The Art of Living

Week 21

2012-01-28T10:56:00.000-06:00

21 weeks/ January 20-27

Baby size: Cantaloupe 6.5 in and 10.2 oz

Cravings: fruit

Keep away:Dirty Diapers.

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms:Same ol' same ol.

Favorite bit: Dr. V made a prediction that I am carrying a girl! I haven't gained any weight. My blood pressure is 120/70. No swelling. Baby's heart rate was 131 (it's been 151 until this point).

Still no bump picture because I still have no bump.

Week 20--HALF WAY THERE

2012-01-22T21:03:00.000-06:00

20 weeks/ January 13-19

Baby size: Cantaloupe 6.5 in and 10.2 oz

Cravings: ALWAYS MEXICAN

Keep away:Dirty Diapers.

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms:So much for relief! Back to nausea and vomiting this week along with the constipation (seeing a theme here) Add in the occasional charlie horse.

Favorite bit: Going on a group date! Carl and I need to remember to date!

Week 19

2012-01-13T07:36:00.000-06:00

19 weeks/ January 6-12

Baby size: Mango or 6in and 8.5 oz

Cravings: MEXICAN or Pizza

Keep away:Dirty Diapers.

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms:FINALLY RELIEF! Easy to gag, charlie horses, once a week puke!

Favorite bit: Feeling the baby move! It is still occasional and I can't wait until it's all the time!

Week 18

2012-01-06T05:28:00.001-06:00

18 weeks/ December 30-January 5

Baby size: Sweet Potato or 5.6 in and 6.7oz

Cravings: mexican

Keep away: I'll let you know.

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms:Nauseated, Vomiting, Sciatic Pain, Constipated STILL!

Favorite bit: Hosting a baby shower for my friend Jacqui! She is 28 weeks and I am 18 weeks in this picture!

While I was typing this entry I am almost 100% sure I felt the baby move! EXCITING!

WEEK 17

2011-12-30T10:10:00.000-06:00

17 weeks/ December 23-29

Baby size: Onion or 5.1 inches and 5.9 oz

Cravings: sweet fruit

Keep away: I'll let you know.

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms:Nauseated, Vomiting, Sciatic Pain, Constipated

Favorite bit: 5th Dr. Appt and my mom came with me. We heard the baby's heartbeat at 153 and the Dr. said I looked great!

At the next appointment we will make our big ultrasound appointment. Carl and I have one more month to debate if we should find out what's the sex of the baby. I asked Dr. V if it was ok if I don't gain any weight during my pregnancy. He said it would be less weight to have to lose later so that's the goal! Don't worry. I am eating! All and all I am feeling better and I am still waiting for a bump (other than the one I had prebaby) and to feel the little one kick.

Week 13-16

2011-12-21T17:01:00.001-06:00

13 weeks/ Nov 25- Dec 1

Baby size: Peach or 2.9 inches long

Cravings: Mc Donald's french fries

Keep away: Turkey

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms:Nauseated, Vomiting and more Spotting, Sciatic Pain, Constipated

Favorite bit: Nov 28th, 4th Dr. appointment. Heard the baby's heartbeat on the doppler for the first time! 153 bpm! WOOWHO I MADE IT PAST THE 1st Trimester. Shared our news with the FB world.

Scary bit: The last time I've spotted...so far!

14 weeks/ Dec 2-8

Baby size: Lemon or 3.4 inches and 1.5 ounces!

Cravings: Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme (with beans no meat) any Mexican Food

Keep away: Italian!

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms:Nauseated, Vomiting, Sciatic Pain, Constipated. got my first pregnant cold.

Favorite bit: Hanging out with Drew.

15 weeks/ Dec 9-15

Baby size: Navel Orange or 4 inches and 2.5 ounces

Cravings: Mexican

Keep away: Meat and Pasta

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms:Nauseated, Vomiting, Sciatic Pain, Constipated

Favorite bit: Telling my Preschool kids that I am like Mary and there is a baby in my belly. A few of the kid's told their parents that I had baby Jesus in my belly!

16 weeks/ Dec 16-22

Baby size: Hass Avocado or 4.6 inches and 3.5 ounces

Cravings: MEXICAN!

Keep away: Meat. Any food after dark.

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms:Nauseated, Vomiting, Constipated and Sciatic Pain

Favorite bit: I am still in my regular clothes but I am not sure if I like it or not!

I am out of that 1st trimester! I am not as exhausted as I was those first weeks but I am still puking occasionally. It's really not that bad. Zofran has really helped me keep it in check. I try not to over due taking it! I limit myself to taking it if I have to be somewhere and I don't want to risk vomiting in public. I feel like I am in limbo right now. I am not showing and I can't feel the baby. I am feeling better than I did the 1st trimester so I kind of still feel like this whole pregnancy is a dream. That is until I am staring at the toilet bowl!

Carl and I just thank God every day for this little one and the love and support we have already received. Pregnancy is not going as smoothly as I thought it would but I wouldn't change a thing and I am thankful for the journey! I love the advice and opinions so keep them coming! I may not use it but I love hearing how people dealt with pregnancy! It is the weirdest thing I've done so far!

Weeks 9-12

2011-12-21T16:35:00.000-06:00

9 weeks/ Oct 28-Nov 3

Baby size: Olive

Cravings: Just feed me

Keep away: Not anything specific

Weight Gain:+3lbs

Symptoms:Nauseated, Vomiting and a little Spotting

Favorite bit: Telling our church family and friends!

Scary bit: SPOTTING!

10 weeks/ Nov 4-10

Baby size: Prune

Cravings: Mc Donald's french fries

Keep away: salad

Weight Gain: back to 0. Lost 3 lbs!

Symptoms:Nauseated, Vomiting and more Spotting, Sciatic Pain

Favorite bit: Getting to see the baby again because of an unplanned appointment!

Scary bit: The Dr. wanted to see me every 2 weeks because of the spotting.

11 weeks/ Nov 11-17

Baby size: Lime

Cravings: CANDY!

Keep away: anything green

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms:Nauseated, Vomiting and more Spotting, Sciatic Pain

Favorite bit: Thanksgiving parties with the Preschoolers!

Scary bit: Every time I think I've spotted for the last time it starts again!

12 weeks/ Nov 18-24

Baby size: Plum

Cravings: Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Keep away: MEAT

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms:Nauseated, Vomiting, Spotting, Sciatic Pain, CONSTIPATED

Favorite bit: Driving to Nashville to see Carl's parents for Thanksgiving!

Scary bit: On the way to Nashville I had major tummy issues. Best guess is gallbladder or constipation.

Weeks 4-8

2011-12-21T16:19:00.000-06:00

4 Weeks/ Sept 22-30

Baby size: Poppyseed

Cravings: Nah.

Keep away: None.

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms: nothing really

Favorite bit: Finding out and telling my husband and also telling my Mom, Dad and Brother at our Hallmark Family Reunion! We also called Carl's parents.

5 weeks/ Sept 30- Oct 7

Baby size: Appleseed

Cravings: Nah

Keep away: None.

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms: nothing really

Favorite bit: Calling to make our first baby appointment! They wanted me to come in right away but I was afraid it was too early so I made them wait a week.

6 weeks/ Oct 7-13

Baby size: Sweet Pea

Cravings: Just feed me

Keep away: None.

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms: generally nauseated and bloated.

Favorite bit: Our first appointment and sonogram.

Scary bit: Oct 13th, 1st Dr. appointment. We thought at this point that we were almost 8 weeks. Dr. couldn't see what he thought he should be able to see in the sonogram by this point. Told us not to worry and come back in 2 weeks. WE PRAYED!

7 weeks/Oct 14-20

Baby size: Blueberry

Cravings: Just feed me

Keep away: None.

Weight Gain: 0lbs

Symptoms: Nauseated, Bloated and Back Pain.

Favorite bit: Just happy to still be pregnant!

Scary bit: Questioning every little pang.

8 weeks/ Oct 21-27

Baby size: Raspberry

Cravings: I want it fried.

Keep away: Meat and Vegetables.

Weight Gain: +3lbs

Symptoms: Nauseated, 1st time to Puke, Sciatic Pain

Favorite bit: Oct 27: 2nd Dr. Appointment and we can see the baby and it's heart rate is in the 160's and set the due date for June 1st NOT May 28th!

The first month was wild but it was about to get a little wilder!

Everything I've always dreamed...

2011-12-21T15:01:00.000-06:00

It's no secret that I want to be a mom.

It's all I've EVER talked about.

EVER.

When I was a preschooler and my parent's asked me what I wanted to be, my response was,"the first person pregnant in high school." Really it's all I've ever dreamed about.

Every part of it. From conception until my wonderful children gather around my coffin to say goodbye. I have always dreamed of the day I would tell my husband that our lives would forever be changed and we are going to be parents! I thought it would go something like this:

Anyone else a Lucy fan and remember this episode? Lucy tried and tried to tell Ricky that she was pregnant but Ricky was too busy so she went to his club to surprise him. What really surprises me is that he didn't know she was pregnant because it's not like maternity wear was all that discrete in the 50's!

My husband works for the BSA (Boy Scouts of America) and we were trying for parenthood in the most stressful month for a District Scout Executive. The month of September is when they have School Night for Scouting and recruit kids by the hundreds to join the awesomeness that is BSA! In fact, my husband was opposed to the idea to try in the month of September because he was so busy. That was until I pointed out the fact that I only needed him a few times for like 5 minutes and if we indeed were to get pregnant the baby would be due in June, which is his slowest month, where I would need him for days! Well much to my shock, we had in fact achieved the almost impossible. (If you want to check out my journey to get pregnant click the link). When I couldn't get a hold of my busy husband I opted for a modern day Lucy style telling.

I texted him!

Here is the transcript:

(Shortly after I had privately taken a digital test at work)

9/22 8:02AM ME: Today is my early day. Wanna have lunch?

9/22 8:35AM HUSBAND: Sure

9/22 8:58AM ME: Cool. I get off at 1. Where do you want to go?

9/22 9:19 AM HUSBAND: Can we go about 1:30 I have a boy talk that starts at 1:15

9/22 9:47AM ME: Cool. Where?

9/22 9:49 AM HUSBAND: Cotton Patch?

9/22 10:08 AM ME: Sounds good. I have a gift card.

9/22 10:57 AM HUSBAND: Hey can't go to lunch have a united way lunch that I have to go to

9/22 10:58 AM ME: :( Will I see you at all tonight?

9/22 10:59 AM HUSBAND: Don't know

9/22 11:50 AM ME: Well I have something to tell you...do you want me to text you?

9/22 11:51 AM HUSBAND: Yes in a meeting.

9/22 11:54 AM ME:

9/22 12:02 PM ME: Your boys work. (In case he didn't get the picture)

9/22 12:27 PM ME: Are you at Home Depot yet? (sorry, inside joke)

9/22 12:29 HUSBAND: No I am at franks wishing I could pound beers.

9/22 12:35 PM ME: Are you freaked out! I wanted to tell you over lunch or tonight!

9/22 12:35 PM ME: ?

9/22 12:38 PM HUSBAND: I am trying to block it out by listening about the texas state budget

9/22 2:11 PM ME: Are you running away?

And that is how I told Carl we were expecting. For the record. He didn't run away. Very much the opposite. He has stuck by me more than ever before and I am so excited to see what kind of dad he is going to be! I would just like to point out that I asked him if he was running away at 2:00 PM because you would think that as soon as the meeting was over that he would have called me!!!!! Nope. Not Carl, my mild mannered husband, went about his day like normal. In fact the next time I saw/talked to him was later in the evening!

So now I blog. I am going to try and back it up and do a week by week sort of a journal for my own personal records. If you know me, you know I am kinda blunt and I don't hold back. I apologize in advance if some posts are too graphic. There are things about pregnancy that NO BOOK will ever tell you! I promise I will give fair warning to the posts about poop. Yes, there is a poop post in the works! Carl and I appreciate any prayers or good thoughts you may have for our family and I hope you join us on our newest journey!

Follow Me...

2011-03-10T16:30:00.000-06:00

I am posting over here for the time being. I felt like I needed a whole new blog to journal my latest journey. Don't worry. I'll post here again someday, but for now, check this out.

