Babbling Abby

Yagoot for You!

2012-01-08T20:10:00.001-05:00

After I tried on a unitard {see yesterday’s post}, I took my sweet precious on a date to Yagoot.

They serve real frozen yogurt with all kinds of fun toppings. Becks chose strawberry yogurt with raspberry and banana accents. It was totally yum.

I opted for the random combination of Italian Cocoa, toasted almonds, bananas, and…mangos. I know, mangos?! That’s what I was thinking, too, when I received my final order. I think the Mangos just looked so tasty and fresh, that I didn’t consider its awkwardness when combined with the other flavors. Whatever. Still yum!

Geez Louise, just looking at that picture makes me want to go back!

Anyway, the lighting in the shop was totally amazing, so I took lots and lots of pictures. We were the only customers at the time, so I didn’t feel too crazy squatting on the floor for the best views or snapping random pictures of their chairs. However, I did feel the need to compliment them on the lighting. Which I did when I caught them staring at me.

Lots of you have asked about my camera and my editing software lately, so here’s the deets…

It’s a Canon T1i that I got for Christmas last year. And here’s a nerdy pic of me feigning surprise:

I recently got a new lens for it { 50mm f1.4} that I looooooove {thanks to my fab in-laws!}. It creates that fun bokeh look that I’m obsessed with lately (blurry backgrounds). I also shoot mostly in manual with a BBF {courtesy of my super talented friend, Cara!!!!!}, rarely using my flash.

I edit with whatever Microsoft program that came on my computer, usually enhancing the color and messing with the contrast, brightness, and clarity. I’d love some fancy Photoshop program, but I think they’re pretty costly and I don’t know that I’d know how to work it even if I did own it! {If you know of an expensive, easy-to-use editing software, do share!!!}

I’m faaaaaaaaaaaar from having perfect pics, but it sure is a fun hobby to have :)

Happy Sunday, friends!!!!!

Today I Think I’ll Buy A Unitard

2012-01-07T14:20:00.001-05:00

Now, that’s a post-title you don’t read everyday. But it’s what I thought when I woke up this morning. I think I’ll buy a unitard.

No? You didn’t think the same thing?

Well, why ever not?

Is it because it reminds you of 80s workout garb?

Or perhaps because only a person name Eunice (which I would clearly pronounce Unis) with a unibrow would wear a unitard?

That’s what I thought, too. Before.

Before Rebecca changed me. Because, sister can *rock* a unitard and thoroughly convinced me with this post that I should at least entertain the idea of adding a unitard to my wardrobe.

First and foremost, I wear leggings about 98.5% of the time. The other 1.5% I’m wearing something restricting and uncomfortable and am thinking about why I didn’t wear leggings. {Except in the summer when I live in dresses.} They’re a versatile wardrobe staple that hold me in and smooth me out when necessary. Let’s be honest: the bottom line is just that they’re so dang comfortable! So, why not just feel comfortable all over and buy a unitard?! Perfect for winter underneath everything, me thinks.

So, I made a plan of action. First off, I had to locate said unitard. Rebecca’s is from American Apparel and darnit if we don’t have one of those close by that I’d never visited. It opened at 11am, which is too late for me to subsist on coffee alone (cause let’s be honest – who wants to try on a unitard with a belly full of Raisin Bran?). I opted for a mini Clif Bar instead.

Beckham went with me. Through the shadiest part of town ever. If you’re familiar with Cinci, then you probably know exactly what I’m talking about. Long story short, I made it there holding my breath, not making eye contact with anyone, and then parked at a parking meter which I had no intention of paying. Because I had zero change. And I intended to be parked there for less than three minutes.

Went in the store, grabbed the unitard, and it. was. LOVE. I tried it on with the tunic I was wearing and Becks cowered in the corner.

Then, I came home and made B snap several extremely awkward pictures of me in the unitard. All while I sang…

I wanna unitard-amus for Christmas…

…only a unitard-amus will do!

Don’t wanna doll. No dinky tinker toy.

I wanna unitard-amus to play with and enjoy!

Verdict?

Comfortable and I will wear it a lot.

I am wondering how I’m going to go to the bathroom. Hmm.

No, I have no intentions of wearing it all by itself.

Here’s how I’m wearing it right now:

{Sorry ‘bout the double shots. I’m tall, with limited room in our bedroom, and I didn’t feel like changing my fixed lens.}

Omiword. So now you either think I’m crazy and are immediately going to de-follow me, or you’re going to be singing the tune to I Wanna Hippopotamus for Christmas! all day. I apologize for my weirdness in advance.

So, that’s all. I bought a unitard. Are you spending your Saturday thinking about unitards, too?

A Random Post Is Better than No Post At All

2012-01-05T23:10:00.001-05:00

It’s so strange that grad school is over and I have nothing pressing to do. It’s really nice actually, though I still have this feeling that there is something to do and I’m just forgetting what it is.
Um, I am tearing up. Watching the cast of Jersey Shore reunite with their family members. Well played, MTV, well played.
This boy is outgrowing the Famously Awful Threes. PTL!
However, he’s grown right into the I’m Not Going to Eat ANYTHING three-and-a-halves, except Pirate Bootie, Spiderman Fruit Snacks, and cheese. We’ve had recent stand-offs involving untouched sweet potatoes and veggie burgers. This pictures was taken during a particularly dramatic moment.
Since there is absolutely NO snow in our forecast, we’ve had to find a substitute. So, we had a marshmallow fight at our house the other night and it was sooooooo much fun. Becks and I conspired in the pantry, and bombarded a sitting-on-the-couch B with a fistfuls of marshmallows. No mess, easy clean-up, and edible! Love it! {Becks used the bean bag to hide behind.}
Our New Year’s Eve was low-key and uneventful. Just the way we like it. Becks and Sophie had a great time battling it out to Just Dance on the Wii. And I ate a bazillion barbecued meatballs. Yummo.
I bought some really fun things at Target the other day. See? { top left, clockwise – rug, fruit basket, key holder thing?, and a pink bird!}
I took Beck to the Children’s Museum last week. You know, during every other kid in the tristate area’s Christmas Break. It was crazy crowded. But we had a fun little date, and I got to eat kid food for lunch. I’m pretty sure El Nacho Grande is not real cheese.
We had a dusting on Monday, and Becks decided to rekindle the love for The Christmas Hat.
Off to play Words with Friends! And I’m losing to everyone! And tomorrow is FRIDAY!!! YAY!

Christmas Confessions

2011-12-25T15:18:00.001-05:00

1. This hat – gifted to Beckham from his Nana M – is very reminiscent of the Bunny Rabbit costume from The Christmas Story. Obviously, Becks felt just like Ralphie when he was forced to wear it.

2. I woke up three times last night anticipating Christmas morning, anxious for Beck to wake up to see his gifts from Santa.

3. I have consumed no less than a dozen sausage balls today. I snag one every time I’m in the kitchen.

4. I never knew how much fun putting together Legos are, and receive immense satisfaction when I’ve properly assembled something new with no leftover pieces.

5. Everyone at my house is sleeping right now. All two of them. I’ll let you guess which one went to sleep with a fire truck and a helicopter.

6. My son had to be removed from the Christmas Eve service at church last night. He may or may not have been pouncing on his cousin’s dress, loudly exclaiming “Cheesyballs!” while the minister read the Christmas story to the children. Sigh.

7. Um, bokeh? I LOVE IT.

8. Santa brought a lot of toys this year that I never thought would be under my Christmas tree. Star Wars paraphernalia, Lego Ninjago (or something?), Spiderman jammies. Boys toys = foreign to me.

9. Wrapping gifts tops my list of most annoying holiday activities. Also annoying? 50 degree temperatures. Hopefully, that just means plenty of snow days in January and February.

10. Though I really see no point to it today, I’m off to shower. Wishing you the merriest of Christmases!!!!!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T09:56:00.001-05:00

Holy guacamole. Christmas Eve. Is here. Today.

Unbelievable.

We’re just lazing around this morning, in no rush to do much of anything.

It’s been a busy week, so lazing is a welcomed change. B totaled his truck at the tail end of November, so we spent a large portion of the week car ~~swindling~~ shopping.

There’s no better way to put this: car shopping SUCKS. It does. Plain and simple. You just walk around the lot feeling like you’re getting ready to get taken advantage of. Seriously, at one of the dealerships we went to, it was as if vultures were getting ready to attack. While we were cruising the lot, FOUR (4!!!!) salesharks magically appeared. We didn’t buy from them. Or the guy that let me test drive a vehicle and then told me he wouldn’t be able to work within the price range I’d given him before the test drive so as not to waste his time or mine. Grrrrrr. So stinkin’ frustrating.

Anyway, long story short(er) – we finally bought a vehicle that has four doors and the ability to fit 2 carseats. {Nope, NOT preggo! Just thinking in terms of the future!} B and I had some “conversations” that helped us arrive at the decision to NOT purchase another 2-door truck. (i.e. Momma said, “I ain’t puttin’ Becks in the front seat of a truck EVER AGAIN. Uh uh, no way!”).

Completely changing topic, this week was the First Annual K Girls Christmas Cookie Decorating Extravaganza, wherein we baked, decorated, sprinkled, iced, and discussed inappropriately-shaped cookies for hours. Super fun!

There were SO MANY goodies!

Then, of course, I had to take a picture of the bakers, which my sisters insisted on making extremely awkward. {Though, Chels is 3.5 months pregnant and Aubs just had her tonsils taken out, so they both have genuine excuses for not feeling up to snuff to pose for an Abbaratzi picture.}

Yesterday, I turned 29. TWENTY-NINE. The last birthday I will ever celebrate. Not have, but celebrate. I will henceforth be 29. Forever.

Before B and I went out, I attempted some terribly awful pictures. No one seems to want to cooperate when I want to photograph them. It’s very frustrating, especially when you’re the Birthday Girl. The Birthday Girl whose birthday is completely overshadowed by Christmas. Just sayin’.

Fortunately, B was more cooperative for the waiter at dinner. Much better.

Afterwards, we came home to this:

B did that! All by himself! So impressive. And delicious, too!

And back to this morning. Christmas Eve. When I feel like I just posted about last Christmas Eve not too long ago. Where, oh where has the year gone?

Thanks for checking in our daily randomness.

Merry Christmas Eve to you and yours’!!!!!!!

French Fries on the Front Lawn

2011-12-23T13:47:00.001-05:00

I think that title aptly describes my life right now. And it’s 100% true. There are, in fact, french fries on my front lawn right now, because that was the quickest way to evacuate them from my car. I also found a chicken nugget, but french fries on the front lawn has more alliteration than chicken nuggets on the front lawn, no? Anyway, so, hi! Life’s still crazy!

And this post is going to have a crazy amount of randomness and pictures, so brace yourselves.

No, I’m not engaged despite the fact that the self portrait below looks like I’m displaying new bling. Which I guess I am since the new bathroom is totally blinged out, in a sense.

But, first, let’s visit the old bathroom. She was a real peach, if you know what I mean. {Note the soffit above the shower because that’s the last you’ll see of it! Yay!}

Behold, le new salle de bain. Fancy Nancy for bathroom :)

My favorite part? I go back and forth between the space-saving wall-mounted sink and the open shelving. Oh, and this nifty feature on the new toilet paper roll…

I mean, seriously, I’d change the toilet paper twelve times a day just because it’s so dang easy now. No more awkward fumbling with the roll holder, just tilt that baby up and it’s done. Love. It.

* * * * * * * * *

Moving right along…it’s Christmas! Yay! Santa is coming real soon, so we’re all festive and such. Our Christmas card this year turned out just being the Beckster because I wasn’t content with any of the family ones we’ve taken. I have to say, the picture montage I chose really epitomizes our life with a 3-year-old. Crazy, wonderful, and completely unpredictable.

We decorated as soon as we moved back into our home, and I’ve still been tweaking things. So far, this:

The family Christmas tree…

One of my fav Christmas decorating traditions is magnetizing all of our Christmas card pictures to a chalkboard that my BFF (hi, Allie!) gave us for our wedding. I love looking at the pics so much, they’ll sometimes remain there until February or March!

And, lastly, if you’re looking for a quick gift to give the children in your life, this is what I gave my pumpkins at school this year – from The Dollar Tree and I monogrammed them with each student’s first initial.

I’ll be back…tomorrow-ish with the First Annual K Girls Christmas Cookie Decorating Extravaganza!

{Happy, Mom?! ;)}

Shutterfly Holiday Photocards!

2011-12-04T20:19:00.001-05:00

I am so excited to be using Shutterfly this season for our holiday photocards. I am always impressed with their products – the quality, the designs, the quick turn-around time, and – most importantly – the fonts! Ha! In all seriously, I just love their stuff and have been a happy customer for years. They’re on ideal online enterprise for not just photocards, but picture calendars and photobooks, too (both which I own!) I can’t speak highly enough of this company, and would recommend them to anyone.

