Fresh (Re)Start

Tomorrow is the first of February! Hard to believe that a whole month has passed this year already.  And my New Year's resolution of working out and getting in shape has not taken off yet.  I'm not giving up already, just rethinking it that's all! :) 

We purchased a treadmill for ourselves as an early Christmas present.  It's in our house, and I have failed miserable at using it.  I got Zumba for the Wii, and I've done it once! Seriously?!?! I'm pathetic!

So..tomorrow is THE day...a fresh start.  I WILL WORK OUT!

Found this on Pinterest, and I couldn't agree more! :)


Who wants to keep me motivated? Anyone want to volunteer to be my workout partner??

Finding the time for me

Here we go...again! I am going to give this a much greater effort to keep up with this blog.  There are so many reasons I shouldn't attempt this again.  I work a full time job as a 2nd grade teacher.  I am a mother of a toddler. I want to start a side business.  I have a house to keep clean.  I would rather sleep.  Or watch my television shows.

The odds are definetely stacked against me. But something inside me just keeps telling me to stick with this.  I love writing down my thoughts.  Some days, its the only way I keep sane. Some days, I just want to let it all out.  Some days, I can get so lost in my own thoughts that nothing ever comes out.  Am I alone here?  Blogging is my me time..and this year, I am committed to finding the time for ME.

Don't get me wrong. I am very in love with my husband of nearly 4 years.  I am head over heels in love with my 21 month old son.  I just know that in order to be the best mother and wife, I need to first take care of me. I hope to keep up with this blog and document my thoughts, dreams, and journey along the road of life. If I get followers, great! If not, that's ok too! I just want to have a way to keep up with the thoughts going on inside this mind.

Anyone else trying to find more time for yourself this year?  Or maybe you would just rather watch your tv shows than keep up with a blog?

No More Excuses

It has been a long time...

This poor blog has been neglected...

I could come up with many excuses...

1. It's summer, and I'm a teacher...therefore I am NOT working right now! (HA! Any mother knows that's really not true...but oh well!)

2. I have too much fun looking at everyone else's blogs! (Bower Power, Thrifty Decor Chick, YHL, G&D...the list goes on...and on)

3. I am working on my tan. (with a toddler?? Yeah...right)

4. I am dying of heat exhaustion in this lovely Indiana heat wave! (Hello 115 degrees...you are NOT my friend. I broke into a sweat at 7:00 am just taking out the trash!)

But this madness has to stop! I have tons of ideas, lots of projects, and I need a place to organize all my thoughts. So that's it, I'm giving it another go and you all better hang in there with me!

Ready....

Set...

GO!!!

Snowpocalypse 2011

You heard it here first folks, we are currently in the midst of the most "epic, snowstorm/ice storm of the century!" Yes, I just made that up...but if you were home and watching any television news program, you would believe it too! Luckily for us, this ice storm is closing school and we found out at 3:00 pm that we would be cancelled tomorrow too! Nothing better than having a couple of extra days to get things done around here that don't normally happen! I have made tomorrow's mission planning a certain someone's 1st Birthday party! I have soo many ideas, I'm having trouble deciding on one. Here are some of my ideas...

Pirates (not the ugly, dirty, kind...the cute, appropriate for a 1 year old kind:)

Baseball (he IS a boy...and it just seems like a fun time!)

Dr. Seuss (I know it's ME who has the obsession with all things Dr. Seuss...but it's so darn cute!)

Can I get some help here? Let me know what you think? Are you snowed...err...iced in too? Anyone else a little obsessed with planning parties?

SNOW DAY 2011

We have been getting a lot of snow here lately, and although I usually despise the white stuff...it was much appreciated today! The 5-6 inches, plus blowing wind caused some nice drifts and made for very slick roads! Which leads me to the best part...SCHOOL CLOSED!

Being a teacher really DOES have some nice perks!

I can't help but get absolutely giddy when I receive that phone call telling me that I get to sleep in and don't have to get out and about in that yucky white stuff! But what makes matters even sweeter are this little guy...

I decided to bundle him up in 2 onesies, 2 pairs of socks, sweatpants, bunting outfit, and hat. He wasn't quite sure what to think being all bundled up. Or what in the world mommy was doing with a laundry basket and blanket? Desperate times call for desperate measures! SOO CAUUTTE! I was afraid he might panic so we started off gradually. He started looking curious, so I just plopped him in!

