Back to the land of the living

If there is one thing that I can't stand more than anything on this planet (even more than Brangelina), it's the stomach flu/virus nasty thing that kids seem to bring home every year. That's how I spent my weekend. Not necessarily how I would have preferred to spend my Saturday and Sunday but did so nonetheless. Good thing is - I lost five pounds. Bad thing is - I lost five pounds. Not too many women lose 5 pounds in their 9th month of pregnancy. Of course, I'll probably pack it back on before my appointment on Thursday.

Which, by the way, Thursday's appointment could be a big one! We might get an induction date. Actually, I'm planning with all of my might to get an induction date that day. At my appointment last week, Baby X was measuring 2 weeks AHEAD of schedule - which means she's going to rival her sister in terms of birth weight. Maggie came in a week early at a whopping 8 lbs, 14 oz. Her sister who is shakin' and a bakin' in the oven is looking to meet or exceed that. So, the doctor (out of sympathy I'm sure) is talking about inducing me if I can get 1 more cm dilated. I told her I'd see her next Thursday with bells on. I even made my appointment with the same doctor hoping that she won't forget her promise to me. (I see 8 doctors in the practice that I go to.) I'll be sure to remind her!

I still have a million things to do and no time to do them. I need to be like Barb and get a Franklin or something. Goodness knows a list would help. But, that would involve being organized and I'm more of a procratinator/fly by the seat of my pants type of girl. But, we'll see...maybe I'll make a list and stick to it.

By the way - my PSA of today - I'm on a chat tonight at 9:00 EST - www.hth-creations.com. Come by and talk to me if you want! I love to chat!!! :D

Lastly, wanted to post this layout of my favorite big girl with my favorite great niece. Here's Maggie kissing baby Ryan. (Yes - her name is Ryan - I tried talking her mom into something more "girly" but it's starting to grow on me) I think Maggie is prepping for sisterhood pretty well. What do you think?



Of course, my poor angel is at the docs right now. She's been complaining today of ear pain. :( Poor little peanut.

Oh - and I guess I lied about the "lastly" part. I should post something about Grey's Anatomy. I do that every week. The only thing is - I'm still left reeling over last night. Not sure how I feel about it. I'm just heartbroken for George. Still mourning for him.

WHY????

Why do parents send their kids to school to infect the rest of the class with a stomach virus?

Why do we manage to get it every year?

Why in the WORLD am I 9 months pregnant and dealing with the stomach yucks?

Yep - you guessed it. Tis the season. Blah...

My NEW Birthing Coach...

Did you think you'd get through the week without at least ONE Grey's post? Seriously...

For those of you that wonder who the "Anonymous" poster is - I'm outing him. It's my husband - Scott. Or, more affectionately referred to as "Scottie 2 Hottie" or "S2H". He loves to post things to get a rise out of me. Thing is - the way that I feel right now, if he keeps posting things to aggravate me, he might just end up with a homemade vasectomy. Hear that sweetie? :D I told him I'm trading him in for George O'Malley as my labor coach. You have to admit - George isn't McDreamy but he makes your heart melt because he's like a little puppy. He's sweet, cuddly, and non-judgemental. I'm just praying that Meredith doesn't break his heart on the show. I don't want to have to hate her because I like her character too much.

Moving on...

No real changes in Baby X. She's just hanging out, grinding her head into my sciatic nerve. Thank God for Thermacare. I'm just waiting. Last night I watched my Great Niece. LOVE that baby so much. She is in the fun stage where she giggles and smiles at you. Maggie and I had her on the blanket and we were talking to her and she was just kicking and giggling. I can't even tell you how excited I am that our own little baby will be here soon doing that. Can't wait! And, the fact that she has a cousin her own age is awesome. A huge majority of my cousins live out of state, so I didn't get to see them on a regular basis. Plus, as my local friends know, they're a few plugs of Beechnut shy of a trailer park. (My cousins that is - not my friends here!) LOL! Maybe some day when I'm feeling like doing a little "Git R Done", I'll talk about my cousins. For now, I'll keep you wondering.