I was fortunate to participate in their holiday card promotion last year, and we selected the design below. Seriously, high quality paper, vivid colors, and they even edited out that second “s” that I missed in Mullinss before they shipped it!

So, how excited was I when they contacted me again to join in on the fun?! Like, 12 kinds of excited, of course!!!

And, now, for the hard part: just which card will I choose?! I love them all!

These were three contenders, but not my final choice! Can’t going showing that one off just yet ;)

Here are a few of my favs…

Are you a blogger?! Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register HERE!

Happy shopping!

Portrait of a Saturday

2011-12-03T21:23:00.001-05:00

Today was our first Saturday back home in three weeks. We had our one and only bathroom remodeled, and subsequently had to move out of our home for the duration of the demo and remodel. Since you really can’t, you know, shower and pee without a toilet or tub.

But we’re back now – and I’m sorry I haven’t kept up with this blog to post pics of the whole remodeling process (but I will! soon!) because it was quite the overhaul.

Anyway, we had Becks’ cousins over this morning. I would say we had them over to play, but the bottom line is that none of them really play when they’re together. Instead, they run and jump and carry on like crazies the whole time they’re together. And, no, I do not advocate bed jumping, but I was so distracted by Sutton and the wall stud finder he was showing off that I apparently missed launch.

Any mothers of 3-year-olds out there who can relate to the picture below? Which literally occurred not 30 seconds after the above pic where he’s grinnin’ a fool. The whining is just about to kill me, and also explains why I’m going to consume an entire bottle of riesling before bed tonight. Ok. I kid. Just a glass. But still.

And, within seconds, he’s a pirate and all is swell again in The World of Beckham.

Soph spent a large amount of time in front of the camera rolling around the bed, posing upside down for me. She’s my favorite 5-year-old and spelled the word “illustrated by” today like this: ILSTRADID BI. I kid you not, smartest little kinder kiddo ever. Love her.

And look at the Butterboo fixing Stinky the Garbage Truck (which, by the way, is most annoying toy invented. EVER.). Totally presh.

Just to make chaos a little more chaotic, we added Leland into the mix.

If you hadn’t noticed, though you probably don’t even remember because it’s been eons since I posted about, the pics are all from Becks’ “Big Boy Room.” It’s such a random smorgasbord of stuff right now. I had big plans for it – and still do – but it’s functional, so it’s been a little neglected.

Anyway, to wrap it up, here’s a teaser pic from our new bathroom!

Happy Weekend!

Deep Breaths.

2011-11-08T21:42:00.001-05:00

Hi, hi!

There is sooooooo much going right now! I do intend to be a better blogger. Someday. I just don’t know when. Between school and family and grad school, I just can’t keep it altogether! Really, I can’t. So, I’ve become the ultimate procrastinator.

My thesis? That’s due in 2 weeks? Only 75% finished. I just can’t bring myself to wrap up the last 25%. Mostly because it involves a significant amount of data analysis, and I’d rather bond with my husband over the the latest episode of Call of the Wildman than run another dang t-test. Seriously, though, have you seen that show?! No lie, it’s all kinds of better than Jersey Shore, making it my new favorite reality series. Better yet: totally taped in Kentucky. Holla!!!!!

When I think about the fact that I won’t have to do any more schooling for the rest of my life (unless self-inflicted and I pursue my Rank I), I could turn a dozen cartwheels. Though I’d probably pull something because my knees are giving me big trouble lately. I am going to be turning – gulp – TWENTY-NINE next month. What?! What?! REALLY?!

I know. I can’t believe it either.

But, back to life. Our life. The life that is all consuming and wonderful and stressful and crazy. That life.

Well.

Prayers have been answered, and Becks has had a stellar past four days. This is big news around our house because the sweet little pumpkin has been testing our patience like you wouldn’t believe. And here’s a bazillion pics of our cah-to-the-razy 3-year-old…

To add to the craziness, and because it’s been, oh, 4 months since since the completion of the kitchen…we’re getting ready to remodel again!!!

Hopefully I’ll have the time and motivation to post again soon. Hope y’all are having a happy fall!

Photography with a Three-Year-Old

2011-10-15T09:39:00.001-04:00

Holy guacamole! I am a mah-jor blog slacker. I can’t help it. We’re so busy we can’t see straight around these parts. Also, the reign of the three-year-old dictator at our house is giving me little time or energy to devote to much else. SERIOUSLY. Everyone said how bad the “terrible twos” would be, but no one warned us about “the thrice-as-bad threes.” Okay, well, I made that phrase up, but the threes have not been kind to our family.

We had some family pictures made last weekend and – I kid you not – we would tell Becks to go left and he would go right. We’d say sit down and he’d stand up. We’d say sit down and he’d run away. This went on for about an hour before I could not handle another second.

Fortunately, there were a couple of keepers out of the bunch…

The hat was a bribe. As in, “Becks, if you cooperate, you can wear your Michigan hat!!!” It was only somewhat effective.

Such a stinker.

Lots more to talk about, but Becks is attempting to sit on me right now, which is code word for GET OFF THE COMPUTER, MOM, so I better get going. Hope y’all are doing well!

{Almost} Fall, Y’all!

2011-09-18T22:04:00.001-04:00

The calendar is soooooo wrong this year. Fall in the Bluegrass State started Labor Day weekend when the temp dropped like 40 degrees overnight. This summer lovin’ girl wasn’t quite ready for the change. I feel like I just put my boots away, and suddenly it’s time to break them out again. Am I right in saying this is an El Nino-esque year? I don’t remember if it is Nino or Nina, but whoever it is is supposed to be bringing us “lots of precipitation” this winter {read: SNOW}. Grrr. I’m partial to that white stuff only in December, particularly on Christmas, so I’d rather not have 6 months of it despite my Ugg boot fetish.

I will say that I’m kinda enjoying our early fall. Only kinda though. And mostly because of spiced everything. Spiced candles, cake and coffee are 12 kinds of up my ally.

Exhibit A:

We’re Keurig-ers at our house (Father’s Day gift to B this past year), and I about died when I saw the fall sampler pack last night at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. {Yes, we’re totally Old School, and our dates now include trips to BB&B.} Um, Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Apple Cider? YES, PUH-LEASE!

Us on our date with my sister, Chelsea and her hubs, Matt. We had so much fun! The only thing that would have made it better was if Aubs could’ve been there, too!

Exhibit B:

I couldn’t escape BB&B without a new Yankee Candle. Also, I had about $5 more left to spend to use my coupon. Ha! So, I went with Apple Cider. It was a good, good choice. She burned all day and made my house smell all kinds of fantastic.

Exhibit C:

Then, today, the pumpkin and I made chili, cornbread muffins, and the simplest and most delicious Apple Cider cake you ever did eat (credit: Chels for giving me the recipe, though you can find the deets HERE).

I should have clarified, Captain Pumpkin. Don’t ask. I have no idea.

I forgot to add the powdered sugar to the pic, but you’ll need that, too, to make the glaze. Other than that, this is everything you need for the cake and the glaze.

Shockingly, the cake batter is just the cake mix and 15 oz of pumpkin puree! That’s it! And they look this beautiful when the emerge. And your house will smell *ah-mazing.*

And the final product? Oh. My. YUM. It might be overkill, but I can promise you I will be eating a slice of this with my pumpkin spice latte in the morning :)

Have a fantastic week, bloggy friends!

OY.

2011-09-15T21:53:00.001-04:00

I started writing this post about 2 hours ago while I was shopping at Kroger. Mainly because I had to get my mind out of that grocery store, where no amount of consoling was calming down my screaming 3-year-old.

We were having a bit of a throw-the-baby-pumpkin-on-the-ground issue, which resulted in losing the pumpkin beneath the shelves somewhere. And then I refused to go get another one. Hence the monster-sized meltdown. No, seriously, he cried (tears and all) for the last 25 minutes we were in the store, and if we didn’t need food something awful, I would’ve left sooner. I was already running through it at a Super Market Sweep pace, while occasionally getting a centimeter from Becks’ nose to calmly remind him to please be quiet mommy is going as fast as she can, whispered under my breath.

I’m pretty sure everyone in the store wanted to stare at us, but they couldn’t because they were probably on their phones dialing Child Protective Services to please save this poor child from the wrath of his non-pumpkin retrieving mother.

Of course, all was right again when we passed the Halloween blow-ups and his mind was taken off of the baby pumpkin mishap. Sheesh.

Once we got home, I played the whole let’s-see-how-many-plastic-grocery-bags-I-can-fit-on-my-arms game since B was at school and Becks’ is only good for carrying in a bag or two before he gets distracted by the soccer ball in the front yard. Do y’all do that? Temporarily risk loss of blood circulation in your arms just for the sake of taking one less trip to the car? You know you do.

Seeeeeriously. I need a weekend. And a tall glass of reisling. OY.

Well, TGtomorrowIF!

Then & Now

2011-09-06T23:19:00.001-04:00

Becks is officially back to school My word, it feel like we just did the first day of school for him last year. Why does having a kiddo make life go at super speed?!

The morning started with donuts and coffee and a big green star balloon. Typical. I kid. It’s just milk. All the sippies were dirty. Also, I loathe the day he can no longer wear footie jammie because he just looks so dang sweet in them.

Then, we took the standard front porch First Day of School pics. He was a little more cooperative this year.

September 2010:

September 2011:

He’s such a ham!

Then, it was off to school where he played with Rescue Heroes and grilled me a hamburger.

As tradition goes, we hit up First Watch next. Yummo,

Then, I forced B to take a pic of me and Becks because, seriously, it’s a rarity he and I are in the same frame. Also, the matching kicks were not intentional.

We stopped by the house briefly before we had to take Becks to a doctor’s appointment, and that child is all kinds of active. I’m lucky that all the pics I take don’t look like the one below.

And, the good news is, the pumpkin doesn’t have to have surgery. He has syndactyly on his tootsies (i.e. webbed toes), which are barely noticeable, but his pediatrician wanted us to be sure that his bone growth was on track. No fused bones, so we’re good!

And one more cute this-year-last-year comparison pic (to make up for my month long absence).

So stinkin’ big! Love. This. Child.

Stop the World. We’re Alive.

2011-09-05T23:00:00.001-04:00

Hi, y’all!!!! Omiword, I feel like I’m reuniting with friends that I haven’t talked to in years. My heart’s jumpin’ a little, and I am seriously *smiling* right now as I type! I mean, it’s been a month. Over a month, actually, since I’ve so much uttered a word on this poor, little neglected blog! If you’re still reading, thank you!

{And now I can officially get my mom, my sister in Lex, and Dr. B off my back about updating! Bonus!}

So, things have been cah-razy busy. In a good way, though! Life is going well and everything is just fine. School started quickly and grad school started the very next week. I love my new kididdles, but – of course – am already counting down the days until Fall Break. Ha!

Becks is growing like mad. He starts school tomorrow. He’s ready. Also, he thinks he’s a pirate. And is really into…hmmm…little boy humor? To put it kindly. His imagination has absolutely erupted over the summer, and he’s always making up words, playing pretend, and entertaining us with his crazy stories. Love him.

B starts carpentry school tomorrow! Yay! It’s about time he put all that talent to use :)

Me? I’m still thrifting, Targeting, blogging {at The Inspired Apple}, decorating, teaching, and seeking out an extra hour or two in the day to do it all. I’ve still been visiting all of you on the sly, usually around 6am while I drink my first {of many} cup of coffee. Don’t think I don’t know what’s going on in bloggy world ;)

Happy Labor Day!

Fun for 50 Cents

2011-07-31T16:11:00.000-04:00

He spent his Sunday morning completely enthralled in his newest toy...

A set of cheapo Tinker Toys...

Purchased for two quarters...

Whilst yardsaling on Saturday...

He really wanted a deflated UK basketball. Which I bought (also for 50 cents).

But, since Mama knows best, and I insisted we buy these too, I would say that it was a win-win for all involved :)

Hi! Hi!

2011-07-26T16:20:00.000-04:00

Who was I to think that summer was going to be laid back and relaxing? Pshaw. Totally anything but.

{And I'm pretty sure totally anything but is not a sentence, but I am determined not to backspace as it saves me time :) }

School is coming real soon, so I've been blogging a lot over at The Inspired Apple. If you've found this blog recently and are looking for teaching-related posts, I blog exclusively about school there.

In other news, after almost two months of sleeping in our bedroom, Becks is *finally* in his big boy room! It's not even close to being done, but when you've had to hurdle a pack-n-play to get in bed every night it doesn't matter that the toe strip isn't in place in his new room yet. He can still totally sleep there.

