Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
So, I was looking thru my Facebook "Notes" and I remembered doing this thing that everyone was sending me called "25 Random Things About Me." It's dated from January 2009 -so it's way old, but I thought I'd share on here because I liked it - it's a good depiction of who I am - and I don't think I can change anything on here since January, except that I HAVE lost all my baby weight (and a little over, yay!) by now and I DID run 2 10K's this year, beating my time. Otherwise, it's all still very accurate.
1. My life is a big fat open book. I'm doing this because I got 3 of them so far, but I'm going to be highly surprised if anyone finds anything here they didn't already know about me. :)
2. I have the best - and I mean BEST - husband in the world. I know everyone probably thinks their husband is and I'm no exception. I cannot think of anyone in the world that I would rather be with more than him. He rocks my world! heehee...
3. I have also been blessed with an AMAZING little boy - Jackson. I am so thankful that I get to stay home with him every day and watch him grow up. He just so wonderful! I can't stand being away from him - it makes me crazy! Words cannot express the LOVE that a mom feels for her child... no words at all.
4. I want a big family! I always have... I used to want 5 kids until I had Jackson and the problems (physically) that I had after having him... so I've narrowed it down to 3 or 4.... Ryan would be fine with 2, but I need at least 3!
5. I'm a military brat. My dad served 22 years in the Marine Corps and we moved 6 times by the time I was in 6th grade. I guess that's why I talk so much and make friends pretty easily.
6. I was a vegetarian for 1 1/2 years. I had no intention of "stopping" but let's just say I got pregnant w/ Jackson and JACKSON wanted chicken! No - he NEEDED chicken! :-) But I still do not (and WILL NOT EVER) eat pork or beef. My tummy doesn't take it very well and at this point, I'm not interested in trying to eat it again... just sounds gross.
7. When I was 15, I got in a bad car accident. Long story short, I lost 4 teeth and had 5 surgeries until I was 18. I told my doctor that our goal was to get me looking "normal" by the time I had to take my senior pictures, and we did! But it was close! I have 4 implants now and will forever be indebted to my parents for all the time, money and support they provided to fix me.
8. I have a weird anxiety about deodorant. I put it on about 3 or 4 times/day and if I even THINK for a second that I "need" it and I don't have any (which is unusual since I have it in my car, purse, etc), I will have to stop what I'm doing and go put it on. I even had to leave class once cuz I was obsessing about it. I think that's the only OCD thing I have though... seriously....
9. I am very organized. I always think I need to be MORE organized so I have labels and boxes and everything just so-so. Ryan is the opposite, but he appreciates it.
10. I have a tattoo from an awesome Spring Break Trip when I was 21. It is a cross on my ankle, and it says "Faith" inside of it. I don't regret doing it, but I would have probably done it differently now. But oh well.
11. I love to travel! I have a spreadsheet of all the places I want to go over the next 25 years. I derive some weird satisfaction out of writing it all down and looking it.... cuz it just makes it seem "official" and that I'm actually going to get to go to all these places someday. Fortunately, my husband is an optimist and allows me to dream.
12. Stemming from that last one, I am a list-maker. I have a list for everything! I think once I put something down on paper, it releases it from my stress.... But if it's all bottled up in my mind, it freaks me out.
13. I decided about a year ago that I would no longer have people in my life who hurt me - directly or indirectly. You know the kind - people who just "bring you down" and are negative. I have no room for them in my life. The saying "you are who you associate with" is true.... Life is WAY too short to be mean to people! I like to think I'm optimistic and hopeful. I prefer the happy disposition but there are a lot of people who are just truly unhappy people and they just bum me out - so no thanks.
14. I'm a little obsessed with my weight. I wish I wasn't... I wish I just didn't care at all... but that is not in my nature. I put on 43 pounds (yep, I said it) with Jackson and I still have 12 to go. I found out that I have hypo-thyroidism which has definitely deterred my weight loss. BUT - I've been on my get-to-take-for-the-rest-of-my-life meds for 8 weeks now and I've lost about 12 pounds since then, so we're making progress! It's still an upward battle and I know I'm one of those people who has to "work" to be thin.... but I have a little angel that I have to be healthy for (not just myself) so it's worth the work!
15. I'm planning on running my 3rd 10K in April. And then a 4th in May. My only new year's resolution this year is to be "the healthiest I've ever been" in 2009 - so here goes!
16. I hate to talk on the phone. I usually just leave my phone somewhere and forget about it. I can text all day long, but I just don't do phones.... My besties know this about me and they love me anyway.
