The Zoo!

Recently, Dude and I had the great pleasure of going to the zoo with our very dear friend and her precious twin girls. Let me just start off by saying, the Dallas Zoo is way cool and if you haven't been since the remodel- you are missing out!

Dude and the Twins loved all the animals and being outside. My friend and I enjoyed gabbing and catching up while walking all over the monkey habitat, in the bird cage (yep, I went in there and have pictures to prove it), the alligator cove, the giant safari section featuring the elephants, giraffes, and tigers.

We stopped for a picnic lunch at the Safari Grill (note: there were bees swarming us, but they were the 'non-stinging' kind), and then made our plan of attack for the children's area of the zoo.

This is the part that probably the most fun for my Dude and Twin L. There were real, live, billy goats (or, bee-got if you are my Dude). Anyway, the kids got out of their strollers and ran around with these beasts. Dude was not afraid. In fact, there were 2 bee-got's doing the nas-tay in the pin and Dude just pointed and went on with his new fascination...Ahh the joys of being naive.

Thank you Liz and Twins for a fab day at The Dallas Zoo! We cannot wait to go back for more! (We've already started learning new animal sounds!)

He definitely earned his 'wings'

No, not angel wings...His flying wings. The little dude flew with me this weekend to Midland to see the parental units. I was a bit worried about the flights because now that Luke is very mobile, he doesn't sit still. At. All.

Needless to say, he was mesmerized by all the people, the narrow aisle, the seat belt, the tray tables. You name it, he touched it. Going to Midland, he sat in a middle seat, in between a really sweet older woman (whom I think was an attorney; or she was just reading trade magazines for fun) and me. We looked at the stars in the sky and all the pretty lights until landing. He rocked.

Coming home from Midland, I was WAY more worried about Luke being still, as he had a few gummy worms before boarding the plane. He trampled onto the plane, not afraid at all! Picked a seat and sat by the window. What a BIG boy! He loved looking out the window at the wing and pointing out all the trees. Towards the end of the flight, I could tell he was getting a little sleepy...Landing gear down. Luke is dead to the world. Of course. It was so cute. He did so awesome and I am thankful to have a great little traveler!

Paper, Pimps, and Printing...

Not 3 words you would expect from me, or even used in the same sentence, but let's just cut right to the chase. This last weekend, I had my first show of 2010 and whew...My feet hurt. My back hurts, my neck, and even my voice a little bit...from saying, "good morning, how are you doing?" about 179 times.

You can spot the tire kickers a mile away. If you don't know what a tire kicker is, then you haven't been to enough trade shows or craft bazaars to really understand. To help you grasp this concept, think of someone who aimlessly walks around staring at the sidewalk and every once in a while, will kick a tire. Hence, the "tire kicker."

I had a LOT of TK's this weekend. I had a lot of people asking me what show I'd be at next. Then, there were the people who came in, shopped, and then handed me a Groupon. Seriously? I mean, it's cool, but really?!

I want to send a SERIOUS shout out to the pimps who helped me work the show this weekend; without them, I'd be printing about 1/2 of what I am printing now. And a SPECIAL thanks goes to A-Dawg for helping me set up and tear down (with kids in tow.) Many thanks!

You can visit us this weekend (Oct 23/24) at the Pearce Show. Email me for dets.

And there you have it....Sort of.

This week is FULL for me. I have back to back evening meetings, and my first holiday show of the year. I've given the hubster the warning- be nice to me this week. Seriously. He's done so much to be helpful, so much so, that tonight after returning from a meeting, I found him in the garage. With a blow torch. A spatula. Goggles. Wearing flip flops (a must in our house). He was working on my trash find table that I am using in this weekends show. The trash table is a GROOVY mirrored table, circa 1973 that was found on the side of the road. It BARELY had anything wrong with it- except for the cracked top. Easy fix. I ordered a new custom cut mirror ($30) and told the hub that I needed some help to remove the old cracked mirror.

WELLLLL.....We have PARTS of the mirror off. We've tried everything from the blow torch (do NOT try this at home or in the garage), the hammer, human hands, and even a little massaging of the old glue. Tomorrow night will be phase deux of the removal. And HOPEFULLY, just MAYBE, I'll have a neat little table to adorn my Ikea find of a rug. Come see me this weekend at Market in the Meadow if you are looking to finish up your shopping!