Hungry Blonde

Viva Las Vegas: Day 1

2010-08-20T18:36:00.000-05:00

On July 6th (my 28th birthday) Carl and I along with our friends Ryan, Kelly, Britney, Cullen and Sarah headed to VEGAS! We have all been friends for almost a decade but we had not been on a trip all together during that time. Ryan, Britney and myself had been to Vegas within the last 10 years. Sarah went with her family when she was a child and didn't really remember much. For Carl, Cullen and Kelly this was the first time! So what did we do?

Tuesday, July 6th:

Carl, Kalena, Ryan

Sarah

Cullen, Britney, Kelly

Flew from Houston International to Las Vegas! We arrived in Vegas around 10AM. We checked into the MGM and went over to New York, New York.

Kelly wanted to have a real New York Slice! (We all had our priorities on this trip! Most of us had food requirements! This is why I hang out with this group!) Carl and I got a hamburger around the corner (OK I got a veggie burger). I think Kelly was pleased with her choice!

We then went walking. and walking. and walking. We walked up and down the strip marveling at the greatness of it all. We headed back to the hotel and some dipped into the pool (me) and some napped (Carl) and then we decided to walk the strip at night to see all the "shows". We stopped to eat at The Lux Cafe in the Venetian.

It was wonderful! The Lux Cafe is owned by The Cheesecake Factory. The menu at The Lux was just as big as the one you get at The Cheesecake Factory and there were similar menu items but The Lux was a step up and had a international feel. This is what we ate:

The Grand Appetizer Platter

Serves four or more! A Grand Assortment of Our Most Popular Appetizers Including Spinach Artichoke Dip, Crispy Thai Shrimp & Chicken Spring Rolls, Duck Potstickers, Buffalo Chicken Rolls, Cheese Steak Spring Rolls and Vietnamese Chicken Summer Rolls. Add: Seared Ahi, Crispy Ahi Sushi Roll and Edamame

I loved the spring rolls, duck potstickers and ahi sushi roll.

If I remember correctly here is what everyone ordered for dinner:

Kelly: Wiener Schnitzel: Austrian Style Thin Crispy Coated Veal Medallions. Served with Mashed Potatoes and Braised Red Cabbage

Sarah and Britney: Crispy Caramel Chicken: Crispy Battered Pieces of Chicken Breast in a Spicy Thai Caramel Sauce with Mushrooms, Onions, Red Chile Peppers, Garlic and Ginger. Served with Rice

Tried this! IT WAS SO GOOD!

Kalena: Indochine Shrimp and Chicken: A Fusion Dish of Chinese and Indian Flavors. Jumbo Shrimp, Chicken, Onions and Sweet Ginger all Sauteed in a Delicious Spicy Sauce of Curry, Plum Wine and a Little Cream Topped with Sun-Dried Cherries and Apricots. Served with White Rice

It was yummy but more like something you would find at Cheesecake Factory.

Carl: Fettuccini Alfredo: Wide Pasta Ribbons Tossed in a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce. Can Also be Ordered with Chicken.

Ryan: Grilled Fish of the Day

Cullen: Chicken Royale: Lightly Breaded Sauteed Chicken Breasts Served Over a White Wine Butter Sauce with Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Herbed Carrots

We didn't finish dinner until well past 10 PM so we started on our journey to see all of the night shows and miserably failed. We only saw the Bellagio water show and it always lives up to it's hype! Before the show we did see a street fight between this small white guy and two large black men. It literally happened right next to us. I was pretty nervous but Sarah remained calm cool and collected! We did manage to take a little time for a photo op. Carl was less than thrilled :)

And that capped off day 1! Stay tuned for the rest of the story!

a pictorial walk down memory lane

2010-06-16T09:02:00.001-05:00

Don't have much to write about so I went through my old pictures!

I forgot about some of these!

Tilly in her hoodie.

One of my favorite pictures of us.

I miss this girl...She is all the way in West stinky Texas!

My cousin Rachel. She's trouble.

Carl's BFFs. Reagan and Steven. Yes. That is my bra. Yes. We are in a parkinglot. No. I don't remember why.

Coupon Clipping

2010-03-02T23:13:00.000-06:00

It's my new hobby. Scratch that. It's my new habit!

If you really want to get me all riled up just ask me how to save money at the grocery store. (oh my, when did I get old?!?!?!) No, really. I love it. I call my mom every time I leave the store and tell her how much I have saved. Right now, she is the only one who gets my joy! Let me share with you what I have been doing the last 3 months or so.

Before I take you step by step I have a few tid bits to share.

1. It takes a little time. Not only the actual retrieving of the coupons but also the accumulation of coupons. When I started I was saving about $5 a shopping trip. I went to the store today and saved $38. (both times I spent about $50)

2. You will need to "invest" in a few items. I have a coupon holder that I keep in my purse so that I have the coupons on me at ALL times. I also buy about 2 Sunday papers a month. My total investment a month is $3 but I save (a modest estimation) $150 a month. We spend $200 a month on groceries. (that is for about 25 dinners, snacks, 20 lunches, most cleaning and personal hygiene products)

Now are you ready? Here is what I do:

Step 1: Clip the coupons.

There are 4 major coupon inserts in your newspaper. Red Plum (RP), Smart Source (SS), General Mills (GM) Proctor and Gamble (P&G). They don't come every weekend so I sometimes buy the paper when there are only 2 inserts and ALWAYS buy the paper when there are at least 3. How do you know when that is? Here is a handy link for the 2010 Insert Schedule. I have also signed up on some coupon websites. They are free of charge and have pretty darn decent coupons. Not to mention that P&G mails samples! God love samples! I use Coupon.com, pgeverydaysolutions.com, and sometimes couponbug.com. Out of pure laziness, I only clip coupons online about 2X a month. I don't clip coupons for products I DON'T BUY!

I almost exclusively shop at Kroger. The reason for this is because of the Kroger Plus Card. I know what you are thinking! "That just gives them the excuse to hike up the price and I can get it cheaper at Walmart." Well you are right! You are right that is, if you are the average shopper. If you use the program to it's full extent than the savings easily beat Walmart's prices (not to mention that Walmart gets a ton of your money because it is a Super Store). I have logged my Plus card in at Kroger.com. This allows me to "electronically" put coupons on my Plus Card. That's right. All I do is buy the product and the coupon is used when I swipe my card. Handy. This is a fairly new concept so there aren't a ton of coupons on there but more are added every week. There are also coupons that you are able to print off from the site.

Step 2: Look at the AD

Every Wednesday the grocery stores come out with their weekly sales ads. This is where Kroger.com once again comes in very handy. I electronically look at the ad. It allows me to "circle" the items I want and puts them on a list for me. I know it sounds like I've spent a ton of time on grocery shopping already but it only takes me about 15 minutes to shop once I am in the store. Here is the BIGGEST TRICK TO SAVING MONEY! I make my weekly menu off of the weekly ad. This ensures I get the most savings. I then match up my coupons with the items in the ad. This is where you need patience. It will take you a few weeks or a couple of months to collect enough coupons to completely make your list with items already reduced AND use the coupons. Patience, please! It's worth it. Here is how it works.

I buy the perishable necessities like normal. (Milk, plain bread, eggs)
I ONLY buy "fun stuff" if it is drastically reduced and then I stock up! Anything that I don't NEED right away I stock up when it is greatly reduced AND I have a coupon! (I only buy Dr. Pepper if it is 4 for $12)
I try and buy our meals for the week if they are in the ad AND I have a coupon. (Bertolli's sauce was on sale and I had a coupon for $1.00 off)

Step 3: At the Store

Be on the look out! The store likes to throw in a few little "extras"! For example: I NEEDED bathroom cleaner. I took out the three coupons I had for different cleaners. I checked out each one to see which was cheaper to begin with AND which one had the MOST coupon savings. I had a $1.00 off Scrubbing Bubbles "All Natural" cleaner. Lo and behold the bottle ALSO had a $1.00 off coupon. I got a better look at the price tag and it said that if I buy 2 or more of the "All Natural" cleaner line then I will get a coupon for $2.00 my next grocery purchase at Kroger! BONUS! I bought the Scrubbing Bubbles and Windex for $5 after using both $1.00 off coupons. (AND THIS IS WHERE MY ORIGINAL POST WAS DELETED SO I SHALL TRY AND START OVER) Secret savings like that are all over the store! Remember though that it doesn't mean you need the item!

The best part of the trip is checking out! I hand over my Kroger Plus card and ALL of my coupons. Once you start using coupons the more coupons come out of the machine at the cash register. On average I get a $3 off of my next grocery purchase (that's just off the top! It's not with any purchase of a certain product). Even more exciting, I get my own personal coupon book from Kroger a little more than once a quarter. The coupons are for items that I buy often and it is usually for more savings than I can get out of normal coupon clipping. Off of the top of my head the most exciting coupons have been ( remember I have only been doing this for 5 months) $2 off $10 or more meat purchase, Free Ranch dressing, Free Ben and Jerry's, Free Jello Pudding, $5 off $20 or more meat purchase, 2.50 off Bertolli's Frozen Entree, $3 off next grocery purchase and so on and so forth.

That's IT! Really, It's not hard. This was my grocery receipt from today. Remember I have done this for 5 months.

Garlic Bread-half for dinner tonight and half for a later meal in the week#*
Bertolli Frozen Entree-dinner later#*
Tyson Chicken Fries-Carl's Lunch#*
Mozzarella Bites-Snacks*#
Morningstar Crumbles-my ground "meat" for tacos #*
2 Turkey Sausages-for dinner AND for Covered Dish on Sunday#
Cherry Turnovers-2 for dessert tonight, 2 for another night #*
Dole Salad-something green #
6 Yoplait yogurts-snacks for me*#
3 Artichokes-dinner for me #
2 Hass Avocados- for tacos (TRICKY, TRICKY Kroger had an advertised special for other avocados 10 for $10, these were .69 a piece...watch out for that stuff!)
Milk-for Carl
Scrubbing Bubbles stamps-NEED*
Windex-Need soon. #*
Scrubbing Bubbles-NEED #*
2 Black Eyed Peas-for Covered Dish recipe#
Bertolli's Sauce-dinner for tonight*#
Vinegar-Covered Dish#
Oil of Olay Body Wash-Need#*
Venus Razors-Need*#
Pasta-Dinner and in pantry #

As you can see I only bought one item that didn't have ANY savings.

TOTAL:54.69
COUPON SAVINGS:19.90
BONUS: .40
KROGER PLUS SAVINGS: 16.40
TOTAL SAVINGS: 36.70

PS Be on the look out for savings at the ends of all your receipts. I try and enter in most "enter and wins" and I have had 10 free Route 44 drinks thanks to my sonic receipts. I just call and answer a few questions and they give me a code for a free drink!

Once you have the habit down you won't believe how much money you have been throwing away!

Potty Training Tips From the Woman with NO Children.

2010-02-05T22:33:00.005-06:00

I've recently become an expert in potty training. Although I do not have even one child of my own. Five days a week I am responsible for the health and well being of fifteen 2 and 2.5 year olds. Potty training is a big topic in my line of work and I LOVE IT!

I know what you are thinking.

Isn't a nightmare?

All the bodily fluids and solids. All the flushing and washing. All the various states of nudity.

I gotta tell you, it's not a nightmare at all. It's AMAZING!

You have to realize that to date this is your child's biggest accomplishment. This is your toddler's graduation day and it is truly amazing to see them filled with utter elation and pride.

In the last month my class has 4 full blown potty trained kiddos. We are currently working on 4 more. Think about it. Unless you are in the same line of work I am in or your last name is Duggar you probably won't be potty training this many kids in your lifetime. So yeah. I am kinda becoming an expert. So here are a few or maybe a ton of helpful hints.

Is your child ready?

Physically-Your child can physically get himself to the bathroom, take on and off his clothes, has regular and solidish bowel movements and stays dry for an hour to hours at a time.

Behavioral-He hates being wet or dirty, you can tell when he is "going" because he pauses or hides in the action, he digs watching or "helping" you go to the bathroom and he doesn't resist when the subject of going on the potty comes up.

Cognitive-He's got the vocabulary to go along with the various actions, He can tell you before it's too late, Your child is able to follow simple directions.

What, your kid can't do all that? Some of the stuff just has to come with maturity but there are some things you can do to speed up the progress.