17. I am a HUGE animal lover. I could probably research things more and convince myself to be a regular PETA person, but I avoid reading stuff about that cuz it just bums me out and makes me mad... I hope Michael Vick stays in prison for the REST OF HIS LIFE. I think "buying" an animal is absolutely ridiculous and just angers me. There are shelters that are killing sweet little animals every single day but then there are all these people who prefer to "buy" an animal from some lame breeder who can't get a job on his own so he breeds little innocent dogs to make his living. I wish it was illegal to do that. If I had the money, I'd open a shelter which is strictly no kill and do everything in my power to put all those breeders out of business. Makes me sick!
18. Taking a breath, lol - I love YOGA! If you've never tried it, it's the most wonderful thing... and I think it really can help you live a long happy healthy life. It's good for the mind and the soul!
19. I love being outdoors! Camping, hiking, fishing, biking... anything outdoors and active, I'm there!
20. I have an intense fear of wasp. I don't know where it came from cuz I've been around them my whole life but they just scare me to death! I've never been stung my one either...
21. I enjoy making house plans. I have designed my dream home about 20 times... Ryan made me check the sq foot of one of them and it was 11000 square feet! YIKES! (we probably wont' be building that one... bummer!)
22. I hated school. I am so glad I got my bachelors but I always knew that I just wanted to be a mom and I have never been career-minded. I just want to be a mom.... plain and simple. But I am glad I finished. I guess I have my parents to thank for pushing me to do it.
23. I am very competitive.... Anyone who knows me knows what I mean... I make everything a competition... Ryan and I had to stop the "slug bug" competition when we had Jackson cuz we were going crazy looking for them that we weren't watching the road! He still won't play Monopoly w/ me anymore! And I always brag that I have only beat him once in Taboo (out of about 30 times trying) but I did beat him once... So what if he was drunk.
24. I took 5 years of Spanish and still can't speak it. Uh-oh.
25. I am a Christian - I was baptized when I was 7 years old and I remember that day like it was yesterday. I am so proud to say it! I'm very very blessed and each night I put Jackson to sleep, Ryan and I pray to God that we're so thankful for what we have been given. This life is only temporary, and I know that... It's just a very small piece of a REALLY big puzzle... and I can't complain - I have an amazing husband, healthy sweet baby and amazing friends and family! YAY!!! Life is Good (so go buy their shirts, haha).
1. My life is a big fat open book. I'm doing this because I got 3 of them so far, but I'm going to be highly surprised if anyone finds anything here they didn't already know about me. :)
2. I have the best - and I mean BEST - husband in the world. I know everyone probably thinks their husband is and I'm no exception. I cannot think of anyone in the world that I would rather be with more than him. He rocks my world! heehee...
3. I have also been blessed with an AMAZING little boy - Jackson. I am so thankful that I get to stay home with him every day and watch him grow up. He just so wonderful! I can't stand being away from him - it makes me crazy! Words cannot express the LOVE that a mom feels for her child... no words at all.
4. I want a big family! I always have... I used to want 5 kids until I had Jackson and the problems (physically) that I had after having him... so I've narrowed it down to 3 or 4.... Ryan would be fine with 2, but I need at least 3!
5. I'm a military brat. My dad served 22 years in the Marine Corps and we moved 6 times by the time I was in 6th grade. I guess that's why I talk so much and make friends pretty easily.
6. I was a vegetarian for 1 1/2 years. I had no intention of "stopping" but let's just say I got pregnant w/ Jackson and JACKSON wanted chicken! No - he NEEDED chicken! :-) But I still do not (and WILL NOT EVER) eat pork or beef. My tummy doesn't take it very well and at this point, I'm not interested in trying to eat it again... just sounds gross.
7. When I was 15, I got in a bad car accident. Long story short, I lost 4 teeth and had 5 surgeries until I was 18. I told my doctor that our goal was to get me looking "normal" by the time I had to take my senior pictures, and we did! But it was close! I have 4 implants now and will forever be indebted to my parents for all the time, money and support they provided to fix me.
8. I have a weird anxiety about deodorant. I put it on about 3 or 4 times/day and if I even THINK for a second that I "need" it and I don't have any (which is unusual since I have it in my car, purse, etc), I will have to stop what I'm doing and go put it on. I even had to leave class once cuz I was obsessing about it. I think that's the only OCD thing I have though... seriously....