Need Art?

Check out: 20x200.com This site has some really cool stuff and it's inexpensive. It's perfect for bathrooms or that small piece you need for the mantle. Check it out- I think you'll love.

Coupon Update (whew!)

Ok, so I couponed this weekend...I made my list, got the coupons that COULD apply to my purchases and drove my happy little money-saving self to the store. (The Neighborhood Wal-Mart Market). I've noticed that they truly do have the lowest prices, but not always the best produce (compared to my new and special holy place, Sprouts). Anyway, I get everything I need in the cart. I double check my list, I double check to make sure I have the coupons for almost EVERY item in my cart. (Nope, not sweating yet!)

While unloading my groceries onto the conveyor belt, I am adding up what I think my bill will be without having to use the coupons. (I am a horrible estimator. Weight, age of babies, distance, and even worse when it comes to the fundage.) The chick is scanning my stuff. She makes no small talk (thank goodness) and keeps bagging. Scan. Bag. Scan. Bag. My eyes are fixated on the screen. We're up to $50. And $60. And $70. And $80. What? I seriously thought I had like $12 worth of stuff in my cart. (Not including the $5 sunflowers I splurged on to make the kitchen a little more bearable whilst picking up shriveled up grapes, hot dogs and other fine dining foods a la Luke.)

Final total without coupons: $81.63

I hand over my fat wad of coupons. Clipped perfectly on the dashed lines. They are organized and none of them are expired. What in the heck does this chick do? She pulls out a binder. A BINDER, people. And it has every single brand they carry in the store with EVERY. SINGLE. COUPON. CODE. LISTED. (Note: the Jewish lady behind me, buying a series of goodies for her obvious Yom Kippur meal is a gem. She gives me a look of, "oh honey, not another coupon clipper!" and proceeds to hold her tongue. Shalom.)

So the cashier chick is literally looking over my coupons like a hawk needing some roadkill on a sweaty day in Texas. I am embarrassed. She starts putting my beloved coupons into piles. Work. Won't work. Work. Won't work. HUH? What is she doing? I seriously bought 2 boxes of Ritz Lightly Salted crackers so I could save $.40! Bring it sister. I want to know WHY my coupons are not going to "work" "won't work." (BTW, all of them worked...I even got a Desitin FREE because it was buy 1 get one...what a deal!)

She starts scanning. The pennies are flying off my total. I am feeling the coupon love. The gem behind me is glowing- money is being SAVED right before her very eyes. It's a Christmas, errrrr, Yom Kippur miracle!!!

New total: $75.46

Is it worth it? $6.17 is my savings...I am going to keep using the coupons that are for things I truly need or use. However, I may need to check out Tom Thumb or Kroger because I've heard they DOUBLE or TRIPLE the coupon...Here we go again!

Coupons....will they be the death of me?

Recently, we've been brainstorming on how to save a little cash here and there. One of my ideas was to start "couponing." Is that even a verb? Anyway- I've signed up for all these sites to get coupons in my email (not my regular email btw- it's a special 'coupon' email address I've set up). I've also started reading a few blogs about how to coupon. In one blog, a mom mentions that she can teach me how to 'CVS.' Huh? Now CVS is a verb? This is getting strange.

At any rate, I read her CVS blog and still find myself confused on how to CVS. I think I might be missing something here.....

If you get how to CVS, please email me: couponesage@gmail.com

And if you plan to get on the coupon bandwagon, good luck. I've printed MORE coupons in the last 2 weeks- now it's just finding the time to actually go to the grocery store!

Back from the Biot

So, we're back from the Bahamas! What a wonderful trip we had, and now it's back to reality. Reality that we live in a hot, humid state, reality that we live in a house with a pool instead of on a beach, reality that I cannot drink 12 out of the 24 hours of the day, and lastly the reality that my son, pronounces the word 'beach' biot. Which is slightly similar to another word for a female dog of a phrase that starts with "son of a....".

While we were gone, I was informed that he was always walking around saying, "Mama!" Not that he wanted or needed me....he just likes to say it. Trust me. Ask the librarian from last nights trip to the city library to look at all the books. Anyway. Anytime he would say "Mama," my mom (or aunt, or dad, or other aunt) would say, "Mama's at the beach!" And Luke would then repeat. "Biot!!!! Mama biot!"

