Extreme Makeover {Me Edition}

I'm participating in {aefilkins} Extreme Makeover {Me edition}. This is my first time to play along. I'm usually just hopping around reading everyone else's inspiring posts. A few months ago, I really started trying to lose weight and get in better shape. I've currently lost 14 pounds 16.2 pounds (I just got back from my WW meeting and lost 2.2 pounds...YAY)! I'm super excited about that. I really do want to experience an EXTREME Makeover...ME edition! To be healthy, in every aspect of the word, is my main goal right now.

Each week, Amber or one of her followers, will offer up a question in regards to weight loss or healthy living. To participate, you just have to check out Amber's blog on Wednesdays and write a post about the topic...then go back and link up, of course!

This week's question is brought to us by Shortmama from Family of Shorts. Her question is:

Who is your biggest supporter/motivator in your weight loss?

I think my biggest supporter(s) right now are my co-workers. We are all attending a lunchtime Weight Watchers meeting each Wednesday. This has been so helpful! Number one, it keeps me accountable! I think accountability is HUGE in weight loss success. Without it, it is sooooo easy to fall off the wagon. It's easy to be bad when no one is looking. So, I have to credit them with keeping me on track. They also help me eat healthy. We all decided as a group that we would only eat out once a week during lunch. We have been bringing healthy lunches and eating in everyday except one. Even on the day we go out, we count our points and keep it all in check. We also exchange good recipes and ideas for staying full. They really are my biggest supporters. We even started an office weight loss chart that tracks how many pounds we have lost all together!

Do you have anyone around you that tries to sabotage you by "talking" you in to eating the not so good stuff?

There are a few people who are my "sabotagers" and they may not even know who they are, but they are people who enable me to eat the things that I would rather not. The nice thing about WW is that NOTHING is "off limits". It is a lifestyle, not a "diet". So, it's not that I can't have things, it's that I choose not to. So, I guess my sabotagers are anyone (mainly family) who eat things that I would like to eat, but choose not to eat. This is getting easier though. It's getting easier for me to look at food in a whole new light. I see the fat, the calories...and I can even see past that to the way I would feel if I would eat that. It's getting easier to put things into perspective.

In addition to this, I would like to share with you my two BIGGEST weight loss helps...

My fav workout DVD...Hellooooo, Maksim! Can you say 'motivation'?! ☺ This 100+ Oklahoma heat is making it BRUTAL to get outside and exercise, so I've been resorting to indoor workouts. It's not the easiest workout dvd, but it is fun, it makes me break a sweat, and bust a move...and did I mention Maksim?

And this...my reusable stainless steel water bottle. I LOVE IT! I put filtered water in it and it tastes so clean. I know that sounds weird, but the water doesn't pick up any yuckiness like it does sometimes in plastic bottles. It's green. It's good. I got this one at Old Navy for less than $10. Starbucks has some REALLY cute ones too.

One last thing...

I am in the process of gathering up some CUTE things to send out to all of you who commented on my Commenting for a Cause post. So, PLEASE...if you commented on that post...PLEASE e-mail me your address (jaltman@goldenfieldservices.com). I promise that I'm not going to send you anything besides my token of appreciation for commenting on my blog and commenting for a cause. I'm not an axe murderer. I won't turn it into a telemarketer. I won't send hate mail. I've been trying to go to each of your blogs and send an e-mail directly to you, but some of you don't have an e-mail attached to your blog. So, please please please send me an e-mail with your name and address. I can't let this super cute stuff go to waste!

Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Wednesday!

Monday Morning - Weekend Recap

So, it's Monday...Monday alllllllll day loooooong. Sorry. Didn't mean to bum you out or anything. Sometimes, for me, it seems to help to let it sink in a little...get used to it. I don't know about you, but my weekend went by TOO fast. Our weekend was good. We had a Dad's Day Cookout at the farm (not the virtual one, silly...my mom and dad recently finished renovating and adding on to an old farm house). I'm pretty sure that sometimes when I say "I'm going to the farm" or "I've been to the farm", people think I'm talking Farm Town. They're also probably thinking that I need a psychiatric evaluation.



Here's a few pics from the real farm...

The house...well, the front of it...it's such a nice place to sit, especially in the evenings.

Isaiah intently signing his Father's Day cards...I love that he can sign his own name now. It's so cute.

Isaiah giving his daddy the stuff he made for him at church. A blue rock (because it's blue like the Cubbies), a card with LOTS of dinosaur stickers, and a keychain with red and blue beads (because that's the colors of the Cubbies)...do you see a trend here?

The kids played on the slip-n-slide. Great fun! ☺

Michael "played" on the slip-n-slide...☺ Wish I would have had my camera ready for that one!!...or better yet, the video camera. I could be $10,000 richer! He was getting on to Isaiah for spraying people with the water hose (*gasp* not MY kid) and as he bent down to take the water hose from Isaiah, he slipped on the slip-n-slide (Note to Michael: It's not called a slip-n-slide for nothing, babe.) It gets better...while Michael is down, Isaiah picks the water hose back up and starts drenching him with it. LOL. Oh, sorry. That's not funny. right. sorry. I forgot.
We took a drive out in the pasture on the golf cart. Most people use golf carts on golf courses, we use them to "putt" around the pasture. The cows know what's up. They were knee deep in the pond...wish I could have joined them. It's been a pleasant mid to high 90's here in Oklahoma with high humidity...outdoors pretty much feels like an oven.