9. I am very organized. I always think I need to be MORE organized so I have labels and boxes and everything just so-so. Ryan is the opposite, but he appreciates it.
10. I have a tattoo from an awesome Spring Break Trip when I was 21. It is a cross on my ankle, and it says "Faith" inside of it. I don't regret doing it, but I would have probably done it differently now. But oh well.
11. I love to travel! I have a spreadsheet of all the places I want to go over the next 25 years. I derive some weird satisfaction out of writing it all down and looking it.... cuz it just makes it seem "official" and that I'm actually going to get to go to all these places someday. Fortunately, my husband is an optimist and allows me to dream.
12. Stemming from that last one, I am a list-maker. I have a list for everything! I think once I put something down on paper, it releases it from my stress.... But if it's all bottled up in my mind, it freaks me out.
13. I decided about a year ago that I would no longer have people in my life who hurt me - directly or indirectly. You know the kind - people who just "bring you down" and are negative. I have no room for them in my life. The saying "you are who you associate with" is true.... Life is WAY too short to be mean to people! I like to think I'm optimistic and hopeful. I prefer the happy disposition but there are a lot of people who are just truly unhappy people and they just bum me out - so no thanks.
14. I'm a little obsessed with my weight. I wish I wasn't... I wish I just didn't care at all... but that is not in my nature. I put on 43 pounds (yep, I said it) with Jackson and I still have 12 to go. I found out that I have hypo-thyroidism which has definitely deterred my weight loss. BUT - I've been on my get-to-take-for-the-rest-of-my-life meds for 8 weeks now and I've lost about 12 pounds since then, so we're making progress! It's still an upward battle and I know I'm one of those people who has to "work" to be thin.... but I have a little angel that I have to be healthy for (not just myself) so it's worth the work!
15. I'm planning on running my 3rd 10K in April. And then a 4th in May. My only new year's resolution this year is to be "the healthiest I've ever been" in 2009 - so here goes!
16. I hate to talk on the phone. I usually just leave my phone somewhere and forget about it. I can text all day long, but I just don't do phones.... My besties know this about me and they love me anyway.
17. I am a HUGE animal lover. I could probably research things more and convince myself to be a regular PETA person, but I avoid reading stuff about that cuz it just bums me out and makes me mad... I hope Michael Vick stays in prison for the REST OF HIS LIFE. I think "buying" an animal is absolutely ridiculous and just angers me. There are shelters that are killing sweet little animals every single day but then there are all these people who prefer to "buy" an animal from some lame breeder who can't get a job on his own so he breeds little innocent dogs to make his living. I wish it was illegal to do that. If I had the money, I'd open a shelter which is strictly no kill and do everything in my power to put all those breeders out of business. Makes me sick!
18. Taking a breath, lol - I love YOGA! If you've never tried it, it's the most wonderful thing... and I think it really can help you live a long happy healthy life. It's good for the mind and the soul!
19. I love being outdoors! Camping, hiking, fishing, biking... anything outdoors and active, I'm there!
20. I have an intense fear of wasp. I don't know where it came from cuz I've been around them my whole life but they just scare me to death! I've never been stung my one either...
21. I enjoy making house plans. I have designed my dream home about 20 times... Ryan made me check the sq foot of one of them and it was 11000 square feet! YIKES! (we probably wont' be building that one... bummer!)
22. I hated school. I am so glad I got my bachelors but I always knew that I just wanted to be a mom and I have never been career-minded. I just want to be a mom.... plain and simple. But I am glad I finished. I guess I have my parents to thank for pushing me to do it.
23. I am very competitive.... Anyone who knows me knows what I mean... I make everything a competition... Ryan and I had to stop the "slug bug" competition when we had Jackson cuz we were going crazy looking for them that we weren't watching the road! He still won't play Monopoly w/ me anymore! And I always brag that I have only beat him once in Taboo (out of about 30 times trying) but I did beat him once... So what if he was drunk.
24. I took 5 years of Spanish and still can't speak it. Uh-oh.
25. I am a Christian - I was baptized when I was 7 years old and I remember that day like it was yesterday. I am so proud to say it! I'm very very blessed and each night I put Jackson to sleep, Ryan and I pray to God that we're so thankful for what we have been given. This life is only temporary, and I know that... It's just a very small piece of a REALLY big puzzle... and I can't complain - I have an amazing husband, healthy sweet baby and amazing friends and family! YAY!!! Life is Good (so go buy their shirts, haha).
