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Phew, its been a while. Life has been crazy busy with the new job, getting ready to go to Vegas and planning a 1st birthday party.

I realized, after I received several phone calls and texts, that I left the job situation up in the air. I am working with my mom now- doing marketing, advertising and sales. So far so great!

Vegas Baby, a bit of work and a bit of play. It's Dustin's first time going out West so I am very excited for him and I cant wait to share pictures.

Can you believe we are planning for a first birthday? It's just crazy talk! Miss Avery Cate is growing up more and more everyday. She is just on the edge of free-style walking. She will drag someone all over the place with just the security of knowing there is a finger near by but I'll think she'll let go any day now. (that sounds so dramatic)

Mother's Day Tradition

I was celebrated as a mother last year, 7+ months pregnant. It was both exciting and not really "real" at the same time. I am very excited for Mother's Day this year. I dont need gifts or fancy meals but just a day to hog my baby girl. I can hold her and cuddle her all I want and I'll have an excellent excuse for being so stingy.

Over the years, as our extended family grows, holiday meals have changed. (Ex- my grandfather always did Christmas breakfast but my little brother, I mean cousin, and his wife have picked up the tradition. ) I am very excited for Dustin and I to adopt the Mother's Day festivities this year. Ours has a twist though, it's pot luck. I am not the family chef - they prefer not to eat my cooking and I prefer not to cook. They'll bring a yummy feast and we'll provide a refreshing outdoor environment (including a new garden where plants are thriving), plates, cups, drinks and an adorable laughy baby and spunky pup to play with.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mothers Day Delima

I need gift ideas for mothers day! I feel like I get worse and worse at picking out gifts. I thought it would be easier with Avery, I'd just give a napkin with her picture, mug with her picture, towel with her picture, garbage with her picture... It's not me.

I dont like junk (my baby is not junk but stuff can be) so I dont encourage junk.

Do you have any clever and useful gift ideas? I am a little behind...

Bittersweet Byes

(Anyone still here? I dont blame you if you're not. I haven't been.)
I have three (including today) more days at my job. It's bittersweet, really. So I am embracing these last few days with my coworkers and friends, very surreal.

I have great things ahead and I will share them with you in good timing.
(No, sorry. We are not pregnant.)

Change

I'm pretty sure I've expressed that I am generally not good with change. It scares me and most of the time it is pretty difficult.

Change is swirling around me like crazy and I am doing my best to hang on tight. It's good change, but it's still hard. At times I let myself stay static just because it's easier, not because it's best.

I am enjoying the change in season though, even if it means we need to dodge a few storms. Kinda like life.

Special Meaning

We receive daily Lent Devotionals from our church and each are written by various members of the congregation. Yesterday, Maundy Thursday, was fast paced for me. We missed the service and the reenactment of the Last Supper and I didn't open the devotional until bedtime. Reading the story of Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) reminded me what this week, and the last 37 days (I'm not good with math) are about. I read each sentence a few times, each time a little more intense than the previous. After the author's prayer, which sought openness to allow us to change lives for Jesus Christ, I discovered the devotional was written by my grandfather. He is a retired Methodist preacher, he married Dustin and I and baptised Avery. His words have a way of soothing the soul. It was beautiful.

I hope you have a blessed Easter Weekend and, of course, I hope the bunny is good to you!

AaaaChhooo

Allergies are in full bloom for our family (Mommy, Daddy and Baby). Nasty noses, itchy throats and red watery eyes.

The weather has been beautiful, well other than the tornadoes, and we finally replanted our garden. (Note: It's a mini garden so don't get too excited, just plants and flowers.) Last summer's garden was gorgeous and lush but it didn't survive long at all. This year we spent more time focusing on the ground and making sure our dirt was suitable for plants. If this garden makes it (Hooray) we will add to it next year.

Are you gardening? Do you know of any plants that are novice tolerable?

Praying at the Pump

A congregation in Dublin, Georgia is praying at the pump this weekend. The pastor organizing the gathering was on The Bull this morning and noted that although they will pray for gas prices to fall they will also pray for our troops, the economy and ending war in the Middle East. Oh ya, he also said gas prices usually drop after the annual event. I have mixed feelings..

Red Stitching

Baseball Season: BRAVOS Loud Music Green Grass Friends Cold Drinks Tailgates Hotdogs Corn Hole Shorts and Sundresses Late Family Nights Sticky Fingers Cotton Candy and Ice Cream Warm Weather Intrigued Huband Jumboron Red Stitching and Pinstripes

Big(s) and Small

Three chairs, two sizes on one porch.