I don't know how many of you live in older homes or have lived through renovations, but it's exhausting! There is always something to do. And if you've followed me for any length of time, you probably know that we've been renovating nonstop since January of this year. That's seven straight months of DIYing, dust, displaced furniture, and the occasional disagreement ;) I'm pretty sure that somehow spells S-T-R-E-S-S or maybe C-R-A-Z-Y.

I have some great thrift finds to share {soon-ish}, so stop in soon :)

Happy Tuesday!

Three-year-olds are a trip!

Charleston: The Extended Version

2011-07-18T14:21:00.000-04:00

{This is going to be long and picture-laden, but the documentation is more for my benefit!}

We scheduled this trip back in April, excited about taking Becks on a vacation with just us (something we'd never done before) and having the opportunity to take him on a plane (again, something he'd never done). I'm glad we scheduled and paid for it way in advance because I was totally feeling the pressure of grad school last week combined with the pressing urge to get back to my classroom to prepare for the start of school next month. Admittedly, I was feeling pretty back-out-ish.

But, last Saturday, we arrived at the airport a good two hours in advance so that we could make sure we got through security and to our gate in plenty of time. We were totally "that" family - carting a stroller, carseat, and multiple carry-ons around the airport. Fortunately, Beck was so enchanted with the airport and the bagel stand, we knew it would be an easy wait.

At least that's what we thought during the first two hours.

Our flight was delayed and delayed again. And then it was delayed some more. We spent FOUR HOURS in the airport awaiting our re-routed flight. We were also one of the last to board once the plane was there, and while the carseat was a brilliant idea for keeping Becks seated and comfortable during the flights, it was a big ol' pain to carrying through the terminal and hook securely in the plane seats.

Becks *loved* the plane rides. He giggled during take off and told us how "fun" the turbulence was. My biggest concern was making sure he didn't kick the passenger in front of him!

Once we arrived in Charleston - four hours after the time were supposed to initially be there - it was POURING. Not just a little drizzle, but literally dumping buckets from the sky.

And did I mention our luggage didn't make it? That was just the cherry on top of our very long day.

So, there we were in Charleston, four hours late, experiencing a monsoon, drenched, and without a change of clothes. The positive attitude I usually carry was lost somewhere in Charlotte when we caught our connecting flight. The only saving grace was the glass of Riesling B found for me at the hotel bar, combined with a delicious (albeit late) dinner from The Kickin' Chicken. Oh my YUM. And that was only the start of my spiral into all things southern and delicious. Because once I started Saturday night, I didn't stop eating until we departed on Wednesday when I had a super delish mini-pizza in the airport.

It also bears mentioning that our luggage didn't arrive until 3:30pm the Sunday, so we spent one stinky day touring the city in our once-rainy-then-sweaty clothes we wore on the plane. Because Charleston turned into a sunshiney sauna the whole rest of the trip.

Lucky for our smelly selves, we happened upon an *amazing* public fountain where Becks spent a good hour or so splashing around. So much fun.

We also treated him to gelato for lunch. Because who doesn't eat sweets for lunch on vacation?

Our hotel - The King Charles Inn on Meeting Street - was all kinds of awesome. Our accommodations were great and the staff was helpful. They had a pack-n-play waiting for us when we arrived with brand new sheets and all. I was so impressed. They also had cocktail hour every night where you could get complimentary hors d'oeuvres and happy hour priced drinks. A sweet tea mint julep for this Kentucky girl? Count me in. Becks was smitten with the free cheese, crackers, and grapes. It was like they were catering to his specific three-year-old palette. We attended every night we were there.

For dinner that night we ate at Jestine's (meatloaf for me and B, a peanut butter and banana sandwich for Becks), and then toured the fire department across the street. A successful first day (minus the missing luggage).

The second day we were there we ate breakfast at Toast, and then decided to rent a car to drive to the beach. Money well spent. {I really wish I would have taken a pic of the snazzy little Kia Rio we zoomed around town in. Not ideal for the ginormous carseat, but great on gas mileage!}

Breakfast at Toast.

We had no idea where we were going other than across the bridge. We made it to Sullivan's Island, found a parking spot on a side street that appeared to lead to the beach, and spent the next several hours oceanside. In short: Becks *LOVED* it. And, if we ever return to South Carolina, I can promise you we will stay in a beach town close to the ocean. Live and learn.

Dinner that night was at Hyman's for seafood and this is where I decided I would subsist on shrimp and grits alone forever and ever amen. Seriously amazing.

Before dinner at Hyman's. B's souvenirs were a Charleston pirate tee and that foam sword. He loved it so much that he fell asleep holding it that night. See below!

Just throwin' this one in there since we didn't get any other shots together!!!

On day three, we visited the market, ate a whole bunch, and revisited the fountain.

We came home last Wednesday and our flights back were perfect (Becks even slept on the last one!).

Overall, here's the DL:

beachtowns I'm used to visiting - ignorance on my part, I realize. I would LOVE to go back with B or another couple - sans kiddos, of course! Also, if there's a cooler season to visit in, I'd totally go then :)

Charleston Recap: Quick Version

2011-07-13T17:39:00.000-04:00

This is the quick Charleston recap, as we just flew in and I don't have time to shuffle through 200 pictures for this post. Also, my pantry and fridge desperately need to be restocked or we're having Mich Ultras and swiss cheese for dinner. Hence, list form:

1. Flying was a major hassle.

2. This girl could live on grits and sweet tea. Oh. My. YUM.

3. Bathing suits should be brought whenever you're out and about in Charleston, as you never know when you might happen upon a public fountain.

4. The heat was insane. {I know, y'all warned me!}

5. Our hotel was all kinds of awesome.

6. Hymans, Jestines, Toast, Barbara Jeans, and the Chucktown Tavern all proved to be winners.

7. We never made it to Kaminsky's. Boo.

8. The southern hospitality was out of control.

9. Major kudos to the downtown Charleston Fire Department for the free tour. You guys rock!

10. Next time: Sullivan's Island. {Or somewhere closer to the beach!}

Will be back with more deets later :)

All Cracked Up.

2011-07-08T07:54:00.000-04:00

It's summer. It's hot. And my wardrobe must function accordingly.

I loooooove sundresses (and, really, all dresses for that matter), and long for the months when I can wear a dress without leggings. They're so fun and feminine and unrestricting. If Becks wasn't {still} sleeping in our bedroom right now, I'd take a picture of my closet and you'd see dress upon dress upon dress. You'd also see that I am a lousy housekeeper and an even worse launderer.

Also, there's another reason I love dresses during the summer. I HATE SHORTS.

I hate them. So much so that I haven't purchased an actual pair of "real" shorts (i.e. not Sofee cheerleading shorts) in years. I've tried to like them, I really have. I try them on in the stores and then immediately think These are so dang uncomfortable! and peel them right off. When I was little, I once described a wedgie to my mom as being "all cracked up." And, that right there pretty much accurately describes the main reason I avoid shorts. They consistently leave me feeling all cracked up.

Further, and I never imagined I'd say this, but all the shorts out right now (mainly the ones at Target) are *so* stinkin' short! {This coming from the girl who couldn't get short-enough-shorts in highschool...and probably college. Ahem.} It doesn't help that I'm borderline behemoth (5'10"ish) either, so shorts are even shorter on me. For the record, I've tried shorts from Banana, GAP, and Ann Taylor, too. No dice.

But, you see, I have all these super cute tops that I might compromise the feeling of cracked-up-edness for, but they cannot be super-duper-show-your-heiney-short.

So, where on Earth is everyone buying shorts from these days?

{Y'all were so helpful in directing me to all the hot spots in Charleston, that I'm for certain you can help me out here, too!!!! Thanks so much, btw!!!!!}

PS. I was going to add an image to this post, but Googling "booty shorts" turned up less than appropriate results. Happy Friday :)

Recommendations, please?

2011-07-05T23:19:00.000-04:00

Sometime this summer we are visiting the state represented by the little flag above. Charleston, to be specific. I've never been and would *love* to know where you recommend to go or what we should do while we're there! Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)

Also, suggestions for flying with a three-year-old and carting a carseat through the airport. Because you can imagine how much fun that's going to be.

Muchos gracias!

The 50 Minute Wait...

2011-06-28T21:48:00.000-04:00

So PMS stopped in for a visit tonight {that crazy chick}, and she straight up told me to go and find something chocolately to make/eat right quick before she turned into super-psycho-even-cah-razier chick ~~and chewed her husband out about the turtle-like speed at which he puts their son to bed~~. So, not being one to mess with crazy, I totally obeyed her by finding the most Sinfully Delicious Easy-as-Pie Double Chocolate Banana Bread of Love recipe. {Known officially as Alice’s Sour Cream Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Bread which you can find HERE. You're welcome.}

Also, let me just tell you I based my personal description on the batter alone. It was so totally yummy that it took everything out of me not to remove the already-cooking loaf pan full of it from the 350 degree oven so I could have one more scoop. It was contort-your-face into the mixing bowl good. Which I did. Now I have to refrain myself for the next 50 minutes while it bakes, which will likely be how long it takes me (if not longer) to write this post since I've been interrupted already for goodnight kisses, a phone call, and the general ADD that results when I blog with the TV on. {Did you watch Sam B dance on America's Got Talent? I'm pretty sure there's a Sam B at every dance club and wedding. Hilarious.} See, I'm already 15 minutes closer to eating my Banana Bread of Love. Thank you, Sam B.

To kill off another 35 minutes, I will show you a few pics from Becks actual birthday, which was yesterday - I just didn't want to kill the Blogger picture uploader with another 497 pictures last night. {Sidenote: Thanks for the super sweet comments on his party! Y'all made my day!} We had a delightful spaghetti dinner, homemade chocolate cupcakes (PMS visited yesterday, too), and my sister and her kiddos came over. Totally perfect.

Fifteen minutes left!

Let's see...what else can I bore you with?

Hmmm...

Well, it is the Sixteen and Pregnant reunion show tonight. But, let's be honest, there will never be a cast like Season 1. I can hardly wait for July 5th at 10pm. Which is the season premiere of Teen Mom Season 3, if you don't know. Odds are you do, since many of us have a shared love of Maci, Catelynn, Farrah, and Amber :)

While on the topic of trashy MTV reality shows, I continue to mourn the loss of The Hills, which might be my most favorite reality show ever. I might have to spend a rainy day this summer watching reruns online during naptime. Which probably won't happen since grad school is absolutely consuming me. Educational law and ethics? ICK.

Lastly, this:

Oh. My. YUM. Worth every calorie.

Happy, happy Tuesday to you!

They say it's your birthday!

2011-06-27T22:22:00.001-04:00

Omiword, it feels like yesterday he was born. And, now he's this crazy, three-year-old little boy! He cracks me up daily, and while his antics are sometimes trying, his sweet nature and gap-tooth smile get me every time. Happy Birthday, Becks! I love you so, so, so, so, so, so BIG!

* * * * *

So, apparently, I kinda like playing party hostess. I had an absolute blast planning Becks' party, and though it was only family, it was oh-so-much-fun. And, to be honest, this has really been the first occassion in the four years that we've lived in our house that I felt really comfortable hosting a {modest} crowd. Now that we have a deck (best investment ever) and a much much much more efficient kitchen (um, maybe the kitchen was the best investment ever!), I feel confident that I'd like to host get-togethers all the time! Now, if I could just find the time...

So, the theme was more or less color and since he's currently a huge Handy Manny fan, his Nana M. made a fantastic Handy Manny cake - complete with fondant-made tools! I'm not the best photographer or editor, so the pics aren't the best. I'm working on it!

And now for a gobzillion par-tay pics!

Now for the actual party, wherein my momma managed to be the only one to escape my lens. I'll get you next time, my pretty...

I mean, can you really host a preschool party these days without one of these things? Fortunately, we borrowed this one from my parents' neighbors because I would so not pay for a party jumpy thing. However, the kididdles totally *loved* it!

This little one-two picture succession is one of my favs. He's sitting in my lap waiting for his daddy to bring out his gift from us.

This next pic is when he sees his gift being rolled out the back door. It brings a tear to my eye knowing that his excitment won't always be this genuine, this palpable.

He crashed hard that night. But not before he went to bed wearing new PJs and convinced us to let him take new toys to bed. Stinker. {Sidenote: The upstairs is coming along. Sanding always takes longer than we imagined, so he's still sleeping in the pack-n-play in our room.}

So, that's it. Third birthday extravaganza. Where are the years going?!?!

Some things.

2011-06-23T23:07:00.000-04:00

1. Nothing makes you feel old like hearing the local radio DJ proclaim And now it's time for some old school! And then he plays Justin Timberlake's Cry Me A River. I was a sophomore in college when that song was popular. Totally. Not. Old School. Thankyouverymuch.

