Life's Lessons: A Little Bit of This and That Editon

Wow...is it already Friday? YAY for the weekend! Here's what I learned this week:

1) I seriously need to get my haircut more often. I'm actually doing something with it besides putting it in a ponytail...and you'll never believe this, I'm actually blow drying it!

2) I am still amazed with the whole birthing process. My friend Beth had her little boy in the wee hours of the morning earlier this week.  I'm so happy she had a healthy baby boy and that she gets to take him home today. I just love hearing birth stories and seeing those cute little cuddle bears.

3) I am amazed that I've written over 100 posts! I never knew how much I would enjoy blogging or the blogging community.

4) It's still really REALLY hot outside. Stay indoors or you might melt.

5) I actually can still work out even if I am given the chance to weasel out of it. I went to Stroller Strides, and I was the only one in attendance. The instructor asked if I still wanted to work out or just stroll. I thought hmmm it would be nice just to hit up Starbucks, but I stuck to my guns and actually did my workout!

6) However I did have to reward myself with a Starbucks coffee frappuchino afterwards. I mean just one won't hurt, right?

7) I had forgotten how good sushi was! My husband suggested we go to dinner at a sushi place for date night. I then realized that it had been over a year since I had it! I guess after being pregnant I forgot that it was time to bring sushi back as one of my menu choices.

8) Did you know that Borders is going out of business? Well it is, and they are having a "Going Out of Business Sale" except it's only 20-30% off. LAME. I'm going to wait this out and see if they go lower on their sale.

Well there you have it...the lessons of the week. Go link up with Sara and Rach and share yours!

My 100th Post!

What better way to celebrate my 100th post than with my very first guest post!  To see the story of how I met my husband, head on over to Life with Baby Donut where my good bloggy friend Rach is hosting the "So How'd You Meet?" series. Thanks Rach for having me over on your blog and helping me celebrate my 100th post in style!

Dreamin' of Cooler Days...

Since we've all been dealing with record heat lately, I thought it would be a great time to talk about my favorite time of year---FALL!  I know we are know where near the fall season, but I can't help but long for a break from this ridiculous heat.  Here's a few reasons why I love fall:

1) There is nothing better than walking outside and feeling the cool, crisp air of a fall day.  I can't help but smile when I breathe in the fresh air.

2) I love the changing colors of all the leaves.  All the reds, orange, and yellow make for such a beautiful sight!

3) I love the feeling of putting on the first cozy sweater---you know the weather where you don't need a coat yet and a sweater keeps you all warm while you enjoy the cool air on your face.

4)  My wedding anniversary is in the fall.  Of course I would plan a wedding during my favorite season!  I also incorporated all the lovely colors of fall in my wedding theme.

5) My birthday is in the fall.  Yes this will probably mean less and less when I get older, but as for now it still makes the list.

6) I've already posted on my love for all things back to school.  The anticipation of starting a new school year---with a clean slate.  I was always so excited to see my friends and to new beginnings.

7) Who doesn't love a good football game?  Nothing is better than attending a football game on a perfect fall evening.

8) Of course you can't forget about Thanksgiving.  All the wonderful food and time with family and friends.  Just gives you a warm and cozy feeling!

9) Speaking of food...fall makes me think of enjoying a warm cup of soup or a hot cup of cider!

10) And my newest love for fall---my little boy's birthday!

What is your favorite season?

My How Time Flies...

Today I decided it was about time to take some more pics of the little guy.  My mom has been bugging me for some, and I hadn't really taken many since our vacation at the beginning of the month.  After snapping a few, I couldn't believe my eyes.  When I looked at them on the camera, I realized how much my little baby is starting to look like a little boy.  Sometimes I feel like he's grown overnight.  I tried to snuggle and play with him as much as possible know that this time will be only a memory. 

Please ignore the dog bed in the background...

This kid loves books.  I have a feeling we're going to hear this in the future, "Just one more story, please???"

