Happy Halloween!

Austin had a great time trick or treating and Mommy is trying very hard not to eat his candy!

Here are some pictures from the day:


Austin and Leo
Leo smiling at Daddy

Austin flirting with one of his girlfriendsAustin and the whole gang
(note his hand digging in his candy!)

Win a Dyson!

It's not too late...sign up here to win an awesome Dyson vaccuum!!!

This is the best vaccuum in the world, especially if you have pets.
and it's pink.

:)

Cake

Task: load up two young boys in a double stroller for a walk

What it involved:

• diaper changes, for both. (wrestling a 2 year old to the ground for a diaper change is very similar to wrestling an alligator. Big fun, I tell you.)
• finding and putting on shoes
  
• bundling them both in sweatshirts.
  
• grabbing snacks, a drink, and a stroller toy
• bringing blankies, for both
• carrying Leo to the stroller and strapping him in all while convincing Austin he does not want to play with any other toys in the garage. (translation: if you get in your stroller, I'll give you a cookie)
• running back inside for pacifier
• running back inside for sunglasses
• running back inside for water
• pushing the double stroller into the 5 different objects blocking the exit from the garage. (Please god, let me out of here!!!!)
  
• Closing the garage door and realizing the dog is still in the backyard. Oh well, he can just whine and bark because there is no way he is coming along on this walk!
  

Piece of cake, right?
Yep, that is just what I wanted when it was all said and done!

But I was free.....free to roam around the compound and breathe fresh air.
They were strapped in and not getting out. They were both smiling!
It was worth it!

Until we got back home and had to do it all in reverse!

happy monday

My thoughts on Nutrisystem

Since the baby weight has not fallen off as I had hoped, I've been looking into new ways to lose weight. My main problem is eating---I love junk food and I'm too lazy to cook healthy, quality meals for myself.

This has brought me to consider Nutrisystem. They have a program called Nutrisystem Nourish and all of their advertisements (especially the ones I've seen on TV) show fabulous before and after pictures of people who have lost tons of weight. That could be me, right?

I looked at their website and although the food looks appetizing, I find it hard to believe that it actually is. None of the food is fresh, it is all canned or boxed.

It is a great value though, you can get a month of food for about $300. (slightly more if you want to hand select your own foods and don't want auto-delivery) I know that I spend more than $300 a month on food, especially when I factor in convenience foods because I don't feel like cooking.

Overall I think it is a good program for some people, especially for someone who travels a lot or is away from home. I don't think it is the right plan for me though.

Football Sunday

DM got Austin his own football jersey so now I have two kids running around the house screaming "ball, ball!" It's a little insane that my 2 year old starts crying when the commercials come on and interrupt the "BALL" game. (or the commentators! I just can't understand how they can sit there and talk about the game for hours. Just watch it already and be quiet! But that's just me......)

On the other hand, Austin looks like a natural when it comes to football. Here he is with his official game face. Maybe he'll make millions playing football and support his mama in her old(er) age?


*****
In Leo news, he is growing and growing!! As you can tell, he really doesn't fit in his "bed" anymore. Unfortunately until Austin has completely mastered climbing out of his crib, (which he is very close to doing!), Leo will continue to have to sleep in his papasan seat. (hey, at least it vibrates and plays music!)

The good news is that he is no longer slumping over in the swing!

cars are more fun than pumpkins

Austin and DM carved our pumpkin tonight, which Austin thought was tons of fun until he touched the stuff inside. Not a big fan of pumpkin guts.

He was more interested in driving his cars on the finished product.

Oh well, it was a cute photo opp, and I think DM had fun. (although maybe a little bit too much fun with that carving knife!)

rainy weather makes for a long day

What do you get when you combine:

• bad weather (and thus no outside play time for mommy) and
• DM being away on travel?
  

one crazy Mommy!!!

Here is what we did today:

• played with every toy in the house--which are still all over the floor
  
• watched way too many episodes of Blues Clues (I know this because I walk around humming the song and exclaiming "A CLUE, A CLUE!!!" at everything I see. Not sure what clues I'm looking for, but I seem to find them everywhere!)
  
• and despite the warnings of Carol Brady---we played a lot of ball in the house.

Then we sat and stared at each other.

and it was only 11am!

No, I'm kidding. (sort of) It's been a long few days, but we're still having fun.


Doesn't Austin look cute wearing my scrunchie?

(Did I mention I'm losing my mind?)

and yes, I just admitted that I still have a "scrunchie". I'm not lying when I say I don't get out much! Next time he'll be pictured wearing leg warmers!
Help!


