The Young and The Relentless

I'm Feeling 42

2013-05-20T16:26:00.003-06:00

Hi friends.

You're probably wondering what happened to me.

PTA is kicking my ass! So much to do and only 7 more days to do it. I'll be back, I promise.

Just a friendly reminder that The Bachelorette starts NEXT Monday. I'll be watching and recapping.

In the meantime, I leave you with a little entertainment. I was watching The Billboard awards last night and I heard Taylor sing this and I immediately changed the words to fit whats happening in my life right now.

My Ode to Peri-menopause! Sing it with me...I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 42!

It feels like a perfect night to dress up like spinsters
And make fun of our menses, uh uh uh uh
It feels like a perfect night for ZzzQuil at midnight
To fall in love with Midol uh uh uh uh
Yeaaaah
We're happy free confused and horny at the same time
It's miserable and magical oh yeah
Tonight's the night when we forget about the hormones, it's time uh uh

I don't know about you but im feeling 42
Everything will be alright, if you do what I tell you to
You don't know about me but I bet you used to
Everything will be alright if we just keep acting like we're 42, 42

It seems like one of those nights
This bra is too crowded, too many L.B.'s.
It seems like one of those nights
We wake up at 3am and end up screaming instead of sleeping
Yeaaaah
We're happy free confused and horny in the best way
It's miserable and magical oh yeah
Tonight's the night when we forget about migraines, it's time uh uh

I don't know about you but im feeling 42
Everything will be alright, if you do what I tell you to
You don't know about me but I bet you used to
Everything will be alright if we just keep acting like we're 42, 42

I don't know about you, 42, 42

It feels like one of those nights
We ditch the whole sheet
It feels like one of those nights
We won't be sleeping
It feels like one of those nights
You're having hot flashes, I gotta cool you

ZzzQuil Helps Me Sleep

2013-05-15T11:00:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ZzzQuil for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’ve been a Mom for seven years, but even before I had a new baby to keep me up at night, I had sleep problems. I’ve talked about it before and I think it’s quite common in Type A people like myself to wake up during the night and have our brains turn on and start going through the list of things we need to do.

There is also often times when I lay my head down at night and I can’t fall asleep. I can be so very tired but still be wide awake. I’ve tired many things....counting sheep, relaxing different parts of my body and asking iKeith to tell me about his work.

Sometimes, I rely on over-the-counter medicine to help me get and stay asleep. The problem is that sometimes these things make me groggy in the morning and I can’t afford to not be at the top of my game. I’ve got things to do!

I was thrilled when the makers of Vicks NyQuil, ZzzQuil offered to let me try a sample of their new sleep aid. I use NyQuil frequently when I’m sick and it always works well for me. The active ingredient in ZzzQuil is diphenhydramine HCI and it helps reduce the time it takes for you to fall asleep and helps you wake up refreshed. This is been my experience and I’m so relieved to have a solution to my sleep problem!

ZzzQuil is the only over-the-counter sleep-aid available in both Liquid and pill form. I really like the taste of the liquid and the handy cup just like the Nyquil, which I’m already familiar with. Mostly I like waking up rested and ready to tackle my day!

Do you struggle to fall and stay asleep? If so, I think ZzzQuil could be a great solution for you.

Follow ZzzQuil on facebook and share your experience with them. If you try it, share your experience with ZzzQuil and tweet them using the hashtag #ZzzQuilNight.

Riding The W Line

2013-05-14T07:31:00.002-06:00

Our family has had a love of trains ever since little Alex discovered that adorable little train called Thomas! There was even a potty training incident involving trains that I didn't see coming.

For a very long time, Denver has had a light rail line that runs from very south Denver suburbs to downtown. Keith and I used to ride it to the big city when we were dating and I lived down south. It's a super handy way to get around!

A few years ago, the light rails started being built from Golden (in the foothills of west Denver Metro area) to Downtown. We've been watching this happen and anticipating the day we could ride The W Line!

Several stations with parking are within a couple miles of our apartment so it's an easy alternative to driving into the city. No need to find an illusive parking spot!

There are discounted fares for children, students and elderly. And if you're only going downtown for a few hours you can buy the 6 hour round trip pass. This little trip cost our family of four $13.

Once you arrive at the Union Station station (which is NOT at Union Station) you can immediately get onto a 16th street shuttle bus and ride to wherever you need to go. The good news is that it really isn't a very long walk if you want to avoid your kids learning new cuss words. When we rode the bus, I learned that Jose was being sweated by Armondo and he wasn't going to let that happen! Be advised that giving Jose a stern look does nothing to control the amount of naughty words that are coming out of his mouth and you might have to provide ear muffs in the form of your hands on your children to protect their childhood.