Pre-Potty Training

Let your child dress themselves. I am not talking about letting them decide that they want to wear their favorite Christmas sweater with their swim trunks. (Although it is good to let them do that every once in a while) I am talking about letting them physically dress themselves. Start off small. Put their pants on just below their bottom and let them pull them the rest of the way or put their shirt on but let them pull it down over their belly. Gradually let them do more and more. Soon enough your child will be dressing themselves from head to toe.

Let them see your bathroom habits and talk it out while your doing it. Remember, what is second nature to you is all new and exciting to your toddler. Be prepared to talk about "private" subjects. While your are urinating tell your child. "This is how mommy urinates in the potty. After I am done I take the toilet paper and wipe my vagina." Oops. I just ooged you out didn't I? Call it what it is. I prefer the words penis and vagina. Here's why. With so much "potty" vernacular out there some kids call a penis "pee pee" and some kids call urine "pee pee". As you can imagine it can be very confusing to a young child. And let me tell you THEY talk. Potty talk is a good portion of my day! Think about it. They are learning everything! A penis however is a penis and urine is always urine and so on and so forth. Now, that being said if a parent wants me to call it something else I will as long as it doesn't make the child think their body part is dirty. NEVER LET A CHILD THINK THAT ANY PART OF THEIR BODY IS DIRTY OR BAD!!! I can do a whole post on what I have seen in my line of work about adults embarrassing a child without even knowing it! It is a VERY touchy subject for me. Moving on.

At about 18 months you can start getting your child ready to wear underwear! Just add "undie" time right before bath. Don't even mention the potty. Just tell your child that you are going to let them try out underwear. Start out in 10 min increments. Keep adding 10 minutes as you see fit until there is an accident or they ask to use the potty. When that happens have the child help you or watch you clean up their urine and explain to them that "This is urine. You've been putting this in your diaper. Mommy and Daddy put it in the toilet. If you would like you can put it in the toilet too!" There are a ton of reasons for this. First, diapers are too good. They keep your child too dry. Your kid is never uncomfortable. When they urinate in their underwear they can FEEL it. Getting used to that is a challenge in it's self. Secondly, You are bringing up the potty in a non hostile way. This is a no pressure situation. Finally, You can gauge how long your child is able to stay dry which can help you when you are able to aggressively potty train.

OK, so NOW your kid can do all the things on the checklist, so now what?!?!?!

POTTY TRAINING

NO PULL UPS! They are just expensive diapers. Those 4 kids I mentioned that are potty trained in my class, yup, it was all done in regular old underwear. Oh and did I mention that they all did it in less than two weeks. Makes you wanna listen up huh?

Most kids don't like to feel dirty. About eighty six forty times a day a kid wants me to rub the sand off of his hands (RIGHT NOW) because he hates the way it feels but funnily enough he is ok walking around with a hot, stinky load in his diaper. It's because diapers these days are TOO GOOD! They do the job and do it well. Kids need a reason to use the potty. If they feel awesome in a diaper they aren't going to try out your new fangled contraption called the toilet. Out of 4 potty trained kids I had to clean up 6 accidents. They learned pretty quickly that the potty was pretty cool and it was defiantly better than that soggy feeling.

I am anti kid potties too! PEOPLE! Let me make a confession right now. If I baby sat your kid, and they were using a little potty, you better believe that when they were in my caring hands their tushies were on the big toilet. GROSS! I am not cleaning out a little pot! Really think about it. Do you know how much stink is absorbed by the toilet water? Seriously. And what are you going to do when you are out and about far away from the tiny toilet and your kid has got to go, oh, AND they REFUSE to get on the scary huge thing with a hole in it? Now that we have that out of the way....

Take your child to the bathroom every 45 minutes. (Remember if your kid is having accident after accident and you are making a real effort to put them on the toilet every 45 minutes, it's because they aren't physically ready) Instruct and help in the beginning but as minimally as possible. As in "First pull down your pants, now your underwear, sit on the potty...." VERY STEP BY STEP. They are learning. Don't assume they know how it's done. Don't forget the wiping, flushing and washing! The less you do for your kid the better. It is the ultimate reason your kid wants to be potty trained. Independence. It's simple. The more they are able to do on their own, the prouder they will be about completing the task at hand. "All by myself" is a very popular phrase with the toddlers. By the way, no hard to take off clothing for a couple of weeks please. Once your kid gets the hang of it you can start to increase the time between potty breaks.

Know your kid's B.M. (Bowel Movement) schedule and beat them to it with a book! Say your kid has a B.M everyday at 3:30. Well at 3:15 put them on the potty with a good book. Like War and Peace or something. Tell them that you will give them a treat if they sit there and B.M. in the toilet. (If you have to give them a treat to get them JUST to sit on the potty then they aren't ready to potty train yet!) Don't be afraid to give them private time. Even toddlers need some peace to do their business. Oh and when I say "treat" I don't mean Chuck E. Cheese. I mean like 1 M&M or a sticker or raisin. The real "treat" for your kid is the excitement you portray. Act like you just won a million bucks (you will be saving about 40 bucks a months without diapers!), offer to take their picture. No really. Kids think they are really something when they have a picture of themselves beaming at the camera right next to the massive B.M. faithfully laying in the toilet. It also helps you remember how you NEVER want to clean something like that out of a diaper again! For some reason it's like their B. M. grows 10 fold when it's in the toilet verses a diaper. One of those phenomenon's. (Save that picture for their Senior Yearbook Ad, ensure your child will love you forever and ONLY you)

Underwear at times of sleep too! Those accidents I mentioned before included sleeping times too! Ultimately, you know your kid better than anyone. You will need to gauge if they need waking up in the night for a quick pit stop or not. Buy a plastic liner for the bed, or the kid, or both! Again, putting your kid in a pull-up during this time is only going to prolong the whole potty training process (this is of course excluding children with physical problems). Make potty training easy on you. Do it all or nothing! If you were never good at night time feedings and the idea of you dealing with having to change a bed in the middle of the night makes you want to cringe, then make a pallet next to your child's bed the night before. Then all you have to do is change the child in the night. As long as there is a plastic liner then it can wait until morning.

Don't give your child a drink ALL of the time. If your kid is in a child care facility I can pretty much guarantee they aren't hanging out with their sippy cup all day. (Nor would you want them too! Think about how many kids would get ahold of your kids cup and pass them germs!) At home really try and limit the drinking to times of eating or after a hard playtime. This will help you get a hold on your kids urine production.

Finally, just remember, if potty training is killing you then it's not the right time. That being said. If it's just inconvenient and your child is totally into it. Don't give up. You will have a pottier in NO time. Accidents happen. Don't make the kid feel bad but also let them help you clean up the mess. As long as you aren't doing it as a punishment it can be a great learning experience. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or vent. I love potty stories! I hope this helps and I hope I remember all this when I finally DO become a parent!

I feel like this is getting WAY TOO LONG! If I leave something out I will update it later.

Counting on Spring to Come Again

2010-01-10T22:16:00.003-06:00

My friends Bevin and Dan got married in December and when the reception was over her mom told us to PLEASE take any of the arrangements. The wedding was beautifully decorated in what I would call a rustic Christmas wedding. Burlap squares covered the tables and I gathered them up not wanting them to go to waste. I didn't know what I was going to do with them until I stumbled upon this blog.

I thought..."Hey, I can do that." So I did. Just in my style. I bought a straw wreath to cover (3.99) and I used fabric I already had. This wreath cost me 4 dollars! I love it and can't wait until spring to put on my front door!

The Kitchen: A Story of Before and After

2010-01-03T23:59:00.005-06:00

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Sorry, I cut out the window but you are basically looking at the same thing. The counter tops will be replaced with something in the black scheme. The flooring will be replaced with a faux wood linoleum. I know what you are thinking but you are staring at faux stone linoleum so I consider it a step up! Just as a side note, the stuff on the laundry room door is actully a over the door hanger that holds anything from recipes to pictures (or in this pic Christmas cards) and I LOVE IT! It is from Southern Living.

BEFORE

AFTER:

We have changed the light fixtures. The rest is just paint.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Ahh, A better picture of the over the door thingy! Notice my Christmas present from Mom and Dad? A NEW STOVE! Good bye Golden Drop In and HELLO Mr. Ceramic Slide IN! Oh by the way, THANKS LISA! Notice the hardware that you gave me almost 3 years ago! They are up!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Now I am just waiting for the funds for a counter top and flooring. I am so thankful for my parents help! It was actually fun!

P.S. There are more pictures on my facebook.

Year in Review

2010-01-03T23:01:00.006-06:00

January

My best friend left State Farm Insurance for a job at SFASU. It was the first time in nearly 5 years that we didn't see each other every day.

February

Made an effort to be more GREEN!

March

For the first time since working at State Farm I was finally doing what I wanted to do!

April

Celebrated Easter and Andrew's First Birthday!

May

CARL GRADUATED and I took him to the Dr. Pepper Mecca!

June

I lost my job. It was the biggest blessing in my life so far!

July

I enjoyed not having a job for the first time since I was 15.

August

I had my first day at First United Methodist Preschool and I reconnected with my true calling...teaching.

September

Adjusted to this new, wonderful, semi-grown up life.

October

Fell in love with 16 toddlers and realized I really want one of my own! (Still discussing the next steps to fulfill that little dream with Carl!)

November

Went with my brother and husband to get my tattoo for Nini.

December

Redecorated my kitchen. Thanks to my awesome Christmas present from my parents, a stove.

Jacqui and Brice's Wedding

2009-10-08T21:14:00.004-05:00

WATCH THIS!

That was the "Second Day" shoot and I can't wait to see more!

Top Ten: Preschool

2009-08-28T21:14:00.003-05:00

I did it.

I completed my first week as a teacher to an awesome group of 1.5-2 year olds. Thank God it was only 3 days long. That being said, I really can't wait to go back to work on Monday and I REALLY can't wait to see how much these little ones grow over the next 9 months.

That being said here are my Top 10 observations on Preschool:

1. Sticky is a permanent feeling.

2. Parents please think again about putting jelly on your kid's sandwich! It doesn't make it in your child's belly! It does, however, make it on the walls, tables, chairs, toys, floor, clothes, hair, etc. Now imagine 12 kids with jelly! That's 24 sticky hands!

3. Nap time does not equal teacher break. Nap time = wipe tables, disinfect toys, wipe down changing table, sweep floors, empty sippy cups, put art work in folders, pat backs, rock children, eat lunch, potty (for the ONLY time in the day), set out next round of diapers, etc.

4. If your kids come home dirty it means we did our job. Your child played HARD!

5. When your child starts having Bowel Movements that represent a full grown man's, it's time to start potty training.

6. No your child does not NEED their pacifier as much as you need them to need it.

7. All 2 year olds are like the characters on "Jackass". They will try ANYTHING!

8. Snot comes in all sorts of colors...even ones you wouldn't expect.

9. Hair bows don't stay in.

10. The "David" books are can give a teacher 5 minutes of sanity.

The House: Before and Some What After

2009-07-17T21:46:00.008-05:00

Carl and I have been SLOWLY but SURELY making changes to the house. Hopefully you can see the difference. While we are not done yet at least we have a start!

The Front Entry Way:

BEFORE

AFTER

(We have a new purple front door, a better paint job and a gnome friend. We lack new flooring!)

Living Room:

BEFORE

AFTER

Kitchen:

BEFORE

AFTER

Guest Room:

BEFORE

AFTER

Hall Bathroom:

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

We haven't done much with our bed and bath. We have a "man cave" that needs a litttle work and the kitchen could get some more love. We are just waiting for the funds to allow for more changes!

UNEMPLOYED

2009-06-22T17:02:00.003-05:00

That's right. Right now I have no job.

Oh. Don't feel sorry for me. I didn't have a good job to begin with.

Oh sure I had been there for 4.5 years. But it was time for me to go. It was no longer a healthy environment to be in. Not healthy at all. For anyone really.

Let me tell you it wasn't pretty.

But I am much better off because I deserve better.

Right now better is in my parent's pool with Tilly.

Something about Summer

2009-06-17T14:38:00.006-05:00

Summer is back and the only way I can tell is because our AC is on the fritz at the office. I am waiting for the boss to say we can come in cut-offs and flip flops tomorrow. A girl can dream. I miss those long summer days as a kid. I wish I could take back every utterance of "Mom, I am bored." What was I thinking.

