Friday Five Faves - The Memory Loss Edition

When I started this blog I started doing Five Favorite Friday where I would list out my weekly top 5. For 30 installments, you got my thoughts. Then suddenly, in 2009, I stopped. I'm not entirely sure why. Lists are like oxygen to me. They are my security blanket in this adult life. At least that's the story I weave, when in reality I think I just need gingko biloba to help with memory. I cannot tell you how many times (mainly because I can't remember) I've gone into a room to grab something and have completely forgot why. Not even retracing steps helps jog my memory. On Tuesday I called my mom with something important to tell her and now, on Friday, I still can't remember what it was.

In honor of my recent and alarming memory loss, I'm making a Friday Five Faves list today. I have a feeling next week, I may not remember anything about this week.

1. Caramel Macchiato - I have a new favorite drink at Starbucks.  Please don't read this as my darling peppermint mocha has lost all the love.  However, the caramel macchiato is my new favorite.  It's great hot.  It's great iced.  It's one of the lowest in terms of calories and fat.  I'm a gold card member at Starbucks, which if you've been on here for any length of time, you shouldn't be surprised.  For every 15 drinks that I purchase, I get a card in the mail for a free one.  On a whim, I decided to try something different.  The rest is history.

I'm actually drinking one right now.  "It's so good, once it hits your lips, it's so good."  (Name that movie!)

2.  People Weekly online - I check this site out once a day.  Okay, sometimes more than once a day.  It's my guilty pleasure.  Not really because I care what Kim Kardashian did at Vera Wang last night, but because it gives me a glimpse into a fake reality.  I love seeing what celebrities wear or who is dating whom.  Not because I really care, but because I find it fascinating.  It's a world that is so far removed from mine, that it's like a soap opera.  My favorite thing is the 10 Best Quotes of the Week on Fridays.  It makes me glad no one is keeping record of what I say.  Wait, what's a blog again?  Hmmm... 

3.  Zoe's maturity - My child fascinates me every day, but for some reason this week I've seen a real maturity in her that warms my heart.  Her sayings are hilarious, in a grown up way.  She was at the store the other night and the cashier gave her a sticker.  Zoe's response, "thank you.  You just made my day!" 

At drama practice on Wednesday night, we always start with a prayer.  Zoe sat in the front and asked if she could pray.  I said my prayer and then she said hers.  "Dear Jesus, thank you for today.  Please bless this play and thank you for letting me play.  I love you.  Amen."  The pastor asked if she could pray in front of the whole church on Sunday.  Zoe responded, "does that mean I get to have a microphone?" 

4.  Thursdays - It's the day N returns to the homestead!  It's our favorite day of the week.  We count down the number of sleeps until daddy comes home.  Then we go grab ice cream before we go pick him up.  Then, as N pulls up to our meeting spot, Zoe starts yelling for him even before his car has stopped.  It's the best, biggest smiles of the week.  It's a bright spot in our new routine.

5.  No more poop - Toby has been a hard dog to train.  He came from a home with 18 other dogs, they never went outside, he pooped in the room he was in, ate in the same room, had no human interaction, had to fight other dogs just to get his food...okay you get the point.  For the first 10-12 weeks of his life, this is his reality.  No matter how hard we've tried, we can't get him to not be scared of outside.  Going outside to take care of big business (#2) has been a challenge.  He just thinks he can go inside the house (usually on a bed or the couch - aren't we so lucky), even though 2 minutes before he was outside taking care of little business (#1).  It's extremely frustrating and I was at the end of my rope with it.  Toby is really N's dog.  They've bonded and N can get Toby to do things I can't.  Unfortunately Toby has to do things with me now that this is our reality.

My mom found an article on how to train an adult dog who has been abused.  She offered me some advice from this article.  Even though Toby was a puppy when we got him, his reality created some unique fears and all the "puppy training" we've done hasn't resulted in any positive outcomes.  He won't even go to the backdoor and whine or anything, he paces.  If you're not watching him, an accident happens.  It's extremely frustrating.  I tried the advice that she gave me:

 - calling #1 and #2 a certain word - we use the word "business".  Everytime we go outside, it's "Toby, let's go take care of business." 

 - take a treat outside and give it to him outside when he takes care of business - he gets 1 treat for #1 and another treat for #2. 

 - we only use his favorite treat for business.  If he does something non-business related, he gets a separate type of treat for in the house.

 - when we give him the treat outside, we reaffirm that it's for doing "business." 

The results in these few changes this week are amazing.  He's taken care of all business outside.  He actually goes to the door and whines.  He's loving being outside.  He used to go outside, maybe do business and then sit by the door and whine until you let him in.  Now, he runs, plays and generally enjoys more than just the mat in front of the back door.  Zoe loves running with him and playing with him.  N was even surprised at how playful he seemed outside.

I think we still have a ways to go and I'm sure we'll have some missteps along the way.  I'm so proud of Toby for being such a quick study and coming out of his shell in the process.  I know he's okay with my change in the routine because he laid on the couch next to me, rolled onto his back and looked at me with that "please rub my belly" look.  He's lucky he's cute.

I hope you all have a memorable weekend.  I'm going to take lots of pictures of my weekend, not because we have anything planned, but because I think I'll need the evidence of our happenings to jog my memory.

Happy Friday.

Friday Five Faves - vol. 10

I'm not quite sure where this week had gone. It seems to have flown by. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining it's Friday, I'm just praying that this feeling stops so the weekend seems long.

Here is my 5 fives in no particular order:

1) Zoe's talking. This week she saw N's car in the driveway and yelled, "DAD!" Then she goes, "no, daddy at kool." She knew he wouldn't be home and she knew enough to say he was at school.

There are times I still look at her as the 2 pound baby I first met and it brings tears to my eyes to see the girl she's becoming.

2) N's kool. For the last year N's been on a wait list for the degree program at school. Yesterday he found out that he's been accepted. He will begin the degree program in the fall.

While we are completely excited that he can pursue his dream of earning a degree, we both know it's going to be hard work. We're both a bit worn out on this schedule, but it'll be worth it in the end.

I couldn't be more proud of the fact that he's worked full-time and gone to school full time for the last year. He's worked very hard to get where he's at. I know God has some amazing things in store for him.