Ahem.

IF you do walk the 16th Street Mall, you will stumble upon a rare find. The Tattered Cover Book Store! It is so very cool and you should definitely stop in.

Wanna know something else cool? If you live somewhere else in Denver and you want to come to Lakewood and say....maybe Belmar Shopping District, you can! Belmar has a shuttle bus that you can catch at the Wadsworth Station that will take you back and forth to lots of shopping and food.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated or asked to write about The W Line, The Tattered Cover Book Store or Belmar. I did not change Jose's name to protect him because I don't believe he is innocent and he kept talking about himself in the third person like he wanted me to know his name and use it in a blog post.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

2013-05-07T06:48:00.001-06:00

I've told the story a few times about how when Keith and I were first dating, he bought season tickets for us to the Denver Center Attractions musicals. For three years, we saw 8 shows a year and it was our favorite thing to do together! I fully credit the theatre for turning me into the civilized lady that I am today. Bombay Dreams is also fully responsible for the creation of Mallory.

At our last show before Alex was born, I remember holding Keith's hand while waiting for it to start and creating a dream for the future. As Alex rolled around in my belly, I wished that someday we'd bring him to the theatre and he'd love it as much as we did.

That dream came true for me in December when Alex loved White Christmas, but it hadn't yet come true for Mallory.

Mary Poppins made that dream a reality!

But first....we stopped at Crave for dessert (click here to see what I had) and the kids had their first French Macaroons. I thought it was so funny that the one that Alex chose matched his shirt, he scarfed it down and then announced that he hated it and it was terrible! Mallory loved hers very much and asked for another.

I love the apprehension before a show. Watching everyone in their finest outfits arriving and taking their seats. Mallory and I like to people watch.

This would be a good time to tell you that my kids don't like the Mary Poppins movie and we've never been able to watch the whole thing. You must think I'm crazy for spending $100 on tickets to a show that my kids don't like. I was hoping that the magic of live theatre would transform this show into something they would love. I was banking on it.

Mr Banks could put his trust (and money) in me because it worked! We were mesmerized for almost three hours. Oh man was I worried when I saw how long the show was but we played it right by getting dessert first because a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down!

The sets for this show are beautiful and detailed. The singing....quite amazing, especially from the two children who are in almost every scene. We loved the parts when the park statues came to life and the chimney sweep number was so fun that we were clapping along.

There are a few shows that I like seeing over and over. I believe this show will be that one for our family! Unfortunately, this was the last night for Denver, but it may be coming to a town near you!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I was not paid to write this and I bought my own tickets. Although, if someone (Denver Center) wanted to give me free tickets to write about theatre (Denver Center) it would be a dream come true!

Strawberry Clamshell Greenhouse

2013-05-05T14:51:00.000-06:00

We've been eating tons of Strawberries. It's really the only fruit that Alex likes and I put them in his lunch every single day. He's such a creature of habit....just like his Momma! We also made some kick ass Strawberry Consomme last week that I'll be sharing on my food blog this week.

The other day, I was getting ready to throw away one of the plastic clamshells that the strawberries come in and I thought....this would make a great greenhouse! My friend Bridget also gave me a cool tip for all of these toilet paper tubes that we have around the house because my kids won't let me throw them away.

We cut them in half and stuck them in the potting soil, then planted our seeds in the center!

I'll update you in a few weeks with the progress of our seeds!

See the yellow containers in my pictures? I bought those at the Dollar Store for...well, a dollar! Actually, the two small ones were 2 for a dollar. I planted Basil plants in them and will plant more herbs in the big one once the fear of frost has past. Which, could be in July. Oh Colorado and your crazy weather!

Have you started planting yet?

May Goals

2013-05-01T20:03:00.001-06:00

April was so busy! It flew by and I know that May will go by just as fast. We have 19 days of school left and my kids can't wait to be 1st graders! I'm excited to plan for summer and make our annual Summer Fun Poster.

Linking up with My So-Called Chaos, A Peek at Karen's World and Jennee Thompson.

Let's go over last months goals. Not too bad, but my fitness took a back seat. Part of this is due to the bipolar weather in Colorado. It's May 1st as I write this and it's snowing. NINE inches coming today.

April Goals

[X] Have a Tea Party for my very pregnant friend YES!

[ ] Hold my friend's brand new baby boy He's late!!

[X] Run a successful campaign for PTA President HECK YES!

[X] Bring Vlogging back YES!