Here's Isaiah's knew horse...her name is Baby Belle. She's about 6 weeks old. Isn't she ADORABLE?! I love her.

I think all the dad's involved had a great time.

Hope all of your hubbys/SOs/dads had wonderful Father's Days too!

Public Service Announcement:

DON'T DO CRACK!

Does that make me a bad mom? LOL ☺

Hope everyone has a marvelous Monday!

Friday Confessions

I haven't written a Friday Confessions post in TWO Fridays. I know. This could be embarrassing. Confessions in small doses don't make me sound so crazy (and in need of professional help). Confessions in large doses make all of you click over to a "new tab" and Google "psychologists and therapist for the mentally disturbed in Oklahoma". I

For those of you who don't know...I ♥ NKOTB...like love love love them. Not just the fab five from 1985, which I did LOVE them then too...but I mean I CURRENTLY LOVE NKOTB. I'm kind of a "groupie", if you will. My cousin, Renee, and I went to the concert here in Tulsa a few months back and we have tickets for the Full Service Tour in Dallas! WOOT! I follow all of them on Twitter and I often lay in bed at night and catch up with their tweets...it makes me feel close to them. :) LOL I tweet them back sometimes, but they never reply...I don't know why...but I know they read it (ok, so probably not b/c my tweet probably gets lost in a sea of a million tweets...but a girl can hope).

My friend Xazmin at This is the Year has been doing a countdown on her blog. She'll be seeing the boys in concert in Vegas just a few days before I will see them in Dallas. As part of her countdown, she's been posting NKOTB (HOTT HOTT HOTTNESS) videos each Friday. I told her I would join in this Friday. She has a FABULOUS one posted today...you should go check it out! So, today as part of my Friday Confessions, I would like you to check out this...

I have a good confession, one that doesn't put me on the "crazy list"...I've lost 14 pounds since the beginning of March! YAY! I started back to Weight Watchers this week and I think I'm going to start doing a Weight Watchers blog on Wednesdays (you know because of the whole 'W' thing...i'm weird...plus, that's my weigh-in day). Anybody else do Weight Watchers?

Michael thinks that I hide his work shorts. He works for Fed-Ex (delivering the purple promise) and I'm sure most of you are familiar with the standard navy shorts w/ the navy and purple shirts. Apparently, he thinks that when I finish the laundry I have a secret stash for his work shorts...yeah, because that's what I do...I hide clean laundry...that's how I roll. Psshh! Whateve! (now, I may hide dirty laundry, but not clean laundry) This morning he said he could only find ONE pair of clean work shorts...and accused me of hiding the others. ALL of the laundry in our house is washed, dried, folded, and put away (not in secret stashes)...if it were not, I would tell you. This is Friday Confessions!

Hope everyone is having a FABULOUS Friday!! Enjoy your weekend!

Who am I?

The title of my post is also the title of a Casting Crowns song. If you guys know me even just a little, you know that I LOVE music. It speaks to me more than anything else. I love all kinds of music. I'm not really "prejudice" toward any type. My iPod playlists are crazy and random...and probably don't make any sense to anyone else but me. Lately, I've been having some personal issues that have caused me to really reflect on myself. Through times like these I ALWAYS rely on Christian songs...lots of praise and worship...and songs that really speak to ME as a person. This song Who Am I by Casting Crowns is one that always reminds me that God is with me no matter what and that He really does care about the things that matter most to me...it puts me in my place for sure. So, for today, I'm turning my funky playlist off and I wanted to share this video I found on Youtube. Hope it speaks to someone else like it speaks to me.

(the verse at the end is really Psalm 143:5)

The funky fresh playlist will be back tomorrow. ;)

Hope everyone is having a terrific Thursday!

Flip Flop Fever...Bloggy Flip Flop Exchange

The Texas Darlings is hosting...are you ready for this...A FLIP FLOP EXCHANGE! How fun is this?! Well, I'll tell you how fun...TOTALLY fun. You must join in. It's a win win...you send someone a pair of flip flops and a memento from your state (put a huge smile on their face) and you get a pair of flip flops and a memento from their state in return!!! I love swaps...and I LOVE flip flops. This makes me very happy.

YeeHaw...ride 'em cowboy!

