A Gurley Gurl

My Love for Books...Especially Free Ones!

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

I never really shared what I got for Christmas. Here is what I was wishing for. I was SO surprised because I've always wanted a Kindle but never really told anyone in my life that I wanted one because I've always disliked the concept of paying for books. You're talking to a girl who has a library membership AND a TexShare card that allows me to have memberships in any (yes, ANY) public library in the state of Texas. Be still, my {bookworm} heart. Well, my honey surprised me with a Kindle. The idea came to him when Trent was watching a video on our laptop, and I was reading a book on the Kindle app on my phone. He thought for a girl who loves to read as much as I do, it was silly to be reading on my phone. Well, once your honey shells out some dough for a Kindle, you gotta use it. Right? What is a conflicted girl to do?

Enter Overdrive. Never heard of it? Well, let me tell you about the wonders of Overdrive. It's the Central Texas Digital Library! Yes, you read that right. A digital library. Now I know Amazon has a digital library. But you have to have a Prime membership, and I'm not sure I want to shell out $75 every year for it. This is totally free! All you have to do is have a library membership, and you can 'check out' books for your e-reader.

You may be wondering why I'm blogging about this. Mainly because I wanted to make sure every bookworm out there knew about it because I think it's such a cool, FREE service our local libraries provide. I am a huge supporter of libraries and reading!! So what are you waiting for? Get borrowing!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

Alternatively Titled: Trent in a Tent

Happy un-Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T10:06:00.001-06:00

I am usually all about Valentine's Day. A holiday that is about love, hearts and the color pink? Sign me up! But today has not started off well.

I woke up with a sore throat.
My giant pimple still won't go away. My face didn't get the memo that it's not 1993, I'm 31 - not 13!
Trent got up before 6:00. I was so dead asleep that I was mad and yelled at Brent.
I forgot to take pictures of Trent's cute V-Day shirt, his gifts for school and his adorable box for all his cards. Mom Fail.
Top 5 worst drop-offs for Trent this morning. I cried. Major dose of Mom Guilt.
Starbucks didn't use the awesome heart cup this morning. And they were super slow and a little bit rude.
I left my power cord in the car, which means I'll have to walk the several blocks back to my car soon.

I feel like Alexander in 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day'. Do you remember that book? Trent and I have been reading that one recently. Here's hoping it turns around! Nothing a little time with the hubs and some Chick-fil-A can't cure! {grin}

Science Teachers Rule

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

Having an aunt who was a science teacher {in her former life} is pretty cool.

It's really cool when she makes cloud dough with you. And gets messy.

See? He certainly thinks so.

Two Loves Collide

2012-02-10T12:00:00.000-06:00

Two of my favorite things are Starbucks Chai Lattes and hearts. I have heart earrings, bracelets, t-shirts with hearts, you get the picture. And I majorly <3 my Chais. So how fun that Starbucks has a Valentine's cup all covered in hearts and types of love?! Today, my team and I took a break to walk over to Starbucks, and the staff commented on how I order my drink. I know what I want, so I say very quickly "grande non-fat, no water chai". We had a laugh, as did the Barista. So I told her "don't mess it up!" So when I got my cup and was looking at the adorable detailing (with lots o' hearts), this is what I saw:

This place is totally for me. {grin}

Randoms

2012-02-09T16:34:00.000-06:00

I blogged about making the best smoothie ever a few weeks ago. I promptly followed that one up with one of the worst ever. I tried to increase my veggie count in the smoothie. But I went 1 step too far. Cauliflower. That stuff was just awful. But I drank it...in about 6 hours.
Have you seen Starbucks Valentine's cups? So adorable.
I really like Twitter but don't know how to do anything on it. Like how do you post pictures? Anyone? Feel a little iPhone inept sometimes.
I feel like I'm about to fall off the health wagon, but I am trying so hard to keep at it. I like how I feel and what I see in the morning. But I also like cupcakes.
I went to a Stella & Dot party last night. I want to buy the whole catalog. <3
Brent and I have babysitters on Valentine's Day, and I want to do something but feel so stumped about what to do. We don't typically make a big deal out of holidays, but I want to this year.
I saw something really awesome on Etsy a few days ago that I am going to try and replicate. I, of course, will blog about it if and when I actually accomplish it.

Hey, Whatever We Have to Do to Get Him to Mind

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

Trent loves to throw things when he's angry. He throws things a lot. 2 1/2 is super fun. When he throws things, he is not allowed to do anything else until he picks up what he threw. Even if we have to physically make him pick up what he threw. Sometimes, though, he throws food. And then he loves to pick it up. Why? Because he eats it off the floor like a puppy. Whatever works, I guess??

My puppy dog picking up his food

And yes, he is still naked a lot. Now that he's figured out how to take his clothes off...they come off a lot. {grin}

A Few Favorites from 2011

2012-02-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

So I know we're well into 2012, but I wanted to share a few favorites of mine from 2011. I love hearing what other people are loving, so I thought I could get some recommendations too on great stuff I might be missing out on.

Favorite CD: I had a tie here between Gavin Degraw's Sweeter and Adele's 21. I have been a Gavin fan for a long time and have seen him in concert several times (and already have a ticket for when he performs at the rodeo next month. Thanks Dena!). This CD is probably his best. It is awesome! The songs 'Not Over You' and 'Soldier' are my faves. And if you haven't heard Adele's album, you are probably living under a rock! I'm excited to see if she cleans house at the Grammy's.

Gavin and Adele - <3

Favorite Movie: Crazy Stupid Love. I know, I know. I saw every movie nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, and this is my favorite of the year. Sue me. I thought this movie was perfect. And Brent watched it and loved it too. I think it's great for couples, singles, young, old. It was funny, it was heart-warming. Just great!

Favorite Book: Another one that shows my lack of culture. Divergent is my hands-down winner for fave book. Anyone who likes The Hunger Games will totally love this book.

Favorite New Show: Once Upon a Time

Favorite Show: Glee - to be honest, the season started a little slowly for me, but I am really loving in the last few months.

So there's a few of my faves. What should I be watching, reading and listening to?

I Should be a Real Housewife

2012-02-06T12:32:00.002-06:00

A friend of ours, Karin, took a job with my company. I referred her, so I got a bonus (sweet!). We took Karin and Kelby out to eat as a way to share the love. We had dinner at Perry's Steakhouse, and we all ate SO much delicious food and had a great time. Karin and I both ate very little all day to be able to enjoy a carb/meat fest. {grin}

Ready for a night out!

What in the world? It looks like we aren't in one of our normal cars. Huh. That's weird. Oh! That's right. Brent surprised us with a limo!

BALLIN'!!!!!!!!!!!

I think she likes her new job, no?

We had a great night!

I actually stayed OUT until midnight, so you know I was having a good time! You gotta love a great night out pretty much for free. Especially with great friends. And a ride in a stretch Hummer. You know. Just a normal Saturday.

February Goals

2012-02-03T14:00:00.000-06:00

I don't know that I'll do goals every month as these are pretty repetitive to January, but here you go!

1. Survive. I'm a little nervous about this increased percentage at work and how that's going to play out. Luckily after today, I don't have any deadlines until the end of March, so I will {hopefully} be able to catch up a little...
2. Workout 3 times per week. Going to keep the goal at 3 workouts but am hoping to get a week or two in at 4 workouts.
3. Cook something! I didn't cook AT ALL for our family in January (see 1 above - ha). That's not to say I didn't make stuff, but I didn't make a meal for our family.
4. Get a cleaning person hired. I still want to be picking up daily, but I think house cleaning is just beyond me at this point. I think I'll feel a lot better about my load if I didn't have this looming over my head.

Project 52/January Goals - Update #1

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Project 52 Update (For the full list, go here):
In progress:
1. Don't be such a homebody./18. Date night once per month.
2. Try fish once per month./48. Try new foods - I had fish twice!!
20. Workout on a regular basis (as a part of monthly goals)
25. Learn to like unsweetened tea - I won't say I like it yet, but I am definitely trying over and over again.
26. No more artificial sweetener! - Ugh. This is hard. Mainly for the tea!
32. Use my Deceptively Delicious cookbook every month - Made pizzas with pureed spinach. Trent ate it up!!!
35. Work on Trent’s hitting/throwing habit - Lots of spanking going on in the Gurley household right now...sad face.
45. Spend more time in the evening with Brent (unplug from the computer) - see 18.

Donezo!
12. Try Zumba
33. Reread all 7 Harry Potter books - Yup. Read them all between Jan 1 and Jan 21. Told you guys I was a nerd.

Not going so well...
39. Reduce my work % - Sigh

January Goals - to refresh your memory...
1. Survive. January is a rough month for me work-wise. I want to not stress about the little stuff and just focus on surviving. - Well, January is over but see 39 above. Ha! I think this one sticks around until the end of March this year.
2. Workout 3 times per week. Seems pretty easy, but it's not for me! My long-term goal is more than this, but I'm just starting out small. - I did it! There were times I almost didn't make it and didn't want to workout, but I sucked it up.
3. Cook with fish once. I don't really like fish, but I know it is super healthy. I want to see if I can find some way I like it. - So I didn't cook in January. But I ate it twice. So I'm counting this as a win.
4. Pick up for 5-10 minutes each day. Again, not trying to rock the boat here but want to start somewhere. - Eh. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

So there you have it. I'm going to just keep truckin' along! Check back later today for February goals!

I'm a Happy Band Nerd

2012-02-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

I was in band. There. I said it. And I played the flute. Brent had a lot of fun with American Pie 'band camp' jokes our senior year. Good times. But at the root of it all, I think music is very important. I don't care what instrument Trent picks, but I want him to take lessons for something; I want him to learn to read music. My sister feels the same way, and as of right now, I don't think it'll be hard to sell.

With a fiddle and banjo - ready to join the Biscuit Brothers!

Trent's turn on the fiddle - he hasn't quite figured out how to hold it...

Jammin'

Serenading Blair

Happy audience!

Date Night Movie Review: Contraband

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

I blogged last week about having a great date night with my hubby. So since our fabulous in-laws keep Trent most Tuesdays, we're going to try to single out this time for us. So tonight's adventure was to see Contraband with Marky Mark.