Oh and I finally got a haircut after months of neglect. What do you think? Sorry for the lack of hairstyling in this photo.



Life's Lessons: Hotter than Heck Edition

1) It is way too blazing hot to go outside.  I literally get sweaty getting in my car and that's not counting when I'm getting little one in and out of the vehicle.  Pretty much unbearable unless you have an A/C strapped to your body.

2) Which means I spend a lot of time in my house.  Now I'm bored with my house.  Can I have a bigger one?

3) The dogs even don't want to go outside.  They're not stupid.

4) I think I'm going to attach a swiffer wipe to my son.  He's dragging himself across the floor...may as well make him useful, right?

5) I mean he brings it to my attention that my floors are dusty or dirty no matter what I do.  I hate dust...a losing battle EVERY TIME.

6) Reading on a Kindle is way faster than a regular book.  In fact, I have a book that I am reading, and I'm annoyed that I have to turn pages.  Am I that lazy?  Let's be honest it's just easier to click a button while pumping than it is to switch hands.

7) I want to be on a beach.  Or by a pool.  Yet I have neither {sigh}

8) I joined Twitter...it's just as addicting as I thought it would be.  It's like AIM on steroids.

9) Hey if you're on twitter make sure to follow so I don't feel lonely.  Or at least make me feel like I have friends.

10) My son is so much more fun when his teeth or digestive system isn't bothering him.  I love this baby! 

Now head on over and link up and spill the beans on what you learned this week!

Feelin' Fine at Nine

Today my little one is 9 months, the same amount of time he spent in my belly.  It seems that the 9 months out sure goes by a whole heck of lot faster than the 9 months in utero.  I'm so amazed at how fast you've changed and how big you've gotten.  This past month we went on our first family vacation where you had a blast on your first hike and your first time "sitting" on a horse.  We also celebrated your first 4th of July.

Your 9 month appointment isn't until August, so I'm guessing you weigh about 18.5 lbs and maybe just under 29 inches.  You are officially crawling all over the place, but not in the standard crawling position.  I call it a cross between a plank/dead leg combination.  If on carpet, you push up with your feet and pull with your arms with your legs straight.  If on hardwood, you pretty much slide across the whole room.  It's really a spectacle to watch.  I really need to post a video of your skills. You are now pulling up some too, especially on mommy, daddy, the coffee table, and the ottoman for the glider.

You love your bath time which is crazy because you used to hate it so much when you were small.  You actually will cry if I take you in the bathroom but don't give you a bath because you see all your toys and letters in the tub.  You do the same thing when we're outside and you see your pool.  You will smile at it...which is just the funniest thing.

You love trying to drink water from mommy's straw when we're out to eat.  You've actually been successful a few times.  We're still out on the go and for the most part you are a good sport.  You still have only 2 bottom teeth but 5 teeth are right under the surface poking out your gums, but not breaking through yet.  I feel like we've been teething forever and your drool for the past two days has been CRAZY!

In 3 short months you will be a year old and no longer a baby.  I really can't fathom that right now.  I want to keep you small and continue to hold my little cuddle bug.  However I know it won't be this way for long.  I'm looking forward to see you grow into your little personality, but I will always miss my little baby that fell asleep on my chest.

Back to School...

What I wished my dorm room looked like...a girl can dream, right?

I bet you thought I was going to say I am going back to school however I am not. Yesterday I was at Bed Bath & Beyond...or Triple B as I call it and it was a mad house!  So many parents were out shopping with their future college students.  I had to smile to myself because I remembered many, MANY years ago going with my mom to pick out my stuff for my dorm room.  I love all items meant for dorm rooms from the cute pencil holders to the cute comforters to the matching rugs...I HEART them all.  Yes I am that NERD!  I did not have an all decked out dorm room unfortunately because we didn't have the money but that apparently didn't stop my love for purple.  I pretty much did my whole room in a light purple which is funny because now not a single item in my house is purple.  I remember my mom and I bought a mini fridge on discount because it had a small little dent on the side.  I had the oldest computer on the planet but that didn't stop me from being on AOL instant messenger non-stop (this is the same reason I claim not to be on twitter in fear of creating the same addiction.) 