Hmmmmm. Surely this doesn't count as his first curse word. Right?!

In other Luke-isms....He calls Abe's iPad a "peesh". Here are some words we are using lately!

Nummer- Vitamin
Bish- Brush (hair or teeth)
Bocks- Blocks
Frank- Fireman
Truck
Car
Red Dig- Red Dog
Key Cat- Kitty Cat
Chichen- Chicken
Binkie- Blanket

When we saw Luke for the first time in about 5 days, he looked like he had grown 4 inches and was getting ready to ask for the keys to my car. He is getting so big and I love my sweet Luke. Here's a pic of him cruising around in his new hat (which he loves!)

Wine, Corn Dip, and Milk from CVS...

A lot can happen within a 4.5 hour period in my life. And thus, at 630p it began. Abe got home from work to a frazzled and near Vodka shooting wife yesterday. It seems as though my sweet son is getting that attitude in the late afternoon where nothing I do, say, dance, or sing helps him be happy. I give him water- he throws it down. I offer up a trip outside to listen to the planes fly overhead- he obliges, but then wants to go inside. I give him another snack of Nilla Wafers- he smashes them into his too cute outfit. I even threw my hands up and let him empty out some cabinets in the kitchen. Nothing works with this kid. And what do I have to show for it? A messy kitchen, a sweaty kid, and a wiener dog who thinks living at the Dallas SPCA is a helluva lot better than living in this house!

Needless to say, Abe gets home and I check out. I don't even look at myself in the mirror (ponytail, scarf and a smudge of snot on my dress) before I head to my KKG meeting. It is here, where I can unwind with a glass, errr bottle, of wine and some corn dip. It is at this meeting where I can talk to women, adult women I might add, who actually have funny stories to tell me. We can talk about SO much here. Just ask those who I talked to last night. It may have involved a book from the 70's that my dear, sweet mom showed me to teach me of the, uh hum, birds and the bees. (i.e. why you fold laundry...) It may (or may not) have involved speaking of the trials and tribulations people go through with their in-laws. This conversation however, was PRIOR to me finding out that one of the gals I was chatting with JUST got engaged. Oops. (Good luck, sister!)

What I find so amusing about my jaunt out of the house for these precious hours, is that I get a text from my beloved...It reads:
Milk is bad. Pick some up on your way home. Shakes?

WHAT? Is your car in the shop? Are your legs broken? Did you loose your wallet? Why can't you go get the milk for our child and let me have one little night off from being a wife, mother, and business owner, eh? And what's the ending about- Shake? Huh? You want me to not only stop on my way home to get milk, but you also want me to bring you a milk shake? To which I reply:
Not coming home for a while. Will text later.

And by later, I mean 2.5 hours later. When I am aimlessly driving around trying to find milk and think of a place that's open that will sell me an Oreo Cookie milk shake for my hubby. CVS is open...I get the milk. Braum's is closed. I don't get the shake. I walk in the door, greet the Shake-needer.

First words out of his mouth: Where's my shake?

Really?! Really? Ahem. Bite me. (So TAK.)

The Britican is coming! The Britican is coming!

For those of you who may (or may not) be confused as to who the Britican is...It's my little bro Scott. He has lived in London entirely way too long and is coming for a 'holiday' today! I am picking him up from the airport in T-minus 39 minutes barring any traffic, customs arrests or baggage loosing going on. I cannot wait to see him! He literally is my best friend (forever) and I have missed hugging on him. Luke has been SO pumped about seeing him and we've been practicing saying "Scott", sounds more like "Sott", but it's CLOSE. I am hoping the little dude will melt the big dudes heart and he'll want to stay here forever and not go back to the Red Coat County.

Speaking of Red Coat Country, do you know what I did at work this morning for 3 hours? Yes, that's right- I scoured the entire world wide web for Double XL red and/or yellow rain coats, eh slickers, for a photoshoot on Thursday. I also had to find some size 11 rain galoshes. Neat times.

Ok, off to pick up the Britican.

And he finally did it!

