Post Slacker, Breathing, Choppy & Weird--Oh! & Week 4&5::.

I had this big long rant about why my parents hate me and blah blah blah.....I'll still struggle at the fact that I don't have those parents--the ones that think you're incredible, want you to succeed and want to be around you. It's ok. They don't know what they're missing-- all because they still deem me as that angry teenager they created with their arguing and yelling. I'm not that. She's dead. She was tough to handle, but I killed her. I'm me--funny, energetic, caring, intelligent, knowledge seeking, adventurous, crafty, loving, fucking awesome--and I love me. I'm happy. I have two incredible kids (and I tell them that EVERY DAY) and one overly fantastic husband---who thinks I'm pretty amazing, and smart and funny. I don't need anything else, from anyone else. Boom.

Okay, the weigh-in Monday--ya, I've been slacking on my posts. Any posts for that matter. It's been a crazy couple of weeks and I'm getting it back together. Seriously. I've been taking care of my home again--and I know that sounds weird. Yes, I clean--sorta, but lately I've been doing the bare minimum, and that's not me, yo. I like order and I've been missing it for way too long. So I started cleaning up all sorts of areas in my life. And I've been cooking like crazy. I wish I could say "cooking again" but I can't. I've never really done much cooking, but lately I've taken more initiative in doing so and guess what? I kinda rock at it. Which makes the whole weight loss challenge sorta tough.

Now, before my leader abandons me too, I must post my fatass stats for last week and the week before. I'm behind and you can give me spankings--hold the whip cream, I'm on a diet. I had A LOT (understatement times 5 billion) of stress last week. I won't go into it, because I'm leaving it behind, but basically it has been the worst week of my life. Well, Jonny and my Memaw passing tops that chart but you know what I mean...it sucked, ok? But I did get lots of walks in. Haven and I have been taking walks just her and I. Which is super awesome, because it gives us a chance to girl talk it up. She's so funny and I'm just in love with our new ritual. I also went to a concert 2 Wednesdays ago (I'm behind, remember?)---and concert me?? That bitch is a moving, dancing, crazy seizure patient. So, ya...lots of cardio there. I also got LOTS of cardio that Friday night---we'll call it cardio boxing and not a bar fight--because it wasn't ;) To counter all that, I'm bloated from female duty, but I know I didn't do terrible, so I'm not putting down progress.

Monday 2/22/11:

My camera also took a beer and tequila bath on said Friday, so the lens wasn't really doing it's thing for this picture. (and i still need batteries for the damn scale.) I did salvage it with q-tips and rubbing alcohol though, so it's working semi-normally now. If you don't have super human eyes and can't read this, it says 154.6, which is up 2 oz from last weigh-in. So semi-boo to that. BUT I know my body and a lot of this is bloat. PMS and stress bloat. Because it can't be the ice cream. Nope. I unhooked that shit from my veins and now ingest it like a normal person.

This past Monday, yesterday the 28th--I weighed in at the same. I didn't see a point in snapping another photo. I didn't gain, so yay. I thought I would lose at least a pound--I've been attacking the wii, we road bikes at the park Sunday, and Haven and I got a few walks in. Oh well. This week I've been REALLY focusing on stress relief. Because. I. Need. It. Lately, especially. No excuses though, and next week this number will be different--in a lower kind of a way. It's going to be beautiful this week, so my plan is to move as much as possible. I have that slutty stripper dance cardio dvd--being slutty and exercise?? Sore. So I'm going to hit that 2-3 times this week. I have my shake weight. It's dusted off and I've been using that, too. And the Wii. The wii is my friend this week. AND the kids get to play with me while I jiggle--double score. Work is picking up, and fast! So there's more movement. Sweet. This week should be my week. We shall see....


I wrote half of this a week ago, and half now--so if it's choppy and weird, that's why. Or I'm just choppy and weird. Who knows?

♥My Boii is 4::Holla‼

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY BOII‼

Ashton Avery, 7lbs 8oz 19&3/4" on 02/08/2007 at 1:38PM

When I found out I was pregnant with my second baby, I wanted a girl so, so, so bad. I always thought it would be so fun to have a sister and I wanted that for Haven. Little did I know this little man had other plans for my ♥heart. I never knew a man could own me the way this little boy does....one smile and I was doomed. We have such a close relationship and I'm so thankful, everyday, for my son and for Haven's little brother. I ♥ U Ashton Avery!

Color Splash Sunday::.

It's Color Splash Sunday over at Artistically Amy and I'm linking up.