That's all for today. Happy Wednesday. Hump day - only two more days until the weekend! This completely un-focused girl can't wait!

This is me...

Ok - so maybe it's not REALLY me, but it's how I feel right now. Huge and uncomfortable. I honestly thought something might happen with this pregnancy yesterday because I started showing some signs of pre-labor. For the sake of TMI and to protect those men that read blogs (including my husband), I won't go into details, but let's just say that dilation is defintely taking place. I also feel like my lower back is going to split in half. Baby X has settled herself in there quite snugly. It's like trying to walk with a 16 lb bowling ball stuck in my pelvis. <--- Once again, bowling reference so that my husband understands what I'm talking about.

I've tried to be chipper about this entire pregnancy. Now - I just want it OVER. I'm happy and excited to be pregnant and goodness knows that I am so grateful for it considering I never thought it would happen again, but for the love of everything nice in this world, I just want the back pain to stop. I laid on my couch last night in tears because the back pain was so bad. I don't remember it being that horrible with Maggie. And she was a 9 lb baby. Then - the evilness starts. Scott even so much as looks at me or breathes too much and I'm yelling. Yes - I've turned into full-blown evil pregnant woman that waddles and wants things over. Oh, and if there is something in the house that needs washed, I'm on it. I believe I would wash the windows outside if it weren't 30 degrees outside.

Here I sit and wait. Wait...Wait...Wait...

Been Tagged...

Been tagged a few times, so I need to really catch up on my blog tags! My latest is from the fantastic (and soon to be my co-worker) Barb Hogan.

Here goes:

What scrapbook lines/products, etc. do you dislike? Hmm...Not going to answer that. LOL! There are a TON of things that I can't work with. I wouldn't say any products that I don't like, but there are people that I don't care for. ;) Of course, I'm pregnant and it's not too hard to get on my bad side these days.

What is the hardest thing you have ever had to scrap? Anything that has my own line on it. LOL! Seriously - I see that stuff EVERY SINGLE DAY and by the time it goes to print, I've looked at it for a few months. I like playing with other company's stuff. It's "new" to me.

What technique do you use more than anything else? Not really sure. Probably hand journaling now. I used to be a complete computer journaler - even bought a large format printer for it but now I use my zig, Sharpie, etc. It just varies on what I'm into at the moment.

What is the smallest scrap of paper you save? Honestly - I don't save scraps. (EEK!) I give them to my friends that are sitting there at the crop with me. (Jamie - tell them girl - I hook you up don't I?) I'm one of those "once and out" people. I don't use the same paper line more than once, I don't carry the same purse more than once, I won't wear the same watch more than once. (once meaning the time I buy it until the battery dies) I'm weird...

Have you ever had any scrapbook related injuries? This one time I was demo'ing a CM cutter (the Complete Cutting System thing) and I SLICED my finger. I'm talking call Dr. McDreamy because I'm hemorraging. That was pretty embarrasing.

Finish this sentence, "If I wasn't a scrapbooker/stamper, I would spend my money on..." Jenny Craig. LOL! Hey- it worked for Kirstie - bound to work for me.

Give us your best storage or organizational idea. Tackle boxes. I have a Shumano that I bought at Dicks and it has a carrying bag/case thingie and LOVE it. I can sort LOTS of stuff!

You just won a week long scrapbooking cruise for 5. Who is going with you? Dude - I need the whole boat! I'd have to have a PAR-TAY! I'd bring my local girls: Barb, Tina, Jamie, Kim, etc. But then I'd want my other friends that I never get to see there. (Teresa, Stacey, Emily, etc.) Oh, and I have to bring Scottie 2 Hottie. Gotta have a cabana boy.

When you received your first publication notification, who did you tell? And if you are not yet pubbed, who will be the first person you share the news with? I got a nod from Ivy Cottage (remember them???) years ago and called the store owner that I worked for at the time. She had the layout in her store. My husband didn't get it and honestly - the color on the photograph was so bad in the mag that it was a bummer. :(

After answering the questions, tag four of your buddies: My friends hate this. Besides, most of them don't have their own blogs. LOL! Here's the deal - if you read it - blog it, or at least leave a comment. :)

Got some new things...