I've been tagged by Heather at Visions of Sugarplums! I'm pretty sure she has tagged me before and I have made one of the major Blogger faux pas by not following through with the tag and writing a post...nor did I re-tag. *gasp* I know. I'm horrible. *hanging my head in shame* I get so far behind on tags and awards until it feels like an overwhelming mountain of to-dos that is insurpassable(fyi, this probably is not a word, I might have just made it up). *warning: over dramatic blogger at work* She is a wonderful blogger. Her blog is always so fun and light. I love visiting her and seeing what she's been up to...oh, and she makes these fabulously wonderful hand-made garters and stuff. (Which means she's crafty...love that!) She tagged me for some random photo fun. Here's what I've been instructed to do:

~ Open my first photo folder
~ Scroll down to the 10th photo
~ Post that photo and story on my blog
~ Tag five friends to do the same

The Photo:

This picture does not currently have a title, but I would like to call it

"Yeehaw...ride 'em cowboy". ☺

The Story:

This picture is of Isaiah. It was taken in October 2007. We were making our yearly visit to Carmichael's Farm in Bixby, OK. They always have TONS and loads of pumpkins, colored corn on the cob, bales of hay...everything that screams fall. I love it. After we visit, I finally feel like fall has ARRIVED! They have great fun for kiddos of all ages, like pony rides...which is what Isaiah is enjoying in the picture above. They also have a hay maze, camel rides, petting zoo, and of course big mounds of pumpkins to climb! We have had some great memories there in the last 5 years since Isaiah was born. We would visit there before, but EVERYTHING is "funner" with kids! ☺ (And yes, for all of you grammar Nazis, I know that "funner" is not a word!)

I Tag:

Xazmin @ This is the Year

Tanielle @ The Polka Dot Daisy

Renee @ My Glimpse of Life

Melissa @ The Crazy Daisy

Traci @ Living the Good Life

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday!!

Where's Edward? (Edward Sightings)

This is not a post about a RPattz sighting...no, sorry. I wish. REALLY. Around here in Oklahoma, where the celebrity sightings are reserved for a few local country singers, we have to make our own fun and excitement. I have considered a road trip to Vancouver, but I couldn't convince my husband that it was a good place for a summer vacation. I've also mentioned Forks and that they are having some REALLY COOL baseball thingy. (I thought just mentioning "baseball" might get his attention...if only it were in Chicago.) No luck.

A couple of weekends ago, while hanging with the girls, I decided that it was time to pull pocket Edward out of his bubble package...it was a risky move...something could have happened to him. Ok, so something(S) did happen to him...I admit he was violated. It's true. However, he came back to his safe place (my office) in one piece. I'm sorry that I don't have more pictures for you, but I was sorta *in pain* while he made a few of his appearances (getting a tattoo) and having *a little too much fun* during his other appearances...therefore, most of the pictures of his appearances are on someone else's camera. Here are a few of the pics that I took on my phone...

This one is of Edward getting ready for his "adventure"...

Here's Edward enjoying a little Mexican food...

...and this one is of him back in his safe place...I'm pretty sure he's saying "You are my life now...or possibly that he wants some chapstick for those kissable red lips..."

If I ever get a copy of pocket Edward's other appearances, I'll be sure to share them with you. ☺

Hope everyone is having a TERRIFIC TUESDAY!!

Last day to COMMENT FOR A CAUSE!

This is the last day that you (or anyone else...really...anyone...friends, family, anybody that has a blogger account, or anyone who would just like to comment anonymously) can comment for a cause! So, hurry on over to my post and comment, if you haven't already! Thanks in advance!

Have a marvelous Monday!

Weekend Re-Cap and TATOO pic!

So, I know I've kept you waiting a day longer than I had said. Yesterday was a crap day and I just did NOT feel like blogging. I have to be in somewhat of a good mood before I'll even start a post. I prefer my blog to have a happy vibe, rather than an emo-cutter-kinda-vibe. The weekend was eventful. Melissa and Michelle came to Oklahoma and Renee made her way up to Tulsa. Friday night we acted like wild and crazy girls like any good girls would who hadn't seen each other in a while or ever...and we celebrated...

...by getting tattoos...

I know you'll be in shock to find out that my tattoo is Twilight related...I'll give you a minute to compose yourself...I didn't go completely crazy and get Edward's profile or RobPattz signature, which some have done. I kept it simple. I had went through sooooooo many pictures of "Twilight tattoos", apples, fonts, "sparkles"...it got so confusing, but one thing I knew I wanted from the get-go was "frequently dazzled" in Edward's font. The phrase comes from one of my favorite parts in the first book. Bella tells Edward "you shouldn't do that to people." Edwards says " do what". Bella responds "dazzle them the way you do." Edward asks "do I dazzle you"? Bella responds "frequently". Ahhhhhh. Don't you just love that?! The apple came next, it just made sense. It has such meaning in the book, but can also have other meaning outside of Twilight. Inside the realms of Twilight it mostly refers to Bella being Edward's forbidden fruit...and how we often "crave" the things we can not have. Outside of Twilight it often reflects fertility, love, sensuality and sexuality, temptation and sin. The last thing I added was the "sparkles". Anybody who knows Twilight gets that. If you don't know...Edward sparkles...plus, it's "dazzling". PLUS, I needed something to fill out the tattoo.

The tattoo... (it's on my left side...think rib area)...I'll post a better one after it heals.

I've got a few more pics to share from the weekend, but I'll save them for another post. (Edward appears in a few of them...☺)

I know you're thinking I'm totally crazy right about now, so I won't throw any more at you today...I'll let the whole Twilight tattoo thing sink in first.

