remember...Belize<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Let me tell you a story...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzV_8fCTIZoQcvaXiZX_LKjQAIGuMPeEf_OS8UFj2Y8vExxvBDQHGpkv0AAtWSgedYSDm1CENtR8JIgQ_F-wiBXJ0_kXn-yU3lgZ8dZpztm8eRYRAjaNeyyJoOduvg8VtjLA2sH7C3QM/s1600/100_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzV_8fCTIZoQcvaXiZX_LKjQAIGuMPeEf_OS8UFj2Y8vExxvBDQHGpkv0AAtWSgedYSDm1CENtR8JIgQ_F-wiBXJ0_kXn-yU3lgZ8dZpztm8eRYRAjaNeyyJoOduvg8VtjLA2sH7C3QM/s200/100_0165.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A long, long time ago...in 2002, I met this man.</div>We hit it off and had the best time together. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I met all his friends, he met all of mine, he met my family, I met his son. We went on trips together, fun things like Mobile, AL, beaches, <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Gaitlinburg</span>, TN, Louisville, KY, Indianapolis, IN, Atlanta, GA, and everywhere in between. Over time, this man became my best friend, my confidant, my advisor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9obtKIlgAHPx4NmAliH6YNzLS9id2LqMj7X74eoHV688G3Z30b6e_tIsf57VlvLnTk3TXDeN8XN3frZsm7l3FVBBm9xbl_Y6UtTDsD0HeHGE5547YRW1qZUEwDIXspxcucXvsHM6-i3M/s1600/P4240345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9obtKIlgAHPx4NmAliH6YNzLS9id2LqMj7X74eoHV688G3Z30b6e_tIsf57VlvLnTk3TXDeN8XN3frZsm7l3FVBBm9xbl_Y6UtTDsD0HeHGE5547YRW1qZUEwDIXspxcucXvsHM6-i3M/s200/P4240345.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In 2006, we were surprised to find out that this little bundle was on the way. We were completely unprepared for the changes this little man brought to our life. We learned to depend on each other even more for everyday things. I told a friend of mine recently that true love, is not flowers and candlelight. Its taking care of a sick child, mopping up vomit at 3am, and holding each other when you are both exhausted and sleep deprived, and comforting each other even as you try to comfort your little one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_UgPYN_5IOp9PtV1XqMHMyy7IMuqw6aQbGazfOYWFbMFNn8aRpUK0tWvSXSEHKddgvxdi-Xq7lJ4yf554I9Ay-wRa8C6AAqpmNB_UKln1oWd4RqSCHZX9zY2lxa8iwGN_UAY3VVlX7Y/s1600/engagement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_UgPYN_5IOp9PtV1XqMHMyy7IMuqw6aQbGazfOYWFbMFNn8aRpUK0tWvSXSEHKddgvxdi-Xq7lJ4yf554I9Ay-wRa8C6AAqpmNB_UKln1oWd4RqSCHZX9zY2lxa8iwGN_UAY3VVlX7Y/s200/engagement.jpg" width="195" wt="true" /></a></div>I have said it before, I will say it again I am sure. We do things backwards here. Christmas of 2008 arrived, and tucked under the tree was this little gem... No diamond??? No. This man of mine knows that my absolute favorite gemstone is the garnet. So when he couldn't find a ring that he liked, he went to a local <span style="background-color: white;">jeweler and had this lovely ring custom made for me. When we broke the news to family and friends, the reaction was pretty much the same. "Wow, that's great!" and "Its about time!" (I know...family and friends can get away with that blunt honesty.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">So you realize that once you actually get engaged, its time to start thinking of WHERE and WHEN. Well...since we met in October, I thought we could just get married on our anniversary. That man looked at me and asked why I wanted to wait so long. <em>ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!?</em> It takes you 6 yrs to propose and you want to know why I am waiting??? Men...I just don't understand the thought process.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">So we decided the beach, then we decided <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat;">Las</span> Vegas. And I started pricing both trips. Where could we have a fantastic vacation, and a beautiful wedding? Our family and friends loved the Vegas idea, and told him so. Then he started freaking out...How many people are you inviting??? I told him that the guest list was under 20 people, but if our other friends wanted to come see us get hitched while taking a vacation of their own, then the more the merrier! He stressed about this a bit. And when I started talking money, he looked at me and said that we could leave the country and have a tropical wedding for less than that. This was when he brought up Belize.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I had never heard of Belize. No idea where it was located, what was there, what the culture was, what language they spoke. So I started researching...and found out that Belize was <strong><em>JUST</em></strong> what we were looking for. Belize is a super small country in Central America. The language is English (although the locals also speak a form of creole) and they accept US dollars along with <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat;">Belizian</span> Dollars. The exchange rate is roughly $2 <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat;">BZE</span> = $1 US.</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqk2j3lyhthicnFb7qpdC06aT5Oz6iwi6Ot2R3Wyg0vYwjlsVQ6mu_UFS6b8MLGqpzRHzUEaOlW86Wy9VuyseMdb0bkjrLtlair3lDjQfZ53INNP9a2sd5iqwj607JxMwp3ZAuGgsOJZE/s1600/Belize+291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqk2j3lyhthicnFb7qpdC06aT5Oz6iwi6Ot2R3Wyg0vYwjlsVQ6mu_UFS6b8MLGqpzRHzUEaOlW86Wy9VuyseMdb0bkjrLtlair3lDjQfZ53INNP9a2sd5iqwj607JxMwp3ZAuGgsOJZE/s200/Belize+291.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;">As far as things to do....pretty much everything you could think of. They have the longest barrier reef in this hemisphere, home to the Great Blue Hole, with hundreds of islands, snorkel and dive locations. Hundreds of ancient Maya sites both excavated and jungle-covered, and a lush tropical rain forest. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">So we started looking into the When....and we discovered if we traveled at the beginning of May, we would save bunches of money since that was when the dry season started, but everything would still be pretty lush. So we watched plane prices, and when the tickets that were $800 each in January became $350 in March, we JUMPED on them like crazy people. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Using the Internet, we also booked our beachfront cabana at </span><a href="http://xamanekbelize.com/"><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat;">Xaman</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat;">Ek</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> and wedding services <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat;">thru</span> </span><a href="http://belizeweddings.com/index.html"><span style="background-color: white;">Belize Weddings</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> and of course we had to have a photographer, so we chose the lovely and talented </span><a href="http://aqualandphotos.com/"><span style="background-color: white;">Jen Sharp</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">It might sound odd...but we decided to take this journey alone. There was a waiting period to obtain the wedding license, so we had the honeymoon all week, and got married on Friday, May 22nd. Instead of drama, and stress, and coordinating friends and family for activities, we decided to be a little selfish. It worked out perfectly. Our family wasn't hurt, they were just happy that we finally made everything all nice and legal. A few friends were a little hurt that they were not included, but I think overall, they understood our reasoning. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzm-VR6QYnGx0ArWaiZmneM6sGbVXXuPGWzIXP6a6uEIsztf3raftdo448OL1EMCM77l2nFL_uMr2Gh5YSxrCs94TcUWqPRQOPTjX7uFRLeMSHpKbHPhDILv0mhECeVbbGvTLY_W5wlg/s1600/101_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzm-VR6QYnGx0ArWaiZmneM6sGbVXXuPGWzIXP6a6uEIsztf3raftdo448OL1EMCM77l2nFL_uMr2Gh5YSxrCs94TcUWqPRQOPTjX7uFRLeMSHpKbHPhDILv0mhECeVbbGvTLY_W5wlg/s200/101_0028.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;">Let me tell you about our amazing week in Belize. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">We kayaked to the reef (which is only about a mile from shore) and snorkeled. (yes...I did not apply enough sun screen and I got COOKED on our first day there...ugh)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFa2cuEgZmRs2NCk4I10Sz_XH4R28hoPYHvk_7cBy13QiFva4Z8HX3eBYdVhNDPVMe0bANchDtiRP-mivenCbN7Gwj6W8tfuXaSqmEQA1AaSfJ67BSu5dNj0Vt-97LTCRkXjup5tseNbQ/s1600/794509-R1-15-14c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFa2cuEgZmRs2NCk4I10Sz_XH4R28hoPYHvk_7cBy13QiFva4Z8HX3eBYdVhNDPVMe0bANchDtiRP-mivenCbN7Gwj6W8tfuXaSqmEQA1AaSfJ67BSu5dNj0Vt-97LTCRkXjup5tseNbQ/s320/794509-R1-15-14c.jpg" wt="true" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Then we arranged to get scuba certified. We dove Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (yes...the morning we got married, we spent an hour or so at the bottom of the ocean. It was so beautiful). I was terrified, but it was the most breathtaking thing ever. The colors of the things you see underwater are unreal. I cannot wait to get all that gear strapped back on and to dive again. I am told that Belize spoiled us, that the visibility is so perfect and the water so warm that we will be disappointed anywhere else we go...I sure hope that is not the case!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gKZwCL3E61Bb3MA1nQeQfcZdAA4J_K6gTDiVtw8fY4q9NwY-ATkxGh_uCsvF3R9zIVUceoL3dNXy2wzlA_Fpn1qmn688N8zMOG3Fhj2WSC7QTP5I3kkru0wlQ0SDt2TblOwYcr_ZyOI/s1600/101_0113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gKZwCL3E61Bb3MA1nQeQfcZdAA4J_K6gTDiVtw8fY4q9NwY-ATkxGh_uCsvF3R9zIVUceoL3dNXy2wzlA_Fpn1qmn688N8zMOG3Fhj2WSC7QTP5I3kkru0wlQ0SDt2TblOwYcr_ZyOI/s320/101_0113.jpg" wt="true" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">On Thursday we traveled inland to <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat;">Lamanai</span>, a Mayan temple. It was a 26 mile trip up-river where we saw all kinds of creatures. Manatee's, bats the size of a quarter, turtles, and even dolphins. There were several ruins that we were able to climb and explore, but the High Temple proved to be too much for me. Randy made it to the top, while I was entertained by some feuding Toucans and Howler Monkeys. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyixdRiCRhEwhx7FOjH2-YrWxEe14z9IltI3pT11obHEDvq4bs1JYgOkV-nQUnKrmeCzOqX75SAi8tPu9fN7yqm-b1W8NuMNFAs1OMgKhDv_pDPwYFkmMg5heBals1ABb_Ptv8g-36BTU/s1600/101_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyixdRiCRhEwhx7FOjH2-YrWxEe14z9IltI3pT11obHEDvq4bs1JYgOkV-nQUnKrmeCzOqX75SAi8tPu9fN7yqm-b1W8NuMNFAs1OMgKhDv_pDPwYFkmMg5heBals1ABb_Ptv8g-36BTU/s320/101_0152.jpg" wt="true" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNl3w5F7FvnbMNXVMYeNm-JVa706b8JUUfR5evtteWllRpxx4h27mntMUrbnaXDBya6jtcr6-KKDVX2TYqrXBxma0MPmMD83q293oCzFkM8stRSio_es59QG3Sb0f8JT5m5aPn3oKBkNY/s1600/Belize+353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNl3w5F7FvnbMNXVMYeNm-JVa706b8JUUfR5evtteWllRpxx4h27mntMUrbnaXDBya6jtcr6-KKDVX2TYqrXBxma0MPmMD83q293oCzFkM8stRSio_es59QG3Sb0f8JT5m5aPn3oKBkNY/s200/Belize+353.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;">In the evenings, we took a boat ride from our resort to San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye. Every restaurant we ate at was fantastic, the gift shops were fun to explore and there were street vendors where we purchased plenty of souvenirs for those we left at home. The main way to get around on Ambergris Caye is by boat, or golf cart. We mostly walked, and on most corners there were these great little "You are Here" signs that showed where everything you could possibly imagine was located in town. We found the post office, grocery stores, ATM machines....it was so great!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSFZO0QBYvlX0wcgFyYCAP4pT-je2gDsmXdftRpCvn3iK4QPfArjaT3HApYPS8dmCcc5y4BPTg7cB0t56MRwhS9huknROW7XO8YV96TzVd58iRtFD3Xt_a7ulwLnY32vBpO9fL_7ZzPo/s1600/wedding-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSFZO0QBYvlX0wcgFyYCAP4pT-je2gDsmXdftRpCvn3iK4QPfArjaT3HApYPS8dmCcc5y4BPTg7cB0t56MRwhS9huknROW7XO8YV96TzVd58iRtFD3Xt_a7ulwLnY32vBpO9fL_7ZzPo/s320/wedding-6.jpg" wt="true" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNupWk4rJ118NwM0D-A752QD0b58EaK7dYBw6pHc0UbkZ2DQKYQZdewUYH52f8BRWiygdq8686AyWhyphenhyphenqDpSjCdbIcMpjC_zn6Qzt49IYr7g1-ljWGOggO8P15-FrbWgeYdLqhsDfzNVs/s1600/wedding-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNupWk4rJ118NwM0D-A752QD0b58EaK7dYBw6pHc0UbkZ2DQKYQZdewUYH52f8BRWiygdq8686AyWhyphenhyphenqDpSjCdbIcMpjC_zn6Qzt49IYr7g1-ljWGOggO8P15-FrbWgeYdLqhsDfzNVs/s320/wedding-48.jpg" wt="true" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRUKqDvRH0Tro9P54Awd3A7ayivWW9f9Gfow5ij9xxcjq-K0vIA3oIuPlQRy-Qmp34ij1-hmWtSHzWF4EUG5hKPNF_XsK13zJg3jjduWwByxV56WN17e-SRlIiiJtWzc2UQ4zw-WRZ_s/s1600/wedding-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRUKqDvRH0Tro9P54Awd3A7ayivWW9f9Gfow5ij9xxcjq-K0vIA3oIuPlQRy-Qmp34ij1-hmWtSHzWF4EUG5hKPNF_XsK13zJg3jjduWwByxV56WN17e-SRlIiiJtWzc2UQ4zw-WRZ_s/s320/wedding-56.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;">The on Friday...we were married. The pastor was this delightful woman, Susannah Flores. I cannot imagine a more lovely ceremony. It was simple and heartfelt. There were happy tears. I whispered my vows. Randy held my hand throughout the entire ceremony. We promised to make a home together, to celebrate life's joys together, to be committed to one another, to help each other to achieve our goals, to be our best friends, and to live life to the fullest with each other until the end of our days. </span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnYAbdw6KIAQCKUkB5X_HMA5OL7dFVCb_50eaMRMLndsH_1ZX5m4mnWJUWoidftH8eJwrannhh5CIKL9fc4wruPOGfNbx5C5OTeKZq8pE9h9pIp9rTD9F-EdtxmC9yqVyPiw6MiqCFjw/s1600/101_0147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnYAbdw6KIAQCKUkB5X_HMA5OL7dFVCb_50eaMRMLndsH_1ZX5m4mnWJUWoidftH8eJwrannhh5CIKL9fc4wruPOGfNbx5C5OTeKZq8pE9h9pIp9rTD9F-EdtxmC9yqVyPiw6MiqCFjw/s320/101_0147.jpg" wt="true" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;">Sunrise the morning we left. This was the view from my doorway. The only quiet moment I had all day. We rushed packing (how is it that your suitcase is never big enough on your way home?) We made our way <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat;">thru</span> security (where they confiscated my conch shell that Randy got me at the bottom of the ocean....we are so going back so he can get me another) we hopped a plane from Belize City to Atlanta via Charlotte. And then we drove home from Atlanta to Montgomery. We got home, slept like the dead, and Sunday morning we rushed to my parents house to pick up our sweet little boy who had been basking in the attentions of his beloved grandparents for the 8 days we were gone.