3) LifeWater by Sobe. I normally don't like flavored waters. I like it ice cold, plain, NO lemon and NO ice. N on the other hand hates water. That is until he discovered LifeWater. His favorite is the black & blue berry, which I think is appropriate if you know N's line of work!

I had a sip and was impressed. It's really great flavored water.

I'm more impressed that they have N drinking water regularly now!

4) Pretend. Zoe is into pretend. She loves to feed her dolls, host tea parties and make spaghetti and meatballs out of Play-Doh. We play pretend all day. Last night she had her head on my shoulder, patted my back and then made a burping sound. She looked at me and said, "MOM!"

5) Flowers. This weekend is the last chance to order flowers from the Washington Bulb Company. Every year they host at Tulip Festival in Mt. Vernon, WA. They have the most gorgeous tulips I have ever seen. I ordered some bulbs while I still lived in Puyallup and was blown away by the size and beauty of them.

If you order by the 15th, they will give you 20 free bulbs. Granted you won't actually see the flowers until next spring, but I can assure you they are worth the wait.

Have a great week all.

Friday Five Faves - vol. 9 - The sleep talkin' edition

Are two of you that read this freaking out a bit that I've done the 5 faves a couple weeks. IN. A. ROW? I know I am!

Maybe the signs of summer (we totally missed spring) have made me think more in list form than the winter months.

That does make sense, as N will tell you. He has a new list every weekend!

1) Dr. Chris. Yesterday was Zoe's first dentist appointment. We take her to a pediatric dentist. There are 5 doctors in this office and Zoe's first visit was with Dr. Chris. He was charming, kind and reassuring.

Even though Zoe cried and cried and cried he assured me that her teeth were beautiful and he doesn't see anything to worry about. He quickly put some fluoride paste on them and we were out the door.

She even got a Tigger toothbrush and got to watch some Tigger and Pooh before Dr. Chris came in. I think they already know the way to her heart!

2) Movies. Yesterday, after the appointment, my mom took Zoe to her house for nap time. That meant I got 3 hours to myself. That's 180 minutes of me time.

I went to the grocery store, raced home, made some lunch and watched He's Just Not That Into You. It was a cute movie and I love Jennifer Aniston.

Plus did I mention the house was quiet and I was alone. It's those moments that recharge my batteries and make me a better mommy, wife, friend, person.

Thank you mom!

3) The quiet house. Our cricket, Jiminy, is no longer with us. It's been quiet for a full 36 hours now. I'd like to say that I miss the little guy, but I really don't.

I had a brief moment last night when I thought he'd returned. It was all his buddies outside for the funeral.

4) Sleep talkin'. Since I typed that, I've got that Bee Gees's song in my head, "Jive Talkin'". Which is always a good choice for a song to get stuck in your head before coffee.

It was 2 am and I head "Oh NO!" along with some babble coming from the monitor. My first instinct is "OH NO!" she's awake.

Apparently Zoe may like to sleep on her tummy like her father, but she talks in her sleep like her mother.

It was so cute, despite it being 2 am. That's mainly because I can see her little expression as she says it.

5) Benadryl. I have no idea what's going on this month, but the pollen is blowing. Right into my sinus cavity. I've had the itchy, watery eyes, the stuffy nose, the scratchy throat. It's gross.

Thankfully there is Benadryl. Totally helps me fall asleep and clears my head. Not to mention helps me fall asleep after being awoke by "OH NO!" coming from the monitor.

Oh Benadryl, how I love thee.

Hope you're Friday is full of as much disco as mine is.

Friday Five Faves - vol. 8

I've been mentally trying to keep track all week of things for my 5 Faves post and I'm hoping, after some hot, sunny weather than my brain isn't totally fried.

Not that I don't love the sunny, warm weather, but when you can feel sweat dripping down your back after 5 minutes of being in the car, that's a bit warm for me.

Without further excuses related to my imaginary sun-stroke, here we go:

1) This week Zoe and I were going to cuddle and watch a Little Einsteins movie before bed. We had our popcorn, our blankies and were ready to go. She pulled out the movie and I asked, "this one is the one you want?"

Her response, "yeah babe!"

Apparently she's a little Emeril.

2) School programs. Last night was my nephew's spring program. They are usually some type of musical and this one was titled, "Holy Moses!" There are some speaking parts, some solos and lots of music. Last night it used a Trading Spaces theme. My oldest nephew, MJ had a roll as Ty Kwando the local handyman.

My middle nephew T-Dog had a solo. I am not too ashamed to admit, watching those boys up there, saying their lines and performing a solo made me a little teary. I couldn't be more proud of those boys.

Not to forget Con-Man. He's my youngest nephew and the preschoolers were not a part of this production. Instead he played with Zoe. I don't know what it is, but he can make her belly laugh just by saying her name. He's an excellent older cousin.

3) Children's Birthday parties. The Saturday before Father's Day we are doing a joint birthday party for D & E. They, along with 8 of their friends, will be rollerskating. All my neurotic party-planning is coming out again. I ordered a rollerskating cake, have disco-ball keychains/laces/rope licorice for the goodie bags and we are creating the invites this weekend.

My head is completely swirling with all sorts of fun to be had.

4) The little things. This week I had an employee meeting to conduct. Once a month I present the retirement benefits of our client to the new employees. It's the part of my job that I adore. This client is awesome. The people they hire are always interactive, fun and kind. I look forward to this meeting every month.

This last meeting totally took the cake. A woman, in her 50's sat at the "U" shaped table and began picking her nose. We're talking full-on digging for gold.

It did make me a little sick, but I was 100% glad that I was at the front of the room and not sitting next to her!

5) God's provisions. This one should probably be listed first, but just because it's #5 doesn't mean it's less important.

I've mentioned that our church is going through a transition. For the last several months it has felt like we were very stagnant. In the last couple weeks some decisions have been made that have set us on a course.

Like any major changes, some people agree and some people do not. For the first time in about a year I can feel God's hand guiding our church. That's not to say that there aren't still rough waters to wade through, but I'm glad we're on a course to take us through those waters, to be refined, to be shone His plan.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend full of Sonshine.