2. Not all tissue papers are created equally. I know this because I have fluffed no less than 297 tissue paper pom poms tonight.

3. Ask me if said poms will be suspended from the dining room fan by Cleanburst Reach Floss, and I will kindly respond Oh, yes they are. So if anyone gets corn stuck in their teeth during the birthday festivities this weekend, you'll know where to go.

4. While we're discussing dental issues, are you familiar with David after the Dentist? If not, go watch THIS, laugh, and return to see the below picture which bares resemblence to David when he rises from his seat in a dinosaur-likre roar. Becks informed me that he was being a dinosaur. An axshophone dinosaur to be specific. Roar.

5. Beckham proclaimed {loudly} in Target today that he was going to Hit me in the p*nis. It was all I could do to jump across the aisle and slap my hand over his mouth, and another one over my own. Because it was also kind of funny.

6. Did you know the Canadian post is on strike? I'm ordering something through Etsy, and there's been a delay due to shipping issues resulting from the strike. Just an interesting little fact for you. {Also, if you are in fact Canadian, I am sorry about the strike. I'm sure that's frustrating on both ends.}

7. Becks has developed the talent? adaptation? super power? to sleep through a variety of power tools. I kid you not, he can go to bed and sleep soundly while the drum sander is turning right above our room - which we are currently sharing with him during the Big Boy Bedroom reno. This is likely due to the fact that our home has been under some form of construction during the entire three years he's been alive.

8. One of the goals on my Sunspiration list is to read at least 2 novels. I finished Firefly Lane last week and *loved* it. If you are madly in love with Summer Sisters by Judy Blume {as I am}, then you must read it. I randomly came across it at a library book sale I was working and am twelve kinds of glad I did. What are you reading this summer?

9. B is working tomorrow, which means if I want to run by myself while it's still less than 80 degrees out, I have to run super early. Although I love the commentary my little buddy in the running stroller provides as we jog together, it's really so much easier if I just run solo. He usually wants to talk or request I pick up a rock or a pinecone. I'm just focusing on ~~panting~~ breathing. However, when that alarm goes off at 6am, I'm thinking a little companionship isn't so bad.

10. Who else could watch True Life marathons all day? What would I do without trashy TV?

Consumed with life is all.

2011-06-21T23:56:00.000-04:00

I don't mean not to post. I really don't. It's just that summer is about so much more than sitting in front of my computer - which I'm already doing enough of considering I'm overwhelmed with two three-week courses that are kicking my butt - and we were vacationing for much of last week. So I have lots of valid excuses. Which I need a lot of since I spend the opening paragraphs of all of my blog posts as of late describing why I'm not posting.

Anyway.

So, last week. We spent not nearly enough time at the Lakehouse, followed by five days in Gatlinburg. Despite the torrential downpour en route to the mountains, we had a fantastic time. And since my dad called me today dropping not-so-subtle hints that I haven't posted on here in nearly two weeks, I thought I'd oblige with lots and lots of pictures. {Sidenote: Mom, check your email for a link to Shutterfly. I know that will make you happy :) }

The kiddos are getting so big. They love one another dearly and I love that they're growing up with each other so close by. Sure, we break up the occasional scuffle over toys or find the boys with each other in wrestling-like positions, but overall they get along well. Sigh

I'm not going to be eloquent with the photo descriptions because there are a lot of photos. Just know that my mom bought a package of lip whistles to entertain the little ones and they were a big hit. You'll understand momentarily why I had to make that comment.

Sutter Butter is all kinds of photogenic.

I'll make a small note and say that it was his idea to wear the hardhat in the hottub. Reminds me a little bit of The Village People.

My girl is getting so big. She's going to kindergarten in the fall. She cracks me right up.

She should be in a horror movie. B and I already have her pegged as a future thespian.

Baby Hudson

My cousin Heather and her daughter, Paisley.

Of the 100+ pics I uploaded from our vacation, I am in a whopping two. That's not giving me much room to choose a "good" picture, so this semi-okay one is going to have to do. Just as proof that I was actually there.

Happy Tuesday!

I heart summer.

2011-06-09T23:32:00.000-04:00

Summer days are so fulfilling. We are so together. And so busy. And so consumed with life. Yet everything is so relaxed. I love it.

We spent the much of the morning moving everything out of the upstairs, removing doors, and taping off vents. B started sanding this afternoon and made it through the first sanding with little difficulty. And, bless his heart, he's working upstairs in easily 100 degree temperatures. But he looks so dang cute doing it :)

Since we're not unfamiliar with this whole remodel bit, we've actually become fairly tolerant of displaced furniture and accessories that we have to accommodate for the duration of our renovations. It actually creates some unique little spaces in our home that wouldn't exist otherwise. And since it's only temporary, it's kinda charming.

The living room with the addition of the rocker from Becks' nursery and our cheapo Ikea mini-couch/sleeper which I'm comfortably blogging from right now :)

Our bedroom with the addition of Becks' dresser and his crib mattress. He's all cozied up with us for the next couple of days on his little floor palette.

The view from my bed, accented with the doors from upstairs.

Anyway, while B was sanding, Becks and I busied ourselves with finger painting, and it was about twelve kinds of fun.

Apparently, sticking his tongue out is all part of the creative genius.

Then, we carried our creativity outdoors where we blew bubbles and chalked up the driveway.

Obviously, I enjoy chalking quite a bit. Probably more than Becks.

And, for the record, here's our end-of-the-day-freshly-sanded-pine pics - or, proof that we're actually accomplishing something in a timely manner pics ;)

The End.

TGIalmostF!

Becks' Big Boy Bedroom Take One

2011-06-08T22:37:00.000-04:00

Beckham will be three on June 27th. Three! Cah-to-the-razy. I will probably talk about this fact a lot in the next several weeks.

Anyway, though he has never tried to escape from his crib, we collectively decided that an upgrade was necessary and immenent. In my perfect world, he will have a Big Boy bedroom by his birthday. In reality, and considering our track record (i.e. 5 month kitchen-remodel), it could take longer. We shall see.

I don't know that I've ever taken you on an upstairs tour. {But maybe I have. This blog is almost three years old, too, so since we're almost 800 posts deep I'm not certain that I haven't visited up there before.} We live in a 60-something-year-old traditional Cape Cod, with a steep stairway leading to the upstairs bedroom and a half. When Becks was first born, he slept in the half and we slept in the bedroom. You can't call the half a "real" bedroom because the stairs open right into it. {Sidenote: Before we add to the Babbling family, we will put up a wall to make it into an actual bedroom.}

Becks was a little over a year when we decided to move him into the actual upstairs bedroom and move our bedroom downstairs. Ever since, he's lacked a defined space, and his bedroom was more of just a crib and toys and random stuff. Nothing picture-worthy.

The first step in this hopefully-not-too-long process was to move everything out of his bedroom and into the loft, pull up the carpet and padding and remove several feet worth of tack strip, and about a gobzillion staples, with the ultimate goal of refinishing the exisiting hardwood floors found underneath.

Shoo. That was a run-on sentence if there ever was one! Continuing...

Here's the before shots which will also show the flow of the upstairs much better than I can describe it!

Looking through doorway into Becks' room.

Corner of room shot. Note those super fancy pink knobs. So totally can't wait to get rid of those, especially since one's already missing.

Opposite corner of room shot.

Current view of the loft, piled high with stuff from Becks' room and random decor items.

View from loft looking at doorway to Becks' room.

Becks' room without carpet.

The existing hardwood floors are in good enough condition to qualify them for refinishing, and since this is a project that B's tackled before (read all about that starting HERE and proceeding for many posts after!), we're confident that a smaller space, combined with pine planks instead of oak will ultimately lead to a quick job. {Remember, I'm an idealist.}

So, wish us luck as we head to The Depot tomorrow morning to pick up the ol' sander. After we try our hand at another marriage strengthener, of course. We like to call this one: moving furniture down a narrow set of stairs. It's going to be fun!!!! Especially since I have the upper body strength of an earthworm.

:)

Our life in pictures lately...

2011-06-07T21:07:00.001-04:00

I just don't think I could possibly catch up {quickly} to all that our life has been lately. So I'm just going to show the odd pic. Or twelve.

It's been a fun life to live, as opposed to blog about :)

There's been cars to repair...

And first-of-the-year diving board jumps to make...

And baby showers to throw...

These are my girls. My Donovan Hall/ADPi Housemates. My forever friends. Dr.B {in the middle} is having little Ethan in August. Can't wait.

There's been bouncy houses to bounce in...

And snow cones to slurp...

And new cousins to meet...

Mimi and Nana M. I thought this pic was too cute!

There's been goggles to wear. When not swimming, of course...

And time with my B well spent...

And this is only, most thankfully, the start of a very rich summer indeed.

Happy, happy Tuesday to you!

{ Sunspiration }

2011-06-05T23:22:00.000-04:00

May was a bad month for blogging. I'm aware. It was an unannounced no-motivation-May. Forgive.

But, now it's June! and June is just full of inspiration and sunshine and I'm going to have to find some motivation somewhere since I have less than 70 days to accomplish about a dozen home improvement projects, vacations, kid-friendly activities, school-related ventures, and two grad school classes. Yippee!

So, to kick off my summer break, which officially began last Thursday around 1:30pm (amen, halleluia, PTL!), here are my lofty goals for the next three months...

Let's review...

1. Eat popsicles in the park. And maybe share with strangers. Safe-looking strangers, of course.

2. Rig up the ol' Big Boy bedroom. Y'all know I'm going to have a three-year-old at the end of this month, right? Gah!

3. Take an impromptu road trip. This is sooooo up my alley. But not necessarily B's, so it might have to be a slightly pre-planned road trip just so I don't freak him out.

4. Run {almost} every day. So far, so good. So long as I continue to get up when it's still cool, not rainy, and Becks is sleeping. Otherwise, no dice. Rainy weather or too hot weather usually dissuades me, but I'm going to try to persevere...

5. Paint lots of things. The list of things that I want to paint is absolutely daunting. From mirrors to walls to hardwood floors to everything in between. Not even kidding.

6. Have a yard sale. Mainly so I can support my summer yard-saling habit.

7. Host a banana split part. I wonder who will come?

8. Aim for 1 date night a month. Because we've officially been married for 5-years (May 28th if you wanted to know), thereby qualifying us as oldy-weds. We need to keep it spicy.

9. Make homemade lemonade. Yum.

10. Learn to take better pictures. Or find friends who can teach me to take better pictures.

11. Make a new friend. Who doesn't want more friends?!

12. Read 2 novels. It should be noted that this is one less than I aimed for last year. Which is still on the high side since I only made it through 1 last year (The Last Song). And Summer Sisters isn't allowed to count towards my goal because, of course, I'm already reading it as my annual kick-off to summer beach read.

13. Take Becks to a fair. I'm thinking of the state variety because I hear the fried food is out. of. control. Bonus points if they have fried pickles, which are about 12 kinds of amazing in case you've never had the privilege.

14. Pick berries on a farm. Blue, black, rasp - I don't care. So long as it's a berry and I can eat it, it counts.

15. See a live band. Preferably on one of the aforementioned date nights.

16. Make a "plan" for the bathroom remodel. The kitchen's been done for less than a month and I already have the itch. What's wrong with me?

17. Do lots of art projects. Can't even wait.

18. Host a sleepover for the cousins. Becks, Soph, and Sutton would have a blast. Let's pick a date, Chels!

19. Make a picture wall. If you could only imagine the number of undeveloped images on my computer just dying to be processed. Combine that with my naked walls and I think we've got a winning project on our hands.

20. Plan and execute a block part with the committee. L, this is the official written notice that we *ARE* doing this!!!!!

What are your summer plans???

Mini-Milestone

2011-05-26T22:28:00.000-04:00

My pumpkin pie finished his first year of pre-school today.

First Day of School - September 2010

A whole school year gone in a flash. And while my days in first grade are d-r-a-g-g-i-n-g by, it seems 12 kinds of crazy that my baby boy is moving to the "big kids'" class next year. No really, that's what his teacher wrote in a note to us: I look forward to seeing Beckham in the hall next year in the big kids' class.

Big kid?! What?!

It's true. Every bit of baby is gone. No more pacifiers, diapers, or onesies. All that's left is this amazing little kid who charms our pants off with his sweet little personality and hilarious conversations. I can't think of one right now, but we're always laughing. With him and at him :)

Also, he's an *extreme* stinker, keeping us on our toes at all times.

When he walked into his end-of-the-year program with his class, he immediately made eye-contact with me manning the camera {of course} and would not smile at me!

He struggled to keep it in for awhile, until he finally gave in and let us have a little grin.

And then he started performing.

He's singing the "I love yooooooou!" part of Skidamarink. I felt like a mommy superstar since he was pointing to me!