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">I cannot tell you how much we missed that sweet boy. I know he was safe and content and loved with my parents, but we had never been separated that long. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">So...as we come to our one year anniversary, I want to tell my husband how much I love him. How happy I am with the life we have together, how much I love our son and this second one who will be arriving in a few short weeks. There is no other place in my life I would rather be. No matter what comes our way, I am confident that we will face it and overcome it.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Now...go tell your sweetie how much you love them today! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-81658833953247138262010-05-14T08:56:00.000-05:002010-05-14T08:56:53.530-05:00Dining in Montgomery...a contribution to Alabama BloggersThis week, I wanted to share a few places here in Montgomery that we frequent. <br />
And you can read all about them <a href="http://www.alabamabloggers.com/2010/05/montgomery-restaurants.html">here</a>! I contribute to <a href="http://www.alabamabloggers.com/">Alabama Bloggers</a> and if you live in Alabama, you should check it out! Its a great site where all the locals can "meet, network, and get to know your blogging neighbors."Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-67552624805097174232010-05-14T08:52:00.000-05:002010-05-14T08:52:55.290-05:00Ladies and Gentlemen...We have a Winner!<a href="http://www.random.org/widgets/integers/iframe.php?title=True+Random+Number+Generator&buttontxt=Generate&width=160&height=200&border=on&bgcolor=%23FFFFFF&txtcolor=%23777777&altbgcolor=%23CCCCFF&alttxtcolor=%23000000&defaultmin=1&defaultmax=100&fixed=off">RANDOM.ORG - Integer Widget</a>:<br />
Min: 1<br />
Max: 4<br />
Result: 2<br />
Powered by RANDOM.ORG<br />
<br />
I am so tickled to announce the first winner for my first giveaway. The winner of the 50 Custom Thank You Cards and 4 Baronial Blank Envelopes, (sponsored by <a href="http://uprinting.com/">Uprinting.com</a> is <a href="http://asblackasobama.blogspot.com/">ASBLACKASOBAMA</a>.<br />
<br />
I will be sending you an email, so be on the lookout!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-92080943308807860942010-05-07T13:42:00.001-05:002010-05-07T13:42:51.134-05:00Friday Follow, and a quick Preggo PostHello Hello! <br />
Its Friday again, so last week, I participated in the <a href="http://thedevinemrbaileyjackson.blogspot.com/2010/04/friday-follow.html">Friday Follow</a> and it was great! I found several new blogs to read and doubled my number of readers. So I am trying it out again this week, hopefully to find some more cool blogs that I can follow. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffPVUgm1u2mFkyWuxkVbYtkub_qr9-SPhJNiiGgwB5vemWLqh_Di6I_KhC2z8HXh0uQG_9rBj64D2jtcBRtn7UIXAdNKXpuxqLyXtICQDo-NJ75EUgvk9gSP-VXqbPXeksVqIAUh6Mqs/s1600/IMG_2912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffPVUgm1u2mFkyWuxkVbYtkub_qr9-SPhJNiiGgwB5vemWLqh_Di6I_KhC2z8HXh0uQG_9rBj64D2jtcBRtn7UIXAdNKXpuxqLyXtICQDo-NJ75EUgvk9gSP-VXqbPXeksVqIAUh6Mqs/s320/IMG_2912.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Update on the Pregnancy...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am 35 weeks pregnant with little boy #2. We are scheduled to have a c-section on June 8th. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Why a scheduled c-sec? Well... <a href="http://thedevinemrbaileyjackson.blogspot.com/2007/04/update-on-my-arrival.html">way back when</a>...when I was pregnant with Bailey, he got comfortable, and refused to get into the appropriate position, and for several weeks we were aware that he was breech. There was no moving that big boy, so we scheduled a c-sec, and he <a href="http://thedevinemrbaileyjackson.blogspot.com/2007/04/my-arrival.html">arrived</a> at 39 weeks on April 18th, 8lbs 8 oz, perfect in every way.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I know there are some people who have very strong opinions on c-sections and VBAC's, and natural birth. My opinion is that as parents, we need to do what is best for us. A c-sec was necessary for me for my first born. My OB prefers to avoid VBAC's, so this will be another c-sec for me. I am perfectly OK with that. I know the drill, I know what to expect, and I am confident that all will go well. I also love that we can schedule this arrival, so we have time to make plans with out of town family, and what to do with #1 while #2 arrives. </div>I have gotten the nursery ready, I have washed all the little sleepers and blankets, I need to get bottles washed before he gets here (in case you are wondering, I will nurse, and pump so Dad can also enjoy bonding time with #2, we also supplement with formula if needed).<br />
I am so ready. I have gotten to the uncomfortable stage, and add a little Alabama heat and humidity....Lets go! I also think that with this one I am more eager for him to arrive, since I know the joy he will bring to our lives. I am nervous about how my sweet Bailey will deal with all the changes in our house. He is very much a Momma's boy. But I hope he will use this time to do lots more bonding with Dad. <br />
<br />
So this is all the fun stuff going on in my world at the moment. <br />
<br />
Oh, and take just a moment to enter the <a href="http://thedevinemrbaileyjackson.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveaway.html">Giveaway</a> sponsored by <a href="http://uprinting.com/">UPrinting.com</a>, just leave a comment letting me know you want in! <br />
<br />
Enjoy your weekend! Be sure to honor the Mom's in your life on Sunday for Mother's Day.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-19122239271306151752010-05-05T11:37:00.000-05:002010-05-05T11:37:38.757-05:00Giveaway!I participated in the <a href="http://thedevinemrbaileyjackson.blogspot.com/2010/04/friday-follow.html">Friday Follow</a> last week, and I was amazed that the number of readers on my blog DOUBLED! That was just fantastic! So to celebrate...I am honored to host a Greeting Card Giveaway! <br />
<br />
<br />