He said Mama! And yes, it did feel as good as I thought it would feel. No, it felt better! When I came home on Saturday from a massage (thank you Bliss!), I could hear Luke in the den knocking on the back door, saying, "Mama! Mama! Mama!" Sometimes, he says "Mommy," but whatev. I'll take what I can get!

Dear Hives Gods and Goddesses...

Please make the ultra suck hives (allergic reaction from antibiotics) on my child's body disappear tonight. Poor thing has been a whiney little dude all afternoon and I don't know what else to do. (I talked to the doc and there IS nothing else we can do!) Poor dude had his first oatmeal bath this evening...

Can you say 'Mama'?

Nope. Sure can't. Don't want to even try. I mean, why do I need to say mama when you clearly are going to keep taking care of me anyway? I mean, I say all the important words: daddy, bye bye, wa wa, book, fish, donna, hi, diaper, doggie and mmmmm. What's the big dealio? I mean, I even said Anje and Gmama. I need not say your name. Give it up.

Love,
Luke

Oregon Trail...Did they have A/C?

Everyone who was in elementary school between the years 1980 and 1999 surely know about the Oregon Trail. It was a simple game, played on a simple computer (a PC of course) and it was all about getting yourself and your "family" across a river without dying. There were a few ways to die on the ol' trail, some of them being having a real bad case of the cha cha's, or you could drown in the river. There was no shortage of 'real life' here folks. And to make the game even better- you could write on your own tombstone. Some kids in my class would write something normal like, "here lies andy," but then there were those fools who wrote their favorite pizza combo and misspelled the word pepperoni. Seriously?

Anyway- tonight as I am listening to my printer crank out about 100 sheets of paper, I was reminded of the Oregon Trail. Not that this has ANYTHING to do with my printing...But it has EVERYTHING to do with my over heated body. You see, when we got home from the Kuntry, our A/C didn't really want to cool the casa down. After about 3 hours of waiting for a cool home, I decided to call American Home Shield. They suck. But we still have a contract with them for the next 30 days, so I am going to use them up. I was just wondering if the peeps on the Oregon Trail missed air conditioning as much as I do...Talk amongst yourself.

Houndstooth, it's what's for dinner...

Just kidding. I just couldn't think of a funny "title" tonight. I have so much going through the good ol' cabeza at the moment.

Today, I got my kitchen repainted and the guest bath re wallpapered- both look impeccable! Thank you Perry Parker and James! You rock. Digits for Perry: 214.986.7297. Tell him Erin sent you.

I also got to spend some good quality time with my grandmother today. We went to Buy Buy Baby, lunch at Braum's, then back to her house to open our gifts from Europe. She brought Luke the cutest London car set, me a beautiful mirrored box, and Abe got some Turkish Delite. I know he'll be thrilled to see this when he gets home from his class de firearm.

This weekend is Mother's Day, so I feel like it might be a good idea to post a pic of me with the kid. The most recent pic I have is this one:



I know that is pretty darn sad, so maybe this weekend my sweet hubby can take a few of me with the little toot. I am loving being a mom and in no hurry to add to our clan, but I must say, this age with Luke is so entertaining. I have also learned so much about myself and parenting (patience, laughing it off, holding my nose when changing a #2 diaper, plug covers DO matter, taking pictures of my kid in a grocery cart is totally OK and acceptable, whatever is sitting on the floor is fair game, reminding hubby to put the toilet seat down doesn't just aid in keeping us married, it keeps Luke dry, Red Wagon Walks are the best, visiting with other mom's on a regular basis keeps the soul sane, lists and goals are made to be broken, sleep when the baby sleeps, when in doubt scrambled eggs are way ok for dinner, vising Sam Moon without a sippy cup and puffs is a really bad plan, leaving the house without doing a 'once over' in the mirror gets you some funny stares at Target...how did that puff get in my hair?, the list could go on). I am just so thankful to be a mama and truly have a treasure growing up in my home. He is the light of my life.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mama's out there! Ain't life grand?

Testing, Testing, 123.

Is this thing on? Oh, hey. Yeah, I know. I have not blogged lately. Not because I don't love you, dear blog reader oh mine. It's because I literally have not had one iota of a second to sit still and think, let alone type and think at the same time. I am usually pretty averse to multi-tasking, but I gotta tell ya, lately, I am a bit challenged. Not sure which way to go. Computer, Printer, or Bed? Tonight....Bed. But not until I give my blogger update.