Love him.

This is when he recognized that the rest of our family was seated in a pew behind me. Cute!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, friends!

We built this marriage on rock-and-roll. Or hinge side Z-bars.

2011-05-23T21:23:00.000-04:00

I have about a bazillion and seven things that I could post about tonight. But, I'm super sick of writing listy-like posts, so I think I'm going to tell you all about the *free* marriage "retreat" B and I had this weekend.

Also known as: we installed a new glass door together yesterday. From 2pm to 10pm. And, it technically cost $102.82, but I'm going to nix that cost since we provided the labor ourselves (which would have started at $99 if Home Depot installed it). So, free. Right?

Anyway, I use the term retreat loosely because it didn't feel very retreaty when I had to walk inside and leave B outside reading about the dang hinge side of the Z-bar because otherwise we were going to cause a dang scene standing on the deck "discussing" it. And when we were discussing it, I can promise you that words like dang and gee golly were not our choice words. Especially when we realized we installed the stupid hinge side of the Z-bar on the wrong dang side.

It wasn't our best moment.

However, the retreaty part of the whole process was that we spent 8 straight hours together, in the sun, working together to accomplish something. And we came out stronger in the end. I may have asked for several corny high-fives and maybe even a chest-bump after we finished. Because it felt 12 kinds of awesome to walk in and out of that door knowing that we, Super B & Super Abby, installed that bad boy ourselves.

Take that hinge side Z-bar. *chest bump*

I have no picture of this feat, but what I do have is my new hair. My new pink hair. Because I thought it would be totally fun to have a little pink hair mixed in on the underside of my regular highlight for this summer. I kinda love it.

The quality of this pic is no good. But neither is my ability to take a self-portrait. Forgive.

Happy, happy Monday. From your resident Jem and the Holograms blogger ;)

{What I Love Wednesday}

2011-05-18T22:50:00.000-04:00

Jergen's Sunless Tanning Foam.

This stuff works just like the sun with zero chance of skin cancer. Also, cheaper than a spray tan (thumbs up), but smells just the same (thumbs down).

This kid.

Omiword, his chop-diggities (or teeth, if you'd rather) crack me up every time I see that sweet little smile.

Naturally Nora Chocolate Cupakes.

Oh. My. YUM.

A full week free of plumbing issues.

Paying our plumber's monthly salary in three weeks was enough. More than enough.

The weekend forecast.

Full of sun and yard sales. Ahhhhhh.

Super cutie & super cheap owl earrings.

C/O Walmart. For $4.88. Loves.

Assemblies.

I'll take one every day for the rest of the school year. Anything to pass the time.

Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara.

Love, love, and LOVE this stuff.

Happy Wednesday, y'all!!!

{Link up with Jamie to play along!}

It's Tuesday. And it's random.

2011-05-17T16:17:00.001-04:00

1. Somewhere in my house right now there is a lump of playdoh just waiting to be squashed into the carpet, smudged into a piece of furniture, or stomped beneath someone's feet. I just have no idea where it is.

2. I am off today for election primaries. Becks went to school and B is working. This means I had FOUR glorious, guilt-free, kid-free, husband-free hours today TO MYSELF. It was sublime.

3. I found an amazing round mirror at TJMaxx made from rolled magazine pages, clearanced for ten bucks. Totally bought it.

4. A lesson in thrifting: Pick up a few old volumes of Reader's Digest novels. You will not be disappointed. Because the vintage patterns on these little friends are to die for. I have no idea what to do with them, besides stack them or prop them underneath something, but when I figure it out I'll let you know. {Also note my absolutely *favorite* novel on the bottom of the stack. My sister admitted to selling off my original paperback, so I just had to buy this one for $1. If you've never read Summer Sisters by Judy Blume, I totally and completely recommend it for the beach this summer. I bet I've read it a half dozen times. Loves it.}

For the record, the bananas in the background of this pic did finally make their way to the garbage.

5. A lesson in Target: They're selling Calypso St. Barth goodies right now, and this little silver hurricane is so totally worth $7.99. When you put a tea light inside, it's like magic with little rays of light peeking out of all those tiny holes.

6. A lesson in bedhead: Just throw a damp washcloth on it, let sit, take picture, comb and voila! no more bedhead!

7. A lesson in plumbing: do not flush baby wipes down the toilet. A bad, expensive, disgusting, embarrassing idea. Also, that snake pulled out three random golfballs.

8. I'm out of lessons.

9. It's rainy and gloomy for the 276th day straight.

10. I haven't painted or hung my thrifted mirror yet, so Becks has taken to using it for entertainment.

Happy, happy Tuesday blog world!

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T22:38:00.000-04:00

Some battles just aren't worth fighting...

...especially if it means I get to thrift in peace.

{Becks is behind that umbrella, seated pleased as a peach in his stroller. You do what you've got to do sometimes.}

It could always be worse. Right?

2011-05-09T21:55:00.000-04:00

So. We have had some plumbing issues as of late. As in, all the plumbing in our house is causing us twelve kinds of drama. And when I say all, I truly mean all. The kitchen sink? Yup. The indoor drain? Check. The outdoor drain? Uh huh. The toilet. But of course. The shower? Mmmm hmmm. Oh wait. The water heater, too.

I am not even kidding you. Every stinkin' bit of plumbing-related equipment in our house is having issues. It's lots of fun. Especially for the checkbook. And occasionally the plunger. To put it in perspective - take your mortgage, multiply it by three, and you'll get an idea of how much richer our local plumber is. Oy.

Needless to say, I'm kind of over it. When I was talking to my mom about it tonight, I just had to break into a slap-happy giggle because seriously?! SERIOUSLY. It's out of control. And also the product of living in an older home.

The good news is that nothing has been ruined (despite the 27,000 inches or rain in the past month and a thrice flooded basement), and there has been no sewage involved. At least not yet.

Hold up.

Running to knock on some wood.

I just figure that one day when we're older, B and I will look back and reflect on the year that our money went down the drain {pun completely intended} and how comical it was that everything went wrong within a months time of each other. You know, as if we'd not invested enough into our aging home lately with the kitchen remodel and the addition of the deck. Figures.

There is really no moral to this story (or pictures). And it's not really a complaint. Just a fact of life. One of the adult things we have to deal with. Like filing taxes or renewing car tags. Completely obnoxious, yet completely necessary.

And also just goes to show you that life is what happens when you're busy making other plans :)

Sunshine on my Shoulders. {Finally}

2011-05-08T21:26:00.000-04:00

My word, this sunny weekend was just what I needed. Mostly so I can return to my usual chipper-self, but also so I can quit smelling like fake tan foam. {Don't believe it when the can says "odor free." I've been smelling myself for a week now, and I smell like I'm freshly spray tanned every day. Sorry if you had to sit next to me in church today.}

Anyway, warm weather means that my favorite season has returned: yard sale season! And, boy did I score some good loot yesterday. First off is this fantastic, blue dresser that I'm going to repaint and put in Becks' big boy room sometime this summer.

How much? Ten buckaroos!!!! Loves it.

I should wholly admit to you that I am an optimistic upcycler, as evidenced by the mound of "things to be painted" in the basement that's accumulated everything from furniture pieces, to baskets, to frames. And as if my current pile wasn't enough, I found this *12 kinds of amazing* mirror at the same yardsale and could not say no. Especially when the former owner let me talk her down from $15 to $12. Gotta love the ability to bargain. I plan to paint it white. Eventually.

And this little darling was found at the same spot for a buck. Apothocary jars just speak to me, so I couldn't pass 'im up. {Seated next to the apothocary jar is the squat, little lantern that Becks picked out for Mother's Day for me - for your new kitchen, he explained :) So totally precious.}

Then there was my tuck-n-run (a deal so good you better escape before the owner realizes it and changes the price), as Raechel would call it over at Finding My Feet. It was a Cooshee Seat for $5! These babies are around $40 retail, and my MIL just bought one earlier in the week for Becks to use at her house (he has one at our house already). I was so pumped!

I decided to keep all the guess work out of what I might want for Mother's Day this year, and told B that I wanted to go out on a date. We ate at Mitchell's and then went to see Water for Elephants, which was soooo good. I mean, two words: Robert. Pattinson. But the storyline was great, too! {FYI: I have not read the book.}

Today, we spent time with both of our mothers, and spent lots and lots of time outside.

'Scuse the squinky eyes. That's the sun's-in-my-face face.

Omiword, I love these two!

The sunny weather and warm temperatures even encouraged me to lace up my neglected running shoes and go for a jog. Besides the fact that my legs feel a little jello-y, it was a great run. Even more so because I listened to this amazing band...

Per my sissy's recommendation, I downloaded their album Sigh No More and totally love it. To say that they are a mix of celtic-bluegrass-Dave-Matthews-Band is totally spot on!

And now, I'm going to tend to my unkempt house. Because who has time to clean during a weekend like this?

Happy Sunday!

Random on a Wednesday.

2011-05-04T22:48:00.000-04:00

1. There are 18 days of school remaining. I think I'm going to make it. That's not to say I'll be completely sane come June, though.

2. Becks is successfully potty training himself. I chalk it up to the disappearing spaceship on the Toy Story pull-ups. No two-year-old wants the spaceship to "fly away."

3. Sometimes, we will occasionally throw out a Can I get a hottub?! from the State Farm commercial. Just randomly.

4. I haven't couponed successfully in a long, long time.

5. No light fixtures in the kitchen still. But that doesn't mean I don't love it. I love, love, love, LOVE it. Desipte it's lightlessness, it is a bright spot in my life when the temps are in the thirties and there is zero sun.

6. Shopping with preschoolers is for the birds. Which is why I bought an obscene amount of new clothes at Target on Saturday and promptly returned all but two tees. Dragging Becks to the dressing room to endure me scowling at outfit after outfit under those incandescent lights just isn't worth it. I'd rather scowl in my own mirror.

7. Are you as over leggings as I am? I have worn the heck out of mine since October, and I'm ready for sundress season. Typing that as the heat kicks on...

8. John Stamos as a bad guy on Law and Order just isn't right. He'll always be Uncle Jesse Katsopolis to me.

9. On that note, I always wanted to be like D.J. Tanner when I was like nine. Who wouldn't want Kimmie Gibler as a best friend?

10. The other day, I was randomly thinking - no lie - can I still name the main characters on Saved by the Bell. The answer? Of course. Zack Morris, AC Slater, Screech Powers, Kelly Kapowski, Jessie Spano, & Lisa Turtle. Kinda makes you want to go grab a burger at The Maxx, huh? Or at least reenact the I'm so excited! scene...

What's the deal?

2011-05-02T21:32:00.000-04:00

The deal is I really don't have a deal. I've just been about twelve kinds of busy. I think? Or just rather uninspired and wrapped up in life. Or drowned in rain. Since, seriously, the sun only shines for about ten minutes before B's clamoring around in the basement, rigging up some contraption to catch rainwater to prevent it from flooding the lower level of our home. This has been the story of our lives here for going on two months and I'M OVER IT. The musty basement smell just really isn't doing it for me anymore. Also, sun might inspire me and help me shake the blah-bliggity-blahs.

In other news, we took Becks to meet his idol yesterday. Dude was huge. I, personally, couldn't care less about autographs or collectibles or boy things like that. But, I am the momma of boy child and figure I might as well get used to doing boy things like waiting in line for an hour to meet Josh Harrellson. And, yes, he was wearing jorts. Love it. Between autographing and picture-taking, he would stop and glance over at the TV that was replaying the UK/WVU game. Hilarious. He was super nice, in case you're wondering.

All that fanfare wore him right out! It was short-lived, though. Fifteen minutes, tops!

Beck and his Uncle Patrick. I don't even want to tell you how much I spent on unplayable basketballs yesterday!

Happy Monday, friends!

Easter Outtakes!

2011-04-25T19:05:00.000-04:00

We can't manange the snazzy Easter photo ops that I envision. So, we'll settle for a couple of cute outtakes!

This is the "smile!" face we get these days. I'll take it.

SophDogg & Aubrea at church

This is our little dapper dude, rocking out the seersucker suit for the second year {though it fits a heckuva lot better than it did last year!}. I bought it *new with tags* last year at a thrift store, and figured we might as well get some wear out of it :)

I kinda looooove the red Chucks!

Can you tell what a stinker he is these days?! I mean, he would not stand close to us and kept doing these silly little leg moves. Cooperative? NO. Entertaining. Oh, yes.

Okay. I kinda looooooove this pic, too! B and I never take candids like this, and I'm so thankful that Aunt Aubs snapped it! Totally a framer!

And here's the cousins checking out their loot after egg hunting in Nana and Papa's basement. Darn you rain. Also, this was the last time we saw them quiet the entire time we were there! They're quite the trio!