Hope everyone is have a great week so far!

Friday Confessions

So, IT's FRIDAY!! Woot woot! This is better than any Friday I've had in a LOOOOONNNNGGG time. 'Why' you might ask. Well, I'll tell you...in my confessions.

• Melissa (The Crazy Daisy) and her sister, Michelle, are flying HERE...TODAY...TO SEE ME!!! It's uber exciting. I don't even think exciting is the right word. I'm about to pee my pants. I can't wait.
• Tonight, I'm getting some new ink. No, not like a printer cartridge or a fancy shmancy pen...a tattoo! I'm almost as excited about this as I am my visitors. Seriously, how much excitement can a girl take in one day?!
• To make things EVEN better, my cousin, Renee (My Glimpse of Life) is coming up this weekend too to play with us...see, I'm telling you...I might pee my pants. She's meeting me here at my work in less that 2 hours! Then, we're driving to the airport to pick up Melissa and Michelle! It's ridiculous to be this excited. I can't help it.
• I stayed up until 3:00 am. It was like Christmas Eve and wondering what Santa was going to bring...except I already knew. I can't explain it, but it kept me awake.

Monday I'll give you all full details and pics of the weekend...well, most of it. You know the saying..."what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"? Well, that applies to Tulsa too. ;)

Hope everyone has a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend!!!

Let It Rain

Yeah, you heard me...let it rain!

I don't care.

Nope.

Bring it on!



I've got cute Coach rain boots and a hot cup of Starbucks...



...so LET. IT. RAIN.

Happy Wednesday...Happy Hump Day...Happy Rain Day (if it's raining where you are☺)!

Sweet Glory...oh, how I have waited for this...

I just had to post this and say that I am SOOOOOOO EXCITED! I could pee my pants. Now the anticipation really begins (ok, so I've been anticipating this since I finished reading New Moon...the first time).

How many times have you watched this trailer since last night...too many to count? Me too. I already can tell that the movie will portray the sadness and the deep dark zombie world that Bella falls into after Edwards departure. I don't know about you, but when I started reading New Moon the first time, I wanted to burn the book and write Stephenie Meyer hate mail for the rest of my life...perhaps make a trip to Arizona...stalk her house...throw bricks through the window with "WHY?!! WHY did you take my Edward away...WHY?!!!"...or something crazy like that. For me, Jacob was a bright spot in New Moon w/out Edward there and until Edward's return, Jacob made things interesting. Without Bella and Jacob's love issues, the books would have ended so much sooner and would not have been nearly as good. Even though I am an Edward girl all the way (Team Edward), I have a soft spot in my heart for Jacob (and his rock hard abs...ok, he's HOTT...is that a weird thing to say about a teenager...ok, I could probably go to jail for the thoughts I have.) Sometimes I think Team Switzerland doesn't sound too bad. When Jacob phases at the end of the trailer is my favorite part of the whole 1 minute and 48 seconds. I was worried about how real the phasing would be and I think they did a fantastic job, as far as I can tell. It's ridiculous how excited I am. Seriously. Breathe.

Sweet Glory.

I'm dazzled...

frequently.

Be prepared...more crazy Twilight tangents coming soon.

Bloggiversary and Friday Confession

So, today is my Bloggiversary. I don't know why, but I've been procrastinating writing today's post. I guess I was waiting for something profound or clever to pop into my head, but that's apparently not going to happen. Perhaps it's the lack of sleep or the distractingly beautiful sunshine coming through my office window. Regardless, today marks my one year on Blogger. I love this place. I love all of you who read my blog and whose blogs I read. I think everyone should blog. It's so enriching and enlightening...and of course, entertaining! Blog hopping is one of my favorite things to do. As I'm randomly going through blogs, I often read about people's lives, talents, loves, dreams, and sometimes misadventures. Thank you to everyone who shares their thoughts so freely. This truly is a unique community of people that makes the whole world feel more accessible.

Last week, I wrote a preemptive post about my bloggiversary. I knew I wanted to do something different with this milestone. There are always opportunities for giveaways and contests, so this time I wanted to do something bigger. If you read my post from last week and already commented, THANK YOU! If you haven't read my post from last week and would like to COMMENT FOR A CAUSE, please follow THIS link. (Thank you in advance) Commenting is open on that post until June 15th.

In honor of my bloggiversary, I would like to make a few "blogging" confessions...

• I originally started this blog because a "friend" from Cafemom moved her journaling over here. Turns out she is crazy, but I'm glad I followed her over here and found all of you.
• My first blog post was lame. It took me a while to find my niche...I still feel like that's a work in progress.
• My second blog post was a little better. I remember being ecstatic because I had 2 comments, which came from my 1 follower (Lisa) and Melissa.
• My 14th blog post was my 1st Friday Confessions post. Which also leads me to the fact that it took me from May 29th to October 3 to make 14 posts! So, it was a little slow-going at first. However, in October, I managed to bust out 42 posts! That was a record number in my blogging world.
• Speaking of blogging world, is it weird that my level of happiness stems from comments on my blog? I know it may sound crazy, but comments make me happy...like really happy.