Luke is walking like a mad man, everywhere. We cannot get him to sit down. Unless of course we don't let him have his way and suck on the TV remote. Then he throws himself into a fury and lightly pats his head on the hardwood floor. It's awesome. He's also become such the little food critic, not eating a super duper variety of foods. He's still diggin' on the fruits, but the veggies- uh uh, no way dude. He hates them. Unless of course they are asparagus or beans of any kind. He'll eat the junk out of fruit, Kix, baby cheetos, and anything that I have in a glass. Oh yeah, and he likes the nuggets and hot dogs and cheese. All of those great, healthy foods you are supposed to limit or eat in moderation. So, what do I do? Give him bread and water and hope he grows up healthy? I don't think so. I like to watch my paycheck be tossed over the side of the high chair for my already-too-fat-wiener-dog-named-Red to enjoy. What's another 15 pounds on the poor pooch?

My fam is in Europe (since last week) and it's been slightly weird. I don't have any messages on the machine. No one to IM with at work. (except for the hubs) And my cell phone is seeing a serious break from me while in the car. No, I did not take Oprah's No Phone Zone Pledge...Yet. But, I do take almost every car ride opportunity to call mi madre. This week, I am listening to the radio, catching up with a few friends and enjoying a moment of silence before I hit the babysitters door to get my chattery little dude.

Here's the little (and big) toot at the Dallas Blooms Festival a few weeks ago. The little toot would not get out of his wagon (that he got for his 1st bday), and the big toot had to lug this all over kingdom come. What was I doing the whole time? Oh yeah, taking pics of flowers sans my kid (because he was too enthralled with eating his baby puffs and chillin' with his blanket in the wag). Enjoy!

New Way of Eating

People. I have learned about this new thing regarding the types of foods you pair with other foods. No, not in a what wine goes well with fish (although, it's white wine if you must know). This is a new way of eating that supposedly helps in digestion and not turn the "undigested" food into fat stored in your bod.

Abe and I are going to try this regiment and see what happens. We'll either love it or hate it. I am betting on the first few days, not really liking it, but I bet after 3 weeks, I will feel like a champ.

In other news- my biz partner and I will be heading East to NYC in May for the biggest paper show in the US. Here, I will be figuring out if my business is and can be ready for the next level, what I need to do to get there, and obviously, we'll be having a LOT of fun in the city. I have missed NYC so much since being back in Dallas and cannot wait to spend some good fun with Patty.

Be on the look out for some CUTE new products from Between the Sheets Co. We are launching an entire line just for the home...It's absolutely fab!

Closed Doors = Many Open Windows

Since declining the invite to the Kentucky Derby, I've had 2 great opportunities knock. One of them being to be a feature on Groupon, the second, the be featured on a similar site that hits Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and New Orleans called Tidbits. These are 2 great ways that I will be able to grow my biz, which excite me and motivate me to get a move on my website makeover. I feel like I am doing great things, but just need that little media boost to put me running (ok, walking) alongside the big girls.

In other news- Luke is cutting 2 (maybe 4) new teeth. We have discovered that he LOVES blueberries and hotdogs. Swinging and being outside is his absolute fav. And he is taking anywhere from 3-5 steps at a time....Walking soon he will be!

I double dog dare you to derby....

This past week has been a very strange week for me. My part-time gig seemed to go by very slowly, and the evenings with my fam went way too fast. It seemed as if when I hit the pillow, it was time to start over again. Five minutes after I fell asleep. But alas, I did push through each day and made them great. (Even had a beer at lunch with my buds.) Which leads me to why my nights have seemed to short.

You see, Between the Sheets Co. was invited to participate in the Kentucky Derby's first ever Celebrity Gifting Suite held at The Galt Hotel in Louisville...April 30 and May 1 are the dates and I have been having a really hard time wrapping my head around meeting celebs, getting my products personalized and ready to go, in just 2ish weeks. And in addition to getting pieces ready for the celebs, I also had to figure out a way to get to Kentucky...I am talking planes, trains and automobiles here folks. I had people volunteering to drive me the 13 hours. The support and love that I have felt these last 6 days has been absolutely phenomenal. The stress has felt the complete opposite.

