Hudson's Mom

2011-12-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

Photo Card

2011-12-02T16:52:00.001-08:00

Initially Merry Christmas

Heartfelt: Christmas photo cards and holiday cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

2011-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

To read more about why I wear a red ribbon - see my post from 2009.

View the complete (2015) QUILT here.

Takin' names!!

2011-11-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

I haven't "announced" it via this blog yet, but I have announced it locally and on facebook....

My eggo is preggo!

It came as a surprise, but a beautiful blessing that we know is God's perfect timing. (I'd always said that if God wanted me to have another baby, I'd probably have to 'get pregnant on the pill' because we would never pinpoint the "right time"....I was right!)

I found out very early - barely 5 weeks. I purchased a test at Super S (our hometown grocery store, yeehaw), and found myself laughing as I picked out the only test they had: Western Family brand. For some reason it struck me as so funny.

I hadn't told anyone...Amber (my bestie) knew that I was suspecting, but thought it was just body changes due to my diet and weight loss (I was in rehearsals for "Little Shop" and trying to drop the lbs before opening night!). Jared knew that I was someone wondering, but again, thought it was due to stress, busy schedule and diet changes. After about 5 days of wondering, I trekked to Super S while the boys were at a friends house. I was cracking up when I left (thanks to the Western Family brand) so I texted Amber...she was cracking up and asked if I went barefoot, too? Anyhoo - it was funny.

I got to my house and was super nervous to take it! But, had to bite the bullet because I knew I wanted to do it while I was home alone (privacy in the bathroom disappeared when Hudson started walking at 10 months). I headed to the bathroom.

And ooooh, was it ever positive. The instructions said it could take up to three minutes for the test to process if it was positive.

My test was processed before I got it to the counter.

And it was a big, fat, PLUS sign. There was no question AT. ALL.

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. While I had suspected, I still was very surprised. I came out of the bathroom, sat on the couch, and send a text (I know, I know, I know) to Jared that read: "Drink up, we're having a baby!"

He said he already knew.

Shortly after I let Amber, my mom and my sister know the big news. We decided that that would be it for a while, since it was so early. I called my doctor and asked them if they would please do a blood test to confirm, since I was on the pill. I went in a few days later. My blood test results came back with very high numbers. So high, in fact, that they wanted to see me for an ultrasound to make sure that everything was okay and to confirm the due date. At this point, I still hadn't told anyone else. My appointment was scheduled for a Tuesday afternoon. On the preceding Monday, I started having some bleeding. It was not light, but also not heavy. I called the dr. and notified them - and, of course, they said to take it easy and they would see me tomorrow. I canceled my classes for the afternoon and took it easy for the rest of the day/night. I did tell the usual suspects, and just waited. I was nervous, so I asked Amber to go with me. I was a bundle of nerves all morning, wondering what the ultrasound was going to show - or not show.

On my way to meet Amber, I had the radio turned to Spirit 105.9 (our Christian station). When I was pregnant with Hudson I sang a certain song every day - "Word of God Speak". I hadn't sung that song, or even heard it in a while (I lost my Kristin Chenowith CD)...anyway...I was praying as I was driving to Amber's - that God just lay His hand on the baby - that no matter what happened, that I would have peace and know that it was His will and we would be fine. As I was praying, "Word of God Speak" started playing.

And I started crying.

I pulled myself together and knew that no matter what the outcome was, I would be okay.

Amber and I got to the doctor, and luckily, they wasted no time and got the ultrasound started. We immediately saw the little bean. And then, we even heard a heartbeat. It was amazing. I was still in shock, but also so happy...and now nervous. We had a baby growing...but still several weeks to go before I felt like we were "safe". I was not ready to embrace it. Because I was scared.

In the past year, too many people I know have experienced a loss of child. In fact, it was one of the reasons that I got back on the pill. Because I was not ready, and not brave enough, to deal with it. I wanted to protect myself, and count my blessings (I have a beautiful, healthy boy already - I am too blessed!!), and not "take a chance"...Because I was scared.

I was still not ready to share with anyone else. I was in rehearsals for the show - and needed to focus on life and the show. I needed to try to not worry. Let go and let God, right?

I went back to the doctor a couple of weeks later, to make sure all was still okay after the bleeding, and I got to see the Little One again. This time we could make out arms and legs. Hudson was there and got to see and it was pretty awesome. I was still scared, but realized that I couldn't be scared forever. If something was going to happen to my baby, it was going to happen. It could happen at 8 weeks, 11 weeks, 22 weeks, or even 37 weeks. I couldn't be afraid forever. I needed to celebrate this child.

We officially announced it to Jared's family and our friends at Hudson's 5th birthday party. It was a great day, very exciting, and I went off to do my 3rd show of the weekend...I loved playing Audrey 8 weeks pregnant. I can't wait to share that detail....that 'we' got fed to a plant 10 times...with this little one!

I had another check up 4 weeks later - and got to see the Little One again (I'm soo blessed!). This time, it was incredible. Dr. Rush switched the machine over to 3D and I was able to see the baby's arms, legs, and little face. I could see fingers, and feet - arms and legs. It was amazing. We had our 1st Trimester screen a couple of days later, and are thrilled that everything measured, looked, and tested totally normal. Our Little One is growing and healthy.

My official due date is May 23, 2012, but I have measured a week ahead (6 days) at each appointment, and will have a scheduled C-Section a week ahead, so sometime around the 15th of May, we'll have the newest little Hunter in our midst. Hudson is SUPER excited...he pretty much wants a brother, but we've talked about it and he would be okay with a sister too. In fact, when I asked him what he thought about it all - his initial reaction was that he would like it....as long as it was cute. :) Silly bear.

Anyway - this is a LONG post, but I haven't journaled any of this yet, and I wanted to. Maybe that was part of my being scared? I am now 14 weeks and really starting to feel this pregnancy. I can't wait to start showing and really FEEL/LOOK pregnant (right now I just feel flab-tastic)...I had some yucky feeling weeks in there, but overall, can't complain. I am blessed and my son and husband are both being amazing.

Of course now is the hard part: Choosing a name.

So that is where YOU come in....I'm takin' names. Suggestions, that is. Please comment and post your top three boy and girl names! Our "official" gender u/s isn't until January 5th, but we're going to sneak in and get an extra at one of those places before Christmas. As with Hudson, I want to try to choose the name the minute we find out! So...give me your suggestions! I'd love to hear!

A Thanksgiving Interview

2011-11-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

(Please accept my apologies for doing the past blog posts in interview form. Hudson is just full of clever ideas and quips, and I want to remember them!)

How do you cook a turkey?

Put it in the oven for 50 seconds. The red light must be on so that means the oven is hot.

Where do you get the turkey?

We get the turkey at the store. It costs $50.

What do you do after the turkey is finished cooking?

Then when it’s done, you take it out of the over and Puh-poo! It’s a turkey! We get a knife and a fork and cut it in to a little piece and stick the fork into the turkey and then put it in our mouth.

What else would you like to have with your turkey?

Bacon.

What would you like to have for dessert?

Let’s get safe lollipops for me and my friends too.

What are you thankful for this year?

God. Uhh, And I have to go poop.

And there you have it. I love my kid.

Interview with a 5 Year Old

2011-09-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

1. What is your happiest memory?
That I was so cute when I was little.

2. Why do you like being a kid?
Because I just like having fun with that (being a kid.)

3. One word to describe you would be AWESOME.

4. What advice would you give your parents?
I love you guys, you're the best

5. If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?
An inchworm. Because inchworms are super cool because they can slide around without using legs.

6. What do you like to do for fun?
Laughing at Daddy. Because Dad's jokes are so funny.

7. Tell about a funny time in your life.
When dad made me laugh.

8. What is your favorite thing to do? Why?
I love playing with my toys because they are so fun because my dad (huh?!) bought them.

9. What is your favorite thing to do with your friends?
I love playing with them.

10. Who are your friends?
Gage, Harper, Miss Amber, Calvin, Mason, Zach

11. What was the nicest thing you did for someone?
I gave my friend a present, not for their birthday.

12. What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now?
Sleeping in my own bed.

13. What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
I play with mom.

14. What would be the ideal allowance? Tell me how you would use it.
One thousand million dollars. I would get a big humongous lego set.

15. What do you think makes a person good-looking?
If they're looking nice, because they have to wear nice clothes and match. Sometimes when people want to look cool they can rock out or chew gum.

16. Name two things we should do as a family on the weekend.
We should play with my cars and do everything I like on the weekends.

17. What is the grossest thing you can think of?
The smell of my poop. (hysterical laughter ensues!)

18. What is your favorite color?
Red

19. What is your favorite food?
Pancakes

20. What is your favorite TV Show?
Phineas & Ferb

21. What is your favorite song?
Another One Bites the Dust

22. What do you want to be when you grow up?
An astronaut, actually a storm trooper. Actually a ninja.

Is there anything else you want to share with me? How do you feel about being 5?
It's so cool because I am going to be as old as Elijah! And I get to chew gum. Am I done now?

Musings from Hudson

2011-07-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

I know it's been ages since I posted - I am going to try to get better because, boy, do I have a lot to share!

In the meantime - a couple of cute things Hudson has going on.....

* Hudson has a friend who lives in his closet. The first time he mentioned him to me I was worried that it was going to be bad for our new routing of him sleeping in his own room as this was our original conversation:

Hudson: Mom - did you know that my closet was haunted and that there is someone who lives in there?

Mommy: No, I did not know that - can you tell me about that person?

Hudson: He is very cool and when I go into my closet he takes me to a carnival and we play games and do you know what the prizes are?

Mommy: What!?

Hudson: Millions of gummies!

I was, obviously, very relieved to know that his new friend in his haunted closet was a positive thing and not something to be afraid of. Then today, when he woke up from nap I heard him playing with a little toy phone (you know the old-school Fisher Price one that babies pull around? He never played with it as a baby, but evidently now it has a use.) I went in to his room and this was our conversation:

Mommy: Hey love bug, did you have a nice nap?

Hudson: Yep.

Mommy: Who are you calling?

Hudson: Mom - do you see this seven (pointing to the number on the phone)? This is the number that I use to call my friend in the closet. I just have to dial seven.

Mommy: That's easy to remember. What is your friend's name?

Hudson: Well, I don't really know....(thinking)...I think since he does magic all of the time, his name is Magic Man.

Mommy: That sounds like a pretty good name - what does he look like?

Hudson: Well...

Mommy: What color hair does he have?

Hudson: It's sort of like mine, but it's down (motioning long and straight) like PawPi's.

Mommy: Oh - so it's long and straight but your color?

Hudson: Yes! Do you want to hear about how I get to his house?

Mommy: Yes~ wait a minute, can I video you while you tell me about it?

Hudson: No.

Mommy: Okay - tell me about it.

Hudson: I go in my closet and we take an elevator. The elevator has to go up and up. We go up to his house and he has lots of toys and (picture Hudson's face super animated and big eyes) MONSTER TRUCKS.

Mommy: Wow - that is super cool - you like Monster Trucks.

Hudson: He has Gravedigger and Crusher and Lightening and Mater Monster Trucks that are the BIG ones, not the little ones.

Mommy: Cool - what does his house look like?

Hudson: It's big like a monster truck.

Mommy: That sounds really neat. Maybe later you would like to draw a picture of his house, or of him, and we can hang it on your closet door. I will help you spell Magic Man so he knows that it's for him.

Hudson: Okay. Can I have my water cup, please. I am dehydrating.

And this, my friends, is why I am prematurely getting gray hair.
Thanks.

H2's School of Cool

2011-02-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

So, you may or may not know, but I have started Hudson on a Kindergarten homeschooling program. He has begun reading and spelling words, and in some areas seems quite ahead of his classmates in the 3 year old class at school.

Since he has over a year before he is "legally" allowed to being Kindergarten in Texas, I decided to order the curriculum that I taught last year and gradually introduce him to homeschooling.

As many of you know, I have always been very AGAINST homeschooling. It is not my thing. I NEVER thought it would be something that was a fit for my family....and, to be honest, I'm still not sure.

That being said, my child has expressed an early interest in some areas of academics and I feel like I need to have opportunities available for him at home, in addition to his school time. He is still in the "correct" age group/classroom at school. When I did assessments, he did better than some of my students! he is READY for Kinder level work, so it just seemed natural that I would give him the chance at home....especially since I have yet to get that winning lotto ticket so private school is out of reach!

Anyway - I ordered some books and have started a separate blog to keep track of our homeschooling. I am trying to keep up with it, but between my musical theatre classes, Pre-K teaching job and director duties, plus my family and home to maintain, we are not as adamant about schooling as I'd like. Since he's not even 4 1/2 yet, I'm not too worried....we just work at our own pace and we'll see how it goes.

Keep me posted on your own homeschooling or home-supplementing adventures! This is a whole new world to us and I'm excited to see what works for us, and what doesn't! Because, after all, isn't that what homeschooling is all about? The adventure?

Something that brightened our day...

2011-01-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

So evidently 5 years ago, this was popular time for babies to be born!

Hudson has A LOT of friends celebrating birthdays this week and in the next couple of weeks....

Fun, right??

Wrong.

For an allergy-kid, birthdays mean a lot of "is that safe?", "can I eat that?", "can I sit next to my friend the birthday boy?".

9 times out of 10, the answer is no, no, and no. To the above questions.

We have been SOO lucky this year to have some awesome friends in Hudson's class at school who have gone above and beyond to make sure that Hudson was included in the special occasions.

I blogged during November about sweet V's mom, who made adorable turkey treats and used safe ingredients to make one for H2. Even labeled it "H2" so he would know which was his.

This week, our friend, Wyatt, celebrated his 5th birthday. His great parents made sure to by the cupcake and frosting mix that we use. His dad even noticed (in the nick of time!) that the sprinkes might be cross contaminated, so they kept one w/o sprinkles and packaged it separately from the rest. His mom said she was so surprised that sprinkes were a problem! I laughed and just said that she would be surprised at how many foods are seeminly safe, but could be dangerous. Hudson was SO excited that they were safe for him and didn't stop talking about it!

Anyway - these gestures are SO SO SO kind and mean the world to me. So, I don't know if she reads my blog, but Dana - THANK YOU! You rock for making my kid feel safe and included at a moment when he usually has to sit at the other table.

God is SO good.

2010-12-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

I have been so blessed lately.

Well, let me rephrase. I have been abundantly and OBVIOUSLY blessed lately. I am always blessed because I know Him, but sometimes in our world it's so easy to get caught up in the busyness and not take a step back and see how God is truly at work all the time.

I am not going to go into any specific details, but God presented himself at just the right moment and brought me to tears (and to my knees) in gratitude.

It is such a beautiful time of year...a time to reflect on the past 12 months, give thanks for all that we have, and remember and worship our Lord.

At our school, my co-director and Hudson's teacher, Ms. Bettie told us about a tradition that a Christian Author wrote about. His family goes around the table each year on Christmas and tells Jesus what they want to thank Him for and what they want to give to Him this year. They celebrate Jesus' birthday and give gifts to HIM. Our students all wrote Happy Birthday Cards/Letters to Jesus and they are incredible. I'll be posting some of them over the next week.

In the meantime, what do YOU thank Jesus for? What are you going to give to Him?

Hudson is READING!

2010-11-16T19:16:00.000-08:00

I am so stinking proud of Hudson right now!

Last night (11.15.10), Hudson read his very first book. It's an early reader called "FAT CAT". He's only seen the book once before - when he sounded out / read the words FAT and CAT and then decided he was done.

After doing a couple of pages in his math workbook, we decided to work on reading. I was fully expecting him to just sound out a couple of words and stop.

Not this time! He read the ENTIRE thing. Sounded out every word and only needed a little help from time to time.

I am probably the proudest mother in the world!

Not too shabby for a 4 year and 1 month old. =)

I will post a video tomorrow. It's super cute.

HEALTH UPDATE:
My kid never complains. He's, evidently, had an ear infection for quite some time, but never ran a fever and never once said his ear hurt. Weird kid.

Do any of my "allergy" friends have this problem with your kids? That they never really feel 100% good, so 80% is their "normal"? That is what I think is going on with Hudson. He's been allergic since birth, so he has never felt GREAT...maybe that is why he doesn't complain? He's just used to not feeling so hot?

We also start a new allergy medication tomorrow. Zyrtec doesn't seem to be cutting it anymore as he's had a chronic cough for about 8 weeks. Hopefully the ear infection meds + new allergy medication will = a Happy Thanksgiving!

"Aww" moment of the day.

2010-11-15T22:21:00.000-08:00

Check out these adorable little turkey treats!

See the one in the back?

The one that has "H2" on his face?

An incredibly sweet, amazing, wonderful mommy from our school made these treats for our Annual Give Thanks Feast tomorrow. This is an evening event where all the families get together to share food, fun and fellowship before the Thanksgiving Holiday. Potluck meals are a fun tradition, but are not so fun for an allergic kid. Basically he can eat NOTHING because I have no idea how it was prepared or with what incredients.