So far this "summer" (it isn't official by the calendar's standards) Carl and I have gone to Stephenville, TX for my cousin's wedding. You may know Stephenville as the place where Jewel and her hubby Ty live or you may know it as the town that was abducted by aliens a few years back. I didn't get any pictures of the wedding but I did get pictures of the Dublin, TX Dr. Pepper Plant and Dino Valley in Glenrose, TX. If you are in the area I suggest you go to both. It's fun and CHEAP!

Carl wanted to know if he could keep him.

Yup. That is an actual dinosaur track. Really. Really.

This was my gift to Carl for our 2nd anniversary. No, I didn't get him a huge DP. I got him tickets to go on the plant tour (actually my uncle Randy ended up paying for everyone) and buy anything he wanted at Doc's Soda Shop!

The only other big event for the summer SO FAR...was BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL! Again. I didn't bring a camera. I had to be at work at 10 AM but I did manage to eat blueberry pancakes and scope out the festival before going in to work. I went with the usual suspects: Kelly, Ryan, Andrew, Britney and Cullen. They stayed long enough to be swimming in their own sweat.

Here is Drew! Isn't he so big?

I am amazed EVERYDAY at his ability to sponge EVERYTHING.

Here is a small list of his latest "tricks":

He can show you his muscles and make a face of one who is lifting something heavy
He can say: Mama, Dada, Bubble, Bok (block), Ba (ball), Bath, Buh Bye....he loves 'b' words
He will "swim" on command.
When you ask him where his nose is he will point to his ear.
He thinks he's really good a the fake cry. It makes people laugh.
He says 'hi' and 'buh bye' to ANYONE.
He loves to dance.
He will kick his legs in a fit of excitement for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
He can growl, blow kisses, wave hi and bye, attempt to blow bubbles in the pool, flirt.

And that's just all I can think of right now. Cool Kid.

Finally I can't forget about my Tilly. I had to add this picture of her after a long day of digging.

I tried to tell her that the dirt on her nose really gives it away!

Two Years!

2009-05-26T22:18:00.005-05:00

Carl and I have completed year two of holy matrimony!

I can't believe it! Like many things it feels like forever and yesterday we were at our wedding day. What a year it has been. Just some of the highlights I can remember:

1st Anniversary celebration in Austin Texas
Going to Memphis to see Dave Matthew's Band, Graceland, Rock and Soul Museum and eating ribs at Rendezvous
Carl's first Hallmark Family Reunion in Texas Hill Country
Carl graduating from SFASU
Carl getting a job with Boy Scouts of America.

It's been a sweet ride. It has been an amazing journey! I am so proud of the man I married. (As I type he is cleaning out his "Man Room" I mean who is this new graduated grown up guy?!?!) Can't wait to see what year 3 brings!

Oh PS. He even did good on the anniversary gift! Check it out below! She is my new favorite designer. I first saw her on cfhsuband.blogspot.com and I fell in love. Now I have my own necklace! Check her out at l isaleonardonline.com!She has awesome promotions where part of her sales benefits a family in need.
Can't get much better than that!

Adventurous Eater.

2009-05-05T16:51:00.004-05:00

I love it when my office comes to see what I am having for lunch because it smells so good! The best part is when I am eating something that the average public wouldn't especially find appealing. It makes me feel worldly.

What made me feel like I was eating outside of a white stucco building with blue linens on the coast of Greece?

Lamb and Spinach Pitas with Feta cheese and a Lemon Pepper Yogurt dip.

Worldly I tell you. Worldly and YUM.

ART

2009-04-16T09:43:00.003-05:00

I know what you are thinking....

A ton of posts at once! That's right. I have a little time this morning before I head to work and my husband left his laptop at home (that NEVER happens). I just recently decided that Carl and I aren't showing our true colors when it comes to our home's decor. I have either taken what others were throwing out or I would buy something cheap just to put on the walls.

It wasn't "US".

So I had a garage sale and sold it.

Then I got really ambitious! I decided to paint. I really like how it came out. The Dots are over our couch in the living room and I will be making throw pillows that will match. The idea is to be clean and contemporary!

Easter in Pictures. Very bad pictures....

2009-04-16T09:29:00.005-05:00

For the Earth and the People In It!

2009-04-15T23:33:00.004-05:00

It's no secret that Carl and I are trying to do things to better our world. We have a LONG way to go before we become totally "green" people but that doesn't stop us from taking steps towards "greener" pasture. Now we are going to be taking those steps in something stylishly green (i love making up new words to my husband's dismay) and not to mention a GREAT cause.

We are now each owners of a pair of Tom's.

And now so are 2 other children.

Check out our shoes and then check out Tom's site!

I know they are cute, right? Sport some Tom's this summer!

Pray for Stellan

2009-03-23T16:30:00.003-05:00

Stellan needs your prayers. This has become my favorite blog for a few months now! Mck Mama and Prince Charming had thier 4 child about 4 months ago (Stellan) who was born healed of the SVT that ailed his body inutero. It seems the SVT has reared it's ugly head. Check out her blog and pray!

BUMP: What I Miss....

2009-03-16T07:00:00.004-05:00

Today marks year 5 without her.

Nini,

Can you believe it’s been four years since you left this world for a place much better? I can’t believe it. In fact I believe it less today than four years ago. It’s funny how grief works itself out. It’s the most random things that really make me wish you were still here and that wish is growing instead of fading. I feel like I have to remember and that I am grateful that I have so much to remember.

The Raccoon Soap Dish
The smell of Violets
Your Vanity
Cotton White Hair
Opening Christmas presents in the front room at 7 Park Place.
White Pepper
“Oh Gad”
Nail polish on the Lazy Susan at the kitchen table.
The way you pulled me toward you while we would nap on your bed
Randy Gnome
The powder in the yellow container
Pecan and Chocolate Pie
SHOES! (Your gold, silver and bronze sneakers)
Braums Milk
The maddest you ever got at Evan and me.
Saturdays in Richardson while Mom was with Mr. Huddleston
The smell of leather seats, cigarettes and Kleenex in a hot summer car
Piano music
Your handwriting
Your letters that always mentioned the weather
Shopping trips and lunch at Christina’s
Calling you to take me to school because a pumpkin was thrown through the windshield of my car. Did you know Mom was upset that I called you? She didn’t want me to worry you.
You calling Carl a big Teddy Bear
Abuelo’s
The way you and Lucky had matching hair color and moles
farting dining room chairs
spoons
Listening to Chipmunks Christmas on the record player
Coffee mugs with birds and lipstick stains.

There really is so much more. I just can’t think of them right now. That scares me. Sometimes the memories just come to me. Most of the time I smell something like coffee or violets and it takes me back. Funny enough I usually go back to the Richardson house. I don’t know why. The last time I was with Tyler and Rachel was the first time I realized they didn’t even know the Richardson house! I told them all about it. I told them how much fun Evan and I would have exploring the upper floor and going through Lisa’s things while she was away at college. I just bought Caress body wash and it’s the weirdest thing, every time I use it I feel like I am in the upstairs bathroom staring at that silly raccoon soap dish. I have no idea the connection, but I like it.

By the way, it’s unusually warm and sunny today. In fact I walked to lunch.

Love Always,
KD

Goals for 2009:It's Not Easy Being Green

2009-02-27T20:31:00.004-06:00

Baby steps.

All I can say is we have taken baby steps in our 2009 goal to go green. Surprisingly Carl is actually game with the changes so far. Going green is a fairly new passion of mine. While I grew up in a house that recycled I was known to still throw cans in the trash out of total laziness. My mom was "Green" before it was so popular! We grew up using vinegar and water as our cleaning supplies. That being said it was only when my friend Kelly went through her pregnancy that I discovered the cloth diaper comeback. It made me curious about what I could do to help the Earth before I have children.

Green before 2009

Carl and I were doing things that are considered "green" before we had a conscious effort in our "green" pursuit.

1. Use dishes instead of paper plates

2. Use fans before the AC. Blankets before the Heat.

3. Use our dishwasher (people are surprised to learn that it's more green than hand washing)

4. Buy Organic (unfortunately we don't buy as much as we would like)

5. Pack our Lunches (this is really more because of lack of cash)

6. Wash a full load of laundry with cold water and clean out the lint trap after each wash.

7. Buy less STUFF (again lack of extra money helps)

8. Recycle cans

9. Use Water Filter pitcher. (we have only bought one pack of bottled water in our marriage and it was to prepare for Hurricane Ike. Even then I recycled our milk jugs for non drinking water.)

2009

Carl and I have achieved quite a few of these goals. Some are yet to be!

1. Cloth no more paper towels.

2. Buy local produce

3. Replace lights with CFL lighting

4. Put certain outlets on a timer (to slay Vampire energy)

5. Start buying organic and making organic cleaners for the house

6. Replace our doors

7. Join a CSA

8. Buy Cage Free Eggs

9. Use glass instead of plastic food storage.

10. Buy Bamboo linens

11. Have a garage sale!

12. Hang laundry

The Future Still

There are TONS more that Carl and I want to do in our future but here are the top 5 for years to come.

1. Cloth diapers....I know right! Have your negative remarks! I am going to do it. (Carl's apprehensive about it but I asked him if he was REALLY even going to change disposable!)

2. Homemade Baby Food. Yep. That too! I have a huge desire to do these things for our babies who are merely "twinkles in our eyes" right now!

3. Buy Hybrid (this is a while into the future....like babies will probably come first)

4. Build a "Green" home.

5. Garden

It's Not Easy Being Green

There are a few things I am not ready to give up yet! Maybe someday but for now I will try and use restraint!

1. Decorative napkins (I have an obsession with cute napkins)

2. Ziploc (sometimes easy wins)

3. Buy New. (There are just somethings I cannot buy as a hand me down)

4. Disposable Tampons (come on now! Did you think I was THAT crunchy)

5. Holiday paper plates (it's a weakness)

6. Using the dryer as a fluffer. (OOPS. I can't help it.)

7. I know there are more and I put them here just in case someone catches me being not so earth friendly!

Interested?

Check out The Little Green Book: 365 Ways to Love the Planet by Joseph R. Provey and Owen Lockwood. Better yet, check it out of the Library! It's better for the Earth!

Beautiful Baby

2009-02-09T10:24:00.004-06:00

I entered Andrew into the Regis and Kelly Beautiful Baby Contest with the help of his mom Kelly! Andrew wasn't very patient but we got some good shots!

Runner Up: Shows how sometimes his hair is RED!

Funny expression.

2nd Place: My personal favorite! But it cuts off his head.

THE WINNER: Beautiful Baby!

Do you think he will win?

Bites Heal

2009-02-02T11:44:00.002-06:00

Andrew screamed through the Super Bowl last night. It may be an ear infection. I felt so bad for him AND his parents. I got to leave. They didn't.

I can wait a little longer before having a kid of my own.

Thank you Andrew for reminding me!

SIDE NOTE: Andrew was asleep when I left....I just hope he stayed that way!

Bit by the Baby Bug

2009-01-09T14:50:00.003-06:00

This is not new! I've been bitten before. (Say that three times fast!) Like when I was 4! I've wanted babies as long as I can remember. I was the child still playing with dolls long after all my friends had discovered the telephone. I know this is what I am supposed to do. God created me to be a mom.

That being said...Carl and I are not ready to be parents!

I know right now my baby bites are just a desire for the future. I want to be pregnant when I can fully enjoy every moment without worrying that we can't afford the health care. I want to act like we can't afford to give our child whatever he or she wants but I don't want to actually not be able to afford whatever my child wants. I want to be able to raise my child in an environmentally friendly home (WE ARE NOT READY FOR THIS ONE BUT WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS THIS). I want my husband to be able to be a "real life" adult for a while without having to be a daddy! I want to announce to my husband that we are having a baby "I Love Lucy" style not waving the pee stick in front of his face yelling "Now what in the hell are we going to do!?!?!?"

It must sound like the baby bug hasn't bitten me at all! But it has. I really want to get my body ready so that when my husband and I decide that the timing is as right for us as it's ever going to be I will be as healthy as I can be for a growing baby. We are also taking measures now to prepare our home to be more green for our offspring. I dream about what our babies will look like. I dream about the new traditions we will start as a family. I even dream about how I will discipline our children! All in due time. All in due time.

In the mean time....

I have Andrew!

And I can't get enough!

Finally...Photos!

