Monday, January 31, 2011

SAG Awards: Fashion Rewind

I had a hard time finding pictures online that I was able to save, so this isn't quite as detailed as I'd like, but I got my favorites on here for sure!  I was also super excited by most of the winners, we'll see if the Oscars next month can come through once Allison and I have seen all the movies!
  
Lovely ladies in light {colors} - LOVE Lea Michele! 
Jenna Ushkowitz, Natalie Portman, Hillary Swank and Lea Michele 

Darling in dark dresses
Mila Kunis, Mariska Hargitay (a.k.a. my girlfriend), Julianna Marguiles 

On the fence...just can't make up my mind here
 Sofia Vergara (too much boob?), Nicole Kidman (too Elvira but the back is awesome), Hailee Steinfeld (she's only 14 but crazy colors), Eva Longoria (not flattering), Claire Daines (frumpy), Christina Hendricks (too much like a robe?)

Just BAD...didn't like these looks
Winona Ryder (her crazy eyes just ruin it all), Kim Kardashian (bad dress, bad hair, bad Botox), Jennifer Lawrence (she might be new on the red carpet but this dress is just wrong), January Jones (upholstery? really?), Helena Bonham Carter (par for the course for her but still ugly), Angie Harmon (a pink Peep gone wrong)

Best Dressed!!!
Tina Fey (she finally got it RIGHT) and Taye Diggs (he always looks amazing)


Saturday, January 29, 2011

Trent...

...counted to 6 on Thursday {with no prompting from me}.

...picked up a green crayon and said 'green'.

...likes to put on our shoes and walk around the house.

...said 'e' after I said 'd'.

...can put the buckles together on his car seat.

...is saying so many new words I can't keep track!

Where is time going?  How do I have a child who can count and say letters and do all these 'big boy' things?  One of the best aspects of blogging to me is now I will never forget these moments where I can literally see his learning as it's happening.  He is a miracle, and I've never been more proud.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Stream of Consciousness

Got word today that the Expedition is totaled.  Done. Finito.  A little sad, but a lot excited as we begin shopping for a new (to us) car.  It's a little stressful to have to quickly buy a car (this isn't our first totaled car experience - neither my fault though!), but we're both doing a lot of research.  I still want an SUV, but now that Brent has a roomier truck, we don't need one quite so big.  Looking at a Ford Edge and Honda CR-V or Pilot so far.  Any thoughts?  My head itches and still hurts.  I'm scared to brush my hair, so I've been wearing it curly because I just use my fingers to comb it out.  I look GOOD at work, let me tell you!  I hate the design of my blog.  I'm debating a makeover...we'll see what I come up with.  I just can't seem to find anything that just really fits ME.  If y'all can't tell, I absolutely love blogging and really want my blog to represent me.  I wondered if I'd be able to really stick with it, and I truly just love it.  Is it sad that I got super excited to get double digit comments on a post - the post about the accident?  You don't have to answer, I know it is so sad.  Ha!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Movie Review: Black Swan

As promised, 'Black Swan' was watched last night (although Allison had to take her kitty to the emergency vet and missed it - boo).

Synopsis: A ballet dancer wins the lead in "Swan Lake" and is perfect for the role of the delicate White Swan - Princess Odette - but slowly loses her mind as she becomes more and more like Odile the Black Swan, daughter of an evil magician.


Review: Okay, so I will be totally honest.  I did NOT want to see this movie.  After seeing the trailer, I was totally freaked out.  Most of the time during the movie, I was turning to my sister or Rhonda and saying 'I don't like this' or hiding my face behind my hands or giggling inappropriately.  I was probably the most annoying person for them to sit by ever. {grin} 

This movie was totally insane.  Natalie Portman is amazing as Nina, and it is hard to watch her slowly go crazy.  Literally.  Crazy.  When the movie finished, I sat there and said 'WTF'.  I think that's the perfect description.  This movie was totally unique and, as crazy as it was, totally awesome.  Natalie Portman totally deserves the Oscar for Best Actress, and I wouldn't be too upset if it won Best Picture (but I still like 'The King's Speech' the best).  Bottom line: This movie is CRAZY AWESOME!

6 down, 4 to go!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Roll Call

Night night? Check!
Baby? Check!
Monkey? Check!
Baby Signing Time playing? Check!
Daddy trying to catch a few extra zzzz's? Check!