[ ] Finally start training for a 5K Nope

[X] Celebrate my son's 7th birthday We went to Chuck E Cheese's

[ ] ~~Run~~ Walk a 5K Did not do this.
[X] Read 3 books I read FOUR!

May Goals

[ ] Get over my fear of public speaking.
[ ] Will it to stop snowing

[ ] Take my kids to see Mary Poppins Musical

[ ] Have a girls night out
[ ] Win the Lotto

[ ] Plan trip to San Francisco

[ ] Start walking while the kids are at school
[ ] Make a Summer Fun Poster

[ ] Read three books

Teachers Appreciate Coffee

2013-05-01T09:13:00.002-06:00

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week at our school! To see what I did last year, click here.

I love putting together little baskets of things for our teachers, principal and office staff. This year, I found lots of cute things at the Dollar Spot at Target.....in September.

It was all coffee themed and I think most teachers love and depend on coffee to get through their day.

Alex has a special education teacher and she likes tea! I found this cute little tin at the Target Dollar Spot and I filled it with tea bags that we ~~stole~~ were given at The Buick Discovery Tour.

For the Kindergarten Teachers, they received a coffee pail with candy, a coffee pen, a small notebook, a Starbucks gift card and a book mark that I printed from Tatertots and Jello.

The office staff and our principal got little coffee pails with candy, coffee and a Starbucks gift card.

My kids have student helpers in the class that do all of the behind the scenes stuff and they monitor recess and lunch. They are such great ladies and we'd be lost without them! I found this cute printable to add to some donut holes, from The Happy Home Fairy.

What are you doing for Teacher Appreciation Week?

More Birthdays from The American Cancer Society sponsored

2013-04-30T06:58:00.000-06:00

This is a sponsored post and video written by me on behalf of The American Cancer Society, all opinions and feelings are my own.

My best friend’s Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was a senior in high school. As you can imagine, this changed many of her plans. Plans that she had to go off to school in another state and begin a new life, far from her family.

She opted to stay close and care for her Mom because she didn’t know if it would be possible to beat this. No one really knows, life brings so many obstacles that you have to do what your gut tells you to do. Adrienne’s instincts told her to stay and make the most of the what time they had together.

Seven years later, her mother passed away on Christmas Eve. I know that Adrienne cherished the time she spent with her Mom and shared so many memories with me. I became enamored with tea parties and collecting tea cups because of these memories.

Thanks to The American Cancer Society, there has been a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates since the early 1990s, resulting in 1.2 million lives saved. Children in the world are getting more time with their parents! They are leaders in saving lives and creating more birthdays!

The goal of The American Cancer Society is to continue lifesaving cancer research and seek funding for projects like the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) that will enroll at least 300,000 adults from all walks of life by the end of this year.

It’s so important for people that are facing cancer to have the support they need from getting rides and having a free place to stay during treatment to having a person to advocate for them to have quality health care.

This year The American Cancer Society is turning 100 years old on May 22 and they ll be celebrating that birthday for an entire year! Fifteen determined physicians and business leaders brought the awareness of cancer to the American people in 1913 so that The American Cancer Society could be the world’s leader in fighting the disease.

Join me and Josh Groban in finishing the fight!

This post and video is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Harper Valley PTA

2013-04-29T06:42:00.000-06:00

Thursday was the most exciting day I've had in a very long time!

I was anticipating the PTA meeting that night, a little nervous even though Heather and I were running for President unopposed. The truth is, we are excited to be such a big part of our school and look forward to working with other parents to make our children's educations the best it can be.

On a sidenote: I went to a school board community meeting on Saturday morning where the topic of conversation was School Achievement. I'm convinced that the success of our children depends heavily on the involvement of parents on the team. I would love to see more communication between teachers and parents and for teachers to utilize more volunteers in the classroom.

Thursday was also the launch of more of our Summer Education plans. I have a great team that is as excited as I am to keep our kids learning and engaged over the summer. We announced four field trips and our Summer Reading Program. I'll tell you more about the reading program in a few weeks!

In an exciting turn of events, Keith ended up purchasing a ticket to the World Wide Developers Conference in San Francisco. He wasn't going to go.....and then some co-workers convinced him to try to get a ticket and so he did. The conference sold out in 2.5 minutes so it was meant to be!

We started running the numbers and decided to that for the price of a single airline ticket, we could all drive to California and the kids and I could sight see while Keith is geeking it up! I swear I spent 12 hours searching for a hotel that was in our price range. I finally gave up and called my brother in law who works for Holiday Inn and he got us a great deal. I just learned that our hotel is 3 blocks from Trader Joes! HOLLA!

WHEW! Exciting!!

And so now, I'd like to introduce you to.....The Harper Valley PTA!

