So Sunshine

Random memories

2010-10-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

So in high school I have to admit that I had a bumper sticker that said, "It's 4:19, Got a minute?" I thought I was really cool, and funny, and witty. And of course I thought that no adults had any idea what my bumper sticker was referencing. It's amazing how as kids (teens) we think we are SOOO smart. No teenager has ever had the same ideas that we have had. LOL. I hope that as a parent I am more in tune with my kids and that I call them out on things when they think they are smart. It did make me giggle a little bit when I saw this ad for a Honda Rancher 420 though. (I also still laugh when my daughter toots, too. We're really mature in our family!)

My birthday

2010-09-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

Alternately titled "I am now 30."

How did that happen? I swear just last week I was 16. I got my car- my little purple cavalier- and put the windows down and blared the radio and drove with my best friend to get ice cream at Fritz's after school. Then I blinked, and here I am with a house and husband and two kids and a minivan.

I love my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I feel like I am in the best place/stage I have ever been in. But I wish it would just slow down. I want to enjoy every minute with my babies, while they are still babies. Because it goes so fast.

"Coupon" Site

2010-07-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

I was playing around on the computer with Jonathon today while the kids napped, and he showed me a new electronics site. I am fairly certain he is hoping that we will end up ordering something if I see how cheap stuff is. This site is called tiger direct coupons and they have all kinds of electronics stuff- tvs, video camers, digital cameras, and his computer stuff of course. Everything is priced pretty decently to begin with. The site says that they have “coupons” for everything they sell. Basically it just seems like an instant rebate at checkout. Still a good deal though, but not what I expected. I think we will place a small order first and see how things go.

Too long

2010-07-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

I find time just slipping away since having a second child. Meeting the needs/demands of two children really takes a lot out of me. I love it, don't get me wrong. But when I finally get a free minute, I typically don't sit down and blog. I sit and have a Diet Coke and read, or jump in the shower, or paint/file my (usually long overdue) nails. My blog will always be here though. These kids? They are growing up too fast.

Detox

2010-03-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

Since I have been spending so many hours in front of the computer, mostly unable to type with both hands, I have read a lot of interesting stuff. Recently I was looking at a website about rapid detox. I never even knew these programs existed. I thought if you went to rehab, it was at least a 30 day commitment.

Apparently at this center, you do an 8-hour detox while under anesthesia, and by the time you wake up you have already "gone past" the equivalent of eight days of withdrawal. I had a relative who went through rehab several times before getting clean and I know the withdrawal and pain was the dealbreaker for her every time. I wonder if anything like this existed them? It says that it costs at least $12,000 for a treatment and that insurance doesn't cover it. That's a lot of money- but if it worked it would be worth it.

I did notice this particular website had some misspellings and errors on it, though, which wouldn't exactly inspire confidence in their program!

One hand

2010-03-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Forgive the lack of recent posts. I basically hold the baby 24/7 so I don't ever have two free hands. Most of my time in front of the computer is when I am nursing him. It's way easier to read Facebook posts and stuff than try to type out coherent thoughts with one hand. But isn't he cute?

Cash Registers

2010-03-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever worked a job where you operate a cash register? I have done several of these (grocery store, St. Louis Bread Company in high school and currently my childrens clothing store job at the mall). There are so many different register systems and drawer systems. Some are easier to use than others. The mmf drawer is easy to install and use in business that have multiple receipt printers. They have flexible sizing options as well. It is nice to work at a business that uses good cash drawers and to not have to struggle with one.

To my Honey

2010-03-12T14:43:00.000-08:00

Happy anniversary! Thank you for spending the past seven years with me. Thank you for putting up with me, for loving me, and for having a beautiful family with me. I love you!

Adjusting

2010-03-10T13:55:00.001-08:00

It is a big adjustment, getting used to having two children. this week, Jonathon is back at work full time and I am alone with both kids. Most of the time it is fine. Oh, but we have our moments. Times when Bailey needs a diaper change and runs away, the baby is fussing and wants to be held, and I realize that I haven't yet eaten or showered and it's halfway through the afternoon. Some days we get out of the house for a while and those days are much better. But other days, it seems like way too much trouble and we just stay at home. My goal on those days is to come up with something for dinner, and to be showered by the time Jonathon gets home. Sometimes I succeed, and sometimes I don't. But we are learning to be a family of four. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

Hospital Stay

2010-03-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

So Taylor was in the NICU for almost a week, for basically some lung issues. He was "formally" diagnosed with transient tachypnea and fluid in his lungs. His breathing improved quickly after he was on a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machine and then he was moved to forced oxygen for a while.