Any Easter outtakes you want to share? I'd love to see them!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T23:02:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter, y'all! I hope you had an enjoyable weekend, and made it out to celebrate our Savior's resurrection. After great worship and sermon, our church ended the service with cardboard testimonies from many members in our church. {Cardboard testimonies are when people write their hardship on one side of a piece of cardboard and then flip it over to reveal how God intervened. So cool! Google it to see many examples on YouTube.}

There were so many amazing testimonies, and it was so inspiring to see so many respected people publically display their insecurities, trials, inadequacies, and disappointments and then reveal that through their faith they were redeemed through Him. I. Was. Crying. Especially when my parents took the stage {my sisters and I had no idea they were doing this}.

My mom's is the top and my dad's is the bottom.

{Backstory #1: The summer after my sophomore year of college, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a scary time for us all, but my mom battled it with chemo and radiation, and by the grace of God, came out a survivor. We have a very strong history of breast cancer in my family on my mom's side - great grandma, great aunt, grandma, and 2 of my mom's sisters. I told B when we got married not to get too attached, if you know what I mean ;) But in all seriousness, my mom is about *12 kinds* of amazing and I had no doubt she'd triumph. Above all, though, it's amazing what He can do.}

{Backstory #2: My dad, a successful VP for a large coorporation, lost his job right before Christmas 2009. They waited until after the holidays to tell me and my sisters, not wanting to the situation to put a damper on the celebrating. Though none of us lived at home anymore, we're all very close and felt just awful for both of my parents. My mom had been a stay-at-home mom for over 20 years, and my dad wasn't near ready to retire. The insecurity was fear of the unknown was the worst part. But, fortunately, after months and months of praying for guidance, direction, and a job - stop the world - my dad is now successfully self-employed. A huge blessing.}

I hope y'all had a great day of rejoicing! He lives!

Tuesday, what?!

2011-04-19T22:32:00.000-04:00

Unbelievably, it's only Tuesday. Friday might as well be a million years away. It doesn't helped that it rained 497 inches today, thereby flooding our basement. Grrrrr.

But, the better news is that a new season of Sixteen and Pregnant is starting right now. And I realize how ridiculous it is that I continue to watch every episode, every season, but it's my weakness. That and Jersey Shore, and Diet Coke, of course. Which, by the way, I have attempted to quit drinking. Unsuccessfully. I sent out a desperate email yesterday to two fellow addicts at school and thank goodness they were supplied. Because the first day back after Spring Break required a little more than my patience.

In other news, I spent a large part of last week listening to my new favorite On Demand radio station. Sans the strange images they flash while playing all of my 90s favorites, I am totally loving jamming to Wilson Phillips and Oasis while I clean or bake.

Also, I went thrifting. And - stop the world - it was scratch-a-deal day. So, I got 50% off everything. Which convinced me to buy the Little Tikes picnic table I had my eye on the whole time I circled the store. Despite being lacquered in a ridiculous amount of crusty barbecue sauce, I just couldn't pass it up for five bucks. A little soapy water and magic eraser (love those, btw!), and it was good as new.

I also got these cutie sundresses. If only the sun would shine and I could actually wear them.

Also, continuing with my obsession with all things tank top I bought this flowery little number...

And...don't tell anyone...a maternity top! But I'm so totally wearing it now and I am anything but pregnant. {Explanation: It's an XS which is essentially an oxymoron when used with the term maternity. Come on, who is an XS while preggo?! Sure as heck not me!}

Here's to Tuesday, a new season of one of my guilty pleasure, and thrifted maternity tops! Happy mid-week, friends :)

A Momentous Day...

2011-04-18T21:56:00.000-04:00

First of all, I want you to imagine the feeling that you had when you were about seven and it was Christmas Eve and you were twelve kinds of excited about Santa Claus coming the next day. Now, add to that the excitement of meeting your firstborn child, the day you found out the New Kids on the Block tour was coming to your town, and multiply it by how you feel on double coupon day at Kroger.

And now you know how I felt all day at school anticipating coming home to a fully functional kitchen. It just about killed me that B and Becks were at home to witness it all. While my kididdles were taking a potty break, I may have snuck away to the lounge to call and check in on the progress.

But...before I show you the *new* pictures, let's revisit the kitchen in her 1970s glory. This pic was taken when I wrote THIS post about our vision to remodel her in 2009. Well, only two or so years later isn't that bad, right?

Also interesting = my attempt to disguise and embrace this bare wall with this little collection...

{Please note that linoleum. I just gagged a little thinking about it. However, if you'd like a relic, I'm sure I could salvage you a scrap from the pile hanging out by the garage. Lemme know.}

And now DA DA DA....

I'm pretty sure we quadrupled the counterspace and tripled the cabinet/drawer space. I am in love. I am thinking I might roll out a sleeping bag in there on the floor tonight.

Now, I do have to let you know that there are still some minor things to take care of - like replacing outlet covers and switches, patching, touch-up painting, hanging wooden blinds, and laying a few more feet of toe strip. And then there's the lighting. We cannot find anything we like. So we're holding out and just plugging in lamps for right now.

And of course the decorating. I staged it a little for the pictures, but can't wait to hit up Homegoods and Target ASAP!

Also, in case you wondered how I knew what kind of sink I wanted {because I'm sure pressing issues like that just plague your thoughts at night}, my only qualification was that it had to be big enough to bathe a baby in. Because, sadly enough, I never bathed Becks in the old sink because it a) didn't hold water and b) was kinda scuzzy. So, tonight I made up for lost time and inagurated the sink with a bath for my baby!

And then I loaded the dishwasher and did a little dance around the house. I also kissed B about 25 times and told him how proud I was of all his hard work.

Happy, happy Monday!

A Sad Day...

2011-04-17T21:37:00.000-04:00

Aw. So sad. It's the last night I will wash dishes in the bathtub :(

And the last night I will use my pseudo-countertop made out of cardboard :(

And the last night I will prepare dinner in a room that's not the kitchen :(

But I guess I'll try to be happy that when I get home tomorrow from my first day back after Spring break I WILL MEET CORY!!!!

And I will do dishes IN A DISHWASHER. For the first time in FOUR MONTHS.

Ahhh, I think tomorrow will be a great day. I'm pretty sure I won't be too sad.

I think I will post an entire post with pictures and exclamation marks tomorrow. Be prepared!!!!

* * * * *

In other news, Spring Break is O to the VER. So I say: Let the countdown begin! Wahoo!

Have a great start to the new week bloggy friends. T-minus 31 school days until I can go all Alice Cooper on you and sing Schooooool's out for the summa'!

Very Important Things.

2011-04-13T08:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, while at the grocery, I decided two very important things:

a) I do not like one way parking lanes. It really complicates things when I spy a good spot, usually right next to the cart return, but because I can't go down the up or up the down someone else zooms right in and I miss it. Darn.

b) Shopping carts should have parking brakes. Especially the hybrid ones that are part-cart and part-automobile. Because do you have any idea how difficult it is to keep that behemoth from rolling into traffic when it's full of groceries and your kiddo and you're trying to unload it in a windstorm on in incline? Not an easy task, but my ab muscles are better for it.

Yesterday, while making dinner, I decided two other very important things:

a) I have missed cooking for my family over the past four months. At one point, I actually felt myself getting a little teary thinking about how proud I was that B's hard work made it possible, and how thankful I am to have food to eat and a family to cook for. That is really a very sappy thing, but you never know how much you appreciate all of that until your back aches from washing dishes in the bathtub or you look at your dinner plate and praise God that not one thing on it came from a box.

b) I love my boys more and more everyday. Watching them grill out together - while hosting an impromptu soccer game on our new deck - is just precious.

This weekend, while at the lake, I decided two other ver important things:

a) There is a lot of value in doing nothing. And it's underrated and underappreciated. I need to do nothing more often.

b) Family is the biggest blessing. Ever.

Yesterday, while reviewing blog comments, I decided two other very important things:

a) I love my readers! Thanks to Jocelyn, I have ordered the supercutie print below for my new kitchen:

And thanks to one of my teacher bloggy friends, I can also print out my very own Diet Coke sign from Thirty Handmade Days! Go HERE to check out this great print! {Please tell me which of you sent this link to me yesterday - there were 4 different blogs on the profile, so I couldn't figure out which one of you it was!!!! Many thanks!}

b) Obviously, I have a severe addiction to Diet Coke and everyone knows about it! Ha!

Well, I'm getting the I wanna hold you, mommy! call, so I'm off to get Becks up for another great Spring Break day!

And we're home.

2011-04-11T23:10:00.000-04:00

We've been busy learning to whistle...

digging for worms...

repairing scooters...

and enjoying cocktail hour. Well, some of us have been enjoying cocktail hour.

I'll be back with more from our Lakehouse weekend soon! Happy, happy Monday!

{PS. Yes, Becks has an enormous boo-boo on his head. I will explain later.}

{PSS. I am a twelve kinds of behind on responding to email! I'm on Spring Break, so I'll be in touch soon!}

Twenty Things About Us.

2011-04-06T21:53:00.000-04:00

Just a little look at me and B...

1. We are messy basement people. We're forever flawed.

2. We only have one couch and we both share it when watching TV at night. The alternative is the floor, so we squirm uncomfortably at opposite ends for the first 5-minutes until one of us dramatically gives in and positions our legs on the outside.

3. We have really good conversations on long car rides.

4. We don't always like each other. But, we always love each other :)

5. We don't go to bed at the same time. I always go first. B rolls into bed anywhere from 1-4 hours later (after he's fallen asleep on the couch for a bit). It drives me crazy.

6. We endure each other's TV show addictions. B could discuss Snooki and Jennelle, and I could tell you what a rivermonster is and the most recent Castle drama. It's called compromise.

7. I talk a lot. B talks less. However, we're both loud.

8. We never fight about money. I thank God and Financial Peace University. Before you marry, I highly recommend FPU or some other financial planning class.

9. We *love* to take walks when the weather is warm.

10. B drinks lots of milk. I drink lots of Diet Coke. It could be worse.

11. We often do the exact same task differently. And that can really drive us crazy. We're still learning how to cope with this :)

12. B is one year older than me. We're high school sweethearts.

13. B is really good at fixing things. Which is good when I blow a fuse three times in a row at 6am and have to wake him up to turn the electric back on. I like to keep him on his toes.

14. I'm a Big Mac kinda girl, B's a Quarter-Pounder-with-Cheese kinda guy.

15. Drinking coffee together on the weekends is one of our favorite pasttimes.

16. We've decided we want to take Becks on a vacation before we add another bambino to the family.

17. Our shared love of the Dave Matthews Band bonds us.

18. We race to pick up Beckham from the nursery at church. B has even been known to steal the pager off of my purse without me knowing it, so he can sign him out before I can.

19. We're totally BFFs.

20. We both agree that doing laundry is - by far - the worst household chore to do.

Happy Wednesday!

It's Sunday. And it's random.

2011-04-03T22:58:00.000-04:00

Well. UK lost. So, I'll just go ahead and get that off my chest. But I certainly won't promise that you won't continue to see Becks in his Wildcat gear because he requests it every stinkin' day without fail. Even to sleep in. So, though basketball season is over, he will continue to be sporting the big blue.

In other news, I think my mind is already on Spring Break (which doesn't officially start until 3:26pm on Friday)...

Case in Point(s):

- I inadvertantly peed in the men's bathroom at Applebees the other day, and only realized it when I walked out of the stall and saw a urinal. Also, the smell was putrid. Boys are gross. Embarrased, I ran out and washed my hands in the girl's restroom and omiword, thank goodness no one else noticed.

- We grilled out tonight and didn't eat until almost 8:30pm. But it was well worth it. And Becks was in a good mood despite the late burger, so he stayed up utnil 9:30. I didn't mind one bit.

- I wore my Rainbows out for the first time this season. I can't convince my feet to wear anything else.

- I've worn a tank top of some sort every day for the past week. Even when there were flurries in the forecast. With a sweater, of course.

- The windows were open today and my house smells delicious. It makes me long for long for other spring smells, like fresh-cut grass and sunscreen. Yum.

- The end of Spring Break means one thing: CORIAN COUNTERTOPS. April 18th, I love you. As does my sanity.

And, now for some pics for the babybook...

Have a great week, friends! T-minus 5 days until I'm on Spring Break!!!! Wahooooooo!!!!!

Boooooring.

2011-03-30T21:48:00.000-04:00

I am really very blah lately. I blame it on the weather. Or work. We might as well throw the kitchen remodel in there, too. (Just because I'm looking for a scapegoat to mask the real truth: PMS. Hmph.)

The good news is that Spring Break is nine days away. And I'm hoping to stage a little intervention. It would also be helpful if God would send sunshine and 70 degree temps to the Bluegrass State, too.