Connie, Heather, Valerie and Michelle

I just realized that we ALL have brown hair! The exciting part of this is that three out of four of us are Kindergarten parents! Talk about go getters! I'm so thankful that they agreed to be a part of the team.

Proud Mommy Moments: Beaming

2013-04-25T06:30:00.000-06:00

I'm joining Emmy Mom and Kmama for Proud Mommy Moments this week because so much awesome stuff happened last week and it must be shared! Has your kid done something funny, awesome or embarrassing? Join us!

I was walking down the hallway at school on Friday with my friend Michelle and I glanced over at the wall and saw my last name. I stopped abruptly and took a couple steps back to look at the wall.

It was a Pen and Quill display and my daughter's handwriting was the best in her class! I was grinning from ear to ear. She's worked really hard on her handwriting this year, it didn't come easy to her at all.

Later that day, the kids competed in the Science Fair as a team. They did their project on Rusty Apples trying to determine what material works best for preventing the chemical reaction that causes apples to turn that rusty color. The researched showed that all apples will turn rusty but plastic wrap keeps the most amount of oxygen out!

They didn't win but they had a great time and improved their interviewing skills. They were happy to see a few of their classmates win prizes and they are already planning next years project. Mallory has decided to strike out on her own and her project involves Zombies.

The great thing about the kids doing their own project this year is that I wasn't upset when my project didn't win. I just had to laugh at all of those parents that did too much of their kid's project and then stomped out of the gym all mad when they didn't win.

We were walking out and Alex noticed that a picture of my his project from last year was on the Science Fair sign!

See! Size DOES matter!

****************

Last week, I was going through the papers in Alex's backpack and I busted out laughing. They had to write and draw pictures of things they would bring on a deserted island.

Alex would bring ME and a SH*T HOUSE! Two very important things. I hope I'm bringing the toilet paper!

If you left a comment this morning when I had the google+ comment thing enabled, I'm sorry. Your comment is now gone. Be advised that if you allow this on your own blog....people that don't have google+ can't comment. It also makes it impossible for you to reply to readers via email.

Spring in Colorado

2013-04-24T10:58:00.000-06:00

What a difference a day makes!

The Buick Discovery Tour

2013-04-23T10:44:00.002-06:00

It's snowing again. Yes, it's April and we've had more snow this month than we've had our entire winter. I'm ready for SPRING! Luckily, Sunday was a beautiful day. It was a bit overcast but the sun was out when we test drove a new Buick Encore.

Actually, Rachel gave us a ride. I don't like to drive in downtown Denver if I can help it.

Photo Credit: Connie Weiss

What do you think of when you hear Buick? You probably remember the super reliable and big cars that your grandparents drove, right? I've always thought Buick cars were too expensive and that's why older folks drove them.

Funny story! When I met Keith I drove an Oldsmobile. Four doors, vinyl top and electric doors and windows. It was a Grandma car. While we were looking at the cars he told me that he almost didn't keep dating me because of my car. WHAT? Rude!

Buick....you've come a long way since my Grandma's grocery getter! I fell in love with a couple of the cars. I'd love to put Keith in the new Verano when his car wears out. It comes in a turbo (which he doesn't need) and it gets great gas mileage.

Plus, I think it would be fun to have a Murano and a Verano. And, Peyton Manning LOVES the Verano. Have you seen the commercial he's in? I love it!

Photo Credit: General Motors

You're probably wondering why Keith and I were running around downtown Denver letting pretty school teachers drive us around. We were invited to The Buick Discovery Tour that was put on by Buick (obviously) and Food and Wine Magazine.

I spent a lovely three hours at the Four Seasons eating, drinking and watching food demos by amazing chefs. You may not know this but in my former life (BK...Before Keith) I was a manager of an auto repair shop and auto parts store. I know cars! In my new shiny Trophy Wife life....I'm a Rookie Foodie and highfalutin gal.

Photo Credit: Connie Weiss

We learned how to make fresh Ricotta and Cavatelli pasta from local chef Alex Seidel of Fruition Restaurant and Farms. Alex is super adorable and has convinced me to get a sheep, a pig and a pasta maker. THIS JUST IN...Keith says I can't get a sheep or a pig but I can get a pasta maker. We can't wait to visit Fruition and take the kids to the farm for a tour!

Photo Credit: Intersport

Next was the adorable and funny cookbook author and pastry chef, Hedy Goldsmith. She told us a charming story about her easy bake oven and is very passionate about balancing savory and sweet. The recipe she made for us had basil in it and it was so delicious! I can't wait to make the Basil Panna Cotta with Strawberry Consomme for my family.