The Giveaway is sponsored by <a href="http://uprinting.com/">UPrinting.com</a>. Greeting cards are an excellent way to say “Hi” and “Hello” to your friends, and not only can also use these for businesses; you can also have your greeting cards customized. By customizing it you can add some personal photos, graphics, logos, pictures and personal messages. The goal of customizing a greeting card is to create a uniquely personal greeting card that reflects the creativity of the sender.<br />
<br />
The Giveaway Prize : 50 <a href="http://www.uprinting.com/custom-greeting-cards-printing.html”%3E">Custom Thank You Cards</a> with plain envelopes 7 x 5" (folded to 3.5 x 5") and <br />
4 <a href="http://www.uprinting.com/envelope-printing.html">Baronial Blank Envelopes</a>, 14 pt Cardstock Gloss coating, Full Color Outside and Blank Inside <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G0hddeJOpfrH8ttID_6vP_nEV5VjC8U2evqX5Mi0GiZeh_fCtQeVwqjkpbqhhn2wVZ6vigkDY4YGKCYcMXeolRkKA8s1lrQgaRek4C5N0J1VXF105EIk6hrmobZoqXWzAYQKqBvvdbQ/s1600/greetingcards.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G0hddeJOpfrH8ttID_6vP_nEV5VjC8U2evqX5Mi0GiZeh_fCtQeVwqjkpbqhhn2wVZ6vigkDY4YGKCYcMXeolRkKA8s1lrQgaRek4C5N0J1VXF105EIk6hrmobZoqXWzAYQKqBvvdbQ/s320/greetingcards.png" tt="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
This giveaway ends on the 13th of May, and I will announce the winner on the 14th!<br />
<br />
To enter....Just leave a comment below letting me know you would love to win! Winner will be selected by random number generator. Comment no more than 3 times please. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>***Please note, you must be 18 or older to join the giveaway.***</em></span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-61340488884551094992010-04-30T10:16:00.001-05:002010-04-30T10:17:27.237-05:00How does your garden grow?It is that time of year. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As a kid, we always helped my parents ready the yard for my <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: #ffffff;">Momma's</span> garden. We went to the store or farmers market and helped with plant selection, we got the water hoses ready for use, and we all got in the dirt and helped plant a 10x10 veggie garden. We were also commandeered to help weed, water and harvest the multitude of plants. But let me tell you, there is something magical about eating a fat, ripe, juicy tomato while it is still warm from the sun. If you have no idea what I am talking about, you are MISSING OUT!!</div><br />
This year, my husband decided we should have a garden of our own. So he started some plants from seeds, and others he purchased, and since we have a SMALL backyard, he decided to invest in a raised bed. We figured it would be easier to keep the dog out of it since there are clear boundaries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMg3DqGtRDb5hz3VSGsMy_opputiLjhlE1GtN6BC0PGRxt-NtIaE02DKNq37S2VlFEQ2Lt73SZfdx_fXhH8AtW-6SJZEKHEZWxQ9-SIVQAB9FMHq9PlHvt42Q4S-DfCvd7ESamM5strQ/s1600/102_0494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMg3DqGtRDb5hz3VSGsMy_opputiLjhlE1GtN6BC0PGRxt-NtIaE02DKNq37S2VlFEQ2Lt73SZfdx_fXhH8AtW-6SJZEKHEZWxQ9-SIVQAB9FMHq9PlHvt42Q4S-DfCvd7ESamM5strQ/s200/102_0494.jpg" tt="true" width="150" /></a>So here is my darling husband, loading up Bailey's wagon to transport all the plants to their new home in the backyard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GeME-jE1wKBAdMKk4M7oxrmS1CAv5h_c2AluIIU1Y63BEnZ9M3ei65j7AsFs19pHGl60gCC1EzG0xrPAQpxkn8r0lTW2FyFdl6i3EIvzHAmpsEOwKntM7416BBFLUYfr3Kl7W8DN5UM/s1600/102_0500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GeME-jE1wKBAdMKk4M7oxrmS1CAv5h_c2AluIIU1Y63BEnZ9M3ei65j7AsFs19pHGl60gCC1EzG0xrPAQpxkn8r0lTW2FyFdl6i3EIvzHAmpsEOwKntM7416BBFLUYfr3Kl7W8DN5UM/s200/102_0500.jpg" tt="true" width="150" /></a>You have to start with good dirt. We have none in our yard, so we are cheating and using the Miracle Grow. I will be adding compost and mulch to the top to help with weed prevention and to add nutrients to the soil.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4D_pllqTlNBp-hvBlq6vMvZnQ7IrC3W0W1DAKLxZpLX54bZjABX7mGGWwgCm6t0f5ZvILOLVk407jm97QD_C8RN7g6WzhU-hTwFiMWwbpWir_7is63f1AXzYdiMIp04dEKTFdAf6dfu8/s1600/102_0516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4D_pllqTlNBp-hvBlq6vMvZnQ7IrC3W0W1DAKLxZpLX54bZjABX7mGGWwgCm6t0f5ZvILOLVk407jm97QD_C8RN7g6WzhU-hTwFiMWwbpWir_7is63f1AXzYdiMIp04dEKTFdAf6dfu8/s200/102_0516.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJuMKrNlG_pUrgK0cFEvoIRZlUcs_ZU8f5yieZVxVRDDWYRkuHRr_B1R26U4eRi3XXH0ymS7TK7v_rgzHrT6rf2rL9BWagzJb7QhRXXWhqLIzXLstLBPFT1telZj_WpgAUqIprSDJfFQ/s1600/102_0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJuMKrNlG_pUrgK0cFEvoIRZlUcs_ZU8f5yieZVxVRDDWYRkuHRr_B1R26U4eRi3XXH0ymS7TK7v_rgzHrT6rf2rL9BWagzJb7QhRXXWhqLIzXLstLBPFT1telZj_WpgAUqIprSDJfFQ/s200/102_0504.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaioqbaf5pt9ow7Ar7wkYG_-fnCcT2w1YSPlRqOS6m3Rkgg6AdscxReVAdl5JncUEj9AzJ168cL4M5rvNCDw8LWeptDVFqFZ2PHGDll0j_UW-OeonVsi3OmGVUqK5mFroIk6xQMXX0q_c/s1600/102_0535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaioqbaf5pt9ow7Ar7wkYG_-fnCcT2w1YSPlRqOS6m3Rkgg6AdscxReVAdl5JncUEj9AzJ168cL4M5rvNCDw8LWeptDVFqFZ2PHGDll0j_UW-OeonVsi3OmGVUqK5mFroIk6xQMXX0q_c/s200/102_0535.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFGDT1wBe9gtwEB5yBrErLdDaQtpjDcCT7WoURtx0nCINoKSC_yLRrSUcujaM8AP23fX1sm1MFcTORc_R24tgkaZVvlMKQG90R9p38gLr2rQMqkczL4_y2wQts8FozOQvMh1qMWzTUEc/s1600/102_0527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFGDT1wBe9gtwEB5yBrErLdDaQtpjDcCT7WoURtx0nCINoKSC_yLRrSUcujaM8AP23fX1sm1MFcTORc_R24tgkaZVvlMKQG90R9p38gLr2rQMqkczL4_y2wQts8FozOQvMh1qMWzTUEc/s200/102_0527.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a>Here you can see all the fun Randy and Bailey had planting the garden. There is a little of everything in there. Several types of tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, corn, melons, eggplant, peppers, and I think a random jalapeno plant. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ys7o1FmQ5sM3FAKB9_laQYYF236e5DEU1UXnDlLzV_bATfnt4ew-PkcRoacSkIxKLhYeAJfDfShTS0HhY2jqOsyEgu-c9pdcq5xtyJNHMTdLBABPOWXrgcrvDfTOnrp6TyWFfmdM6Mc/s1600/102_0541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ys7o1FmQ5sM3FAKB9_laQYYF236e5DEU1UXnDlLzV_bATfnt4ew-PkcRoacSkIxKLhYeAJfDfShTS0HhY2jqOsyEgu-c9pdcq5xtyJNHMTdLBABPOWXrgcrvDfTOnrp6TyWFfmdM6Mc/s320/102_0541.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Half of the finished product. We started Friday afternoon (last week) because there was a storm coming and we wanted the benefit of all that rainwater. We put the other side in Sunday afternoon, and this week everything is thriving. The dog only got in here once...and I think Randy's screaming terrified him so much, he has not looked at it since. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I am not a super green person. I do my part when I can. I carry fabric bags to the grocery store, I turn off lights when I am not in the room, I have my thermostat set to let the house get warmer when I know there will be no one in it, and I always wash my clothes in cold water. Most of this stuff I do because it benefits me. It lowers the cost of living. And that was a big reason for the garden this year. Last year we hit the local farmers market every weekend and spent <em>at least</em> $20 every time. I LOVE fresh produce. And I would rather support someone local than the supermarket. Have you shopped the produce section lately? Tomato's are $2/lb or more! Its crazy. Cucumbers are 2/$1 So yes, this garden will have paid for itself by the time fall gets here, and maybe I can meet some neighbors while sharing all the extras I hope to have!</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-57966356843201005742010-04-30T09:22:00.001-05:002010-04-30T10:35:17.703-05:00Friday Follow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtxnmmMfHTSdWLTWDlx3N7FZ9oO1ucg_H3ix7iG2vya21e2aoSXslRx2V119B8VmPBbKv-Mzrk7AIKgVrP17nIIc5fN2U0RGH1p-3Q4jd-JOLK9E5KzIGJ57C6LUBaySY-CUTHfHCx2k/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtxnmmMfHTSdWLTWDlx3N7FZ9oO1ucg_H3ix7iG2vya21e2aoSXslRx2V119B8VmPBbKv-Mzrk7AIKgVrP17nIIc5fN2U0RGH1p-3Q4jd-JOLK9E5KzIGJ57C6LUBaySY-CUTHfHCx2k/s320/1.png" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Join the Friday Follow! Click<a href="http://www.middayescapades.com/2010/04/friday-follow-celebration-of-followers_30.html"> here</a>. Hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leave a comment if you are new, so I can come check out your blog! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-23967073365710434572010-04-26T11:31:00.002-05:002010-04-30T09:27:55.568-05:00Family ItineraryHead on over to Alabama Bloggers! <br />
My post about fun stuff to do as a family in Montgomery is up today! <br />
<a href="http://www.alabamabloggers.com/2010/04/visitor-guide-to-montgomery.html">http://www.alabamabloggers.com/2010/04/visitor-guide-to-montgomery.html</a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-30444326236861548152010-04-15T10:00:00.000-05:002010-04-15T10:00:43.664-05:00An Online Chore ChartDid you have chores to do when you were a kid? We did. I am the oldest of three, and we all had assigned chores for as long as I can remember. When we got older, it was more expected that we pitch in and help, but we had assigned chores and we were paid a weekly allowance if the chores were completed.<br />
<br />
I would like to think that it helped me become the responsible adult that I am today. It teaches that there are rewards and consequences to your actions, and time management. I think its also supposed to help teach money management, but that one slipped by me...it wasn't until I was 21 getting a divorce with several thousand dollars in credit card debt (from buying STUPID stuff) that I took a Dave Ramsey class and opened my eyes to money management.<br />
<br />
Ah...but I digress. I was recently sent an email that encouraged me to try out a new product called <a href="http://www.myjobchart.com/l/mom-select">My Job Chart</a>. <br />
<br />
<em>My Job Chart is a FREE online Chore Chart that teaches kids to work in a fun and productive way. Using an easy and fun online system, My Job Chart inspires kids to do their chores on time. An interactive point system tracks your child's progress, creating excitement and enthusiasm among kids. And the fully customizable chore chart allows you and your child to decide upon mutually determined rewards, fostering communication and developing responsibility. You even get an email or text message when your kids finish their chores or they earn a reward!</em><br />
<br />
Well...my son is 3, so what type of jobs can I realistically expect him to do around the house? And I don't exactly expect him to go online when the tasks are completed and update me. But they also have a function that allows you to print out a weekly sheet that has all the daily chores listed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaRFLefl7KzkqROw0_8SweGquVus0fm9B6mtCbno_MfrscWn1S732On3w7WwG437JyayvVZkFr4s5J5bQ9dN4d4b7Qbw-zlYCzzXRn0nqGXfNy7NcsKGkLRzTAwdB4qU58eTVQSA-nPo/s1600/Presentation1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaRFLefl7KzkqROw0_8SweGquVus0fm9B6mtCbno_MfrscWn1S732On3w7WwG437JyayvVZkFr4s5J5bQ9dN4d4b7Qbw-zlYCzzXRn0nqGXfNy7NcsKGkLRzTAwdB4qU58eTVQSA-nPo/s640/Presentation1.jpg" width="640" wt="true" /></a>So I can print this out and make sure that Bailey is getting all of this fun stuff accomplished every day.They do have "point" values assigned to each chore, and you can make these point values or monetary values. But lets face it. He thinks money is the stuff you find in the dryer, or he steals out of my husbands pockets at the end of the day. Its shiny and we put it in the piggy bank. Its pretty meaningless to him. But a trip to the bookstore is a big deal...so maybe we will work on this and teach him that brushing those teeth and cooperating when picking up toys and books at the end of the day has positive consequences, like a new book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, since I am not working at the moment, I think it would also be a great tool to make sure that I am getting daily/weekly tasks accomplished. (Its easy to forget when the last time you steam cleaned the carpet was.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So...if you are looking for a way to get your family chores on track, go check this out. Its free, so you have nothing to lose, and it was a quick and simple sign up system, all it required was an email address.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let me know if you try it and how you like it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Just to be clear, I was not paid to do this review. I was entered in a contest to win a gift certificate, but lets face it...contest winners are few and far between. :) Kristen</span></em></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-14541630912303735562010-04-13T12:40:00.001-05:002010-04-30T09:26:53.388-05:00Fun things about living in MontgomerySo there are a few fun things going on in Montgomery in the next few weeks. <br />
And you should head over to Alabama Bloggers to see my post about what they are!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.alabamabloggers.com/2010/04/fun-things-about-living-in-montgomery.html">http://www.alabamabloggers.com/2010/04/fun-things-about-living-in-montgomery.html</a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-81723423920899325812010-04-12T14:03:00.001-05:002010-04-12T14:07:29.138-05:00Life's a BeachOk...I have been absent. We took the family to Gulf Shores for the week and had such a good time! The weather cooperated, the 3 yr old cooperated, it was fun. So here are a few pics so you can see the fun stuff that kept us occupied.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DTSHjSyP3l66iDuQUrcE-0b4RVMZapP1AjGzR31wG3AXqjmlppnEnsntaXuNEruRSj2QFL_BtV8rSKlc30fBMtZg7ysEghRUZ9Mb82D3OZQuTrNei1fy5S_eLKp9yM9S8RfnewBy97Q/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DTSHjSyP3l66iDuQUrcE-0b4RVMZapP1AjGzR31wG3AXqjmlppnEnsntaXuNEruRSj2QFL_BtV8rSKlc30fBMtZg7ysEghRUZ9Mb82D3OZQuTrNei1fy5S_eLKp9yM9S8RfnewBy97Q/s320/IMG_1875.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