{via}

Plot: To protect his brother-in-law from a drug lord, a former smuggler heads to Panama to score millions of dollars in counterfeit bills. {via}

Review: Loved it! Lots of action, twists and turns, and plenty of Marky Mark! Brent and I both had a great time and were the only people in the theater. That's always neat, right?

We're on a roll with our date nights!!

Weekend Recap

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

We had a great weekend! Very low-key and relaxing, which is so nice in the middle of busy season for a CPA. On Friday, actually, I decided to increase my part-time percentage at work. I was at 90% and am moving to 95%. I did it with mixed emotions. I am doing the work, so I might as well get paid for it (pro), but I don't want to be doing the work (con)...but such is life right now. It helps our family financially as Brent is still growing his business. The best part? We are going to get a cleaning lady again!!! That in itself was probably the best part of the weekend - ha!

Anyway, Brent and I rented 50/50. We both really enjoyed it. I did cry a few times, and Brent kept looking at me asking if I was crying. I finally told him to stop looking at me if he didn't want to know if I was crying. But even with a few tears, this was a really great movie!

And Sunday was Broadway Across America night - and it was WICKED!!! This is still my favorite play of all time. Now, granted, I've only seen about 10 plays, but this is leaps and bounds my #1.

Trent also got another successful haircut! And we spent a lot of time with my sis and the kiddos got along good.

So overall a really good weekend. Too bad work has to get in the way of such great times...

KGSR

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

I was in the car leaving the gym the other day and was listening to the radio. I ended up on a certain radio station. This radio station and I have a history with each other. And as I was listening to Christina Perri '1000 Years', I had a little chuckle to myself and thought this would be a fun little story to share and a great memory to keep.

My dad only listens to this radio station. And I used to hate it. I mean a station that plays a song entitled 'Take Me to the Snake Farm' (and I am dead serious) is just not for me. So when I rode with him in his truck, we fought over the radio. I would vehemently argue with him about this stupid station that played stupid music.

Well, rewind in your minds to June 27, 2009. My due date with Trent. Except Trent didn't want to come out. And I was upset. I rode with my parents to my cousin's daughter's birthday party and was on the verge of tears the entire car ride but was trying so hard to hide it. And we had that station on the entire car ride...except the music didn't suck! For the first time ever, I was enjoying the music. But then we pulled up in front of my cousin's house, my mom got out of the car, and I burst into tears and bawled 'Daddy, I don't want to be pregnant anymore.' Not one of my finer moments...but I was at least happy with the music. And when I finally told my dad that he had a chuckle.

Then a few years later, I was driving to a client, and there was a new station in town playing great music! I didn't know what it was, but I was so excited. Until they paused for station identification and it was THAT station...they had just moved frequencies. So I had to call my dad, and he had a chuckle.

Now? That station is one of my presets. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Rocking My World

2012-01-27T20:14:00.001-06:00

I had a few moments in the last few days that have totally rocked my world.

Rhonda and I tried Zumba again. When we saw our instructor we were both a little skeptical. I think her turquoise sequined headband worried us. But she was fantastic! She gave a lot more direction so that we didn't get lost nearly as much. So Rhonda and I were able to stay with the routines better and overall got a much better workout and had a bunch more fun doing it!

I love tzatziki sauce and Greek food. I always assumed tzatziki sauce was made of sour cream and therefore terrible for you. NOT SO! It's made with Greek yogurt!!! A roughly 2 1/2 or 3 ounce serving has 54 calories. That's it!

I have eaten fish twice recently. I haven't cooked with it, but I've eaten it. Once I didn't hate it and once I actually liked it. Whoa.

I put green bell peppers on my Subway sandwich (I like red, orange and yellow but not green.) They weren't awful!!

Kind of a big week, huh? {grin}

A Perfect Date

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

Tuesday was one of those days I just want to remember. Brent and I both have made comments about wanting/needing to spend more time together. We love each other, we're committed to this marriage, but life (and a toddler) sometimes gets in the way of really making our marriage a priority. So my sweetie asked me out on a date this week...swoon. Most Tuesday nights, Trent spends the night with the fabulous in-laws making this a perfect night for a date. We went to Gloria's and just had a magical time together. It was one of those nights where the conversation was great - I even learned stuff about him that I didn't know - and that's hard to do after almost 15 years together. We laughed, we had great food, we talked, talked, talked. We even got some frozen yogurt. Then? This morning I got this:

Y'all - I think he loves me! I am one lucky lady!!

Best Smoothie EVER

2012-01-25T11:42:00.000-06:00

I think it's pretty common knowledge that I am not a veggie eater. I do love fruit, but I find it hard to get enough of them eaten each day. 6-10 servings is just about impossible! I've on-and-off made smoothies for myself for awhile. But as I am trying to be a healthier me in 2012, I have been tinkering with them a lot lately. And today's? Was SO good! Like almost something you'd get at Smoothie King. And the most shocking ingredient? People, I put tomatoes in there. Remember back to 2011's Project 52. A goal I had was to just eat a tomato. And I did. And it was terrible. But if I sneak them into my smoothie, I can't taste them!

This morning's drink of goodness!

So today's recipe (makes 2 servings):

-1 1/4 cup almond/coconut milk (I added a little more liquid this time, it was a little thick before and I think that helped!)

-2 cups spinach (can't even taste or see it!)

-3 cups of fruit (today was grapes, frozen strawberries/ blueberries/ blackberries and a frozen tropical blend w/ pineapple, mango and banana)

-6 grape tomatoes (about 1/2 a cup...I'm building up here people)

Result? 4 1/2 servings of fruits and veggies to start my day! All for roughly 200 calories or so. So by 9:00 AM I was more than halfway to my daily fruit and veggie goal. Yay!!

Laundry

2012-01-24T06:18:00.001-06:00

I don't know about you, but I don't like laundry. Well, if we're being honest, I don't like chores at all. But laundry is especially annoying because even as you're doing your laundry, you're already making more dirty clothes just by being dressed. Ugh. But having a little helper makes it so much more fun! Might take forever...but way fun!

He'll help you load the machine {with maybe a delay to throw some out}

He'll help you fold {or roll around in the warm clothes}

He'll hang up the clean clothes {or throw hangers and clothes}

Book Club Review: Before I Go to Sleep

2012-01-23T09:56:00.000-06:00

We had our 4th book club meeting last night. It was our first meeting since Heather and Kit moved to New Zealand. It was noon on Monday, so Heather was able to Skype in for the meeting, which was super fun! As per usual, we consumed a little too much wine and hummus, talked a lot about the book but a lot more about other {somewhat inappropriate} topics and had a great time!

Book synopsis:

Memories define us.

So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep?

Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love—all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may be telling you only half the story.

Welcome to Christine’s life.

Review: Best bookclub book to-date! I couldn't put it down. I didn't expect to this to be such a mystery/suspenseful book, and it was! I was a little worried it would be super repetitive with the constant re-telling of facts every morning, but it really wasn't. The author did a great job of keeping the story interesting while having to redo certain things every day. Overall, it was SOOO good.

Next up - The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

Randoms

2012-01-20T14:02:00.001-06:00

Lots of randomness to share today! So let's get started.

Can you believe this girl is 9 months old? Impossible!

Can you see her trying to watch TV in the picture on the left? Sneaky girl.

Did anybody read Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series? I gave up after book 17. The first movie is coming out next weekend. My mom and I are going to see it. They should have made this movie 10 years ago starring Sandra Bullock. I'm giving Katherine Heigl the benefit of the doubt...for now.

I have blogged before about loving My Fit Foods. Well, they are now selling in 2 grocery stores - 1 of which is by me! YIPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! Brent and I bought about 6 meals last night. So excited!

We have our 4th book club meeting Sunday. I have been dying to blog about our last book, so happy to finally be able to!

I'm such a dork at work - I make a list of work that needs to be done and take a picture of it so I don't forget. See? Ha!

Anything random you want to share?

Backhoe Loader

2012-01-19T16:21:00.002-06:00

You might have read this title and wondered 'Hmmm...what does this title mean?' Exactly what it says! Brent was in Academy and found a motorized backhoe on sale, and we just had to buy it for our obsessed construction worker. He was SO excited (and still is) about owning a backhoe loader! If you ask him where he got it, he jumps up and down and shouts 'My DADDY!!!!' If that doesn't melt your heart!

Checking it out

Putting on his Bob the Builder hat to do some work

Nothing can separate him from his backhoe...not even a lack of clothes!

He even asked first thing bright and early the next day if he could drive his backhoe when EVERY single day he asks to watch a video. That made this mama very happy. I wish I'd never let him watch a video ever - ha.

Movie Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

Back in 2010, I read this great book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I LOVED it. I then read the rest of the Millennium trilogy. Some of the best books ever. I found out there were Swedish versions of all 3 movies, so I watched them all in a row on Netflix. They were okay. Lisbeth was fantastic. Mikael? Eh. When I found out they were making a U.S. version and who was in the cast I got super excited. Well, Sunday, Rhonda and I had a date to see it.

And let me tell you - it does NOT disappoint. The plot is very true to the book (Rhonda and I both noticed a few minor changes but none were too annoying), the music is fantastic (go Trent Reznor), and the actors are amazing. Anybody who knows the story will get this - you know THE part? I was dreading it, and it was just as awful as I imagined, which shows how amazing Rooney Mara is as Lisbeth. Daniel Craig is H.O.T. as Mikael. Rachel Weisz is one lucky woman to be married to him. {grin} Overall this was a SOLID start to 2012 for movies.

Dallas Weekend

2012-01-16T11:00:00.000-06:00

Saturday was Connor's 3rd birthday party. Mom and I decided to be adventurous, take Trent, and head to Dallas - just the 3 of us. {Blair is revolting against the car seat, so Patty didn't feel up to it.} Well, let me tell you - we had an amazing weekend! Trent was SO good and SO fun to be with! He did great on both car rides, was so well-behaved at the party, slept great at my aunt and uncle's - just fantastic!

Connor's party was football themed, and everything looked so cute. Hagan did a great job prepping for the party. There were 10 kids at the party, and everyone got along and played hard and had fun.