 I LOVE splash color.... I don't know why I've been such a stranger in CSS. It's one of my favorite editing styles. I chose this picture of Ashton for two reasons: 

1. Ashton's face is HIL.AR.IOUS.

2. The blue sky is PERFECT. 

You should head over and link up, too. Doooooo it. 

i[heart]faces::Winter Wonderland

I chose this picture of Ashton for this week's iheartfaces challange. The theme is Winter Wonderland. Go check out the other entries, and get brave and link up.






Oh ya! Don't forget to ENTER IN MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!

Spanking Strangers::.

Homeschooling? What do you guys think??

The Husband & I were talking about maybe trying homeschooling with Haven (6) and Ashton (almost 4). Which is weird, because my opinion used the be that homeschooled children become weirdos. Well, now that I have children...I see that they're already weirdos...and I love every second of it! They're curious, smart, funny, polite--and that's a minority around here. We live in a community with lots of crackhead moms, jobless lazies, and abuse--drug and domestic. That's the school district anyways. We actually live close to 10miles out of town. When we bought this house, we were under the impression that we were in another, better funded, school district. So thanks to said crackheads, lazies and abuse there are little fuck-head delinquents running around sharing all sorts of colorful words with my 6 year old. Not only the language just the disrespect in general that most of these kids have. It's awful. I'm sick of explaining to my kids that some people just to know how to treat others and to not be offended by douche-bags.

Yesterday was the last day of Eagle Days, so we took the kids down to The Lodge the view the bald eagles. We hopped around the lake to different displays and sighting spots. (It was really cool (and muther-spanking-cold) and I'll post a few pics at the end. If you make it that far....) After all that fun, we took the kids to lunch at Mcdon's (barf.) to eat and play in the playplace.

They ate first, because I'm a jerk like that, then they were set loose. They aren't perfect, by any means--there are times I would rather duct tape mouths than listen to the arguing--but in normal circumstance, they carry respect. RESPECT. The only rule in our house. "Carry respect for yourself, beliefs, opinions and things, as well as respect for other people, their beliefs, opinions and things."  After a few minutes of play some crazy demon-trapped-in-an-8yr-old-boy's-body entered the play zone. He went through his first round where I see in the tubes that he's climbing over and kicking my kids. It's pisses me off, but a foot to the face is expected in those things. Settle Mama. He comes down the slide and shouts, "Ugh, I HATE those kids!!!" The dad? Says nothing. The mom? Says nothing. I'm completely flabbergasted. My kids are looking at me like, "What the fuck is this douche talking about? We're the weirdos? Look at that kid climbing under the slide where it obviously NEVER gets swept. Does this kid have brain damage?!" Maybe I read in a little too deep, but that's my translation. I'm looking at the parents waiting for some sort of apology of sign of discipline or even embarrassment.... nothing. I didn't really say anything, but it was probably aware that I wanted to punch an 8yr old. I let it go. My two are in the trampoline part and the heathen and his sister joined them. There's clear walls, and from where I was sitting I could see perfectly inside. Haven leaves the room heading to a tunnel and the sister follows. Ashton goes to follow and that little mutha-chucking-shit-face pushed my 3yr old son! A OH!-NO-HE-DIDN'T moment took over. I was pointing my mom finger before I even knew I was on my feet and at the play equipment. "DON'T PUSH HIM!" I got a look that said 'a little pee came out.' I wanted to pull his hair (stopjudgingme). I turn and flashed one nasty fucking look to Mommy-Mindless and Daddy-Weenie-Hut-Jr. Before I could get to my seat I see Kyle pointing at Haven who was now swatting at the shit because he was in her face. SO...I look over. Nothing. These people need a parenting lesson. Here we go bitches, take note. It went like this:

Me: "HAVEN! Do. Not. Hit."
Haven: "Mom! He's hitting me and Ashton!"
Me: "I'm NOT his mother, but YOU. Will. Not. Hit. That is not how WE treat people. Move away from him."

FINALLY Mommy-Mindless pulls him out to have a "talk." That didn't help really, but my kids managed to keep distance.

It was frustrating and it got me thinking about the kids that go to the same school as my kids. Then I quickly started thinking about homeschooling. I've done some research and read a few blogs and it seems like something that would work with our schedule and maybe managed in the budget with LOTS of adjustments. Of course:

• dance class, karate class, music lessons, and whatever else we find would be a encouraged options. 
• they would still be able to participate in summer sports.
• they are young enough that they wouldn't be missing friends or connections they've made.
• we can teach things that gear a person for life--not just tests. 
• AND they wouldn't be vulnerable to shit-head kids. 