We played in the sand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMzO1x6ITzBfO7fQGF2KeQv7ZW1u1O3uB9IbLmdYt97SPnQHJd3CjHdf9GxbSbvcox1frcPH_og-NvXCUhxOGfkRfsQH04mT7TQpw7SeBUH4miemCX_k7Vj_JY7_egYZWK55wy9TyA_0/s1600/IMG_2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMzO1x6ITzBfO7fQGF2KeQv7ZW1u1O3uB9IbLmdYt97SPnQHJd3CjHdf9GxbSbvcox1frcPH_og-NvXCUhxOGfkRfsQH04mT7TQpw7SeBUH4miemCX_k7Vj_JY7_egYZWK55wy9TyA_0/s200/IMG_2090.JPG" width="150" wt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6tI-g59WcrrGHVMuGyRSLBPflXZaURg4dYR5d4kg9qQV6LsLZAWVcVSLO8X4ieZILqlikarS34WD-iA9-J28dVU8m327hyMEFlyIfChteePJ3lhX9WwmXFmjfbECfanqm5yNb15vPHI/s1600/IMG_1892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6tI-g59WcrrGHVMuGyRSLBPflXZaURg4dYR5d4kg9qQV6LsLZAWVcVSLO8X4ieZILqlikarS34WD-iA9-J28dVU8m327hyMEFlyIfChteePJ3lhX9WwmXFmjfbECfanqm5yNb15vPHI/s320/IMG_1892.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We watched the boats go by... (did you forget that I am now 8 months pregnant?) </div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwy23ZIDWk8B84tsAiYSmU2z4FqcjVQhG4hGICsQ0PAXfZ6DcPL43_RGDP8sHAqsSN8jsCzqxv4GdsLluQ_4rwV65mP-ce-sv1lM6kMTtMzwIbMuK7ztK7NOz6LMZydphmm6oVzi2lZ0/s1600/IMG_2277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwy23ZIDWk8B84tsAiYSmU2z4FqcjVQhG4hGICsQ0PAXfZ6DcPL43_RGDP8sHAqsSN8jsCzqxv4GdsLluQ_4rwV65mP-ce-sv1lM6kMTtMzwIbMuK7ztK7NOz6LMZydphmm6oVzi2lZ0/s320/IMG_2277.jpg" wt="true" /></a>We raced along the beach...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV_MMqTIin4dfEdk0VbLjXEM_2rb87rrwYaypqpLyUi-cxDSIREUuueCelYXoX1YXpff-KyXB6xuTI30be2KCZMA54RWdjPZQp0UnB5TJC7eg6LIxG8nQZPEK6YOEf74HGYYIa3W5vAE/s1600/IMG_2465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV_MMqTIin4dfEdk0VbLjXEM_2rb87rrwYaypqpLyUi-cxDSIREUuueCelYXoX1YXpff-KyXB6xuTI30be2KCZMA54RWdjPZQp0UnB5TJC7eg6LIxG8nQZPEK6YOEf74HGYYIa3W5vAE/s320/IMG_2465.jpg" wt="true" /></a>We posed for Dad in FREEZING COLD water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikouX0r3V3B7IM29ai_4rkX77wXK72Y5-sh_oql3PXdk62Hd8nBHHPdwWJ_NJZW2mPQcEstHLusut02Q4z8F-hpCnGixANApXf6Vcmtcbbjtoq8Q7DhYMiroYr-jrnUj4zRPkxB44akYA/s1600/IMG_2662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikouX0r3V3B7IM29ai_4rkX77wXK72Y5-sh_oql3PXdk62Hd8nBHHPdwWJ_NJZW2mPQcEstHLusut02Q4z8F-hpCnGixANApXf6Vcmtcbbjtoq8Q7DhYMiroYr-jrnUj4zRPkxB44akYA/s320/IMG_2662.jpg" wt="true" /></a>Then we played putt putt. Bailey showed us the secret to a hole in one <em>EVERY TIME</em>! Who knew it was so easy??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then Randy took Bailey on his first go kart ride ever! We worried the noise or the smells might be too much for him, but nope...He <em>LOVED</em> it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxKSkU3bcJKboIgOS4CQeKeyqUJy3TF52xgI9B61HJgBT7khNbqII8ztg2qOPtjIhYaPLd31yg52XwwDczj2R7wgcbe74fnit4XVx3CHDp_nlz3wExK5kJbh6ytwIytxrEj6QilmcH3s/s1600/IMG_2793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxKSkU3bcJKboIgOS4CQeKeyqUJy3TF52xgI9B61HJgBT7khNbqII8ztg2qOPtjIhYaPLd31yg52XwwDczj2R7wgcbe74fnit4XVx3CHDp_nlz3wExK5kJbh6ytwIytxrEj6QilmcH3s/s320/IMG_2793.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44zoTALknZkZHioaG7jGTH6d5ybEWsLXbgA0tzu9OXLnGdAKFP-9Du0e_JfpptNqbrYoag16Qpphp7nQa6SC_OM_N0kc5jsn3yAyWnlJdR2xrEhtb-A96eaK91I8sLNf_Desz9kjzx3Y/s1600/IMG_2797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44zoTALknZkZHioaG7jGTH6d5ybEWsLXbgA0tzu9OXLnGdAKFP-9Du0e_JfpptNqbrYoag16Qpphp7nQa6SC_OM_N0kc5jsn3yAyWnlJdR2xrEhtb-A96eaK91I8sLNf_Desz9kjzx3Y/s320/IMG_2797.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Then on Wednesday we went to Mobile. At the Exploreum they have an exhibit called "Dinosaurs Downtown" and there are 12 life sized dino's. This was a small area, but packed with dinos. Bailey was so impressed with ALL of the dinos. They all made realistic noises, they weren't too scary, and one even spit water at you. We went thru this exhibit 3 times! For a little boy who LOVES the dinosaur, this was the perfect treat! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb23lD7ObyU7Xxx6RuMvEqz3XAydkWeOVbw-Vv-In14NYWL8zFI1_Tzpi1fHOscwFmGo5XIn6pvikcNM0YUCfk4XaBKSWINf2WPOIyEhOMqEj_D-24eEL6Jfwpmb03o9Nn2rtxZlr9MPw/s1600/IMG_2823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb23lD7ObyU7Xxx6RuMvEqz3XAydkWeOVbw-Vv-In14NYWL8zFI1_Tzpi1fHOscwFmGo5XIn6pvikcNM0YUCfk4XaBKSWINf2WPOIyEhOMqEj_D-24eEL6Jfwpmb03o9Nn2rtxZlr9MPw/s200/IMG_2823.jpg" width="150" wt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynAY0DEVxOpagmorHCv9sNBNEAOBzlahNIVUCh7vZ9K6u8H1HaZ4kHa47tnRtHmeHP64UfyR-lNPTjJMg817iN_G4wt6WXJYzBMFqmBV9XoidE5E9cF_g4p5Y1kYf7HskFX7ByKZA75g/s1600/IMG_2827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynAY0DEVxOpagmorHCv9sNBNEAOBzlahNIVUCh7vZ9K6u8H1HaZ4kHa47tnRtHmeHP64UfyR-lNPTjJMg817iN_G4wt6WXJYzBMFqmBV9XoidE5E9cF_g4p5Y1kYf7HskFX7ByKZA75g/s200/IMG_2827.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08FaWYDHMnxCnsVmNrjmZAFWp8gFT82MFS8oLEZbs6P_dKDDbAdhFR8LkImkGa-vn3NuRrcVC4B_GP2ecGLc3E9DHktw9-TIXh1M5YgbVslJb34lH7WFZXj5I17tuZd-kOuJOgzBu3OE/s1600/IMG_2836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08FaWYDHMnxCnsVmNrjmZAFWp8gFT82MFS8oLEZbs6P_dKDDbAdhFR8LkImkGa-vn3NuRrcVC4B_GP2ecGLc3E9DHktw9-TIXh1M5YgbVslJb34lH7WFZXj5I17tuZd-kOuJOgzBu3OE/s200/IMG_2836.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the beach. We rented a 2BR/2B condo that was beachfront and fully equipped. We got an excellent deal since its in between Spring Break and Summer Vacations. (But it was actually SB for my step son from IN) All this for under $100 a night. And we purchased breakfast goodies, so we saved $40 a day on breakfast out, we even ate a few dinners of hamburgers and grilled cheese. And by saving money on dining out, we were able to go and do other fun activities. It was Win/Win! </div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-73065939010859636102010-03-26T09:16:00.003-05:002010-04-30T09:27:34.620-05:00Something to get the creative juices flowing...My girlfriends and I try to do something together every so often. We have been friends since highschool, and since we graduated almost 12 years ago...that is really saying something. <br />
We don't talk on the phone everyday, we all have very busy lives, but we make that time to get together, to refresh our spirits. Sometimes you just need a time out from being Momma, Wife, Girlfriend, Daughter, and Sister. <br />
We decided to try something new last night, and we headed out to Corks and Canvas. They are all over Alabama now, and under different names (Sips and Strokes is another). <br />
<br />