Connor's cake and some decorations

Now, with a football themed party, I wanted Trent to dress the part. The problem is I only support 1 football team - of which my husband disapproves. Oh wait...my mother-in-law already broke our 'no team support' rule...about 100 times!

Trent looking the cutest ever. Gig 'em! {Brent, please don't kill me. I love you!}

The 3 year-old - so cute! {Don't you just love his little Tom's?}

This morning, my cousin, Candace, came over with her kids. She had a baby boy in September to add to her feminine household of 2 girls, and he is a chunk! Not even 4 months old and already TWENTY-FOUR pounds. Trent didn't weight that until 18 months. Crazy! But he's oh so cute and cuddly!

Trent thought Thomas was a-okay!

And he got in some swinging time with cousin Madilyn.

Overall, a great weekend! Hope yours was too!!

A Tale

2012-01-14T16:34:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time there was a young maiden. (Okay, okay, she was really a young-ish madam, but it sounds better this way. So go with it.) She had a good life. A husband who loved her. The most adorable son in the whole world. (Seriously, MOST adorable) A job that provided for her family. Great family and friends. She should have been fulfilled and content.

But she wasn't.

She thought her husband should help more around the house. She thought he should help more with the (most adorable) son. She wanted to work less. Work was, in fact, very stressful at times. She was ready for another baby, but the finances weren't quite right. Basically she felt sorry for herself.

She took her frustration out on her husband. She griped at him and gave him 'advice'. She didn't have the patience she should with her (wonderful) son. She complained to her friends about work. She wasn't really fun to be around.

One day, she got several messages from above. She talked to her BFF. She realized she was really looking at things the wrong way. She needed to be thankful she had a husband who loved her. She should have felt blessed to have a job that put a roof over her head and food in her mouth. She should be happy that she got to work less than full-time. She should be appreciative of her family and friends that were always there for her. She apologized to her husband. She thanked her BFF for listening and providing counsel.

And she SNAPPED OUT OF IT. And is going to try really hard to remember life's blessings rather than focusing on what she wants next in life. But she might falter, and that's okay. For she has great people to put her back on track.

The end.

Good News...Bad News...

2012-01-10T21:12:00.001-06:00

Good news...I got a new point and shoot camera.
Bad news...It is plugged into my laptop and the pictures aren't loading.

Good news...All my flying has given me enough points for a free flight.
Bad news...Brent wants to use those points to go to Vegas for a guys weekend.

Good news...Trent has been super cute lately.
Bad news...Proof of this is on said new camera.

Good news...It's January 10 meaning my least favorite month is 1/3 over.
Bad news...I have 5 deadlines before the end of the month.

Good news...I took a tour of TX airports today. Austin, Houston, Midland, and Dallas.
Bad news...Oh wait, I didn't want to see 4 airports today.

Good news...I've lost a pound.
Bad news...I have lost this pound more times than I can count.

Ugh. I'm a ball of sunshine today, huh?

Project 52 - 2012 Edition

2012-01-08T20:31:00.001-06:00

Friends, I have not been keeping you in suspense on purpose. {I know you are all DYING to hear my goals for the year.} I was SICK. Happens about once a year, and this time was awful. 101 fever, thought it was the flu. A trip to urgent care yesterday morning cleared that up - ear infection, sinus infection and general yuckiness. 3 prescriptions later and I feel like a new woman. Brent had a great laugh when I was explaining to the doctor that I took a homeopathic flu vaccine...thank goodness I don't have the flu. I would never recover from the embarrassment! Now...onto Project 52!

Don't be such a homebody
Try fish once per month
Try (again) to learn how to play the guitar - one song is all I want!
Try (again) to learn how to sew
Take a photography class
Volunteer
Make a will
Eat like a vegetarian
Try 3 new things with Trent
Take Trent to a movie
Lose these last 10+ pounds
Try Zumba
By the end of the year, still be using gym membership
Take a trip out of state
Try a new restaurant
Go to the farmer’s market
Go to a dairy and buy/try raw milk
Date night once a month
Finish Trent’s baby book
Workout on a regular basis (as a part of monthly goals)
Build our savings account back up
Break Trent’s ‘night-night’ habit
Try 5 new recipes
Meet 1 blog friend
Learn to like unsweetened tea
No more artificial sweetener!
Take a CPR class
Give up cheese for Lent
Visit a state I’ve never been to
Have fresh flowers in the house more often
Go to the midnight premiere of The Hunger Games
Use my Deceptively Delicious cookbook every month
Reread all 7 Harry Potter books
Rewatch all 8 Harry Potter movies
Work on Trent’s hitting/throwing habit
Do something special for our anniversary (October 16)
Better outside Christmas decorations
Have Trent swimming by the end of summer
Reduce my work %
Be better with my skin care
Start juicing
Figure out how I want to organize our family photos
Organize said family photos
Donate blood
Spend more time in the evening with Brent (unplug from the computer)
Try taking Trent to a restaurant again
Stretch
Try new foods
Learn more about finances/see a financial planner
Get pregnant
Clean out kitchen drawers
Donate $5 for each goal not met

And I can already cross off #12! Go me!

On a side note (because I'm having heart palpitations and sweating), related to #35, I put my son straight to bed for hitting me tonight, 26 minutes ago. He is still in his room crying for me. "Mommy, I need you." I told him I wasn't coming back if he hit me, and he did. I know I'm doing the right thing, but oh. my. gosh. The urge to go in there and snuggle with him and give him a dang night-night is SO strong. But hey, maybe I can achieve #22 at the same time. Here's hoping!

So there you have it! Cheers to a stronger 2012!

My First Zumba Class

2012-01-04T22:01:00.003-06:00

It's only January 4, and I have already crossed an item off my {unpublished} 2012 Project 52 list! This afternoon, Rhonda and I tried our first Zumba class.

Pros:
-It was a workout.
-Great music.

Cons:
-No clue what I was doing 70% of the time.
-Instructor was no help.

The instructor would just shout out phrases at us like 'hips', 'hands up', 'shake it'. Um...what? No directions, no explanation of what we were actually supposed to be doing. So you just had to watch her (or the WAY too skinny girl who was actually very good) and hope you figured it out. Ugh. I got frustrated a few times.

Overall, I want to try it again (and also with a different instructor). I think once I get the hang of it, it would be a lot of fun.

Anyone else tried it? Is this a normal experience?

2011 Project 52 FINAL Results

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

I am apparently very wishy-washy and have decided to do Project 52 again, even though my list right now has 3 things on it. {grin} To start the year out right, and to show I am nothing if not completely honest...here's how 2011 ended.

~~Completed~~
Failed...Boo!

~~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. Although I will be buying it in January!! SQUEEEE!
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. Pathetic. But I am also doing this in January.
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. How lame do you have to be to not even volunteer once?
18. Continue learning guitar (or more like re-start). So 2 years in a row on this one. Boo.
~~19. Take Trent to the San Antonio Austin 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). {Started Project 52 with 53 followers.}
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.~~

That's TWENTY of 52 goals I didn't complete meaning $100 to charity. I crossed that off but haven't done yet, but trust me, I will!

I'll post my 2012 list when I have it ready, right now I only have 3 things on it, but I see some of 2011's coming back for another go-round. Ha!

Happy now, Allison?

January Goals

2012-01-02T16:04:00.002-06:00

I'm still debating Project 52. I feel like I failed so miserably at it in 2011 that I don't want to set myself up for that again. So I think what I'm going to do this year is monthly goals. That way I can adjust as things change in our life. I also want to make them measurable and achievable. I don't want to start the month off already feeling like I can't achieve my goals. I have some bigger ones in mind for later months but not during a public accounting busy season.

So...Here is a list of my goals for January! Wish me luck!!

1. Survive. January is a rough month for me work-wise. I want to not stress about the little stuff and just focus on surviving.
2. Workout 3 times per week. Seems pretty easy, but it's not for me! My long-term goal is more than this, but I'm just starting out small.
3. Cook with fish once. I don't really like fish, but I know it is super healthy. I want to see if I can find some way I like it.
4. Pick up for 5-10 minutes each day. Again, not trying to rock the boat here but want to start somewhere.

2011 - The Rundown

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

2011 was a new year for us. We made a few big changes, which were scary, but we knew they were the right ones for us. Brent quit his job at the state after 7 years to venture out into a commission only job. At the same time, I went from a full-time auditor to a 90% of full-time auditor. Both meant a reduction in income. But they meant more time as a family! It's been a stressful year but a really good year too! I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store. As dorky as it sounds, I am so excited for a new year! But before we get to 2012, I wanted to look back on 2011.

I tried Project 52 and pretty much failed. But I had fun doing it and plan to do it or something like it again. Katie posted monthly goals. That might be better. We'll see... I'm marinating.

I got a new car, but not because I wanted to. So thankful for health in 2011!

I also got a niece! Man oh man, do I love my Baby Girl!

My little guy turned TWO. We had a rockin' birthday party!

I learned I love cake decorating.

My uncle passed away. Mortality is a bitch.

I got really into natural medicine. Brent hates me.

I joined twitter!

I celebrated 7 years of marriage to my wonderful husband.

Trent moved up to a big boy bed and got potty trained!

Where I feel like I didn't do so good was my overall goal of organization. I had good weeks and bad weeks, but I know this will be my struggle for life, so I'm proud that I kept trying all year. We also stopped having a cleaning lady come this summer, and that has not helped, but I'm working on that too.

I am also pretty disappointed in my lack of willpower in losing the last of the baby weight. But, totally cliche I know, I joined a gym this week. 2012 is going to be the year I am not grossed out anymore!

Looking back on the year, I think I did more than I realized. It was a good year, my heart is full. {grin}

Christmas 2011

2011-12-30T15:03:00.003-06:00

Christmas came and went.

Pretty much like I said it would.

We spent time with family and open lots of presents.

Blessed beyond words.

Most of the pictures are on other peoples' cameras. Ugh.

So thankful I got a new camera! Get ready y'all.

Best present ever? He thinks so!

Life is Good...

2011-12-29T14:49:00.000-06:00

I packed these bad boys away.