Just a typical morning at our house! {grin}

Monday, January 24, 2011

Movie Review: True Grit

First, THANK YOU for all your wonderfully supportive comments.  We had a good weekend with lots of help from family.  I feel pretty good, it's just hard taking care of a toddler when your head and body ache. 

Brent and I went to see 'True Grit' last night.  We had planned to have a date night before my accident and stuck with our original plan because after a few hours with Trent, I'm just WORN OUT right now.

Synopsis: Following the murder of her father by hired hand Tom Chaney, 14-year-old farm girl Mattie Ross sets out to capture the killer. To aid her, she hires the toughest U.S. marshal she can find, a man with "true grit," Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn. Mattie insists on accompanying Cogburn, whose drinking, sloth, and generally reprobate character do not augment her faith in him. Against his wishes, she joins him in his trek into the Indian Nations in search of Chaney. They are joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, who wants Chaney for his own purposes. The unlikely trio find danger and surprises on the journey, and each has his or her "grit" tested. {from imdb.com}


Review: LOVED it!  I thought the characters were intruiging, the plot enjoyable (lots of action, suspense and laughs), the acting great...  Jeff Bridges just blew me away.  I truly love him.  I can't wait to see if this movie gets nominated for any Oscars (nominations come out Tuesday, Allison).  I didn't realize this was based on a book, so my name is now on the waiting list at the Pflugerville Library.  I'll definitely let you guys know how the book is, but the reviews on Amazon.com are fantastic for the book.

Next up: 'Black Swan' on Tuesday.  If anyone is interested, let me know!!


Saturday, January 22, 2011

The Story

So yesterday I got into a car accident.  I was heading home from work at lunch (my client closes at noon on Fridays), and a guy ran a red light and plowed into me.  I spun 90 degrees and slowly came to a stop...in utter shock.  I didn't see this truck at all.  A fire truck just happened to be driving down the same road, so we had immediate attention.  I got to take a lovely ride to the hospital with a collar around my neck and my body strapped to a back board.  I'm up for trying new things but could have lived without that experience!  It really was a precautionary measure - I honestly didn't feel too bad.  My head HURT and I had a few aches and pains but overall didn't think I was in too bad of shape.  Brent was at the hospital just a few minutes after me and of course cracked a few jokes.  I can always count on my honey for some laughs.  My head hurt for a good reason - I had a 2+ inch gash in the back of it.  We can't figure out what I cut my head on, but my guess is the exploding glass formerly known as the driver-side window probably did it!  I ended up with 2 staples and 3 stitches in my head (as you all got to see yesterday), a lovely prescription for muscle relaxers, and a quick discharge.  My in-laws picked Trent up from school and ended up taking him home with them for the night so I could rest {they're fabulous, remember?}.  I slept for 12 hours and woke up today feeling like I'd been in a car accident.  I have a lot of bruising and stiffness and my head still really hurts, but I'd say I'm doing pretty good.  I am SO thankful Trent wasn't with me, SO thankful this guy didn't crash directly into me (he hit more near my driver-side front tire), SO thankful help was on the scene so fast, SO thankful for all the family we have nearby that have helped out yesterday and today, SO thankful for insurance...you get the picture.  We're not sure yet the status of my car; it's likely totaled, but we'll see.  Brent thinks we'll get rid of it either way - it's been through a lot.  I spent some time this morning 'shopping' for vehicles and new car seats. {grin}  So there you have it...just another boring Friday.

Friday, January 21, 2011

What in the...??

Any guesses as to what in the world is going on here?



Thursday, January 20, 2011

Dish Washer

Trent loves so much to do anything adults do.  It cracks me up because I envision him being 15 complaining about taking out the trash, mowing the yard, sweeping, unloading the dishwasher, doing laundry, and any other chore I tell him to do (oh yes I intend to have him and future siblings do all my house cleaning).  But right now?  He loves it.  His latest love?  'Washing dishes'  He will start pulling on a chair at the kitchen table and say 'dishes'.  Just adorable.

Getting everything clean, Mama!


Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Forgot the Boys!

Forgot to add this collage but seriously - it isn't an Award Show without the hot men in tuxes!