This sweet momma remembered that H2 was allergic to peanuts and made a special turkey for him that had no peanut candy in it.

This gave me tears in my eyes.

Future President?

2010-11-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

Hudson and I took a trip to Washington, DC last weekend.

It was, by far, the best. trip. ever.

I'll put together a play-by-play, complete with pictures soon...but for now....my favorite shot from the weekend.

Oh.

One more thing....

Hudson got a haircut. A serious, big boy, haircut.

He loves it.

I still haven't recovered.

And so it begins. Again.

2010-09-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

I love the IDEA of healthy cooking and eating for my family. I obsess over meal planning and read cooking books and magazines and blogs - I read health blogs and obsess over Reality Fitness and Weight Loss TV.

I love the IDEA of working out and being super fit. I crave it. I think about it all of the time and I dream of having a fit and healthy body.

I dream of a day when getting ready only takes a few minutes because every single item of clothing in my closet not only FITS properly, but looks good too.

And that is where it ends.

I have no follow through with any of the above. I do the research. I talk about it. I get excited about reaching my goals. I window shop for my new body. I tell people what I'm going to do thinking that it will force me to follow through. I mean, I TOLD people so I MUST do it, right?

Not so much.

I never follow through. I always give up. I always quit. I always blow a great workout by overeating until I feel ill.

I have never had a healthy relationship with food or exercise. I grew up in a family that 1/2 of us were overweight and not athletic, and the other 1/2 was incredibly fit and athletic. My grandfather was always overweight, yet pushed through and can still run(jog) a 13K at age 78. His heart is healthy but he is totally obese - go figure. My grandmother, at age 75, teaches aerobics 3 days a week, attends yoga and tai chi and is a healthy living inspiration to hundreds (seriously) of her students. My father is naturally thin, but drinks coffee and smokes cigarettes all the time. I don't think he eats unless someone forces him too. He bikes for miles a day. And isn't even tired the next day. My mother has struggled with her weight for her entire life. A yo-yo dieter, like me, with a desire to be fit and healthy, but due to two artificial knees has had a tough time with the fitness aspect. She and her husband live a very hectic life and end up eating way too late, and probably not always the best foods. My little sister is the healthiest, most fit, most athletic and beautiful person I know. She always has been. She was always naturally drawn to athletics (and was good at them!) and has had an amazing body forever.

Then there is me.

Weight has been a constant struggle since I was a toddler. Literally. My body does not burn calories the same way that others do, I guess. As a kid I was not naturally athletic, but despite a stint (for several years) on a jump rope team (where we practiced for hours a day) I was still overweight. My weight was a sensitive issue because my family harps on weight. You're either too heavy or too thin. I have memories of overhearing family members discuss my weight, of being told I looked a little "hippy" in a dress a few weeks before my wedding - when I was in the best shape of my life.

Maybe that is my problem: I don't think I'll ever be "right" so why bother?

I don't know...I just know that I have always worried about it. I can't remember a single time (except maybe during my wedding) where I felt good about my body. I was the funny fat kid and I actually sort of embraced that. Perhaps that is why I developed my brilliant sense of humor? Heh. Ahem, anyway, I am a naturally curvy girl and I love that. I embrace that. I am at peace that I will never have the same figure of my sister - I will never have a "runner's" body and I am totally great with that. But right now my curvy, hour-glass figure that I was semi-okay with has dissappeared. It's just more of a curvy blob.

Attractive, huh?

Anyway. I am married to an amazing man who is very healthy and very fit. He grew up surrounded by healthy, fit people. Not too many overweight people in his circle of friends. Which is probably why it's even harder for me right now. Despite all of that, though, he loves me completely. He loves me despite the extra 30lbs that I have packed on since our wedding and since having our son.

And I appreciate that.

So much.

But I want to do better. I want to feel good about myself. I want to feel attractive in my clothes instead of wearing things (cute things, don't worry!) that tent over my blob. I want to wear shorts during the summer. I live in Texas and it's freaking hot. But I haven't worn shorts in public in over 6 years. That has got to change.

So, this past Tuesday I went to Boot Camp. I have done it before and it is HARD, but I feel powerful when I'm done. Like I've accomplished something great. I thought I was on the right track and then last night I ate more spaghetti than I thought possible.

What the heck?????

So today I went to Boot Camp again (thanks to my hubby pushing me out of bed) and decided that I would start journaling during this go-round. Try to track my food and activity and see if this might make a difference.

I really hope this works.

I am ready for a change.

I am ready to feel like the old me again.

And I really feel naked right now.

PS - I started my tracking on SparkPeople.com so if you are on there look me up: ehunter1979

"...the universe does not revolve around you."

2010-02-17T18:20:00.000-08:00

an interesting concept in the blog-o-sphere. =)

Today is Ash Wednesday.

I'm giving up soda and coffee. I am going to make another feeble attemt at reading The New Testament, and I am going to strive to be selfLESS instead of selfISH.

I had an entire blog post written, then was looking for a devotional for today and found this place. You can check it out here if you'd like.

Have a blessed HOLY season.

the first day of the rest of my life....

2010-02-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

Twelve years ago today I was on an airplane headed back to Broken Arrow after spending an awesome weekend with the guy who would one day be my husband.

Jared and I met through a mutual friend and had an email friendship for about 6 months. We finally decided it was time to spend some time together...the problem: he lived in Texas and I lived in Oklahoma.

After checking out airfare for a while, I found an incredible deal: $80 round trip ticket from Tulsa to Austin.....on Valentine's Day Weekend.

I was totally apprehensive about this as it was supposed to be a weekend of friendship - not love and romance - just to see if we liked each other in person as much as we thought we might like each other via the www.

After spending a few days together - laughing and joking...getting to know each other a little bit better and having a great time. We shared our first kiss on Valentine's Day.

When he dropped me off at the airport on February 15, 1998, Jared said "I'll see you in a couple of weeks". And so our year long "long-distance-courtship" began.

Through our many ups and downs through the years, I'm still so happy to have my Valentine. We just celebrated our 12th Valentine's day together - with a Rock Band party and some gifts that just prove how much he knows me and loves me: SingStar games for PS3 (which, ironically enough, two seconds before I opened my gift I was whining about not having a SingStar game for our party that night!), and a customized pink camo rock band guitar that he painted for me. It looks awesome!

Not a typical gushy Valentine's Day gift...but so "us"...and so perfect for our Valentine's Day Rock Band Party. Thanks, honey - for the great gift and for the great party...it was a blast and I felt like we were the goofy, in-love kids in college all over again. =)

At the airport.

2010-01-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

Sadly I am just at a free kiosk (so cool, though!) so no pictures yet.

I got to the airport 800 hours early (thank for the GREAT tip mom - ha!) Security breezed through and so I've had some time to kill.

So, two hours and close to $30 later...we are going to board in about 15 minutes.

I'm super excited and can't wait to get to D.C. and start my mini-vacation!! Hudson did great this morning (minus that tantrum for the lollipop), and did better than mommy at school drop off. After a few tears I was on my way and know that he is going to do great - and so will I.

Next time you hear from me...I'll be in D.C.!!!!!!!

Just a little update...

2010-01-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

I don't have anything super exciting or riveting to discuss on my little blog today, but in the spirit of trying to blog more often, I'll just give a little random update of things...

WORKOUT UPDATE:

Today is Day NINE. I joined a gym on the 4th and am pleased to say that I have been to said gym 5 times. One skipped night was due to the Rose Bowl. Saturday I did my 30-Day Shred video, then Sunday I started feeling under the weather plus my body was TIRED from the Shred, so I rested. Tonight, due to feelin uder the weather, I am skipping again.

Which leads to....

ME UPDATE:
I'm sick.

Maybe it's just allergies - maybe it's a cold induced by allergies - I don't know. What I do know is that it TOTALLY STINKS to be a teacher to Kinder/1st Graders and be sick. Ugh. I think I blew my nose about 80,000 times today.

I just really hope that I get better soon. Really soon. Like now.

I'm also bummed because I leave for D.C. in less than 48 hours~ Ahhh! I just had a mini-heart attack!!!! I am leaving my baby in less than 48 hours - whatever will I do?????

Which leads to....

TRIP UPDATE:

I leave in just a couple of days! I am super excited to see my sister, her cool apartment, and explore Washington, D.C. I am getting more used to the idea of leaving Hudson, though I know Thursday will be a very difficult day for me. It's less difficult knowing that Hudson is looking forward to spending some special time with Daddy. Especially since Daddy came home yesterday with tickets to this:

What 3 year old doesn't want to go see something like that? Not many, I tell ya! (Thanks, Daddy, for such a great surprise for Hudson! I'll miss you both!)

So - Hudson seems to be doing well, which makes mommy do well. I'll keep you posted though...I could crack at a moments notice!

(Sidenote: the images that come up on a google image search for crazy mother, cracked mother, etc are pretty funny...but not worth of the blog.)

I guess that's about it....

Oh - despite feeling lousy, I'm heading to auditions for The Dining Room. The production is being put on by The Lago Vista Players. I've not ever auditioned for this group, but met a lot of them through Bye, Bye Birdie last summer...so I hope it will be a fun experience.

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

2010-01-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

fortunately I DO know when I'll be back again.

However, I'm starting to have some major anxiety.

This time next Thursday, I'll be here:

visiting my sister. I'm super excited to go to D.C. for a few days - do some sightseeing, but mainly to spend some quality time with my little sister. We don't see each other nearly enough - which is sad for two sisters as close as we are. I can't wait to see her and her cute apartment in Georgetown...can't wait to see her job at the National Archives, cook in her cute kitchen, go to the flea market, and meet the new boy in her life. (It must be getting serious - she made him noodles shaped liked molars when he broke a tooth. I mean, come on!) I. Can't. Wait!

Squee!

However...

I will be making this journey solo.

By myself.

Alone.

Which means that Hudson is staying home with Daddy.

I have never been away from my boy for more than 24 hours. He's had a couple of sleepovers with grandparents, but they are usually an evening drop off so the hubs and I can have a date night, with a morning pick up. This trip will be Thursday-Sunday and I'm not sure how I'll survive. I KNOW that Hudson will be fine...Jared is an excellent daddy and he'll have a blast with all of that daddy time...but still....

What do I do? How will I survive?

Any advice for this panicked mommy?

Day One - Joining a Gym

2010-01-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

I'll be here at 12:00 today.

Thank you to Amber, my bestie, for going with me.

Mainly so if I have a heart attack and die from doing a treadmill for the first time in MANY MANY MANY months you can rescue me.

She is CPR certified after all.

Yes, I know how to pick workout buddies.

It's that time again.

2010-01-01T22:21:00.000-08:00

Yep.

Here we are.

Time to resolve and "commit" to some new stuff.

Are you with me? Are you ready?

I seriously HATE making resolutions. Acutally, that is a lie. I love to make resolutions. Just like I love to SAY that I want to journal, and I SAY that I want to make resolutions and I SAY that I want to blog every day.

I like the IDEA of resolutions and I LOVE the idea of starting a new year with new resolutions.

I'm just not very good at sticking to it.

This year I resolve to being better at "sticking to it".

I think maybe that will be my only "official" resolution. For the past several years I have had the same resolutions...and they have not changed this year, so instead of re-posting what I said last year, or the year before, I think I'll just say that my resolution for this year is simple. And this is it:

I resolve to MAKE IT HAPPEN.

What do you resolve?

Let's make it happen together.
xoxo,
E

2010

2009-12-31T22:18:00.000-08:00

You Capture - Your Holiday

2009-12-30T23:32:00.000-08:00

So - my post yesterday pretty much summed up our holiday, but I'll post one more.

This one captured my little cowboy and his love for camo and hunting and moustaches. Just like his beloved Auntie - who, based on behavior and personality and actions, should be his mom. Good thing for both of them that I love my sister so much. I'm thrilled and LUCKY and blessed to have a kid so much like her.

I love my little cowboy. And my sister. They are super cool.

So...what is your favorite image from this holiday? What did You Capture?

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2009-12-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

I feel a semi-depression coming on.

I hate, hate, hate when Christmas is over! It is just a joyous, blessed, magical time of year and I love it so very much. I especially hate having to take down the decor. It makes my house feel complete.

I have major Christmas break-up feeling when it's all put away.

This year was an exceptionally wonderful year. Hudson is just the perfect age for Christmas - and it is truly magical to see the wonder and excitement of the holiday through the eyes of a child.

Cliche'? Yes. But oh so true!

This year, as always, we traveled to OK to visit my family for Christmas week. We had such a great time! We started out at my mom's house in Grove, OK - she and my stepdad live in an amazing house overlooking Grand Lake.

Hudson enjoyed the view and the yard!

On the 23rd we headed to Broken Arrow to Grams and PawPaw's house. Where we ALWAYS spend Christmas.

(Sidenote: I have had 31 Christmas's and have spent 30 of them at this house. True story.)

Anyway - the forecast was calling for sleet and/or snow, so we decided we better get our last minute shopping done right away. We headed to Bass Pro Shops where my son became even more country than I thought my little cowboy could ever be.

He spied a rifle (that looked like Daddy's) and a Mossy Oak camo sweat suit. As he approaced the Bass Pro Santa, I knew that the coveted Spiderman Race Car (that he's asked for the past 8 weeks) was fleeting. This day, he asked for Camo and a gun to shoot deer.

Great.

Now mom had to shop!

Grams ended up purchasing the Camo gear, and in a last ditch effort on the 23rd - at 9:45pm I was at Wal-Mart finding the perfect gun.

The kid was thrilled on Christmas morning. We thought Spiderman RaceCar or the new (reburbished garage sale find - score for $5) bicyce would be the big hit, but alas the rifle and camo was the winner of the day. Aside from the dortitos and lollipops (big treat in our house), nothing was coming between this little Hunter and his deer hunting.

He spent the morning "deer hunting" - then retreiving his imaginary deer and processing them in the new grinder that Daddy got for Christmas. He was exhausted. I found him like that a while later.

Ah - my little redneck! I do love him so!

It was a beautiful, miraculous CHRISTmas and we were blessed to be with family, including my sister - who, by the laws of Mother Nature, should NOT have been able to arrive - but did - thanks to skillful driving by my awesome husband, my hoss Excursion, and of course having the good Lord by her side.

We spent the rest of our Christmas break playing in the 8 inches of gorgous snow, making snow angels and teaching Hudson how to be tough in the cold.

I have to say, my favorite part, though, was my sweet boy really understanding and knowing why we were celebrating Christmas. He was excited for Santa, but knew that we had this gift of Christmas because Jesus was born for us. I love watching him learn the Nativity, talk about the meaning of the Candy Cane, practice "J" for Jesus, and decorate a Happy Birthday Jesus banner. And, of course, we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.

So tell me - what was YOUR favorite part of Christmas?

Why I wear a red ribbon.

2009-12-01T13:54:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate to grow up in a family that allowed my sister and I to be surrounded by a diverse group of people...including those living with and directly affected by HIV and AIDS.

When I was two years old, I got my first haircut at a fab salon called "The Ritz". James cut my hair.

And I loved him so much.

When I was 6 or so, James died.

I have a memory of the conversation - sitting with my mom on my parent's bed in our house on Walnut street. I remember her telling me that he died. He was the first person that I loved that passed away (that I was old enough to understand.) I remember laughing a little, knowing that I shouldn't be and hiding my face behind a pillow because I didn't know how to respond. My mom told me that was okay, because sometimes we don't know exactly how to express sadness.

We later found out he'd died from AIDS. It was in the early/mid 80's - before Ryan White and the explosion of the AIDS awareness.

When I was 11, my sister and I got involved in the theatre scene. We were surrounded by a wonderfully eclectic, diverse, beautiful group of people for my pre-teen and teenage years (and still!). While on tour and in NYC with Annie Warbucks we were even more exposed to people living with or being directly effected by AIDS/HIV. This was all between 1992 and 1994 when it was very much in the headlines.

I returned to my hometown in Oklahoma as a 14 year old and was deeply saddened by the closed minded behavior that I witnessed just by wearing and red ribbon on my jacket every day.

I even had a biology instructor make a comment that all of "those people" should be quaratined.

I almost got expelled that day for being disrespectful and yelling at a teacher.

He deserved it. He was being rude and disrespectful to human kind.

My best friend at the time, Jill Taylor, and I made it our mission to try and educate as many people as we could. That AIDS/HIV was not just a "gay" disease. That it was something that ANYONE could get.

And it was something that we can protect ourselves against.

It's interesting how the pharmaceutical companies and doctors will push and push and push vaccines to help protect ourselves against things like Chicken Pox and potentially one of many potential causes of cervical cancers. Oh yes - let's pump our bodies full of drugs...and it may not guarantee that you'll be protected, but take our meds. Yet, when I was growing up - your parents had to sign a letter saying they would ALLOW you to sit in the lecture about AIDS/HIV.