To show you. :) These are the four new boxed rub-on collections coming out. So excited about them - they should start shipping late next week. As always - they go on like butta!






Hope you enjoy them! I had a blast playing with them last week. :) The title of this layout is done with the Seaver ones.



Can't wait until they arrive!!!!

At the request of my friend Tina

I'm adding a "funnier" post. I guess my "lovey dovey" (gag) posts about me and S2H get a little boring after a few days. :)

There are lots of things for me to blog about but I haven't really had time, blah blah blah... I also realized that I missed posting about Grey's Anatomy. What the HECK is wrong with me? That's my normal Monday morning blogging. So - here goes:

WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU TURN A HOTTIE LIKE KYLE CHANDLER INTO PINK MIST????? Seriously...I was hoping that he could somehow train to become a doctor and be on the show full time. THAT would have made GA the perfect show! I mean - look at this -



No way on earth would I have blown him up. Nope - nada. He could have come back as a chief resident or something. Or, resident hottie doctor - he and McDreamy. It could be Brokeback Grey's Anatomy for all I care. As long as I got to look at the both of them, life is good.

Then there is the ongoing saga of Meredith/McDreamy/Addison. Alright - here is how I see it. McDreamy belongs with Meredith. I realize that his wife is Addison but she cheated and for that, she must pay. I like Addison, don't get me wrong. (Heck, I'm still trying to convince my husband to name our daughter Addison even though 1) Addie was my grandmother's name and that's PRE Grey's Anatomy and 2) I didn't even realize Addison was a GA character until about 3 months ago when it finally dawned on me) But, I just see him with Meredith. (which is ALSO a cute girls name - S2H if you're reading this!) When McDreamy came to the door and talked about their last kiss, I literally melted and started sobbing. Of course, I cry at the Chase Credit Card commercial, but still - very touching. I just want them together. Love Meredith. Pick Meredith. Choose Meredith.



Ok - enough blabbing about Grey's Anatomy even though it's Thursday and I'm already looking forward to Sunday. :)

As for other things on the home front, I'm still eagerly awaiting some shower photos so that I can tell ya'll about my awesome shower from Sunday. My friends definitely got a kick out of my mother - picture a cross between Shirley McLaine and Dolly Parton. You have my mom. Well, maybe a dash of Jeff Foxworthy, too. But, she's the best mom. Wouldn't trade her for anything. Do wish I could put a mute button on her sometimes, but wouldn't trade her. LOL!

Carpet is being laid in the girls' room today. So weird to be able to say it. Scott repainted the room and it looks great. Although, I think he was a bit off of his rocker letting a 5 year old pick the colors but he said it's her room and she can have what she wants. I'm too exhausted to fight it so I went with it and it's actually very cute. I'm hoping to get it all put together this weekend and get everything washed and ready to go.

Finally, I'm sick. Yep - not only VERY pregnant but have a double ear infection. Fun. You would think that by 30 I would outgrow those. Nope. Blah...

10 Years

ago today Scott and I became officially engaged. Only about 6 months into our relationship - and we were young and crazy. There's no denying that. We met at 19, got engaged when I was 19 and he was 20 and got married at 22. (I was BARELY 22) I wouldn't trade the past 10+ years for anything in the world. The story goes something like this:

About two weeks before Valentine's Day, we were on the phone late at night. Scott worked 3rd shift at a company and I was in school during the day and working as a waitress at night. We didn't get to see each other often but we always talked on the phone late at night because he was a QC Tech on 3rd shift and not that busy. Trust me - many times I fell asleep only to be awakened by that annoying buzzing sound when you accidentally leave the phone off of the hook. Anyway - we were talking and I said something about how wonderful of a dad he'd be, yada yada. Next thing I know, he's like "wanna get married" and of course I responded with a very 19-year-old "sure".

