Wordless Wednesday: On the way to Thanksgiving dinner

For more Wordless Wednesday fun, check out The Life of Rylie...and Bryce Too!, The Florida Hogans, and Shibley Smiles!

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 24

Sweet and tender family moments. Like these. Watching my husband become the sweet, strong, loving, doting and adoring father he has become is truly a blessing.

Wordless Wednesday: Sleepover Party

(This is Angelica with her cousin Willy. Her cousin Anna was here too but she fell asleep in the other room before this was taken.)

For more Wordless Wednesday fun, check out The Life of Rylie...and Bryce Too!, The Florida Hogans, and Shibley Smiles!

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 23

We almost left Angelica's lovey at Target today. She was having a temper tantrum because she didn't want to leave, so I yanked her up out of the cart and dragged her out of the store screaming...not realizing her lovey was still in the cart. So today's gratitude is extended toward the Target employee who chased me down to return the lovey to me (saving me more headache and tantrums later on).

Additionally, I'd like to express my gratitude for kindness in general. I love it when I witness someone doing something out of the good of their heart. I love it when I hear about people committing acts of kindness anonymously...so you know for sure that they were doing it because it was the right thing to do and not to be praised or recognized or gain anything from it.

I also love that I'm surrounded by kind people. Friends and family who would do anything to help, even if it's just to lend you an ear or a shoulder when you need it. Those who don't kick you when you're down (or even when you're not down) with cruel words and actions. It takes character, and boy, do I have some great people in my life. I love you all. :)

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 22

Since last week's cold has become this week's bronchitis, I am thankful for Mucinex. It has returned me to my regularly scheduled breathing already in progress.

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 21

Whew, after the weekend I have had, I have lots to be thankful for!

I survived my daughter's FIRST SLEEPOVER PARTY THIS WEEKEND. My niece (age 2) and nephew (age 3) arrived yesterday morning at about a quarter after 11 and spent the night. So if you count, I had two two year olds and a three year old under my watch for about 24 hours. It was an incredibly fun experience and the kids were remarkably well behaved.

To keep them entertained we:

• Painted
• Baked cookies
• Played on the swings
• Played in the front yard with the baseball bat and Angelica's tricycle
• Colored
• Watched movies
• Read stories
• Ran around outside (more)
• Watched more movies
• Read more stories

The kids all refused to nap, and fell asleep in various places in my living room around 6:00. Anna (my niece) was first, climbing up on the couch to snuggle with me. She passed out within minutes. Willy (my nephew) was next, climbing into Angelica's Anywhere Chair and falling asleep within minutes. Shortly after that, Angelica just laid down on the floor next to my feet and I heard her snoring (yes, snoring!) a few minutes later. They slept until about 7:30, woke up, ate dinner, and then were up UNTIL MIDNIGHT.

OH. EMM. GEE.

Yet somehow they all woke up in great moods around 8:00. My brother in law picked the kids up around 9:30 and we still made it to church today.

I survived it. I had fun. I am totally exhausted and I don't know how daycare teachers don't lose their sanity though, and they have more toddlers/preschoolers in their care every single day than I did!

Would I do it again?

Absolutely. I LOVE THESE KIDS!

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 20

I am thankful to have a car that runs. It may be tiny, old (2001), with a dented bumper and a drivers side door that cannot be opened from the inside of the car (I have to manually roll the window down and reach out and open the door from the outside to get out), and make some pretty strange noises from time to time, but it runs, it blows cold air (when it needs to), and best of all, it is PAID FOR.

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 19

I am thankful for the funny things my daughter says. I could make a list that would go on forever, but here are just a few gems from lately:

"(insert thing here)? I don't THINK so!"

Me: "Angelica, do you have smelly poops in your diaper?" Angelica: "I hope so!"

(Watching cars in front of us not moving at a green light): "Go, go, MOVE! The MOON is FOLLOWING US!"

"Moommmyy, BOOGIES! You want some?"

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 18

I'm so thankful for coupons. I just checked my receipt from my Thanksgiving grocery shopping, and I saved over $30 on coupons alone. Combined with Buy One Get One Free deals, I saved over $60!