Huh?

Does this make ANY sense?

Anyway...I love that my family was so open minded with us and allowed us to live (and learn) and, in turn, try to teach others about compassion, acceptance....

No matter who you are.
No matter what you are.
Whether rich or poor.
Whether sick or healthy.

And on this World AIDS Day 2009, I hope a few people might realize that we don't all live in a bubble. There are big things....tragic things...happening in this world (aside from all the negative political mess that always is going on)...things that some need to REMEMBER, take note, and work towards acceptance and a cure.

WOO HOO!!

2009-11-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Just found out the following:

1.) My sweet son, Hudson, was a runner-up in a photo contest on psgetti.com! I submitted a baby picture of him covered in spaghetti sauce (natch) and we win some tasty sauce. ;) Sweet!

2.) I won a random drawing giveaway from McMommy and Me! Yeah, baby!

Check out these awesome sites and see what you might win one of these days. Plus - the McMommy Chronicles is one of the funniest blogs I read. I love it!

Awesome Veggie Tales Giveaway!

2009-11-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

Head over to 5 Minutes for Mom and check it out! Super cool Veggie Tale giveaway - valued at over $500!!! Sweet! I am crossing my fingers to win this guy for our school - you should try too!

Lots of great giveaways this holiday season - in addition to just a great daily blog read!

Check them out!

Time to Shrink away.

2009-10-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

And no, I do not mean shrink away from life or into oblivion.

I mean literally SHRINK away.

I am one of those super fortunate people who will just always have to work out. And eat right. And never touch carbs. Or else I will end up a zillion pounds overweight.

Aren't you jealous?

I have always been a "curvy" girl and I love that. I really do - I am not a fan of stick thin bodies. I love having a more hourglass figure and my husband loves it too. ;) However...the hourglass has been lost. Now it's more like a grandfather clock.

Not pretty.

After I had Hudson the lbs. just melted away (Hooray for breastfeeding!) Once we had to stop...slowly, but surely, the lbs. just piled on. So...16 lbs heavier than my lowest post birth weight (whew! did you get that?) I am really really really really really really ready for a change.

As you may have read on this blog, the past couple of months have been FULL of change. And all change for the BETTER. I am in such a better place emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically.

Last week I joined a Fitness bootcamp.

And it's at 5:30AM.

I must be crazy! I am SOOOO not a morning person, but after work/school is dedicated to family time and other commitments, so I never made exercise my priority. The hubs has had to alter his work schedule so I can go before work, which even though I complain every day about going, I sooo appreciate his doing this and so appreciate his thoughtfulness when he literally shoves me out of the bed. (He probably doesn't care at all if I go workout - just wants the whole bed to himself. Stinker.)

Anyway.

Last week I went 4 days and was so sore I didn't think I had the strength to sit down in a chair. It hurt THAT bad. But I pushed through and was really proud. I'm planning to go to boot camp 3 days a week and work out on my own the other days. I have two girlfriends that are going with me, so that helps TREMENDOUSLY! We totally encourage and motivate each other. I hope we can keep it up. I am having the most trouble with my EATING. I don't plan meals/snacks well, so I always forget to take snacks or lunch to school and end up gorging in the afternoon/evening because I'm so starved. And this is a bad plan.

Today I was reading The Miss Elaine-ous Life and saw her post about the Shrink-a-versary Extravaganza Challenge. I decided that I better check it out.

I am soooo glad i did!!! I am joining up. I love my online and bloggy friends, so this will be a great way to encourage my soul a little more. I have a long way to go - but I'm up for the challenge!

I am not ready to publish my weight (it's totally embarrassing!) but it's safe to say that I need to lose about 30lbs. I'd be thrilled with 20 though!

So for this challenge, I am challenging myself to run, go to bootcamp and eat more thoughtfully. I don't want to set a weight goal because I don't want to discourage myself if I don't hit it. I want to try to change my habits and I know that it took years to put the weight on, so it's not going (healthfully) come off overnight. So - to all those out there with fitness goals - come on board! Let's do this!!!

Homecoming 2009....in Lago Vista

2009-09-21T19:39:00.001-07:00

This past friday night was Lago Vista High School's 2009 Homecoming game. We took Hudson last year and he has a lot of fun, so we toyed with the idea of going again this year.

On Friday morning I was so exhausted, I was certain that we'd just skip it.

Then PawPi called and said that our dear friend, Mr. Nick, had left a shirt for Hudson - that it was very important that we get it today.

You see, a few weeks ago, I'd mentioned to Mr. Nick that I wanted to get Hudson a LV Vikings Spirit shirt. Mr. Nick is very active in the booster club and said that we should get the "Running with the Vikings" shirt so that Hudson could run on the field before the game with the other kids. I said that would be cool - but left it at that.

Well, Mr. Nick is a very special fella and he and Hudson have a special friendship. So, Mr. Nick got Hudson the shirt just in time for the Homecoming game.

I figured I'd ask Hudson if he wanted to go and see what happened....well, the answer was a resounding YES!! He was THRILLED to get his new t-shirt. As soon as we got home, he got all dressed in his Viking gear, grabbed his football, and started running around the house "practicing" for how he was going to run on the field.

I took a moment to snap a few pic's of us in our Viking gear.

Um, yah. He's the cutest little Viking ever!

This is me, feeling slightly guilty for wearing blue and yellow. I'm a BA Tiger and am not sure how I feel about this new "hometown" team. At what point will I stop feeling like a traitor?

Anyhoo...we made it to the game and got to go on the field to line up. It was at this point that we realize that all of the other kids are in elementary school. Hudson is, BY FAR, the youngest and smallest kid. The decision was made for Jared to run with him. And no, Jared was not thrilled with this. However, because this was his alma mater, I felt that he should do it. Plus I wanted to see my sweet baby run his little heart out!

Anyhoo...the boys had a pep talk.

Then the football players came out and lined up behind the kids. Now Hudson looked REALLY little!

Then it was time to run! Daddy walked him through the big tunnel.

And then he took off!

This was the cutest thing I have ever witnessed and I had tears in my eyes because he was so adorable and determined and he RAN fast!

After we found a spot to sit, we started watching the game. Hudson was totally into it and stood up and cheered (without prompting) every time they scored!

All in all - a super fun night and we cannot wait to go back. Hudson fell asleep on the way home (at halftime) with his Viking shirt, hat, Dog Tags (souvenir), a Vikings koozie (another souvenir) on his arm, and his football in his arms.

I just wish I had a picture of that. ;)

My little musician.

2009-09-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

Since Hudson was in utero, we have always surrounded him with music. In return, he is in love with music and instruments.

About a year ago - right around his 2nd birthday, his Nana started taking him to a music studio every couple of weeks. They would go during the day, before any lessons had begun, and the teacher, Mr. Eric, would let Hudson explore the instruments. They would talk about them and touch them and play them. Hudson loves doing this!

Mr. Eric is great because he doesn't "dumb down" anything just because Hudson is a toddler. We have never pushed or pressured Hudson to play any instruments, if he didn't want to go to his "lesson" he didn't have to - they were very informal and he could stay for 5 minutes or 45 minutes.

Usually it ended up over 45 minutes!

Anyway - for the past month or so, he hasn't really wanted to play his violin. We do not push this.

Then last week he pulled his violin out and this is what happened. =) I'm so proud of my little musician - he's not even 3 yet, but has a knowledge of music and instruments that I am in love with.

Click here to check it out (for some reason I can't upload videos today.)

Prayer Request - Longest Blog Ever

2009-08-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
Proverbs 16:3

A quick prayer request for myself! If anyone happens to read this tomorrow, this week, next week - or whenever. I ask that you please lift me up in prayer as I embark on a new journey.

Tomorrow I begin my new "job" as the Kindergarten/1st grade teacher at Rolling Hills Christian Academy. This is a very new, small Christian school in our little town.

A long time ago I thought it would be really neat to teach in a Christian school and I knew I wanted Hudson in a Christian based pre-school. So, we started him out in the Children's Day Out program at RH a couple of years ago. I really loved what they were doing and I really craved the spiritual nurturing that was going on!

Fast forward.

Several months ago I was fortunate enough to be cast in a lead role in our Summer Stock musical of Bye, Bye Birdie. I realized that I loved performing, being with people all the time, and sharing my God give talents and, most importantly, LEARNING. I realized that I was being incredibly stifled in my insurance job, and even though I appreciated the support they'd shown me during the musical, I just knew that God had other plans for me. I just wasn't sure what.

Early July, I was contacted about a job opening at RHCA. At the time, I really thought it over, but since they only offered CDO 3 days a week for Hudson, it would be really difficult for me to manage a pay difference AND find alternate care for Hudson 2 days a week. With a heavy heart, I turned down the offer.

I really hated to do that, but it just wasn't exactly right.

Late July, my family returned from our vacation. On Monday morning, our daily babysitter (my mother in law) told me that she needed to get a FT job. I understood as she'd been a blessing to our family and provided Hudson with care that was less expensive than a day care center AND he got to stay home. Then I promptly went into panic mode - what was I going to do? Where was I going to send him? Later that morning I read an email from RHCDO that said they were opening up the CDO program to 5 days a week.

The wheels in my mind started SPINNING! I immediately thought - THIS IS IT! I'm so unhappy in my current job situation, I MISS my family - the hours were brutal, and I was just NOT HAPPY. I had a great idea - if the K/1 teacher job was still open, maybe I could trade out child care AND take on the PT job as the Licensing Coordinator. I felt like we could financially work it out, and it could be the answer to my prayers.

I made a phone call.

A couple of hours later I had a voice mail. They had filled the positions.

I was super bummed. But knew that God would provide me with another avenue, I just had to keep my eyes and my heart open. I spent the next few days searching high and low for a new school for Hudson (one that didn't make my bawl my eyes out at the thought of leaving him) where he would be happy, and more important, SAFE. When you have a food-allergic kid, finding a new school is heart breaking, stressful, and panic-inducing.

Wednesday of that week, I visited a center and left in tears. I had no idea what to do. But in the back of my mind, I couldn't get the RCHA job out of my head. I knew it was filled, but it just seemed like it would be SO perfect. I prayed that God would help me find a safe place for Hudson and a job that my family could be happy with.

Wednesday evening I got a phone call from RHCA. I had told her that my circumstances had changed and that I'd wanted to discuss a job possibility. She asked me to elaborate and I told her the events of my week. I told her how I'd really felt like this was where I was supposed to be, but knew that the position was filled, so I'd love it if they would keep me in mind for other opportunities.

"Well", she said. "The other teacher was supposed to sign contracts today, and it's not going to work out."

WHAT!!!!!!! I heard angels singing - I am so serious!

I was giddy with excitement, I'm sure I sounded a hot mess on the phone - I thought my heart was going to explode! After a LONG phone conversation, I just knew in my heart of hearts that this is what God wanted for me. I agreed to think it over, talk to my husband and pray about it.

Which I did.

The next morning I went to work with a sense of relief and a smile on my face. I knew what I had to do. I just wasn't sure how to go about leaving the insurance job. I needed the income for August, and still didn't know what I was going to do about childcare for August. I had a lot to figure out. The most important - when do I put in my notice!

At 11:45, I was called into an office and let go. A huge sense of relief and happiness washed over me. This was THE answer to my prayer. I'd asked God to please tell me that leaving the insurance job was what He wanted me to do. I'd asked God to help me figure out childcare for Hudson and I'd asked God to help me have the words/timing for turning in my notice. In 10 minutes, all of my prayers were answered.

God answered LOUDLY with a resounding YES.

And now, after a month of planning, praying and thanking the Lord, and spending a lot of overdue time with my sweet, sweet Hudson...

My new year has arrived.

Friend Makin' Monday

2009-08-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

September is a new year, in my opinion. Our lives have changed A LOT in the past month and man, we are BLESSED with the opportunities that God has presented. I am creating my school year resolutions and at the top of the list: Maintain my blog. I sure miss it! So - in the spirit of my new "year" resolution and making new Blog Friends....I'm gonna participate in Friend Makin' Mondays! I read this originally over at one of my favorite blogs 1+1+1=1 and linked up! I hope you will too! Let me know if you do so I can learn more about YOU!

Welcome back to another week of Friend Makin' Mondays!!

So with that said, here's my version of 20 questions for you.

1. Do you cook every night?
I cook most every night. But I am pitiful when it comes to meal planning. I typically make whatever is the easiest and quickest. Although, my new job will allow me to be home more (earlier) in the afternoon, so I hope to start meal planning and making more creative and healthy choices for my family.

2. What kind of laundry detergent do you use & why?
Whatever is allergy and fragrance free and ON SALE. =)

3. Do you do laundry every day or loads at a time?
I do a couple of loads every few days. I don't care to do laundry every day. It stresses me out. Inevitably I think I got everything, and then my husband comes home and changes socks. My mission to be caught up: FAIL. It stresses me.

4. How often do you eat out per week?
I used to eat out for lunch several times a week. Now we eat at home. We are trying to budget/save money a little better. Eating out is a challenge for dinner/family time due to H2's allergies. Which is good for our wallet!

5. Where do you usually eat out?
If we have Hudson, Chili's (they have an allergy menu), if it's Jared and I, we usually end up at Texican Cafe'. Yummy food and better Mexican Martinis!

6. What is your favorite retail store?
♥Target♥

7. What's your favorite thing to drink?
Dr. Pepper

8. Do you take vitamins? What kind?
I'm bad about remembering to take vitamins. They make me sick to my stomach. If I do remember to take them, then Melaleuca vitamins or a generic multi vitamin.

9. What percentage of the household chores to you do?
85%

10. Do your children do chores? {Or will they, did they, etc}
Not yet, but he DEFINITELY will do chores. After his birthday we'll start some small chores. He does help his PawPi read water meters and get's paid in Animals from the Tractor Supply store.

11. Do you go to church?
Not as regularly as we should. This is a goal for this year.

12. Do you have a housework schedule?
No, but I need one! I need an insight into yours. I make lists, but I would like to have a system.

13. Do you keep a working budget?
No, we're pretty bad at that. But we are good with our money. We just need to cut back a little more.

14. What do you do at night as a family?
We eat dinner together, and lately I have been doing a lot of work on the computer. I've been home with Hudson during the days (A BLESSING!), but need him to have his Daddy time in the evening so I can get my work done.

15. How do you prepare yourself for a new week?
I like to get the house in order on Sundays {except for today!!}. I try to get laundry mostly done, the house cleaned & in order. It helps me feel prepared.

16. What do your mornings look like?
Everything changes tomorrow! I am a little stressed - I have to be at work, with Hudson prepped and ready for school, by 7:45AM every day. I haven't had to be at work before 8:30 in YEARS. I am going to be figuring out my plan of action tonight! Wish me luck. =)

17. What time do you get up in the mornings?
I am NOT a morning person, which is why the above will be a challenge. I imagine we'll need to be up no later than 6:30 every day. Ugh.

18. What time do you go to bed at night?
I try to be in bed no later than 10 or 10:30. Hubby and I watch TV for a bit, then lights out.

19. How do you manage all of the paperwork that floods into your household? {bills, school work, magazines, ads, etc}
Piles, Piles and more Piles. Another resolution of this "year". I'm SICK OF IT!

20. How do you keep your household organized? {calendars, charts, etc}
We are implementing a new household calendar. We have lots going on and it's only going to get worse as Hudson starts lessons and I have staff meetings, etc. I am excited, but have GOT to get more organized. ASAP!

So....let's learn more about YOU! Link it up over here.

Are you there bloggers? It's me, Elisabeth.

2009-08-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow.

How things have changed in the past two months.

I have so much to share - and promise to do so over the next few weeks.

I've missed my little blog here and can't wait to get all caught up and fill you all in on the new adventures of the Hunter family!

Life is good.
God is GREAT.

You Capture. Family.

2009-05-28T04:53:00.000-07:00

The Challenge:

You Capture. Family.

When I first saw the theme of this week - this was the first picture that popped into my head. This was one of the first "family" photo's that my little family took. This was just a couple of hours after Hudson was born - and we were beyond thrilled.

Okay - now it's YOUR turn. Read up on the challenge here at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Want to see more of this week's challege and link yourself up?? Go here!

Oh - and by the way - if you do it - leave me a comment and let me know!!

Conversations with my Son

2009-05-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

(10:00pm - trying to get Hudson to sleep)

Hudson: Mommy, tickle my belly.

Mommy: (tickles belly)

Hudson: Do the caterpiller.

Mommy: (tickles like a caterpiller) Monkey, mommy's tummy doesn't feel very good, so I'm going to go lay down. I love you so much.

Hudson: Maybe if I sing you a song you will feel better.

Mommy: (heart has melted into a puddle of the floor) - I bet you're right.