Golden Globes 2011

Finally!  Whew!  Unless you live under a rock, you know that the Golden Globes were on Sunday night.  Pretty typical awards show, but I started it an hour late (love DVR) and was able to fast forward through a lot of acceptance speeches {grin} so I thought it was a pretty enjoyable show.

Highlights:
  • Ricky Gervais was hysterical as the host, but he said some pretty tacky stuff.  Anyone think he'll experience any whiplash from his comments?
  • 'Glee' won 3 awards!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Including Best TV Show - Comedy or Musical!!!!!!!!!  Chris Kolfer's acceptance speech was wonderful.
  • A lot of dad winners gave shout outs to their daughters, which I thought was adorable.
And now...the fashion!

Everybody from 'Glee'!

Did these ladies know they were going to an award show?  Not quite appropriate IMO.  I think January Jones and Halle Berry look HOT (Christina looks a hot mess) but not quite right.

A few couples.  I added Angie and Brad because I actually liked her dress (hair and make-up...not so much) which is rare.  Catherine Zeta-Jones looked beautiful (not sure why the collage cut-off poor Michael Douglas).  Robert Downey Jr. needs to dress his age and Tilda Swinton needs a stylist!

All these ladies get 2nd place for 'Best Dressed' from me.  This year I felt like most people looked 'good' and very few looked 'great' but I did love all these dresses.  (Yes, I realize Natalie Portman is in here twice.  My bad.)

 Underwhelmed.  And all of these were 1 step away from 'Worst Dressed'.  Yuck.


Best dressed vs. Worst Dressed
At first I wasn't crazy about Anne Hathaway but overall I thought she looked AMAZING, and her dress was super unique, fit her like a glove and the back was insanely hot.  Hair and make-up were flawless.  Michelle Williams, on the other hand, just looks like a flower child gone wrong.  The color, pattern, hair, everything!  BLECH!


Monday, January 17, 2011

Movie Review: The Social Network

Before I give my review of 'The Social Network', I must say that it has been killing me not to talk about the Golden Globes yet.  It's always my excuse, but work has kept me from really collecting all the pictures I want to post and dishing on what I thought.  Expect that tomorrow...hopefully! {grin}

Plot: A chronicle of the founding of Facebook, the social-networking Web site. {from imdb.com}


Review: Allison and I have now hit up our 3rd 'expected to be nominated for the Oscars' movie (and Golden Globe winner for Best Picture).  I thought it was a fascinating story about everything we didn't know about the creation of Facebook (like it originally being called 'The Facebook') and the involvement of Sean Parker (founder of Napster) and what a big jerk Mark Zuckerberg seemed to be.  It really did make for great entertainment.  I liked how they set-up the story with large pieces happening during depositions as Mark is being sued (twice!) over Facebook.  Bottom line: We both really enjoyed it but didn't think it was better than 'The King's Speech'.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Breakfast?

While getting everything ready to make breakfast for Trent on Friday, he snatched my skillet and placed these 2 items in it.  I don't know about you, but fried puppy with a side of contact solution just doesn't do it for me. {grin}



Thursday, January 13, 2011

Baby Bump Watch - The Sister Edition

29 weeks w/ Miles vs. 28 weeks w/ Baby 2
Looking pretty good, huh?  I cannot believe Patty is 28 weeks already!  She starts going to the doctor every 2 weeks.  We're going to blink and Miles will be 2 and this baby will be here.  Yippee!!  Patty said the doctor saw her weight gain from last appointment and said 'Somebody enjoyed their holiday.'  Hilarious comment, but I think she looks amazing!


Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Stream of Consciousness

I stayed up too late last night {working - ugh} and flew to Odessa at 6:30 AM this morning.  I was so asleep on the return flight that I woke up with my mouth wide open - more than once.  Now that's some good sleeping!  My sister had to go to the hospital on Friday night with severe Braxton-Hicks contractions (she's fine).  She told me today.  What is that about?  I got the iPhone 4 from work last week and am LOVING it.  I downloaded the Kindle app (it's free!) and have started 'Jane Eyre' (go Project 52).  My point-and-shoot camera has been broken for awhile; I finally took it to get fixed and found out it'll cost $160 to fix it.  Doesn't really seem worth it given a new one wouldn't be much more...but now probably isn't the best time to buy one.  Yuck!  I feel like Brent and I are starting to find our groove with him working at home and me starting my reduced hours at work.  January is going to be a stressful month at work, but I think we're getting there.  Okay, this tired mama is hitting the sack - 4:30 came TOO early this morning.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Grow Baby Grow - 18 months