Our big boy is potty trained!! For about a month now!

{He still sleeps in diapers but during the day? Full on undies!}

I am one happy cloth diaper lovin' mama.

Cloth diapers may be awesome, but they are a lot of work!

So until next time friends! {grin}

Currently: The Procrastinator Edition

2011-12-27T21:42:00.003-06:00

Christmas was a ton of fun, but I'm enjoying not being on my computer much before I have to really get back to work, so I haven't uploaded my pics. Sue me. I plan to get them all up tomorrow. BUT since I hate having a neglected blog, I thought I'd do an edition of Currently. You're welcome.

Current Album
The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons - I kid you not, Trent asks for it almost every time we get in the car.

Current Book
I just finished reading 'Before I Go to Sleep' by S.J. Watson. It's our next book club book. I can't wait to have our next meeting and blog about it! Hint - you should read it.

Current Songs
'We Are Young' from Glee. I should probably be ashamed...ha.

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure
See next answer.

Current Drink
Coke. The REAL deal.

Current Outfit
Gray skinny Old Navy jeans, my Queen t-shirt (also from Old Navy, thanks sis) and a Target hoodie. It sounds bad, but trust me, I look cute (except probably the hoodie, but it's cold outside).

Current Celebrity Crush
Zooey Deschanel - I love New Girl.

Current Mood
Content. And tired. Christmas was good.

Current Anticipation
I'm really excited for 2012. Brent and I have a lot of plans and hopes. Not sure what's going to happen, but I'm really looking forward to the adventures we'll have.

Current Film
'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' - Anyone want to go with me?

To You and Yours

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Traditions - Currently

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

Our family is busy over Christmas, but as all our family lives within 20 minutes of each other, it is not stressful at all. Yay! We've been together now for almost 15 years, and our routine has been pretty set for a long time. Unfortunately, it changed once our grandparents began passing away, but I love our routine now.

Christmas Eve - We spend Christmas Eve with Brent's mom's side of the family at his Nanny's house. His mom is 1 of 5 kids, so there are A LOT of people celebrating together. Super fun night!

{2009}

Christmas morning - We wake up at our own home Christmas morning and open our presents to each other.

{2009}

We then drive the tedious 3 miles to my parents' house to celebrate with my parents and sis. We have gone out to eat for at least the last 15 years, but this year with 3 young kids, we are opting to eat in. Can you blame us?

{2010}

Christmas Evening - After a nap by our young master, we head to the in-laws. Another tedious 15 minute drive ensues. (Jealous yet?) We eat breakfast for dinner and open gifts!

{2009}

2nd Christmas - We get together the weekend after Christmas with my mom's side of the family. Another huge get-together with lots of cousins, food, drinking, carol singing...good times!

{2010}

So there you have it! A Gurley Christmas. What do you do for Christmas?

Christmas Survey

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

I thought it'd be fun to have a Christmas survey! I found a 50 question one online but decided to narrow it down. You're welcome.

1. Does your family send out Christmas cards? Yep! You'll see it soon...

2. Favorite Christmas movie? White Christmas - I am so irritated because we forgot to get it from Netflix this year. Kind of too late now!

3. Favorite Christmas song? The Christmas Song

4. White or colored lights? White on the tree, colored on the house

5. When it comes to decorations, are you more of a Griswald or a Grinch? Griswald, baby!

6. Eggnog - Yay or Nay? Nay!

7. Do you say 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays'? Merry Christmas mostly.

8. Do you travel for the holidays? If going 10 miles down the road counts, then yes. Ha! We are so lucky!

9. Hot chocolate or apple cider? Both. Yum!

10. What is on your Christmas wish list? Too much stuff! A Kindle, a steam mop, a juicer and a Canon Rebel!!!

Anyone want to play along?

Christmas Decorations!!!

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

I love, love, love to decorate for Christmas! I decorate for most holidays, but it's usually a few pieces. Not so at Christmas. My mom goes nuts and has decorations in every room. I'm not there yet, but give me time...I just have to grow my collection! So sit back as we stroll through my house.

Lights! Nothing spectacular, but I love having outside lights.

Now, for full disclosure, this is from 2 years ago, but the lights look pretty much the same. If you know us, you know we don't have either of those vehicles or bushes anymore, so I couldn't pretend it was from this year. {grin}

The mantle and our stockings (which I LOVE). The mantle needs some work, it's kind of plain.

If you were looking for some trucks, you've come to the right house. This is where they 'park' for the night.

The kitchen (my new monogrammed towels are from my MIL)

The fridge and counter are where I display our cards.

Entry way

If you look closely at the nativity scene, there's an extra Mary. Trent put her there. He knew where the she was and said she belonged with Jesus. Love that kid! He knows she's Jesus' mommy!!!!

Kitchen table

Guest room

Can you see the little piano in the bottom right picture? Trent is obsessed with it and 'plays' it. He carries it around the house and even pretends to sit on the stool. Brent says it'll get broken, but it'll be worth it for how cute Trent is with it.

End table in living room

My mom and Granny made all those ornaments!

All my door knob hangers (Brent hates these - ha)

Some of my favorite ornaments

My favorite - the tree!!!

There you have it - my decorations. They just make me happy. Merry Christmas, friends!

That Time My Dad Ruined Christmas

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

I have a pretty awesome dad. He grew up in a house with 3 females and is still around - I'd say he rocks! But that's not to say he's perfect. {grin}

Growing up, I was very naive and innocent. Heck, most people would still say that's true! I believed in things way longer than I probably should have. Like Santa Claus. I remember being maybe 7 or 8 years old, leaving a letter, milk and cookies out for Santa and waking up to a note back from St. Nick himself!!! I was on cloud 9! (Now most people would have probably noticed how Santa's handwriting was exactly like my uncle's distinct all-caps style of writing but not me!) So you can see I was a little trusting.

Fast forward a few years. I'm 10. I still believe in Santa Claus. A little ridiculous? Probably. I'm standing in H-E-B with said 'awesome' dad. I'm talking about Santa. My dad turns and looks at me and says 'Allena, Santa is not real.'

Holy sh*t balls.

What? You're kidding right?

Nope. Santa is, in fact, not real.

I was devastated. I think I broke down in tears and cried the whole way home and ran straight to my mother. She was not pleased.

Fast forward 20+ years. I doubt my dad remembers this, but I will never forget it. I'll have to ask my mom if she remembers...

When did you find out Santa Claus wasn't real?

Christmas Recipe: Christmas Wreaths

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000-06:00

Five days until Christmas!! Time for my favorite Christmas recipe.

My Granny used to make Christmas Wreaths every year. After she passed away, my mom has continued the tradition. Not only are they delicious, but they turn your tongue green too which is super cool as a kid!

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows
1 teaspoon green food coloring
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups cornflakes cereal
1 (2.25 ounce) package cinnamon red hot candies

Directions

Microwave marshmallows and butter on High for 2 minutes. Stir, then microwave on High for 2 minutes more. Stir.
Add and mix quickly the coloring, extracts, then cornflakes. Drop by spoonfuls in clumps on greased wax paper and decorate with 3 red hots each.
Once cool, transfer to lightly greased serving/storage tray with lightly greased fingers.

The result! Yum!

{image via google}

Christmas Traditions - My Faves From Childhood

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

Hello 6 days until Christmas! My first 'Week of Christmas' post is all about childhood traditions for Christmas. Growing up, we did the same thing every year for Christmas. My parents were high school sweethearts and their parents lived approximately 1.2 miles apart. So as kids, we always spent Christmas Eve with my mom's parents, siblings and all our cousins. Christmas Day was spent with my dad's mom. Every year. Loved it!

2 Swope girls excited for Christmas!

What I loved SO much at my Granny's house was we took turns opening presents. My dad's side of the family is very small. He has 1 brother who had 1 daughter. Growing up, for the most part, there were 7 people on Christmas Day. So we went in a circle, each opening 1 present at a time. For a kid, it made present-opening take about 2 hours. A.W.E.S.O.M.E. We now continue that tradition at my parents' house. (Brent hates it - ha)

Me with my Granny getting my favorite doll (Victoria) - Christmas '84-ish

At my Mamaw and Pops' house, insanity was the name of the evening. My mom is 1 of 7 kids, so there would be about 30 people every year. We would always sing carols as a family (including the 12 Days of Christmas where we split the 12 days between everybody) and we always made champagne punch. It really doesn't taste that good, but we made it year after year.

4 Lindemann cousins making champagne punch (Drinking age? What's that?)

Now our traditions have changed (yes, I am dedicating a post to our 'new' traditions), but I will always remember my Christmases growing up!

My sweetheart - Christmas '98

And even though these are my Christmas traditions, I couldn't miss a chance to post this adorableness. Brent - Christmas '82-ish.

What is your favorite Christmas tradition(s)?

Twas the Week Before Christmas

2011-12-18T22:36:00.000-06:00

I love Christmas. Like 100% totally L.O.V.E. Christmas. The fact that we're a week away? Has me giddy! Yippee!!! With that said, I thought I'd share that joy with the blog world this week. So this week on my blog, it will be all things Christmas. Hopefully that doesn't turn anyone off, but it's my blog, and I'll do blog what I want to. {Allison, I'm paranoid...did I use the strikethrough properly there?} I'll be sharing my favorite traditions, recipes, the story of when I found out 'the truth' about Santa, our 2011 decorations and anything else red and green I can think of! So get ready, Christmas is only SEVEN days away!

God Bless the U.S.A. (Goodbye Kit and Heather)

2011-12-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

Barely a month after getting married, our friends, Kit and Heather, packed up to move to New Zealand for Kit's job. To say goodbye and good luck, we celebrated with a themed party. What was the theme you ask? America, of course!

Captain America and Lady Liberty ready to say farewell!

How our friends interpret 'America'...L to R

Ummmm...a Native American...a Mexican American (proving his citizenship to Border Patrol - ha)

What's more American than...

All-American Barbie {grin}

We'll miss our friends dearly for the next 2 years but will enjoy following their adventures HERE.