Hudson: Jesus Loves Me This I know....(sings the whole song)

Mommy: Thank you honey - that was so nice of you to help mommy feel better.

Hudson: Now you are good. You are feeling good.

Mommy: (Smiles and kisses her boy.)

Hudson: Now tickle my belly.

Food Allergy Dilemma of the Day - UPDATE

2009-05-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

MISS AMBER rules!!!!!!

I just got an email back from his teacher (who happens to be my BFF!) and she said that she is specifically doing the shopping for their class in order to make sure that it's all safe for Hudson and he can eat everything - all the way down to the Cherrybrook Kitchen's cupcakes!

I LOVE HER!

Miss Amber - if you are reading - you are such a beautiful blessing to our family and to Hudson. We are all so lucky to have you and I appreciate, more than you'll ever know, the lengths at which you go to make my baby (and his momma) feel safe and included.

Food Allergy Dilemma of the Day

2009-05-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was perusing over my son's monthly school newsletter and schedule. Everything looked normal - a few additional school closures due to the Memorial Day holiday - but all in all - the same. Until I spied something new.

The school was having an "All School Teddy Bear Picnic" on the last day of school.

"How Cute!" I thought - imagining my darling Hudson carrying his beloved "Rup-bear" into school to share his lunch.

Then the words that cause an allergy-momma's heart to pitter patter - "LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED"

And then the words that cause an allergy-momma's heart to break - "If your child requires a special lunch, please provide his/her meal."

So...I emailed the director of the school immediately to find out what they were serving for lunch - hoping that they take my baby's needs into consideration - I am even willing to make food for his class so that he can share with everyone and not be the only kid with his own "special lunch" at the All School Teddy Bear Picnic.

The response I got back was something to the effect of "Oh, I don't know - probably sandwiches of some sort and maybe a Spaghetti Pie"

Okaaaaaaaaay.

This does not help me. Sandwiches immediately make me think Peanut Butter as this is not a nut-free school. If it's a meat sandwich of some kind - the bread may or may not be safe. If they have mayo, that is not safe. My quick search on recipes.com shows that spaghetti pie contains eggs (not to metion the high likelihood of cross contaminated noodles).

So now I have a choice to make.

Turn the All School Teddy Bear Picnic into a learning experience for my 2 1/2 year old (who is already aware that he can't share food and there are safe foods and not safe foods) and have him be the only kid singled out during a big day of sharing lunch?

Or do I protect his precious heart and go pick him up before the All School Teddy Bear Picnic and take him out to a special lunch with just mommy and we'll have our own picnic?

I know what I really want to do - but am I over reacting?

Probably.

And Hudson probably wouldn't care.

Probably.

Random Picture Challenge

2009-05-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

In an effort to blog more often, I keep meaning to join up in some of these "Random" postings/challenges that I see so many people take part it.

And by people, I mean the awesome other bloggers that I read and subscribe to.

Many times I click on "keep unread" on these challenges thinking I'll get to it after work, or tomorrow, or whenever, and never do. Today I'm not gonna procrastinate!

Here is my first "Random Picture Challenge" - taken from 4 little men and girly twins, which I found via The Miss Elaine-ous Life.

The Challenge:

9th Picture folder - or September 2008
18th Picture

I used my September 2008 folder since my 9th picture folder didn't have 18 pictures.

Hudson and Daddy - just hangin' out. Reading some magazines.

Okay! Your Turn! Go here to see more cuteness and post your own!

Conversations with my Son

2009-05-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hudson: Mommy - Jesus will give you your penuh (penis) back when you see Him.

Mommy: Oh, He will?

Hudson: Uh-huh. He will give it back. You will have it back.

Mommy: Hudson - you know that Jesus loves you so much. How much does Jesus love you?

Hudson: Jesus loves me SO Soooooooooooooooooooo much.

Mommy: That's right - and how much does Hudson love Jesus?

Hudson: Soooooooooo much!

Mommy: Hudson - where does Jesus live?

Hudson: (without hesistation) in New York City

Mommy: (stifling my laugh) - I think Jesus lives in Heaven.

Hudson: (again - without hesistation) No, Mommy - New York City.

Man I love that kid.

Breast Cancer Petition - PLEASE SIGN

2009-05-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

Please consider signing this petition to eliminate drive-through mastectomies.

We were blessed when my grandmother had her mastectomy to have a close family friend that was a home health nurse who was able to assist us after she came home. I can't imagine what families go through with these "drive-through" mastectomies.

Please sign.

Thanks to San Diego Momma for showing me the link.

Now you go spread the word.

Check this out. It's good stuff.

2009-04-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

Good Stuff

24/31 Positives - What a Bummer!

2009-04-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

So, most of you know that we took Hudson for skin testing on Tuesday. Based on his RAST (blood test) results, we knew that he was still allergic to nuts/eggs, but the RAST numbers had decreased so we were hoping that a skin test might reveal a negative.

With this appointment, I requested that we test him for other environmental triggers (trees, weeds, grasses, molds, animals) since he is pretty symptomatic. For a kiddo the panel consists of 24 allergens. Dr. Kayser agreed that based on his history and the fact that he was using a daily inhaler + Zyrtec and still had symptoms, that it was a good idea.

The appointment started off okay - he was in a good mood. Until the nurse took his blood pressure (first time for him) - he FREAKED out. They actually had to do it twice because he was so panicked by it that it would read correctly. Anyway - the funny part was that after she was finished the second time she was leaving and Hudson growled really loud as she walked out. He turned and through his tears said "I growl her out!". It was hilarious.

Anyhoo - next nurse came in to write the numbers on his back. He had a columns 1-12, 13-24, and A-G. He was very upset when we took his shirt off - did not want that, so that started it all. He pretty much cried hysterically as Jared held him (hug style - facing Jared) and two nurses administered 31 scratch tests.

The hardest part, for us, was that once they left, we still couldn't hold Hudson like normal to calm him because we could not touch any part of his back. He kept asking us to scratch/itch his back. Pretty much immediately we started seeing the makings of reactions.

By the time the test was completed, he was allergic to 26 of the 31 items tested for. Some were more significant than others, but essentially the only things that he was NOT allergic to were Oak, two types of grass, and dust (thank goodness!).

He was still allergic to eggs, slightly allergic to 5 additional nuts, significantly allergic to peanuts. He is slightly allergic to all of the spring pollens, more allergic to all weeds (so Fall will the hardest for us in Central Texas) and significantly allergic to dogs and cats.

We are in the process of re-cleaning the house, etc, and coming up with ways to minimize the amount of dander that comes off of Gunny. We think that the combo of his slight allergies to everything else in the world, combined with Gunny is what gives him the symptoms. The spring season should be his healthiest season. So - we're working on that.

We left with a lot to think about, a new prescription allergy med to start in the late summer, an a worn out kid! We went out to lunch at Chili's (they have a safe foods menu) and Hudson slept on Jared's shoulder through the entire lunch.

Anyway - just wanted to let you guys know how it went...I was expecting the results to be exactly what they were (based on his symptoms), but was REALLY hoping for better, so it was a little disappointing. But - as always - it could be so much worse and we are so lucky to have such a happy, healthy, smart and active little boy. Being in those specialty pediatric offices really give you perspective. 25/31 allergies is NOTHING compared to what others handle.

It's the little things....

2009-04-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

that bum me out the most about food allergies.

You know - we totally deal with and handle Hudson's allergies. The food allergies and the allergies to everything else. We are fine with it because we are so lucky and blessed to have such a beautiful, happy, healthy, smart and thriving little boy.

Our blessings are many.

But sometimes it's the little things that really bum me out.

Like this:

I have such fun memories of dying easter eggs - even into adulthood, I remember when Jared and I were dating - probably the first 7 years of our relationship - we colored and decorated Easter Eggs every year. Just the two of us and it was so fun.

I remember coloring and decorating Easter Eggs with my sister and cousins and friends during my childhood. It was something we looked forward to every Spring.

So, even though I know how incredibly lucky I am to have a healthy and beautiful two year old, I still can't help but get a little bummed out when a holiday rolls around and we have to remind people (family included) that we can't dye Easter Eggs because

It's funny, too, because our family is quite cautious about his foods - but it's so easy to forget...even some traditions - like coloring eggs or decorating christmas cookies or trick or treating - they all have to be planned out well in advance and safety precautions taken. Or alternatives thought up. This year I am buying wooden eggs and paints and we will decorate and paint our eggs. The cool thing is that we'll be able to keep them from year to year, so I'm looking forward to starting that tradition.

Hudson doesn't know what he's missing. That is the beauty. I've been able to keep him sheltered from the majority of the things that he cannot do and the treats that he cannot have. I come up with alternatives and most of the time he never knows. So that is a huge blessing.

But I know.

And sometimes it makes me feel a little sad.

Happy Birthday Jared

2009-04-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

We love you so much!
Elisabeth & Hudson
Song: My Little Bear
Lyric & Music: Steve Zaremba (so awesome!)

Dancing With The Stars - Recap - WEEK FIVE

2009-04-06T17:52:00.001-07:00

Okay...I'm an hour behind on my blog-cap. Let's see what I remember thus far:

1.) Julianne and Chuck - I thought they were pretty good tonight. I did agree 100% with the judges, though. You could totally see Chuck feeling "macho" during some of the moves. He needs to just embrace it. People aren't going to think he's less than a man for doing the moves all out - he just looks like a weeny when he doesn't. And I hate that because I heart Julianne.

2.) Lawrence and Edyta - They did a good job...hopefully he'll be back next week. Wasn't bad, but wasn't great. Just good.

3.) Shawn - They were good. I don't know...I'm not loving Shawn as much as I did in the beginning. She's adorable and pretty good, but I don't know. I just didn't really feel it tonight. I'm sure they'll be back next week.

4.) Melissa - I thought she was really good - but I couldn't believe how badly she broke character when she messed up. I wouldn't have known that she had a "blunder" towards the end if she hadn't blown her character. She was way too tan, though and it made her teeth look like chiclets. I'm being catty because I'm jealous. Her body is bangin'!! I'm sure they'll be back next week.

5.) David - I thought he did a really good job. I totally watched his feet and thought he was great. Although I have no idea what that dance is really supposed to look like so that is clearly why I do not dance or judge ballroom dancing. OH well - I hope he'll stay around another week.

6.) Gilles - UN-FRIGGIN-BELIEVABLE! AMAZING. I love him so much - they were incredible, I couldn't believe that Len made negative comments. I thought it was awesome and I can't wait to vote a zillion times for him tonight. He MUST MUST MUST come back.

7.) Steve-o - Did much better tonight - I think he is endearing - almost more so than Shawn! He just is trying so so so hard and you can tell he wants to do a good job. I root for him! Now, that doesn't mean I'm going to vote for him, but I was proud of him tonight.

8.) Ty - He is so cute, but just didn't have the heart tonight. I want him to come back, but Bruno is right - he was pretty stuff tonight. He was better last week. I might use one of my votes on him because I do like him a lot.

9.) Lil' Kim - She is growing on me, I guess. I don't really like her, but she really does try hard and does a good job.

So - that's that. I just voted 18 times. Seriously. 18 times. For Gilles.

Because I love him.

Kicked to the Curb:
Out Week Four: Holly Madison and Steve Wozniack
Out Week Three: Denise Richards
Out Week Two: Belinda Carlisle
Out Week One: Nobody

My pet mouse?....squirrel?....

2009-04-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

Why does H2 think it's a good idea to eat Taquitos like this:

I hope he realizes that this is why I can't drop any pounds. We will not waste food, so my healthy veggie soup dinner plan went down the tubes....I mean, I have to eat it....right?

I was wondering, though, if it makes it no calories? I mean, I didn't ask for those calories. I'm just sayin'. We can't throw it away...there are starving people everywhere. So, I'm just sayin'. It shouldn't count for calories.

Before I forget....some things I want to remember about Hudson at age 2 1/2 (Possibly my longest blog ever.)

2009-04-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

Facts and Favorites:

-He knows his ABC's
-He can count to 14
-He knows all of his colors - he has a little trouble with pink/purple
-His Animal knowledge/recognition is beyond amazing
-He knows most instruments names
-Favorite songs to sing: Jesus Loves Me and Bushel and a Peck
-Favorite songs to listen to: Duffy and Stevie Ray Vaughn
-Favorite movies: Madagascar and (race)Cars; still loves all the Disney classics
-Likes to wear hats or hoodies
-Loves to wear boots
-Yogurt and Cereal Bars are his favorite foods, second only to grapes
-Other Favorite Foods: peaches, chicken nuggets, pizza, spaghetti, wild rice and bisquick pancakes
-His favorite cup is his Kleen Kanteen and it MUST have a koozie on it. Usually he requests his black Luckenbach koozie.
-Love to hang out at the lake and go fishing
-Earns animals from "The Tractor Store" by reading meters with PawPi
-Knows how to use the potty, just doesn't always make the quickest decision to do so
-His vocabulary, conversation skills and manners are probably better than most adults.
-Repeats and understands everything - and then uses it on his own at a later date
-Cutest (and one of the only) words he still says that is a "baby" word: "Till-bow" instead of "Pillow" It's our favorite.
-Takes medicine like a champ - out of the little cup only.
-Loves his Flinstone Vitamins
-Does a pretty good job with his Puffer twice a day - he likes to hold it, though and does not want you to help.

Interesting/Funny things that have happened recently that I do not want to forget:

03/18/09 - I sprained my ankle almost 6 weeks ago - I was on crutches, with an ace bandage and a walking cast for 5 weeks. During this time Hudson decided that he also 'hurt' ankle. He brought me the extra ACE bandage and asked for me to wrap his foot because he hurt his ankle. I wrapped it up, just like mine, and he laid on the couch with his foot propped up. He wore the bandage for the entire day.

03/21/09 - So, one Saturday night everyone was getting ready for bed. Hudson was watching a DVD in his room to help him settle down and we were all getting ready to turn off TV's, get jammies on and head to bed. Hudson comes into my bedroom and says "Mommy, I put a popcorn up my nose." Mommy responds. "HUDSON?!?! Why did you do that?!?! Blow your nose right now!!?!?!" *Note: Hudson is a VERY good nose blower - so any kernel should have blown out. Nothing happened. So for three days - while we waited for his 2 year old check up - we waited. Nothing happened. Except he slept through the night twice. He told me he did it with his finger because his Daddy Buck (deer toy) wanted to eat it out of his nose. Strange bird, that Hudson.

03/22/09 - Hudson got to Skype with his Nani and PawPaw Jack! He was so excited to see "the other Hudson" on the computer. We had a great time and have been "Skyping" at least once a week with Nani. Thanks for the webcam Nani and PawPaw Jack!!

03/24/09 - Hudson officially turned 2 and a half on 03/28/09. I figured about a week before that it was probably time for his 2-year-well check. We're a little behind. Oops. Anyway - he did great with his new pedi, Dr. Chang. He talked to him the whole time and performed all of the "tricks" that dr's ask 2 year olds to perform. He was very impressed with Hudson and his speaking skills and manners. Dr. Chang is cool - we really like him. He's great with kids and pretty open to our beliefs. He was even on board with our modified vax schedule which was a nice surprise. Hudson did receive 1 shot - the Prevnar shot. Funny thing - if you go on the CDC schedule the kids are supposed to get 3-4 doses before age 2. If you follow a modified schedule and give the first dose after 24 months, then they only have to have one. Glad we waited. Anyway - Dr. Chang thought Hudson was great and growing well - has stayed on the same growth curve since birth - right at average - so that's awesome!

03/24/09 - So, the evening after Hudson's dr. appt. I took him to Tractor Supply (The Tractor Store in Hudson's words) to get a surprise for being so good at the dr. office and being so brave during his shot and blood draw. Anyway - after we left, he was telling me all of the other animals that he wanted to go back and get. I mentioned that perhaps if he started going pee pee and poo poo in the potty - and NOT in his diaper - then maybe we could go back and get the animal. Hudson promptly said "Mommy - I have an idea! How about if I go pee pee and poop in my PULL UP, then I can get a Lion!" Already a negotiator.

03/28/09 - His nana purchased a new "Lightening McQueen" TV for him, we were putting it together and I couldn't get the fin to snap on to the back. I said that I thought that it was broken. Hudson took one look and said "Mommy - it's upside down. Turn it over." He was right. Of course - his room looks like it threw up Lightening McQueen so he should know which direction it goes.

03/31/09 - Hudson had his first big "running" fall. Skinned both knees and his forehead on the driveway. He was a trooper, though - cried for a few minutes, then shook it off. Literally. The funniest part was that he was carrying an old (and sort of brittle) batman figurine. When he fell one of the legs broke off at the knee. Through his tears he was much more concerned about Batman's leg. He now plays with a Batman that has his leg taped and bandaged on.

04/01/09 - Hudson had a hard morning one day and asked to take his stuffed bear, Rupert, in the car to school. Usually he does a really good job of leaving his things in the car while he's in school. This time he wanted to take Rupert. So I let him and as we were walking in he said "I need Rup-bear. He's my best friend."