Friday Five Faves - vol. 7

It's Memorial Day weekend and I have yet to do a Five Faves post in May. Apparently I've fallen off the wagon. I wish I had some really great reason like I was helping create world peace or at the half yearly sale at Nordstrom, but I don't.

Never fear, I'm back on it and ready to roll.

1) Lilac bushes. One side of our house will never have neighbors. There is a natural drain area that is gorgeously green there. Because that is the first side of our house that you see when you enter our neighborhood, we thought we would add some color to that side of the house. I love lilac bushes. They are beautiful and smell great. They are N's favorite. We've decided to line that side of the house with lilac bushes. The first of which will be planted this weekend.

2) Sugar cookies. This week Zoe and I made some. Her favorite part was dumping, not sprinkling, the flour onto the counter. She was a floured mess by the time we were done. She LOVED it. They are delicious!

3) Zoe's new slide. We got her a small slide, with a tree house on top. Although I'm not positive it's actually a tree house because, well, it's not actually in a tree. It has a parascope that we can spy on people with. It's still in the box in the garage, but everytime she passes it she yells "SLIDE!" I hope it's as big a hit when it's assembled.

4) Bowling. Zoe and I have had the opportunity to go bowling twice in the last two weeks. On Wednesday I got my game back. Instead of getting only 2 pins per frame, I ended up over 100 for the game. I'm still better on the Wii, but I did beat my toddler. Although Zoe did beat her grandma. I still see a bowling league in Zoe's future.

5) Our troops. Having been a former Air Force wife, I know the sacrifices families of the military make. On this weekend it is a reminder to me of what the price is for our freedom. Thank you to all our troops and their families for their time and sacrifice. Because of you I can worship the God I love openly, speak what is on my mind and have a life that many people in the world will never experience.

Happy Memorial Day all!

Friday Five Faves - Vol 6

I've been a little lax in the FFF department this year. I wish I had some grand excuse, but I don't.

In an effort to redeem myself, I thought I'd get at least one more in before we're completely done with April.

This week I've been loving mail order. We had three packages arrive while we were at work. It was like coming home to Christmas in April. If you bought the gift for yourself and knew exactly when it was arriving.

We got N's saddlebags on Monday.

1) Yesterday we got my new favorite garage item EVAR: ceiling mounted storage. It's on the honey-please-do list for the weekend.

The picture is a little weird because they are actually upside down in the foyer and I was just too lazy to flip them before I took the picture. So I just flipped the picture. Laziness folks. It's a gift of mine.

2) The only thing I love more than buying clothes for myself is buying clothes for Zoe. The best part is that she's still at the age where she'll wear what I put on her. Although I must say, the opinions are already starting. She won't wear just any shoe with just any outfit.

This week I had some Gymboree bucks that I had to use. I got all this for 50% off.

Welcome summer. Zoe will be so darling.

3) The last Jumpers class. While I think Zoe is the cutest girl EVAR in her leotard, the class is actually exhausting. For 30 minutes we are both jumping, rolling and balancing. I'm not going to lie, I'm completely out of shape. After 30 minutes of a 2 year old's gymnastics class, I'm ready for a hot tub and bed.

After the first week we got a new teacher. I'm not really fond of her. She insists that Zoe stretch before we start. If you've ever met a 2 year old, stretching really isn't in their vocabulary. I figure since they can touch their toes, climb all over furniture and like to sleep all contorted, they're pretty much ready, muscle wise, for all things gymnastic at time of the day or night. Zoe hated stretching. It would take a good 10 minutes of the 30 minute class to calm her down.

After all the crying, hopping, balancing and rolling, I was pretty much ready for the stamp on Zoe's hand. I actually think I should get one too, but I don't want to be too pushy. It's one of Zoe's favorite parts too. She will show everyone her stamp.

4) N. He is working so hard going through school and working full-time, that I know he's exhausted by the weekend. Yet he takes time to play with Zoe, work in the yard and clean the tubs. During the week, he frequently tells me how much he appreciates me. Honestly, I have no idea how I got so blessed.

I don't even think all that mushiness and willingness has anything to do with getting saddlebags this week. He actually fells all that mushy stuff. I guess I'm doubly blessed!

5) Zoe's thought process. I honestly can't wait for the next stage where she's talking and telling me all her ideas. I have a feeling I'm going to be in stitches most of the time.

On the way to the car from gymnastics, she was starting to get a bit whiny. Then she noticed some birds and the gondolas overhead and briefly forgot about all the required stretching that made her upset. As I was putting her in the car, she realized she had stopped whining and started to cry. You have to make up for the brief moment of non-whining.

As we were driving out of the parking spot I noticed she was still crying, but she had found a tissue and was wiping her eyes as she cried.

I have no idea where she gets it.

That's pretty much my week in a nutshell. I think they just keep getting better.

Have a good weekend all. Hope it's full of sunshine, spring weather and no required stretching.

Friday Five Faves - The picture edition

Last night was Zoe's first gymnastics class. Or so I thought! It starts next week, but isn't she so cute (even with the toilet paper roll cast!).

For Halloween Zoe was a butterfly with a tutu. She LOVES her tutu. So much she practices her jumps, twirls and kicks all evening.

Afterward she watches herself bow in the oven.

After all that work with the dancing and the getting ready for a fake gymnastics class, our diva took a few minutes to watch some cartoons.

I'm sorry for the totally mommy post, but that is my favorite role of all.

Friday Five Faves - vol. 4

I am counting down the hours today. Tonight I have a hot date with a certain man in my life AND a certain little girl who continually steals my heart. We're going to Disney Playhouse Live. I would be lying if I didn't admit that part of my excitement is because I hope this will trim down the amount of Barney we have to watch going forward.

By trimming, I totally mean eliminate!

I love being able to take my munchkin to these types of things. I love watching her excitement. She truly enjoys every minute of life. It's such a great reminder for me.

On that note, I thought I would do a Friday Five Fave post on my little reminders this week.

1) A mother's intuition. On Monday my mom noticed a small rash on Zoe's tummy. It didn't seem to bother her and we did just switch lotions, so we didn't think too much of it. By Wednesday this rash had spread to about 85% of her little body. I decided we needed to see the doctor. She confirmed this rash is similar to what they see for kids with strep throat. Fortunately Zoe doesn't have strep, but she does have a significant ear infection.