BEFORE

AFTER

(We will work on a table later, maybe.)

Mini Makeover - Home Edition

I didn't intend on staying in our current house too long but owning two homes in a nasty market kind of changed the moving plans. I never wanted to invest too much on sprucing up the exterior of the house, yard, fence or porches but rather focus on the inside. With patience in hand, we are tackling the exterior this spring and summer!

We are painting the exterior of the house even though its only 3 years old. Why? Last year we laid sod in the back yard and unfortunately dirt stuck to the house and 2/4 of the house experiences constant sun beams which is fading the paint color. We also had a fence, with an awkward bend to accommodate for an existing tree, built when we first moved in. The fence is starting to show its age. We, I mean Dustin, sealed it but we never stained it. Tomorrow, the house is getting painted and fence stained. I am hoping we picked the right colors!

Dustin did a great job refinishing some rattan chairs for the front porch, stay tuned for before and afters. Avery was extremely accommodating one afternoon and jumped in the front yard while Dustin and I laid bark and trimmed the bushes. I would like to give the bushes and hedges an extreme hair cut and trim them waaaay back but we will see if the DR will go for it.

Are you doing maintenance around your home or preparing it for spring?

Maaaaaa Ma is Back

I took an unspoken break, maybe you noticed.

It's April and Spring has sprung around here which adds an instant pep to my step! We are busy working on the house, the exterior in particular, and working on ourselves during the Lenten season.

Avery is an on the go kind of gal and loves the sound of her mighty voice. My alarm clock has a new sound this morning, "Mama... Maaaaaa ma". I was tempted to let her stay standing in her crib another minute just so I could hear her new favorite word a few more times but knowing the expression I would see when she saw "Maaaaaa ma" had me jumping out of bed.

Well, it's nice to be back. (I'm assuming people are still here)

St. Pattys

Preocupied

I've been preoccupied with life things lately. My baby girl is nearly 9 months, my grandparents need extra love and care and I need extra hugs and foot massages from DR.

But before I go I'll tell you we did headstands in yoga. I did a headstand.

I'm sorry.

TMI Tuesday on SB

I know it sounds like I frequent Starbucks often, which I probably do, but I thought this was worth sharing for the readers with a sweet tooth.

I was running late this morning and couldn't make my green monster (note: running late is generally the reason I swing into SB)so I thought I would grab a breakfast smoothie on my way in to work. Not knowing what kind of smoothies are available I was hoping for a slow morning and a non existent drive through line so I could take time to read the menu. As you probably know, this wasn't the case. Instead I saw a new poster for cake pops; instantly loss my focus and found myself reading cake pop flavors. Before I knew it I was at the speaker and it was my turn to order, I didn't see a picture of a strawberry banana smoothie like I had hoped for or any other semi healthy smoothie.

When I pulled around to the window they handed me a rocky road cake pop and frozen mocha drink.

Black Pot

Guilt lives with me and dwells within me if I know I've done wrong. I feel terribly guilty for the comment I made on TMI Tuesday which I've recently removed. If you didn't happen to see the post, just let this be my apology and a time for me to renew my heart, please. If you did read the comment I am sorry for being ugly and I would love for you to accept my apology even if you dont feel it was as ugly as I am now making it out to be. There was a lot of back story to the comment that I wont burden you with or use to make excuses for myself but I need to apologize for myself.

This blog is my place to be me and you're welcome to read or not but please know that I am not perfect, I do make mistakes and I am generally always too honest. I am working on the later and accepting the previous.

So ironically today is the pot calling the kettle black.

TMI Tuesday

Avery is 8 months old, 8 people..
My cousins have back to back birthdays, yesterday and today. Happy Birthday!
Dustin is going to Braves Spring Training this week. Then we are going to the home opener with some lovely friends!
SB iced green tea lightly sweetened is delish
Avery loves to swing!

Sneak Peak - Diamonds

Playing in Diamonds

Shady

It is safe to assume that I wear sunglasses more than I probably should. If I have the slightest squint I pull them out and plop them on. Maybe my eyes are more sensitive than others (because I wear sunglasses all the time) but I've been known to wear sunglasses on cloudy days and at dusk. I can't stand to squint or the thought of the "crows feet" that squinting produces.

