Keeping Up with the Joneses!

Something for Me.

2011-05-04T13:31:00.000-04:00

As I entered into the world of motherhood and stay-at-home-mommyness, I never dreamed it would be this hard. It's not that it's "hard" by the true sense of the word...it's just that it's insanely different than what I was used to. I used to "have a life" and an "identity"...I used to be "a first grade teacher", an actress with Opera House, a singer at Winter Park, a voice for commercials, and so on...Then one day that all changed and all I was was: mommy to Landon, wife to Josh. Nothing for me!

I could really write a book about how this whole thing came about, but because I am mommy to Landon and wife to Josh I really don't have time. Landon is sleeping right now and this time is like gold. So...briefly I will explain what I've decided to do for myself.

I have launched a business. Yep. Me. I did it. I'm super excited about it and it's something that has potential to take me as far as I want to go. Yes, extra income is one reason I did it, but I'm also doing it so that I can have something for me. So now my "identity" has a little something extra with it. I am still mommy to Landon and wife to Josh but I'm also an Arbonne Indepedent Consultant. I'm loving every bit of it.

Please visit http://www.arbonne.com/ to learn more about the products. It's really an amazing company and I'm so proud to be representing them. I will one day be very successful because of Arbonne and I'm ready and willing to teach and train others how to do it. Don't believe it can be done? That's okay. Once I get my white Mercedes-Benz, you'll see...

*Oh, and for those of you reading this that know about my past experience as a former consultant for another company (the very PINK one), this is NOTHING like it. Better products, better ingredients, insanely different company.

I know...I know.

2011-04-17T14:27:00.000-04:00

Really people...I know. It's way past time for an update! Here's a quicky (sorry, no pics!) and I promise I'll try to do better here soon.

So...we made it back to NC! The packers/movers did a great job and we ended up with only one minor casualty (the leg broke off of our handmade dresser, but my f-in-law Joseph can fix it!). Considering that we had approximately 17,000 pounds and almost 500 boxes/items...that's not too shabby!

Luckily for us (me), Josh's company paid for us to have "unpackers" as well. Sweet! This proved to be more than helpful in my kitchen (cause who likes unpacking dishes and glasses?). By 6 pm on move-in day we had a pretty functional kitchen, a set-up bed, unpacked closet, and Landon's room put together! All-in-all, a pretty decent move. Hopefully, it will be the last for a long, long while!

We've been here a little over a month now and we're feeling pretty settled. There is still, of course, lots to do...especially in the yard! Our home had never been lived in but had been built for over 2 years! So our lawn had been minimally cared for, and for those of you who know Josh...that was an issue! Everything is nice and green (even if it is mostly weeds) and we're slowly getting some flowers and planters to add color and decor to the house. Still, however, there is nothing on our walls! Only handprints and scuff marks (yeah for kids!) adorn our walls right now, but hopefully in the next few weeks we'll remedy that...correction, I'll remedy that...correction, Joseph will remedy that!

Josh has been loving his new position within the company but it requires lots of travel. So far he's been to: Las Vegas, Denver, Daytona, Atlanta, Talledega, Miami and Dallas. I can't keep up with it all! He's usually only gone about 3 days out of the week...so it's tolerable-but still an adjustment for us all.

Landon is 18 months old now and into everything! He is super huge (almost 31 lbs) and super tall (35") and wears a size 7 shoe. His personality is beginning to really show up now. He is strong-willed, fearless and determined to get what he wants. Who'd have thought? :) He's very loud, mostly happy, quite flirty, and loves attention! Again, who'd have thought? :) Josh and I are enjoying being parents (although we have no clue what we're doing!) and we feel blessed to have been given such a marvelous gift as Landon.

I suppose that's the best update I can give everyone. Hopefully I will get my camera/computer rhythm going here soon (when I find that pesky cord!) and be able to better update those of you who still bother to check this thing! :)

Dear Landon- 18 months

2011-04-14T14:27:00.001-04:00

Dear Landon,

You are 18 months old today! Mommy can't believe it's been a year and a half since we brought you into this world! You are 31 pounds, 35" tall and have all your teeth (except your 2 yr molars). You are wearing 24 mo and 2T sized clothes now and you have a size 7 shoe! Needless to say, you are a BIG boy. Your hair is a light sandy blonde and you have your daddy's double crown...which means your hair often sticks up in the back. But oh, are you cute!