Let's just say the parents didn't handle it well. I thought my mother was going to kill him. With a lot of convincing and a promise not to get married until I graduated college, we finally got the blessing of our parents. (Well, I'm STILL not so sure that his parents are happy about it. LOL!) Then started the ring shopping. We looked at various rings and Scott had even tried to put one on hold but his dad talked him out of it. It was a 2 carat whopper heart-shaped diamond. (Those were BIG back in the 90's - I can hear you laughing but it's true) Well, it sold before he could get back to buy it and I was a bit heartbroken but we looked around again. Then, in the midst of frustration in a store, I came outside only to find my ring sitting on a fake hand in one of those storefront windows. Ah yes - that was the ring. It was more than what Scott had budgeted (let's remember - he's only 20 and working his first full-time job) but he bought it for me anyway. I cherish that ring. I won't trade it in or buy a bigger one. It's the one that HE bought ME when he was so young. It's not going anywhere. (That's not to say he can't buy me a big, fat diamond for another finger. I have 7 other fingers and two thumbs in case your reading this Scott)

We had to have it sized (since they only come in what - a 5? Who can wear that?) and I had NO idea when he'd get it back. Valentine's Day rolls around and I'm at his house because we're getting ready to go get lunch and he gets the little box out of his drawer. He had the ring. He got on his knee and re-proposed. At least, I think he did. All I remember is wanting the ring. :)

In any event - I married the most wonderful man and amazing daddy. Even if he is "Earl" sometimes, he's still my Earl. (Speaking of Earl moments, he washed his cell phone last night - I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant and he has no cell phone - Good job Earl!) I wouldn't change a thing about the past 10 years.

I had to post this page even though it's OLD - we're talking about 3 years old. But, the photos are some of my favorites. This shows you how young we were. If Maggie came to me at 19 and told me she was getting married, I'd grab my shotgun. Of course, Scott would probably beat me to the door.

What happens in Vegas...

Stays in Vegas. The only thing is - my Vegas trip wasn't that exciting considering I was 8 months pregnant. So, all of my photos are relatively subtle - no Thunder Down Under, Gambling, or partying with Britney and K-Fed. (Just kidding - there is not enough antibacterial soap in the world to make me party with K-Fed)

Anyway, wanted to post some of my favorite CHA photos. Remind me later to post the one of Chewbacca. Yes - we found a Wookie while at the show. Those who were there know what I'm talking about. Let's just say "back hair" and leave it at that.

Here's one of all of us at the IP booth. We had SUCH a great group - everyone was awesome. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time at a trade show. We had so much fun. I roomed with Sherry and Laura and let me tell you - they were so great and understanding when I was up 6 times each night running to the bathroom. They also tolerated my endless comedic chatter when the fire alarm went off at 3:00 am. Once I'm up - I'm up.

Anyway - here's the IP team.



The guy on the end is my boss, Morris. He's single if you know anyone that's single, attractive, funny, etc. He's a catch. I'm thinking about nominating him for the next "Bachelor". Me and the other girls were talking about starting a website called marrymorris.com. Of course, he has his sights set high right now - so, if you're Stacy Keibler on Dancing With the Stars, e-mail me. He's dying for a date.

Then here I am (big belly and all) with my gang from Rocky Mountain Hobbies. Sherry Laffoon, Janice Lund, Me, Cindy and Darren Lombardi (the owners). I just love these guys. They're so awesome and wonderful! And yes - that's Baby X in that big ole belly. Mental note - remind me to save up to have that HUGE chin sucked off after this baby is born. I'm about over it hanging around in all of my photos. Ugh!



Anyway - that's the post for Thursday. Tonight is Earl. Love that show. I can relate. LOL!

Ok - I'm back. Not necessarily back to the land of the living, but I'm back from the trade show. Got home on Friday afternoon after an interesting flight. Started having contractions on the plane. The poor guy sitting next to me kept looking over as I was breathing. Good thing they were only BH - although those bad boys can get intense sometimes. I was traveling with my buddy, Barb, and she was asleep in the seat in front of me and I didn't want to wake her up. So, I sat through them for about an hour and a half. I also was NOT going to tell our flight attendant because she was about as goofy as a three-dollar bill. Got home and decided that I would wait it out. Good thing - I drank a lot of water and laid down and they stopped. Of course, I'm still having them on and off but until my water breaks, I think I'm good. LOL! Only 5 weeks left (theoretically).