It's never good when the doctor says significant. If I didn't listen to my mommy intuition, we could've totally missed the fact that she had an ear infection. Now she's on meds and on the road to recovery.

2) Little notes. N and I don't see each other during the week. Monday - Thursday takes us in two different directions. At first I think this helped us "ease" into marriage. Now, it's just plain annoying. While we both know it will pay off in the end, there are some times you just want to sit on the couch with your husband in the evenings and enjoy some time together.

This week he's left me a couple little notes just wishing me a good day. Even though we can't sit on the couch together in the evenings, it is heart warming to see a note on the counter for me. I think I've got a keeper!

3) Little hands. Zoe is turning into such a big helper. She will get her wash cloth in the bath and while she's soaking, she's cleaning the drain with her wash cloth while saying "help."

It is those same little hands that grab my hand as we run around the house or walk across a parking lot. They even grab my chin and turn my head toward hers for a kiss. I love those little hands.

4) Praying. I firmly believe in the power of prayer. While God's answer isn't always the same as we would hope for, He still answers. I've gotten quite a few e-mails this week about people who are sick or struggling. While I have no idea what road God will take them down, I know He hears me when I lift those things up to Him.

It has been put on my heart this week to begin praying for Zoe's future friends and her future husband. We may or may not know these people, but my prayer is they are the ones God wants her to have. The people who will bring God closer to her throughout her life.

5) Pounds and ounces. I have slowly been taking weight off these last 6 weeks. While I haven't had major weight loss, I've been steadily chipping away at it. I haven't always been the best at the dieting and this week I've not been fully interested in working out. However, I've noticed some changes to my habits. I don't crave sugar anymore. Don't get me wrong, a big piece of birthday cake is wonderful, but I don't HAVE TO HAVE IT NOW! My portions are smaller and my bread intake has decreased.

I'm counting all these things as major blessings!

6) I know it's a Five Fave post, but I have a 6th one this week! Perhaps it's because I'm trying to make up for some, okay half the Fridays that I've missed. I found a Quicken program online. It totally categorizes your spending and helps you save or pay off debt. How cool is that? I realize I'm probably coming late to this game, but seriously, I'm a little addicted to the site.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy your Valentine's day!

Friday Five Faves - vol. 3

It's been an off-week for me. On one hand I've got so much to be thankful for. On the other, some things have been a struggle. Like my professional life this week. I kinda feel bad about focusing a little on the negative because I hate watching the news or reading some article about how the sky has been falling. I don't want this to be a place people come and have their smile get turned upside down.

I'm really struggling. I'm not going to go into details, but I'm experiencing some professional stresses that would have made me quit prior jobs. I love what I do and I believe in what our office is doing, I just am struggling with certain aspects of things right now. Things that make me dread coming into the office. That keep me up at night. That make the pit of my stomach hurt from stress.

I only know to pray about it. Which is the best thing for these types of things, but I'm human, so my emotions tend to be a little wonky because of it. I'm really hoping to check those at the door this afternoon because I have some partying to do.

Namely with a certain 2 year old and some of her friends. Which is my #1 this week. I'm totally stoked about the party. Not to give too much away, but we have a hot dog/german sausage feed with salads and chips, game time for the kids to include a small basketball hoop, a bean bag toss and a seed planting station. Then the cake is the shape of a butterfly because it totally matches the Garden Party theme. The centerpieces are adorable. I'll post pictures of them after the party.

2) Dinner with family tonight. D & E will be with us the weekend for the festivities. Tonight N's sister and her family are coming over for some food, fellowship and Wii. It'll be nice to visit with them and just enjoy our time together.

3) Zoe's new cowboy boots. Her G.G. sent them from Austin for her birthday. Aren't they adorable? She'll be line dancin' and two steppin' in no time.


4) My amazing husband. N has been helping out around the house this week extra because of how hard things have been for me. I come home to a clean house, clean laundry and a phone call telling me all kinds of sweet lovey-dovey things. He's made this week better. I'm so thankful that he is a husband who can sense my frustrations and my stresses and does what he can to be supportive. He is truly a demonstration of God's grace in my life.

5) Early bed times. Last night at 8 o'clock Zoe brought me her bedtime book and we read it. Then she ran into the kitchen while she asked for a bottle. At 8 o'clock. That is a whole hour before her normal bedtime. When I told her we needed to get ready for bed, you'd think I just told her I killed her puppy. Because she cried and cried and cried. Alligator tears ensued.

After her bottle, she got into her comfy position on my lap, turned her head toward me, blew me a kiss and was asleep. That little gesture there brought a slew of tears and made my week's stresses vanish.

Then I got to watch The Office. Even though it was a rerun, it was new to me.

It was like the perfect evening. Especially since I lost this week. After eating more food this weekend than I should in a week because, hello, celebrating a birthday! Whatever fries she didn't eat, I couldn't let those go to waste. They were birthday fries. We all know those taste better.

Have a great Friday all.

Friday Five Faves - vol. 2

So I've cooled down a bit about the whole IRS thing. By cooled down I mean I'm not shaking my fist in the air and I'm not dwelling on it. I truly believe what goes around comes around. That actually makes me feel sorry for the IRS.

It's not like we don't get a refund, it's just not what I was expecting. Then again, to think I could retire to the beaches of O'ahu at 32 isn't exactly realistic either. Thank you IRS for giving me a reality check.

This week has actually been good, minus the IRS fist fight I was in. Here's why:

1) Date nights. N and I are going on a date tonight. We are doing the whole dinner and a movie thing. I'm beyond excited. Our dates nights provide us with an opportunity to reconnect. When we start to miscommunicate or get irritated with each other, we know it's time for a date. I think we're going to see Valkyrie. Although I'm not positive it's still playing. If it's not, I'm sure we'll go see the new Underworld movie.

2) The History Channel. We've had an on-again/off-again relationship over the years. Right now, we're on-again. I watched a documentary on MLK that was awesome. I cannot even fathom segregation or feeling superior to someone because of skin color. What he did for civil rights was impressive and totally humbling.