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Mystery
Ok - so I know NOTHING about plants... but I decided I would try to grow some plants.... and some have lived and some are in pain and some are dead... but these have survived and look great! But.... I have no idea what they are!! Please help if you know what these are cuz I would like to put more in my beds outside near the driveway.... Thanks!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Darfur
Ryan and I just watched Hotel Rwanda. I know I've basically lived my life under a rock when I didn't know that this happened in my lifetime. I was appalled the whole way through the movie. After the movie, I turned to Ryan and said "please tell me there isn't anything like this going on in the world right now." He told me about Darfur. I had heard a little about what is going on in that country (Sudan) from watching a special on the Today Show with George Clooney. I was cooking breakfast, kind of half watching it and it was just about a 4 minute clip so then it was over. I have found myself glued to the internet all night reading about this. I am ashamed that I was so ignorant. I cannot believe the tragedy that is happening RIGHT NOW. I'm sick at my stomach. How can we just go about our daily lives with this kind of thing happening in our world? I don't know what to do - just me - so if you have ideas, please share! I hear about these things and I just keep saying to God - Thank you that I was born an American. But what can I do to help those people? I have no money, no influence. I've already submitted letters to our congresspeople, including the President. I strongly encourage you to read about Darfur... I know the most important thing I can do - I WILL PRAY for those suffering right now - the children who are being brutally beaten and murdered, the women who are being gang raped, the families torn apart, suffering, starving - The GOVERNMENT doing it! I'm nauseous.http://www.savedarfur.org/
Finally!
So I must admit to have a weak moment. The night Ryan accepted his job offer... I had a moment of panic about this house not selling and being on the market forever.. but I calmly collected myself and I have had a much more positive attitude the last two days... and surprise surprise! When I did that, I've gotten 2 calls for 2 showings. Just had one today and we have another tomorrow!!! God is GOOD! I truly feel like He is telling me to get some faith and stop worrying about things that are out of my control. So that's what I've done. I've given it to God... and like I keep saying - - God has a plan, and that plan is perfect. End of discussion. :) Someone IS going to give us an offer. Period.
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16)
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
A New Beginning!
It's finally official! Ryan has accepted a new job w/ Alberto Culver in Bentonville, so we're moving home!! I'm so thrilled and thankful and I feel incredibly blessed. We have been praying for something like this for months, and God is GOOD! Of course, I'm so unbelievably proud of my hard-working, intelligent, AMAZING husband who could win over anyone. I feel numb with excitement!
Next step: Sell this house!! :-)
Next step: Sell this house!! :-)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Game Night!
Usually about once a month, our game night crew gets together - potluck dinner and drinks and then lots of games!! This pic was taken last night - right before we put Jackson to bed (that's when the fun begins!). We have so much fun and if we do move, I'm SOOOO going to miss this group - they have become some of the best friends we have ever had!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Poppie comes to visit!
Jackson and I love when my dad comes to visit!!
Last night, we were so kindly invited to have dinner at our new BFF's Anne and Jamie's house in West Little Rock. We had such a good time and posed for this fabulous cheesy picture and decided we're all going to go on a cruise together... Watch out Bahamas - here we come! :)
Last night, we were so kindly invited to have dinner at our new BFF's Anne and Jamie's house in West Little Rock. We had such a good time and posed for this fabulous cheesy picture and decided we're all going to go on a cruise together... Watch out Bahamas - here we come! :)
Friday, August 14, 2009
Lilley, the hunter.
So - here's the story - I had to go over to Eug/Darcy's yesterday when they weren't home to feed Jackson cuz someone was looking at our house - LONG STORY. Anyway, so Eug/Darcy have an adorable dog named Lilley who is totally normal and sane. Anyway, I heated up J's food and was feeding him when Lilley intercepted for the bite! But she missed and got Jackson instead... not w/ her mouth but with her little claws! oops! Needless to say, J was NOT happy and cried for about 30 seconds until Lilley did something funny and then he laughed and forgot all about it. His face, however, did not forget. He had 2 huge welps pop up almost immediately. One of the "scratches" went straight down his eye... I took pics about 5 min after it happened.
This is 2 hours later... Much MUCH better!
This is 2 hours later... Much MUCH better!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Ryan's Tint Shop Has A New, Improved Look!
Warning: I took these pics w/ my Sony camera... not the best quality.