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 17

Today, I am thankful for my counselor. I started seeing her back in April of this year, and in that time my life has changed completely. I am a completely different person now -- so much happier, so focused and centered and in touch. Today I "graduated" from counseling and I am proud. I will miss our visits but there is someone out there who needs her time more than I do now.

For any of you out there who are struggling with depression, there is no shame in asking for help. There is no reason to suffer in silence. Mental health issues can be treated and you can get better. You owe it to yourself.

Wordless Wednesday: Future Lacrosse All-Star

 

For more Wordless Wednesday fun, check out The Life of Rylie...and Bryce Too!, The Florida Hogans, and Shibley Smiles!

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 16

Today I am so thankful for memories. Especially those of my little baby Angelica. Some days my heart aches -- literally -- for another baby, because I remember how wonderful and magical it was to be pregnant with her, to give her life, to bring this beautiful little baby into the world and watch her grow. Every single step along the way I feel like she couldn't be any more amazing, and then...she does something else that absolutely amazes me. Every single thing I remember about her babyhood, her emerging toddlerhood, and even up through present day, is amazing in ways I can't even put into words.  (It's amazing how motherhood allows you to block out the sleepless nights and temper tantrums, right?) I'm so thankful that at each of those steps, I made a conscious effort to tell myself, "Stop, and take this in...because you are going to miss this one day."

30 Days of Thankfulness: November 15

My daughter has the best daycare teachers. It's truly like her second home away from home. She has me, and then she has her "school mommies" that help her learn and play, make friends, do art projects, and become a well socialized and well rounded little girl. I love them and I appreciate everything they do for us!

So, Miss Angela and Miss Jennifer -- you ladies rock!

McFatty Monday: Food Hangover

I'm still at 248. And, I have a food hangover.

Yesterday we went to the Volusia County Fair. And with the fair comes FAIR FOOD. Fried pickles. Fried green tomatoes. French fries. See the theme there? You can be a vegetarian and still slaughter your diet on fried food and sodium. And boy, oh boy, did I ever. And today did I wake up with a screaming headache from all the garbage I ate yesterday? Yes indeed!

Combine that with the pizza we had Friday night, and the ice cream I had Saturday and the past few days have just left a path of healthy-eating destruction in my household!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I am way, way far away from the goal I had set for myself. But, no time like the present to at least try to get back on the wagon. And try I shall.

I at least have this awesomeness to look at. My weight loss since June 2008:

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 14

Today I am thankful for my church. I know in the past I have discussed my non-Christian faith. I'm a Unitarian Universalist, and we attend the 1st Unitarian Church of Orlando. It's the second UU church I've been to but definitely feels like a spiritual home. I absolutely love the welcoming, accepting, open congregation, the positive message it brings and the ways it gives back to the community. I love having a place where people can congregate and discuss spirituality (and challenge and learn from each other) without being told what to believe, how to worship, or that they're wrong for being spiritual in a way that's different from others.

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 13

I am so thankful for my camera. Photography has been a hobby for a few years now, and eventually I'd like to move toward making it a business -- not to mention it is one of the things that just makes my life feel full. This hobby gives me a sense of self outside of being "just mom" -- even if my subject is usually my adorable little girl.

The other thing that I'm grateful for my camera for is the fact that it's been around to help me document my ever growing, ever changing little girl. I've upgraded cameras twice since her birth, so not only have I seen my skill evolve, I've watched my little baby grow into a big girl through the lens, so I have literally thousands of pictures to look back on when I start to miss the little baby she used to be.

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 12

Today I am thankful for my life. Each day is a wonderful adventure and my life just feels so FULL of joy. Like anyone, I have ups and downs, especially living life with a particularly precocious two year old with a fierce streak of independence. But each day, I get up with a clean slate, ready to breathe and take in the new day and all the wonder it will bring. And part of that is getting to see the world anew through my daughter's eyes.

5 Question Friday: Nov. 12

It's time to break up the monotony of the thankfulness posts (though I am thoroughly enjoying them) to participate in a Five Question Friday!

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?
I've been through two kidney stones. One when I was 19 and the other right before my 22nd birthday. That topped unmedicated, induced labor. I would go through labor 100 times before wanting to endure another one of those.