I don't know--it's A LOT to think about. Weigh in and give me your thoughts... Do any of you homeschool your kids? Do any of you know someone home-schooled that struggles with interaction, or does more than fine with interaction? Were any of you home-schooled?

As promised...

New Beginnings & Holiday Recap::.

I'm feeling a little naked in the street after that last post. It's not really like me to lay it completely out there for the world to see. Sure. I bitch and complain in my own right, but I sorta keep it to myself or within a tight circle. So whether it was a psychotic rant or not, maybe baring myself was good for me? I didn't lose any readers, so I guess I didn't frighten anyone. And, honestly....I feel loads better. Like I threw up a night's worth of tequila into what I thought was a toilet. So I guess I'll do what any classy drunk would do....swish my mouth out and move on. A little input would be appreciated though...even if you go the whole anonymous route. I'm cool with that.

Surprise! Aside from yesterday's rant, I've been missing. I've been a little lazy relaxed I guess. I obviously gave up on the 31 day photo challenge. I fail. Looks like I can't even finish a challenge where I participate on my ass. Nice. Ha.

What's been happening? The Holidays of course! I spent a lot of time baking...I had forgotten that I can get Betty Crocker with it. I stole a lot of recipes I found in the blog world, because obviously you people know how to sex a person with food. Especially  Jocelyn over at  Inside Brucrew Life. 

Remember me boasting an UUUH-MAZING Oreo Truffle Cupcake recipie? Well It's Jocelyn's creation! She claimed the glory yesterday and I'm so glad she did! I wanted to know where I had found them so I could stalk her other treats and share of course! I was kind of a tease with these babies since I couldn't give credit. Mystery solved...so here you go: Jocelyn's Oreo Truffle Surprise Cupcakes. Do it. These pictures I took are my version. I don't know why I snapped the photo on the decorating tray instead of the cute little Santa tray we served them on. 

I added a glaze for a 3rd layer. It's a combo of vanilla icing, honey and cream cheese. I melted and then drizzled on top of the chocolate layer after chilling in the refrigerator for a few. I'm having withdrawals right now just thinking about them. 

The non-food stuff? Was good, too. We did have an amazing Christmas. We spent way too much money and will be playing catch up for the next few months. Not cool. I can't help it. Something sparks inside of me about a week before Christmas, and I just go nuts. Even though I know the money is needed elsewhere, I shop. And shop some more. BUT they were pretty excited and extremely thankful. 

Haven asked for "a really tiny and cute aquatic turtle." A facebook friend saved  the day when she gave me turtle shack's website. And lucky me, they were having a "buy 1 get 2 free" sale--it was around $16 before shipping. S-C-O-R-E. She got all females and named them: Taya, Olivia, and Angel. So fruggin cute.  

 Ashton was deadset on one toy: "a walking, talking, remote control IronMan. Nothing stands in his way and he saves the day." That's the whole bit. He would recite that anytime someone asked him what he was wishing for. He kills me :) 

So Santa delivered that, too. And it's pretty totes. The reviews were HORRIBLE on it, but it was the ONLY thing he wanted. I'm glad I got it, because it works great for him. We have wood floors, and I would say that has a lot to do with it. 


After Christmas, was my birthday. It was an amazing day. I went into it with a different approach this year and I felt good all day. Normally I dread birthdays. I'm not a fan of getting older. I've seen old people. I don't think I wear wrinkles well. Thank you photoshop. Anyways, this year I decided I was going to be positive and appreciate the breath in my lungs. I made it another year. I'm luckier than some. Haven and I went shopping and had lunch, which was her pick. She chose subway...that's my girl! We talked and really just laughed and had fun. That evening I met with some of my favorites and we had ate infamous local Mexican food and hit a small bar for some drinks.

I had a GeorgiaPeach. OhhhEmmGee. Did I say one? I meant 3. We laughed and did girl talk, which I've lacked for a few months. It's was nice. After drinks, I met The Husband for a nice, kid-less night at home. 26 has been the best birthday I've had for awhile.





 For New Year's Eve, The Husband and I threw a party with the kiddos here at home. We ordered Applebees appitizers,  painted our faces, made "science lab coats" with our 2011 goals listed, played bored games, dressed up, watched a movie, and counted down to 2011! It was such a good time! 

I probably could have split this post up a little, but I wanted to get 2010 out of my system so I can start fresh. 


Did everyone have a good Holiday Season? How did you guys bring in the New Year? Is anyone doing the resolution thing?? Jocelyn (Oreo Truffle Surprise...get to know her for taste's sake!!!) posted something interesting yesterday that she does as an alternative to resolutions. She chooses a "word of the year." One word that represents the year's goals. I've decided to do something similar, BUT that's a different post........