2009-01-08T14:59:00.006-06:00

Here are highlights of my last week in picture!

I did laundry.

I saw old friends! I can't wait to see Lauren a lot more often (wink, wink)!

I saw new friends. (These pretty girls belong to Clint and Amber Smith)

We ate lemons! (Andrew loves lemons)

Nine Goals for 09

2009-01-02T09:49:00.003-06:00

1. Watch My Husband Graduate.

2. Pay off all debts and save more!

3. Be more GREEN! (Recycle, use less throw aways, change my cleaning habits)

4. Find more fulfulling work.

5. Give more to my church. (in the way of service and tithing)

6. Work on being less selfish and a more compassionate friend.

7. Have a serious discussion with my husband about babies!

8. Work on getting more in touch with family. (the Hankes and the DeFords)

9. Declutter.

Merry Christmas from Tilly

2008-12-25T13:39:00.003-06:00

I got my new camera. Just in time for Christmas! Merry Christmas Everyone!

Tilly is at Gramma's and Granpa's

2008-12-22T16:04:00.003-06:00

This is the email my mom sent me this morning:

Subject: Tilly is being a good girl!
Jean DeFord (XXXXXX@someinternet.com)

Attached is a visual of what your baby has been doing since daylight.....

Asks to go out.

Runs after animals.

Comes back in.

Merry Christmas From The Hankes

2008-12-22T15:28:00.003-06:00

I lost my camera at the end of the summer. I am getting a new one thanks to State Farm. It won't be here until after Christmas. This will have to do as a family portrait. Carl forgot to put on his glasses and Tilly is at my mom and dad's house. That 's why she's not in the picture!

Happy Belated Birthday Evee BoBo!

2008-12-10T10:18:00.009-06:00

The guy using his scary eye stare to will the dice to give him a lucky roll is my brother. He turned 24 on Pearl Harbor Day. That is December 7th in case you didn't know.

He came into this world early in the morning and FAST! The story goes that when my parents came into the hospital that very cold morning in San Antonio Texas the delivery ward was full. Evan wasn't stopping his entrance any and the nurses were literally pushing him back in because the doctor wasn't there. To this day he gets a red mark on his head when he's pissed. It's the birth story of a legend. No doubt my brother will be a legend some day.

Some of the best memories I have are of us fighting. Yes, I said they are some of the BEST memories. Our fighting was epic. Daily. Hourly. Minutely. But it mostly ended the same way. We were forced into our respective rooms to a sort of time out but because our parents didn't believe in closing doors we would call each other across the hall. It would go something like this.

Evan: "Mom is mean."
Me: "Go ask her if we can come out of our
rooms"
Evan: "No, You ask her."
Me: "I can't. She will be mad."
Evan: "That's why I can't"
Me: "Do you think she will care if I just go
into your room to play?"
Evan: "You wanna play cars or Legos?"
Me: "Doesn't matter to me as long as I can
be the mom who takes care of the sick ones"

At least that's how I chose to remember it.

Evan was a pretty scrawny kid. He didn't care to learn how to tie shoes, use the potty, or to bathe. He was too busy for that. There was a lot of bike riding, Lego building, fort playing, dirt digging, ball kicking, bug and rock collecting, back rubbing, video game playing in the early years. In Elementary School he announced that he was going to be a Lego builder when he grew up. I am sure that was a defining moment in his life.

In Middle School the girls were falling all over Evan. But like much of his life, he didn't care. He was too busy for that. At the time I of course didn't know why anyone would think my dorky annoying little brother would be cute! Now I know it's because he has a sweet and caring nature that is mixed perfectly with a little smart ass. He was the class clown that teachers loved.

In High School, Evan made sure to be his own person. He wasn't the little brother in his sister's shadow. (He may disagree) He doesn't know the amount of girls that would come and ask me if I was Evan's older sister. After I would reply yes I would be met with squeals and "Oh he's sooo cute". He did band for one year. Just like me. The year where there was a trip. Smart guy. After he quit band he joined the soccer team. He did very well until his knee went out. During High School he dated the best looking girls and treated them nicer than they should have been treated. He was more popular in high school and in college than I would ever be. Again it's that sweet caring nature mixed perfectly with a little smart ass.

In college, Evan came to SFA! Just like me. I was so excited! I didn't want to show it though because I knew that would turn him away. I prayed that he would stay even though SFA was supposed to be only temporary until he got into A&M for Engineering. (Remember he had Legos to build) He stayed. I had the pleasure of once again sharing two years at the same school as my brother when he changed his major to Accounting and decided to stay at SFA. Once again he made a name for himself! He joined a couple of fraternities. Made friends. Even had a few ODD jobs (wink wink). Ask him about his work with the Art Department! We didn't really even see each other as much as I would have liked but it was nice to know that family was around the corner. He did make it a point to come to Wednesday night worship at Wesley. Wesley thought we were weird for taking turns rubbing each others hands during worship. But in true Evan fashion, he didn't care.

Now Evee BoBo is all grown up at 24! He's done with school. Now working with a big ol accounting company and wears a tie most days. Which I find very funny seeing as how he never cared to learn how to tie his shoes and now he has to tie a tie everyday!

He's still my little brother and I love him.

He has a sweet, caring nature mixed perfectly with a little smart ass.

Happy Birthday Evee BoBo!

Bloggy Fun....The Firsts

2008-11-19T14:28:00.002-06:00

I secretly love these blogs....

1. Who was your FIRST prom date?

Never had one. I went to my senior prom with a girl named Stephanie in my History Class. We weren't even very good friends.

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
Yes. Everyday. I sleep with him too!
3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?
shots of something. I was in high school and my friend's dad was serving up the drinks.
4. What was your FIRST job?
babysitting. It was all I did! That's why I am sleeping with my first love!
5. What was your FIRST car?
Le Baron Convertible. Man that was a fun car!
6. Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
no texts today
7. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
Carl. He wouldn't get up!
8. Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Which time? That's right I went to 1st grade twice! Mrs. Henderson and Mrs. Goldsmith. They were fun ladies!
9. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
The first one I remember is flying to Houston from Dallas. It sucked. My ears don't tolerate short flights.
10. Who was your FIRST best friend and are you still friends with them?
To my mother's dread it was Tiffany Erdmann. I have no idea where she is.
11. What was your FIRST sport played?
Is Cake Decorating a sport?
12. Where was your FIRST sleep over?
At Tiffany's I am sure. In fact it was a sleep over that ended our friendship. I was over at her house sleeping over and watching TGIF when she got a call for a better sleepover offer and her mom dropped me back at my house.
13. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
Carl. I am not sure if HE knew I was talking to him.
14. Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time?
My Aunt Lisa's. I passed out the birdseed filled silk flowers. I just remember throwing the empty basket at the get away car. Boy was I in trouble.
15. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
Went to the restroom.
16. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
The Edge Christmas Concert (Bush, Blink 182)
17. FIRST tattoo or piercing?
Piercing was 14, ears. Tattoo was 16, butterfly on ankle in Hawaii
18. FIRST foreign country you went to?
Mexico for a mission trip in college.
19. What was your FIRST run in with the law?
There was this one time that my friends and I were pulled over by a goat cop....I should blog that story....
20. When was your FIRST detention?
Senior year in high school for wearing too short of shorts...the VP had a thing against fat girls.
21. What was the FIRST state you lived in?
Texas
22. Who was the FIRST person to break your heart?
Ryan. It was quite a feat seeing as how we weren't dating or anything.
23. Who was your FIRST roommate?
Joey, a vampire fanatic who ate bird seed...i lasted my first year of college with her. Don't go Potluck?!?!?
24. Where did you go on your FIRST limo ride?
To my Papa DeFord's funeral. Bummer. I know.

Consider yourself tagged!

Long Time NO Post....

2008-11-11T14:02:00.004-06:00

Wow....

It's been a while. Here is a quick update. Bulleted....because I like bullets.

I am still on my diet. I cheat a little more but I am generally sticking to it! I've seen a little bit of weight loss and feel TEN MILLION times better. I actually have no problem with giving up bread which was a shock for me! Cheese is a little harder.

Carl is still in school. May will hopefully be the end of school!

Tilly is fabulous. She is about to spend the next month with my parents. My mom's dog, Ginger, was put down in October and I think she misses having paws in the house. This is also a gift for Carl.

I lost my camera. That's why the posts have been few and far between. Pictures are better than words. I miss my camera but not enough to buy another one just yet. Maybe when Carl graduates and gets a job.

I still love Andrew to death. We had a great Halloween. Andrew was a cow and Tilly was a pig. He was so precious (i stole a picture from Kelly and it's featured below)

I am so excited about the holiday season!

Love to all!

Day 10

2008-09-11T13:19:00.003-05:00

7:45-Wake Up

(oops forgot my medi shot!)

8:30-Irish Oatmeal

12:30-Sushi Wraps (bought from grocery store it's make your own for like $3.00) with Avacado and 1/2 Apple with Almond Butter

can't remember....

Day 9

2008-09-11T13:17:00.002-05:00

*****Had the day off because I worked last Saturday*****

9:00-Woke Up
9:30-Medi Shot
12:00-Veggie Refried Beans with Rice and Rotel
2:00-Pistachios
5:30-Rice with Fried Eggplant (yum)
8:00-Medi Shot
9:45-Pistachios

Day 8

2008-09-09T10:12:00.001-05:00

7:40-Wake Up (ooops)

8:00-Medi Shot

9:00-Irish Oatmeal, Green Tea

12:00-Eggplant and Rice

2:00-some snack

6:00-walked for 1 hour on treadmill

7:00-Medi Shot

8:00-Fried Ric (cheated only a little; had egg)

Day 7

2008-09-08T14:13:00.004-05:00

7:20-Wake Up

7:30-Morning Medi shot (doubled this week)

8:30-ooops forgot to eat breakfast.....

12:00- Turkey sausage (this is a new one for me...not bad!) and spelt pasta with grapes

2:00-Grape break

6:00-Medi Shot with nut and fruit snack

8:00-Eggplant and Rice

10:00-Rice Cake and Almond Butter

12:00-night night

Days 4-6 (Weekend Wrap Up)

2008-09-08T13:44:00.002-05:00

Basically I screwed up....

No I did not go crazy and down a bowl of chips and salsa or anything!

If anything I didn't eat enough.

I know shocker.

What it comes down to is that I worked on Saturday (my first offical Saturday to work) without a lunch break (9-2) and it threw my snacking way off! I did eat sushi for dinner so that made up for the break in snacks for sure!

I was SO good on Sunday I deserve a trophy. It was our monthly covered dish. Need I say more. I do. I got in line and picked up my plate and walked slowly behind the guy who gets a spoonful of everything! My mouth was watering with all the brown, orange, yellow starchy goodnesss that was laid out. The whole time I was debating with myself: "Should I just cheat and make sure I was next to a toilet for the rest of the day?" "Was I REALLY feeling all that much better?" "Macaroni and cheese could make me feel good too!" (you skinny people just don't understand) I prevailed. I even walked past THE BEST mac and cheese and the lady only makes it 2 times a year! I made it to the end of the line with my plate empty to find a few carrots and a couple slices of apple. Very Filling. (I went home to make a real lunch) I was so proud and I could go out and do stuff because I wasn't worried I would need a bathroom near by! Ended the week fabulously and without urgency (if you catch my drift).

Day 3

2008-09-05T08:30:00.002-05:00

7:15-wake up
7:20-Noni and BSR pill with Mediclear and Rice Milk "shot"
9:30-Rice cakes with almond butter
12:00-"Nachos" rice, vegitarian refried beans, rotel and Pecan "chips"
2:00-Grapes
6:00-Noni and Mediclear and Rice Milk "shot"
7:00-Tuna Steak, green peas and mashed potatos (with mustard, rice milk subbed for milk)
8:00-BSR pill
8:30-Rice cake with almond butter

Almond Wishes and Rice Dreams

2008-09-04T12:54:00.004-05:00

I think I am doing pretty well on my DRASTIC diet changes. The list is long my friends. Long indeed. I have had the most trouble with onion, corn and garlic. I went looking in the pantry for something to make my rice and beans a little more palatable and EVERYTHING had one of these in it. Salsa. No. Has garlic and onions. Red Enchilada Sauce. No. Has modified corn starch. Modified corn starch is my nemesis. You would think life would be easy with all the "gluten free" products on the market but they replace the wheat flour with....you guessed it.... CORN!