Photo Credit: Intersport

Our next culinary adventure involved 21 weeks of wine instruction in 20 minutes with the hilarious Michael Green. We tasted two wines with two different items. A Sauvignon Blanc that was made better by sucking a lemon slice and a Tempranillo that was fantastic with a piece of dark chocolate. The most important thing that I learned from Michael was....if a wine tastes good to you, it's good wine and it's okay to swallow.

ME and Michael Green
Photo Credit: Keith Weiss

The best was saved for last! Michael Psilakis, world famous chef and restaurant owner made the most amazing little Gyro Sliders that I've ever tasted. He told us a story about how food has connected him to his family and it touched me so much because this is what I want my kids to take away from their lives with me. I want to plant the seed!

Photo Credit: Intersport

I will be testing all of these recipes in the Rookie Food Kitchen in the next few weeks.

At the end of this wonderful experience, we were given many gifts! Keith has asked me to give his swag away to one lucky reader. Come to The Rookie Foodie for a chance to win a Buick Discovery Tour Swag Bag.

Disclaimer: I was given free tickets (all the tickets were FREE) to The Buick Discovery Tour and a lovely swag bag from Food and Wine Magazine but all opinions are my own.

Keeping It Real

2013-04-22T07:12:00.002-06:00

This is what my desk looks like this morning.

I have so much going on and the weekend was so busy that I have to get unburied from this mess before I can tell you about much of it. Friday was the best and worst day ever! Do you ever have one of those days that you've on an emotional roller coaster with things going right and wrong at the same time?

So what you have to look forward to.....

The Science Fair and my son's 7th birthday at Chuck E Cheese's, The Buick Discovery Tour and the amazing food and wine we taste tested. I'll being giving away some of the swag on my food blog, including an autographed cookbook. I'm launching a Summer Reading Program at my school this week and I'm so excited to tell you about it. And last buy not least, I'm trying to put together Teacher Appreciation Gifts for the teachers and staff. WHEW!

Have a great Monday!

Be a Smartie, Vote for Connie

2013-04-18T06:55:00.001-06:00

I think I've wanted to be the PTA President ever since I heard the song Harper Valley PTA when I was a kid. I obviously didn't understand the lyrics because it is NOT a pro-PTA song. If I followed their rules I'd have to send myself a note for drinking too much wine while doing school work with my kids.

Through the years, I discovered my keen ability to organize, plan and lead people. I also have a mild addiction to excel spreadsheets. I believe that I am born leader and I know that I'm passionate about my school and my kids education. I'm so devoted to the PTA that at the last meeting a offered to tattoo the name of a local business on my rump in exchange for a donation.

PTA just seems like the perfect place for me to use my talents for good and not evil!

I didn't have any immediate plans to run for President but then the opportunity arose and now next week, I'll be voted in! I had big plans to actually run for President with shirts and campaign songs. My BFF Heather is going to be my co-president, provided that we convince another of my friends to be the treasurer. I've been assembling a TEAM to make the next two years the best this school as ever seen!

I had a few songs selected to use as our campaign song. Please vote for your favorite!

The Dog Days Are Over

When You're Good to Mama

Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now

I'm a Slave 4 U

I've got a campaign sloan too!

Be a Smartie, Vote for Connie

(and Heather, but mostly Connie)

Disclaimer: This post is all in fun. The days have not been doggy and Mama can't do crap for you. Heather is my partner....as long as she doesn't get rid of her iPhone and does what I tell her to do. Just kidding! She can get a different phone. Just kidding!

Note to parents from my school: If you happened to google my name because it's been in the school newsletter a million times lately and you found my little blog....HI. Keep in mind that I'm a humor blogger and a part time stand up comedian. You can catch my act at the next PTA meeting. It's fun....I promise!

Half Staff

2013-04-17T06:30:00.000-06:00

We were sitting in the car, like we do every week day. Waiting for Alex to get out of school and having each other's undivided attention for 18 minutes. It's a blessing that I'm going to miss next year when she's in school all day.

She looked at the school and she asked me why the flags were at half staff....again.

I sighed. Reluctant to tell her that there had been yet another tragedy but realizing that she's a smart girl and she overhears more than I think she does. I told her.

I didn't tell her that anyone died, just that there was a 26 mile race in a place called Boston and that someone with hate in their heart had planted two bombs, that hurt people.

I'm sad that this news didn't really phase her. She looked at me with a frown on her face and said, 'That person should be ashamed of themselves!' And then she asked me what I was making for dinner.

I'm angry that this is the world that my two 6 year olds live in. A world where the flags at their school are flown at half staff so often that it catches their attention and where lock down drills are common place.