Trent turned 18 months old on 12/30/10.  We are having so much fun with him (which I know I say every time I talk about him).  But since this is just as much for me as it is for anyone reading, deal with it.  {grin}

Stats:
Weight - 24 lbs., 11 ozs. {back up to 25-50%!!!}
Height - 32 1/2" {50%}
Head - 47 1/2 cm {25-50%}

Nothing like eating your eggs while sitting on a pizza pan, right?

And the best spot to put down your head?  Why - inside a cabinet of course!

So what is our little turkey up to these days?
-Running everywhere!
-Talking!!  (I am keeping a list, and he says over 60 words.)  He still signs a lot too, and my favorite is when he does the sign for cracker (knocking your elbow) and says it 'quacker' - too cute!  He's starting to mimick us too a lot.
-He loves reading books.
-His favorite toy is still his mower, but he likes the vacuum he got for Christmas.  He randomly loves to push trash cans through the house and he's starting to play pretend - he wants to 'cook', he puts on make-up, and he loves empty Tide boxes to use the scoop.
-He is very attached to his pacifier and blanket (both in the 2nd picture) and calls them his 'night night' (pacifier) and 'baby' (blanket).  He named both, which we find hilarious.
-He still hates being dropped off at school and has started screaming 'Mama' when I leave (I won't lie...I cried yesterday when I left).
-He can do a lot of animal sounds (dog, cat, horse, cow, duck, chicken, sheep, guinea, turkey, bunny - 'hop!', pig, squirrel) - so stinkin' cute.
-He can understand us and follow commands occasionally (awesome).
-He loves to dance and turns circles (hokey pokey), he loves to do Ring Around the Rosey.
-Tantrums when he doesn't get his way!  Pulling hair and banging his head on the floor/wall/anything.
-He wants to be outside ALL the time.
-He wants to feed himself but isn't very good at it yet.  Still not crazy about fruits or vegetables, but I'm figuring out how to sneak them into his food.  Would eat crackers and goldfish all day long.
-He is Mr. Nosy - wants to be in your business and doing everything with you.
-Has 16 teeth, likes to brush his teeth (or really eat the toothpaste).
-Loves to flush the toilet! 


Friday, January 7, 2011

Project 52

So I know I already did a post with a 'resolution' of sorts for 2011 for me.  But I saw this post over at Handbags and Handguns and saw this neat idea that Karen started.  And I thought it was really fun.  It's a list of 52 goals I hope to accomplish and/or complete in 2011.