My Lame Trip to Las Vegas

2011-12-15T11:33:00.002-06:00

This is my last post about Vegas, I promise! Because I was there for a work training, I didn't have much free time, but we were able to get out and see a play and walk around and people/casino watch. I only took a few pics, but I did want to share what I saw.

We stayed at The Venetian, and all the rooms there are suites. Way cool!

View from my room - I love the mountains in the background!

My room - cool, huh?

A living room too!

The Bellagio fountain show was really neat.

Yummy frozen hot chocolate!

I took a short video (30 seconds) of the fountain show.

So hopefully I can go back to Vegas someday and actually see and do more!

Review: The Lion King

2011-12-11T22:13:00.003-06:00

I mentioned briefly that I saw 'The Lion King' while in Vegas. I really can't express in words how amazing this play was! It definitely goes at the top of my list (although I still say 'Wicked' is #1 in my heart). I was just blown away by the costumes, the singing and the dancing. The story is, of course, almost identical to the Disney movie. There are a few extra songs, but other than that the story is the same. There were a few additional dances by the animals and one tribal song - all of which were awesome. At the beginning I had goosebumps, and I was crying by the end. If you ever have the chance to see it, GO!!!

Some awesome pics via google.

Can you believe those giraffes are people? Crazy, huh?

Semi Copout Post

2011-12-11T21:51:00.001-06:00

I actually have a lot of posts...in my head. And I just don't have time to post them. In my 'spare' time, I'm working, Christmas shopping, creating our Christmas card, not cleaning my disaster of a house... Blogging has just taken a backseat. But I promise I'll find a little bit of time and put together a bunch of posts. I'm actually really excited about several topics I have in mind! But what I was thinking about tonight as I worked on our Christmas card was just how much my little guy has changed this year. It's amazing how few pictures I have of the 3 of us together. I intend to remedy that in 2012! But when I was searching for pictures, I just kept staring at pictures of T. He was SUCH a baby a year ago! The first year of his life the changes were so drastic month-to-month. So I guess I haven't really noticed it as much in 2011. But wow! Looking back, he just looks so different to me. So while I don't write any real posts tonight (hence the title of the post), I will still share 2 pics to show what I mean.

January 2011 - so little!

November 2011

See what I mean?

Vegas in Bullets

2011-12-08T00:35:00.001-06:00

'The Lion King' was AH-MAZING! Can't wait to do a recap.
I lost $40 in 20 minutes. That was enough gambling.
Our training has actually been pretty interesting. Competition results will be in Thursday morning.
The Venetian Hotel is way nice and way big. All the rooms are suites.
I miss my boys.
I loved the Bellagio fountains!
Conference food is the same...even in Vegas.
Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate? The bomb! (Thanks Allison!)
People-watching rocks here.
I didn't take many pictures (after all I wasn't here for vacation), but I'll post what I have when I get home.
I still dislike cigarette smoke. I especially hate how I smell after walking through the casino.
I want to come back someday for a real vacation!
I'm ready to go home.

Book Club Review: Bag of Bones

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

We had our third book club meeting last week (our last with Kit and Heather, sob), and Rhonda's selection was Stephen King's Bag of Bones.

Summary: A widowed novelist with writer's block returns to his family's summer home where he becomes involved in a custody dispute, discovers that his house is haunted, and mysteriously regains his ability to write. (via my hometown library webpage)

Review: This was the 2nd time I read this book (first time being in college), and I enjoyed it both times. I didn't realize how much of the story I didn't remember from the first time, so it really wasn't like re-reading a book. If you like Stephen King, you'll like this book. I counted and have read 16 Stephen King books and 3 short stories/novellas. So I might be a little biased. {grin} In typical fashion, this book will give you the creeps. I don't like when people classify Stephen King as a 'horror' writer, because I don't find his books scary in that way. They are more subtle - I find myself looking around the empty room and wishing I wasn't reading the book alone...at night... Ha! Bottom line - very enjoyable!

Guest Post from The Blogivers

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hey readers!! Today is my first day in Vegas, and I have a treat for y'all! My very first guest blogger! I have 'known' Allison for maybe a year or so now (I started reading her blog after stumbling across it on another's friends blog roll), and I must say it's one of my favorites. Allison is so funny and sarcastic, yet a great mom, sister and friend that you can't help but love her! Random true story - Allison went to a shower a few months ago and didn't know the hostess. On the refrigerator was...a picture of Trent! Ha! Such a small world.

* * * * *

Greetings, Gurley Gurl readers! Allison from TheBlogivers here. I'm soexcited to be guest posting for Allena today and helping her cross one of herProject 52 goals off the list! Allena and I have never met in real life,but we have enough in common (we both went to Texas A&M, we are bothmommies to cute little boys, we both have names starting with A, and we areboth awesome... obviously) that I'm pretty sure we'd be good pals if we didmeet. And now that we have the intro out of the way, let's move on.

Since Allena is kickin' it in Vegas this week, today I'mgoing to talk about the ups and downs of traveling during this time of year. In general, I am a big fan of travel. This is ironic because forthe most part, I am a homebody who doesn't deal well with change and has a lackof appreciation for germ-infested, crowded places (read: airports and hotels). But because I am also a big believer that the monotony of everyday lifewill send you to an early grave if you don't take breaks from reality every nowand then, I love to get out of town. So when my husband surprised me withtickets to New York City a couple of years ago, I was ecstatic!

The trip was scheduled for mid-December and although it hasalways been a dream of mine to go to NYC at Christmas time, I was also a littlewary of a) the inevitable crowds that would await us at that time of year andb) possible bad weather. Thankfully for the most part, the trip wentswimmingly. We got to do all the fun things I had envisioned us doing...checking out the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, enjoying frozen hotchocolate at Serendipity, watching the Rockettes perform in the Radio CityChristmas Spectacular, taking in the view at Top of the Rock, going on acarriage ride through Central Park, and even scoring FREE front row tickets tothe Late Show with David Letterman!

Now, I could end the post here and pretend the trip wasperfect, but being the pessimist that I can so often be, I owe it to you all totell you about the down sides. First of all, it rained for the entiretyof our first day. It seriously started raining around 10am and didn'tstop once for the rest of the day. We were at first determined not to letthat hold us back, but after a failed trip to Battery Park to see the Statue ofLiberty (you could barely make her out in the haze), let's just say my attitude(and hair) started to suffer.

After a long subway trip back to the hotel to dry off and alittle pep talk from my husband, I was able to put on my big girl panties andget over it. And with that small exception, our time spent in New YorkCity really was perfect. And then it was time to go home...

We were scheduled to get back in town mid-afternoon the dayof our return, and I thought it was genius planning on our part. That waywe would have plenty of time to pick up our dog, unpack, and get settled backat home to ease ourselves back into reality. Well, Delta Airlines hadother plans! For reasons unknown to me, our first flight was delayed everso slightly, but just long enough to cause us to miss our connecting flight. And before I knew it, I was literally throwing a hissy fit in theairport, kicking the wall and muttering threats under my breath toward theunhelpful ticket agents who had just told us we were going to have to spend thenext 7 hours in the airport waiting for a different flight while my husbandtried desperately to shut me up for fear that we would both get arrested. And in case you think I am exaggerating the level of rage I was feelingthat afternoon, here is proof:

See those flared nostrils?! Those are a sign of trueanger. Obviously I made it through the Great Airport Delay of 2009 andlived to tell all of you about it today, but it was a close call. Andeven though it was a truly horrible end to our trip, I would have done it allover again. So if you are traveling during the holidays this year, I wishyou travels that are full of fun memories and free of pain-in-the-butt momentslike that. Happy trails and happy holidays to you all!

Vegas Baby!

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm going to Vegas, baby! It's for a work training...but still...I'm going to Vegas! This will be my first time to go to Vegas, and I'm pretty excited. It'll be the longest I've ever been away from Trent, but I'll be with several other mommies who will also be missing their babies, so I know I'll have support. A group of us already have tickets to see 'The Lion King'. Anybody have a fun Vegas memory or recommendation?

Viva, Las Vegas!

Project 52 Failure

2011-12-01T13:26:00.001-06:00

I haven't posted about Project 52 in a while because I have majorly failed at it. Here are the items that aren't done right now and if there's any chance I can get to them before the end of the year.

4. Save money to buy a Canon Rebel. - I will be able to buy this in January! Yay!
5. Take a photography class. - Can't do this until I have the camera, but I should be able to do in early 2012.
6. Get back to pre-baby body (or as close to it as possible). - Utter failure.
8. Run at least 1 5K. - Utter failure. Going to look around for what's happening in December.
11. Purge our house of excess clutter. - Not perfect at all, but I did quite a bit this fall.
12. Start Trent’s college fund. - Nope. Not yet, but I think I can do this in December.
13. Organize photos. - Nope!
14. Finally learn to sew (lessons from mother-in-law). - Nope!
17. Volunteer. - Nope!
18. Continue learning guitar (or more like re-start). - Nope!
20. Make more dinners for our family. - Nope!
21. Create a budget. - Nope!
22. Make a will. - Nope!
23. Visit the World of Harry Potter. - Nope!
24. Go on more dates with Brent. - Not great, but I'd say we have done more together.
26. Use my crock pot at least once a month. - Nope!
27. Less bad eating! - Nope!
28. Have a guest blogger (and someone who is not an IRL friend). - Going to ask a few people.
29. Get moving again. - Nope!
30. Eat like a vegetarian for a week (or at least a weekend). - Nope!
31. Cut back on Starbucks. - Nope!
42. Do something fun for our anniversary (October 16). - We had a great time at Sea World! HA!
47. Hang Christmas lights myself and get something for the yard (but NOT a blow-up decoration). - Brent (AKA Scrooge) says we can't afford new lights and anything in the yard. Bah Humbug. I'm still working on it!
50. Attend the Texas Book Festival with Allison. - Allison bailed on me, so she's paying this $5. :)
51. Go to at least 1 Aggie sporting event. - Nope!

Point of this story - some charity is going to make a lot of money off me, and I'm a total slacker.

Who's Your Babysitter?

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

My sister's birthday was Friday, and being the most fabulous sister that I am, I babysit Miles for her. Like he spent the night. With me. And Brent was gone. So I had both boys BY MYSELF. And we had a fantastic time!!!