Thanks you to everyone who visits my blog...and thank you for your wonderful comments...that make me really happy.

Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap...SWAPPED!

It's finally here...

The time has FINALLY come for Mamarazzi's Favorite Things swap packages to be...swapped! If you participated in this event, I think you probably share my excitement. If you did not participate in this event (well, you should have!) and you may not share my excitement...but think about the thrill of getting something sent to you in the mail from someone you've never met and know practically nothing about. You may think, "What could they send me that I would want?...or...What if I don't like anything they send?" Ok, so I thought that too. I actually had many small anxiety attacks while deciding what I was going to send to Rebecca. I realize it is MY FAVORITE THINGS, but I wanted her to LOVE them too! You see the stress involved here? However, let me assure you, the end results are so super fabulous that you would never doubt a "favorite things swap" again...ever. Are you pumped? Do you want to see what I got?

First of all, isn't this the cutest wrapping?! Cute wrapping impresses me...I was impressed.

Rebecca spent so much time on details. She wrapped each of my gifts individually and attached these adorable cards on the outside of each gift and tucked a "follow up" card on the inside of each gift! Is that adorable or what?! For instance, the outside card would say something like "making organization cute" (a favorite thing) and the inside card would say "makes bill paying more fun" and the gift was some cutsie file folders w/ polka dots! One of my other favorite cards was "having a cupcake picnic at the Georgetown waterfront" and the inside card read "Georgetown waterfront not included". The gift was a box full of everything needed to make some cupcakes with cupcake papers, mix, icing, sprinkles, cute picks...the whole nine yards! She is so clever!



I'm telling you, this package was loaded! Oo ooo, I almost forgot about these until I just saw them in my picture. She sent me those way cool disposable toothbrushes made by Colgate or Crest or one of those toothpaste people...Wisps. I LOVE THESE!!! I've been wanting to try them, but had never remembered to look for them! Thanks, Rebecca...and all the people at work will thank you too the next time we have Bogies Hamburgers for lunch, so good, but those onions do a number on your breath.



As you can tell in the pic above, she also included her FAVORITE rainy day comfort food - Kraft Mac and Cheese (me too Rebecca!), all the things to make a delicious nutritious bowl of yummy oatmeal (bowl included), and these handy-dandy one serving almond butter packets (you have no idea how perfect this is for me...I have issues with portion control on many things...peanut butter, or almond butter in this case, being the #1).

Some things you can't see (but they're there) are...

• glitter glue pens (because things are just better with glitter)
• purple pens (for doting the i's and crossing the t's w/ style)
• a "J" notepad (I love my initial too, Rebecca :)
• cutsie colored paper clips
• awesome lip gloss(es)...(for keeping lips soft and kissable)

last, but not least

• Lindt truffles...can I get a "woot woot" for some yummy chocolate!

Thanks to Mamarazzi for hosting a FABULOUS swap! (You can go to her page and click on the Mr. Linky to read post about all the other swap packages!)

I can't wait until the next one! I also can't wait to see what everyone else got...so, hurry up and post some pics already!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Friend Making Monday

How did you and your significant other meet? and if you don't have a significant other at the moment then what would be your dream way to meet him?

I met Michael in October 1996. I was a freshman at the University of Oklahoma. He was a local. I think at the time, he was actually going to Oklahoma Baptist University, maybe...I can't really remember. It's been a while. A girl has slept since then! I was really close to one of his good friends, Jess, which gave me an upper hand. It's always good to have connections. ☺ We all went to church together and that made seeing him convenient. I had my eye on him long before he even knew I existed. He would come to our campus Chi-Alpha meetings. I remember one night he offered to give me a ride back to my dorm, but if I'm not mistaken I think I told him no. What was I thinking? I guess maybe I was trying to play it cool. It was hard to do that when he was around. He had this adorable smile and a charmer's way of winking when he did. It was totally irresistible! I definitely had a crush on him way before the love set in. I have ways of getting what I want though and soon we were going out to eat and hanging out at his apartment. I can't really say how it all happened. It was fast and I fell...hard. We weren't even "official" until December or maybe even January. However, by August of 1997 we were engaged. I remember my mom saying that she sent me to college to get an education not a husband, but I got both. We went on a walk around campus one evening and came to stop at the clock tower, a beautiful spot at OU especially at night. We were deep in conversation and the next thing I knew he was down on one knee asking me to marry him. The rest is history. We were married 11 years ago this past Saturday. It's been bliss every since. Ok, I lie. It hasn't all been bliss, but there have been many blissful moments. Those are the moments that matter the most, and the reason I still love him today more than ever.

Go to Kelsey's blog at All That Is Good and join in on Friend Making Mondays!