Any way, because I am constantly opening and closing a pair of shades, placing them on top of my head, or dropping them I am buying new pairs frequently. I don't buy the $150 pair, we tried that with Dustin (twice) and neither made it a substantial amount of time, but rather good name brands at stores like TJ Maxx. I even try to be practical (sometimes) and not get the latest style but more of a traditional look hoping they last.

Do you have any shady suggestions?

TMI Tuesday

I am in a blogging slump, can you tell?
My mom, aunt, uncle (brothers and sisters) and grandfather are going to the Holy Lands for ten days, starting today.
Avery is very vocal now, very.
I had one of these for breakfast, thanks kbroome.
Dustin and I have dentist appointments today. Yes, together because I loathe the dentist.
Kylee has me using Arrojo hair products now.
This warm weather has me pulling out skirts and cardigans, mmm.

Signing Off- M.R.

Posting It

Whenever I need to remember something, I either tell someone else (so we both forget) or use a handy-dandy post it note. My desk is like a yellow cow, assuming that the spots can be the same size and square.

I even have double-decker post its. This occurs when my note(s) are longer than I thought the would or should be and I need to stick multiple notes together.

Do you 'post it'?

Late on Love

I meant to wish you all a Happy Valentines Day on Friday but I didnt. Then I thought I could take a moment on LoVers Day to wish you love, I didnt, or the day after. But it's Wednesday and I am hoping you had a great Valentines Day!

We were up bright and early, Avery got tubes in both ears. She is doing great and we are slowly getting back on to our schedule. Dustin and I made dinner at home, steaks on the grill, potatoes, cookies and chocolate dipped strawberries. Mmmm Hmmm.

Is it warm where you are? It's been so lovely this week and I am craving spring time and summer trips (we haven't decided where we are going).

Cheers to love and warmth!

Cakefast of Champions

TMI Tuesday on Change

Well, it's that time again. Let's go with thing that've changed; change isn't always bad.
I've changed on many levels;
The number on the back of my britches has changed several times within the last year;
My friends and relationships have changed;
My titles have changed;
The amount of food I eat has changed;
I've changed my exercises routine;
My style changes with the seasons;
Avery's car seat changed;
The amount of time in the day has changed. Oh, it hasn't?;
The way I see Dustin has changed, he is even more attractive as "Daddy";
My priorities have changed;
My sleep habits are still changing;
And I am embracing good change, managing scary change.

you + me = us

Well, since we've last gathered I cut my hair. You can release your breath, it wasn't drastic. Some even call it a "trim".
Dustin and I had a lovely weekend together, apart and with our baby girl. Together we got my hur did, listened to 90s music, enjoyed frozen yogurt, and spent a night out on the town. Apart, I managed to get several things checked off my house keeping, to-do and me lists. He also checked some things off the house keeping list and went to watch the Super Bowl with friends. And together we cuddled and played with our little lovey (who is now an official crawler).

I hope you had a great weekend, 4 more days until another.

Summer Love

S U M M A T I M E
I'm ready for summer! We had gorgeous weather over the weekend which was a delight and inspired me to find the high waisted shorts, jean and khaki, which came with belts. Forever 21.
My next inspiration is my hair. I'm ready for a haircut. I don't do this often and it's generally a spur of the moment decision but I'm done. Bangs and Layers, please.
Summer also brings thoughts of lemonade, homemade ice cream and swimsuits. I'm not ready for the latter.

But, it's not summer, it's February so let's celebrate the month of LOVE.

Happy February!

The Weekend (ER)

Positive for flu, RSV, early pneumonia in left lung and double ear infections with one ruptured (again). With TLC and lots of medicine she is doing much better, much better. We are going to an ENT next week to talk about tubes for her ears.

Oh ya, Nana turned 80!


My sister made the cake, snazzy right?

Sleepy Jingles

So rise and shine and give God the glory glory rise and shine and give God the glory glory rise and shine and.... give God the glory glory children of the Lord.

It's time to get up, it's time to get up, it's time to get up in the morning.

These are jingles we sang growing up, or my mom sang to us while trying her best to get my sister and I out of bed. I've always loved sleeping, a sleep-aholic if you will.

My baby girl loves to sleep too. I'm practicing the jingles for her.

So rise and shine...

TMI Tuesday (Late Edition)

I know it's a day late, sorry, but here we go!
I love mornings that Dustin gets to go in late.
I don't have an hour (+) to work out every evening but I am doing lunch time yoga on Thursdays. (it's only offered once a week)
I look at Avery's 7 month pictures every day.
My life is super busy lately and I feel that I am neglecting things and people.
I am trying to soften my sharp tongue and not be too honest all the time.
Avery is trying to crawl, seriously.
I made dry salmon and Dustin still ate it.
My hands are dry and I'm over the cold.
Today is my dad's birthday, Happy Birthday Dad!