His last hurdle was that he became jaundiced after going off the IV, and had to be under the billirubin lights for a while before coming home. We are so proud of what a tough little guy he is.

I also have to say that I would not have been able to stand all the time in the hospital without visits, my family, books, mp3 players, and lots of snacks. It's rough having a child in the hospital, first when they can't be with you like a "normal" baby and then after you go home. It gives me a whole new perspective on motherhood.

Birth Story

2010-03-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

Here it is, with all the TMI details. Read at your own risk.

On Wednesday, February 17th my nesting mode kicked into high gear. I was on a mission to make sure EVERYTHING was finished. I took Bailey to her last cooking class, then went and did grocery shopping. During her nap, I baked brownies, wrote some thank you notes, and got a few packages ready to mail out (clothing etc I sold online). That night, I went to church with Bailey to work doing childcare for the Wednesday night events. I sat in a chair and relaxed and it was actually a pretty low-key evening. Bailey and I stopped by the church library to get a few new movies. I asked to have them for a month just in case I had the baby early, so I didn’t have to worry about returning them.

On the way home, I started having what felt like an achy lower back and period cramps. That had happened on and off for about a week but just a slight, dull ache. Once I got home I ate a bowl of cereal and took a warm bath and I felt much better. I woke up a few times during the night thinking my back was still achy but it wasn’t even worth taking Tylenol for. Around 5:45 a.m. I woke up having what I thought were mild contractions. Around 6:00 I woke Jonathon up and told him what was going on. At this point the pain was still just crampy.

I got up and washed the dishes that were in the sink and switched the laundry to the dryer. The contractions were consistently about 5-8 minutes apart but starting to be stronger. I called my mom to see if she could get ready in case we needed her to come over. She suggested that I call my doctor’s exchange and ask them what to do. The doctor on call said that since it was my second baby and I was already at least 3 cm I should go ahead and come in to L and D. My mom headed over and I got in the shower. Bailey woke up at some point during this and was excited about Grammy coming.

While I was in the shower my contractions got noticeably stronger. I got out and tried to put on makeup and get ready. About halfway through blow drying my hair they really started hurting and I gave up. I think the contractions were about 3-4 minutes apart. At this point I just told Jonathon we needed to leave. It was about 7:20. Once we got in the car everything went a little crazy. The pain really got bad but I was trying to decide whether or not we should drive through McDonalds and get some breakfast. (Obviously I was not really being rational at this point!) Then I decided to scrap that idea and hurry up and get to the hospital so I could get my epidural. The contractions started coming almost every minute after this and I was panicking a little bit. I was yelling at Jonathon to go around the traffic- of course it had to be morning rush hour- and at one point I thought I should get out and walk instead. He cut a few corners and we made it to the hospital. The last five or ten minutes I could feel a lot of pressure from the baby. I kept saying, “This is not okay. He’s going to come out.” I was panicking.

When we got to the hospital I jumped out of the car to go up to the maternity floor. I told him to park and meet me inside. The woman at the desk was all calm and slow and I was like, “MY BABY IS COMING OUT!” I think she thought I was exaggerating, then I about doubled over against the couch and she got on the phone to call a nurse. I was checked in at 7:55 a.m. and they took me straight back to a delivery room. When we got in the room I told them I needed to pee before getting into bed. When I sat down to pee my water broke but I don’t think I was even aware of it. I was fairly sure I was going to die from the pain. They put a gown on me and helped me into the bed. The house OB checked me and I was 8 cm at this point. I remember having either two or three really strong contractions where I freaked out. The nurse was yelling at me to look in her eyes and breathe with her.

I started asking where the anesthesiologist was. They said they had called her and she was on her way. I was saying, “I can’t do this, I swear I can’t, I need an epidural.” But it also felt like I was ready to push. They told me I had two options, I could either wait and lay still and get the epidural, or I could go ahead and push him out. The nurse said if it was her she would just push because it would help with the pain and it would be over sooner. I asked if it was okay since I was only at 8. They said that I was probably at 10 and they went to check me and they were like, “oh, he’s right there and he has hair!” I believe I pushed once for his head and either once or twice at the shoulders. I could feel him slide out. The actual pushing didn’t really hurt compared to the contractions so I was glad I just went ahead and did it. But that’s the story of how I gave birth without an epidural!