I also watched a documentary on Valkyrie. I saw Tom Cruise on some morning show talking about how dramatic the actual story was and it intrigued me. What I loved about the documentary on The History Channel (not Tom) is the only WWII memorial in Berlin is dedicated to the 5 men who lost their lives trying to eliminate Hitler. Kinda makes me want to see the movie.

3) Roaster Ovens. For Christmas my sister-in-law got me a roaster oven. At first I was unsure how I would use it because it seemed a little like large crock pot. Then I did a little research and I can cook anything in it. Like whole chickens, a small turkey, veggies, brownies. It's in less time than a crock pot. Then I can take it somewhere to share the food. How cool is that?

4) Make-up brushes. Yesterday I spent a gift card I got for Christmas on some new make up. I've been having terrible break-outs and decided to go back to mineral make-up. Because it's all powder, it goes on with a brush. Last night I was at the table, getting all my make-up sorted and packed for the gym this morning. Zoe was up at the table with me, totally into the brushes. I showed her what to do with them. For the rest of the evening, she insisted on applying some pretend blush on her cheeks and mine. It was a moment that I realized how much fun having a girl is. We're entering the dress-up, play make-up stage. I cannot wait. It was one of the things I loved about growing up. I think she will too.

5) The scale. That's right, it was another good week for me. A 2.6 pound loss. That's a total of 4 pounds in the last two weeks. A 2.6 loss is really setting the bar high for next week, but I'm in the groove. I've got my meal plan down. I've got my working out down. I'm already starting to see the benefits of those. I have more energy at night with Zoe. My attitude is better. My eyes are a little red, but I've got new make-up to take care of that!

I hope your week has been as great as mine. Sans any kind of government rule that makes no sense!

Have a fabulous Friday.

Friday Five Faves, vol. 1

I’m back on the Friday Five Faves because it’s a new year (hence the start over in numbering)and well I really like Top 5 lists of all kinds. Which is probably why I’m also a huge fan of the movie High Fidelity. Not Rick Dees though. I only like Top 5 lists without immature jokes and comments. Technically his lists include the Top 40 or Top 100 or something like that, which require way too much commitment for me.

Onto the things I love about this week:

1. Zoe’s new birthday outfit. It looks so garden-like with all the daisies. It’ll be perfect for her butterfly/garden party.

I know I really sound like that mom who takes things WAY over the top with having a theme and everything matching. I probably am. Birthdays were always such a special day for me as a child. I had big parties with all my friends and my mom always made me feel so special. I want the same for Zoe. Besides, she’s my only child, so she gets all my neurotic mothering.


2. The Office. Yesterday Zoe did not take a nap. She spent the entire day chasing daddy or climbing all over grandma’s couches. By 7:00, on our way home, she was asleep in the car with some blue, M&M drool coming out the side of her mouth. By 7:30 I had gotten her changed for bed, made a bottle and she hadn’t budged. She actually snored a little. I had two free hours to myself.

You guessed it, I watched The Office. Hilarious. I don’t get to watch it much because 9:00 is Zoe’s bed time, but last night was reason why we need DVR. I’ll be laughing at the speed radar scene all weekend. “31. That’s my new number. Beat that.” If you want a really great recap, go to BooMama’s blog for great quotes.

3. Steamer Bags. Did you know that one of those sandwich bag companies makes steamer bags? You can steam veggies, fish, chicken in your microwave. Maybe I’m new to this, but so convenient. I am queen of convenience cooking. Not to mention delicious. No more broccoli stems with no fronds. Is that even the right terminology?

4. Disney Playhouse Live. They are coming here! On Friday, February 13th! It’ll be like an early Valentine date with Zoe! N and I are so excited! If you couldn’t tell from all the exclamation points! Seriously I can’t stop.

Taking Zoe to these types of things has been one reason I’m excited she’s growing up. This will be her first experience going to the theater. She’ll get to see all the Hundred Acre Wood gang, the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse crew, Handy Manny and the tools and the Little Einsteins. I realize we may be setting the bar high for all future trips to the theater, but I’m excited to see how she’ll do. Some of her first works were Tigger and Pooh, so I think we’ll be good. Now she says “cheers” along with the Clubhouse gang. I think it will be fun for her. Going to the children’s theater when I was little was one of my favorite things EVER, so I hope to continue the tradition with her.

5. The moment of truth – how has this week on my challenge gone? GREAT! FANTASTIC! MUCHO WONDERFULO! (Like my attempt at Spanish? I need to watch more Handy Manny.) I lost 1.4 pounds this week and made it to the gym all the days I could. I’m setting the bar kinda high for the gym appearances. However, I work out with a lady who kinda gives you a guilt trip if she doesn’t see you. I totally need that. Now if I could just get a recording of her for every time I opened the bread cabinet, we’d be set. We’re starting off strong, but not overly so. I keep telling myself, “marathon, not a sprint.”

Which has kinda been my motto behind the FFF posts apparently because they've been MIA. I'm back and ready for action.

Have a great weekend all.

10 Lords a Leaping is Overkill or Friday Five Faves - vol. 20

This year I've had a REALLY hard time getting into the holiday spirit. I think it can be related to several aspects of life right now. I realize this will probably be a downer of a post, but if you can't be honest with your blogmies, who can you be honest with?

I think I'm just burnt out. All the stresses that had kept me awake at night the last couple years are now gone. Which is a blessing, but I also don't quite know what to do with myself.

So to get into the holiday spirit, I thought I would do a Christmas meme for you all!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, with all the extra decorations. I spend way more time wrapping than anyone spends opening.

2. Real tree or Artificial? We've converted to artificial. Quite honestly, it's not the same, but I don't have to shimmy underneath it to water it.

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

4. When do you take the tree down? Try to take it down on New Year's Day.

5. Do you like eggnog? Not in the least.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My new Huffy 10-speed. I was so cool.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My nephews and my step-daughters.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Husband, daughter and mom

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Sadly no.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail with a family picture. I may try a newsletter this year.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Can't think of one.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Frosty The Snowman. Brings back my childhood.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually sometime in November or on Black Friday.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can think of.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? popcorn balls and little smokies. YUM! Not at the same time.