I was watching the news yesterday and she walked up as the video of people helping was being shown. I shut the TV off before she saw anything else but she stopped me and asked what we can do to help the people that were hurt?

I told her that we can pray.

My daughter doesn't see me pray very often because I do it in the early morning hours while she's still asleep or when the clock shows 11:11 and I notice. Or when I'm standing outside her bedroom door on my way to bed for the night myself.

But yesterday at 5:44 pm we both prayed.

We prayed for the people of Boston and the people that helped them and the people that lost someone. It made us both feel better.

I'm praying for Boston.

Fairy Garden

2013-04-14T10:01:00.001-06:00

I've got BIG plans to create a Fairy Garden out in the woods by the lake near our house. I'm going to secretly create this garden and then happen upon it with my kids. This may be the coolest thing I've ever done and I'm so excited I could pee my pants.

Actually, I shouldn't say that. I've been sick for over two weeks and have peed my pants about 30 times. Having two kids in one year plus coughing constantly equals Connie pees her pants. I also learned the hard way that you should NEVER cough while squatting next to a small child's desk in a Kindergarten Class.

Back to the Fairy Garden.

I just discovered that TARGET is selling little Fairy Garden sets but you have to order them online. They are just precious and will compliment my plans perfectly.

I love this Dreamscape Fairy Garden.

I can also see the Backyard Oasis working well for me too.

This is the Fairy Door that I'm ordering from NothinButWood on etsy.

DISCLAIMER: Target is not paying me to write about their stuff. I just can't get enough of Target and had to share.

SMASH Your Year: March

2013-04-12T10:43:00.001-06:00

Welcome to SMASH Your Year! Me and my friend Jessica are SMASHing two (or more) pages a month for the whole year to document our lives! We don't want to lose these precious memories and scrapbooking is too hard. It's not too late to join us!

January SMASH pages
February SMASH pages
Jessica's pages

I feel like I lost a week of March. It was very busy and we traveled 1900 miles to Texas and back. My daughter also turned 6 and I now have two six year olds for the next couple of weeks. She thinks during this time that she is the BIG sister. We let her think that.....

I did two pages for March and then a bonus TEXAS vacation page. Only problem is that I accidentally skipped two pages in between. Dang it.

This month I listed all the great things that happened! I love those little booklets from SMASH BOOK.

I had to do one whole page about the birthday girl!

THE TEXAS PAGE!

I've been sick for two weeks so my pages are not as creative as I would have liked. Hopefully they will be better next month.

And my cover....I added TYPE A. I think it fits me.

April pages will post on May 9th!

What I Wore...to the Tea Party

2013-04-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Disclaimer: I wrote this post 43 minutes after takng Nyquil. I might now make any sense. I should really go to bed but I want to get this done because I have a meeting at school in the moring.

It was a beautiful sunny day in Denver on Saturday. The kind of day that makes you hopeful that spring has really arrived and the flip flops that you just slipped on your pale feet are here to stay. Mother Nature is a cruel lady and we all know better.

Yesterday was our first snow day of 2013! I've heard many reports ranging from 6-12 inches of snow.

Anyway, back to Saturday. My friend Heather and I threw a Tea Party for our pregnant friend Jennifer and you can read more about that party at The Rookie Foodie. You won't want to miss it....I revealed my secret ingredient in Egg Salad.

I was excited to wear my new skirt from Target. Ilove Target, but I don't usually buy clothes there, they never seem to fit right. The good news is that apparently you can't go wrong with a tube of fabric.

Tea Party Casual

Skirt: Target

T-Shirt: Old Navy

Jacket: JC Penney

Necklace: JC Penney

Ring: Park Lane (a gift from Jessica)

Flip Flops: H&M

Mallory is wearing head to toe Target!

I have purchased so many coral items lately. It must be my signature color for 2013. I even bought coral underwear from Victoria Secret. I spent a small fortune on underwear there but it had been 5 years. I needed some new panties.

Linking up with The Pleated POppy for What I Wore Wednesday.

Old School Blogging: Love and Marriage

2013-04-08T14:01:00.001-06:00

Gosh Darn it! I almost missed Old School Blogging with Heather and Elaine! This month the topic is marriage, babies and bliss! If you join in use the hashtag #OSBlog.

1. How did your husband pop the big question?

We were visiting my parents in Dallas (Keith was meeting them for the first time) and we were touring Louis Tussaud's Palace of Wax with my Mom. We got to the US Presidents section and Keith got down on one knee in front of Bill Clinton and asked me to be his wife.