03/30/09 - Hudson woke up this morning and looked at me and said "Mommy - I want to go to church! I want to go see Jesus!"

He's funny and sweet and caring. And we love him so much.

Dancing With The Stars - Recap - WEEK FOUR

2009-03-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late - but here's a super fast, brief recap in one word.

GILLES = A.MAZING

MELISSA = Great
SHAWN = Cute
Lawrence = Good
Ty = Adorable
Chuck = Okay
Lil' Kim = Whatever
Steve W. = Sad
Steve-O = Pathetic
Holly = Horrible

Who am I missing? They clearly didn't impress or fail. Anyway...I really hope that one of the Steve's or Holly go home tonight. It's just painful to watch.

Enough said.

The Pampered Chef - Upcoming Specials and Incentives

2009-03-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone -

Just wanted to throw this out there:

Quick plug for Pampered Chef - I'm trying to jump start my business again (I've been MAJORLY slacking!) so I wanted to let you all know the upcoming host/guest specials - if you're interested in hosting a cooking show or a catalog show - they're pretty easy and you can potentially earn lots of free stuff!

April Host Special: Save 60% on your choice of one of our new BAMBOO products (they are super awesome!) - Either the Large Tray, Large Square Bowl, or the Snack Bowls & Cracker Tray - your choice.

April Guest Special: Spend $60 on products and get your choice of either Parmesan Garlic Oil Dipping Seasoning or Sun-Dried Tomato Herb seasoning (they are YUM!) for free.

But - the best deals of all - if you are at all interested in a home based business and being your own boss - we have AWESOME incentives for consultants right now - If you sign up before tomorrow night, you can get 50% of the cost of your kit back just by submitting $1250 in sales in your first 30 days. That's in addition to all of the additional rewards you get without the incentive. I know it's short notice - but give me a call if you think it might be something you're interested in. (You end up with over $500 worth of products and business supplies, all for only $77.50 after your rebate.)

In April they are offering, for the first time, a Mini-Kit for only $65. You get a small selection of products and enough business materials for 2 shows - but it's a great way to get started and test the waters without making the full investment. You'll earn your $65 back in the first show, more than likely.

Anyhoo...just wanted to let you all know! With the nice weather it's a great time to do outdoor cooking shows or Co-Ed Theme parties to let the guys stock up for barbecue stuff!

Dancing With The Stars - Recap - WEEK THREE

2009-03-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

Week Three - blogging as I watch...every few dances....

7:30PM - Three dances in and it's been, 66% of the time, super hard to watch.

The Train wreck, Denise - NOT GOOD. She is just awkward and all over the place. She needs to go. I thought her scores were spot on.

The Couple - Chuck and Julianne - SO MUCH BETTER! I thought he was adorable to watch and I'm really happy to see that Julianne is becoming a better teacher and whipping him into shape. I hope they stay for a while...they are easy on the eyes.

The SUPER Stiff Bunny, Holly - I still feel sorry for her. She is just bad. So gawky and awkward...no rhythm and no coordination. I hope she goes soon, it's just hard to watch. She's like a marionette puppet. And I'm shocked that she got all 6's. Should have been all 5's, in my opinion.

The Jackass, literally, Steve-O - Now I just feel sorry for him. He really tried so hard, and did a good job at the beginning...I can't believe after so many years of beating himself up and doing dangerous stunts, he's getting so injured on this show! I feel bad for him, but want to root for him. I hope he can stay around long enough to get one "healthy" dance in. He's really trying hard.

The Token Football Player - Lawrence - WHAT?!?!? He got the same score as HOLLY!?? Len - what are you thinking? I thought he did such a good job and tried so hard! He deserved all 7's, I thought. Either that or Holly deserved 4's. At least he has rhythm. ARGH. I'm annoyed.

The pint sized cutie, Shawn - She was really good, but I think she is a little boring. I know the judges were right, but I don't think enough personality/emotion was there. But, what do I know. And she is still too orange.

The Hottie, Gilles - HOT, HOT, HOT! Holy Moly! He and Cheryl were SMOKIN'! They totally ooozed sex. It was incredible. And Carrie Ann was right - Cheryl is bringin' it! Big time - love her and KNOW this amazing duo will be around for a while.

The Serious Funnyman, David - What an improvement! I smiled through the whole dance. He did a really good job - and I loved his kicks! Hopefully he'll make it through another week.

The Apple guy, Steve - It really PAINS me to watch him. He wants to be so good and he's just so bad. Poor guy...he is cute and fun to watch, but he's got to go. I feel sad for him.

The Rejected Bachelorette, Melissa - Once again so good. I still love her and still think she'll be top two. She was beautiful.

Da Rappa, Lil' Kim - She was decent...I know, I know...she was good, I just still don't really feel strongly about her. I have several others that are higher up on my list. So...I don't really care either way.

The Cowboy, Ty - He is still completely adorable. And getting better! My heart almost stopped when Chelsie slipped - I'm glad she's okay and was very proud of Ty. You can tell that he is a gentleman in "real life". I was pleased with their scores and hope they'll stay around for a while.

The Go-Go, Belinda - WENT HOME - WEEK ONE

FINAL RECAP: Gilles is HOT. Denise, Holly and the Steve's need to go home sooner rather than later.

New "Career Stimulus Plan" From The Pampered Chef® Offers Americans The Chance to Start a Business for Less Than $100

2009-03-18T19:26:00.001-07:00

Lago Vista, TX 03/20/09 — With the economy in a tailspin and unemployment rates at an all time high, thousands of Americans are taking on second jobs — or beginning new ones — in order to keep their families financially afloat. In fact, a recent survey conducted by The Pampered Chef revealed that more than one third (35%) of Americans have either taken or researched getting a second job.

In response, The Pampered Chef has announced a new career stimulus plan that makes beginning a direct sales business easier than ever before. During the month of March, anyone who joins as a new Consultant can receive a 50 percent rebate on his or her initial investment. With people choosing to cook more frequently at home versus dining out - 70 percent according to the survey - a direct sales career as a Pampered Chef Consultant is very relevant in today's economy. Consultants can start their own business for only $155, which covers the cost of a starter kit that includes a selection of high-quality products, like the Food Chopper and signature stoneware, and business materials. The kit is valued at more than $500 and includes everything new Consultants need to start their businesses. Consultants joining this month who sell $1,250 in products during their first 30 days with the company will receive up to $77.50 back, or half the cost of their starter kit. Based on Cooking Show sales averages, an average Consultant sells $1,250 in just three Cooking Shows.

In addition to the career stimulus plan, The Pampered Chef also recently announced new compensation incentives that allow every Consultant the opportunity to earn more, sooner in their careers.

For More Information
To learn more about becoming a Pampered Chef Consultant or host a Cooking Show, please call Elisabeth Hunter, Independent Consultant for The Pampered Chef, at 512-814-9669 or email elisabeth_hunter@hotmail.com.

Please Don't Pass The Nuts: NYC Mayor Signs Lappin’s bill

2009-03-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Please Don't Pass The Nuts: NYC Mayor Signs Lappin’s bill

Way to go New York!! I hope more cities will follow suit.

Dancing With The Stars - Recap - WEEK TWO

2009-03-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

Week Two - I'm blogging as I watch...we'll see how this goes. This might be the best way for me to ensure that I get a weekly recap. It took me all week to get the last one done!

The Stiff Bunny, Holly - I feel sorry for her. She had a late start, but I don't know if she can get past that. She isn't that likable either...I mean, I liked her on GND, but Bridget was my fave and Kendra was the funniest. Holly seems to have lost her Bunny spirit and that is what made her endearing on GND...I don't foresee a very long future for her on DWTS

The Serious Funnyman, David - David is a tremendous actor and comedian. I cracked up last week watching his rehearsal - but he's just not bringin' it. He was better this week, but still not good enough. I didn't love watching him - if you're not going to be a fantastic dancer on this show, that is fine. But you have to let your brilliant personality shine through and be likable, or it's just not gonna work.

The Train wreck, Denise - I still thought she wasn't very good. Better than last week, but still not great. I thought they gave her scores that were way more than she deserved. I hope she goes home soon. I'm just not a fan.

The Go-Go, Belinda - Needs to "go-go" on out the door. She needed to bring it all in - everything was way to big and uncontrolled. Not impressed. And she was super stiff - and had no shimmy shake. You gotta have the shimmy shake to do well in this contest.

The Cowboy, Ty - He is so completely adorable. I thought he was so cute last week, but terrible at dancing. This week - completely adorable and so much better. Probably won't win, but I hope they keep him around for a while. My friend at work says she knew him in high school or something and he's a complete a-hole...I don't care. I think he's adorable!

The pint sized cutie, Shawn - Last week I thought she was really good. She really did evoke emotion. My first thought this week - SHE IS SO ORANGE! But, she was really cute. I loved watching her - she has such spunk and charisma. Her arms seem a bit stiff, but oh my gosh - those back kicks were intense! So good!

The Apple guy, Steve - Even though I think he should go home because I hate hearing so much criticism....he did better this week! I sort of started rooting for him. He does exude enthusiasm and you can't not smile at that. It was a cute dance. I do, however, think his partner should get fired. She clearly is not appreciating his cheerful spirit. She looks like she is just trying to get it over with and that she is bitter that he's not the best. Karina - DEAL WITH IT. This is your job and it's your job to teach him how to dance and support him. I am mad at her.

The Couple - Chuck and Julianne. Okay - I super love Julianne. I have since her first season - she is so adorable and beautiful, had a bangin' body and is a wonderful dancer. She is letting Chuck bring her down. I don't think she would have let any of her other partners get away with this crap. He was totally boring. I thought the judges comments were spot on - he's young and handsome and he's just being lazy. Step it up, Chuck, or go home. And Julianne - stop trying to be the dutiful girlfriend. Crack that whip.

The Token Football Player - Lawrence. Much better this week. I thought he got jipped last week. I hope he stays around. Edyta seems like a really good partner. I hope they stay around for a while...won't win...but hope they'll stay around.

The Jackass, literally, Steve-O - They are so out. He's hurt - which I feel badly about - but it sounds like if Lacy would have just done a normal salsa routine, then they might have held on for one more week. Instead, she let him steer the boat and do trick and he got hurt. The dress rehearsal wasn't super fair to judge off, because you could tell he was "marking" to save his energy/back - he just should have "marked" the tricks and gone full out on the salsa part. I haven't seen the scores, but I can only bet they will be horrible and he will be on his way out the door. Scores are in - no bueno.

Da Rappa, Lil' Kim - First of all - what is up with her hair? NOT CUTE. As for her dance...I don't know...not really feelin' it. Just okay. Not a huge fan.

My Favorite, Melissa - I love her, I love her, I love her, I love her! I thought they were AWESOME! They were fantastic! I WANT HER TO WIN!!! She's not only a great dancer, but she is a wonderful performer - her expressions and smile were perfect! I do wish these girls and guys would lay off the spray tan - it's a little too orange for my taste.

The Hottie, Gilles - Super cute. Not as hot as last week, but still very good. It was a cute routine, and he did a great job. He is still in my top two. It was a bit of a downer after the spicy hot Salsa from Melissa, but watching this as a QuickStep vs a Sexy Cha-Cha - it was great! Wait a minute - scores just came in - I didn't think they were better than Melissa! Oh well...as long as they both move on for another week, I'm happy.

So, all that my dance by dance recap has proven is that my inital reactions were pretty much spot on. Except for Ty - last week I thought he was pitiful - this week he did great. I still think my girl, Melissa, will win. I shall vote for her every week, just like I did on The Bachelor. (She was one of my two in the office Bachelor pool.) And I think Gilles will be her toughest competitor.

What did you think?

Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) - Week One Recap

2009-03-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

I luuuuuuuuv me some DWTS! It's a guilty pleasure and I love it. The costumes, the music, the crappy singers, the fantastic dancing and the drama. Oh the drama!

This season is already off to a tremendous start. 2 stars already injured their way out of the show before the first episode ever aired! According to Perez, two more stars are injured, but "pushing through the pain". What will happen next? I can't stand it! I am trembling with anticipation.

Okay.

Not really.

But I do really love this show - and I'm making my sweet husband watch with me this season. The last time he agreed to watch, I was pregnant with H2 and it was the season that ended with Drew and Stacy - and Drew's freestyle with Cheryl BLEW THEM OUT OF THE WATER! I voted for Drew. Jared voted for Stacy. I still love the show. He boycotted.

Anyway....to make it even more fun for me, I'm going to give my weekly recap on DWTS this season. Some of you may care. Some not. Either way, it's my blog, and I'm gonna do it anyway. =) Love ya, mean it.

Okay...at the end of Week One - here were my basic thoughts:

Top Two:

Melissa Rycroft - She looked beautiful and danced well. And WHAT a story?! Right? Did you watch The Bachelor - where that loser Jason dumped her on Nat'l TV? I am never watching The Bachelor again. I will, however, root for Melissa - I hope she wins. She's my favorite - and she did a REALLY good job for only 2 days of rehearsal. I do think the judges gave LOTS of pity points, but she was really good, solid and I can't wait to see how she'll do with 7 days of rehearsal under her belt.

Gilles Marini - Super hottie and man, can he move his body! He was a fine piece to look at during SATC, and he's a fine piece to look at on DWTS. I'll vote for him any day of the week. He did a great job and I can't wait to see what else he'll do!

The Bottom of the Barrell: (AKA - NEED TO GO HOME FAST!)

Steve Wozniak - Seriously? I mean, I gotta give this guy props - he did look like he was having a really good time. And this show was made for guys like him - zero experience, blah, blah, blah...but it really does hurt by heart to watch people who just really don't have rhythm, then get critiqued by judges. I hate it so much. For his sake, and my own heart, I hope he goes home soon. He seems like a happy guy and doesn't seem to care what they say...but I do...and it makes me sad. Oh, and I hear he has an injury - pictures were posted online that he was in a walking cast.

Steve-O - Tried hard, but just not good enough. Go home. 'Nuff said. Oh, and he's supposedly injured too.

Denise Richards and Holly Madison - Pretty to look at and that is it. I really wanted to like Holly - and maybe she'll be better next week - she only had 5 days, after replacing Jewel, but, it was not good. We'll see what happens. Denise Richards is just...a trainwreck. She should go home soon, too.

Everyone else was somewhere in between. I'm excited to watch tonight...I hope my top two are still my top two. Who is YOUR favorite after the first episode? Who do you predict will win?

So, what is your passion?

2009-03-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia defines passion as(emotion), feeling very strongly about a subject or person, usually referring to feelings of intense desire and attraction, be very passionate about something.

Tonight as I was driving over to Ami & MaMa Sue's house for dinner I was listening to Delilah (who doesn't love Delilah every once in a while!) and she asked a question: "What are you passionate about? What is YOUR passion?"

It got me thinking about my own passion(s) - The first thing that came into my mind was that my passion is making a difference. Of course, the more I thought about it I thought about music and theatre and art and, of course, my family. But my ultimate passion (and goal) is to make a difference.

Lately I've been contemplating a career change - to become a teacher - and part of that reason is because I want to make a difference in a child's life. But I got to thinking tonight - being a teacher isn't the only way that I can make a difference. There are so many things I can do...So, I am going to start thinking about a "pet project". Something that I can commit to for the next few months that will help me to make a difference. Whether it's committing to lead a "green-er" lifestyle, or volunteering or fundraising...I don't know...but...I want to do something.

That is where you come in my dear readers...I have a couple of questions for you...
1.) What is YOUR passion?
2.) What are your favorite ways that you can make a difference?

14 Days of Love - Day Fourteen

2009-03-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

Whew - I'm exhausted! (hopefully won't get fired for posting nine million blogs from work!), but now I made it. To my last post on my favorite blogs!

And you know what - I can't pick just one more!

So, Day 14 is dedicated to all my other Momma’s and Eco-Friendly blogs!

I strive to lessen my carbon footprint and make my family and home more eco friendly and environmentally responsible. There are SO many great blogs out there.

I also have some HILARIOUS momma friends – I have linked to all my fave blogs over there ---à on the side. Check them out. I am lucky – I’m surrounded by hilarity and smarts!

14 Days of Love - Day Thirteen

2009-03-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

EarthFirst.com

I love this site – I get lots of great information. Really, really good stuff. I like these posts to my Facebook very often.

You should read this every day. Like me. =)

14 Days of Love - Day Twelve

2009-03-05T15:12:00.000-08:00

Cake Wrecks

I have nothing to say except HILARIOUS.

I read this entire blog in one night - every post - and had tears of laughter streaming down my face. Read it. Seriously.

14 Days of Love - Days Ten & Eleven

2009-03-05T15:08:00.000-08:00

San Diego Momma

& McMommy Chronicles

Just a couple of really funny momma’s in the blogosphere who make me laugh every single time I read their blogs.