 

A Few Shots::.

 I just want to share these adorable shots I got of the kids tonight. Is it wrong that I dress my kids up and take countless photos of them even though they hate most of it? If there wasn't a tv behind me, I would get nowhere. Here are a few of my favorite:

 I love this one of Ashton. He looks so innocent. :)

I adore this photo of Haven...even if she was being a smartass at the time this was snapped :)

  This photo will always be one of my favorite. It's only hours old, but I promise I will cherish it.

<3 <3 <3 <3

This last photo I'll be linking up with the following:

• The theme for Happy Monday is Bokeh. I didn't pull as much of the effect as desired, but I still love this photo :)

• Them theme over at Simplicity is 'favorite shot.' This is easily my favorite of the week.

• Over at the Trendy Treehouse the theme is dreaming. No one is sleeping, but when I look at this photo, I MUST be dreaming. No way would reality grant me not one, but two amazing, talented, beautiful little humans <3

Photo Challenges

I haven't posted in awhile and have LOTS to say. Firstly, I need to catch up on a few photo challenges. So hold your pee. Later on, I'll post festive Christmas stuff, a concert adventure with some of my favs and just updates altogether--or right after this, who knows? For now though....

Here's a challenge I found through Artistically Amy:



Head over to The Long Road to China and check out all the entries.

This is a shot I took of my babies playing outside...I would like to say that this was a natural shot--that I randomly found them playing in the grass, jeans rolled, and angelically holding hands. That would make me a liar. Truth: I set this shot up. They complied without fight, and I will settle for that. :) Anyways, this is one of my favorite pictures of all time [so far].

And consequently, I ended up over at just bits & pieces where I heard about this sepia challenge over at Photo Freak.




 


I have to enter. I chose this picture of Ashton..I already had it stock piled and edited this way. I like my sepia photos to be on the warm side. Almost rusty. So vintage. I just love this photo!

Paper Mama Photo Challenge::Blessings

While visiting over at The Paper Mama (go check her out and show some love!), I came across the Paper Mama Photo Challenge.



The Challenge this time is based on 'your blessings.' My obvious choice would be the humans that The Husband and I made. I had a hard time finding 'holiday dinner pictures' and I didn't get any good shots of them at Thanksgiving dinner this year either. Fail. It didn't help that they were at opposite ends of the dinner table, but I was also too busy stuffing my face with delicious food being thankful for the blessings in my life. I love my little family--Growing up, I never prospected myself as a 'family type,' but I couldn't imagine myself not being a Mommy & Wife. They are perfect for me and I like to think they maybe like me, too. :)

Here's a shot of them in front of our barn. It's not the best shot for this challenge, but I thought the red looked festive. I took this photo pretty recently. They were playing in the leaves, running around and being crazy. Typical. I caught this shot at just the right moment. You wouldn't even guess that they were trying to pull each others arms behind their backs to see who could stretch the other to pain the quickest. Ah, sibling love. At least they both find humor in it. No real bullying goes down.





















I love, love, love these babies. I don't know what meaning I would have without them. (Cheesy enough for you? No? Try this:) I'm so proud that these two call me Mommy. I'm proud that my body cared for them and prepped them for the world. I'm proud that they are the product of love that The Husband and I share. They are simply blessings. (Cheeeese! That's love, folks.)

Head over and visit The Paper Mama to check out other bloggy blessings! She has some pretty rad things happening as well so browse around and get familiar!

Look Because I Said So : )

All this editing for i heart faces has got me going through some edits I already created....Wanna see? Of course you do! Feast your eyes on this:

I took this near my home. This barn belongs to a local farmer...I just love it in pop black&white.


This is a photo I took of my little boii. I love his smile---he's always wearing one. So I decorated this black&white with "smile" quotes.

This is a mirror shot of The Husband and I making out. Calm down, pervs. 

I shot this at the zoo. My little biologist was loving the penguins!













They say crack kills....well, this photo kills me! LOL this photo captures my kids perfectly.

I love this photo I shot of Haven. She's so beautiful inside and out...I think this quote suits her.

 
















This slutty rendition is yours truly. Any DH fans out there?? I pulled this mini-quote from their song, "Shine." I'm a super-fan. Guilty. 

The Husband and I on Wedding Day 7/15/06. I love decorating photos. I didn't take this but I made it pretty! 

He still makes me want to puke--in an I've got butterflies sort of way :)




Well, no. There was no real point to this post. I just wanted to share :)

PS: All photos are private property and most are legally copyrighted. I'm by no means a professional, but still treasure my photos. Please do not use any photos without my consent. Typically: Ask and you shall receive : )