My intervention will include several trips - to the Lakehouse, to Target, to Starbucks, and to Goodwill. Because finding a treasure while thrifting always cheers me up, preferably with a latte in hand.

My intervention will also include me and Cory the Corian. In the same room. Cooking together. Working together. Laughing about how it was all worth it in the end, and how I will never eat another boxed meal as long as we both shall live, amen. I will swear off Healthy Choices forever, and promise to make homemade goods for life.

She likes lattes, too.

However, that is not going to happen: a) because sometimes I'm lazy and Healthy Choices often taste pretty good (have you had the Asian Potstickers?! YUM) and b) the Depot is taking their precious time setting up the installation process.

If the kitchen's not complete, hopefully the deck will be. {Yup, that was a deck sketch a few posts back.} A girl can hope, right?

Well, like I said, I'm pretty boring-ish. So I'm off to eat my weight in ice cream :P

My Teacher Blog!

2011-03-28T20:40:00.002-04:00

Hi, sweet friends! It was brought to my attention recently that some of you may not be aware that I now post all teacher-related things exclusively at my teaching blog, The Inspired Apple. There you will find lots about life in first grade, school-related woes, links to fantastic educators, samples of Teachers Pay Teacher products, and, of course, free printables!

Click on the button below and it'll take you directly to my site!

{PS. Babbling Abby is about to undergo a makeover in the near future! I'm just resorting to this old layout until the new one is ready :) Stay tuned...}

{PSS. OMIWORD! Y'all! I can see how you might *think* that "Dr.B" is my doctor...BUT she's in fact one of my nearest and dearest best friends who is a DENTIST! A doctor nonetheless, but not an OBGYN as I think I led many of you to believe!!!!! So sorry, but I AM NOT PREGNANT!!!!! However, SHE IS! And she's having a baby boy! Which was my other "best news" - but lots of our mutual friends frequent this blog and I didn't want to go sharing her news until she had the chance to! She tells me it's on Facebook now, so I can share away! Ha!}

Good, Better, Best!

2011-03-27T21:19:00.001-04:00

Hey, ya'll! This post is full of !!!!! so be prepared!!! {see?!} The good news is that we have a functioning range, microwave, and knobs on drawers and cabinets!

Our first dinner - if you can call it that - cooked on our stove since December!!!

Our dinner choice?

Grilled cheese! It had to stay simple since the kitchen is not fully functioning. No dishwasher or sink means no-mess meals for now. Anything's better than boxed, I'll tell you that much!

The better news is that I finally picked out some countertops, and the Depot was running a 10% off countertops special, combined with a free upgraded edge, and a free sink! Sign me up! {We really hemmed and hawed about choosing a countertop, and up until yesterday we were going to go with stock coutertop. So glad we didn't! I love what we chose!}

I went with Platinum by Corian. We also got a *free* Glacier White seamless Corian sink. Perfect for sweeping crumbs directly into from my new counters! {It's amazing what things thrill me these days!}

And the *best* news is that UK is going to the Final Four!!! So stinkin' excited! I even woke up early to wash all our UK garb so that we could re-wear the exact outfits we wore when they won on Friday night to OSU! My throat is raw from screaming! {There is other *best* news but I don't want to go blabbing about it on the internet until someone (cough, Dr.B, cough) says I can!}

GO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The *worst* news is that BLogger is MAJORLY sucking it up right now. Picture uploading is NUTSO! I apologize for any ridiculously large page breaks/spacing. It's not my fault!!!

Aaaaaahhhhhhh!

2011-03-26T08:52:00.000-04:00

C-A-T-S! Cats, cats, cats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My first grade team! I'm going to make sure we all wear the exact same outfits tomorrow when we play NC!!!!

Just a few words...

2011-03-24T22:54:00.000-04:00

...to explain that yes, those are flower planters he's wearing.

Officially IRL.

2011-03-23T22:32:00.000-04:00

So, how super pumped was I when Mama Perks emailed me and said she was going to be travelling through my neck of the woods and she wanted to have a real, live bloggy friend meet-up?! Um, totally super pumped!

She stopped in on Saturday with her two precious boys, Henry and Marshall. And what pumpkins they were! Henry was just the perfect angel of a child and Marsh slept almost the whole time. We ate lunch, finished watching the UK game, went shopping, and - of course - talked and talked talked! And, nope, we'd never met before! In about .5 seconds it was as if we'd been friends for years! Ironically enough, we did go to college together at the UofK, but never remember running into each other (which is quite possible with a ginormous student population). Before taking our status to IRL {ha!}, we had this sweet girl as a mutual friend :)

Anyway, the bottom line is that Lindsey is pretty much darling and we're already making plans to meet again! Maybe in C-bus to take the boys to COSI :)

And, of course, we had to snap some pics for the blog!

I heart this pic - Henry is thinking What is he doing?! I'm trying to eat my fries! and Becks is making that awkward smile face. Ha!

Baby Marsh smiled at me. Swoon!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Weekend Perks

2011-03-20T21:32:00.001-04:00

This weekend had so many "perks" I can't even stand it! Let me count the ways...

1. UK is in the Sweet Sixteen. Amen.

2. Today is the first day of Spring 2011.

I echo his sentiments.

3. I had a three-day weekend.

4. I painted my tootsies the most gorgeous shade of Pink Diamond by Essie. Love.

5. Um. Do I even need words to tell you about this? {I will say that I contemplated posting from the floor of the soon-to-be kitchen just so I could admire their hard work. B and Mike, I LOVE YOU!} I can finally see the ~~stove~~ ~~sink~~ ~~countertops~~ ~~microwave~~ ~~dishwasher~~ light at the end of the tunnel.

Refridgerator will go up against wall on left. Dishwasher will go next to that. Sink will be installed under window.

Same shot, different angle.

Microwave will be installed underneath middle cab. Oven will be centered beneath that. Two cabinets will sandwich the oven (yet to be installed).

6. The caketress, my mom, sent over six oversized cupcakes which did not help at all with the I-need-to-get-in-shape-for-my-10-year-reunion diet.

7. I went to the Gap Clearance Center with a very Perky friend. I found this super cutie elephant shirt el cheapo.

Papa K, he's totally pointing out deer prints here. Aren't you proud?!

8. About that Perky friend {which requires an entirely separate post} - she has a Perky {also extremely cute AND well-behaved} kid that looks like this:

Oh ma word, those eyes!!!!

9. We're in the process of another home improvement. Very early stages. But exciting {for us!} nonetheless.

10. I didn't go to school once. Second weekend in a row! I'll be accepting pats on the back all night.

Happy Sunday! I have three long, full weeks ahead of me until Spring Break. Uggggggh!

Happy St. Pat's/NCAA Tourney Day!

2011-03-17T22:56:00.000-04:00

I just really think this picture sums up my whole day...

Our local convenience store gives away free green ice cream, Icees, and coffee on St. Pat's Day. And who am I to pass up free?

Also, UK won against Princeton! Yay! Becks wore this UK ensemble to school today, and would live in it if we'd let him - his "basketball uniform," he calls it. B said Becks was so proud of it that he kept trying to draw attention to his shirt once he took his jacket off at school. Cracks me right up.

And the sun was shining. And it was warm. Finally.

Is it a full moon?

2011-03-14T22:31:00.000-04:00

Crazy things are happening.

First, my hardwood is almost installed. Cah-razy.

Secondly, he chose Emily?!?! The Bachelor never chooses the girl I want him to, so I was floored when he picked the darling little southern miss. Who, by the way, I think is just adorable. I hope they last.

Thirdly, my husband - without any prompting - just opened a bottle of wine and handed me a glass. Two Buck Chuck if you must know. {Don't let me fool you - I am not a Trader Joe conoisseur, but this is the wine that all Trader Joe-ians profess as the best cheap wine. And I love me some cheap wine.}

Also, my kid is cute. But that's not just crazy. That cuteness is just a very normal part of our lives ;)

{Crazy things are also going on with my blog layout and design. Be patient! I'm working on it!}

About the weekend...

2011-03-13T17:34:00.000-04:00

Wow. It's amazing how much better life is when the sun is shining, your home is finally germ free, and you are literally up to your knees in pre-finished hardwood. {Do you see the knees I'm talking about?}

So, about this weekend...

- I woke up to this darling little bedheaded boy.

- I didn't go to school once.

- We almost missed church due to the time change. But then we made it in record time. And I wore my UK shirt proudly - with jeans and Ugg boots. {When you're certain you're going to take home the SEC title - as I was - then it is entirely okay to wear such a thing to church.}

- We spent a glorious morning at the park with my sister and her family. I can't believe how big they're all getting.

- B had beadhead and he wasn't even in his bed.

- Becks played outside, for about an hour, holding the halves of his fruit bar. He didn't take one single bite or put them down. Even when he was investigating a problem with his lawnmower.

- I went to Trader Joe's. And fell in love. It's not close to us, but I needed to ~~escape~~ get out of the house for a bit and grocery shop, so Becks and I made the trek. Their salsa alone was oh so worth it. After eating it with about half-a-bag of their Soy & Flax Seed chips, I just about broke out a straw to eat the rest. SO STINKIN' GOOD. Mmmmmmm.

- I also had a Diet Coke. Which tastes totally yummy with the aforementioned chips and salsa. I'm fairly certain it will be on tap in Heaven someday.

- I haven't cleaned my bedroom. Yet. It's on the agenda. I'm just not sure when. Straightening up the living room to livable condition was a feat in itself.

- Here's the pre-hardwood floor picture. I hope {no, pray} that I will be able to update this post later with a finished product to share!

And a different perspective of the room shown earlier {same sexy knees}. I'm telling you, this kitchen-remodel has taken over every room of the house. And occupies a large part of my nerves, too. If you need to strengthen your marriage to truly realize you can doing anything together, remodel a kitchen.

I hope your weekend was fulfilling and *12 kinds* of lovely!

So, how's the weather?

2011-03-10T21:43:00.000-05:00

Ugh. The weather.

I am so over the rain! I feel like it has been raining here for the past month. And then tonight it up and snows. Really, weather? REALLY?!

Anyway.

This past weekend we decided to combat the nasty rain with a trip to Barnes & Noble, which I intended to boast as this great, free activity. But I can't because there are many non-free temptations that I succumb to.

A) Thomas the Train lives there with his little train buddies. {FREE!}

B) There is a kid-sized stage perfect for jumping off of. {FREE! and aerobic!}

C) One word: escalator. We round-tripped it about, um, six times. {FREE!}

D) On-site Starbucks. So. Not. Free. Lunch was around $15. But the caprese panini was yumm-o.

{Sidenote: Don't tell anyone, but I am a Starbucks addict. Like...hmmm...3 times during the week? And maybe on Saturday mornings? And I don't skimp either. Hell-o, Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte! This is a far cry from my otherwise frugal self. Justification #1 - no adequate kitchen for making and preparing coffee. Justification #2 - it's right on the way work. I know. I need to stop.}

E) And then there's the books. I spent $38 on new books. With my Teacher Discount. I just walk around holding a huge stack during our trip, always putting half back and walking around trading this for that for about an hour.

I still think it's a great spot to visit if you're looking for a thrifty activity this weekend. Just don't bring cash. Or your debit card. Or even your purse.

Just bring one of these.

I love when Beck where his Shrek ears. He wears them with such confidence. I can only pray that he'll maintain it later in life. The confidence. Not the Shrek ears ;)

And your thermos of coffee from home :)

Celebrity Look-Alikes...

2011-03-08T21:46:00.001-05:00

When Becks was little, we were fairly certain he resembled Kramer from Seinfeld.

Fortunately, he outgrew this. Though his hair still looks pretty crazy in the morning.

Now, we think he looks more like Bonnie from Toy Story 3. And, really, she's like the cutest cartoon character I've ever seen. Do you see it?

It's the cheekers and the big, brown eyes. Maybe I will have a little girl that looks like Bonnie someday :)

Happy Tuesday!

Retail Therapy

2011-03-06T20:51:00.000-05:00

In order to recover from the cabin fever that resulted from being stuck inside our house for the past two weeks battling germ bugs and dust bunnies of all shapes and sizes, I decided that I needed to spend three hours yesterday experiencing life outside our kitchen-less home. {Do you like how I reminded you in that introduction sentence that a) we've all been sick for the past 2 weeks and b) that we don't have a functioning kitchen currently . . . as if you didn't already know.} So, I decided to go shopping. Alone. Two words: me. time.

So, anyway. Above all, it was a rather frustrating experience. Every pair of pants I tried on was either a size too big or a size too small, and of course they were out of that darn inbetween size that would fit me perfectly. The items that I wanted to be on sale weren't. And the skinny jeans were more like mom jeans. My butt looked HUGE. And that was just at Store #1.