As I get some photos, I'll be posting pictures of our trip. Stupid me didn't bring a camera. Too lazy, pregnant and well... lazy to do it. So, I'm waiting for the other girls to send me some of their pictures. Of course, it's hard to get some fun photos when you're in bed at the hotel at 6:30 ordering room service and watching reruns of Friends. Yes - I was that sad!

And, since this post was supposed to be on Monday but deferred to Wednesday due to illness and blogger not uploading photos, I have to do my McDreamy post. Nothing beats Patrick Dempsey on Sunday nights. I'm so addicted to Grey's Anatomy that I could sit and watch a 24 hour marathon. Here's the big kicker - Sunday's episode was especially hot. Why? Because the bomb guy was KYLE CHANDLER. I have been into that actor since 1992 when he first did Homefront. I bet NOBODY remembers that show but me. I was so excited to see him and Patrick on TV together.

Tell me this ain't hot:





Of course, I know I'm married to Scottie 2 Hottie but a girl has to have a little eye candy on the TV. I live for Sunday nights. The funny thing is - Scott came home last week and said that all the women he works with talk about McDreamy every Monday. I told him to make it VERY clear to them that McDreamy is mine. :) A girl can always dream can't she? Plus, this week he got the shower scene so it evened out.

Finally, Scott has decided he wants to add the name "Gretchen" to our list of potential baby names. At first I sort of liked it. Then, I thought about Gretchen Wilson and the next thing I'm picturing is our daughter on the porch of a double-wide with blond hair, dark roots, cut-offs and a baby on her hip. Oh - and don't forget the cigarette hanging from her mouth and missing tooth. Not that there is anything wrong with that - trust me - I can relate. But, I'm thinking of vetoing Gretchen from the list. I just don't think I can do it.

We'll see...

My thoughts on Brangelina

Ok - let's face it. I'm hormonal. I'm also living on 2 hours of sleep per night due to reflux, baby lying on my bladder, etc. I've also been watching the Tyler Durden blog and laughing hysterically every day. It's a funny yet non-PC look at celebrities from the male point of view. Sadly - I find it interesting and totally hilarious. Of course, I also thought The Man Show was funny. That's what happens when you grow up with brothers.

Then - today he posts this photo:



I'm not sure what angers me about Brad and Angelina. I guess it's because I think that they're slime. First off, any chick that lands both Billy Bob AND Brad Pitt has some serious "what's my type" issues. That's like dating Dennis Rodman and Peyton Manning. Doesn't make sense. Then you have Brad - he was the golden boy. Women loved him. Now - he's the golden jackARSE. Anyone that truly believes that he and Angelina did not have a thing going when they filmed that movie are in serious denial. I feel bad for Jennifer. Imagine this - your husband goes off to do some work and comes back to tell you that he wants a divorce and it has NOTHING to do with his ultra-sleazy co-star, etc. Then, months later (let's face it - Angelina isn't 6 weeks pregnant there) the ultra-sleazy co-star is pregnant with your ex-husband's baby. Mind you - she obviously got pregnant before the divoce was final. Yea - I'd be a little ticked. Then - they gallavant around the world as these caring celebrities doing volunteer work, etc. Does anyone else see hypocracy here?

Do I know them? No. Have I seen Mr. & Mrs. Smith? No. (I refuse to after the whole Brangelina thing) Do I think Jennifer is better off? Yes. Do I think Vince Vaughn is better? Yes. Why am I so bothered by it? I have no idea. Is Brad a pig? Yes. Can I stop going on about this? No.

In any event, here's to you Jennifer. You got much better. Besides - Vince is cute AND funny. And hey girl, if I were you, I'd be looking for Nick Lachey, too. He's single now. (That's a whole OTHER vent for a later hormonal moment.)

Happy Friday everyone! It's my last blog post for a week. Heading out to Vegas probably - last minute decision. I wanted to say something witty, etc., but I had to get the Brangelina thing off of my chest. :) Maybe after I have this baby, we'll discuss Tom Cruise.