Second to that: In December of last year I had surgery to fix my Dequervain's Tendinitis. Having had a c-section with Angelica, I figured wrist surgery would be no big deal. LIES. That thing hurt WAY worse than my c-section, and it was annoying as hell to have my arm in a cast. Especially with an 18 month old baby, and also especially on Christmas, which was two days after the surgery. The scar is very, very light now...most of the time I even forget it's there. Let me tell you though, to this day Angelica remembers I had surgery. Even this morning, she told me to "roll up my sleeves" and then she rolled hers up and pointed on her wrist where I have the scar on mine and said, "Mommy, this where your boo-boo is!"

2. How much sleep do you get at night?
If you had asked me this question about six months ago, the answer would be "4 hours". I now get about seven.

3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?
When I was about 8, my mom told me that there was no Santa. The rule in my house, though, is that you have to believe in Santa to get presents. :)

4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
Back in July I was on vacation and went to see Eclipse by myself.

5. What do you wear to bed?
Sweatpants and a t-shirt. Usually ones that I have retired from my workout clothes.

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 11

Today, it's only appropriate to give thanks to our veterans. Thank you for your service to our country. Thanks for keeping us safe. Thanks for everything you do. You are our heroes.

And those of you who know me well know that there is one very special veteran in my life. My sister, Stefanie, was only 19 when she was sent off to Iraq at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom back in 2003. Every day I thank my lucky stars that she made it home safe and has since given me the cutest niece and nephew ever, and married the awesome/sarcastic SOB who is my brother in law. I am so lucky to have her as both my best friend and my sister. So, a special thanks to you, kid. You make me proud.

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 10

Today, I am so thankful for my ob/gyn. Weird thing to be thankful for, right? Especially for a chick who isn't pregnant and doesn't plan to be for a very long time. After having Angelica, and going through some pretty awful postpartum depression due to grieving over the overwhelmingly disappointing birth experience I had (due in large part to the egotistical, misogynistic doctor I had during my pregnancy), I am so thankful that I now have a NEW doctor who treats me with respect. I had a visit with him today (just a checkup/prescription refill check-in) and he kept telling me what a fantastic job I'm doing taking care of my health while balancing work and parenting.

 Oh, and he's one of the very few in the area who will perform a VBAC, should I choose to go that route.

Good doctors are hard to come by! So thank you, doc, for being one of the good ones.

Wordless Wednesday: Twirl!

For more Wordless Wednesday fun, check out The Life of Rylie...and Bryce Too!, The Florida Hogans, and Shibley Smiles!

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 9

Today, I'm thankful for my iPod, which brings me much joy on my way to and from work. I get my daily Dave Ramsey show fix as well as getting to rock out to my favorite tunes. Thank you, Apple, for this wonderful invention!

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 8

Today I am thankful for Netflix and Hulu. Why?

Because of them, I'm saving $80/month! We canceled cable a few months ago and these have been our way of watching our favorite shows. I don't miss cable at all, not one bit, thanks to Hulu and Netflix, and I think my bank account appreciates the extra padding.

This post was not sponsored by Hulu or Netflix and I received no free product or other compensation.

McFatty Monday: Accountability

248.

Yep, I gained five pounds over the last two weeks. And you know what? I HATE YOU HALLOWEEN CANDY.

Yep, I've been a bad, bad girl. Dipping into the bag of Halloween candy that Angelica got from trick or treating. I'm doing her a favor, right? She doesn't need all that sugar.

Oh, but neither do I, and the number on the scale certainly told me that today. That, combine with the fact that I pretty much replaced water with soda and only worked out one day last week.

This week will be better.

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 7

Coffee.
Sweet, wonderful, energy giving coffee.

I haven't got much else to add to this. It's the little things that matter.

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 6

(Apologies in advance if this post is full of rambling and scattered thoughts. It's been a long day and I am exhausted, and still recovering from a cold so my head is foggy!)

Today, I'm thankful for Dave Ramsey!
I read the Total Money Makeover at the end of last year, and re-read it back in April of this year. Right around that time, we made a lot of big, big changes in our life and I wasn't able to really dive into the plan. But in July, I set up our budget and we have stuck to it like glue...and as of today we have completed Baby Step 1 and really started hitting Baby Step 2 (the Debt Snowball) with a vengeance and it feels GREAT.