16. Lights on the tree? Heck yes, white ones.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Angels We Have Heard on High or What Child is This

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We travel to my mom's on Christmas Eve for a rockin' good time and then Christmas day is at our house.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yeppers, there is a song afterall!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star, I always feel bad for the angle with a tree limb up her...

21. Open presents on Christmas eve or morning? Christmas Eve with my sister and her family, Christmas day for my family and my mom. If I can convince N to wait that long. He's more of a kid at Christmas than I am.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The word Xmas. I hate it. People don't say Xtine's Day. Why pick on Christmas?

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love all the ornaments from my childhood. We always had a tradition of going to a local nursery and getting a new ornament. I have no idea why I picked the ones I did some years.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A salad spinner. Don't laugh, they're really cool.

Friday Five Faves - vol. 18 or 19

So I was looking at past FFF posts and I realized that I have two #17 editions. Apparently counting and Fridays don't really mix for me.

Or it could be that I was getting an early start on the festivities that are in store for me tonight. My friend Amber's bachelorette party is tonight. We all have to wear something leopard print. Since I'm not so great at face-painting on leopard spots (which I thought would totally be a stand-out idea for a night on the town), I found a delightful headband to wear. I think my inner tigress is ready for some girl's night out!

Without further ado, FFF volume 18 or 19. Depending if you believe in new math or not.

1) My new plum, suede pumps from Kenneth Cole Reaction (sorry no picture, I was working on my counting and face painting). I found these beauties for my friend Amber's wedding this December, but I love them so much I've already worn them. What's even better, I found them at Macy's and they were half off. Can you beat that?

2) iTunes. Since entering the 21 century, I've started loading up my iPod with music. I downloaded some singles that I love and even the new Nickleback CD. I will admit, I even downloaded Britney's Circus. I'm a bit of a Britney fan, head shaving and all. She did have some trouble there for awhile, but I love a good comeback story like I love me some leftover cheesecake from Thanksgiving.


3) Toddler talk. Zoe is starting to say more and more things. She will answer questions too, even though I have absolutely no idea what she's saying. This was our conversation as I mopped the floors with Pine Sol this week:

Me: mopping, enjoying my little helper
Zoe: sweeping the floors with her broom when she said Mom!
Me: What sweetie?
Zoe: pinches her nose, p.u.!

Apparently the scent of fresh pine doesn't quite meet her expectations of a good smell.

4) The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I tend to read an author's entire body of work if I like their writing. I was a little skeptical about this book because I didn't know if it could live up to the Twilight series and it's kinda sci-fi. When I say kinda sci-fi I mean completely, 100% sci-fi. I have to admit that I loved it. It's a hard story to explain, but her website says it's "science fiction for people who don't like science fiction." I have to agree.


5) Three Legged Red by Dunham Cellars. I've had several of their wines and this is a great, affordable bottle of red table wine. What's even better is this winery is located in Walla Walla, so you're supporting local!


Have a great week all!

Friday Five Faves - vol. 17

I know I said I wouldn't be back until the weekend, but between the massages, the facials and the body wraps, I figured I could fit in a Friday Five Fave.

Oh, I kid. I can smell the wonderful, relaxing aromas of the spa and I may have zoned out during the morning meeting to visual myself being pampered. I really don't think they'll miss me much during the afternoon sessions.

Or you know, my flight doesn't leave until 9 tonight, so I could fit something in before take-off.

It's the little thoughts like those that keep me going.

1) I went to Starbucks this week to discover this:

The red holiday cup! YEAH! I don't know why, but I swear my coffee tastes better in this cups. I'm a little disappointed they did away with the peppermint, red sprinkles this year. They replaced it with peppermint whipped cream. I don't get the whip cream. I feel that by not getting it, I'm saving myself 13 grams of fat per cup. Which is huge!

Again, all about the little thoughts.

2) 2:00 am bottles. Ever since Zoe has had a cold, we've been getting up in the middle of night for a bottle again. I think all the swallowing helps clear her nose. While having my REM cycle disturbed isn't my favorite thing, having Zoe cuddle into me and rub my arm while we sit in her room is. It's those bonding moments that make the lack of sleep totally worth it.

3) My new sweater from Lerner New York. It's totally comfy and the perfect autumn find. I seriously could wrap up in and not come out until spring.

Or you know, when it needs to be washed.

4) Daylight Savings Time. Zoe didn't quite enjoy Daylight Savings Time like she should've. Last Saturday I was up 6 times that night. Apparently the whole time change was just too confusing for her. Her internal clock was all messed up. Here's the cool thing about. I get to experience it twice. In the same week.

I don't quite know how this works, but Arizona thinks DST is a total waste of time. They do not participate. I gained an hour on Saturday, lost an hour yesterday and I get it back tonight. It's my own personal version of Quantum Leap.

5) Midnight showings. In my single days I was known to go see movies at midnight to claim being the very first to see it. The last movie I did this with was the most recent Star Wars with N. I'm proud to say that I just bought midnight showing tickets again. For Thursday, November 20th. To see Twilight the movie. I'm totally stoked.

Friday Five Faves - vol. 17

Last night I went to buy Halloween candy. I like to buy right before Halloween or I end up eating 95% of the candy pre-trick-or-treaters. It's a little thing I like to call Lack of Self-Control. I've even tried buying candy that I don't like. Enter Snickers. Yeah, that didn't work. Snickers does really satisfy.

My plan of attack this year was to buy them the day before Halloween because 1) it's on sale and 2) all the good candy would be gone. I'd get stuck with some generic Milky Way that tasted more like sawdust. Everyone who has trick-or-treated knows what I'm talking about.

Well, the plan backfired. The candy was on sale, so the checkbook didn't take the hit. What kind of candy is left the day before Halloween, you ask? Kit Kat, Milky Way and M&M's. Of my top 5 of candy bars, those three are on there. They also had Reese's available too, but will power cannot handle that kind of temptation.

I basically shelled out half the money for a big bowl of temptation. I'm hoping we get lots of trick-or-treaters tonight.

All this talk of Halloween got me thinking about the holiday. My dear friend Becca is married to a man that hates the holiday. He didn't even like to celebrate it as a child. What kid doesn't like free candy?

We also started talking about Halloween costumes. Apparently in junior high Becca went trick-or-treating as a prostitute. Fake money included. She's completely awed at her mother's lack of disapproval. She doesn't think her mom won "mother of the year" that year.