The Biggest Loser

So yesterday The Biggest Loser was in Columbus doing a casting call and I actually contemplated leaving work early and making the 2 hour trek to go try out. Since I figured it wouldn't be a good drive for me, I decided to go online and I actually downloaded the application. For the first time (other than my other reality show stint that I had NO SAY in participating in) there is a reality show that I would actually consider applying for.

Here's the deal - I'm fat. I'm also funny and I also like money. I think I could do this. I also am VERY competitive. Always have been. I was the kid in high school that always screwed the curve because I had to have the highest score. Trust me - The Biggest Loser is RIGHT up my alley!

The only thing holding me back from this casting call is timing. They start filming in April. The baby is due in March. I don't want to be gone for 10 weeks and leave my newborn. I did ask work if I could take off for 10 weeks if I were chosen. LOL! Thank goodness my boss watches reality TV and is pretty cool about it.

So - I'm thinking I'm going to go for it the next season. Oh yea!!!!

I WEAR FUGLY SHOES...

Ok - I'm not even going to deny it. I wear ugly shoes. Not just ugly - FUGLY shoes apparently. My husband says so, some of my friends say so, heck - I even think they're ugly but I can't stop wearing them. They're so comfy - especially on my fat, preggo feet.

So - today's blog post is in dedication to my fugly shoes and my friends and family that hate them. :)



I'm thinking of buying these to match our black and gold bowling shirts here at Imagination Project. I think it's the perfect trade show get-up gear. :)

McDreamy...

What can I say? I always tell Maggie to marry the geek in high school because he turns out to be the hot doctor. I love my husband dearly, but on Sunday nights at 10:00, my time is devoted to McDreamy. :)



Who knew Patrick Dempsey had it?



I also cried when Meredith brought him and Addison her dog. I think it was a hormonal moment.

Sigh...McDreamy...

Tagged by the FABULOUS Amy Howe

Got a tag by the fabulous Amy Howe - have you SEEN this girl's work? It's amazing. Anyway, I love tag games. I love quizzes. The geek in me loves tests. It's really sad. So, I was HAPPY to fill out the tag questions immediately. (Have I ever mentioned my love for Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit?)
-------------------------------

The rules for this particular tagging are as follows: Remove the blog name in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add yourself to the bottom slot.

Andrea
Courtney
Leah
Amy
Ginger

Then you get to select five people to pass the love on to. I'll choose five super talented super nice gals:

Barb Hogan
Heather Preckel
Stacey Pannassidi
Emily Adams
Teresa Collins

Here are the questions.

What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was about 20 (I'm not 30 YET!) and a junior in college. I think my major was pre-law at the time. LOL! I was working at Globe Furniture Rentals as a bill collector and putting myself through school.

What were you doing 1 year ago?
Getting ready for CHA in Atlanta. Gin-X had debuted at Memory Trends and this was my first "big" show.

Five snacks you enjoy (in no particular order, as all snacks are created equal):
(Well - keep in mind that I'm pregnant right now)
1) Bagel Chips
2) Brownies
3) Funyuns
4) Cheese (especially string cheese)
5) Chips and Salsa

Five songs to which you KNOW all the lyrics:
The entire Hot Fuss CD by the Killers
The entire soundtrack to Walk the Line
Anything Dixie Chicks
Anything New Kids on the Block (Hey - they'll be back one day!)
The entire "Bootie Shakin' Hits" CD that you can buy at Target - that was the day baby!

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
1) Pay off my house and give it to my niece to raise her daughter.
2) But a bigger house - probably in Florida because that's where Scott says we're living if we ever win the lotto.
3) Pay off the houses of my brothers and mom. Buy my mom a new car - whatever she wanted.
4) Put a trust fund aside for Maggie and the new baby
5) Become a SAHM

Five bad habits:
1) Picky eater
2) I bite my nails - so gross, but when the nerves start - I can't stop.
3) I swear too much sometimes.
4) I speak my mind too much.
5) I leave my shoes lying around the house.

Five things you like doing:
1) Date nights with Scott
2) Cuddling with Maggie
3) Scrapbooking
4) Crop nights with my friends
5) Dinner at my mom's on Wednesday nights.