This afternoon we went to Dave Ramsey Live at the UCF Arena. While the stuff he talked about was nothing that wasn't in the Total Money Makeover, we got fired up today and paid off one credit card in full and had a credit card cutting party. It's so fulfilling. On the way back from the event, we were talking about how quickly we can see the change happening. Since putting the budget into effect in July, neither of us have worried about money. We know how much we have. We know where it's going. Hell, we TELL our money where it's going. I know Dave says this a lot, but it's true. You think a budget will be binding and restrictive, yet it's very freeing.

He'll tell you this, too -- and it's so true. Nothing he says is what you don't already know. It's nothing new. It's all common sense. But he just has a way of drilling it into your head in a way that motivates you.

Now, I'm not a Christian, so that part of his program I can't buy into. And I'm not conservative, so his politics don't speak to me. But his program does work.

And for the newfound freedom from financial stress, I'm thankful. (And, I am also thankful to my husband for sitting through the five hour seminar, despite his hesitation!)

(Oh, and by the way, if you're on his plan and you go and close out some accounts, be forewarned -- CREDIT CARD COMPANIES WILL FIGHT YOU ON IT. I spent about 10 minutes trying to get the one I paid off today to just close the damn account! What part of "I use cash" don't they get?)

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 5

Today, I am thankful for my job. With the unemployment rate being so high, I know that being employed is a gift in and of itself in this economy, but I'm grateful for other reasons. I have a boss who makes it easy to come to work every day because she's great to work for and has always been very understanding when unexpected situations arise. I have a job that is constantly changing and evolving, giving me a wide variety of challenges. And, last but certainly not least, I am grateful that this job provides me with a paycheck that allows me to provide for my family.

Angelica's new trick

Since Halloween, Angelica has learned a fun new trick. And by "fun" I mean totally disgusting! Even she will say, "That's disCUSTing!" after she does it.

And yet, I have fallen for it four times.

She will walk up to me, grab my arm and say, "Give me your hand."

And then she'll lean over like she is going to kiss it...

...and spit the chewed up contents of her mouth into my hand, usually consisting of a candy she didn't like.

Ahh. When will I learn?

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 4

Today is another "given", but sometimes things really go without saying for too long...

Today I'm thankful for my family and friends. I know on the first of the month I gave thanks for Scott and Angelica, and I give thanks for them again today as well. But today I'm also thankful for the rest of my family. I could go on and name every single one of them but that would take forever! I am so fortunate to have a wonderful family, to have married into a wonderful family (seriously, how many people like their in-laws? I do!) and that my sister married into a wonderful family who now also makes up my extended family. I love all of you!

I'm also thankful for my friends! Again, I could name each and every one of you, but this blog post would go on for ages. I am so fortunate to have such wonderful people in my life...and whether we've known each other for years or days, whether we live miles apart and keep in touch on IMs and Facebook, whether we meet up so our kids play together, whether we go running (or walking!) together, whether we blog together, or whether you're childless and available to go out for some girl time and frozen yogurt on a Friday night (leaving our husbands at home with my kid and the PS3!), you're super special to me and my life is better for having you in it.

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 3

With the election now behind us, I have to be thankful for the right to vote. If I had been born a few generations ago, I would not have been able to exercise this right. Even though none of my candidates got elected (I'm a blue living in a red state, after all), I'm still so thankful that this country allows us the freedom to express ourselves and take part in the political process.

Wordless Wednesday: Mom of the year, right here

 

(Apologies for the quality -- it's a camera phone picture. And no, she didn't drink the whole thing, just a sip!)

For more Wordless Wednesday fun, check out The Life of Rylie...and Bryce Too!, The Florida Hogans, and Shibley Smiles!

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 2

Today, I am thankful for health. I have the worst cold today, and it makes me appreciate the days where I'm not sick that much more. That, combined with all of the recent good news I've gotten about my health, makes me so grateful to be healthy.

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 1

A lot of bloggers out there are doing this, so I can't claim the idea as my own, but I love this idea. In the month of November, each day I will post something I am thankful for.

November 1, 2010 - This is probably the most obvious -- but I am so thankful for my wonderful husband, Scott, and our amazing daughter, Angelica. My life is so full and joyful because they're a part of it.