We played outside.

We looked super adorable watching 'Bob the Builder', holding hands, and brushing our hair. Like seriously. Cutest.

We rode the tricycle. Naked or just in our undies.

We played in the baby swing. Naked or in our undies.

I was for sure exhausted when Miles went home, but my sister had a fabulous time, and I was so happy to have had Miles stay. I'd been scared to do it, but the boys were great!

Happy 60th Daddy!

2011-11-28T12:00:00.000-06:00

Today, my dad turns 60!!

He is a wonderful father to my sister and me.

And a great father-in-law to his 2 knucklehead son-in-laws.

Oh, and he's been an awesome husband to my mom for 36 years.

And a great Pops to his grandbabies.

He's a die-hard Aggie who often has a broken heart.

He loves to play golf and watch football, shows about economics, PTI, and the weather channel.

And he's handsome to boot, no?

Happy birthday, Daddy!

I hope you have a fabulous day and many, many more!!

A Tuna Christmas

2011-11-27T20:58:00.001-06:00

In July, when they adult Gurleys went to Grandbury, we saw 'Red, White and Tuna'. My mother-in-law searched and found that 'A Tuna Christmas' was playing at the Paramount theater in Austin. We rounded up most of the ladies in her family for a girls afternoon.

All the ladies!

First, the play was great! This was the original 2 guys who wrote the plays and have starred in them all. They are AMAZING! We laughed so much and really enjoyed ourselves. I hope to be able to see the other plays in the series. Afterwards, we ladies hit up Vivo. I may have overindulged in both sangria and Mexican food. {grin}

Me and my sister-in-law sure love sangria!

This was a great ending to the holiday weekend!

Trent Wanted to Say...

2011-11-24T07:43:00.001-06:00

Randoms

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

You guys know how I love to tell you random things AND use bullet points. So get ready!

Brent and I had a 'date night in'. We got Chili's to-go and watched 'Crazy, Stupid, Love'. I hoped he would like it as much as I did - I think he did!
I've been having a friendly debate with a friend over cow's milk vs. alternative milks. It's getting a little heated, but it's a lot of fun.
I have a physical next week. I'm nowhere near where I want to be and am pretty embarrassed about it. I have rescheduled this physical 3 times now but am just going to face the music. Boo.
We are really focusing on potty training with Trent while we're off work for Thanksgiving. He's SOOO close, I'm hoping we can get there in the next week. Saturday he peed in both Target and Home Depot, but I have confidence. We'll see if I feel the same way in a few days. {grin}
I have a few new blogs I've been reading lately yet can't commit to adding them to my sidebar. How silly is that?
Hopefully seeing 'Breaking Dawn' this weekend with a few girlfriends!!
Am tired but know I had more to talk about. Oh well! Goodnight!
Anything random you want to share?

The Jaws of Life

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Everything is a tool to Trent.

Everything.

Including my salad tongs.

He calls them the 'Jaws of Life'.

He's a hoot.

Picking up an egg with Jaws.

And transporting his egg.

What an imagination!

What does he not use Jaws for?

'Cooking' salad. Ha!

Daydreaming

2011-11-21T10:25:00.000-06:00

I remember being a little girl and wishing I were a princess. Or rich. Or famous. These days though?

I dream of the day...I have a cleaning lady again.

I can't wait until...I don't have to work at night.

I wish...healthy, nutritious {and} yummy meals were on our table every evening (and I didn't have to make them).

I long for...my child to sleep in just once. {And that I could too.}

I want...my BFF to not live so far away.

I look forward to...days when work doesn't keep me away from my guys.

I am so excited about some time off this week! And I can focus on my daydreams.

I'm a Classy Lady

2011-11-18T11:01:00.001-06:00

I had several meetings for one of my clients yesterday...in Odessa. I left the house at 5:27 AM and got home at 10:47 PM. It was a LONG day. Somehow, though, on my return flight (well, 1 piece of it), I ended up in FIRST CLASS! It was my first time in first class, and even though it was barely an hour, it was fantastic.

Did you know in First Class, you get a fresh, packaged blanket?

Did you know in First Class, your drinks are served in real glasses?

Did you know in First Class, the seats recline more in their 'upright position' than in Coach? And they're WAY roomier too?

Yeah, I didn't either...until last night! What a way to end the craziness that has been this week! {grin}

Same Time of Year

2011-11-16T09:39:00.001-06:00

It's one of my busier times at work right now. I don't have any time to blog, so if you want to know how I feel, check out this post from last year.

I miss my peeps.

This group of pictures make me laugh because it's boys being girls. {grin} Can you see what I mean? (and guess what they're doing?)

South Pacific

2011-11-14T12:27:00.001-06:00

Last night was our 2nd Broadway Across America show of this season. It was Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific. I honestly knew little to nothing about this production other than 'I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta My Hair' - please tell me you know that song and it's not just me??

A short snipit from Wikipedia about the play: South Pacific is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. The story draws from James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1947 book Tales of the South Pacific, weaving together characters and elements from several of its stories into a single plotline about an American nurse at a U.S. Naval base, during World War II, who falls in love with an expatriate French plantation owner with a dark past. The issue of racial prejudice is sensitively and candidly explored in several plot threads, including the struggle of the lead character to accept the mixed-race children of her lover.

I thought the play was really good (although I got a little tired of the songs, there were A LOT). And it was fun to see a play I had never seen and didn't know the plot. I may be a dork, but it's fun adding to my list of plays I've seen.

In the next 5 weeks, I'll see A Tuna Christmas, The Lion King (in Vegas baby - thanks work for sending me to a training there), and Beauty and the Beast. Super excited!!

Success!

2011-11-12T21:21:00.001-06:00

Remember this traumatic day? Well, we found a new haircut place that Trent loved! He got to drive a fire truck during his haircut and we avoided the clippers the whole haircut. This is probably a silly post to most people, but I was sick to my stomach on the way, so the fact that my baby wasn't screaming bloody murder for 20 minutes was wonderful! Yay!

We also went to Target today and went sans diaper!! I think we're on the home stretch of potty training. I am going to try his new Thomas the Train underwear at church tomorrow - wish us luck! We might spend all of mass in the bathroom, but I'm going to try. {grin}

Holiday Spirit

2011-11-09T09:07:00.002-06:00

I love this time of year. I love the smells (pumpkin, spices, evergreen...), sights (Christmas lights make me giddy), sounds (I confess I've already been listening to my Christmas Pandora station)...I just love it all! I don't have much in the way of Halloween or Thanksgiving decorations, but I do put out what I have. I always intend to buy more...and don't. Maybe this year? But I did want to show off what little I put out for Thanksgiving.

Entryway table (T painted the pumpkin in the corner at school...I <3 it!)

Another view

What is your favorite part of the holiday season?

Kit and Heather 11.5.11

2011-11-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

Some friends of ours, Kit and Heather, got married on Saturday. Their wedding might be one of the best I've ever attended. They are such a fun couple, and the wedding/reception really reflected them perfectly!

Some of the great decor

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins

You know this girl feels about cake.

Some dancing...

I loved their first dance - 'Home' by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero.

The lyrics were perfect as they are about to move to New Zealand!

Home, let me come home

Home is wherever I'm with you

Oh yes, home, I am home

Home is when I'm alone with you

There's also a little 'Teach Me How to Dougie' in there. {grin}

Can't be a wedding of our friends without some Aggie War Hymn time!

Whoop!

Book club!!! {If you can't tell, we're pretending to read books. Duh.}

End of the night sillies.

Don't ask me what my face is supposed to be. I look grumpy!

Overall a great night and wonderful time celebrating 2 great people who make an amazing couple! We love you guys!! The only downer is one of our friends took all the couples pictures on HIS camera...so I have none of me and my sweets. But trust me, he looked fabulous. Hopefully I'll get them someday!

First Time Shaving

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

I know he's a little young.

But it was time.

This little guy just needed to shave like daddy.

Holding Hands

2011-11-04T13:16:00.000-05:00

I had an overwhelming number of guesses as to what the boys were doing [insert sarcastic laugh]. But the boys were in fact holding hands. And I have died again from their utter cuteness.

Guess

2011-11-03T10:27:00.002-05:00

Are they holding hands?

Is Trent holding Miles hostage?

What do you think?

Meal Prep: A Community Affair

2011-11-02T10:52:00.002-05:00

Alternatively Titled: An Easy Recipe for a Picky Toddler

I got up early this morning to make dinner (sounds weird, huh?) because Trent spent the night with his Nana and Papa last night. As I've discussed many times, Trent is a picky eater. So I have to work to sneak good stuff in his meals. So let's dissect tonight's dinner, shall we?

I posted a few months ago about my first meeting with 'my' homeopath. I naively thought I could switch {somewhat} Trent to a dairy-free, gluten-free diet with ease. HA! A friend, Jaclyn (hi Jaclyn!), sent me a link to a friend of hers who has an autistic son therefore requiring a special diet.

I sent the link to my co-worker and fellow hippie mama, Jenna, who is also a little nuts about her son. (And of course I mean that in the best possible way) Jenna was trying recipes left and right and having great success with her son loving them. I tried one, and it was a hit with Trent and me!

I don't want to take credit for this recipe in any way, so here's the link with tons of pictures.

Lamb and Zucchini Meatballs

2# ground lamb (except I have only used ground beef and it's awesome)

3 zucchini

Salt, pepper, oregano

Peel and cut up zucchini

Use a food processor or immersion blender to puree zucchini

But wait! I don't have a food processor or immersion blender. Another friend, Emily, recommended one when making smoothies for her son, Wyatt. So off to BB&B I went to purchase this same hand mixer.

Mix together zucchini puree, ground meat and seasoning to taste.

Mash into small-ish meatballs (ends up making around 20) and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. You can put a little olive oil on them if you want.

When they're done, lay on a paper town to drain. Eat now or freeze! I usually keep half in the fridge for immediate eating but also put some in the freezer and just take out the night before to pop into Trent's lunch for school.

So moral of this story - blogging is awesome. And I'm a sneaky mom who will do just about anything to get my kid to eat his veggies.