Don't worry too much though. I am eating quite well even with the restrictions. The best part of my day is the shot glass of rice milk with Mediclear. It sounds gross but it has become the creamiest part of my day. It's actually pretty tasty.....well the vanilla flavor is pretty good. I just bought the original for baking (subbing milk of course). I only have about a week and few days left of no egg. Once I can eat egg I am making pancakes with rice flour.....I am totally pumped! I have also found Pecan chips. They look like tortilla rounds and taste ok. I had "nachos" today for lunch. Which means I had vegetarian refried beans, rotel, rice with Pecan Chips....very exciting....there was just a hint of sarcasm there. Can you tell food is my world?

Sure I have a hang up with food. I know this. My mom likes to think she had nothing to do with it. But she does. She is a Hallmark. That makes me a Hallmark. That makes me have food issues. I love it. I am not afraid to say that I associate food and family and happiness. My Dad's side is NO better. I dare you to call my Nana and ask her what she ate for lunch. She may not remember where she put her cell phone (it was wrapped up with her cookies) but she can list off the 10 or so items that the cafeteria served for lunch at The Colonial Lodge Assisted Living Facility.

The point is I am working on it!

Day 2

2008-09-03T12:45:00.004-05:00

7:20-Wake Up

7:25-Drink Medi Clear shake with Rice Milk (which I am beginning to love) and Morinda pill

7:45-normal poop (THAT NEVER HAPPENS)

8:30-Rice Cakes with Almond Butter for Breakfast

12:00-leftovers (portabella mushroom and rice)

2:00-Black Spanish Radish Root pills

3:00- hand full of almonds

5:30- Carrots, Craisians and a few grapes for snack

7:40-Mediclear and Rice Milk and Noni pill

8:00- Vegetarian refried beans and rice

yum! Day 2 in the bag!

Day 1.

2008-09-02T15:13:00.003-05:00

7: 15- Wake Up
7:20-Medi Clear Shake (of sorts) with Rice Milk; a few grapes
8:30-5 or so Almonds and Water
10:30-5 or so Almonds and Water
12:00-Morinda Supreme (pill)
12:20-2 Rice Cakes with Almond Butter; Carrots; grapes
2:00-grapes
3:00-Spanish Black Radish
3:30-Craisins
6:40-Morinda Supreme
7:00-Portobella Mushrooms grilled with Rice and some sort of veggie
8:00-Mediclear shake with Rice Milk (yum!) & Spanish Black Radish

I told the Witch Doctor...

2008-09-02T14:09:00.004-05:00

*****Don't read beyond this point if abnormal bodily functions bother you*****

I generally pride myself on being healthy. I am an obese (refrain from the "You're not fat" comments....according to BMI I am obese) healthy person. I never miss work. I've only gone a half day for being sick! I have MAYBE one cold a season. I am pretty healthy.

Except for one thing. I have pooping problems. I know, I know too much right? Well to be specific I have horrible cramping diarrhea! Gross. I know. The grossest part is that I have been having this problem for YEARS! It's progressively worsened over the years from occasionally to I forgot what a normal BM is like. So this weekend for a late birthday present my mom took me to the doctor. Not just any doctor mind you. A Chiropractor/Kinesiologist.

It was interesting. Basically the way it works is that your body is made up of energy. Remember learning that in High School Science??? Well all matter is made up of energy. Some energy works better with other energies. This Dr. Lady finds out which energy is best and subsequently which energy is worst for your body. What it comes down to is that for the next month I will be eliminating certain foods (bad energy) from my diet while I get my tummy issues under control. This is NOT forever. It's just FOR NOW. I am really excited because I already feel better since going to see Dr. Lady. I am going to try and blog everyday what I ate as a form of accountability for myself!

Here is the list of foods I can't eat:

Beef

Chicken

Pork

Shrimp

Cheese

Cow Milk

Eggs (for 2 weeks only)

Buckwheat

Corn (including high fructose corn syrup)

Wheat

Peanuts

Soy

Celery

Garlic

Onion

Banana

Grapefruit

Peach

Chocolate

What do you think?

The Paparazzi

2008-07-30T14:14:00.001-05:00

Not Much Going On....YET!

2008-07-28T14:49:00.004-05:00

Carl and I have been laying low!

We haven't been doing much because the next few weekends are gonna get CRAZY!

I did get my toes done!

Of course here is my weekly Drew picture. I love him so much! My brother thinks that I am going to go crazy, steal him from Kelly and Ryan and be a future Lifetime Movie. He is super adorable but believe me, I am always OK with giving him back!

UPCOMING POSTS:

Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews and Memphis TN
Hallmark Family Reunion

I

2008-07-21T17:08:00.003-05:00

i am: ready for a change
i think: I should go back to school
i know: I am smarter than I once thought
i want: to have a job I love
i have: an awesome husband and cute dog!
i wish: I was 120 lbs less
i hate: lies
i miss: college
i fear: lonesomeness
i feel: like I should have gone to bed earlier
i hear: the phone ringing
i smell: like coconut lime verbena
i crave: chocolate.
i search: to know my God more
i wonder: when I will feel like we are going to be ready for kids!
i regret: not being confidant sooner.
i love: all my families!
i ache: in my ear
i care: for Carl and Tilly
i always: feel hungry
i am not: your typical blonde
i believe: in a God who loves
i dance: like no one is watching
i sing: for God and Andrew :)
i don't always: act like an adult (good and bad)
i fight: when I feel like my values are being destroyed
i write: for therapy
i win: very little
i lose: my mind from time to time
i never: choose cake over pie
i confuse: my husband!
i listen: to Dave Matthew's the most!
i can usually be found: at work or home (boring)
i am scared: that I will never be happy at work
i need: daily affirmation
i am happy about: my husband's future graduation!

Remix

2008-07-18T10:09:00.006-05:00

WHAT HAVE THE HANKES BEEN UP TO?!?!?!

Let me break off a little REMIX!

*We had a visit from a Chinese Boy Scout! His American name was Gary. It's the "COOL" American name he picked for his English classes in school! That made me laugh. Carl and Regan gave him a "Cooler" name. B. P. or B***h Puncher. Sounds horrible right?!?! It's funny when an asian says it though! We went out and showed him how we Americans party. At Bullfrogs. Drank beer and played pool. Fun times.

*The next weekend my cousins Tyler and Rachel came for the weekend for some cousin fun! We showed them a good time. Drank beer and played pool. JUST KIDDING! We drank Coke and played Wii! The highlight was playing with dry ice. Kelly gave us some to take home and play with. It entertained all of us for a few hours and Carl made his SPECIAL milkshakes for the event!

* Carl and I went to my parent's house for the 4th and to celebrate my birthday. We had a good time hanging out with my parents, brothers and soon to be sister-in-laws. Tilly was cute as always!

*Finally this is a picture of my beautiful Peppermint Hibiscus. I am so proud that I have kept something alive long enough for it to bloom! It reminds me of Mr. Peppermint. Does anyone remember that children's show? I think it was only for the lucky kids in Dallas! Mr. Peppermint ROCKED!

P.S. A picture of Andrew for good measure!

I Can't Get Enough....

2008-06-25T16:58:00.003-05:00

of THIS face!!!!!

blogs to post in the near future:

Hong Kong Gary--Intern Boy Scout from Hong Kong!
Carl and I are taking my cousins for the weekend. That should make for a good post!
Finally pictures of the house.....before and after!

Here Are Some Pictures to Prove It!

2008-06-10T11:19:00.006-05:00

It's been over a year and I FINALLY have my wedding album! It wasn't my photographers fault! I couldn't make up my mind. I like that I didn't get my album for a year because it was so much more fun to look at the pictures and really appreciate the whole thing! A big thanks to my photographer! Check him out!

Free and Almost Free Entertainment in Austin

2008-06-05T09:55:00.007-05:00

Here is the ultimate list of Free or Near Free things to do in Austin.

They are in NO particular order!

Carl and I didn't have a ton of money to spend we are poor newlyweds (someone told me you are newlyweds for 2 years! Someone else told me your a newlywed for as long as you feel....gag me!) I digress. There were PLENTY of activities to do while in Austin that were inexpensive. We even had more left over! You might want to print this off when you go to Austin!

1. Look for Leslie

This was for me NOT Carl. Leslie is infamous in Austin. He/She is a homeless tranny that hangs out on 6th street. I mean HANGS out. He/She usually isn't wearing much more than a leopard print thong and a halter top to cover his/her hormone induced boobies. Leslie has run for Mayor several times. Homelessness is his/her platform. Interesting huh?!?! Leslie usually hangs out on 6th and Congress during the day. We were lucky enough to see him on Friday night! We were walking down 6th street we heard a "HEY" and sure enough it was Leslie! It's like he/she knew we were looking for him/her. Don't worry I didn't touch him/ her but I did buy the magnetic "Leslie Paper doll Collection" for my fridge!

2. Barton Springs

I vaguely remember going to Barton Springs as a kid. I don't know if we swam or not? Well we were HOT from walking around so we went to Barton Springs! It was $3 per person to get in. On the outside it looks like a HUGE public pool but when you look closer in the water you see that it's a natural spring complete with algae rocks. I was the first brave one to go in. It was a COOL 68 degrees! It made my feet feel awesome (they were throbbing from all the walking). We decided to go in at one of the walk in points. I ended up crawling to my final destination because the idea of slipping on the rocks was not one I wanted to experience. It was cold. I loved it. Sierra (our friend and personal tour guide) and Carl had goose pimples and shivered the whole time! BABIES! The best part was watching people try not to fall on the rocks while adjusting to the extreme cold! What can I say....I am evil. We didn't stay as long as I would have liked but the sun was going down. I will say that this activity is free if you go in after 7 PM but who would want to! I would think it's only for the Polar Bear Club members at that point!

3. 6th Street

While I see the appeal I think I am too old to really enjoy 6th street. I equate it to a brighter and cleaner walk on Bourbon Street in New Orleans (pre Katrina....haven't been back to see post....) They block off the street from vehicles at about 9 PM on the weekend. The only way to get from one side of the street to the other (other than good ol walking) is to take "Petty Cabs". Petty Cabs are men and women on bikes dragging a 3 person seat that take you to any club or bar for a donation. We chose to walk. It's good for the heart and to keep drunkenness in check! We did see the Pecan St. Cafe which my mom said was the ONLY thing on 6th Street when she was in school at UT. We went in to Babaloo, a cigar shoppe, and each picked out something to enjoy. The "I LoveLucy" reference was just too much for me to resist! We went to The Forbidden Fruit and met a future writer for "The Advocate". We watched the girls dance on the bar in Coyote Ugly. That was fun! We even stopped by and looked in at at The Dizzy Rooster that was made famous by "The Real World: Austin". We went to another bar....but I can't remember! We even had enough energy to walk back to the hotel! It was a long walk but we did save like 5 bucks by not getting a cab!

4. South Congress (So Co)

Ok. Now this is more MY style. It's more artsy. More hippie. More unusual. South Congress has a huge event every month called "First Thursday". The title is when the event takes place (duh!) and its a time that all the stores stay open later, the street is shut down, and more vendors are added in the street. It's a place for starving artists to sell their works. I wish we were there for First Thursday but alas we weren't. There was plenty to look at without being at First Thursday. First stop was "Hey Cupcake!" It's a charming vintage metal travel trailer. Much like the trailer in that movie that Lucy and Desi did together about traveling in the trailer...the name of the movie escapes me.... We had just had a fabulously greasy meal at Dirty Martins so we passed on eating a Michael Jackson Cupcake (you know...a chocolate cupcake with white cream cheese frosting!). It was tempting! Carl taught Sierra and I a ton! One of the places were full of Folk Art and Folk Craft. Carl just took a Folklore class at SFA and taught us that Folk Art is to look at and Folk Craft is to use! Learn somethin new everyday! I enjoyed looking at all the art, interesting antiques and amusing gifts. I was so tempted to bring back bacon flavored tooth picks to Ryan. There were plenty of paintings I wanted to take home. There were even antique medical paraphernalia that I wanted. I passed on all of it and just dreamed of the day that Carl and I will have enough money for original art (notice I said WILL). Day turned into night and the atmosphere was much more quiet than 6th street but still hoppin. We returned to eat at Homeslice on So Co and you could hear the live music flowing all down the street. The people were more casual and relaxed. Still much more my style. This street is what sealed the deal on my desire to move to Austin!