11 Years

Not only am I getting ready to have my first bloggiversary, but today I'm celebrating my 11th wedding anniversary! So many celebrations, so little time. Eleven years ago today I married my sweetheart. I remember that day so vividly. There was the missing iron, and then the missing best man who was supposed to have went and found the said iron. I later found out that my mom and aunt dropped two cheese trays and salvaged the cheese cubes that were "on top", so if you ate cheese at my wedding reception, don't worry...I'm pretty sure they followed the 5 second rule. Thanks to one of my lovely servers, who was also the star goalie on our HS soccer team, my cake was saved from hitting the floor...well, some of the cake. It was a mess, but fortunately we got some nice pics, had more in the back, and got a free cake out of the deal. Ah, yes...those are things that come to mind when I think back to that day. More importantly, I think about the 11 years between then and now. I think about the love that Michael and I share. I think about Isaiah and how he is a product of our love for each other. I think about the home that we've built. I mean, we technically built a home and did not get divorced. Although there were a few days that were touch and go. If you want to try your marriage, build a house...and live with your in-laws for 6 months while you're in the process. I will pitch a tent and pee in a can before I do that again. Our life may not be exactly the way we thought it would be this far down the road and every moment has not been perfect, but I wouldn't have it any other way. There is not a trial or valley or mountain or even a little hill that I would take back. Each one has put us on a this path and kept us moving along life's journey. I'm just glad that I'm on this journey with Michael. I love him so much and I'm glad he's my husband.

Here's a few pics from our big day (circa 1998):

Hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day Weekend!

Please take a chance and follow this link and Comment for a Cause!

Friday Confessions

I don't have much time, but I couldn't let another week go by without confessing something...Lord knows that I haven't been a saint.

• Well, for starters I should confess that I have been a HORRIBLE blogger the last couple of weeks. I'm hoping to redeem myself over the long weekend. If I had done Thursday Thankfuls, that would have made the list...one extra day off work! WOOHOO! This is the best kind of Friday.
• This isn't a confession, just an update. I wanted to let you all know that the Biore print on my forehead was not permanent. By mid afternoon, it had disappeared. Until then, I just kept my head down.
• Due to my busyness and lack 'o sleep, I fell off the Once-A-Week-Starbucks Wagon. Oh, and that nifty insulated cup they came out with hasn't helped either. It's so cool...makes me want to go there just so I can use the cup. It looks like a regular clear Starbucks cup, but it's insulated and re-usable. I'm all about things that are re-usable. I've sorta went overboard with the re-usable shopping bags from Target. Have you seen them? They are ADORABLE...that's the Target style. All things cute and adorable are found there. I love that place. It's like my mother ship.

I hope you all have had a FABULOUS FRIDAY!! Don't forget to go to THIS POST and COMMENT FOR A CAUSE (tell your friends)!

Bloggiversary and Commenting for a Cause!

Don't count me absent...I'm here! Sorry for the MIA status. The past week and a half has been busy, but nothing more than that. No drama to report here. Nothing exciting. There have been no catastrophes. I didn't over use the Biore strips. I didn't over dose on coffee. Edward didn't come and carry me away in his shiney volvo. I didn't run away. Yes, I'm still blogging. No, I didn't forget about you. I wish I had something more thrilling to tell you...

Oh, well there are a couple of little things I've been meaning to blog about.

My bloggiversary is coming up on May 29th. I can't believe it's almost been a whole year since I started blogging...then on the other hand I feel like I've been doing this forever. None the less, I would like to celebrate!! I thought about a giveaway, but that wasn't exactly what I wanted. I've been mulling it over for a week or so and it finally came to me the other night while laying in bed. (Most of my great thoughts come to me while laying in bed or while sitting in the bathroom.) I would like to use this opportunity to draw attention to something that is near and dear to my heart. Something I've spent a lot of hours supporting and raising money for. Something I feel we all should support. So, I'm going to give you a chance to make a difference. The 'something' I'm talking about is Relay For Life. If you don't know what Relay For Life is, where have you been? Just kidding. It is an organization that raises money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. The yearly relays celebrate those who have survived cancer, remember those who have lost the battle, and helps to fight back against this terrible disease. I know for a fact that we have all been affected by this disease in one way or another. Maybe you are a survivor yourself. Maybe a loved one is currently fighting this disease. Maybe you hold dear the memory of someone who has passed away due to this disease. Whatever your connection, you know that this is a senseless disease that MUST BE STOPPED. So, for my bloggiversary, I would like to donate $1 for every person who comments on this post. I always participate in my local RFL, and I plan on doing so this year, but the money that I donate from this post will go to Melissa (The Crazy Daisy/my bff). She is the biggest advocate for RFL and ACS that I know. She inspires me to do more. To read more about her passion for this cause go HERE. (but don't click over before you comment) On Melissa's page, she also has a link where YOU can donate if you would like. Just remember that no amount is too small. Every little bit helps. This post will be open for comments for donations until June 15th. The first 25 people (maybe more) who comment on this post will also receive in the mail (free of cost) a token of my appreciation for taking the time to comment for such a worthy cause. Tell your friends! I don't have a limit on the comments. If I need to, I'm prepared to call in backup ("MOM!").

Have a wonderful Wednesday and don't forget to comment (and tell your friends)!

p.s. I promise I'll be making my rounds to all of your wonderful blogs asap. I've missed you guys and have a lot of catching up to do!