2. What are the three most surprising things about married life?

I'm surprised at how many pairs of socks I pick up off the floor, how happy I still am to see him walk through the door and how much I still don't know about him.

3. How did you find out you were pregnant for the first time?

My friend and I bought a test at Target over our lunch break and I peed on it in the rest room at work. We cried and hugged! I took pictures of it at my desk and texted them to my parents and they didn't know what I was trying to show them. Keith didn't have a cell phone so I had to wait to tell him that night. He didn't believe me so he went to the store and bought a digital test.

4. How did you choose your first baby's name?

My son is the third. So I didn't get to choose his name. This is my biggest regret in life!

5. Describe where you see yourself in 10 years from now...

In ten years, I will have TWO teenagers and they will both be eligible to drive, so I see myself moving to a compound in the woods and cutting off all contact with the world.

6. Describe how you find bliss, either with words or images.

I find bliss by losing myself in a book. My favorite place to read is in my bed with all of the pillows propping me up and a hot cup of tea on the night stand.

Thumbs in Her Pockets

2013-04-07T20:14:00.001-06:00

School pictures came home this week.

I was looking at them and she told me that she kept her thumbs in her pockets.

Really? Okay.

I was confused. I didn't know why that was a thing. I was busy making lunch and didn't inquire further.

Later she was showing the pictures to iKeith and told him the same story about the thumbs.

He, of course, was giving her his undivided attention and asked her why, she kept her thumbs in her pockets.

Apparently during the Cap and Gown portion of the photos she was giving the thumbs up sign, which she is apt to do, when she's excited and has something to celebrate.

Sea World 2012

I hope she always has something to be excited about and give two thumbs up for. She's a lot like me and is passionate about things like winning and friends and My Little Pony.

Get your thumbs out of your pockets Girl!!

What are you excited about this week?

Minted

2013-04-05T13:59:00.000-06:00

My friend Jennifer is pregnant with a baby boy and all I can think about is babies! I know that iKeith won't let me have anymore and my biological clock's battery is dead so I'm going to focus on something I can make happen.

A wedding. I want to re-marry Keith!

I found the most beautiful wedding invitations from Minted! They are also having an Anniversary Sale right now and you can get 15% off from your order. I absolutely love the invitations that look like a chalk board. How original is that?

I can't even remember what my invitations looked like but I know they were not as artistic and cute as these. Doesn't make you want to get hitched all over again? It would sure take my mind off from the baby fever. And my kids could stand up for us.

Look at this inspiration board. I'm in love!

a greenhouse affair board by Kayla King. See more modern Minted wedding invitations

The other thing that caught my eye at Minted is the Journals. My kids are just starting to write and Mallory loves writing her private thoughts. I love this so much because I have been journaling since i was a young girl. Check out the kids journals, you can have their beautiful faces put on them and personalized the journal with their name. What an amazing gift for a young writer.

I'm in love with this journal with the Pretty Poppies. I love this color combination....and you can order any journal with lined pages, blank pages or grid paper.

They have an adorable blog with craft ideas and you can find them on facebook, twitter and pinterest.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Minted but opinions and choice of groom are all mine.

VLOG: What I Bought on my Vacation

2013-04-04T09:40:00.000-06:00

I vlogged for you today. I'm still a little sniffily. EDITED: My last vlog was January 2011!!

A couple notes: I meant to say CAPRIS not khakis. I also did not mean to flash you my stomach. I was trying to show you my CAPRIS. I also didn't mean for this to be almost 5 minutes, but apparently I had a lot to say.

Also, I feel pretty.

Items that were mentioned in my vlog.

How to Look the Best at Everything from Benefit

Rouge Artist Natural from Make Up Forever in N11 (Iridescent Strawberry)

Cadiz Mug from Anthro

Mini Latte Bowl from Anthro

Not Your Mothers Way to Grow Shampoo

Aussie Moist Conditioner

Disclaimer: I was not paid to post about any of these items. I used iKeith's money and opinions are all mine.

April Goals

2013-04-03T13:02:00.000-06:00

I'm still sick....but not too sick to make a list.

March was a blur and I didn't do very well with my fitness goals. Maybe now that the weather is looking up I'll have more luck.

March Goals:

[X] Go Shopping with my Sister in Dallas HECK YEAH!
[ ] Have a blogger meet up in Dallas didn't happen. sad panda
[X] Go to Fort Worth HECK YEAH!
[X] Touch a cow HECK YEAH!
[ ] Lose 2 pounds ummm...no
[ ] Complete Lose a Jean Size Workout 9 times did it once, husband stole my ball
[ ] Run 7 Times no
[ ] Make Pasta no
[X] Have Breakfast with Mom's from Mallory's Kindergarten Class HECK YEAH!
[X] Become the PTA President I've been nominated!