Five things you would never wear, buy, or get again:
1) Probably another dog or cat (daughter is allergic)
2) Guess Jeans (wore the dickens out of them when I was in high school. Now, I'm too fat)
3) A mini-van, although they look enticing
4) Leg warmers
5) Those lace gloves like Madonna wore in the 80's. (I had a pair - I think I was 7)

Five favorite toys:
My camera
The computer
My pocket Yahtzee (keeps me entertained while waiting)
Pocket Sudoku
My large-format scanner

First time you got kissed: How was it? Uh - yea - not going to talk about that. Let's just say it was some gross boy from St. Bernard and YUCK!

First time you drove a car: What kind of car? I learned to drive on my dad's Audi 5000. But, my first car was a Chevrolet Celebrity Super Sport. Two toned - black and grey. SHARP!

First time you scrapbooked: over 7 years ago - bought a kit at Franks Nursery and Crafts to do my wedding pictures. Oh the agony - deco scissors and all!

First time you went on a date: Saw Pretty Woman. I was too young. My daughter is not going on a date at 13. Period.

First time you fell in love: Well - I had a high school sweetheart but I don't think that my love for him was like my love for my husband. With him there was no trust - just this perceived notion of what a boyfriend should be. I cared deeply for him but with my husband - things are better and sweeter.

First time you cooked for someone: I made dessert for my dad when I was young. Got love him - he ate it. I remember it was a concoction mix of brownies and rice krispies. ICK!

First time you got on a plane: I was 19 and was going to Arizona. Nothing like a 3 hour flight to break you in!

First time you shaved your legs: I had an electric razor and I was probably around 11 or 12?

First time you put on make up: We used to play "make-up" like crazy when I was little. My mom gave me and my friends this big kit of stuff to play with. We'd play for HOURS.

First time you moved out of your home: I was 21 - it was a month and a half before my wedding. Scott and I got an apartment together. :)

I LOVE being pregnant...

Seriously - even though I complain of the cramps, aches, pains, nausea, going to the potty 5 times a night, I still LOVE being pregnant. There is just something about it - about feeling the baby move and kick. I also LOVE when people stop and pat the belly. Sounds goofy and under any other normal circumstances I'm one of those "this is my dance space, that is your dance space" people, but when I'm pregnant, I want my belly rubbed like a big, fat buddah.

This morning I took my daughter into school and ran into my neighbor, Annetta, who is from Romania. She is the sweetest woman and her daughter is a year older than Maggie. The two of them play on occasions and I feel so bad for Annetta sometimes because she does not speak a lot of English, so when we communicate, it's broken but she tries so hard. I stopped to say "hi" to her and she immediately patted the belly and smiled. She said "Girl?" and I nodded. I told her I had about 8 weeks left and she was so excited for me. It's times like those that I just LOVE being pregnant! Sharing that excitement is so fun. :)

When I Get Where I'm Goin'

Last night I was flipping through the stations and I stopped to watch some CMT. I admit it - amongst my love for Green Day, the Killers, Foo, etc., I still LOVE country music. There is just something about the twang that gets me. I'm sure it's in the genes considering my family is all from the hills, but I stopped to watch because I heard Dolly Parton. Any true country fan stops when Dolly sings. Well - it was a Brad Paisley song that featured Dolly and it was called "When I get Where I'm Goin'". It's about losing someone you love - I stopped immediately and thought about my dad. Sorry for the sad post, but here's the lyrics:

When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly

I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

(Chorus:)
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here

I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I'll hug his neck

(Chorus)

So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do

But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going
Yeah when I get where I'm going


Ok - so it's sappy to let a country song touch you. It's sad to cry over something like that. But, this hit home for me. It actually gave me some comfort because I have never fully recovered from the death of my father. I watched the video of people holding photos of their loved ones (some famous) and tears streamed. It was like a release - not closure, but a release. Occasionally I need to cry it out.

Then, I pulled out a layout that I did about 3 years ago about my dad. Thought I'd share it here. Some of my friends have already seen it. It's not the best design but it conveyed what I felt and still do.



Sometimes it just feels good to get it out.