Friday Confessions

It is Friday. I have confessions. Therefore, let's proceed to Friday Confessions.

• I'm starting this Friday Confessions post in the wee hours of Friday morning. I can not sleep! I've been to bed 3 times and Mr. Sandman has not found me yet. I can't stand to just lay in bed wide awake...drives me nuts-O. So, what better thing to do at 1:00 am in the morning than use Biore strips. You know, when I was a teenager, I never had bad skin...EVER. God was saving it for my 30's. I know He has a purpose for everything, but I plan on having a talk with him right after I finish this blog post, because I'm not seeing the purpose in this. My face looks like a pimple land mine. It's like the face of a teenager going through puberty. Anyway, so I put some Biore strips on my nose and forehead, but I'm thinking about going back in the bathroom and covering my whole face with them. I'm desperate. Wanna see a pic? I just snapped it with my phone.

Is there something wrong with wearing a snowman nightgown in May? I should wear my hair like that to work. It's hott.

• I think what lured me out of bed was the insatiable desire to check on my crops. I'm a farmer now...well, virtually. Anybody else play Farm Town on Crackbook...er, I mean Facebook? Holy moley, this game is so addicting...it's straight gangsta mack. I have no idea what that means, but Digital Underground says it. You guys know how I am about going overboard. I have issues. I know. My therapist is on speed dial. Anyhoo, if you don't play, you should. It's crazy fun. You plow fields, plant crops, grow crops, harvest crops...you get the idea. I've been having dreams at night about planting potatoes and sometimes it's more of a nightmare than a dream, because I dream that my crops go to waste...that's the worst! I'm thinking of getting me a pair of overalls and putting my hair up into pigtails. I'm serious. Look how cute my virtual JennyKate farmer is...

She's cute, right?

• See, the dealio is that I "accidentally" planted some crops at 9:30 PM and they were crops that need to be harvest in 4 hours. Well, any person who does good math, knows that equates to crops ready to be harvested at 1:30 AM...note time on computer. To be a good farmer, you can't let your crops go to waste, even if that means sacrificing a few hours of beauty sleep.

Speaking of beauty, hold on a sec. I sorta forgot about my Biore strips...

Ok, so this could potentially be a problem. I'm pretty sure Biore strips are only supposed to be left on for 10 to 15 minutes. Seems as though I left mine on approximately 45 minutes passed the 'suggested' time.

Notice the nice little red splotch on the center of my forehead...in the shape of a Biore strip.
Hope that fades by morning...well, later THIS morning.

• You guys don't even know this, but I took about a 4 hour blogging break and completed about 50 Know-It-All Quizes on Facebook. See, I have issues. Nothing in moderation. I learned a few things about myself. I'm not smarter than a 4th, 5th, or 6th grader. I would just barely pass to get my US citizenship. My high school spanish class did NOT stick with me. I'm a fantastic speller. I know my 80's tv shows. I'm proficient on all Twilight quizzes. I know more about chemistry than I do about our US Presidents. I'm about 50/50 on geography and capitals. I kicked booty in NBA Nicknames and College Mascot quizzes. I got 8/11 right on the Starbucks quiz...I'm convinced the three I missed were a miss with the mouse.



• It's 6:00 in the morning and I've had no sleep.

Hold on another sec while I yell at Michael to turn the alarm off.

Hope everyone has a happy Friday!

Thursday Thankfuls

Funny thing. I thought today was Wednesday. However, I'm very glad to announce that it's Thursday (in case any of you were thinking the same thing)...and one day closer to the weekend! Can't I get a 'hallelujah'?! I have lots to be thankful for and some of them more important than what is on the following list, but these are the things I am recently thankful for...

• I am thankful for the sun finally shining after 10 LONG days of gloomy weather here in the great state of Oklahoma. Thank you Lord!
• I am thankful for the longer days and the nice breeze that blew through my windows last night.
• I am thankful for this grande iced americano from Starbucks I am sipping while typing this. The old saying is true, absence does make the heart grow fonder. Oh, how I have missed you little clear cup with a green straw full of espresso goodness with a hint of half and half.

Hope everyone is having a LOVELY week!

Tuesdays at the Table

I thought and thought...and then thought some more. Racking my brain. Trying to come up with SOMETHING to post about that was food related, so I could play along with Andrea at My Chihuahua Bites and her Tuesdays at the Table. Today as I was visiting Andrea and dropping off a few comments. I thought of something. She always says that it doesn't have to be a recipe that we share, but that it can be a new food product, or something we've tried, or just anything food related. As I was leaving Andrea a comment, and letting her know she wasn't alone in her "loss of words...or recipe" for Tuesdays at the Table, I thought of something food related that I would like to share!

Many of you have probably already seen theses, read them, and love them.

My favorite one (ok, one of my favorites because I have several) is the 5 Ingredients or Less! Who doesn't love a meal that only calls for 5 ingredients? The fabulous thing about this cookbook is that it is split up into seasons. So, there are some specific recipes that are Spring related or Summer related, and go right along with the season we are in. There are always neat little tidbits at the bottom of each page. Sometimes it's a tip for preparing the meal, or an idea on how to make your home more "springy" or "summery" or whatever season it is. The Christmas one is great too, it has so many ideas for the holidays...how-tos on recipes, drinks, gifts, and ornaments.