5. Geo Caching

Ok. If you know what this is then you know that you can do this ANYWHERE! This has been Carl and my new hobby for 2008. A couple friend of ours showed us the joys of Geo caching at the new year. If you don't know what it is then I suggest you click on the link and look at the "Getting Started" bar. It will become your addiction. In short it's basically a treasure hunt using GPS. It's an underground cultural phenomenon that's sweeping the world! Quite literally. There are caches on all 7 continents. My favorite type of cache is the urban cache because the marvel of a treasure in the presence of hundreds of people and they don't even know! Austin had several! We found the 4 we looked for. We started our hunt at midnight on Saturday so that it would be more covert. What a blast! I recommend Geo Caching even if you don't go to Austin. Just check it out!

6. Congress Bridge Bats

What an AWESOME sight. I think this was the highlight for Carl. We were there about 45 minutes before the bats began their flight. The general rule is that they come out at sunset but nature has a mind of their own and we didn't want to miss it! We had front row spots on the Congress street bridge right where Ladybird Lake met the land below. Sierra (our personal tour guide) said that was the premo spot and right she was! You could hear the bats talking to each other determining the best time to all leave and shortly after the sun hit the horizon the show started. The bats that live under the bridge are Mexican Free-tailed bats and belong to the largest urban bat colony in the US! Isn't Texas cool? The bat is even our State Flying mammal! They started to trickle out one at a time. If you blinked you missed the first few "scout bats". Then they started to come out in droves. It was truly amazing how fast they were flying as a group making a swoosh towards the lake and then up over the trees, catching bugs the whole way. I would totally recommend seeing this sight. Unfortunately it's not a guaranteed sight!

I am pretty sure we did more but that's all I could think about right now!

Look below for the randomly awesome pictures!

This is a picture of The Bat Sculpture by the Congress Bridge (there is a cache very near!)

You can smell the bat poop when you cross the bridge! This is the view from our room!

Sierra hooked us up!

This is the guitar and knee of Stevie Ray Vaughn!

Andrew Update!

2008-06-05T09:48:00.004-05:00

I can't believe he's already 7 weeks old! Just to review. He is not my baby. My friends Kelly and Ryan claim him. I love him so much though! He is a blast and he doesn't really do anything. These are my favorite pictures as of late!

Eat Your Way Through Austin

2008-06-04T10:52:00.008-05:00

It's no secret that eating is one of my FAVORITE pastimes! Austin is in my opinion one of the best places to eat. The city focuses on fresh and organic. We ate out all weekend but left like we hadn't. Every thing was so fresh and yummy.

If you will fasten your seat belts we will now take the food tour!

Friday Night Dinner: Chuys Mexican Restaurant

Wow! I have never had Tex-Mex like this before. The chips were light and crisp and went so well with the just made salsa. I ordered "The Vegetarian" (Finally a city that truly caters to all eating habits) It came with a Veggie Enchilada that had squash, potatoes, corn, spinach, serrano, onions all in a blue corn tortilla with red sauce and cheese. I also had a cheese chili relleno (my favorite). All that with rice and vegetarian refried beans. It was all good. I topped my freshly made meal with a light margarita. I had "The Dot" margarita which is margarita with a dot of strawberry margarita on top. Ingenious! It was not heavy and perfect for a hot evening.

What the others had: The Classic Tex-Mex Enchiladas and Big as Yo' Face Chicken Burrito

Saturday Lunch: Dirty Martin's

We were looking for a cheap place to eat for lunch. You know burger and fries. I actually found this place online weeks before we went. It has been featured on the documentary "Hamburger America". This was definitely a dive. It was full of students or fathers and sons. Not a place you would take your mom. Too greasy! With that being said they still have a Veggie Patty burger! You better believe I got that! It reminded me of the veggie patties I would get at the school cafeteria...in a good way...a nostalgic way. We each ordered a different side and taste tested. The tater tots, fries and onion rings were soooo yummy! We all topped it off with a to go shake like mom would make! Very cheap. Still yummy. Not overly greasy. The gut held up well for an afternoon in the hot hot sun!

What the others had:

O.T. SPECIAL - large bacon cheeseburger with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato

D.H. SPECIAL - Hamburger patty with grilled onions between two pieces of cheese on toast with tomato and pickle

Saturday First Dinner: Torchy's Tacos

Ok. So we had two dinners! We didn't eat lunch and we knew we would be eating a LATE dinner because of the events we had planned (you will have to check out the next post for events) We were in our swimming gear when we walked up to this deliciously smelling trailer. The keyword here again was FRESH! You wouldn't think that at a trailer right?!?! I ate 2 tacos because I couldn't decide! I had the fried avocado taco which had carrots, vegetarian refried beans, tomatoes, lettuce and poblano ranch! I also had the "Taco of the Month" Magic Mushroom. It was wonderfully magical with portabella mushrooms, carrots, lettuce and chipotle sauce! To die for! I wanted more but I resisted! I would eat there right now if I could. Fresh cheap food doesn't get any better! We spent less than at a drive thru and ate more and ate better!

What the others had:

Beef Fajita Taco:Marinated and grilled skirt steak with grilled onions and peppers and topped off with shredded cheese and pico de gallo on your choice of tortilla and salsa

Trailer Park: Fried chicken, green chili’s, lettuce, pico, and Cheese served on a flour tortilla with poblano ranch.Get it trashy! Take off the lettuce and add queso!

Saturday Second Dinner: Homeslice Pizza

We didn't eat until 10:30 PM but it was well worth the wait! This was surreal to me because you don't even have the option of eating past 8:30 PM in Nacogdoches. Yet there was an hour wait at 9PM!!! Now I will tell you I am not a fan of pizza. I like food so I will eat it but given a choice I would always choose Mexican over pizza. Or at least pasta over pizza. You could say I am a pizza snob! I like "different" flavors other than your typical pepperoni or cheese. Homeslice and I were a fit when I saw the menu. We enjoyed sitting out on the back porch while Sierra and Carl had a pitcher of Fireman's #4 and I went all out and had diet Dr. Pepper (really that is going all out). We shared some hot garlic knots to help our hunger stay in check while we waited. We ordered a medium classic “white” pie with ricotta, olive oil and spinach. It came on it's own stand and had gobs of spinach and ricotta. Very yummy. I had about a slice more than I should have! We even had 2 slices left over. Of course Carl didn't eat it! He is your average pizza eater and got a couple of slices of pepperoni. This was a perfect choice for a late meal because I wasn't miserable and unable to go to bed. Freshness points here!

Sunday Brunchy Lunch: Kerby Lane Cafe

This is an Austin Institution. Now I know I have beat down the word "fresh" but seriously. This place has it's own farm! Not lying! They have tons of vegetarian and vegan options. We could have eaten here all weekend! I went with having eggs Benedict Florentine in mind because more people should have that on their menu! When we opened up the menu I had to have something that NO ONE else would have on their menu. I went for the "Paris Texas Platter" It was an awesome combo of french toast and migas (vegetarian migas no less!). My taste buds were doing a happy dance! Spicy and sweet what a combo! I just watched everyone else in the restaurant and what they ordered. They even have Vegan pancakes! Made with tofu! I don't know about all that but at least they have it for anyone who wants it! The coolest part was that they have artist original paintings for sale and the artists change frequently!

What the others ate:

Carl had Carl's Breakfast: English muffin with all natural Canadian bacon, a fried egg and cheese. Served with home fries and fruit.

Pancake stack of the day: Raspberry

Austin: 1 Year of Love

2008-06-02T11:14:00.005-05:00

Carl and I booked it to Austin on Friday. I was trying to surprise him for our 1st anniversary! This is the first day I have taken off in the year 2008! I needed it bad!

You may be asking, "Why Austin?"

Here is the list:

1. We don't have much money to spend so Paris was out.

2. I am trying to convience my husband to move here so why not show him what a wonderful time we could have in this AWESOME city!

3. Our friend, Sierra, works at the Hyatt in Austin so she gave us the HOOK UP!!!

The next few blogs will be devoted to our trip. It was fast, fun and full! I love Austin and I want you to love it too! I hope after reading my review of Austin you will fall in love with it too!

Gimme a FIVE

2008-05-28T16:58:00.005-05:00

A friend Angela tagged me in her blog!

She said she secretly read my blog....I secretly read hers too!

The Rules

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.

2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.

3. At the end of the post, the player then tags five people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read the player’s blog.

4. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

WHAT WERE YOU DOING 5 YEARS AGO:

1. I was bummed that I guy I had a crush on was leaving town for 6 weeks! (it was Carl and he went to scout camp!)

2. Moved out of Kerr and into my FIRST apartment!

3. I was getting ready to bring home the coolest puppy in the world, TILLY!!!

4. I was living with Cullen Shelton. Everyone thought the temptation would be too great for us to live together without having sex....HAH!

5. That summer was full of LIFE....the board game!

FIVE THINGS ON YOUR TO-DO LIST TODAY?

1. cook a healthy meal for my hubby

2. laundry....gag me (my Nini used to say that a ton)

3. Have people over for Cookie Night

4. did I mention that laundry was on my list? By that I mean it's a pile behind my couch

5. Pay bills....dang being a grown up!

FIVE SNACKS YOU ENJOY?:

1. Apples and Cheese

2. Baked Brie and grapes

3. Peanut Butter

4. Ice Cream

5. Avacado

FIVE THINGS YOU WOULD DO IF YOU WERE A BILLIONAIRE:

1. Go on Vacation.

2. Buy a dream house.

3. Give money to Perritte and Wesley.

4. Buy a vacation home.

5. Save it.

FIVE OF YOU BAD HABITS:

1. I am a clutterbug.

2. I burp and fart.

3. I whine.

4. I am not good at writing Thank You notes!

5. I let the dog lick my plates.

FIVE PLACES WHERE YOU'VE LIVED:

1. San Antonio, TX (born there)

2. Lewisville, TX (one home from 3 yrs until 18)

3. Nacogdoches, TX (dorms: Steen and Kerr)

4. Nacogdoches, TX (renting: Willow Oak Apts. and Swann Dr)

5. Nacogdoches, TX (buy: Willow Oak St with Carl!)

FIVE JOBS YOU'VE HAD:

1. Sears: sold doors, windows and siding!

2. Fitness Works for Women: daycare worker for a gym

3. Extended School Day: childcare worker for after school program

4. Wesley: Wednesday Night Cook

5. State Farm: I am not sure what I do. I just do it! (now)

TAG YOU'RE IT!:

Baby Drew!

2008-05-22T11:15:00.005-05:00

Andrew and I had a photo shoot a few weeks ago. We gave the top picture to Mommy for Mother's day! He's such an awesome kid! I can't get enough of him!

Over it!
This is my favorite face!
Isn't he teeny tiny!

A Year Ago Today...

2008-05-22T10:31:00.004-05:00

I was finishing my last day of work as Kalena DeFord.

I can't believe a year has gone by since Carl and I were married! It has been an amazing year! A busy and amazing year.

Carl is finishing up school and I am still working at Jamie Rodrigues State Farm. We have had many gatherings at our house throughout the year. I just finished painting and pulling down the last of the tape a month ago! Carl and I are so thankful for all the gifts we received at our wedding. They really helped to finish the house off! I suck at Thank you cards and I didn't reach my goal of sending all of them off! I am so sorry! I really tried!

I am MUCH better at hosting. This year (as in 2008) I have hosted the following at our home:
New Year's Eve Party
Boy's WEEKEND!
Britney's 21st B-Day
Kelly's Baby Shower
Ben's 21st last minute partay
Evan's Graduation Party
Sunday Funday (our SS class party complete with Pirate Theme)
Valentine's Party (can you tell these aren't in order)
Easter with both parents
Carl's Birthday Gathering
Washer Party
oh and don't forget the weekly "Cookie Night" event (7 years strong baby!)

Needless to say I have used and cherished almost every special dish we received at our wedding. The only thing I was unable to breakout was our cool Christmas dishes. Someday. Someday.

Wow a ton has happened! And that's just in the last 5 months! I can't wait to see what the years ahead have in store for Carl and me!

Don't worry...Whatever happens we'll have a party!

Tag, You're it!