You make me tired. Very tired. But I love it. I love getting you up in the mornings and seeing your sweet face (with a paci in your mouth and at least one in your hands!). I love hearing you say "bana" and "wawa" when I make you waffles and bananas for breakfast! You still call your cup "baba" but sometimes you call it "mi" for milk. You are starting to say more and more words and I know it won't be long before you're talking in sentences!

You and I have lots of fun during the day together. We usually go to at least one store (our favs are Harris Teeter and Target) and you enjoy riding in the buggy and waving to people. Most of the time you will also find one or two pretty ladies to blow kisses to. This makes you very happy and you keep doing it until we leave! When we're at home, you enjoy playing in the playroom with your toys or daddy's stuff. You love his mouse and printer! You also enjoy taking things out of his desk drawer...and then reorganizing it for him. I think Daddy loves that too.

Lately, you've been really into balls and cars. I think this is a pretty common thing for boys. Your cousin Kel sent you about 20 matchbox-type cars and you are obsessed with them. You have to have one (or four) in your hands at all times. You are quite the hoarder when you want to be! :)

You also love riding on your airplane toy that Grumps gave you. It has a working propeller and makes cool airplane sounds too. You mostly like to be pushed but sometimes you'll drive it around yourself. Same goes for your Cozy Coupe. Man, you love taking that out in the driveway...but you don't like coming in! When we insist you do something you don't want to, you have quite the reaction. It mostly involves turning red and crying loudly, but often times will also include making your body go limp and slamming your head down on the floor. We're most proud of those moments. ;) Usually you get over it fast and are back to being your cute self...but sometimes it requires food or Grant to distract you.

Grant...he's your best pal. You love him so much and he loves (tolerates) you too. You like to lay your head on him, lead him around by his collar or tail and use him as a stepstool. Your word for him is "bubba" and he will come to that when called. He is such a good dog for you. What a blessing he is.

We are looking forward to meeting a new doctor here soon. Hopefully he will tell me you are right on track for your development and maybe he'll even give us a few pointers on helping you with your tantrums. I'm sure he'll be impressed by your adorable little dimple and your ever-growing belly--but he'll never see everything that we see as your parents. Only we can fully appreciate what an amazing little person you are...and we can't wait to see what the next 18 months brings.

All my Love,
Mom

On our way to Florida!

2011-02-27T15:47:00.000-05:00

Well we're on our way to St. Pete for the last time...packets come tomorrow and they will load on Tuesday!

Landon and I will fly to NC on Wednesday while Josh flies to Denver until Saturday. I will close on the new house on Thursday and through power of attorney will sign for Josh as well. Our stuff will be delivered on Monday! Whew! Will be glad to see Tuesday of next week!! Pray for us!

Visiting Nana

2011-02-15T14:28:00.000-05:00

We took a trip to Nana's and stopped by her classroom...they were making headbands and needed a model. Wow.

Reading already! :)

2011-02-14T10:57:00.000-05:00

Wow Landon! You're so smart! ;) At least he's not using the books as throwing objects anymore. Progress.

Getting Settled

2011-02-14T10:55:00.001-05:00

Grant has managed to settle in just fine at Mimi and Pops' house. Whew! Glad he can handle these accomodations...

Waiting

2011-02-03T00:12:00.001-05:00

Waiting at the drs office. The fact that he knows how to open my wallet and remove all credit cards and a $50 bill might not be a good sign. Hmmmmmm.

Cutie

2011-02-03T00:10:00.001-05:00

Giggling in the car. Maybe he's laughing at his mommy's inability to make it anywhere with his shoes on today. Oh well...

Sale Pending!

2011-02-02T14:25:00.000-05:00

Fingers crossed and prayers please! Set to close by the end of Feb unless something crazy happens! Whoa!!!

SOLD!

2011-01-31T09:03:00.001-05:00

It's a blessing...our house sold! Now to try to buy one in NC...here we come!