14 Days of Love - Days Eight & Nine

2009-03-05T15:05:00.000-08:00

Cool Mom Picks & My Mom Shops

I love shopping.

I REALLY love shopping for my boy. It’s probably my favorite thing to do – which is why the next two sites are two of my favorite!

Super awesome, super cute finds and lots of giveaways and discounts! I’ve never won anything, but it’s always fun to try! Lots of great ideas for gifts and tons of cool stuff for your kiddos!

14 Days of Love - Day Seven

2009-03-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Food Allergy Sites

As most of you know, I am a momma to a food allergic (and environmentally allergic) little boy. From the ripe old age of 2 months, he exhibited allergic symptoms and after lots of money and itchy skin, we were told he had allergies to nuts and eggs.

So, as any mom in the computer age is prone to do – I turned to my good friend, Google.

I found some awesome blogs and websites of other mom’s, who, just like me, deal with food allergies on a daily basis. One thing I’ve learned is that I am SO thankful that we only deal with two allergies. The following sites are quite informative from an education standpoint, but also from a “mom-dealing-with-it” standpoint.

If you are an allergic person, or have a kid who is – check some of these out.

Please Don't Pass The Nuts
Allergy Moms
everyday with food allergies
Kids Food Allergies Blog
my kids allergies
Food Allergy Crazy

14 Days of Love - Day Six

2009-03-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

My Other Misc. Home Schooling Sites

Spesamor Academy
Preschoolers and Peace - discovering joy in the journey
Montessori for Everyone
leading little hearts home

Please see my previous two posts on Totally Tots and 1+1+1=1 on my thoughts on home schooling.

Once I saw the benefits of “home school” for your tot’s, I started looking around the internet a bit more and I found these gems.

Such wonderful ideas – I love hearing what other families are doing with their children and how they are nurturing their minds and spirits. Check them out!

14 Days of Love - Day Five

2009-03-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

1+1+1=1

Another of my favorite blogs!!

I have always been sort of anti-home schooling. It was not something that I enjoyed the year that I was home schooled and have always felt like “regular” school was the better choice. After becoming the mommy to a very bright and precocious tot, I have started looking a home schooling in a different way. I am still not certain that it will ever be for us, but I certainly enjoy reading this site and finding different ways to “school” my tot at home while he’s preparing to start Full Time Day school in a couple of years.

The owner/writer of the blog is a wonderful Christian missionary – who has such enthusiasm (and organization!) for her kiddos. (She is also the creator of Totally Tots!)

I’m totally inspired and hope to devote a few weeks this summer to getting organized and having Hudson start our own version of Tot School in the fall. Check out this awesome blog here!

14 Days of Love - Day Four

2009-03-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

Totally Tots

One of my very favorite new blogs!

This is a Christian site dedicated to toddlers – There are several different “topics” that they post on each week – including craft ideas, home schooling ideas and suggestions, healthy eating with your tot, and my favorite – “Bible Bites” – devotions for you and your tot!

I love this new site and highly recommend anyone with kiddos to check it out here!

Today's Scoop

2009-03-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

Here's the poop on my next posts...I promised 14 Days of Love last month. To honor and pay tribute to some of my favorite blogs.

And I suck. I never finished my promise.

So, today, I will post the rest. Please take time to read through them...they are some hilarious, education, inspiration, and awesome blogs! Go check them out!

Tomorrow I'll be back and update you on my latest injury and update on Hudson-the-world's-cutest-and-smartest-two-year-old. =)

See you in a few...

Hello? Hello? Is anyone out there??

2009-03-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

I am probably the world's worst blogger. I want to be so good at it, too.

I fear I will never get consistant - but I promise that I am going to try!!

I'll be back soon - with a million posts. Never fear, dear readers...I will return. I will return and I will post and I will even have a new layout to share.

See....aren't you excited?!

Conversations with my Son

2009-02-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

So, we had a great morning! He was in a good mood, ate his b'fast, did his puffer, took his zyrtec and a vitamin...so cute. We left for school - everyone was happy, no fights - it was a blissful morning. (Minus him saying "Gosh Dammit" while I was changing his clothes - he got in trouble for that. He told me that Nana said that. Hmmm. Guess we need to have a converstaion with Nana.) Anyway, back to our blissful morning. We left for school, sang our three favorite songs (Jesus Loves Me, You are my Sunshine, and Bushel and a Peck). What followed was a great little chat. We drove by a skunk and here is the conversation that followed:

M: Phew! Do you smell that?
H: Yep
M: What does it smell like?
H: Eeet's a skunk!
M: You're right! It's stinky!
H: Yep - it's gross!
M: It IS gross - PU!
H: It's gross. It stinks.
M: You're right. What other animals are stinky?
H: Turtles are not stinky.
M: No, they aren't.
H: Turtles are happy.
M: They are happy - you are right about that! What about puppy dogs?
H: Puppy Dogs are stinky! Gunny is stinky!
M: (Laughing) You're right - Gunny is stinky. Maybe Daddy needs to give Gunny a bath tonight?
H: My Gunny is stinky - hee's gross. He has dog hair on him.
M: He sure does.
H: His dog hair gets on the carpet. On the floor.
M: It DOES get on the floor - how do we clean our floor?
H: I vaccum. I vacuum and clean my floor with my daddy.
M: You are a very good helper when you help clean the floor and vacuum.

14 Days of Love: Day 3

2009-02-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

Hello.

My name is Elisabeth and I'm a celeb-ra-holic.

My day three shout out goes to my all time favorite gossip gangsta - PEREZ HILTON!

If you've read Perez, then you understand. If you've not - what rock do you live under?!?! Just kidding...sort of! LOL! Beware if you check it out - it's highly addictive!

Thank you, Perez, for being so awesome. Happy Valentine's Day.

14 Days of Love: Days 1 and 2

2009-02-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

Days 1 and 2

I grouped these together because both sites are the same owner/writer.

Mommy Pie & SwapMamas

LOVE THEM.

Mommy Pie’s personal blog cracks me up. I found this blog through my friend Momma Mary. I’m not going into much more detail. Just check it out. Read it. Embrace it. You’ll thank me. (Side Note: The image is actually her site - but was found on a Yahoo Image Search and it really just reinforces my belief that I heart Mommy Pie. The picture is of Horatio. My favorite bad actor to make fun of. Mommy Pie (via Yahoo Image Search)- you've made my day!)

Swap Mamas is a new site – just launched by Mommy Pie – it’s the bloggers way to kick the poor economy to the curb. I have have a badge over there on the side of this blog. I encourage you to check it out – I joined the first day! It’s an awesome social networking type of site for moms/women to post and swap our kids stuff. Super cool! No exchange of money – just a good ‘ole swap meet. I haven’t swapped anything yet, but am excited to see what kinds of things I can get rid or and gain for H2. Check it out. Join the site. Let me know what you think!

14 Days of Love

2009-02-04T08:35:00.001-08:00

So, I’m 4 days late. Typical.

However, in my home we do 14 days of Love (this year we’re only physically doing 7 because, well, economic times are tough!) 14 Days of Love began in my house 3 years ago. I was pregnant with Hudson and wanted to do something extra special for my sweet husband to show him how much I love and appreciate him. I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased a craft mailbox kit. I put it together and decorated it and kept it hidden until February 1. In the meantime, I purchased a card and small gift (candy, gift card, small gift) for each day. I was really on the ball back then and the card theme/décor corresponded with the gift. (i.e. a frog on the card = frog shaped chocolate, etc.)

I know. I was good.

So, now is the tradition of 14 days of Love. This year, we’re doing 7 days – Sweet Husband does not know. He thinks I forgot since the mailbox didn’t re-appear on Feb 1. It will come out on the 7th. February 7th is the 6th anniversary of our engagement, by the way, so it only make sense.

You may be wondering – how does this apply to you?

1.) I encourage all of you to embrace the 14 (or 7!) Days of Love. It’s a sweet gesture, that doesn’t have to cost a lot and means so much to the recipient. (And I promise will mean a lot to you, too!) If you decide to do this – let me know!
2.) I will be applying my 14 Days of Love concept to my bloggy friends. Over the next 10 days, I am going to highlight some of my favorite blog sites. The ones that I love to read and look forward to reading and think that you should read/check out too! If you decide to do this – let me know – I’m always looking for new and awesome blogs to read!! Check back often…who knows? You may be one of my top 14 that gets the Love this year!

What Color is your Rainbow?

2009-01-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

Your rainbow is intensely shaded green, red, and violet.

What is says about you: You are an intelligent person. You appreciate energetic people. You get bored easily and want friends who will keep up with you. You are patient and will keep trying to understand something until you've mastered it.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

My friend Misty did this on her blog..I think it is so cool - especially because it totally described me spot on!

So - what color is YOUR rainbow?

Anticipation is a killer.

2009-01-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

As most of you know (based on previous blog posts) I LOVE LOVE LOVE musical theatre. I grew up doing shows. From age 10-18 I did non-stop shows. My freshman year in college was on a musical theatre scholarship. During said scholarship, I decided to bench theatre for a while and take a break. I took about a 2-3 year break after moving to TX and then did a solid year of shows. Then I stopped completely.

When I am in the theatre, it consumes me. I love it that much. And it's my addiction. I have a problem, that once I start, I cannot stop. I end up devoting all of my free time to whatever show I am working on at the time. That is not very conducive to a home life. Anyway...the purpose of this post...I am auditioning for my first show in 7-8 years this weekend. It's not a huge big deal...just a little summer stock thing in my small town. The community theatre in Lago Vista isn't quite the same as I'm used to, but there is a new guy/gal in town and last summer they produced a Broadway Review. I couldn't do it b/c of conflicts, but promised that I would try the next year. And I know that I won't let it completely and totally consume me...hopefully. =)

The time is now. Auditions were last weekend and this weekend. I chicked out last weekend and didn't go. I'm going this time. What have I got to lose, right?

I have no idea what to sing...all I have sung, in public, in the past 7 years is karaoke. I don't really want to go wail to Gloria Gaynor or Dixie Chicks for a musical audition! I a bundle of nerves and feel so dumb for it! I'm sure I'll go and it will be a cake walk...but it does make me ask the questions:

What happens to our confidence as we get older?

01.20.09

2009-01-19T19:09:00.000-08:00

Yes We Did.

My First Born, A Meme

2009-01-19T06:37:00.000-08:00

A friend posted this on her blog and I enjoyed reading about her firstborn....so I thought I would post about mine! If my any of my faithful readers (ha!) post this as well, please let me know, so I can read your answers too! :)

1. Were you married at the time? Yes

2. What were your reactions when you found out? Freaked out! We had only been "not preventing" for 10 days - I was shocked, and thrilled, that it happened so quickly.

3. How old were you? I was 26.

4. How did you find out you were pregnant? Home pregnancy test....at work for the first one, three more at home. (I needed one with words! LOL! The lines weren't difinitive enough!)

5. Who did you tell first? My boss, Kimmie (I needed help reading the test b/c I couldn't believe that that oh-so-faint second line was really there, then my sister, then Jared the next day. (When I got home we had company!!)

6. Did you want to find out the sex? I couldn't wait to find out! I had Dr. M. push up the date of the sonogram so I could find out before Mother's Day.

7. Did you deliver early or late? Early 7 days exactly. I had a scheduled C-Section because my little monkey was "Frank" Breech. (Had been for about 18 weeks.)

8. Due date: October 4th, Birth date: September 28 - the day before my 27 birthday.

9. Did you have morning sickness? Only upset tummy if I took vitamins w/o eating. Which happens when I'm not preggers - so no. No Morning sickness. =)

10. What did you crave? Fruit at first. Then Bluebell vanilla ice cream with Strawberry Quik syrup and chopped pecans. YUM-O! I ate it every other night before bed. Then Hudson would flip around for hours!

11. Who irritated you the most? About being pregnant? Nobody really irritated me. What irritated me was having to sleep on my side. That was tough. And not being able to get up easily after I got so huge!

12. What was your first child's Sex? Male

13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? Too many! I only gained 18 up until week 36, then they just started piling on - mainly due to swelling. I think by the time all was said and done, I'd gained about 37lbs.

14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? Nope. I had one of the best pregnancies ever! I did have a couple of Bacterial Infections, but they weren't too bad - came from swimming in shallow water in the lake. Oops!

15. How long were you in labor? No labor for me. =)

16. Hey Nicole....what happened to 16? :)

17. Who drove you to the hospital? My husband! Followed by mom, sissy and Aunt Jeri.

18. Who watched? Just my husband.

19. Was it natural or c-section? He came out as nature intended - via C-Section. =)

20. Did you take medicine to ease the pain? Had to - they gave me a Spinal.

21. How much did your child weigh? 8lbs 3oz. We were shocked - everyone was betting on 5lbs or 6lbs at the most. (Jared and I were both tiny little 5lb things.)

22. What did you name him/her? Hudson John-William. My mom suggested Hudson, and since I love alliteration I was all over it; John is after our good friend Long John - who had passed away 10 months prior; William after my grandfather.

23. How old is your first born today? He is 2 going on 16.

Better Late than Never

2009-01-17T01:53:00.000-08:00

So, about fifty million years ago, my sweet husband and I celebrated our 5 year annivesary. Actually, it was last August, so not that long ago. It was our 5 year wedding anniversary and the 11 year anniversary of when we met.

To honor such an occasion, we left the kiddo with the grandparents and took a day trip around the Austin area and checked out 4 awesome natural springs.

I was apprehensive about how such a day would be - was looking more forward to a romantic dinner, etc, for my anniversary - but gave Hubs the benefit of the doubt.

Good thing I did.

It was an amazing day - full of fun, laughter and AMAZING places that I could have ever even dreamed of. Check out the pictures here.

I had intended on posting these pictures way back when...but...you know how things go!

Anyhoo - if you're ever in the Austin area and looking for something fun to do, I highly recommend taking a day trip to the Natural Springs. We plan to return every year...only next summer we'll do one location per weekend and we are going to take Hudson with us. Can't wait. It's gonna be a blast.

Let me know if you want to go. =)

Dear Husband,

2009-01-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

I love you.

As much as I love to complain and whine...I'm lucky to have you.

Thank you for being such a good Dad and stopping what you're doing to play/entertain Hudson when I need some "me" time. I may not get "me" time as much as I'd like or need - but I get it sometimes - and for that I am thankful.

Thank you for helping me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for supporting me in my new adventures.

I love you to the stars and back.

Love,
Me

4 by 4

2009-01-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

This was on a blog I found the other day Spesamor Acadamy. She has a fun meme on her blog, and she "tagged" everyone who wants to do it. Here's how it works.

1. Go to your fourth picture folder
2. Pick the fourth picture--no exceptions!
3. Post it, and tell about it.
4. Tag four more people

This picture was taken in October - at the Lago Vista Homecoming Game. Hudson had lots of fun at the game, but needed to release some energy during the 3rd quarter. Jared took him over to the baseball fields and showed him how to run bases.

It's On.

2009-01-10T20:18:00.001-08:00

I've been hesitant to blog about this - because my will power, self control, and stick-to-it-ness seemed to have been removed from my body during my C-section. I, along with 97.3% of the rest of the world, resolve every january to lose weight and get healthy. Every year I last 2, maybe 3 days tops. A few years ago, it wasn't a big deal...eventually I'd lose the lbs., get in shape, and be good to go.

Then I had the boy. My sweet, funny, beautiful, lovebug who took from me, the ability to stick with any weight loss or exercise regime. I have no idea how this happened, but I'm certain that it did. He has the energy of both of us. I have none.

Anyway. As always - I made my goals for the year, but tried to be a bit more realistic. Instead of saying "On January 1st, no more bad food, work out an hour every day, and don't use plastic ever.", I have said - exercise everyday. At least something. No boundaries and no rules. Just MOVE IT. Eat in moderation - if I want chocolate - have a Reese's PB Cup - the mini ones only have 42 calories and totally indulge the craving. I am not "dieting", just trying to make better choices and not depriving myself. And for the plastic thing - well - just trying to be more responsible, but not making it a total rule.

I'm feeling good about it. I didn't really "start" until last Monday. My daddy was in town and we were still recovering from the holidays and our travels. I'm pleased to announce that I have done some sort of exercise for the past 5 days. And when I mean some sort of excercise - I'm talking the treadmill, an elliptical machine, squats....etc. I am elated with myself.

I'm feeling better, too. Sleeping better, more energy, and more focus. Which is amazing.

I haven't blogged about this yet because I didn't want to set myself up for failure. But I am feeling good. I have a workout buddy that will encourage me, and I have some goals. Like to wear shorts this summer and not feel like a total blob. To have fun at the lake this summer instead of trying to stay covered up and worrying about my gut and bootie.

And my main goal: To stay as healthy as possible so I can hang around for a VERY LONG TIME to run, jump and play with Hudson. And Jared.