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-31T21:32:00.002-05:00

Last Halloween, I pretty much stunk it up as a mommy. I vowed to do better this year, and I'd say I {mostly} did. Trent and Miles dressed up as the Biscuit Brothers (and Blair was their sister, Buttermilk). We met up with some friends who have a little girl, Kinsey, that is in between Miles and Trent in age. And this was our FIRST time to trick-or-treat!!

**Warning - picture overload to follow.**

Eating dinner - Trent ate approximately 2 bites of his cornbread. Sigh.

I fed Baby Girl and hung out with her for a bit.

Uncle David is so silly

Posing for pictures...but wait! We're missing a Biscuit Brother!

Oh...there he is! Having a tantrum over Miles' guitar!!

Crummy picture quality but such a memory.

Performing for his captive audience

It's Buttermilk!

Our first house! And T's got the guitar. We're all happy again.

I mean seriously. He's totally worth all the fits!

I was so amazed because they totally understood what to do, weren't afraid of the adults and couldn't get enough candy!

Little hoodlums beating up a ghosty.

Trolling for candy.

SO easily distracted...they were 'opening' the fire hydrant.

And that was our night!! Whew. We were only out on the street about 30-45 minutes and it was exhausting. Brent has been sick the past 2 days, so we are avoiding him like the plague, and it was definitely tough to wrangle a 2 year old hyped up on sugar but so fun!! Glad we've got a year to recover!

One thing I want to remember is Trent walking around with his hands in his pocket telling me everything that was in them (nothing was actually there): "I've got keys and lipstick and a wallet in my pockets!!" Love this kid!

Yum...or Not

2011-10-28T14:23:00.000-05:00

I feel like I spend a lot of my day negotiating meals with a toddler. This kid of mine wants to eat carbs. Goldfish, crackers, cheerios, bread are all staples in his diet. Yes, I pretty much gave up going gluten free. I try to provide him healthy meals and encourage him to eat them. Want proof?

Scrambled eggs (cage free chickens),

sliced turkey (preservative free),

string cheese (the little bit of dairy he gets),

carrots and blueberries.

He informed me that I needed to eat the carrots and blueberries.

He threw 1 piece of turkey on the floor.

He took 1 bite of the cheese.

He DID eat most of the eggs.

Then he was all done. Until he spied a bag of goldfish. Sigh.

Baby Legs

2011-10-26T21:10:00.000-05:00

The other day, Brent was getting ready for work. He put on his socks before he put on his pants, and Trent was fascinated with Daddy's big socks. A few days later, he asked where Daddy's big socks had gone. Brent pulled out a pair of his dress socks from his sock drawer, and Trent wanted to wear them.

Wearing Daddy's big socks...or are they leg warmers?

Taking his new socks and shoes for a stroll around the house.

Book Review: Invisible Monsters

2011-10-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

Our 2nd book club selection was Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk.

Synopsis: Meet the protagonist of this high stakes tale of a high fashion model. She’s got everything: a great career, a boyfriend, a loyal best friend. But a terrible accident leaves this beauty a hideous monster with only half a face! In fact, no one will even acknowledge she’s alive until she meets Brandy Alexander, Queen Supreme, who’s one operation away from being a woman. She teaches her how to reinvent herself into something better and how to get revenge on her two-timing ex-boyfriend and back-stabbing best friend in Chuck Palahniuk’s Invisible Monsters. {via}

Review: I realized that I like/love every book I review on my blog. And duh I pick books that are in my genre. I like happy fiction - romances, chick lit, YA...not surprising if you've followed my blog for awhile. This book? Ugh. I hated it. I hated the characters - I really thought they were all disgusting people with zero redeeming qualities. BUT one of our friends made a very good point. I had a strong reaction to this book, which would probably make the author happier than if I'd been indifferent. But yeah, NOT going on my top 10 list! The book did give us a lot to think about and the discussion was great. So I guess another {small} point for the book. Ha!

So back to YA and chick lit I go. {grin}

Fall TV

2011-10-24T09:53:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine is really hurting today. Stop by and send her some love if you don't mind. My heart is very heavy for her, so I thought I would try and keep things light. And what's lighter than talking about the new shows I'm loving this fall! As if I didn't watch enough TV, I have fallen in love with 3 of the new ones.

New Girl - Jess gets cheated on by her boyfriend and moves in with 3 guys she met on the internet.

Zooey Deschanel is so awkward it's funny. I find myself chuckling a lot during the show. Not quite 'Modern Family' funny, but I love it! I see her and one of the roommates falling in love, but I guess only time will tell.

Once Upon a Time - All the fairytales we grew up reading are true and the characters (think Snow White) are stuck in modern day Maine with no memory of who they really are.

This show only premiered last night, and I LOVE it! I am such a fairy tale kind of girl, that this is right up my alley.

Pan Am - This show focuses on the pilots and stewardesses (beginning in 1963) on the iconic airline Pan American World Airways.

I like this one the least of the new shows I'm watching, but it's still fun. I love all the fashion of the '60s and so far find it fun!

What else should I be watching?

The D-Word

2011-10-20T21:43:00.000-05:00

I have that kid. You know the one I'm talking about. The one who pitches a fit and hits his mom in the face and pushes his cousin for no reason. I don't want to be that mom. You know the one I'm talking about. The one who begs her child to behave and bribes them or just gives in to end the tantrum. Sometimes it feels like a losing battle.

Discipline - training to act in accordance with rules; punishment inflicted by way of correction and training

We had a phenomenal time in San Antonio, but I spanked Trent so many times my hand hurt. Sometimes it feels like a losing battle.

Today he had a 15 MINUTE timeout because he couldn't calm down when he was upset. He was back to beating his head off his bed. Sometimes it feels like a losing battle.

Last weekend as I took him out of church, he said {loudly} 'Don't spank me Mama'. {I didn't. We just had a 'chat'. Later I did pinch him though.} Sometimes it feels like a losing battle.

Brent and I look at each other and have no idea if we're disciplining him 'right'. Should we keep spanking him? Is it even effective? Do timeouts work better? Sometimes it feels like a losing battle.

But you know what? Sometimes it might feel like a losing battle, but I vow we will win this war!

All Good Things...

2011-10-18T22:24:00.000-05:00

We got back today from a short vacation.

Sunday-Tuesday with my sister, our cousin and their families.

We laughed, we played, we gave out lots of spankings (okay just me to my strong-willed son), we saw Shamu.

Good times were had by all.

Need proof? My tired peanut.

Lots of pictures and stories to share.

But right now, that pillow is calling my name.

Book Review: Matched

2011-10-17T10:00:00.002-05:00

It is a little bit scary how much I <3 YA (young adult) books. But it seems like a few of you do too, so I have a new read for you!

Matched by Ally Condie

Synopsis: For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the man she will marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the "burden" of choice. When Cassia's best friend is identified as her ideal marriage Match it confirms her belief that Society knows best, until she plugs in her Match microchip and a different boy’s face flashes on the screen. This improbable mistake sets Cassia on a dangerous path to the unthinkable--rebelling against the predetermined life Society has in store for her. {via}

Review: I know, I know...another dystopian society book. That is going to be a trilogy. And where the book rights have already been sold to be made into a movie. BUT...there's a reason this formula is still around...it's another great book! I didn't like it as much as I liked Divergent, but I did enjoy it a lot. It's not quite as exciting or fast paced, but this book seemed to be the lead-up to more excitiment in the next book. What I'm super excited about is the second book comes out November 1, so in just a few weeks, we can all read Crossed, too! Enjoy, all my YA lovin' peeps!

Lucky No. 7

2011-10-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today marks 7 years of marriage with my sweet.

I wanted to take a minute to share with the world why the past 7 years have been so darn lucky for me and what makes Brent so great. He doesn't get mentioned much on this old blog, but trust me, he's pretty awesome!

He makes good arm candy.

He treats our son wonderfully.

He's funny and is always trying to make me laugh.

He is good to family (his and mine).

He respects his friends.

Here's to many more...maybe 77 more?

I love you, honey!!!

Poor, Neglected 2nd Child

2011-10-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

Blair's newborn pictures finally happened...when Blair was 6 months old.

The adorable newborn hat I bought her? Too small.

Luckily she's still stinkin' cute.

And how cute is this?

Posed just the same both at 6 months old.

Couldn't you just bite those fat rolls? No? Just me? My bad. {grin}

I Love You Jonny Bowden

2011-10-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

I feel like I wait until there's a problem that I have to rely on someone else to solve to start doing research myself. I mean this mainly toward parenting. I trust our pediatrician a lot. And I started to wonder if maybe I was relying on her too much. I want to be a smart mommy. I want to make decisions for my child(ren) and my family that are based on professional opinion AND my own knowledge. So I bought a book on vaccines (still on the fence on that topic - ha), I went to several homeopathic seminars, I bought some books about healthy eating and natural cures. I finally finished one of the books (natural cures) and am well into the second. And I am very psyched. I feel like I've learned so much just about general well-being and why certain things are good for me. And with that, I give you Jonny Bowden, my new guru.

My man, Jonny, knows his shizz. And presents in a way that is interesting and makes sense. He talks so much about why things are good for you and what they actually do for your body. He has several other books that I want to read - I'll be totally honest that these books are very informative but I can't read 50 pages at a time. It is pretty dry material, although I can't stress enough that it is VERY interesting. He has a chapter in the natural cures book called 'Desert Island Cures' and it's the 6 vitamins/supplements he'd want on a...desert island. I take 3 of them already (thanks homeopath Kaya). {grin}

I'm not trying to be preachy here, but I feel like doctors know conventional medicine (i.e. prescription drugs) but those a lot of times aren't the best thing for you. And you can't fault a doctor for not knowing all the pharmaceuticals out there AND all the vitamins and natural supplements that can be better for you. Now I feel a lot smarter! {grin}

Macey and Brinley's Birthday Party

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

So originally I was going to put these pictures in my weekend recap. But there were too many amazing pictures taken by the girls loving Aunt Dez. Rhonda did a fabulous job with the decorations, the cakes, dinner, everything.

Brinley - 1!!!