And he LOVED it! He wasn't out there long but long enough for the neighbors to see and probably start wondering what in the world that crazy lady was doing putting a baby in the snow, but it was enough to make for some great memories!

We weren't outside long at all, but after we came in and I got him changed out of his snow clothes, he went straight to the back door and stared out at the snow. :) I'll take that as he had a great time!

Highlights of 2010

As the end of this year comes to a close, I can't help but reflect on all of the things that happened to our family this year. 2010 has definitely been an eventful, exciting, trying, and amazing year! I am beyond blessed to have an amazing husband, healthy and adorable baby boy, and supportive families!
Here are some of the highlights of our year:

January-- M turned 27!
February--Got a new SUV!
March-- Had LOTS of baby showers and last minute preparations for baby boy!
April--Conner is born!!
May--Sold house in Lafayette, and found house in Westfield.
June--Moved into new house!
July-Celebrated July 4th (and mother-in-laws b-day) at Hoosier Park
August--Started back to work after 4 1/2 (wonderful) months at home with Conner! Conner started daycare! :(
September--Adjusted to life as a working mom! :(
October--L turned 26! Conner started crawling (and pulling up, and sitting up!)
November--Celebrated Conner's first Thanksgiving!
December--Celebrated Conner's first Christmas and enjoyed spending the last 2 weeks of the year at home!

Conner: 1 Month

I can not believe how quickly time flies once you have a baby! It seems like only yesterday I was sitting on the couch, having contractions and hoping and praying to meet you soon! (It may have something to do with the sleep deprivation!) Our lives have been forever changed, and we can't imagine what life would be like without you. Here are some of the things you are doing this month:

• smiled
• laugh while falling asleep
• eating every 2 1/2-3 hrs
• sleeping in crib at only 2 weeks
• wearing newborn diapers and clothes
• rolled over from tummy to back for the first time! (not sure if this was an accident or intentional...but we are on guard now!)
• love your swing
  

Here is a photo from your 1 month photo shoot: (you were a trooper and endured Mommy's obsession over taking these pics...let's hope this continues unlike your Daddy who hates pictures!)

(You put your arm out on the piggy bank all by yourself...I promise I didn't stage that! :)

Newborn Photo Shoot

After many attempts at finding a professional photographer to take our little man's pictures, I determined it just wasn't going to happen! (at least not in my time frame anyways...don't they know babies grow and change SO quickly?!?) So left to my own, I decided to have a little photo shoot of my own. Lucky for me, Conner cooperated...and mommy got some oh-so-adorable pics! Check them out and let me know what you think!

Meet Conner

Conner Jackson
April 15, 2010
3:41 pm
6 lbs 10 oz
20 in

We are so blessed to have this little boy in our lives! We are adjusting to life running on little sleep but wouldn't have it any other way! Enjoying every second and can't wait to see what the future has in store for us!

Happy Due Date!

In honor of my due date, I thought this seemed appropriate for the occasion! I guess the day is still young...

39 Weeks

• How far along: 39 weeks
  

• Weight gain: 25 lbs. give or take a 2
  


• Maternity clothes: Yes! If I get dressed and leave the house. Otherwise...sweats for me!
  


• Belly button in or out: Outtie all the way!


• Sleep: What's that? Needless to say, haven't been sleeping so well. I toss and turn all night, then get up to use the restroom, go to the living room, so I don't wake M up, and lie there wishing I could just get comfortable! If I'm lucky, I fall asleep...until M wakes up to get ready for work at 5 am!
  


• Stretch marks: Unfortunately yes, just between my belly button :(
  


• Food cravings: I had an urge for Dog N' Suds coney dogs yesterday..and I'm trying to eat spicy stuff! (wishful thinking???)
  


• Movement: Definitely still feel the little man moving, but now I have to try to differentiate between movement and contractions. Not as easy as it sounds!
  


• Labor signs: I am 1 cm dialated, and 70% effaced, at a -1 station. To sum that up, it means basically nothing...as I could walk around like that for DAYS or even WEEKS! At the same time, at least it's SOMETHING! I like to think of it as only 9 cm more to go!
  


• What I'm looking forward to: Going into Labor! If you would have asked me this even a month ago, I would've been petrified still! However, now I just want to get this show on the road! We are both soooo ready to meet our little boy!
  