2008-05-07T09:40:00.003-05:00

What was I doing ten years ago:
I was finishing my freshman year at Marcus High School. I was getting ready to say good bye to all my senior friends. I was debating at wether or not to tell my crush about my feelings ( I didn't, Thank the Lord!)

Five things on my to do list today:
1. Buy supplies for my kids to make Mother's Day craft.
2. Buy a CD for meditation. (It's an exercise we do at Children's Choir)
3. Make it appear that I am working diligently
4. Get paperwork off of my desk
5. Clean my house enough for someone to clean it! (just this once)

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Put money away for future. Give money to Perritte and Wesley. Build a house and a vacation house. Pay off all our debt. Buy me a new car!!!

Three of my bad habits:
1. Asking too many questions ( I call it learning)
2. Being Blunt
3. Farting and Burping in public (gross I know)

Five places I have lived:
1. San Antonio TX
2. Lewisville, TX
3. Steen Hall, Nacogdoches TX
4. Swann St Nacogdoches TX
5. Willow Oak St. Nacogdoches TX

Five jobs I have had:
1. Childcare, Fitness Works for Women
2. After School Program
3. Cook for Wesley
4. Sales for Sears Siding
5. State Farm Customer Rep

a love like this

2008-05-02T11:59:00.005-05:00

I had the oppertunity to watch Andrew for an hour last night! His mom, dad, Honey (grandma) and Deanie (great-grandma) went out for dinner. Kelly warned me that he might give me trouble because he had a rough night! Of course he was PERFECT! I am so in love! I fed him a bottle and then we just sat and stared at each other! I told him how lucky he was to have such an awesome family! We talked about all the people Andrew hasn't even met and that they already love him too! He certiantly won't be lacking in the love department and I will make sure of it!

Andrew will be 2 weeks old this Sunday! I can't believe how awesome he is already!

This was after a nice big bottle.

He was on a bit of a milk high!

What can you expect from a kid born on 4/20!!!

He is precious from the top of his head down to his monkey toes!

Carl was a bit worried that I would want a baby. I do! Just not right NOW!

I am totally content with being a mom to Tilly!

Andrew Blakeley Kahlden

2008-04-21T15:20:00.006-05:00

WOAH!!! It's been a while!

2008-04-01T16:40:00.004-05:00

I still have a bit of writers block. Not much going on. I will leave you with this!

Saturday at Walmart.

2008-01-13T19:44:00.000-06:00

Some people hate it.

Some people hate it but I love it.

Walmart on a Saturday afternoon. Not just any Walmart. Walmart in a small town such as Nacogdoches which has even smaller towns nearby with no Walmart for miles. This is the day that all the small town folks from cities such as Chireno and Alazan come to spend the DAY at Walmart. This Saturday was no different.

I went to Walmart because I was in search of a filing cabinet along with a small list of groceries. I walked in and headed to the material and craft department (a weakness of mine no doubt brought on by the genes i recieved from my mother) I was looking for the perfect material to cover the filing cabinet so that we can use it for a bedside table for our guest room. (I didn't find it) While I was in the department I heard over the intercom that there was a "Code Adam". A "Code Adam" I soon found out was Walmart lingo for a lost child. I listened over the intercome in humor as the story unfolded over the intercome. It was funny because once they found the kid they couldn't find the kid's parents. That went back and forth for a while. I giggled.

As I went through the store I watched the many different people roaming the store. There was the young high school couple having a date at the McDonalds (real classy). There was the family with a million kids and a million shopping carts full of a million gallons of milk and they were all dressed in denim. There were the husband and wife team in leather and tattoos in sleeveless shirts very bikeresk minus the fact that they also had matching complementary riding shopping carts. I even saw a lady talking to the candles like they were her best friends!!!

You get the point but the mother of all things happened! I saw him. He was standing in the frozen food section by the ice cream. I didn't know who to call. I tried my dad. No answer. I called Ryan and Kelly. No answer. I called Carl. No signal. (He was in the middle of nowhere for Council Retreat) I stared in disbelief and then I gawked in utter shock that no one else noticed! Elvis was in the frozen food section at the Walmart in Nacogdoches Texas!!!

Elvis is alive.

I saw him.

Uno Attack anyone?

2008-01-03T21:13:00.000-06:00

This past weekend Carl and I went back to Dallas to spend time with my mom's side of the family. It was as usual a great time. We arrived on Friday night and were greeted not only by my parents and brother but also by my Uncle Randy, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Mark, Aunt Lisa and cousins Tyler and Rachel. Not nessicarrilly in that order.

This is where it starts to get funny....

Tyler was playing his Nintendo DS. Mark and Randy were intensley working on a puzzle. (see pictures) The rest of us decided to play a mean game of UNO Attack! It was fun! The best part had really nothing to do with the game.

Tilly has certian rights as the Grand-dog-der that no one else has with my father. She is able to sit in my dad's lap at the kitchen table! Now you know why my dog is spoiled! Well Dad was enjoying his nightly dessert (he says he never has dessert) but anyway he was enjoying his chocolate pie while Tilly was trying her hardest to enjoy it too!

Check out the pictures!

I Celebrate the Day....

2007-12-20T12:49:00.000-06:00

The Christmas spirit is full swing in me! I love decorating the house and attending the numorus holiday parties. This month I have attended 9 Christmas parties and 2 graduation parties. I love it. I think I get my party nature from my mother. Just tell me what to bring and I will be there attitude certiantly comes from her. Now sharing new and daring recipes at the party came from my dad! Tonight's party I will be breaking out a new and old recipie. I have a standard bean dip that I take with me EVERYWHERE! People love it. I love it. It has cream cheese in it. That's why it's so popular. I still say there isn't anything you CAN'T put cream cheese with. I challange anyone to change my mind!

I have been able to dodge the negitive attitudes of the Scrooges that come into our office. I have not let the unaturally hot for this time of year weather get me down. I have been keeping a cough just a cough so that I won't be totally sick for the holidays. I have found an awesome new Christmas song that helps me to ward off the negitive energy so many people have around this holiday. The song is called " I Celebrate the Day" by Relient K. I really like it because it reminds me why I celebrate Christmas day. I celebrate the day so I could one day pray for You to save my life

RELIENT K LYRICS

"I Celebrate The Day"

And with this Christmas wish is missed

The point I could convey

If only I could find the words to say

to let You know how much You've touched my life

Because here is where You're finding me, in the exact same place as New Year's eve

And from a lack of my persistency

We're less than half as close as I want to be

And the first time

That You opened Your eyes

Did You realize that You would be my Savior

And the first breath that left Your lips

Did You know that it would change this world forever

And so this Christmas I'll compare the things I felt in prior years

To what this midnight made so clear

That You have come to meet me hereTo look back and think that

This baby would one day save me

In the hope that what You did

That you were born so I might live

To look back and think that

This baby would one day save me

And I, I celebrate the day

That You were born to die

So I could one day pray for You to save my life

I pray that the Christmas season will touch you the same way!

Check out our Christmas House...

2007-11-26T20:38:00.000-06:00

Yea for Christmas! I decorated the house yesterday. Our tree is a little Charlie Brown esk. Carl INSISTED that "Dewight" the Christmas gnome greet everyone at the door! I am the one that gave Dewight the accent of a drunk Englishman.

While I was decorating Tilly was quietly watching warmly in her blanket.

I love my husband

2007-11-01T22:22:00.000-05:00

I don't say it enough! I love Carl Jonathon Hanke. He really is something. Here is just a little run down of Carl....my perception of him!

Name: Carl Jonathon Hanke

My Nicknames for Carl: Babe, Baby, lover, babycakes...oops...only Steven can call you that!

Hair color: dirty blonde

Eye color: Blue

I like when Carl wears: Jeans and a t-shirt with his white Pumas...so cute!

I hate when Carl wears: His Boy Scout uniform shorts on normal days

Carl goes to bed at: around 11:30 to midnight

Carl starts his day at: around 8 to 9:30 AM

Carl has too much: facial hair

And not enough: actual hair on his head....he is sporting a mohawk

Carl likes when I cook: hamburgers, baked ziti, casseroles

Carl's favorite dish that his mom makes: beef strognoff

Carl doesn't like to eat: lamb or sushi (my favorites!!!)

Some of Carl's favorite pasttimes are: frisbee golf, boy scouts, Wesley , making music.

Carl's least favorite things to do: dishes, shopping, going to class.

Carl is best at: playing instruments; mostly drums and guitar

Now you know.

Take This Job and Shove It!!

2007-10-26T11:38:00.000-05:00

I am having a REALLY hard time working today.

It's not that it's a BAD day or anything. I just want to be doing something else other than sitting at a computer pushing paper in an avacado green room. It's a gorgous day outside, all of my friends are on thier way in town for Homecoming and I am stuck in the office while they call to say they are minutes away and ready to play. This sucks. Being an adult sucks sometimes.

I want to take back all the moments in my childhood that I whined about wishing to being older! Why didn't my parents tell me that THIS is what I had to look forward to!?!?! I should of never complained about being bored. Now I sit in my office and WISH I could go outside and play. I am talking about playing on the playground kind of play. You know that stuff that you aren't "allowed" to do anymore once you hit a certian age because it's not appropriate. I am realizing more and more that I think most people have kids so that they can have an excuse to go to the park and swing or play in the sandbox again. Can I do those things without having a kid and not risk looking creepy?

I will just have to keep my innerchild inside a little longer until Carl and I decide to have kids.

Ready for Halloween

2007-10-23T21:23:00.000-05:00

Thanks Mom and Dad for the wonderful Halloween package. It inspired me to decorate the house. Tilly loves her snakes!!! Just check out the pictures below.

Cold Front. Coming Through!

2007-10-22T19:51:00.001-05:00

Yeah for the cooler weather. Tilly looks so adorable in her pink hoodie. She loves to wear it too!

The Only Mole I like is the One that Starts with Guaca!

2007-10-21T17:48:00.000-05:00

Being a homeowner is proving to be a challenge. I miss those days when you can call the landlord to fix it. Here is a list of the homeowner issues we have faced since May 2007.

1. Moles

2. Water Heater Burst (the day we moved in)

3. Roaches

4. Moles

5. New Lawn Mower broke

6. Weeds

7. both toilets need gutting (Cassie and I have fixed one....one to go)

8. Garage door randomly goes up

9. Moles

10. Short in electrical system

11. Giant hole in the ceiling of the garage

12. Moles

Do you see the reoccurring problem here. Moles. Tilly loves them but they are tearing the heck out of our backyard! At least Tilly is getting exercise!!!

Even in all these challanges being a homeowner really is much better than being a renter. At least when something goes wrong and it doesn't get fixed I can only be mad at myself instead of a crappy landlord.

Side Note: I never even thought I would be married or a homeowner by the time I was 25!!!! Sure we are poor but it is all worth it!

Marriage

2007-10-16T22:48:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it. Carl and I have been married for almost 5 months! Some days it's my biggest challenge and others it feels like we've been married for years.

Marriage is certianly an adjustment! I have heard that the first year is the hardest. Well, we are almost half way through and it has been challenging.

Since Carl is still in school are schedules don't allow us for a lot of one on one time. I usually scramble to get home to make dinner in time for Carl to go to Wesley. We have also had to adjust to sleeping in the same bed. He likes to roll himself in the comforter and I like the topsheet (something Carl had never seen before) with a fan directed at my face. He blames me for cronic sore throat due to the fan being in his face. This is the worst of it folks so it's not bad at all. In fact it's rather lovely.

I love cooking for someone. We have both GREATLY reduced our fast food intake. I haven't lost any weight but I feel better. I am even cooking Carl red meat!!!! That has been interesting. I have only really screwed up once. I used stew meat for stir fry....I didn't know that stew meat was the toughest part of the cow!!!! Carl was a trooper and ate it up the first night...however the leftovers never made it to his belly.

I love having Carl here. Once we got engaged it was SO hard to say goodnight. I hated that he had to leave me. Don't get me wrong I am capable of being home by myself but it's nice to have him at home. I don't have to worry so much.

I am finally used to Hanke. That was very surreal to write for the first 4 months. Now it is habit. I don't even think twice while I sign checks. It is still a little weird though. A name you had for 25 years is now gone. Weird.

All in all I totally reccommend marriage to anyone who desires it. It rocks!

By the way Tilly is going to be Snow White for Halloween.....