So. On this 10th day of January - CHEERS to 2009. I think it's gonna be great.

Etsy.com - I think I love you.

2009-01-09T18:17:00.000-08:00

A Shout Out Post. You should read it. And shop there. And no, I am not getting anything free or discounted and I don't have anything to give away. I just like these sellers and this site and wanted to promote it. Thanks. =)

My kid's shirt is famous. Seriously. Well, Sort of. I ordered this awesome shirt on etsy.com (my new FAVE, first-stop, shopping outlet).

If you aren't familiar with etsy.com it's a place where you can purchase handmade items, similar to ebay, but most are not auctions. People create beautiful things, post them with photos and descriptions, set a price, and you shop away. I have purchased several items from etsy.com this year and they have been my favorite finds, and my favorite, best-received, gifts!

As a shout out to a few of the awesome talents - here are a few links for the artists that created the things I've purchased in 2008.

Home of Hudson's famous t-shirt: Silver Thread Embroidery

This is the shirt Hudson wore for his John Deere/Tractor themed birthday party. It was a huge hit.

The Vintage Pearl

I purchased a necklace and keychains for my mom and sis this year as Christmas Gifts. They were adored.

mylunabell

Hudson's 2 Year old birthday shirt came from this artist.

Dirty Laundry Basket

Hilarious necktie shirt for super cheap. They don't have anything listed now, but I hope they return soon - Hudson has outgrown his awesome t-shirt and I need a new one!

And last, but not least, Retrograndma

I got this awesome clock - made from an old record album. We collect records and I loved the fact that it was re-purposed. I gave this to Jared as a Valentine's Day gift last year. It's hanging in his "guitar" room with all the albums.

Anyway - totally check it out. etsy.com is the new black.

Random Thoughts

2009-01-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

1. I'm watching my Sooners play in the Championship Game. I hope they win. Not only because I am "Sooner Born and Sooner Bred and when I die I will be Sooner Dead", but because I do not want to have to face my Longhorn Loving co-workers tomorrow. I really despise people who aren't good sports. It was tortuous the week after OU lost to UT. I gave them all the benefit of the doubt and said it was a good game, while I was disappointed, I gave them props. I even wore a Longhorns T-Shirt on monday for their bowl game. But, it doesn't matter. They all are rooting for Florida tonight - just to spite me. Lame. I hate people who do not have good sportsmanship. I hope I can always teach Hudson to be a good sport - no matter what.

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2. I hate, hate, hate, hate CEDAR. Since moving to the Austin area, I now have seasonal allergies. Every year, around New Year's, I am sick. I typically end up sick for a couple of weeks before I wise up and get an allergy shot. I think I'll call and make an appointment tomorrow. My eyes are itchy and I get dizzy every time I blow my nose from the pressure and force. I know. Sexy visual, huh?

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3. My boss asked me if I had ever considered submitting Hudson's pictures to a modeling/acting agency tonight. (I showed him the calendar I made with his most recent photos.) I have toyed with the idea on and off for a while - after seeing his "performance" at the last photo session - he was a pro. And the pictures are great. I sometimes think I am just biased because I'm his mom, but several people - non-related people, have asked me if I am going to submit them. What do you think? What would you do? And - if you're in the Austin area - do you know of any reputable, good, not-going-to-scam-me, agents?

A List. While I watch Christmas Vacation for the nine zillionth time.

2009-01-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

I happened upon this blog tonight whilst watching Christmas Vacation (one of my favorite movies ever) and thought it was fun. And I was bored. So - here goes.

If you want to play along just bold what you have done and let me know if you do it!!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (Does a baby goat count?)
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon - IT'S A GOAL, THOUGH!
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (in general)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business - Does my Pampered Chef count?
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check -- Ooops!
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

2009-01-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

No real change from last year...

Here is what I resolve for 2008:

1. Be a "better" Christian. Go to church EVERY Sunday, read the bible more often, be a better witness to those around me.

2. Treat myself and my body better. I can only be a good wife and mother, if I am happy and healthy.

3. Train AND run a 13K run (by October!) with Paw Paw. He's almost 75 years old and still runs the Tulsa run every year. I want to run with him this year.

4. Lose weight!!!!! #3 should help with that goal.

5. Clean out the clutter in our lives and house. Both physical and emotional clutter.

6. Stop spending so much $$ and try to pay some stinkin' bills off!

7. 200 Times.

8. STOP PROCRASTINATING.

Ditto for 2009. I hope I do better this year.

Top 10 Highlights of 2008

2008-12-31T15:13:00.000-08:00

1. Rock Band Parties - there weren't enough, but the ones we had were oh so fun.

2. Any night's out spent with my girlies - I hope to have MANY more in the future!

3. Helping plan and organize PawPaw's 75th Surprise Party - then showing up in Broken Arrow and really surprising him!

4. Our 10 year Dating Anniversary and 5 Year Wedding Anniversay - which included an awesome trip (pictures WILL follow one of these days)

5. The PLIS Christmas Party. 80's Night was killer.

6. Seeing Hudson experience his first movie in a movie theatre- Madagascar 2

7. Taking Hudson on trips to Eureka Springs, Grove, Broken Arrow and Oklahoma City - he's a great traveling buddy!

8. Hearing Hudson say " I Love Pupcakes - They're so Delicious!" for the first time (once we found a yummy safe alternative)

9. Watching Barack Obama become our next President.

10. Seeing the world/holidays/life through the eyes of a 2 year old.

What are your Top Ten?

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T16:28:00.000-08:00

Hudson and I left Texas Friday evening to a week of holiday cheer, fun and family! We are having such a great time - one of my gifts from my mom was was photo shoot for Hudson by Stacy Clark - a life long friend and great photographer!

I am so pleased with the pictures. I haven't had professional photos (other than Picture People) taken of Hudson since he was 11 days old (when Stacy did them last) and I am beyond thrilled with the results.

We wont' get all of the pictures back for a couple of weeks, but I cannot wait to post more! Here's a teaser - along with a holiday wish for joy, peace and cheer from our family to your's.

Merry Christmas - may God bless each one of you and your families!
Love,
Jared, Elisabeth & Hudson

Quick Post - Prayer URGENTLY needed!

2008-12-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/

http://www.rootingforcoleman.blogspot.com/

In the past few days, both of these blogs have been brought to my attention by friends. I am at work right now, so I do not have time to go into detail - but both of these families need our prayers!

I know that God is GREAT and that this time of year is one of miraculous things - so I am asking all of my friends aka readers to say a quick prayer for these two people and for anyone else in need of healing and/or peace.

Post 100

2008-12-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

100 Things that you may not know about my life:

1. I was born on 9/29/79 at 2:40am.
2. My mom was watching Johnny Carson, eating pizza, when she went into labor.
3. I was delivered via C-Section (I was “Frank” Breech – meaning my bootie was down and my legs were up by my ears. Nice.) 2 ½ weeks early.
4. I had to be transported to the Children’s hospital in Jefferson, MO and in an incubator because my lungs were not fully developed.
5. People think that is funny because I love to sing and have a power belt voice. Lots of lung capacity there.
6. When I was 2 I had two black eyes for Christmas. I was jumping on the bed and fell onto the headboard.
7. My first concert was the Michael Jackson Victory Tour (Thriller). I was 4 and I actually remember it.
8. I started kindergarten when I was 4 years old. I actually remember that, too.
9. I went to Catholic school and the Nuns scared me. I cried almost every day.
10. I went to a Gifted & Talented school at Tulsa University for 1st Grade. We had PE with TU basketball players.
11. I was deathly afraid of dogs for most of my childhood. Even tiny little Yorkshire terriers!
12. I have one younger sister, named Kathryn. I was 5 days shy of 4 years old when she was born.
13. I really wanted a brother (named Adam Scott) and tried to sell her to the neighbors.
14. My sister is awesome. She is my best friend and I admire her more than I could ever express.
15. I am extremely close to all of my family.
16. My mom is the best mom in the entire world.
17. My grandmother is my hero. She’s incredible – 73 years old – teaches aerobics 3 days a week and is busier than anyone I’ve ever met. She is also an 11-year cancer survivor who fundraises and inspires everyone she meets.
18. I am supposed to wear glasses – have since I was in 2nd grade – but I never do.
19. I have naturally straight teeth.
20. I have naturally curly hair.
21. My first boyfriend, in pre-school, was Jeremy Clingenpeel. He had curly blonde hair and blue eyes and my son reminds me of him.
22. I was boy crazy during my youth.
23. I went to the original New Kids on the Block Concert with my mom and sister and remember it. Crazy. My biggest memory was a girl sitting behind us who had white nail polish on she was crying because she couldn’t see. I think we moved or had her come down by us or something. But I remember it because I remember feeling so heart broken for her.
24. I am now an old lady. Turning 30 next year. Bring it on!
25. I love to sing.
26. I sang in my first choir at age 4. We performed all over the Tulsa area.
27. My first play was a church play called Listen to the Lamb. I was an angel and carried my mom’s “real” flute. I was so cool.
28. I love performing.
29. My first “real” audition and play (not church or school) was when I was 11 years old – I tried out for “Babes In Toyland” at BACP, I sang “Part of your World” from The Little Mermaid and was cast as Little Bo Peep. I had lines and a solo. It was huge.
30. After that I did plays almost non-stop until I started college.
31. Jo Jo Nichols is my favorite teacher of all time. She was a director and my theatre teacher in high school. I love her and respect her more than she’ll ever know.
32. Her husband, Greer, directed the 5th grade play, in which I played one of the lead roles. I always like him b/c I was the shortest girl in my grade and he was 6’9” tall. I thought it was funny.
33. My mom, sister, grandmother and I moved to New York the summer before I started 9th grade to do Annie Warbucks.
34. I loved doing the NY show and meeting all the amazing people we met, but wish I would have been a better age. 14 is tough.
35. I hated living in California when we moved there. I wanted to live in Broken Arrow and hang with my friends.
36. I went on several auditions in California, but wasn’t very successful. I did a few voiceovers. I did get to the top 3 to play Corey’s girlfriend on Boy Meets World. Brittany Murphy got cast.
37. I was supposed to audition for Party of Five, but they case Neve Campbell before the auditions ever happened.
38. I am so thankful for my grandparents – who opened up their house to me when I wanted to come home and my mom and sis needed to stay in CA.
39. I sang in the adult church choir for 3 years. I loved it and was the youngest one.
40. I am writing my 100 things at work. I should be working. I hope I don’t get caught.
41. I loved High School.
42. I never got in trouble and was a good girl.
43. I was in 13 different clubs/organizations and was the Event/Spirit Co-Chair my senior year. It was awesome.
44. I graduated with 905 kids in my Sr. Class.
45. I did not go to my ten year reunion because it was $75/person for dinner only. That was a bummer – I actually really did want to go.
46. I went to the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK on a musical theatre scholarship my freshman year.
47. I hated it.
48. I went to Tulsa Community College for two semesters before moving to San Antonio to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio.
49. I chose both of my “main” colleges because of boys. Dumb, huh?!
50. I met my husband through my high school boyfriend. At a car show. And then moved to Texas for him. Good thing it worked out!
51. I graduated from college in May 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with a specialization in Speech and Theatre.
52. I worked Full Time as a pre-school teacher, a nanny, and at a tanning salon all through college. I was really good at sales at the Tanning Salon and won Salesperson of the Year.
53. I really want to go back to school and get my Masters Degree. I just don’t know what I want to get that degree in at this point. Any ideas?
54. Jared proposed on February 7th, 2003 – it was my PawPaw’s 70th birthday and there were snow flurries. He hid the ring in a Blue’s Clue’s stuffed animal.
55. We had a Blue and Magenta dressed as a bride and groom ornament made for our wedding cake topper.
56. I planned my wedding during my last semester of college – where I was working 38 hours a week, and taking 24 hours in school. It was insane.
57. I got married on August 30, 2003 at La Villa Vista in Austin – overlooking Lake Travis.
58. My reception was separate – 7 hours later – where we had a luau at the Lake. We even had hula dancers – which ruled.
59. I am a very emotional and trusting person.
60. I am empathetic to a fault. I internalize other peoples pain and it is awful sometimes.
61. My greatest wish in life is so cliché – I wish for world peace, that nobody is hungry and that we all have family and friends surrounding us.
62. My biggest fear used to be loneliness.
63. Now my biggest fear is that something tragic will happen and I won’t get to see my son grow up.
64. I do not sleep well when my husband isn’t at home with me.
65. Jared is my best friend. We have our ups and downs, but I love him more than I think he knows.
66. I sometimes still feel like I am an 18 year old kid.
67. I have always wanted to be a mother.
68. I got pregnant within two weeks of “not preventing”.
69. I had the world’s best pregnancy. I LOVED it.
70. Hudson was born on September 28, 2006 at 12:28pm. He was a scheduled C-Section (Frank Breech – see #2!)
71. He was born the day before my birthday.
72. I did that on purpose because I love birthdays and didn’t want to share!
73. I knew from the beginning that I would have a c-section and I was okay with it.
74. I had the best birth experience ever. My surgery was great, my recovery was easy, and my baby was perfect!
75. Being Hudson’s mommy is the very best thing I’ve ever done. He’s my greatest joy and my greatest accomplishment.
76. I used to really like to look at myself in the mirror (I still kind of do, but not as much – baby body is still lingering – EW!). My sister did/does too. Now my son does. He especially likes to watch himself cry. It’s hilarious.
77. I love “ethnic” foods. Sushi and Indian food (if done right) are my favorites.
78. I work at an Insurance Company and it bores me beyond belief. Luckily it’s too busy to ever get really bored.
79. I still read out of my third grade bible.
80. I try to pray every day – and I feel guilty when I forget or fall asleep before I do.
81. I love to go to salons and get my hair and nails done.
82. I love tanning even though it’s not “healthy”.
83. I do not like chocolate.
84. I wear sunglasses on my head almost every day. This has recently stopped since I got a new hairdo.
85. The Be- Fri- to my -st -ends is Amber M.
86. I wish I had more time to blog. I love writing/reading blogs.
87. I have promised myself that one of these Tuesday’s I will do a PROMPT TUESDAY
88. I strive to be more eco friendly/safe. It’s hard, though.
89. I am only 5’ tall.
90. I drive a Ford Excursion SUV.
91. I am constantly on a diet of some sort.
92. I love to work out, but hate it at the same time because I have no will power or stick-to-it-ness.
93. I wish I had an EASY button in life sometimes, other times I think its better to learn the hard way.
94. I am sometimes obsessed with the internet.
95. I love my AB Mommy Friends. They are the best.
96. Music is a HUGE part of my life.
97. I would die to be at the same dinner table with the following: My husband, my father, my son and Willie Nelson.
98. I am proud that our next president is Barack Obama. I am proud that I voted for him despite being ridiculed by co-workers, friends, and strangers. I am proud that I taught my 2 year old about voting and how to say “Obama” and do the “Obama” dance.
99. Jesus Loves Me, this I know.
100. I am a little embarrassed that I was able to come up with 100 things so easily. What does that say about me?

A Christmas Survey

2008-12-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.
Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!!
Copy and Paste this list. Change all the answers so that they apply
to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the
person that sent it to you (or Post on your Blog and comment so I know!)......’Tis the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both - but I LOVE wrapping presents!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial – I don’t like the mess.

3. When do you put up the tree? Typically the weekend after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? After New Years

5. Do you like eggnog? Not so much, but I try it every year. For some reason I really want to like it!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I remember being REALLY excited the year I got to redecorate my room the way I wanted – Red/White/Black with framed posters that I picked out. I also loved the year my dad gave me my leather biker jacket.
That was awesome, too.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Jared

8. Easiest person to buy for? Hudson

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but I want to start collecting the Willow Tree nativity. I also want to get a kids one for Hudson this year.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Both

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Copper cookware the year I really wanted an engagement ring! It was actually an awesome gift that I really wanted, but I really wanted something else that year!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? When I get time. =) One year I started in October and ended up spending twice as much because I just kept shopping. So, now I try to wait until after Thanksgiving and usually finish on Christmas Eve.

14. Ever recycled a Christmas present? Probably =)

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas. Pie!

16. Lights on the tree? Yep...white ones

17. Favorite Christmas song? I love them ALL so much! I start listening to Christmas Music right around Thanksgiving. I love Baby It’s Cold Outside and Santa Baby :)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel to Oklahoma to be with my family

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder & Blitzen AND RUDOLPH

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Almost all on Christmas Eve, then Santa gifts and stockings (which are the favorite at our house) on Christmas Morning. Everyone of all ages gets an AWESOME stocking full of stuff. It’s a family effort now and it’s the most fun.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The greedy & inconsiderate people.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Silver and Gold. One year I did my tree in only silver, white and gold and it was so gorgeous. Now we have so many family ornaments that doesn’t work. Next year I want to do two trees – one fancy/formal and one that is all colorful for Hudson.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham, green beans and pumpkin pie

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? For Gunny to get better by the time we get home. And a Wii. =)

26. Gifts you least like? I like just about everything.

PLIS & SRM Annual Christmas Party is upon us!