BUT, I feel as though I have made a very sound and wise business decision. I have decided not to participate in the Derby Suite this year due to the lack of time I was given to make sure my products were in pristine condition for the A listers I could've met. Also, the cash it would've taken me to get to Kentucky, to front the costs of the products and the time to do all of this...well, it may have sent me over the edge. And listen, I am VERY far from the edge. (pretty mellow these days!)

Putting this decision on blog paper and sharing it with the 3 people who read this blog means that I have made my decision and I am going to stand by it. No regrets. Instead of clubbin' with celebs in L'ville, I think I shall start making some plans to revamp my website, add the new products to my line that I've been wanting to get online, and update all my artwork. This will hopefully push me to get to that next level in my business...The level where I will be sipping champagne with Kim Kardashian or Jennifer Aniston, or heck, even Sandra B. And we can talk about Jesse...

What happened there anyway? Ick.

Luke goes to Midland!

Friends, friends, friends. We've been quite the little travelers as of late...In the last 3 weeks, Luke has been to Midland twice! Count 'em. 2! He loves Midland and Midland loves him! We went to the cool park in my parents neighborhood to swing and play and I think Luke was looking around trying to find his buddy Clark at the swing set. He had so much fun swinging with Daddy and Granddad though, so no complaining here. Easter was fun, too! We got to see the Midland Easter Bunny...Luke LOVED him. No tears! Just lots of hitting and swatting at the Bunny Head. Never fear, Luke strikes again!

Bath Night and Crazy Hair!

Luke loves his baths! And even more, he loves to splash and have a fun time in the tub. The other night, Abe called to me and I ran in there, thinking something really wrong had happened, but no. He and Luke had styled Luke's hair, looking a lot like Rod Stewart meets Frankenstein. It was so silly and Luke was just giggling. See pic below, please no comments on the yellow tile in the tub. This is Luke's bathroom and we think the yellow tile is here to stay (for a few years at least!)



In other scoop, the results are in! Luke's 1 year checkup:
Height: 32" (+95%)
Weight: 22.6 lbs (40%)
Head: 18 (30%)

Doc said Luke was a busy boy and looking great!

And the flip flops are back....

During the weekend, our neighborhood got something like 5" of snow, however, I was not in town to see this lovely "spring" entrance. Instead, I was visiting my 'rents in West Texas...To my chagrin, I was pretty bummed when I heard the news of the snow, as while in West Texas, I was sporting the oh-so-famous flip flops....But don't fret reader(s)! I've pulled them out today. We were flipping and flopping all the way to the pediatrician's office. And boy, did I hear about those flops when I was checking out. The nurses were all commenting on the "loudness" of them and even Luke's doc mentioned them, asking me if my feet ever got cold. Um, no! They do not! My feet love the fresh air and free movement! I am elated that Spring is here and it's officially flop season in our house. Pedicure city, here my toes come! Happy Spring!

Swim Lessons

For the past couple of weeks, Luke and I have been attending swim class with a few friends and their kiddos. Oh what fun we have; splashing in the water and singing songs. It's so much fun and Luke is doing really well with it. We learned that he likes to be in the water and he does very well being under water. Last weekend was the first time he's gone under water (that I am aware of) and he did awesome. I am so excited for this summer as I know he will love being in our pool playing. I'll need to invest in some sort of stock that carries a line a baby sun block because if Luke is anything like me, he'll want to be in the sun ALL summer, but if he is anything like Abe, he'll burn to a crisp and be miserable for a week. Below is a pic from swim class where you can plainly see Luke copping a feel on sweet Alex. Graham is the cutie on the right.

Happy 1st Birthday to my Luke

Today, my baby boy turns 1! I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by...it seems like just a few days ago Abe and I brought him home from the hospital, sat down on our bed, looked at each other and said, "now what do we do with him?" I am still asking myself that same question every now and then when he gets fussy because he has teeth coming in or when his tummy is upset. But I can honestly say, this last year has been one of the best years of my life. I've had the biggest cheering squad (my family) and a ton of support (both family and friends), and along the way, we've made some new friends! We are so grateful for everyone in our life and cannot wait to see what the future holds for Luke.

Happy Birthday my sweet bubs!