So head on over to <a href="http://www.alabamabloggers.com/2010/03/something-to-do-in-your-neck-of-woods.html">Alabama Blogger</a> to see how everything turned out!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_jzmxiiaMAonvcKRhS-BIHnujnsF2WByZFhI1OR8Ot7cgrWeNbQ2iyDxCyWGd22q4EpP9x3pbT7JhFfBwhnUv4OYaWqJfQW2YnURBhJJretTgudWGlZBwAE5Kho_wLCP-soNknDyZLU/s1600/done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_jzmxiiaMAonvcKRhS-BIHnujnsF2WByZFhI1OR8Ot7cgrWeNbQ2iyDxCyWGd22q4EpP9x3pbT7JhFfBwhnUv4OYaWqJfQW2YnURBhJJretTgudWGlZBwAE5Kho_wLCP-soNknDyZLU/s320/done.jpg" /></a>And Voila! My finished product. Funly Tree a la Kristen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the perfect activity for date night, or for a group of friends to get together and have a good time. And when you go...come back to tell us about your experience, and show off your MAD skills! </div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-37844098644342773152010-03-11T12:43:00.001-06:002010-03-11T13:03:51.943-06:00Shaving<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So there comes a time in every boy's life, when he must learn that necessary task to becoming a man.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">He must learn how to shave. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">At least he must shave in my house...because prickly faces do not get kisses....my scruffy faced husband will vouch for this.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Bailey got a Spongebob shaving kit for Christmas....so we let him try it out. I supervised, Dad took pictures and gave a hilarious commentary...too bad I didn't vlog this. Oh Well...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHU8829p_7xUHdVsg4FJfwDDJLmXkWVdNUedd_LTyHiddyLYH-xMhrhRpDP9ldPXTWJOLy39yLRLgKfl52uFGhfZY-QlBE6tv3ODqKeX1z9Q5ra3BZPDlhGWr1qiPLgvbgmKuwrvWz7Nc/s1600-h/shav3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHU8829p_7xUHdVsg4FJfwDDJLmXkWVdNUedd_LTyHiddyLYH-xMhrhRpDP9ldPXTWJOLy39yLRLgKfl52uFGhfZY-QlBE6tv3ODqKeX1z9Q5ra3BZPDlhGWr1qiPLgvbgmKuwrvWz7Nc/s320/shav3.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make sure you have enough, and that the lather is perfect</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXeqGC4vc7DZmwuDIKnWlu_KBb_OSRkK8Wg6Rinuplq4MGTNzfWr9FamLFgnet1_IJWRiFCPQmIO_77x3e6NWGII33Mvo0WO-NnIwEyAY2E9GnFyzJMJwAuhfODmtge5oshES_DY9ibM/s1600-h/shav4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXeqGC4vc7DZmwuDIKnWlu_KBb_OSRkK8Wg6Rinuplq4MGTNzfWr9FamLFgnet1_IJWRiFCPQmIO_77x3e6NWGII33Mvo0WO-NnIwEyAY2E9GnFyzJMJwAuhfODmtge5oshES_DY9ibM/s320/shav4.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Application is key....get it everywhere!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTookksM6rTG1xpFQhqAKFUGNH6lJE8990PvC0kYAjZjAKmvm_eWz4VoTxDcy7aFrlMFFbr1jQGgdfGH7bHweUTQc7lU5o1ezVziHwNN4UTjpiw8brYcubriZsNZ8EIzcHQvY8rGXru3k/s1600-h/shav2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTookksM6rTG1xpFQhqAKFUGNH6lJE8990PvC0kYAjZjAKmvm_eWz4VoTxDcy7aFrlMFFbr1jQGgdfGH7bHweUTQc7lU5o1ezVziHwNN4UTjpiw8brYcubriZsNZ8EIzcHQvY8rGXru3k/s320/shav2.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mom lends a hand...since there are no mirrors in the tub.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS0TBmyxfjobr1CTpMz-KNKFcsfkveiV-drRzBRP-zf42mDDA7Y_EBdtbUoPJVunCUvIDWXn2JeW7ziEV-ipIdkrx7gYkltGJRIurfm9o9jzHLz69C-XV8tlPRDLO2RSwsLWpMLukBc8/s1600-h/shav1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS0TBmyxfjobr1CTpMz-KNKFcsfkveiV-drRzBRP-zf42mDDA7Y_EBdtbUoPJVunCUvIDWXn2JeW7ziEV-ipIdkrx7gYkltGJRIurfm9o9jzHLz69C-XV8tlPRDLO2RSwsLWpMLukBc8/s320/shav1.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feel the difference...smooth baby skin left!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjhmSyKN97XxH3jHqjzvUE2SdmP583oCcOjk8oTl6SVPSdFFqL7c7oFuRuw1FS5KWfEHfqIJgAjqxumGqd3ds6u0kqMOkIrL-Q3dfW8R1NmZXjkY3hn3TMRuJ1LyXV81Yv-Pza1hp7v4/s1600-h/shav5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjhmSyKN97XxH3jHqjzvUE2SdmP583oCcOjk8oTl6SVPSdFFqL7c7oFuRuw1FS5KWfEHfqIJgAjqxumGqd3ds6u0kqMOkIrL-Q3dfW8R1NmZXjkY3hn3TMRuJ1LyXV81Yv-Pza1hp7v4/s320/shav5.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little do it yourself action...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What can I say? The kid cracks me up! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Just remember, no one likes smooching a scruffy face.</span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-2960954257238424902010-03-09T06:11:00.000-06:002010-03-09T06:11:00.415-06:00Fun Bloggy Stuff<a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1756454/kdc" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Wordle: kdc"><img alt="Wordle: kdc" height="240" src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/1756454/kdc" style="border-bottom: #ddd 1px solid; border-left: #ddd 1px solid; border-right: #ddd 1px solid; border-top: #ddd 1px solid; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a>So just something fun to see how often you use the same words over and over....apparently TIME is a big thing for me. I guess it makes me happy that there are no ugly words here. That the things I talk about most are random and silly and harmless.<br />
<br />
Head over to <a href="http://www.wordle.net/">Wordle</a> to see what your blog says about you.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-90170555159142718032010-03-08T11:01:00.000-06:002010-03-08T11:01:13.393-06:00Planning the boy's birthday party<div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5ZisCPBd206Cf8pGjhdmuLvfsG41jGisQrXxZPTMSMRi2iS4_7Qnlfxa6_VAvALkQJ5uv3KDcjzLWFmlpvKIM7yDeJiCqNnUH9isXfivYk-J7e6nq4w2Yzuil6NyvQgIW7Ong2uKZBE/s1600-h/41807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5ZisCPBd206Cf8pGjhdmuLvfsG41jGisQrXxZPTMSMRi2iS4_7Qnlfxa6_VAvALkQJ5uv3KDcjzLWFmlpvKIM7yDeJiCqNnUH9isXfivYk-J7e6nq4w2Yzuil6NyvQgIW7Ong2uKZBE/s320/41807.jpg" /></a></div>So on April 18th, my son will turn 3. It is crazy. I cannot believe that much time has passed since I heard that gurgle and then Randy was telling me that he was here. B was a planned c-sec, so we got to pick his birthday, and our family was at the hospital at the appointed time awaiting his arrival.<br />
<br />
<br />
I do love to plan! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For Birthday #1 we invited a small group of family and friends to the Zoo. We braved the cold (because AL weather is like that. Contrary. Any other time it wouldhave been 70*, for his party, it was like 60*) and we had cake and rode the train, and set everyone loose so they could enjoy the zoo at their own pace.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For Birthday #2, we did the zoo again. Same small group plus a few co-workers and their kids. We added pizza to the mix, and we set up camp at the new park that the zoo had just built. A great time was had by all.<br />
<br />
This year, we decided we could not do the zoo again...we just can't.<br />
<br />
So after much research and deliberation, we have decided on a bowling party. The lanes here in town are a little pricey, but since DH is active duty military, we have the option of having his party on base. We will only need an accurate head count to present to Security Forces so they know who will be coming on base. <br />
<br />