Macey - 4!!!

The cakes - I think our classes paid off, huh?

Cake!! I think the picture of Brinley on the bottom row is gorgeous!

Trent chowing down -

he handed me a plate when we got there and said 'Put some cake on it.'

Look at all the precious kiddos eating cake

Look at my precious boy's little piggies -

I love that my hubby isn't one of those macho guys -

he was laughing with the rest of us at how adorable Trent looked!

And I loved that he put the shoes on himself.

And I loved that he wanted to push that baby around forever.

Easy Crockpot Recipe!

2011-10-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

My co-worker, Jenna, shared an easy crockpot recipe with me. You guys know I'm all about easy and fast when it comes to making dinner for our family.

Ingredients:
-Pork tenderloin filets
-1 can cream of chicken
-Salt and pepper

1. Salt and pepper pork, place in crockpot
2. Cover w/ cream of chicken
3. Cook on low 6-8 hours
THAT'S IT!

We ate over brown rice, and it was DELICIOUS. Trent loved it too!

I've been perusing Crock Pot Girls on Facebook and wrote down a bunch of crockpot recipes, so stay tuned - I'll probably be sharing a lot more!

Busy Weekend Recap

2011-10-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

We had a fun and busy weekend! Friday night, Brent and I had a date to Iron Cactus!! So nice to just spend time connecting with my hubby. Life gets in the way sometimes. {grin} Trent spent the night with Babs and Pops and had a great time too!

Making coffee with Pops

Babs, Aunt Patty, Miles, Blair, Trent and I went to the Pumpkin Patch. This is definitely turning into an annual tradition for us. The boys were in HEAVEN. I think we really could have stayed there all day!

Good times!

Saturday, after naptime (which was MUCH needed) it was Macey and Brinley's birthday party!! I'm going to save the party for its own post because Rhonda did such an amazing job with the party and especially the cakes!

Yesterday was church and I spent some time at the outlet mall. My work wardrobe is looking a little scrubby, so it was definitely time to revamp. I hit up a great sale and got GREAT stuff.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

He's SO Fashion Forward

2011-10-07T07:00:00.002-05:00

Pink flower knit hats - not just for girls anymore.

Pup-pups though (his pacifier)? Only for him!

Baby Girl Price

2011-10-06T09:47:00.000-05:00

Allison's baby is here!! Look at this beautiful baby girl. I mean seriously.

Baby Brinley was born yesterday weighing a whopping 9 pounds.

But doesn't that just make her cheeks that much more squeezable?

Love her already.

Holy Cow - Baby Girl is SIX Months Old!

2011-10-04T13:32:00.000-05:00

My favorite niece has been here for 6 months. The time has flown by! She is definitely lower maintenance than her brother but has the shortest temper. Until recently if you weren't her mama...don't even look her way. But lately? Oh me, oh my! She lets me hold her and kiss her and squeeze her and tickle her and love her...she is just SUCH a joy! The theme for her first birthday party has already been decided, and even though I don't want her to grow up, I can't wait for her party! It has been so fun to have some pink sass mixed with our masculine brood!

The Many Faces of Ms. Blair

Weekend Ramblings

2011-10-02T14:43:00.000-05:00

I did it - I joined Twitter!! If you tweet, let me know your name so I can follow you. I'm 'aggieallena'. Although I'm not sure I want that name after this weekend...and last. {grin} 'agurleygurl' was already taken. Explain that one to me.
Trent fell asleep in the car on the way home from church - he NEVER falls asleep in the car. Result? He's been in his bed for over an hour and hasn't gone to sleep. I've taken video of him through the monitor though of him singing 'Big Girs Don't Cry'. Love that kid.
Patty and I took the kids to Kiddie Acres on Friday. Miles calls it 'tittie' - hilarious. We also went to have ice cream with Aunt Patty and Blair because...MOM OVERSHARE...Trent went #2 in his potty!!!
Is anyone watching Glee this season? So far...I'm underwhelmed and it's my FAVE show. WHERE is Finn? I really need some Finchel love!
Don't tell Brent...but I'm starting to get baby fever...
I have some ADORABLE pics of Ms. Blair to share soon. Maybe that's causing the baby fever? That girl used to hate anyone who wasn't her mama. Now I get to hold her all the time. And boy can I make her chuckle. And can I tell you she is SO chubbs. Like WHOA chubbs. Can't wait for her SIX month stats.
Trent is finally asleep - after adding about 20 stuffed animals to his crib.
I think I am almost able to afford the fancy camera I want...yay!
I'm hoping for a BIG October for Project 52, I'm slacking big time...

Stop Laughing

2011-09-29T21:55:00.000-05:00

Trent was really tired. I was trying to get him to eat dinner...unsuccessfully.

He asked to watch a video, I said no. His little face crumpled. I started laughing. He couldn't decide whether that was funny or not.

To translate:

Don't laugh at me. x2 {with a giggle in between}

Stop it.

I said stop.

Stop laugh.

Don't laugh at me. x2

Lots of laughing.

I would say I'm a terrible mother, but I just can't stop laughing.

Cake Decorating Class - Part 3

2011-09-27T21:08:00.000-05:00

I'm a little behind on posting this, but Rhonda and I had our last cake decorating class. In this class we did a hodge-podge of things with the culmination being decorating a cake!!

Practicing our writing

Making roses...or not. I never got a good one. Rhonda had some really good ones, and we both cracked up over hers that fell over. Ha!

Some other cakes produced in class - pretty!

My cake (on top) and Rhonda's (on bottom) - so proud of us!!

Rhonda will be making her girls' birthday cakes in the next few weeks, and I have already volunteered to make cakes for Miles and Blair. Rhonda and I both really enjoyed the class. {grin}

Review: Rain A Tribute to the Beatles

2011-09-26T08:22:00.000-05:00

It's been a few years since I got tickets to Broadway Across America. My mother-in-law and I and a few friends got tickets this year. Last night was our first show, Rain A Tribute to the Beatles.

It was WONDERFUL! I think last night was the last show in this tour in Austin, but if you like The Beatles, you really should make an effort to see the show. It wasn't a play, it was a concert with the cast members in character as The Beatles the entire time. They also showed footage from the 60s and Beatles concerts. I really had a great time and think this season is going to be awesome!!

Suck Up

2011-09-23T14:01:00.000-05:00

This little girl definitely knows who will be her BFF when she grows up. I have already promised to take her to pierce her ears and to keep all her secrets. Just don't tell her I also promised her momma I'd tell her anything she needed to know. {grin}

Movie Review: Sarah's Key

2011-09-21T22:00:00.000-05:00

Allison and I went and saw 'Sarah's Key' on Sunday. It might be our last movie before Baby Girl Price arrives...so exciting!

Synopsis: In modern-day Paris, a journalist (Kristen Scott Thomas) finds her life becoming entwined with a young girl whose family was torn apart during the notorious Vel' d'Hiv Roundup in 1942.

Review: Allison and I both thought the movie was REALLY good. I cried a little but not nearly as much as I thought I would. The part I was dreading (if you know the story, you know what I'm talking about) was bad but not as sad as the book so that was a relief. There were a few inconsistencies from the book but none that bothered me too much. Allison and i both interpreted the ending of the book differently from the movie and liked our own book ending better. {grin} Overall, I thought it was a very good movie. I (of course) liked the book better!

Emmys 2011 Fashion Rewind Gurley Gurl Style

2011-09-20T06:00:00.003-05:00

I'm definitely in need of a light-hearted post after the ball of stress that has been our household lately. So fasten your seatbelt and get ready...this is a long one! {grin}

I really feel like I saw very few dresses that I LOVED this year. A lot that were just okay. But only a few that I truly didn't like.

Eh Part 1

Zooey Deschanel - looks like a Barbie birthday cake or something

Katie Holmes - simple dress that is okay but the hair is awful

Taraji P. Henson - her dress did NOT fit, she had taco overhang at the top. Ugh.

Kristen Wiig - that color looks BAD

Kathy Griffin - is it just me or does she always look like she's got on a bad prom dress?

Eh Part 2

Julianne Marguiles - I hated this look. Messy hair and a body brace?

Rashida Jones - she looks pretty but not one of my favorites.

Heather Morris - one of many Glee stars who got it wrong!

Jayma Mays - another Glee mishap - the color washes her out, the layers show a lack of curves.

Elizabeth Moss - just so-so

Eh Part 3

Paula Abdul - on anybody else I'd say terrible, but it's such an improvement

Padma Lakshmi - for as beautiful as she is, I'm not impressed

Diana Agron - Glee girls - what is wrong with y'all? This looks AWFUL!

Christina Hendricks - her body is insane but she dresses wrong so often!

Kaley Cuoco - hot mess

Amber Riley - I honestly dont' know what I think of this dress. Maybe it just doesn't fit her right?

Finally some dresses I like!

Naya Rivera - the detailing was really beautiful

Minka Kelly - very unique, at first I wasn't crazy about it but it's grown on me. Not my favorite but still very pretty.

Melissa McCarthy - she has a tough body to dress, but I thought she pulled it off.

Martha Plimpton - thought this dress fit her like a glove and was beautiful

Julie Bowen - she needs to eat but the dress is very gorgeous

Jane Lynch - she looks amazing!

And just because I think this is funny -

how much does Claire Daines look like a repeat of last year??

This year is on the left, in case you couldn't tell!

Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Stiles, Maria Bello and Ellie Kemper

I think these all look lovely, like really, really pretty!

Lots of red!

I LOVED Sofia Vergara and Nina Dobrev!

Lea Michele would have looked better with her hair up.

Kerry Washington looks hot!

Kate Winslet looks great, but the dress is a little simple.

Couples Gone Wrong

The Good, the Okay and the Ugly

Gwenyth = the Ugly - any dress that makes her have a muffin top is WRONG

Kelly = the Good, HOT, HOT, HOT

Evan Rachel = the Okay

Best Dressed!

Cobie Smuthers -

I loved the color, I loved how it fit, I thought she looked AMAZING!

Worst Dressed

Paz de la Huerta

The hair, the skin color, the dress - I might have nightmares!

So there you have it! The first award show.

What did you think??