The next store was even less satisfying, as nothing I tried on seemed to hang right or look right. When the sales person walked into the dressing room asking if a patron needed a room, I almost responded with: No. But, I do need about six more inches of fabric here. And a large glass of reisling. And maybe lights that don't make me look like a vampire. Thanks. Instead, I just stood in front of the mirror and poor lighting and tried to zip up the non-budging zipper, all while thinking: I just know this is my size! It wasn't. Then I popped a button on the top I was trying on. Boo.

I called B after Disappointment #2 and told him I was going to Goodwill, which I was fairly certain would cure all that ailed me. Cheap even. I found a cutie pink J.Crew skirt perfect for summer and a set of glass canisters for our *new* kitchen. They always run a 50% sale on Saturday, so I was sold. I waited in line only to examine the skirt more {stained} and then find out the entire store wasn't 50% off as it usually is. I returned everything. Did I mention it was raining? It was. Double boo.

So, I bought nothing. Even with a checking account padded with a tax return and I spent zero dollars.

Today, though, was redeeming. Because, mark my words: you can't go wrong with Target. Ever.

As if it wasn't enough to be a one one-stop-shop for my groceries, baby shower gift, and eternal supply of all things styrofoam, I also managed to find these little gems which made up for my Saturday shopping snafus.

Holy cuteness. Tank + blue stripes + ruffle = love. Please ignore my Bella-esque pallor. I told you I need sun something desperate.

And then there was you, sweet Cow Creamer. Because my new kitchen would need be complete without you pouring cream into my coffee. I know you will make everything taste better just because you are you. And you were $5.99. Love.

Here's to a fantastic flu-free week, $10 Target tanks, and cow creamers. Have a wonderful week, friends!

Today.

2011-03-03T20:32:00.000-05:00

While being home sick is no fun at all, it does have its perks. Like being able to get Becks up and spend some time with him before he left for school.

He has, quite possibly, the best bedhead ever. I like to call it little boy hair. I think B looks cute with little boy hair sometimes, too ;)

So, he ate his waffle, all snuggled up to me. Then, had a heart-to-heart with Gigi.

When he got home from school, he proudly displayed his Cat in the Hat hat he decorated. Only, he wore it backwards and more or less resembled Cheif Catinthehat instead. Cute nonetheless :)

* * * * * * * * * * *

It's probably not important to you that I'm posting a picture of my dinner. But, one day, when I'm eating homemade tomato soup from the stove in my new kitchen, I will take a second to remember how it was so worth months of microwaved meals. And then I will kiss my stove and dishwasher and kitchen sink and remember the day when I was eating microwaved tomato soup on a child-sized chair from IKEA on the floor in my living room. {I thought it might look more appealing if it was in black and white - but, no - it still looks like microwaved tomato soup with oyster crackers. To me at least.} Also, I've never made homemade tomato soup in my life, but I'm totally going to when the kitchen is done. Just because I can.

Tomorrow's Friday, I'm feeling better, and the weekend is less than 24 hours away. LOVE IT.

Could Spring Break just puh-lease get here?!

It's Wednesday. And it's random.

2011-03-02T21:41:00.000-05:00

1. These random posts are becoming a staple in my blogging life.

2. Why does advil work so much better for me than tylenol?

3. I tried the NetiPot again. Still unimpressed. I wonder if it would work better for just regular sinus issues than sinus issues as a result of the flu? Hmmm.

4. Not super impressed with the girlies on American Idol tonight. Except Lauren Alaina. And Pia. I kinda love them the best.

5. Have you been to ModCloth? Jamie totally turned me onto it. And I love her for it because now I can obsess over the gobzillions of dresses on this site. And omiword do you just want it to be spring so you can put on your favorite sundresses after looking at these beauties?!

Prairie in Bloom

Train Ticket

At Last We Pleat

All the Sage

6. Becks often answers our questions by saying Of course! It's really cute. He's so big.

7. B picked up our prefinished hardwood from Lumber Liquidators today. It has to sit in the house for 3 days to adjust to the house and the room humidity. This could mean that it will be installed this weekend - pending the health of my favorite DIYer, of course. Becks and I just wanted to make sure B enjoys the germs as much as we are. We're sweet like that.

8. My tax returns are filed and accepted. Wahoo! {Major thanks to my Papa who at 82 still does our taxes for us every stinkin' year. He's a retired CPA and pretty amazing. Thanks, Papa!}

9. When my sense of smell and taste returned last night for the first time in days, I promptly rewarded myself with a trip to McDonalds for fries and a McChicken sandwich. And I regretted not one little calorie packed into that little meal because it was 12 kinds of delicious. And I don't have a kitchen and I'm pretty tired of Healthy Choices. If you want to invite me over for dinner, that would be excellent. I'll return the favor. When I have a kitchen again. Maybe by June?

10. Have you seen Traffic Light? It comes on after American Idol and it is HILARIOUS! Watch it!

HiLo

2011-03-01T12:35:00.000-05:00

High: Becks is back at school today!

Low: I didn't get to take him on my elected day off because I am home sick. Boo.

High: B is working quite hard on removing the old, grotty linoleum. Sayonara ugly lino!

Low: Not having a kitchen stove to make chicken noodle soup is 12 kinds of no fun. But the microwave is holding up okay.

That's all I got. Just trying to see some positive through this otherwise crummy day :P

Read with caution. This blog might be contagious.

2011-02-28T21:33:00.000-05:00

I was really going to try to NOT post about illness, since every post I've written for the past week has pertained to germ bugs, but I don't think I can avoid it. Mainly because I bought one of these little friends tonight...

My review: meh. Personally, I can do with or without draining snot via a teapot.

And, if you're looking for a way to get a really worried look from your 2-year-old, totally pour water out your nose right in front of him. He kept rubbing the hand I was bracing on the sink saying, It's okay, mommy. You're okay. I kept having to explain that, though gross and disgusting, it did not hurt.

Besides providing me with an awkward mental image that will continue to humble me for years to come (because can you really can't be vain while looking in a mirror at yourself while water pours out a nostril), it provided only temporary relief and a salty after taste. I couldn't avoid swallowing a little bit while I was laughing at the whole situation.

Also, I felt a bit like a magician. Watch me as I magically pour water out my nose. Oooh! Ahhhh!

I imagine that if my sisters had been present, I would have not been able to accomplish the Neti Pot because I would either drown myself or laugh until I peed my pants. {Note to Chels and Aubs: Let's have a Neti Pot pouring party next time we're all in town together. It might be as fun as watching me try out the Medela breast pump for the first time. Except less awkward.}

Happy Monday, friends!

Another one bites the dust.

2011-02-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

Well, it just wouldn't be a complete weekend unless someone else came down with the flu bug.

ME.

Uuuuuuuuggggggggh.

And it is twelve kinds of no fun.

But, on the upside, Becks is feeling better. And him and B are going to the grocery store for me. Which should be really interesting. As long as B comes home with a decongestant for me, I don't really care if he grabs milk, bread, or anything else for that matter. Well, I guess do. Since there is nothing to eat here for the boys.

Also, I cannot taste anything. Besides the faintest taste of Diet Coke. At least I have that little bit of happy. Because my head basically feels bloated. More specifically my face. It's like someone blew up a balloon inside my nose. Is that gross? Sorry. But it's bad.

And, for the record, this is our second straight weekend spent pent up in the house nursing each other back to health. So. Over. It. If I have to lay on this couch watching one more Jersey Shore rerun I'm going to die. I can only take so much Jersey slang. I'm going to start referring to everyone as little meatballs here soon. Anyway...

Hope y'all are well!

As if the flu wasn't fun enough.

2011-02-26T11:27:00.000-05:00

This morning, on Day 8 of a fever, we called the doctor and they told us to come in again.

As always, I expected to hear He's doing fine. Just let it run its course and keep pumpin' him full of motrin and tylenol! Then, as always they'd send us on our way.

But, no. My sweet precious has pneumonia :(

His little lungs are a little rumbly. Boo.

Don't be alarmed. His spirits are good, and he's walking around right now with a plastic hanger wedged around his waist somehow. His "basketball uniform," he explained.

The doctor said to bring him back on Monday if he still has a fever. And that scares me. So, let's all pray that Zithromax zaps the bugs for good.

Happy Satruday!

Boo on the flu.

2011-02-24T21:13:00.001-05:00

Becks is still one sick puppy.

But, thankfully, for the hour or so that his meds perk him up, he's a very pleasant - albeit pitiful - nasally little pumpkin.

He looked at me as we were watching American Idol together a little bit ago (he loves it just as much as I) and said, lovingly, Mommy, you're pretty.

And I just about melted into a big ol' pile of sappity sapparoo. Then, he went on to comment that one of the contestants had fancy hair, and I debated his sense of style, but decided that his previous compliment still stood.

For some reason, this pic helps me envision what he's going to look like in about 15 years. Stay away, ladies!

So, when he's not cuddling or coughing, he's still amusing me with his pumpkinish presence. And, eating green popsicles, of course. The dinner choice of all those battling flu bugs.

And now y'all understand the green mouth in the previous pics ;)

Why I {Heart} My Husband Reason #689

2011-02-22T21:25:00.000-05:00

First of all, let's talk about how awesome it is that it's already Tuesday. All day long, I kept thinking it was Monday, and then I'd get a little kick in my step when I'd realize we were 3/4 of the way through Tuesday. Wahoo! I vote that Monday becomes part of the weekend. All in favor?

However, my little pumpkin is still sicky sick :( The Tylenol-Motrin rotation is really becoming quite bothersome, and we're having to come up with the strangest bribes to get him to take his medicine. Do you want a frozen pancake? Only if you take your medicine! The good news? He agreed!

He passed out on the couch today - this never happens!

Anyway, on to Reason #689 as to why I love my husband...

I should have bragged on him awhile ago when I mentioned that my Valentine gift was a little somethin' somethin' from Lisa Leonard Designs. Then, a few of you asked about it when you saw it pictured in the post below. So, here's the upclose pics...

Side #1

Side #2

And, here's the backstory...

B and I are big Dave Matthews Band fans. Several of Dave's songs are "our" songs, most noteably Crash and 41. We sing both to Becks before bed every night. {Note: Not in a duet. That would be weird. We take turns putting him to bed each night. I digress...}

So, when you read each part of the necklace together, it says You and me together we can do anything. Which are the lyrics to You and Me from his latest album.

When I wear the necklace, the umbrella and sunshine show (thus hiding the "you and me" and "together"), along with "we can do anything." When B gave me the necklace he explained that the umbrella and sunshine mean "in rain or shine."

Isn't that the cutest?! Love you, B!!!

{B designed this necklace by selecting the pieces and phrasing. You can do the same at Lisa Leonard Designs. This is my 2nd necklace from her and I looooove both of them. They're my go-to necklaces and they match everyting. Check her out!!!}

It's Monday. And it's random.

2011-02-21T21:38:00.000-05:00

1. It has to be random tonight because I still have lesson plans to write for tomorrow. Becks has had a "flu-like virus" {as his doctor puts it} all weekend long. Poor baby :(

2. I can't even describe to you my addiction to Nutella. So totally yum.

3. The kitchen is delayed. Again. Because now we're going to continue the hardwood into the kitchen. The initial plan was tile, but once we realized how open the kitchen was going to feel with the widened doorway, we decided it would flow better to go with hardwood. The March 1st deadline is only happening if Ty and co. show up at my house for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Like by tomorrow. B is pulling up the old, heinous linoleum and the pre-sub floor now. I'm too skeptical to set a time limit for the installation of the hardwood. Will post pics soon.

4. I have moved on from Walmart ribbed tanktops to the extra long tanks you can buy at NY&Co. and Target. I'm sure that I will eventually own every color. {Sidenote: Why aren't all tanks made extra long? Or maybe that's only a blessing for tall people? Hmm.}

5. I never realized how much I missed being blonde.

6. Every week I think I'm going to start running again. And then I don't. And now it's dropping below freezing again and going to rain like every day this week. Putting "work out" at the waaaaay bottom of my to-do list.

7. I think I need to be super cute in some Old Navy skinny jeans {have you seen the commercial?}, especially since I haven't replaced my fav pair that I ripped right down the heiny on my birthday over 2 months ago.

8. Brad the Bachelor just said oh my word. I think he and I could carry on a conversation.

9. Whenever Becks gets excited about something - anything - he'll exclain This is the greatest party EVER! I have no idea why he says it, but it is so *dang* cute!

10. I'm doing a Wizard of Oz unit at school this week and am super exited about it!!! I've posted the whole unit at Teacher's Pay Teachers HERE if you want to check it out :)

Have a great week, friends!

Happy Friday :)

2011-02-18T18:07:00.000-05:00