Redbook ROCKS

I recently found out that my stuff from Between the Sheets Co was going to be featured in the March issue of Redbook...And sure enough- it is! Page 152...Check it out. I am so proud and only hope that this is the book that leads me to more press...Thank you Redbook!

Wuv, twu wuv

If you were born between 1972 and 1985, chances that you've seen the movie The Princess Bride are very high. Even if you were born after 1985, you've most likely seen the movie on tv at some point in your life. This is not a movie that really love, however, it is a movie that reminds me of the good old days when I was home sick from school. My mom would pop that VHS tape into the VCR, bring me some chicken noodle soup in a big yellow oversized coffee mug with a saucer full of Ritz crackers and some flat Sprite and let me eat and watch this movie. I am not sure what made me think of this today, maybe it's the face that I miss being able to be taken care of by my mom, or is it the fact that I can no longer take "sick days" from life?! Either way, a big bowl of chicken noodle soup in the yellow cup sounds mighty good on a gray day like today. Thanks Mom, for always taking care of me (even as an adult!) and nursing me back to my bubbly-self after suffering from a cold or fever. You are the best!

Luke + Snow = Laughs

Big D got a Big WB (winter blast) over the Valentine's Day week/weekend. It has been said that we received over 8 inches of the white stuff, something I've never seen in Dallas, only on the slopes of ski mountains. And even then, it's packed down nice and tight and ready for a good run. However, when I woke up on Thursday morning, I saw snow. All day. Snow. It was truly amazing and beautiful! On Friday, I woke up to even more snow, and it was even more amazing. So, with my hubby home from work and Luke fresh up from a nap- we decided to see what the little dude would think of this "white stuff" in our yard. He was hesitant at first, then got down and crawled around, then lost a glove (or 2) and started to cry. A lot. Which turned into me being sad for him that he was either A: cold, B: scared, or C: ready to go in a have some Cheerios and Yogurt Melts (his personal fav). Here's a great pic that gives you a little bit of all those emotions he must have been feeling....

Just an update...nothing more, nothing less.

Today, I remembered that I hadn't updated the blog lately...So, I am doing it now. In the midst of doing NOTHING at work, as there is no time like the present. So far this morning I've:

• surfed the internet for birthday boy outfits
• read a few blogs (dooce.com was hysterical)
• made a to-do list for my afternoon at work
• estimated some notepads for between the sheets co.
• ordered artwork to make magnets for Luke's bday favors
• IM'd with my mom
• looked for round, scalloped edge labels (where can I get these in bulk?)
• answered the phone a few times
• googled Ali from The Bachelor to see what the deal is with her....

And what I found out about Ali is that she works for Facebook. I am guessing that she is in sales or something and they could not keep floating her salary without her actually doing any work. And since the women in the house don't get to have a computer/internet, phone, or tv- I am thinking it would be pretty darn hard to sell ad space on Facebook without any of these devices. Choosing between Jake and work = lame. Choosing work over Jake = super lame. Take a chance on love. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Working at Facebook is fun, I have no doubt. But honestly, you have previous work experience: Facebook. Um, that's pretty darn good. I am sure you could land another job...

All in all, not a very productive day in the office (so far). I could totally be at home right now folding laundry, printing note cards, watching a little tv.

Oh and by the way- diet is going well....Numbers are dropping, people.

And....we're down.

So, I did it. I achieved ONE minor goal. I am down around 3 lbs...Goodie gum drops, errrrr Fiber Bars. I forgot to weigh this AM, but will do it tomorrow AM. But when I weighed on Saturday, I was down 3ish! I am drinking more water, eating smaller lunches, and trying to stay away from the sweets. Hard for me, but doable. I need to loose 7 more by Feb 15...I think I can....

Today, I realized that I hadn't had my "checkup" with the girlie doctor, so I gave them a ring and of course got right in. Tomorrow during lunch....A little sucky because I am not to the weight I want to be (and she'll be very upset with me about this)....Plus, I have to figure out what the lightest weight thing in my closet is and wear that tomorrow. Oh yeah, and I have to shave my legs. Why is it that we prep MORE to see our doctor, than we do to go on a date with our husband? Seriously.