****
Speaking of help, a huge THANKS to my friend Kelly in Colorado for sending me emergency chocolate. It definitely did the trick. You are awesome!! :)

****
Have you visited Workout Mommy lately? Good stuff over there...go check it out!
Have you CLICKED on all the ads on this page? Good stuff too....go check them out!

again with the birthday!

I know it's late, but I couldn't resist. Click below for video of Austin's birthday. Don't play it too loud or you'll be deafened by our off-key singing! (and my ridiculous voice! Do I really sound like that?! Ugh!)

Free MySpace slideshows, photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

No cake for you!

The normally very docile Leo was quite upset when Austin mocked him for not being able to eat cake.

Yep, he is definitely my son.

Blog for money with Smorty!

I signed up with Smorty today, which is a blog advertising agency that pays bloggers (like me!) to review services and products on their blogs. Isn’t that great? They are going to pay me to blog!

It really is as simple as it sounds. Once you sign up, you log in to your user panel which will display your available assignments. Each assignment includes the details of what needs to be posted as well as the price you will be paid. You can choose which assignments you would like accept. So basically if there is a product or service that you would rather not endorse, you simply do not choose that one. Once you have your post ready, you submit it for approval (making sure you followed all the specifications) and then sit back and wait for your payment!

So please head on over today and check it out---they make it too easy to get paid to blog!

Thank you nanny!

We had a fun visit today with Nanny Laura (aka: cousin Laura) who arrived with a COOLER full of food! I kid you not.....she came with a rolling cooler and multiple grocery bags!

In addition to the vast amount of lasagna, soup, and muffins, she also brought an ungodly amount of cookies that I am bound to consume. Nanny--are you trying to make mommy fatter??!!!

Austin had a great time with nanny and enjoyed his new trucks, especially the trash truck.
(Just don't press any of the buttons though, he doesn't like any trucks/cars that make noise. )

Thanks again nanny---please come and visit us again soon. (and seriously, you don't need to bring us food. Just come and hang out! The compound gets lonely!)

Mommy loves her some chocolate

Yes, he let me eat the hot fudge. He's awesome that way!

Happy Birthday Austin!!!!!!

How can two years go by so fast? (yet on some days seem like it is taking so long?)

My Austin is no longer a baby.
and barely still a toddler.
He is well on his way to being a BOY!

Please wish him a happy and healthy birthday and many more to come.
(Please send me chocolate because I am not coping well. )

This poem pretty much sums up everything for me. (you might need a tissue)

Before I was a Mom

Author Unknown

Before I was a Mom

I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom

I had never been puked on.
Pooped on. Spit on.
Chewed on
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night..

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

Now that I've made you cry, here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

Day 1

6 months

1 Year


18 months

TWO!

It's all you

I have no words tonight, so you'll have to make your own story.
Please send chocolate if you can.
thanks.

2 pumpkins: one happy, one not

It is always fun to see how people decorate their pumpkins. Some people carve out scary faces while others make their pumpkins happy. Some people don't carve theirs at all, preferring the fresh pumpkin look!
******
My first pumpkin was an angry one...as seen below!
(Austin, October '05)My second pumpkin has more of the no-carved look. :)
What does your pumpkin look like?

What's new?

Not much is new around the compound. Someone has a birthday coming up and Mommy is very sentimental over the whole thing. (sigh)

Leo is growing like a weed and will be walking before we know it.
Where does the time go?!!?

What is new with you?

Pumpkin days

Another day at the pumpkin patch with my pumpkins. We had a great time today, especially since the weather was so nice.

Austin wasn't really into any of the bouncy things but he did let a cute girl paint a ghost on his face. (and then talked about it all day by saying "oooohhhhhh")

Leo, of course, slept through it all. I guess I can't complain, at least he isn't a screamer like his big brother was!

Life doesn't get any better than this!

Longaberger

Please let me know or contact Gen if you are interested in some great Longaberger baskets or hosting your own show. The holidays are right around the corner and these would make great gifts!!!!

TGIF!

It's FRIDAY!!!! Wahoo!

We're trying to stay warm around the compound these days because apparently it's now fall.
Bummer.
How many days until it's summer again??


*****
Austin loves to show the "BABY!" some love. It's super cute!

Mommy didn't take these pictures. All she could think of when she first saw them was "omigosh..he's going to squish Leo"
That's probably what you thought too, huh? :)

thoughts from Austin...

Let's play what is Austin thinking?

• hey mom, do they put the candy in my pumpkin or my mouth?
• 
  
• mom, why is my pumpkin so small and yours is huge?!
• 
  
• Why am I still wearing summer clothes in October?
• 
  
• Do I have to share my candy with Leo?
• 
  
• Yes mommy, I know that you get all of my chocolate candy.
  