Here is a sample of what the inside of the cookbook looks like...

Each week on their website (http://www1.gooseberrypatch.com/) they post a recipe of the week and a tip of the week. This weeks recipe is Onion French Bread from their Almost Homemade Cookbook (my kind of cookbook).

Onion French Bread

1 loaf French bread, sliced in half lengthwise1 c. mayonnaise1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish: paprika
Place bread on an ungreased baking sheet and set aside. Mix mayonnaise, onion and cheese; spread over cut side of bread. Sprinkle with paprika; broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden. Slice and serve warm. Serves 6 to 8.

Most of the cookbooks sell for less that $20. They have a tons of cutsie things on their website, not just cookbooks!

For more food related posts go check out Andrea's Tuesday at the Table.

Friend Making Monday

This week's Friend Making Mondays is being hosted by {ae filkins}. She has a really cute blog! Go to her page to link up and to read more FMM posts!

Today's Topic: Name 5 toys that remind you of your childhood.

I was a Barbie girl, living in a Barbie world. For me, Barbie and the Rockers were the coolest. I loved them...sang their songs, dressed up like them for Halloween, and watched the mini-series.

Who didn't love the sweet smell of Strawberry Shortcake and her friends? I loved her so much that she adorned my bedroom for a decade!

Do you remember this one? Simon.
This was one of the most fun toys I ever had. My mom ended up buying 3 of these things. One broke or wore out, one was stolen from our car at the mall (it was devastating), and one is probably still in my mom and dad's attic.


I wish I still had one of these. Pogo Balls rock!




Annie was another all-time favorite. Favorite doll. Favorite movie. Annie was the first movie I ever saw at a theater. I asked my mom if I could change my name to Annie...well, Annie or Butterfly. It's still one of my favorite movies and I'm wanting to see the musical in the WORST way!

This was so much fun!!

Hope everyone has a marvelous Monday!

Friday Confessions

As I was going through and reading some of your fabulous blogs. (I am still so behind.) I noticed that I confess a lot of things in my comments to you on your page. It's like you just pull it out of me. Rebeckah at Life with Kaishon is so good at posing questions that really get you to thinking. Like the other day her post was about some of her beautiful friends. She talked about how she's always had pretty friends. Then she asked if we had "pretty friends" and if we thought our friend were prettier than us. LOL. Great question, huh? Rebeckah is such an open and inviting person. It makes it so easy to just spill your guts to her. Here are a few of the things that I have confessed to Rebeckah this week that I thought I would share with you.

• On Tuesday, Rebeckah and I had a conversation via e-mail about the ashy-white-unshaven legs that I talked about in my FCs from last Friday. She said that she thought we should just quit work and start tanning. My confession to her was that I CAN'T tan. Seriously. Not at all. I'm the whitest white girl you have ever met. You need shades to look at my legs. When I try to tan, I just burn and peel and burn and peel. I do have freckles and there is a period during the summer that these freckles multiply and when close enough together resemble a tan...that's as close as I can get. I asked her if she thought we could rent a tanning bed for a nap.


• Yesterday is when I read the post on Rebeckah's page about "pretty friends". She said that she's always had friends that are prettier than she is. (Whatever, Rebeckah! You're beautiful.) She then asked us to be honest and tell her if we thought our friends were prettier than us. So, in my most honest-to-goodness words I told her...

and I quote...

"I'm sooo prettier than ALL my friends...and I LIE...a LOT. Whatever! My friends are all kick butt gorgeous (that's better than just being gorgeous...'kick butt' adds a whole new spectrum of gorgeous) and WAY prettier than me. I've never thought of myself as "pretty" and definitely not "gorgeous"...no way in heck could I ever be categorized as "exotic" (that makes me laugh just to write it) or "sexy" (I don't have any of the right parts for that)...cute, maybe.

Have you ever thought about this before?

• This isn't something I confessed to Rebeckah, but it's something that is WEIGHING on my mind. I'm pretty sure my boobs are starting to sag. I asked Michael, but he just gave me a "you-are-so-weird-why-did-you-just-ask-me-that" kind of look. I think he even asked me if that is a bad thing. (Uh, yeah. Hello.) There was a Playtex commercial on the other night while we were watching American Idol and it portrayed all of these different women and their complaints about their boobs and basically how Playtex bras were miracle workers. So, it really got me thinking that maybe my boobs are sagging too. I mean I did find a few grey hairs recently and I think I'm possibly getting some of those "laugh lines" and "crows feet" that my mom and granny have always talked about. I'm pretty sure that sagging boobs goes right along with all that stuff. I have done some evaluating and it's hard to say. Since I'm totally opposed to any type of voluntary cosmetic surgery, I guess I'm going to buy me a Playtex bra, or maybe I can hope that the time machine Isaiah has been working on gets up and running.
  

Happy Friday! Hope everyone has a great weekend!