I was so excited to start school, but as my parents drove off I found myself trying to hold back the tears.  I knew a new chapter of my life was about to begin...and I wasn't sure if I was excited or scared.  Either way I knew things were about to change and nothing would be the same.  I was officially a big girl now. 

Do you have fond memories of going back to school?

Life's Lessons: Random Edition

It's that time of the week again...TA DA: Life's Lessons with Sara and Rach!  Here's the lessons I got schooled with in my neck of the woods.

1) Roofing companies just want to see your insurance adjuster sheet so that they can make their estimate higher.  Why do you need to see this?  Just give me a quote just like you would if I told you I wanted to replace my roof.  But no...pushy roofing companies and "storm specialists" say we can work directly with your insurance to make this a smooth process.  Oh of course you will!  That way you can squeeze every last dollar out of the insurance company and myself. 

2) I need to block the Bravo channel.  I really watch too much of it...from the Housewives to Flipping Out.  I really need to get myself under control and quit watching these marathons!

3) I had forgotten how nice it is to go to a nice restaurant.  Because when you have a little one you don't dare show your face in these establishments.  However if you happen to have a mother-in-law who loves watching her grandson---take her up on it and go to a nice dinner! 

4) Ok I am officially addicted to all things cloth.  Cloth diapers that is!  I ordered my last items that I needed that I had put off for one reason or another so cloth diapering websites you can no longer lure me in with deals or coupons!  I have all I need now so leave me alone and quit showing me your cute colors and prints! 

5) My cairn terrier Teddy is extra sensitive to citrus.  If you have an orange, he'll come up and think it's something else and once you put it close to his nose he'll start sneezing and backing away.  Whenever we take him to be boarded like we did over the 4th, he always comes back sneezing because of the all natural products they clean with---and that of course means citrus.  He's been sneezing for like a week because of this! 

6) Is it really almost August?!  I cannot believe that it will be fall before I know it.  I'm not complaining because it is my favorite time of year.  However this year it will be bittersweet because little baby boy will be turning a year old!

7) My tomato plants are out of CONTROL!  I'm going to have like a billion tomatoes to pick soon, so I better get some good recipes out.  Maybe I'll try to make my own pasta sauce???

8) I can't believe I have over 100 followers!  I really didn't think that people would actually read my blog...but they do...or at least they trick me by clicking the follow button.  Either way, I am so thankful for all my new bloggy friends!  Your comments always make my day.

Alrighty there's my second Life's Lessons...link up and share yours!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Wordless Wednesday-Hoover Dam 2008!

When the Cat's Away, the Mice Will Play

As I was sitting at my computer this morning, I heard a noise that sounded eerily like something velcro being pulled apart. What has velcro on it you ask?

Nolan's diaper!!!!

Looks like I need to stick to the ones that have snaps. He was just so proud of himself as you can see from these pics!

Rockin' the Baby

Guess what time it is? It's Rockin' the Baby with Shell at Things I Can't Say!

I honestly can't believe my baby is almost 9 months old...it seems it was just yesterday he was kicking inside my belly.  Oh how fast they grow!

Now it's your turn...head over to Shell's and Rock That Baby!

Life's Lessons: Holiday Week Edition

YAY it's Friday!  That means time for linking up with Sara at Life's Recipe and Rach at Life with Baby Donut for Life's Lessons.  This is my first time so hopefully I don't mess it up!  Make sure to link up if you've got some lessons you want to share with the rest of the class.

1.  Apparently I am the snake whisperer.  Not only did I see the copperhead at the cabin, I saw another snake on way up to mountain on our hike, and to top it off yesterday there was one IN MY YARD.  Really?  Now I worry about going into my yard near my garden box with just my flip flops.