April is just as busy as March and there are only 37 school days left! Can you believe it?

April Goals

[ ] Have a Tea Party for my very pregnant friend

[ ] Hold my friend's brand new baby boy

[ ] Run a successful campaign for PTA President

[ ] Bring Vlogging back

[ ] Finally start training for a 5K

[ ] Celebrate my son's 7th birthday

[ ] ~~Run~~ Walk a 5K
[ ] Read 3 books

What are your goals for April? Link up with Angie at My So-Called Chaos.

Down With The Sickness

2013-04-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

I had big plans to do a VLOG showing you all of the cool stuff I got while shopping with Bobbi in Dallas. Unfortunately, I've been sick since Saturday and I've had a turn for the worse. If I live...I'll try to do it for tomorrow.

I've had plenty to do while laying on the couch because Keith informed me he's finally shutting off the cable TV since The Walking Dead is over for the season. This means I had to quickly watch 300 hours of DVR'd shows. I'm all caught up on The Rachel Zoe Project, Whitney and The Real Housewives of Everywhere.

I deleted the entire season of Dallas because J.R. is dead and I didn't want to watch him die. I'm in denial.

ANNOUNCEMENT: I'm moving Smash Your Year to the second Thursday of every month because I like ordering my photos from Foxgram and it takes about 5 days. You should also know that they have a new app so you can order right from your phone.

In closing I want to tell you that I can't wait to take my Nyquil tonight and get to bed. Last night, I dreamt that Channing Tatum was wooing me and trying to get me to leave Keith. Every time I said No....he'd start dancing. I woke up in a sweat. I could have been the fever......

Going Through the Big D

2013-04-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

We had so much fun in Texas that I've had trouble really putting a post together. There were so many pictures to go through and I felt like so much happened in just a few days.

The drive there was long even though we had snacks and a travel scavenger hunt for the kids to work on; it was too many hours in the car. We've learned our lesson and a few others, like Keith and I are too old to drive after dark and eat Sonic after 8pm.

The kids had fun with the scavenger hunt and Alex didn't realize he was reading words. Shhh....don't tell him it was educational, it takes all of the fun out of it! They searched for white trucks, horses, cows, signs, a star, a church, a gas station and a bunch of other things!

Our first real day of vacation was super busy! Grandpa Bob took us to the pilot shop at the Addison airport because he needed to get his grandson a log book. Alex was to supposed to get his first flying lesson but it didn't work out. We also had a cup of coffee together to celebrate!

Later that day Aunt Bobbi had a birthday party for the kids at a local park. She invited some of her friends and their kids and we had a great time. Even though it was cold and grey. The kids didn't mind and our giant Texas cake was delicious. It's true....everything IS bigger in Texas.

Have I ever told you how much Bobbi and I love Target? I also love that you can buy wine at Target.

On Monday, we went to Ft. Worth. My parents have lived in the Dallas area for 16 years and I'd never been there. I wasn't missing much! HA!

I did get to sit on and touch a cow which was one of my goals for March. I loved it!

Alex sat on the cow too and he also conned his Grandpa into buying him a hat and a stick horse.

We had a wonderful barbecue lunch (review coming this week on The Rookie Foodie) and then we tried to go to Billy Bob's Texas to look around and go to the gift shop. We ended up walking out because they wanted $2 from each of us for the privilege. I don't think so Billy Bob!

Tuesday we did some shopping and I got a new outfit! We headed out Tuesday afternoon because we learned that when you're old, it actually takes TWO days to drive 800 miles. We also decided that taking the interstate is the best way to go because you can go very fast! The kids got to add two more states to their list of places they've been.

Oklahoma is beautiful in March!

If you made it through this entire post you deserve a reward. Thanks for reading!

The Young and The Relentless

I'm Feeling 42

ZzzQuil Helps Me Sleep

Riding The W Line

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Strawberry Clamshell Greenhouse

May Goals

Teachers Appreciate Coffee

More Birthdays from The American Cancer Society *sponsored*

Harper Valley PTA

Proud Mommy Moments: Beaming

Spring in Colorado

The Buick Discovery Tour

Keeping It Real

Be a Smartie, Vote for Connie

Half Staff

Fairy Garden

SMASH Your Year: March

What I Wore...to the Tea Party

Old School Blogging: Love and Marriage

Thumbs in Her Pockets

Minted

VLOG: What I Bought on my Vacation

April Goals

Down With The Sickness

Going Through the Big D

More Birthdays from The American Cancer Society sponsored