I will update soon.

2011-01-27T09:10:00.001-05:00

So I've probably already lost all of my audience because I haven't updated in what seems like 5 years... so I apologize. Stay tuned for real update but for now here's a picture of Landon.

My walk this morning...

2011-01-11T10:02:00.001-05:00

Boy I'm gonna miss it when I can't do this any more...

Happy? Holidays Photo Shoot

2010-12-12T22:44:00.000-05:00

Here's my little elf. Not particulary in the mood for holiday photo shots. I promise he does smile...just apparently not on command! Oh well... When you're one, you're always cute right?

"Hmmmmm...this stuff is interesting. Kind of like snow, but easier to hold!"

"Wait a second. This stuff is sticking to my hand..."

"I don't want it on my hand! Ick! I HATE sand!!!!" (Just like his mommy!)

"Birds? Hey, come back here birds! I want to chase you!"

"Oh birdies! I'm coming after you!"

"Mom, SERIOUSLY!?!"

"...But I don't like this hat. Not at all!"

"Didn't you HEAR me?!"

Merry Days...

2010-12-12T21:31:00.002-05:00

Season's greetings! Holiday family pic coming soon...although it was extremely difficult getting a good shot of everyone! Plus, I totally overexposed the shots I did get because I was playing around with my camera's settings. Why did I even think for one second that I could outsmart a Nikon??? Sigh.

Aside from the fact that it's December and we've only had 4 days under 60 degrees, it just doesn't feel like Christmas to me yet. I think it's mostly due to the fact that I didn't do much decorating this year. But not really by choice. Unfortunately we didn't get a tree (again!) because we are traveling so much and my financial advisor (hubs) felt it would've been a waste of moola. However, I forced a little bit of holiday cheer in my household by adding a few little decorations here and there. I had a baby tree that I used to put up in my classroom so I put a few lights on it and threw a skirt under it. I flip the lights on everyday and it makes me smile. Kinda sad not having a tree for the fourth year in a row! I'm not sure I even remember what my ornaments look like! And...our house doesn't have a fireplace and therefore, no mantle. So I got creative hung our stockings above the tv. Mine is the maribou feather one, Josh's is the plaid one and Landon's is the reindeer! I couldn't find Grant's stocking...sorry Grant.

Here ae a few pics just for my BFF Ang (and any of my other faithful follower! ) :) Enjoy!

Bathtime, Bracelets and Besos (spanish for kisses)

2010-11-30T18:56:00.001-05:00

Landon loves the bath... he also loves my jewelry box. He likes to go into the drawers and pull out all my bracelets. Tonight he particularly liked these two. So much so that he had to take them into the bathtub with him. Sometimes he'll give them to me when I ask, but other times he keeps them to himself.

One of the cutest things he is doing now is giving kisses... enjoy!

Love this boy!

2010-11-30T18:47:00.001-05:00

What a cutie huh? Love this big boy!!!

Teething, Turkey, and other Torturous Travel Tales

2010-11-27T03:34:00.001-05:00

The title and the fact that we're still driving should say it all, more to come.

Snacktime

2010-11-03T12:18:00.001-04:00

Landon enjoying a few crackers.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T19:49:00.002-04:00

Well...it wasn't his first Halloween technically speaking...but it was his first one dressing up. We didn't do a whole lot, but he enjoyed walking around. He didn't even mind the insanely hot costume I put on him. Amazing, considering the following:

1-it was 87 degrees at 6 o'clock
2-his costume had a head piece (he hates anything on his head)
3-his costume was a little too short in the stride, so I'm pretty sure he had a wedgie the whole time.

We stayed out all of 30 whole minutes but the poor kid was sweating so bad we just couldn't last any longer than that. I guess next year we'll have to let him get some candy, huh?

:) Happy Halloween!

Mmmmmm...apple pie.

2010-10-20T12:21:00.000-04:00

Thanks to my mom and Jerry I have a whole box of fresh NC apples. So it seemed fitting to bake apple pies with them. Nothing spells Fall like apple pie...even if it is still 85 degrees.

Mmmmmm...

Happy Birthday Baby!