Photoshot for 7 months

Avery's 7 Month Pictures

I hope you had a great weekend, we did!
Pictures, Shopping, Friends, Birthday Party and Cake!

ReDoing

There is a wagon going by and I am anxious to jump on (then I think of telling Dustin and the anxiety stops).
R E D E C O R A T I N G
I feel that everyone around me, blogs, friends, family (see everyone!) is doing something to their home. This summer, while very pregnant, I decided to overhaul the living room furniture. One more piece, maybe two and I could call it done.
Our bathroom needs some TLC (maybe the guest one too), new curtains in our kitchen nook, de-cluttering (my favorite thing to do, seriously) the guest room/office/ tagging headquarters.

Must. Stop. Now.

Gush

Can we gush over this?

(Please excuse my boasting and picture clarity)

Swim and Shorts

Top 'O the Morning!
I'm searching for high waisted swim suits and shorts. Have you seen any? In my head I picture a khaki short with bow sash and cuffed legs. (paired with a white shirt) A swim suit, I'll take polka dots, solids, floral, whatever we can find.
Oh, it's not warm outside?
Well I will just be prepared for when it gets warm.

TMI Tuesday

I am wearing colored lip gloss, Dustin used to refer to this
as "Koolaid Lips"
Pattern Tights spruce up a black dress.
I may or may not be looking for 1st Birthday ideas already.
Dustin installed a "Big Girl" car seat over the weekend.
I saw swimsuits in the store and regret the cookies I had
on Friday.
I still haven't heard my test results, its nearly been 2
weeks.
Our guest room/office is currently my tagging
headquarters. I'm selling (some of) my baby's clothes at consignment.
I haven't started couponing yet.
Avery is trying to crawl and has a tooth sneaking through.
We read about the "California Superstorm", have you?
The text alignment on the blog drives me bonkers.

So, this is TMI Tuesday. I think it could work.

3 of C

Chocolate Chip Cookies
I had 3.
Ooops!

Guitar Nights

Feverish

Cabin Fever is starting to set in, well at least with Avery and me. Sure, I've gone to work for some time both today and yesterday but I'm used to doing way more than traveling between home and work. Avery likes to see people. For now, she only sees her daddy and me. Trust me, we are no fun.

I am hoping we make it to Atlanta Saturday for a trip to the Mart. Please thaw yourself out, Atl.

Blizzard

We are snowed in with nearly six inches of snow.

Order

I love when things are organized and this morning the lack of organization in my closet made me loony. I just reorganized this thing last month.

Jackets, shirts by color, pants, skirts, party dresses, work dresses with shoes across the top. Shoes go from boots to heels to wedges and sandals/ flops.

Sweaters and takes are in bins below, jeans in a drawer.

Are you particular about your closet? I try to get Dustin to fall into a similar pattern (I'll help him hang his laundry more if I didnt get frustrated).

16 or so months ago, b4 pregnancy, I was much more organized.

baconaid

I'm trying to make better of the situation and lighten up so...
We discovered we only had "baconaids" in our house.

Warrior

Sorry, This post is less than chipper.

Several people ask if "You're having a good birthday." Yesterday there came a point where I stopped saying yes and started being honest. I'll spare you the drama and will say I dont want a pity party, just a prayer party. I had several spots removed and sent for testing yesterday.

We will hear back in 2 weeks.

All of the birthday wishes and multiple wardrobe changes made the day a little brighter, thank you! Oh and my DR got to play doctor by changing out the dressings, I am the DR's wife!

Tasty

I fell in love with an old favorite all over again this morning. Non-fat white mocha. Seriously, it's better than I remember.

We have a *Bucks gift card. What other drinks should we try?

(I'm still assuming people are reading)


Oh, tomorrow is my birthday so I may or may not make it to a computer to post. Come back Thursday, I will.

Resolution

Anyone still here? Sorry, I could give you excuses why I didnt blog but I wont.

It's 2011 and I'm baaaaaaaaaack!

I discovered my resolution last night, couponing. I always hear about the boo-koos of money people save by couponing but I've never had the patience for it. So this year, hopefully I can knock it out in January, I will be learning how to save us money which is just as good as making money. Right?

Do you clip coupons? I've heard of some helpful resources so far, but tell me what you do.

Happy 2011!!