It got me thinking. I was never anything scary and most of my costumes were homemade. I don't think I ever had a costume that was store bought. I always remember going to the fabric store and sitting down at the pattern table looking for my perfect costume. I had some elaborate costumes. Which leads me to think FFF. Five Fave Halloween costumes that I've worn.

1) Rainbow Brite. I'm so glad she's making a comeback. When I was in first grade my mom made me a Rainbow Brite costume that was the COOLEST EV-AR. The skirt even stayed full because she stuffed the hem with stuffing. The shin guards were padded and so were the arm guards. I LOVED that costume. Until I had to stand on my chair in Mrs. Miner's class and tell everyone what I was. When I sat down Mark Inners told me he saw up my skirt. Kinda ruined that outfit. I was totally paranoid the rest of the day. Although I'm sure my mom put some shorts underneath.

2) 50's Girl. In 5th grade my best friend Amber and I dressed alike as 50's girls. We had the poodle skirt, with an actual poodle on it. A sweater with our initial on it like Laverne from Laverne and Shirley. Our hair in ponytails. We were so cool. We went bowling like that.

3) Raggedy Anne. I was 4 and totally cool because I had yarn in my hair. Who doesn't become instantly cool with yarn in their hair?

4) Cheerleader. In 4th grade I wanted to be a cheerleader from my school. Our colors were red and white, so my mom made a cheerleader skirt with red on the outside and white inside the pleats. I twirled in that so much I got dizzy.

I guess I only had 4 favorite outfits.

I hope you all have a fabulous Halloween. Enjoy the costumes and the candy!

Friday Five Faves - vol. 16

I'm still in a haze of cold medicine. While I can't be somewhat comatose during work hours, I've switched to DayQuil. It's kinda ruined my buzz. I just don't have the same love connection with the non-drowsy stuff as I do with the NyQuil. It really does complete me.

In an effort to not make this Five Fave about all the different types of cold medicines that are on the market, which I know would be totally stimulating, I thought I would keep it light.

Be warned, I'm still on medication. Heavy medication. Some of this may or may not be coherent.

1) The Bulb Syringe. When Zoe was in the NICU, she had to have her nose cleaned out with the bulb syringe every few hours. She hated it. I was glad that she didn't come home on oxygen because that meant I wouldn't have to bulb syringe. It freaked me to think I would attach a vacuum to her face for any reason.

Then she caught her first cold. At the same time, some other parents elsewhere decided that dosage recommendations didn't need to be followed and they OD'd their kids. The government decided to ban all infant cold medication all together. Because well, according to the governement, we don't take direction well. Enter the bulb syringe. It's still battle to get that hand-held vacuum up to her face, but when I can, it's music to my ears to hear her breathing through her nose.

2) Sick cuddles. One of the best parts of being sick, besides the NyQuil, is cuddling on the couch with Zoe. She's got the same cold, so we've spent the last few evenings, cuddled on the couch, with our Kleenex, watching Darby, Tigger and Pooh save Christmas. While I can't wait for both of us to be over these colds, I'm going to enjoy every minute of cuddling that I can get.

3) N. He has totally stepped to help me out since I've been sick. He came home early from school one night so I could sleep and he would stay with Zoe. He's cleaned up the house and called to check up on me. He's an amazing caretaker. I'm so blessed to have him in my life.

4) SNL. I'm not going to get political on here or anything, but I do think the political sketches they do are hilarious. The most recent of George W. Bush endorsing McCain is priceless. You can see the discomfort stretching across Darrell Hammond's face and you feel bad for him. It's worth a good laugh.

5) Harvest parties. This weekend we are going to spend some time with other young families from our church. They have a chili contest, which N will love. They also have some pumpkin carving, which Zoe and I will do. It'll be a good time with our friends, just enjoying this time of year.

Happy Autumn everyone.

Friday Five Faves - Vol. 15

Another week gone in a haze of smoke detector beeping. I almost started freaking out when the microwaved beeped to let me know my food was done. I have developed a weird tick for beeping sounds.

I don't even want to comment on what happened, but I will since I know you're all in suspense. We had, packed away in some random box, a carbon monoxide alarm from Puyallup. In a random act of incompatability, it had a low battery and somehow signaled to all 5 smoke detectors that it was low, causing all of them to beep.

After calling an electrician who installed new smoke detectors, we found the real issue. Once we took the batteries out of the carbon monoxide alarm, they all stopped.

I don't even want to tell you the bill we got for new smoke detectors we didn't need. It would totally kill the buzz from the peace and quiet last night. You could call this a very expensive smoke detector test.

Onto the Top 5 for this week. Because we have an offer on the house, I thought I would focus this Friday Five Fave on the things we'll be able to do without that HUGE mortgage payment.

1 - Grocery shopping. I know, you shouldn't show all your cards right off the bat. To come out strong with this type of thing as #1 is just plain crazy talk.

To save money, we've had to shop at a sub-par grocery store. The meat section leaves something to be desired. The produce doesn't last two days. It's safe to say our eating habits have been severely hampered by this. Now I get to shop at my favorite grocery store. They sell wonderful produce, my favorite kind of milk (yes, different brands taste different to me), and a meat section that I could stand in for hours. It's safe to say that I'm completely, 100% excited to make this change.

2 - One yard. For 18 months I've had the Puyallup's yard in the back of my mind. We don't get over there often, so when we visit we have weeds that are almost as tall as the fence. Thank you Western Washington rain. So when we do visit, it's exhausting because of all the work that has to go into the yard.

Now, we only have one yard to focus on. I can plant tulips, roses, herbs and various other flowers. I'm beyond excited to be able to garden in the spring.

3 - Target. This is, by far, my favorite store. I've had to avoid this store in the last year and a half because I have been known to buy things that I may or may not have needed right away. It also has a children's clothing section that is stocked with kicky outfits. It's my go-to store when I want to wander and browse. In some ways, it's like a little haven when I need to get out of life into the aisles of fun purses, cute jewelry and new CD's.

I can now wander around this store, taking in the sights and smelling the popcorn from the snack bar. It will be good to be back.