The house OB was the one who delivered Taylor. My OB walked in just a few minutes later. Apparently the anesthesiologist got there while I was pushing, too. They let me hold him right away and he was MAD. He was still really covered in white stuff from being a little early. They cut his cord (Jonathon didn’t care about doing it this time, he said it was kind of weird and not a big deal). She said I had torn a little bit but it was very minimal. I said that I did NOT want stitches after I had done all that without drugs. She said since it stopped bleeding with pressure that I could skip the stitches. Taylor’s APGAR scores were 8 at one minute and 9 at five minutes.

Taylor is here!

2010-02-26T22:32:00.000-08:00

So last time I posted was the evening of February 17th. I was feeling fine, just a little tired and crampy. Who would have known that less than twelve hours later, our baby boy would be here? He was three weeks early and had a NICU stay but he is home and doing well now. We are so thankful for him. His name is Taylor Owen (Owen is my grandpa's middle name, but we also just liked it as a name!) and he looks a lot like his daddy and his big sister.

This is the picture we emailed out the day after he was born. Before he got all his tubes and everything hooked up in the NICU.

Taking Care of Your Skin

2010-02-17T19:59:00.002-08:00

You know by now that I am a big advocate of proper skin care. I have always been told that I look younger than my actual age. Which is not a big deal at this point-- I'm not even thirty yet! But I hope to continue hearing this later on in life as well. They say one of the most important things is to wash your face every night so you don't go to bed with makeup residue... Also, I have been using anti aging products for a few years now. I love most of the things I have tried from Avon's Anew line. If you ever want a skin care recommendation, just let me know! And the products are all reasonably priced, too :)

Less than three weeks

2010-02-17T19:59:00.001-08:00

By the way I am 37 weeks pregnant now... officially full term... and tonight I was told by two different people that I look happy and glowing. Jonathon said they were probably just trying to be nice. Thanks, hun.

The Chair Test

2010-02-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a random test- I would definitely choose this chair but not sure that I am snobby or upper class, lol

You Are Sophisticated and Well Mannered

You're the type of person who can sit all day entertaining guests with witty banter.

You believe in presenting yourself in the best light possible. You like to be seen as classy.

You give a first impression of being upper class and even a bit snooty. And you're the first to admit you're a little guilty of that.

You are an armchair critic. You can detect quality easily, and you want the best things you can find.

The Chair Test

Blogthings: If Quizzes Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Take Quizzes

Guys and Cars

2010-02-17T19:05:00.000-08:00

My husband is a typical guy, I guess. He's not "obsessed" with cars but he knows much much more about them than I ever will. Just random statistics and stuff like that. One thing that I think is funny is that he can always tell what kind of car is behind us at night just by what the headlights look like. (I guess we could compare this to how I can always tell what brand of clothing a child is wearing just at a glance, though!)

We don't drive anything fancy however. I have a minivan which we got when we found out about Baby #2, and he drives a Camry. Both very practical. He has said before though that if someone gave him something crazy to drive he would take it. I always wonder about people who win sports cars and stuff from game shows. Do they even know how much Ferrari parts cost? Probably a lot more than we can afford.

I am thankful for what we have, but sometimes I think it would be nice for him to be able to drive a really cool sports car just for a few days to have fun with it!

Our Rough Week

2010-02-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

I know I mentioned this on Facebook (what, you aren't all friends with me on Facebook??) but last week Bailey and I had a really rough week. I just really don't have the energy to chase her down as much as I need to when she starts getting into stuff or running away from me. She has also been taking advantage of the time that I am in the shower or getting ready. I leave the door open so she can always come find me... but she knows I can't see her!

So last week while I was getting ready- one day she colored on the couch with markers. Thank God they were washable. Daddy left them where she could reach them. She has NEVER colored on anything other than her own skin before so I was really shocked. She also got into some of my greeting cards that I made and messed those up. Then another day, she got down the Sweet Pea soap from the guest bathroom and "washed" the couch. And another day, she washed the tv stand! At least it wipes down easily. Then another day last week she tore apart a book and shoved little spit wads of paper up her nose. I got to pick all of them out later for her.