2008-12-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

So, this weekend is the Annual PLIS/SRM Christmas Extravaganza Weekend. I’m pretty excited about it as it’s a really fun time! Last year the party was at the Horseshoe Bay Resort in Marble Falls. It is a nice place and we stayed in the GORGEOUS “Waters” condos’ they were TOP NOTCH. The Friday night disco party was the bomb – super fun, tons of dancing and the drinks were a’flowin’. (PS - the "MASH" doc I'm dancing with is my boss/owner of the company!)

Saturday morning a few of us girls were the elves to our boss’ Santa. It was a cute surprise at breakfast. We did a putt putt course for team building – and had a few Bloody Mary’s!

Saturday night was formal night followed by Casino night.

It was great but EXHAUSTING! The Friday disco night nearly killed everyone!

I’m super pleased that this year they’ve revised the order of events and the rockin’ 80’s bash will fall on SATURDAY night so we don’t have to try and keep the party going for that long. Friday is our formal night with a Murder Mystery – so that should be fun. Saturday morning we are doing a GPS Scavenger Hunt, which I think sounds super awesome! And how can you be an 80’s party? I mean, seriously – the 80’s are where it’s at! Pictures will follow next week. I have ants-in-the-pants, though and can’t wait for 5:30 today! No work tomorrow and at 6:30pm the party begins!

If I'm not back next week you'll know why. Oh - and PS - we have a 4 year old's birthday (Happy B-day Gage!) on Sunday after we check out of Lost Pines, followed by Jared's company Christmas Party Sunday night. I am not quite sure how we'll survive!

Words for Wednesday - Is your home marked by the fruits of the Spirit?

2008-12-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

"When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit is us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.…Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. It we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or by jealous of one another.

Galatians 5:22-26 NLT
"

The Spirit-filled home

"How do you remember your childhood home? Was it a loving and welcoming place? Maybe there were evidences of kindness and generosity—fresh homemade cookies, a dollhouse or model planes you and your dad built together, a warm welcome always waiting for you, an old couch to be shared with brothers and sisters.

Perhaps you don't have such wonderful childhood memories. Not everyone does. Homes can be places of cruelty as well—places full of criticism and humiliation, places characterized by conflict, jealousy, and pain. Loving homes don't just magically appear. They are the result of a husband and wife's commitment to letting God's Spirit control their lives. When you follow the Spirit's leading, God produces kindness, goodness, patience, and love in your lives. Then the home a marriage creates can become a light to the neighborhood, a place where friends and neighbors can experience genuine love and acceptance. If you are married, what type of home do you want your marriage to create? Ask God today to plant the seeds of loving kindness in your life, your marriage, and your home.

from Praying God's Promises for My Marriage by Jon Farrar (Tyndale) pp 132-33 "

This came from a devotional email that I get everyday in my inbox. Anyway - I especially liked this one. I know that I strive for and will always strive for a Spirit filled home. I pray that the Lord will lay His hands on my marriage, my family and my home - to guide us and lead us and help us to be the very best that we can be. I pray that we live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him. And I pray that we provide a good example for Hudson - that he may grow up to be a kind, loving, spiritual man who is a good and respectful man and loves the Lord, but most of all, I pray for his happiness and peace - and I know that his happiness and peace are a direct reflection of our happiness and peace and our relationship with God.

Post 96

2008-12-04T20:16:00.000-08:00

I just opened up my blogger dashboard, deliberating in my mind what to blog about tonight, and noticed that this is my 96th post. A great number for me (the weak, lazy blogger) but oh so lame compared to my favorite bloggers who post so much more often, i.e. regularly.

One day I'll be better.

Anyway...all previous thoughts of blogs flew out the window when I saw the "number", because now I've gone into panic mode over what to post for my 100th blog. Holy Moly, the pressure! For the next few days I am going to think about this. Suggestions are muy appreciated.

PS - I did a google image search and a photobucket search using keyword "96" to try to find an image for this entry. Talk about random. And no 96's. Sadness ensued. However, a search for keyword "number 96" and learned that "Number 96" was a revolutionary Australian soap opera. Go figure. Learn something new every day.

Hudson's First Movie

2008-12-01T21:37:00.001-08:00

I took Hudson to see his very first movie, Madagascar 2, on Saturday. He was the perfect date! We went with my friends Amber and Laura, and their kids (Hudson's best buddies) Gage, Emily and Harper.

Hudson was very excited to go to the movies. We rode with Amber and Gage and the boys were excited to get there. We even saw Santa waving out of the Cedar Park Train while we were waiting!

Once we got into the theatre and got settled into booster seats for the kiddos. Hudson promptly announced "I happy, Mommy! Miss Amber, I happy!" Um. He's cute.

I got him situated with some snacks from home and went to retrieve my goodies (popcorn and soda). I got back and he's finished his little snack bag of Gerber Graduates Cheese Puffs. After consulting with my parenting authority (Amber) I decided I'd let him try popcorn for the first time. He was thrilled! After the first bite he said "It's yummy! I like popcorns!" Um. Again. Cute.

He ate very slowly and really enjoyed his treat. The movie was beginning and the "I like the Move It" song started - Hudson said (a little loudly) "Madagascar!!". He did a great job throughout the entire movie...he repeated a few things and got excited a few times and I had to remind him about his movie manners.

At one point the characters in the movie were looking for Marty the Zebra and Hudson looks at me and says loudly "Mommy, where's Marty?". I love this child.

Throughout the movie when his little snack pack of popcorn would go empty he'd whisper "Mommy, I need some more popcorns. I need some more-uh." And I, his proud mamma, would propmptly fill his little baggie.

With about 15 minutes left in the movie, I gained a toddler on my lap, and he laid his head back and watched the end of the movie. As the credits began to roll he announced "It's over!". Got out of my lap, held his friends hand, and the walked out of the movies. Both of them saying that "it's fun".

We got into the car and I asked Hudson if he had a good time? He said "I want to go see movies right now!" And I promised him that we would go again soon. And I will keep that promise.

Something is missing.

2008-11-25T20:11:00.001-08:00

Something is missing.

I have lots of things to say and lots of things that I want to post. But something is missing. It's not words and it's not thought. It's not inspiration or a working computer. It's not lack of photos to comment on or lack of adventures to report back on.

No, what is missing is time.

Where does it go? Why does it go by so quickly? Does anyone have the secret formula to make it stop? Or at least slow down? If you do, please email me the ingredients. I need it.

Tag.

2008-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by my friend Lindsay on her blog, and love these types of things, so here are my answers :)

8 Things I’m passionate about:
-my family
-music
-theatre
-musical theatre =)
-friends
-reading eco-friendly, natural living blogs
-notebooks (journals, etc.)
-PerezHilton.com

8 Thing that happened yesterday:
-Drove from Grove, OK to Tulsa, OK to visit the great grandparents
-Played outside with Hudson after he sang Jesus Loves Me to his great grandparents
-Drove from Tulsa, OK to Oklahoma City, OK with my dad and aunt to the airport
-Flew with Hudson from Oklahoma City to Austin
-Lost the beloved “Mack” truck (not the trailer, just the truck)
-Diverted toddler meltdown on the airplane with snacks, books and colors
-Answered the question “Mommy – how the big jet works?”
-Found the beloved “Mack” truck (under the carseat on the airplane!)

8 Things I do now:
-Mom
-Wife
-Pampered Chef
-Insurance production
-email/blog
-talk/hang out with friends
-FACEBOOK
-Make plans for healthy eating and working out, then forget, then make plans, then forget, then….

8 Things I can not do:
-Stick to a diet.
-Stick to an exercise regimine.
-Go more than 36 hours without kissing/cuddling my son.
-Live without reading blogs!
-bake - although I try so hard.
-draw
-tolerate laziness or liars
-tolerate double standards

8 Things I often say:
-Hudson - Can you use nice words, please?
-Hudson - Do you need to go potty?
-Hudson - Thank you for___________.
-Hudson - I'm so proud of you!
-Hudson – do you need a time out?
-Hudson – I am going to count to three.
-I love you!
-Word
-Hilar

8 Favorite TV shows-
-Desperate Housewives
-PrisonBreak
-One Tree Hill
-CSI: Miami (only to make fun of the D-B Horatio)
-Top Design/Project Runway/Top Chef
-The Office
-Grey’s Anatomy
-The Soup on E!

8 Favorite foods:
-Spicy Crispy Shrimp Hand Roll from Umi
-Bakes Spaghetti from Hill Country Pasta House
-Cheese Quesadilla plate from that Mexican place on Anderson Mill (can’t remember the name)
-Queso Flameado from Texican Café’
-Steak from my PawPaw’s house
-Shrimp – from anywhere!
-The Noodle Salad from Shady Grove
-That pizza that Jared and I shared from Room Service in our hotel on our 5th Anniversary.

8 Things you may not have known about me:
- My number one priority and goal in life is and has always been to be married and be a mommy. It’s my greatest accomplishment and my greatest joy.
-My sister and I lived in NYC when we were kids and performed in an Off-Broadway show called Annie Warbucks. She was Annie, I was Tessie – one of the orphans.
- My passion is musical theatre – although that passion has been put on the back burner for a while, now. I miss it and look forward to doing it again.
-My favorite show that I’ve ever performed in was 42nd Street. I played Anytime Annie and tap danced for a zillion hours a day. It was one of the hardest shows I ever had to prepare for. It was awesome. I’d love to do that show again.
- My second favorite show that I’ve ever performed in was The Miracle Worker and I played Helen Keller. That was THE hardest show the prepare for, but, by far, the most rewarding.
-I would love to own/run a Fine Arts school one day.
-Jared and I have been together for almost 11 years. We met at a Mustang car show in Mustang, OK.
-I love to read self-help books.

I am tagging (in no particular order) Shanna,
Mary, Misty, Nana, McKenzie, Heidi, Elise, Heather, Lynette, Katey, Mandy, Sheyla, Kelly, Kimi, Kendra, Tara, Betsy, Aunt Jeri, Sara, Rayne, Annemarie, and anyone else who might read this blog and want to fill this out. Let me know if you do it!

Words for Wednesday - A Quote

2008-11-12T17:58:00.000-08:00

"Body Piercing Saved my Life."

I was dropping Hudson off at school this morning and overheard the kindergarten teacher say to another mom "I love your shirt!" and the mom said "Oh - thanks - I love wearing it - lots of questions...(something I couldn't hear)...Jesus". So, of course, nosy me turns and, in complete stealth mode, checks it out. It said

"Body Piercing Saved my Life."

Wow. Body Piercing Saved my Life.

Of course it did.

The ultimate body pierce. The ultimate Savior.

Jesus had the ultimate body piercings of all - His hands, his feet - all so that we could be forgiven and have everlasting life.

I love when Jesus shows His face at the most random (??) moments, don't you? Moments when I am in such a hurry, running late for work, nine million things to do, 37 phone calls to make, rush-rush-rush, in times that I am not turning my head and heart to Him.

He always calls me back. He always reminds me, somehow, that He is always with me and that no matter how many things I have to do, or how late I am for work, or how many phone calls are upon me, He is with me. Guiding me, Leading me, Loving me - and wanting me to be Witness to His Love and His Word. I hope that I make Him proud of me. I hope that people who know me and see me can see that I am a Child of God.

I love when Jesus shows His face at the most random (??) moments, don't you?

A Challenge

2008-11-10T10:48:00.000-08:00

So, I found out about this awesome organization from my friend, Annemarie.

What a great idea.

The Holidays are upon us and I'm always trying to figure out something "good" to do each year. For the past 3 years we've adopted an Angel off of the Salvation Army Angel Tree. We have such a good time shopping for our "child" every year. Since Hudson was born, we try to choose a little boy that is around his age and we get Hudson involved every step of the way.

My Grandmother and her aerobics class volunteer to ring bells for the Red Kettle drive. They do such a great job that they earned special recognition for their contribution!

I think it is so important to give back. Not just during the holidays, but especially during the holidays.

I want to teach Hudson the appreciate all that he has, and understand how blessed and fortunate that we are. I also want him to understand the importance of giving back and helping others.

So. Here's my challenge. I challenge every one of my readers (what - all 3 of you!) to come up with at least 2 organizations to GIVE BACK to this holiday season. And it doesn't have to be expensive. I mean, this is only $5 and it's TWO pairs of shoes! What a great thing! I posted a link over there on the side of my blog if you're interested.

Anyway - I am not going to count this as one of my two "Give Back's" since it was Annemarie's I have to get to thinking.

In the meantime, comment and link back to my page if you decide you are up to the challenge and want to pay this forward this year. I'd love to hear how you and your family are going to give back this year. Maybe we can start a giving back revolution!

=) Can't blame a girl for thinking big, right?!

Happy Holidays - it truly is the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

2008-11-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

Vote for our future.

Vote for our country.

Vote for our world.

Vote for CHANGE.

Frustrated with Politics & Christians

2008-10-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

I posted this on my Facebook page. A friend from high school originally posted it and I think it rings very true.

I do feel that I cast my vote for the right person. I also respect other people and their opinions and views. And this blog is right...whatever happens on November 4th is up to GOD and nobody else and we ALL need to pray for our country, for our troops and for our leaders. Now and always.

Frustrated with Politics & Christians

Calling all Mommies!

2008-10-29T07:30:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite blogsites to read. Cool Mom Picks

Well, every year they come out with a "Safer Toy Guide" to help with your holiday shopping - so I wanted to share with all my fave mommies.

Check it out.

It's good times.

Oh - and guess what...IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS!!!
I love it.

So cute, funny, adorable, sweet and...everything else.

2008-10-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

So...Hudson has had a pretty rough couple of days, which, I'll save that blog for later. I want to make sure I get this out before I forget.

Hudson and I went to Target tonight to get a few new cleaning supplies, a new humidifier and some allergy free pillow cases. When we were walking in Hudson and I were talking about Big Trucks, like Mac (from the movie "Cars") and tow trucks, like Mater. I told Hudson that since he had been such a big and brave boy the past couple of days, that he could get a new truck. We went straight to the "Cars" section and he chose a big remote controlled Mater truck.

We continued with the rest of our shopping - we were halfway finished when Hudson looked at me and this is the conversation that followed:

Hudson: Mommy - Hornet want a racecar.

Mommy: You do?

Hudson: Yes, sir. I need it. Put Mater back Mommy.

Mommy: (shocked) You want me to put Mater back because you want a Race Car instead?

Hudson: Yes, sir, I do.

Mommy: (still not believing what I'm hearing) Are you sure Hudson? You really wanted a tow truck.

Hudson: Put Mater back, Hornet needs a racecar.

Mommy: Okay, Hudson, if you're sure. You can think about it while we walk back to the aisle. (I am not holding Mater up for him to see - certain that he'll change his mind.)

Hudson: (Looking at Mater - he pats the box on the "head") Sorry, Mater.

Mommy: (Laughing) Hudson - you're a mess. But very sweet.

So - it was hilarious. I still thought that he would change his mind, or want both when we got to the Racecar aisle, but nope. As soon as we pulled up to the Cars section, he handed me Mater and repeated "Put Mater back". And he chose a set of 4 diecast little "Cars" racecars. I was so proud of his non-greediness, that I offered to get him a little diecast Mater to match his racecars and he declined. He said "No, Mommy. I want racecars." And we put put Mater back and we left with Racecars only. I was a proud toddler mommy. I've felt for many Mommies at the store - seeing them with a tantrum throwing toddler who wanted both toys. How lucky, that mine decided on his own that he would put one back in order to get another one. It was a good day. And funny.

Words for Wednesday - God will conquer death

2008-10-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

"And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them."
(Mark 10:13-16 ESV)
************************************************************************************
Thank you God for the food we eat.
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you God for EVERYTHING.
AMEN

That is the prayer that Hudson says before we eat dinner. He loves to say his prayers before dinner and before bed. He's getting pretty good at it. He can say the first line of his dinner and bedtime prayer and "Amen" really well..we are working on the rest. After he finishes at dinner, he says "Yay! Now I can eat." At bedtime, he usually asks to "Do it Again, Mommy?" It's awesome. It's also awesome that when I ask him if he wants to sing a song with Mommy- he always wants to sing "Jesus Loves Me". I have to say...there is NOTHING sweeter and NOTHING that will give a Mommy a fuller or PROUDER heart, than hearing your two year old try to sing all the words to "Jesus Loves Me" by himself and KNOWING that God is working in him and through him. Because, really, don't you see the face of the Lord everytime you look into a child's face? I do. I am reminded every day of God's love for me and for our world.

I am so proud of the boy that Hudson is and continues to become. He is sweet, kind, tender-hearted, polite, funny and loving. And he KNOWS that Jesus Loves Me, This I know.