I decided that we could not put off cleaning up the garage anymore. So I just took on the task head on. I decided that I have to do it w/ Jackson... normally I wouldn't since he's into EVERYTHING and I must say - it was harder to do w/ him in my way and putting everything in his mouth, but I got it done. From 830am - 130p, I worked and slaved... haha. I still have a few "garage sale items" in there... like the clothes hanging up, but now, it's a bit more presentable in the random event that someone actually comes to look at our house... going on 15 days now - no showings. :( But!! Maybe it was all so that I could get the garage cleaned out! Check!
So this was our garage BEFORE:
And this is AFTER:
This is my helper. His name is Jackson. He's a cutie pie. He loves stairs.
I decided that we could not put off cleaning up the garage anymore. So I just took on the task head on. I decided that I have to do it w/ Jackson... normally I wouldn't since he's into EVERYTHING and I must say - it was harder to do w/ him in my way and putting everything in his mouth, but I got it done. From 830am - 130p, I worked and slaved... haha. I still have a few "garage sale items" in there... like the clothes hanging up, but now, it's a bit more presentable in the random event that someone actually comes to look at our house... going on 15 days now - no showings. :( But!! Maybe it was all so that I could get the garage cleaned out! Check!
So this was our garage BEFORE:
And this is AFTER:
This is my helper. His name is Jackson. He's a cutie pie. He loves stairs.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Milwaukee Zoo
Jackson visited his FIRST ZOO on Thursday with his mommy, daddy and GRANDMA!! Thanks Ma for treating us! We had the most fun!
The Zoo Gang - Jackson wore the glasses right until we got up to the building and then YANK, off they came. There's something he understands about wearing the hat/glasses outside but he will not dare wear them inside... he's too cool for that.
We're big time sunblockers! My mom has recently had a melanoma on her body so we're big advocates for skin care and protection... also to go see your dermatologist EVERY year to get your body checked out! Thank God my mom did this.
So I have short arms.
J in his new "umbrella" stroller which is 1000x smaller than our previous one! Good for traveling!
Jackson really just wanted to RUN the whole time... the animals were just an added bonus to the freedom of the run!
Look where Ryan's eyes are. haha.
Pushing the stroller was a world of fun too.
J refused to look at the camera.
He liked the elephants!
Now this was big time fun! Jackson got to feed the goats!
And he REALLY loved this goat... This - what you're seeing here - is Jackson's idea of a "hug." He was "hugging" the goat... this goat was awesome too - didn't move at all... and he just kept on loving on it... SO CUTE! I probably took 30 pictures of this.
Now petting the goat...
and loving again...
Jackson was very interested in the fast moving hyenas.
He kept pointing to the cheetah.
So handsome!
Mom and Son
The scenery was so pretty here!
RUN RUN RUN!
We kept saying "polar bear, polar bear, what do you hear?" cuz that's his favorite book...
ABC - Always be climbing.
HIPPO! Jackson's favorite bath toys are hippos....
Still climbing.
Now we're officially getting tired.
So Daddy sweeps in to get the smiles!
Headed out...
The Zoo Gang - Jackson wore the glasses right until we got up to the building and then YANK, off they came. There's something he understands about wearing the hat/glasses outside but he will not dare wear them inside... he's too cool for that.
We're big time sunblockers! My mom has recently had a melanoma on her body so we're big advocates for skin care and protection... also to go see your dermatologist EVERY year to get your body checked out! Thank God my mom did this.
So I have short arms.
J in his new "umbrella" stroller which is 1000x smaller than our previous one! Good for traveling!
Jackson really just wanted to RUN the whole time... the animals were just an added bonus to the freedom of the run!
Look where Ryan's eyes are. haha.
Pushing the stroller was a world of fun too.
J refused to look at the camera.
He liked the elephants!
Now this was big time fun! Jackson got to feed the goats!
And he REALLY loved this goat... This - what you're seeing here - is Jackson's idea of a "hug." He was "hugging" the goat... this goat was awesome too - didn't move at all... and he just kept on loving on it... SO CUTE! I probably took 30 pictures of this.
Now petting the goat...
and loving again...
Jackson was very interested in the fast moving hyenas.
He kept pointing to the cheetah.
So handsome!
Mom and Son
The scenery was so pretty here!
RUN RUN RUN!
We kept saying "polar bear, polar bear, what do you hear?" cuz that's his favorite book...
ABC - Always be climbing.
HIPPO! Jackson's favorite bath toys are hippos....
Still climbing.
Now we're officially getting tired.
So Daddy sweeps in to get the smiles!
Headed out...
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