4 - Eye brow waxing. For as long as I can remember I've had a problem with the brows. When I was younger it was almost impossible to determine if I only had one or if there were two, separate ones on my face. Then I discovered waxing. Sure it's a little painful, but when you have a forest to pluck, pouring hot wax and then ripping it off is the only way to go. I have tried electrolysis on my brows. I have to be completely honest, it could be a form of torture that helps the insurgants find those terrorists. After two hairs, you're ready to spill your life's secrets just to make the pain stop.

Now, I can pay someone to rip hair off my face all at once rather than hair-by-hair. Bring on the wax I say!

5 - Lessons for Zoe. Because she doesn't attend daycare, I try to find things that would allow her interaction with other children. Because of her age, that usually happens in the form of some class. Our local YMCA has several classes that would be great for her. Additionally, so does Gymboree Play & Music. I'm very excited to get her participating in music classes. The girl loves her some music.

I know this sounds like I can't wait to spend money, but I'm more excited about a return to "normal." We haven't had any discretionary income for almost 2 years. This is the first time that we will, as a family, be able to enjoy some of life's comforts. Despite what is happening in the economy, we will be able to rest at night. That should be my #1!

Happy weekend all.

The Friday Five Faves - vol. 15

This Friday Five Fave is a little hard for me. I've had my head in books all week.

Seriously, I think N might be planning an intervention soon. The Stephenie Meyer series is making me lose sleep, consuming my time.

You know what, I feel no remorse.

I'm a sucker for a romance.

In my single days I would buy 2-3 books a week and devour them. Some were fabulous (Kite Runner, Secret Life of Bees) and some were not so much my type of book.

Then, when I re-met N, I stopped reading and started focusing on us. Planning a wedding, moving, being a wife and mother. Life took over.

Then I had to study for work. I don't count that when I think of reading.

This is the first book (series of books) that has captured my attention since my single life. It's oddly exhilarating.

I'm on the final book now. Which roughly translates that I've read about 1,500 pages. Since Sunday.

I thought about posting my 5 favorite parts of the story or having 1-4 be the four books, but I didn't want to appear too addicted.

I guess it's too late for that.

I will get done with this book during the weekend and then next Friday I'll be back with an all new Five Fave.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Friday Five Faves - vol. 14

I love that it's Friday again. I think you could say that I live for Fridays. Not just because I love me some weekends, but because it's a time to spend with N and my girls.

This weekend is going to be extra fun. There is a girl's night out planned. Oh yes it does include a martini.

In preparation of the weekend, here are my top 5 for this week. In no particular order.

1) Political debates. I know there have been some already, but with a 20 month old in the house, unless they're debating at the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, I miss out. Last night was different. I got to watch (for the most part) the vice presidential candidates debate. This one is my favorite because you hear the presidential candidates talk ALL. The. Time. You hardly ever hear from the VP candidates.

Because of the 20 month old, I missed the National Conventions too. This is the first time I've heard Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin speak. I was proud to see it was civil and, at times, humorous. It was also the first time I thought Sen. Biden didn't come across as arrogant (based upon my newspaper reading).

Here's the thing that cracks me up with these political races (warning, I may get a little political myself). Especially when they include Senators. I love that they point the finger toward the current president. Doesn't the president need the Senate's approval for the laws and changes that are made? Quite frankly, Gov. Palin is the only one who could point fingers because she's not in the house or the senate. I love irony.

2) I love that it's autumn. Time to pull out the sweaters and tennis shoes. Not to mention Greenbluff is open for fall now. That means fresh apples, pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Last year Zoe got sick and puked in the corn maze. I'm hoping this year is memorable in other ways for her.

3) Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My aunt is a survivor, although she did have to sacrifice two parts of her to say that. I think it's just a fabulous cause. I love all the pink. Which is why, when they did a fund raiser at our office I joined in.

We all had pink hair extensions put in. Isn't mine so cute?



4) Sunrises. With the new autumn weather, it's time to watch the sunrise as I head to work. Yesterday, this was my view on the way to work.

Isn't it beautiful? God sure can paint the sky.

5) The age of 31. Today is N's birthday. He's finally caught up to me. Poor guy has a cold though. Nothing like being sick on your birthday.

N, here's to another great year together. Thanks for walking this walk with me. I feel so blessed to have you in my life. I hope your day is full of many blessings. Happy Birthday. I love you.

With that, I'm off to celebrate a birthday and prepare for a girl's night out. Have a great weekend all!

Friday Five Faves - vol. 12

This is a record Friday Five Fave post. I have actually had time to scrapbook. Let's have a moment of praise together.

I didn't realize how much I needed it. Apparently I have a need, a deep seeded need to create.

Coming in at numero uno are two cards that I have helped me feel semi-normal this week. They are both for a dear friend of mine that I get to see this weekend. Steph is expecting her first child, a daughter to be named Finley. We're going to her baby shower this weekend.

Because Steph's birthday was on September 14th, I also created a birthday card.

2) Portable DVD players. The road trip will be just the ladies: me, Zoe and my mom. It's about a 2-2.5 hour drive to Hermiston. I am fortunate enough to know that whole 120-150 minutes will be full of Tigger and Pooh, The Little People and Handy Manny coming from the backseat.

Believe you me, I'd rather have 2 hours of Tigger bouncing around 100 acres than all the crying, whining and gnashing of teeth.

That's just from my mom.

3) At home oil changes. Don't think for one second that I had anything to do with that. Granted I do drive the car all those miles, but I don't do dirty. N does dirty. He got under the car and changed my oil. In our garage. I don't have to go to the creepy oil changing place anymore and get hassled into fancy performance oil and a top-of-the-line, never needs to be replaced air filter.

That is romance my friends.

4) Slow cooker mixes from McCormicks. They make 4 of them: stew, pot roast, italian chicken and BBQ pulled pork. Our two favorites are the pork and chicken. It's heaven in a pot. Not to mention you put it on before you leave for work and come home to dinner. Not to mention a house full of happy, smelling goodness.

I think these are going to help my sanity.

5) My final top 5 is a fun website that I found this week. It's called Yearbook Yourself. It's a great for a laugh. Check out my creations. I think 1972 was a good year for me.

1968
1972

Happy Friday all. Enjoy the yearbook!