2.  My child has to poop EVERYDAY.  If he does not, you will have a Mr. Crankypants on your hands...and boy did I.  On the last few days of the trip, he was not doing his business and so he hated life.  He didn't want to be in the car seat, in a high chair, on the floor, or to be held.  Then on day 2 from being home from our trip he pooped 3 times...and they were gross and massive.  However he is back to his happy self so I'll deal with cleaning up the mess just so I can have my normal baby back.

3.  My child also loves Puffs.  Thank goodness for that invention because I can sit him in the high chair and let him go to town while I fix his meal, wash dishes, wash clothes, or finish getting ready for us to get out of the house.  I need to buy stock in these companies.

4.  I think my child is back to being a newborn.  He gets sleepy after being up for just an hour.  I guess he's a little growing machine right now.  I hope when we have his 9 month appointment he's grown some to validate this sleepiness.

5.  If you live in any area that had roof damage, you should know that the roofing companies are going to gouge you for a new roof because they know your insurance company is paying for it.  Guess what it's still my money...yeah that's right I pay premiums EVERY YEAR.  We had a new roof put on last year and now magically the cost of our new roof this year because of hail damage is literally $3k-$4k more.  Now class, this addition does not add up.  They keep saying the cost of shingles has increased, yet if you check prices it's like a few dollars.  CONSPIRACY!

Well there you have it, my first attempt of Life's Lessons.  Hope you enjoyed it and now your turn to go link up!

Mother Nature at Her Best

I learned a lot about mother nature during our mini-vacay over the 4th.  She can be very beautiful, but she can also be a big pain in the butt.  We traveled to Blowing Rock, NC which is a charming little mountain town that has great views of Grandfather Mountain.  We had lots of good BBQ (a must when you are in the Carolinas), scenic hikes with great views, and some good times just sitting and relaxing around a fire.

Here's a few things I learned:

1.  Always make sure to bring bug spray.  The cabin we stayed at had a great fire pit where you could enjoy a nice big fire and roast marshmallows and such.  However you can't really enjoy it if you are dodging mosquitoes, ants, or gnats the whole time.  I had bought some from Nolan, but I actually was the one who ended up using it.  It was an all natural kind that really just smelled like citrus...it definitely did the trick!

2.  Don't walk in the dark from the fire pit back to the cabin.  I had done this a few times, but the last time I decided to grab the flash light.  Yeah good thing because a snake slithered past me and right underneath one of the wooden chairs by a tree! Oh and did I mention it was poisonous?  Yeah it was a copperhead....let's just say that snake didn't live to see the sunrise...thanks to my trusty husband.  Ugh I just shiver thinking about it!

3.  Did you know that if you put a flashlight up to your forehead facing out that you can see the reflection of spider eyes?  Ummm yeah I thought my husband was kidding but seriously if you do this you'll see a million spiders in the grass.  Again shivers...and double yuck.  I had no idea so many were always scurrying around!  Try this trick and report back...you might not look at your lawn the same ever again.

4.  When a cabin says "secluded" you better know that means you are in BFE.  Our cabin was really nice however the 2 miles of switchbacks and dirt/gravel roads made me wonder if this place even existed.  My small SUV had no idea what it was getting itself into and needed about 3 car washes after we left our lovely in the cabin in the woods.  Just be sure not to get snake or spider bitten because I'm not sure if you could make it to the hospital in time. 

5.  Don't go to an outlet mall near a small tourist town.  Just don't do it.  This outlet mall was a relatively small one, and it was INSANE!  You pretty much couldn't walk into a store without bumping into people...let alone navigate a stroller.  NOTE TO SELF: don't go to an outlet mall over a holiday weekend!

Now to the good part...the photos from the trip!

Nolan getting ready for his hike up the mountain!

Nolan riding his first horse!

Nolan playing with ducks for the first time.

Nolan completing his second hike of the trip on Grandfather Mountain!

Nolan testing out our huge bed at the cabin.