• What I miss most: Laying on my stomach (I can ALWAYS fall asleep like that), SLEEP, having something to do (maternity leave isn't too much fun without a baby), and my old clothes (I don't have many maternity clothes that will fit for this warm weather).
  


• Milestones: The end is near?!.... :hopefully)
  

38 Weeks

• How far along: 38 weeks
  

• Weight gain: 23 lbs.


• Maternity clothes: Oh yes! Although I can still wear some non-maternity tops!


• Belly button in or out: Outtie all the way!


• Sleep: Waking up at least once a night to use the restroom. Then, I tend to struggle with falling back asleep which ends up leading me to the couch for the rest of the night.


• Stretch marks: I think I spotted my first one!! :( Right between my holes from my belly button piercing!


• Food cravings: I guess you could say sweets!


• Movement: He is still movin' and groovin' around in there! There is not much space for him anymore, but that just means it rocks my body more!


• Labor signs: I had some cramping and difficulty breathing a little bit this week! I will have my check-up on Monday, so hopefully there will be some progress!


• What I'm looking forward to: Meeting our little man! It has pretty much taken over my mind all day, every day!


• What I miss most: Fitting in my old clothes, getting off the couch/bed/chair without gearing up to do so first!, and having a beer/wine on the deck


• Milestones: We are FULL TERM! Although this has been the case for a week now, it still shocks me I could have this baby at ANY time!
  

The Nursery

When thinking about creating our little man's nursery, I was at a complete loss at what to do. I knew I wanted something different, more "me" than the usual pastels or animal themes of many nurseries. I searched high and low and finally found some inspiration from the Baby Room Bio site. I knew I wanted to do something with black and white...what's new right?! Well then I found some cute bedding from Target.com that I immediately fell in love with! Much to my luck, I went to our local Target and someone had returned the exact same bedding set I had just been lusting after online!!! And to boot...it was marked down from the online price! SCORE!!!

Then came the furniture...and like everything with this room (and my life for that matter) I was very indecisive! We finally decided on buying a crib and dresser/changing table from Walmart.com. I did a lot of research but they had the best prices and for the quality, I was sold.

I then realized I wanted to add some color to this black and white masterpiece....so I stuck to my favorite combination...black, white, and....TEAL! I recruited my mom and dad to help come tape, paint, and put together furniture!

I absolutely LOVE how it turned out! Lots of more things have been added, and it is 95% finished now. Just need to finish a couple of last minute details and we should be good to go! (Nothing like procrastinating huh??) I will leave you in suspense for the final reveal! :)

Up to Speed

Well as they say "to make a long story short," I'm PREGO! (37 1/2 weeks actually), so technically I'm almost done being pregnant! I have just started my maternity leave from school, and with lots of extra time on my hands before the little man's arrival, I figured I would get back to blogging. I have high hopes of being able to keep this up after he comes in order to keep better in touch with friends and family who don't get to see us on a regular basis. Here is a little update in pictures..

Let's hope I can keep up with this!

Where Have I Been?

I really don't think anyone has missed my blogging, but in case you have...I promise I have a REALLY good reason why I've been MIA lately!

Stay tuned for more information!

My thoughts on the Bachelor

Watching The Bachelor last night, my Monday night ritual ,was nothing short of the drama I have been anticipating...But what I got instead was utterly insane. I don't even know if I have words for how the show played out. Of course I know that ABC has EVERYTHING to do with the situations they put on tv, or what they want to have happen, but honestly this is ruining people's lives here. I have been a huge fan of The Bachelor since the very beginning...and enjoy almost every minute of it...until last night. Now I was indecisive (what's new) on who I wanted Jason to pick because the two girls have been my favs since the very first episode. But honestly how can anyone think it is ok to have Jason break an engagement with Melissa on national TV, only to turn 5 minutes later and be making out with Molly? I think that ABC had the three under contract for the final show, and any news had to stay under wraps until the show aired...they DID sign a contract after all:) I sort of feel like Melissa might have even know what was coming, despite her "surprise" at the After The Final Rose show. I ALSO feel like Molly has been in contact with Jason, regardless of what either say.

I could go on and on, but really I hope everything works out for all three of them. I will be curious to hear what is said on tonight's recap. Hopefully, it won't be as dramatic as last night's grueling 3 hours! I don't think I can handle that much more drama...at least until next season :)

Amazing Weekend

This weekend was one of those weekends when I was really, REALLY, REALLY not ready to go back to work this morning! I think it has something to do with how busy/fun/amazing it was! I better start from the beginning...