These are just a few that come to mind when I look at this picture.
Do you have any to add?

What I am not doing

Instead of cleaning the house and cooking....and all those other SAHM responsibilities, I am obsessed with the joys of Photoshop.

See the cool stuff I can do now???!!!

Anyone have a guess?

I wonder what is going through baby Leo's mind?
Maybe something along the lines of "Why is it always so noisy in here?"

Happy Monday!

Don't get me started

on why I should never leave the compound!!! You aren't going to believe what happened to me today!

Here is a hint...it has something to do with this:
I know you are curious, so you are going to have to email me or comment to find out!
(or click on those pretty ads all around!)
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How was your weekend?

Want to look like a cheerleader again?

I admit it, I'm a reality TV addict! I especially love the ones that focus on physical fitness and weight loss, so I'm really geared up for the new show on CMT called "I want to look like a cheerleader again".

It is about 10 women who are competing for $50k and trying to get back into their high school cheerleading shape again. They will be trained by Jay Johnson, the trainer for the Dallas Cowboys, and compete in various challenges.

It sounds like it will be a great show, so don't miss out!
It debuts tomorrow, check CMT for times.

Finally!

Party on Garth because it is finally Friday!
(ok, so I'm really old to be quoting that movie, but it's all I could think of right now)

*****
Mommy has a cold. How does that happen?!! I guess not sleeping for two months has finally caught up with me. Please cross your fingers that the little ones (and big one) doesn't catch it too because we all know there is nothing worse than a houseful of sick MEN!!!
(sorry dear)

******Have a great weekend********

'dis and 'dat

Austin had fun hanging out with friends yesterday and playing with their toys. Fortunately it seems we have passed the "MINE!!!!!!!" phase.

(doesn't he look like he is in a clown car --like at the circus??)
****

My friends were kind enough to pose for me for my latest project.
Aren't they hot mamas?****
Leo continues to be Mr. Mellow and is growing so fast. I got a bunch of smiles from him today, although I couldn't capture it on film.
(and yes, sometimes I take pictures of him somewhere other than this seat!)****
I've been very busy lately with my other blog (go there! you'll love it!) and also my new obsession, Photoshop. Oh my goodness, the things I can do with pictures now!
I can even make myself skinny again!! (sigh) If only it were that easy.

What have YOU been up to?

What I do in my garage

I am sad to admit that I have a 3 car garage that can only house one car. Instead of housing cars, it is the keeper of all things kid/baby.

Here is what I've got!

• 4 strollers! Yes, four!! Two singles and two doubles. Sadly, I still look everyday for the perfect stroller because I haven't found it yet.
• 1 wagon
• 3 bins of kid toys, such as trucks, sidewalk chalk, balls, bats, frisbees, and other random outside toys.
• 2 lawnmowers, which is crazy because we clearly do not care about our lawn.
• 1 fridge--which also is crazy because it's not like we cook a lot. It's filled with diet soda and juice boxes.
• 2 trash cans
• 2 random outdoor chairs
• a giant kerosene heat lamp. (don't ask!)
• skis
• parts of a swingset that we'll never use
• recycling bins
• shoe organizer
• dog treats
• box of junk from old house that I just can't part with
• 1 bike
• 1 tricycle
• 2 bags of cement. (I have no idea why)
  

I think that about covers it. Clearly we can't do much in our garage because it is too full. Perhaps the garages fairy will come and organize it for us and clean out all the junk that we don't need.

Until then, I'll continue to bash my legs on everything when trying to maneuver my way through!


****This post is sponsored by carguygarage.com*****

Monday madness

First off, have you visited workoutmommy lately? Have you told at least 10 people about it and how they should visit it daily and click around,etc?
C'mon people, get it together!!!!

Ok, now on to my real post.....

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You know you are having a bad day when you find yourself hiding in the bathroom with one child, so the other one won't hear him (or you!) crying.

Bedtime around here stinks. Austin has never been one to go to sleep easily and it's usually an all out screamfest that makes mommy want to pull her hair out. Tonight's festivities included the added bonus of Leo screaming bloody murder, for no apparent reason.

Did I mention that Daddy was not home?
(ARRGHGHGHGH!!)

Since Austin can hear pins drop in China, I was forced to hang out in the bathroom with Leo so he wouldn't hear him crying. Even over the bathroom fan, I could hear "MAMA! MAMA! MAAAAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!"

Dear Lord, where is the vodka when you need it?
(Note to self, keep a stash in the downstairs bathroom.)

Here is what I'm doing the rest of the night.

Don't I look amazing in my hot pink bikini?

How was YOUR Monday?

*****
In other sad news, Britney lost custody of her boys. That really breaks my heart.