I HATE THE STEELERS

First off - the Bengals. Now, my precious Peyton Manning and the Colts. Damn Steelers...

I'm NOT watching the Super Bowl this year. Too bitter...

Pop-Tarts, Milk and Saturday Morning...

You know, for someone who didn't eat her first pop-tart until she was 20, I sure have managed to eat the dickens out of them. Maggie asked for pop-tarts this morning and it actually sounded good. Of course - they're not the "healthy" ones - not in this house. LOL! It's the cookie dough ones.



Whomever at Kellogg's was sitting around thinking of flavors and thought of this one - PURE MARKETING GENIUS - just add milk. Enough said about that. (Don't worry - we'll eat healthier later!)

I'm still on a scrappin' euphoric high. Went to a crop last night with some of my closest friends. I can't even begin to tell you how great it feels to get to go to a crop. Especially when it's few and far between. I might even get the stuff out this morning and keep working. There's laundry to be done but heck - it's Saturday, it's cold, rainy, I'm in my Wal-Mart PJ's and Maggie's watching Sprout. Yea - that paper is calling my name...

A few little questions...

So, I saw this on Ali's blog. I didn't get tagged, but I thought it would be cool to do anyway since I don't really have anything to write about. My life right now consists of baby prep, CHA prep, keeping my 5 year old happy and watching my niece's baby. Oh - and hanging out with my ever-so-hot husband, Scottie 2 Hottie. (Sweetie - I didn't mean all that stuff I said about Nick Lachey last night... I promise!) LOL! So, instead of boring you with those details, I thought I'd do the question and answer thing. Besides - the geek in me likes "tests".

Four jobs you have had in your life:
1) Waitress - I believe everyone should have to do it. That way, you learn why some servers are bad or having a bad day or why your food might be late, etc. Sometimes it's the kitchen's fault.

2) Administrator - Not a bad gig. Less stress. :)

3) Marketing Specialist - that was fun but too many hours!

4) Creative Director - What I do now. Fun, stressful, too many hours and not a bad gig. See a pattern here?

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1) Sixteen Candles - Yes - that's right. I'm all about Farmer Ted!
2) Steel Magnolias - I can't even tawlk about it. Sniff!
3) The Wedding Singer - "Thank you Freddy Krueger. Now, go back to the boiler room."
4) Meet the Parents - Pamela Martha Focker. Come on - that's some funny stuff!

Four places you have lived:

Cincinnati, Ohio - why would I want to live anywhere else? Seriously....

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1) My Name is Earl - Jamie Pressley cracks me up. Of course, it helps to have family members that relate.
2) Friends Reruns - I refuse to give the show up. I spent 10 years watching it.
3) Grey's Anatomy - Patrick Dempsey. Need I say more? I told Maggie to marry the geek growing up because he becomes the hot doctor later on.
4) Desperate Housewives - I really wanna see Gabby smack down the nun. I'm so bad!

Four places you have been on vacation:
1) Boston, MA
2) Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater, FL
3) Orlando - Disney (did the cruise)
4) Sedona, AZ

Four websites I visit daily:
1) www.rockymountainhobbies.com - BEST deals on scrapping stuff!
2) www.twopeasinabucket.com - because that's where all the industry scoop is.
3) www.msn.com - gotta stay up on my celeb gossip
4) www.target.com - what did I do before Target?

Four of my favorite foods:
1) Pizza - Papa Johns, LaRosas, Dominoes, Donatos, Unos, Angilos, etc. You name it - if it's in a "round pie", I'm on it.
2) Brownies - no nuts - just chocolate thank you! (My good friend Barb bought me some a few weeks ago at this yummy bakery. I dared anyone else in the family to touch them)
3) Fried cornbread - hey - I was raised southern. Get some fried cornbread and hot butter. YUM!
4) Beef Lo Mein - Maggie and I share this all the time.

Four places I would rather be right now:
1) At home
2) At home
3) At home
4) On vacation...

Four bloggers I am tagging:
1) Barb H.
2) Joanna B.
3) Heather P.
4) Rori K.

Hope ya'll enjoyed my long-winded responses. :)