In Luke news, we are all over the place. The latest- more teeth. He is sprouting teeth like crazy- yesterday we saw 2 more that are about to start breaking through. Poor little dude. He was introduced to lunch meat turkey (yum) and is doing better with his "thickened" food. I am trying more finger foods for him, as he is giving me the signs, but still refuses to eat them- he wants to smash them into his tray or hair. Oh fun!

Don't want to talk about it....

The scale LIED to me this morning and I am mad at him. (Yes, the scale is a "he". If he were a "she", she would tell me what I am beautiful and skinny and weight 130 pounds.) Anyway. I got on the scale this morning and I did not like what I saw. I didn't eat terrible this weekend or last week, in fact I made a great dinner last week, took a LONG walk yesterday, and even made a Weight Watchers meal last night....What gives? I brought my lunch to work with me today and am drinking water like a mad woman. Seriously. If I keep on going in the direction I am going, I will need to get my mouth stapled (and/or tummy) stapled shut. Hmpf.

Monday Weigh In

I am only up .4 lbs, so that is not AS bad as I thought....But def not going in the right direction. Today is the day. I've set a date to loose the first 10 lbs....Feb 15th (I am hoping this happens sooner, rather than by the 15th). I need to loose some serious fat and quick. Argh.

Week 1, Recap

The week started off ok...not great, but ok. I found myself drinking more water during the day and not being as hungry. I also TRIED to eat my fiber bar every morning, but missed a couple, one of those being the morning my brother left to head across the big pond and my sweet mama brought me a yummy glazed donut with sprinkles. It was delish. This weekend I did not get to sweat with Jenny, but soon friends, soon. I am thinking Tuesday while Luke is napping. Today while at the g-store, I made some good food decisions and I am hoping this week to be down at least 1 pound...BUT, I am thinking that since I ate almost my weight in gummy worms this might not happen. Hey- at least I am telling the truth!! Tomorrow is a fresh day, full of water, fiber bar, fat free cottage cheese and a lean pocket. No more sugar, no more gummy worms (mainly because they are gone), and no more soda. Even if it is diet...

Tomorrow AM is the big weigh in. Bless me.

PS- I watched the 1st episode of The Bachelor this afternoon, while I should have been working out with Jenny...I digress. This is going to be the most LAME season yet. More lame that Canadian Jillian's season and possibly more lame than that crazy from Georgia who "fell in love" with Jesse the snowboarder. Gag me.

Quick Check In

This weekend, I was all about getting the house organized and semi cleaned with my house guests still in tow. I don't want them to feel like they HAVE to keep their stuff picked up/clean/etc, as they are on "vacation." Anyway, that made me feel a little better about not working out with Jenny...I am planning on doing this tomorrow morning. Anyway, today's stats:

Breakfast: Fiber bar and a tall glass of ice water

So far, so food. I mean, good. Tonight, I am going on a double date (to Bob's) and I need to save my calories. Lunch is looking like a nice salad....

I might say that week 1 just MIGHT be a success.....

Thin in Ten

Dear Reader(s),
Happy New Year! I hope you all had the most amazing New Year's Eve, ever. Drinking, laughing with friends, all dolled up. Me? What did I do? Oh, I hung out at home in my new sweat pants and played Wii with Abe. Fun? Yes. Did I whip up on his a**? Oh yeah. Am I sore today? Um, yes. Ow. Even as a type this letter to you, dear friend, I am sore. My right arm/wrist/hand hurts from the death grip I had on that Wii handle thingy. My arm hurts from sword fighting, shooting bows and arrows and golfing with Abe. On the Wii. Not in real life...on the damn Wii. This year, I am determined to loose weight and I am hoping (praying to Baby Jesus, in fact), that I can achieve this goal. I got the new Jenny McCarthy Wii game for Christmas. How is it, you ask? No clue. It's still in the box, all wrapped up- looking ever so lonely in the tv cabinet. Why? Because the other Wii game that I got, the one where I got to whip up on some butt last night (Wii Resort) is way too entertaining and I fear the Jenny M game is going to be a little too mellow for me. I need some competition. Anyone with me on loosing weight in '10? If so, let me know how you plan on doing this and maybe we could have a virtual weigh in each week to see how many lbs we've lost. I think I shall call this, "Biggest Looser- Blog Style." I might be onto something here peeps. It will keep me motivated and in my competition mode. Be on the look out for an update here in a week-ish.

Let's get thin in '10.
Erin