1. Create (read: pay someone to create) a header for my blog.

2. Eat a tomato (this one is for K-Dub).

3. See all movies nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.

4. Save money to buy a Canon Rebel.

5. Take a photography class.

6. Get back to pre-baby body (or as close to it as possible).

7. Have a girls’ weekend.

8. Run at least 1 5K.

9. Finally finish Jane Eyre (I’ve started it twice).

10. Create 'pages' on blog.

11. Purge our house of excess clutter.

12. Start Trent’s college fund.

13. Organize photos.

14. Finally learn to sew (lessons from mother-in-law).

15. Try ‘My Fit Foods’.

16. Spend some time in my flower beds.

17. Volunteer.

18. Continue learning guitar (or more like re-start).

19. Take Trent to the San Antonio Zoo.

20. Make more dinners for our family.

21. Create a budget.

22. Make a will.

23. Visit the World of Harry Potter.

24. Go on more dates with Brent.

25. Do something ‘Austin’-y.

26. Use my crock pot at least once a month.

27. Less bad eating!

28. Have a guest blogger (and someone who is not an IRL friend).

29. Get moving again.

30. Eat like a vegetarian for a week (or at least a weekend).

31. Cut back on Starbucks.

32. Go to 1 live concert.

33. Do something creative w/ Trent (like Children’s museum) at least 1 time per month.

34. Wear more of my ‘fun’ jewelry.

35. Try 1 new recipe per month.

36. Comment more on other blogs.

37. Buy leggings/tights (and wear them).

38. Make blog more fun!

39. Get more followers (hope #38 will help entice people).

40. Add some decorations in the house (some of our house doesn’t feel finished to me).

41. Spend lots of time with my new niece or nephew and take some of the burden away from my sister.

42. Do something fun for our anniversary (October 16).

43. Try Bikhram yoga

44. Read 1 classic (other than Jane Eyre), 1 non-fiction book and 1 biography.

45. Finish combining our bank accounts.

46. Finish ordering professional pictures (maternity, newborn and Trent’s 1-year).

47. Hang Christmas lights myself and get something for the yard (but NOT a blow-up decoration).

48. Get a bounce house for Trent’s birthday.

49. Don’t be so scared about having Trent spend the night other places.

50. Attend the Texas Book Festival with Allison.

51. Go to at least 1 Aggie sporting event.

52. Pay $5 to a children’s charity for each goal not completed.



A Few Pictures from Christmas

We had a great Christmas.  I won't go into too many details because we have had the same routine for about 10 years, but it was nice and low-key, which I think is the opposite of most people's.  Ha!  I did want to share a few of my favorite pictures.

Miles got a trike.  Look at how nice the boys are riding together.  That lasted for all of 2 seconds.

Our little family

He just HAD to have a cracker.

11/12 cousins (plus Trent and Miles) at my uncle's house.  I think it's a great idea to get a bounce house.  Especially for the adults!


Thursday, January 6, 2011

Review: The King's Speech

Allison and I went to see 'The King's Speech' on Tuesday night.  We have taken to going to movies during the week because the weekends just get too busy, and so far it's working out great!  It's such a nice treat during the week. {grin}


Synopsis: The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.

Review: Allison and I both LOVED this movie.  We can definitely see it winning lots of Oscars.  Collin Firth did an amazing job as King George VI, Geoffrey Rush was really goofy as the speech therapist, and the story itself is so touching.  Most people don't know the story of King George VI (I do a little bit because of an awesome Danielle Steele miniseries 'Jewels' - ha), but it's a story worthy of a soap opera.  I also loved that Bellatrix, Wormtail and Dumbledore from Harry Potter were in the movie.  {Nerd alert}  Anyway, this movie gets an A+ and 2 very enthuisiastic thumbs up from both Allison and me!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Resolutions

So it's the start of a new year.  I'm excited to see what 2011 has to bring.  2010 was a great year.  Of course we had some bumps along the way, but overall it truly was a great year.  I know some people don't like resolutions because it usually just sets us up for failure.  And I sort of agree with that as I mostly failed at my resolutions last year.  But I think it's the attempt at making myself a better person that I personally really enjoy.  So drumroll please.............I present my resolutions for 2011!

The theme of this year is about {organization}.  I think the worst part of 2010 was how frazzled I felt throughout the year.  Something was always slipping.  Either my house looked terrible or we were all rushed getting out the door or I was exhausted from trying to do too much.  So I'm working on developing a schedule that incorporates the fact that I'm inherently not inclined towards organization.  Instead of trying to turn a 180 and become something that goes against the grain for me, I'm going to just recognize that fact and do the best I can.  I want to spend 5-10 minutes in the morning and at night picking up around the house (so that it doesn't get out of control and overwhelm me).  I want to cook at least twice a week (and I got a new, EASY crockpot recipe book from my mom).  I want to workout 3-4 times a week (even if it's only for 15 minutes).  I want to, at the end of the day, feel good about the balance I'm trying to create between being a wife, mommy, employee, friend, sister, daughter...  Luckily I also have some great friends who have offered me tips and encouragements in 2010 to help me develop this plan.  I am super excited to see where 2011 takes my family!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Derek and Dez 1.1.11

Brent and I enjoyed watching our friends Derek and Dez become Mr. and Mrs. last night.  Brent was an usher in the wedding, so he was all dolled up in a monkey suit.  He didn't like the dress I planned to wear, so I HAD to go buy something new. {grin}  I went a little Picasa collage crazy, but that's nothing new.

I think these 2 are meant to be.  Wouldn't you agree?
The biggest version of The Aggie War Hymn EVER!  Saw 'em off!

More memorable moments

Me and my Mr.  Notice his 'pimp cup' (thanks Derek).  No, I'm not drunk, just having fun.