ridiculous

This outfit is too funny. I just couldn't help myself!

My Favs

These are a few of my current favorite things.

1. Swimming is my summertime favorite thing to do. This summer we have definitely gotten our fill of summertime swimming. If only I had this in my backyard... I probably would never do anything else but swim all day, every day.... Now, that, would be the life!

2. Another summertime favorite is pedicures. Somehow, my toenails never look good if I paint them myself. Every once in a while, I'll treat myself to a pedicure... and it is always worth it. They are truly wonderful!

3. Now that summer is coming to a close, and fall is quickly approaching, College Football is almost here. Football season is most definitely one of my favorite things. Hubby and I thoroughly enjoy spending our Saturdays watching the games. Hubby probably feels this way about any sport, but since college football is the only one that I am passionate about, it's nice to have one that we can enjoy together. This is Timmy T's last year as a Gator, and he will be greatly missed. I'm hoping for nothing less than an undefeated season (something the Gators have not yet accomplished), a 4th National Championship, and a 2nd Heisman for Tim.

4. Don't worry... I do not own this onesie, nor do I plan on buying it for Allie (although.... I can't deny that if it were given to me... I probably would not just let it go to waste!) =) I don't think I've ever written about Twilight on here, but I'm sure that most of you already know of my love for it. I was first introduced to the Twilight story last December, when we went to see the movie with some friends. Since then, I've read all of the books (including the unpublished Midnight Sun) .... TWICE. Pathetic, yes, but for those of you who have yet to enter the Twilight world, don't judge. I am counting down the days until the midnight showing of New Moon! That's right, Steph and I (and anyone else who wants to join us!) will be right there with all the teenie boppers, and loving it just as much (although, I can assure you, we won't be screaming about being in love with the actors like I'm sure many of them will be...)

By the way...

I've been meaning to say that I just had my hair done (highlighted and cut) by my friend, Monica, who just recently started doing hair. She works at Gould's Exchange, which is a discount hair salon. Stylists who want to work at Gould's must first work here to get experience and learn things the "Gould's way". The good news is that it is less than half the price that Gould's charges! I think their price for a haircut is only $15!

The family pic in the post below shows my new do. For those of you wanting a quality stylist for an awesome price, go visit Monica at Gould's Exchange and tell her I sent you!

Success!

Some situations stress me out to the max. This is something I don't really like about myself and am trying to change. For the most part, I am calm and easy going about things, but if I've got a lot on my plate and not enough time to get it all done, etc., I've been known to freak out a little bit (my wedding day, for example!)

Knowing this, I asked my mom to come along with me to get Allie's pictures taken yesterday. It just seemed that this could be a potentially stressful situation if things didn't go as planned. Well, I'm glad to say that the experience wasn't stressful at all! In fact, the photographer even said that Allie was the best 3 month old he had ever photographed! (I probably should mention that he was only 18, so I guess Allie very well could have been the only 3 month old he'd ever photographed, but I was excited all the same!) The pics look like they will be very cute, but I failed to buy the electronic add on, allowing me to share them with you, so you will just have to take my word for it! =)

Instead, I've included a few pictures from Gran's (Eric's grandmother) birthday party. Enjoy!


Happy Birthday, Gran!

Finally

Finally, I'm updating my blog. But more importantly, FINALLY, I'm going to take Allie to get her pictures taken today!! I have a very strange mix of procrastination and "not stopping until I get every last detail done" in me. Perhaps I have a dual personality, because these are from the opposite ends of the spectrum, I know. Sometimes I think I procrastinate with things I don't really care about... not so fun school projects, laundry, etc. However, I've come to realize I procrastinate sometimes just as much with things that are very important to me. For instance, before Allie was born, I searched for hours to find the Perfect birth announcement. I was so excited about ordering these and sending them to everyone. I had planned it all out. I'd send them to friends, family, and I'd even send one to each bank branch so they'd get a little peak at Allie. Well, 3 months is here, and at this point, it'd be just plain embarrassing to send out birth announcements. How did I let that happen? I'm a procrastinator.

Another example on the total opposite end: When we moved in our house on a Friday afternoon, my goal was to get EVERYTHING done (not just boxes unpacked... I'm talking pictures hung, everything in its place, etc.) by Sunday before I had to go back to work. My goal was accomplished. Why? Because sometimes I have something on my mind, and I can't think of anything else until I get it done!

Right now it's been my a craft fair that we're having at my mom's house in October that has been all-consuming. I've been plotting, planning, and crafting. This has left little time for blogging this past week, because, honestly, I haven't been inspired to blog about anything other than the craft fair. It is too early for that, but, trust me, more information will be coming soon. So, be excited!

Now, I realize this post has been all over the place, but the point of it is to say I still have not gotten Allie's pictures taken, and she is 3 months old! Again, it's not that this isn't important to me, but somehow, I keep putting it off. I decided I'd go ahead and do it. I'm a little nervous to see how they'll turn out, because, afterall, you can't exactly predict how a 3 month old will act at any given time. We'll see... but in the meantime, I think I'll keep my expectations low, just in case!

A Crafty Creation

This project was inspired by a "mood magnet" that we used to play with at work! For those of you who haven't heard of a mood magnet, the idea is simple. Usually there is a magnet full of cartoon faces with different expressions and a matching mood. You can change the magnet to reflect whatever mood you are in that day.

I decided that it would be fun to make a mood magnet with different facial expressions of Allie's that I've caught on camera. Now Eric and I can have our very own mood magnet to play with at home! I also made one for Jannie & Smokey and Mimi & Pops to have for their refrigerators

Here is the finished product:

Here is a close-up of the "wheel" that you can spin around to change your mood:

Here is a close-up of all of the moods before the wheel was put on:

(The moods are Excited, Pooped, Bored, Angry, Happy, In Love, Stuffed, & Gloomy)

What do you think?