YAY! I am pretty excited. We have taken B to bowl a few times to get him used to the idea and he mostly loves it. He is not so keen on the taking of turns. This is something that we need to work on anyway, so it will be fine. And if the birthday boy has to sit in a time out at his own party, then so be it. <br />
<br />
Since we are in the 30 days and counting stage, I get to order the invitations, arrange the cake, and buy the decorations and plates. We decided to go with a Sponge Bob theme, since the yellow guy is his favorite person on TV at the moment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am certain we will have a great time, and there will be pictures of preggos bowling that will make you howl with laughter. I am currently the same size as a bowling ball...its so funny.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-45793090120279511242010-03-08T10:29:00.000-06:002010-03-08T10:29:07.246-06:00Meal Planning Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kdUaW1dAnmijizHV-azElRHIq-SIWkH-2GpChX68jdUU6svOPkuwg-PURqvlnXL6Ay-Obr_ywt2sRzz71WE-3FEAbiljgAEdJTJntUW_8KvZzspLUNDVP3nRaiBtRcvxLBdtIw-12p8/s1600-h/mpm-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kdUaW1dAnmijizHV-azElRHIq-SIWkH-2GpChX68jdUU6svOPkuwg-PURqvlnXL6Ay-Obr_ywt2sRzz71WE-3FEAbiljgAEdJTJntUW_8KvZzspLUNDVP3nRaiBtRcvxLBdtIw-12p8/s320/mpm-1.jpg" /></a></div>DH & I both work , so we only plan for dinner and then figure out as we go on the weekend.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
Head over to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2010/03/menu-plan-monday-march-8th.html">Organizing Junkie</a> to see some other great plans!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday- DINNER OUT! (We went shopping, and since everyone has been sick, it was nice to have a simple night out)<br />
Monday- DINNER OUT! Local Mexican restaurant has Spongebob visiting for Kids Night<br />
Tuesday- Meatloaf<br />
Wednesday- <a href="http://www.kikkomanusa.com/homecooks/recipes/recipedetail.php?rd=1608">Beef & Broccoli </a><br />
Thursday- <a href="http://www.recipe.com/baked-ratatouille-sausage-penne/">Baked Ratatouille</a> <br />
Friday- <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/ten-dollar-dinners-with-melissa-darabian/steak-dinner/index.html">Steak with Crispy Potato Cakes</a> <br />
Saturday- Lemon Chkn TendersKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-90958994160703804252010-03-02T07:39:00.001-06:002010-03-02T07:40:19.517-06:00Fun and Crazy things going on in my worldI am have a post over at ALabama Bloggers. So if you are from AL and looking for something to do in Montgomery, go look and see what I have recommended :)<br />
http://www.alabamabloggers.com/2010/03/montgomery-happenings.html<br />
<br />
In other news...<br />
<br />
Sunday afternoon, my dear friend I have known since HS called me & our girlfriends (there are 4 of us total) to tell us she was a Mother and that she had a 3m old baby girl at home. <br />
<br />
Huh??<br />
<br />
She was a little sketchy on the details, partially because I think she is so nervous/excited. But basically, the birth mom doesn't feel she is ready for the responsibility of being a mom. <br />
<br />
Personally, I have no idea how you could have a child and give her up, but I am thankful that there are women out there like that because it gives others the opportunities to become the Mother that they have always dreamed of being.<br />
<br />
I am so excited for my friend, and now we are just waiting for everything to become legal and official. <br />
<br />
We did all go over to her house Sunday night, and fawn over the precious little girl. And there were hugs and tears. <br />
<br />
So, any comments are appreciated, and any prayers and happy thoughts for you to send her way as well. I want this all to work out, because she is just one of those people who was born to be Betty Homemaker, and I know she will make an amazing patient and loving momma.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664168893378548982.post-78863647302512887602010-03-01T06:00:00.002-06:002010-03-01T07:44:01.399-06:00The First KissYour first kiss. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So a very funny blog that I read is <a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/">Adventures of WannaBe SupahMommy</a>. She is opinionated, and mouthy, and she cracks me up! She also does a bunch of MEme...just fun silly things, that give you a pick up during a crazy day. <br />
<br />
<em>Well, it's that time again! All About MEme time ! This time Supah and MommyBrain want to dig into your past and unlock that super secret diary post you wrote about in 8th grade.</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2010/02/all-about-meme-monday-first-kiss-n-tell.html">Your first kiss.</a></span></strong> </div><br />
<br />
<em>Wait? Yours wasn't in 8th grade? SECOND GRADE? Fer shame ! You can march yourself RIGHT to confession missy!</em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfHs94mCycPDoAj-8uhG6Yp9MmO0MhyXF2nEnDF3rYy9rDM297hdXp_ojF7wc2VUAYd4bb3wEc3TB4XS_Xv6Tf-twb3e_TCSQEUj-MoPxuZaW9f_o7KONdtqqOX2lsZ5iFCFYQzyQSjY/s1600-h/first-kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfHs94mCycPDoAj-8uhG6Yp9MmO0MhyXF2nEnDF3rYy9rDM297hdXp_ojF7wc2VUAYd4bb3wEc3TB4XS_Xv6Tf-twb3e_TCSQEUj-MoPxuZaW9f_o7KONdtqqOX2lsZ5iFCFYQzyQSjY/s320/first-kiss.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So here it is... a story about my FIRST KISS...<br />
<br />
Picture it, a sunny day in the hot, humid, Alabama Summer. No school, no shoes, no place to be. <br />
<br />
I was 12...that summer between the 6th and 7th grade. And I was "going together" (because that means what exactly? And do kids still do that?) with a boy named Jeremiah. (Insert funny bullfrog song here)<br />
He lived about a mile from my neighborhood, but he had a bike, and every couple of days or so, he would come visit my neighborhood. (because my BFF had a swimming pool, and yes, there was always a parent present- this is a G rated post people)<br />
<br />
So one day, after we had been going together for like two whole weeks...(because when you are 12, that is a lifetime people) he was on his way home. My BFF and I walked him to the gate, and she kind of wandered off, and we were talking... <br />
And he leaned over the gate and kissed me. Right on the lips! Just a little smooch. It was magical! <br />
For about 2 seconds. <br />
Then he ruined it. He grabbed the sides of my face and stuck his tounge in my mouth. <br />
YUCK! <br />
Because to a 12 year old girl, this is just the grossest thing that you could do. Where was the kiss like they do in the moview? The passionate embrace? Tom Cruise NEVER put spit in someones mouth...did he? <br />
<br />
It didn't scar me for life...but it was a LONG, LONG time before I got another smooch. <br />
I should probably tell this story to my mother, she may want to thank him :) <br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed. Now spill...Tell Supah about your first kiss. Its gotta be better than mine.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910515292504106621noreply@blogger.com4