Thursday night

M: So, we have to go back to Kokomo tomorrow night?

L: Huh? Why?

M: Umm..my dad needs me to help him with something.

L: Ok, like what? And do I have to go too?

M: Just something, and yes you have to go.

L: Hmm...are you sure? Because I want to stick around here and get some stuff done before our parents come up Saturday.

M:You're going to make this difficult aren't you? My parents are throwing us an anniversary party...so yes, you have to come!

L: Ohh, well why didn't you just say so?

M: Because it was supposed to be a surprise!
L: OOhhhh...oops :)

I blame it on the wine...lol

Friday

After a tiring, long Friday at school, M told me to be ready to go at 5:30. On our boring drive to K-town, and my 3rd hour in the car that day, I proceeded to poke/prode/pry information out of M about the party. Nope, he wasn't having it. So we get to his parents and begin visiting with family. Not too long into the get-together I realize no one has said anything about my parents coming over, Hmm...this seems kind of strange and something is off. Well, after about an hour, M's sister and her boyfriend arrive and we all start chatting. Then, all of sudden, her bf walks by me with a jewelry box behind his back and my jaw just about hit the floor! I found out later I guess I made a huge gasp...oops again! Anyways, he proposed to her and it was adorable! I am sooo happy for the two of them and can't wait for their wedding! Apparently, there was a whole big web of lies told to get HER there, and then I wasn't cooperating too much either, so M had to make up a lie to get me to come home too. He knew better than to tell me about the engagement, I would've been too tempted or obvious if I had known! And here I thought this was really for us...haha :) We spent the night chatting away and laughing at all the effort put into this night!

Saturday

We went to the Gary Allen/Darius Rucker concert at Purdue with both of our families and the newly engaged couple! We went out to dinner and then drinks back at one our fav. campus bars...boy how I miss those! Then on to the concert! We had so much fun and I was a TEENY bit obsessed with Hootie!

Sunday

Sunday was our 1st year wedding anniversary! I can hardly believe it has already been a year since we got married! I guess time flies when you're having fun :) We have had an amazing year and I am looking forward to many, many more to come! M spolied me by being the cutest darn husband ever!! He looked into the tradition gifts given on your first anniversary, and when he heard it was paper, he knew he was in luck! He had the cutest stationary personalized for me! He also knew my obsession for the Twilight series and that I have yet to get to the last book, so he went out and bought me Breaking Dawn. Not only that, he saw The Host by the same author and thought I would like that too :)

Seriously...how freaking cute is he? I was floating on cloud 9 :)

We proceeded to go to a local bar and have a few drinks to celebrate...which turned out to be a Sunday Funday! Oh well, it was well worth it spending the day with my hubby!

Oscar Night 2009

As I sat down to enjoy Oscar night, I couldn't help but get hung up on the crazy red carpet fashion/drama! I went ahead and started watching the hour before the show started. M thought I was slightly crazy, so I went to the bedroom to watch in peace..lol! I knew he couldn't stand being away though, so he finally joined me once the show began. However, for the red carpet fashion I was definetely on my own! I thought I would recap some of my favs and not-so-faves of the night!

I'm not really a fan of Miley Cyrus, but I thought her dress was georgeous! She looked a little big over-dressed for a girl her age, but there was no denying the beautiful gown!

I also LOVED Natalie Portman's amazing bubble gum pink gown. She always looks so put together and natural. Kate Winslet looked radiant as ever last night! Her dress was pretty, but I thought her hair and make-up were simply beautiful! She definetely looked like the leading lady that she is!
Like everyone else and their mother, I of course couldn't take my eyes away from Brad & Angelina. I was drawn to Angelina even though I did not care for her look. I heard one of the random tv shows referring to her as looking like a Disney villian and I couldn't get that idea out of my head! haha :) (I think it was the HUGE emerald earrings!) Brad was looking amazing as the best peice of arm candy all night :)
Amy Adams is super cute, but I did not care for her dress. I know a lot of people criticized her look altogether, but I LOVED the necklace! It just didn't go with the dress...

That's my Oscar recap...in all of it's glory...haha. Sorry it is so late, I really did BEGIN it on Monday....oops:)