And the winner is...

True Random Number Generator Result: 15
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The 15th comment is from Karlye! Thanks for all the great verse ideas! =)

Thank you so much to everyone for all your help! I think that we may sell these for $4 each, and if you buy 3, you get one free (making them $3 each). If any of you who commented want to buy some, then I will sell them to you for $3 each regardless of how many you get. I'll custom make them with the verses of your choice, if you like!

Thanks, everyone, for all the great verse ideas. Be sure to check back, because there will be another giveaway sometime in the next month. It will be a very good one!

It's Friday - How About a FREE Giveaway?

Okay, I need your help. I think that mom and I may try to sell these at the Faith Baptist Christmas Craft Fair. They are laminated magnets and are 6X6". We are going to do different papers and verses, and even do some Christmas themed ones. I am thinking that people could buy these for an inexpensive gift to give people that they wouldn't normally spend a lot of money on for Christmas - or for stocking stuffers, etc.

Would you like to win one? Here's how:

1. Leave a comment suggesting how much we should sell these for. I was initially thinking somewhere in the ballpark of $5. Please honestly let me know what you think people would be willing to pay for these.

2. Leave a comment suggesting a Bible verse to use - something that you would want on your refrigerator as a constant reminder, etc. You can leave a separate comment with suggestions as many times as you like for this one - each one will give you a chance to win. Please type out the entire verse - not just the reference!

3. Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment letting me know that you have done so! If you're already a follower, just leave a comment letting me know you already are.

Each comment will give you a chance to win. Just be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. You must enter between now and Sunday at midnight. I will choose the winner on Monday morning by using Random.org to generate a number. Be sure to check back Monday when the winner will be revealed!!

It's coming...

Only three more weeks until Gator Football!! We are counting down the days!

Happy Girl

Allie is all smiles in the mornings. We have a lot of fun! Too bad she's not quite as happy each night when daddy gets home! She's getting better though! At least now, she's pleasant and doesn't start screaming just in time for him to walk in the door like she was doing for a few weeks!

Brain Squeezers

AKA: Baby Headbands

I know there are vastly differing opinions about baby headbands. Some people are disgusted by them (like the ones who affectionately refer to them as brain squeezers - and, no, I did not come up with this name), while some don't let their little ones leave the house without one. I realize that there are people from my "readership" in both of these categories (I'm sure there are also those in the "I couldn't care less" category). I think that I am placing myself in the undecided category. I've seen some that are cute, and I've seen some that are hideous not so cute.

Poor little Allie has so many cute hair bows, but no hair to put them in! Should I just leave it alone? Or should I try to adorn her empty head with one of these popular and trendy headbands?

Some, I'll readily admit are a little too over the top for my taste. I've tried a few simple ones on little one at home, and just when I was thinking she looked cute, and was almost ready to bravely let her sport one outside of the house, Eric made fun of it. He thinks they look goofy on her bald little head. It's hard to say, since she's just so stinkin' cute no matter what she has on!

After much deliberation, I think I may have found the solution to my dilemma. I have seen these cute hats all over and finally tried one on Allie the other day. I think this looks adorable, and Eric doesn't think it's too goofy! I think we may have a winner!

What are your thoughts?

Oh Paula...

Oh, Paula, how could you decide to go?
Will Idol ever be the same; who can know?
We'll miss your crazy comments that don't make a lick of sense.
And the way you calm things down when they get a little tense.

We'll miss the way you always keep us guessing
If too many prescription meds you are possessing.
We'll miss how you look like a walrus when you clap,
And the way you always look like you could really use a nap.

We'll miss your compliments, even when people really can't sing,
And your generosity, like giving crazy Tatyana your ring.
We'll miss the dancing, crying, and how you always give a standing O,
Oh why oh why couldn't the producers just pay you more dough?

Yes, it's true, many of the things that you do are quite lame,
But still, without you, I just don't think Idol will ever be the same.

Do It Yourself

There is something thrilling to me about putting things together by myself. I think that I got my love for this from my parents. Not in the traditional way that traits are passed down, but in a reverse sort of way. Growing up, my mom and dad would just about rather do anything than put things together. So, I guess I figured if I didn't do it, it may never get done! I used to wait until everyone was out of the house and tackle whatever project was on hand. Whether it was pulling the Christmas tree out of storage, rearranging all the living room furniture, and putting the tree up; assembling the entire Bowflex; putting together furniture, etc., I just loved the satisfaction of knowing that I had single-handedly accomplished it. I guess I love a good challenge every now and then.

My wonderful hubby bought me an outdoor swing this weekend. We've been looking for one for a while, because I LOVE swings, and it just so happens that Allie does as well. Eric was planning to ask a friend to help him assemble this sometime, as it came in 30+ pieces and looked pretty involved to put together. Now, I might add that Eric loves to put things together just about as much as my dad does. Today, I've been stranded at home since I accidentally left my car keys in Eric's car, so I thought, hey, I'll surprise hubby and put the entire thing together myself. I honestly didn't know if this one was too much for me to handle, but I was determined to try.

So, I began by dragging the 6 foot tall box in the house and out to the back deck. I laid it all out, and between balancing parts of the swing against the house (since this was really a 2 person job) and sweating more than I ever have in my entire life (literally!), I finished!

I am not ashamed to say that I'm quite proud of myself, and I can't wait to surprise Eric with it tonight! I can't wait to spend many evenings with hubby and Allie on our new swing!