2010-10-14T21:10:00.021-04:00

Dear Landon,

One year ago today you made me the happiest, most joyful, most grateful, most exhausted, most terrifyed, most elated woman in the world. I can't tell you how much I love you...you won't ever know until you have a son of your own one day...and even then, I'm not sure you'll really know.

Oh how this year has changed me! I used to get up when I wanted to...now you wake me up when you want to...usually much earlier than I want. I used to get dressed up and go shopping all day, sometimes without even stopping to eat! Now I throw clothes on that I don't mind getting slobber, snot, bananas, milk, or any other various sticky substance strewn upon--and I RARELY EVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT YOU. That means I don't go shopping for me anymore...only for you (and daddy)...and IF we are shopping, then we definitely have to fit it in on YOUR schedule: In between feedings and naps...which feels like occurs EVERY 2-4 hours depending on how old you were/are. I also used to sit down and eat what I wanted to, and when I wanted to. I drank water all day long because it was healthy and I remembered to do it. Now...I am so busy tending to you that I don't have time to fix myself a meal...so I end up snacking on yours. I guess the good thing about that is I don't eat enough to gain a ton of weight. I also don't drink enough anymore to stay well hydrated, leaving me constantly thirsty! Do you see how many sacrifices I have made/continue to make for you?? All because I love you...oh, how I love you!

I have always considered myself a patient person. A first grade teacher needs to be a patient person afterall. But, I have certainly grown more patient because of you. You are very, very determined. You really, really, really know what you want (or you think you do) and you will keep trying to get it for a while. You are a problem-solver and you amaze daddy and I every day with the things you do. We can't get much past you!

We tried to give you a cake at your birthday party. I made a very pretty cake (that I worked on for hours) with an adorable polka-dotted number 1 on the top. You were supposed to dig in to it and make a mess...but did you want to do that? Nope. I chalked it up to the fact that it was fondant and not very "dig-in-able". So we tried again...today. For your real birthday I bought you a red velvet cream-cheese icing topped cupcake. I thought for sure that you would dig in to this one...it was much messier looking. But instead, you just decided that cake and cupcakes were not for you...what 1 year old screams at his cake? I don't know...but you did. Here's a picture to prove it.

"I love my birthday!"

"I wonder what that flickering light is? Looks interesting."

"why oh why did you bring me cake?!"

"I HATE cake!!!!!! I don't WANT to have a birthday!"

I'm going to hope that next year's birthday will be more entertaining...and maybe you won't be getting three teeth at once.

I love you sweet baby...sweet one year-old of mine....I love you sooooo.

xoxoxo,

mommy

Landon's Birthday Party!

2010-10-10T22:50:00.000-04:00

We had so much fun at Landon's birthday party on Sunday. I can't believe all the friends and family who came to celebrate with us! What an awesome turn out! Here are a few pictures from the big event! Unfortunately, I didn't get to take many of them because I was so busy trying to keep up with guests! We're going to do another smash cake attempt on his real birthday because the fondant on the cake I made didn't really lend itself to much mess. Thanks to everyone who came and all those who were thinking of us on that day! Enjoy the pics!

Vanilla cupcakes with fondant toppers. Thanks to my sweet cousins who helped me cut and put them together!

Carrot cake with cream cheese icing and fondant overlay. It looked better than it tasted, but that was the goal!

"Hmmm, what is this thing and why is everyone singing to me?"

Oh, this is kinda fun....

More please!

Opening presents...this is great!

Wow...look how many babies and kids there were...I think we counted 12!

And we're walking!

2010-10-08T18:58:00.001-04:00

Landon's first steps were on September 20 and ever since he's been getting braver and faster. Here is a new video of him walking...my cousin Heather is visiting from Boston and helped me capture it!

A year ago...

2010-10-01T10:46:00.000-04:00

I have been reminiscing about my pregnancy as my baby approaches one year old! It's amazing how fast time goes by...one year ago, I looked that this! This picture was taken right around my due date...10/1. Little did I know that I was going to be waiting 2 more weeks! Wow! Look at that belly! I think it actually got bigger, too. Ha ha ha! I'm almost back to my normal body...pretty amazing if you consider I gained almost 45 pounds. :)