This is why I worry about having two children.

Our Yard

2010-02-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

My husband has all these dreams about things we can do with our backyard. There is a spot in the back corner where the water drains weird. He got this idea about digging up the yard and putting screens or drainage things under it then replanting all the grass. I kind of nixed that one. Then he thought it would be cool to put in a running pond, bird bath, or something like that. I am hoping to only be here another year or two. So then he wanted to install a sprinkler system HIMSELF throughout our entire yard. He's good at fixing things, taking apart and figuring things out, etc. But he has absolutely NO experience with anything like complicated landscaping, running water pipes through stuff, or pond pumps. I don't want to get in over our heads!

My Funny Valentine

2010-02-14T15:36:00.000-08:00

My Hair

2010-02-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

Thinking ahead to what happened last time I gave birth. Well not specifically when I gave birth, but afterwards in general. I seriously started losing my hair. It was gross. Apparently this is a normal, hormone-related thing. I got my hair styled in an updo for a wedding and the devil woman who styled it commented on how she could cover over the thin patch. Um I swear it was NOT that noticeable, but whatever.

Anyway- so thinking ahead to my postpartum days. I'm thinking I might have to go with some hair supplements or something this time. I do NOT want any more comments about balding. I'm a woman, and I'm not even 30 yet.

Update- 36 weeks pregnant

2010-02-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

I am now 36 weeks pregnant with our second child. I feel uncomfortable at this point, but overall I think this pregnancy has been easier than my first. Less heartburn, less swelling, etc. Maybe it's just possible that my body adjusted more easily since it has done this before? I am NOT ready for the baby to be here yet but I am starting to get curious about meeting him :)

Smoking Cigars

2010-02-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

I am not sure why cigars are so appealing to some guys. I know that over the years I have smoked maybe a handful of them (cherry flavored for sure). Now the smell of cigar smoke does NOTHING for me. But whenever we get together with some of our couple friends the guys end up outside smoking cigars. It's like this manly ritual thing for them. And apparently you can order discount cigars online. I guess in case you are planning on doing lots of manly things. Just keep the smoke away from this pregnant lady!

Flower Girl

2010-02-03T14:11:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to share a picture of my pretty little flower girl!

Worn Out

2010-02-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

I am just seriously lacking energy at this point. I am tired and I am frustrated with how little I am able to get done. I want to do stuff, I just start and don't finish or even worse I don't even get started. I want to crash on the couch and watch movies and not have anyone bother me. But that's not really an option with a husband, child, home-based business and things to do to prepare for a baby. I just need a break.

So speaking of baby weight

2010-01-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

I have whined repeatedly about how I need to lose weight after this baby. So why did I just sit here and eat a stack of Thin Mints? I mean other than the fact that they are one of the best cookies ever created... Someone needs to hide them from me. I am going to have to find some fat burners that really work and get going with this diet come late March. And I have a feeling stacks of Girl Scout Cookies won't be included in the diet. Heck maybe I should just live it up now ;) Once I am nursing I will be chugging water and eating healthy stuff with less caffeine and chocolate.

And one more...

2010-01-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

Just a few hours old...

Looking back

2010-01-27T14:54:00.003-08:00

Now thinking about my pregnancy with B I am getting sentimental. Here I am at 35 weeks with her- about the same point I'm at now-

This baby weight

2010-01-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

I guess this should probably go on my "mom blog" but I feel like a cow lately. When I went to the OB for my checkup this week she commented that my weight had jumped up. She also noticed how swollen my ankles and feet are and mentioned somewhat jokingly that I could have at least two pounds of extra water weight in each leg. I don't know if that made me feel better or worse about the situation. It's definitely not something that even the best weight loss pills can fix. I will have to just wait until after I deliver this baby for the swelling to go away. It's frustrating but I've been through it before so at least I know it does go away eventually!

Just for fun here is a picture of my feet from my last pregnancy-

Mealtime

2010-01-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

I hate when I need to go grocery shopping so badly. Our dinners have gotten really random. Last night wasn't too bad... it was French toast, eggs, and sausage. Bailey informed us that she did not like the toast. Funny that last time we had it she couldn't get enough. Two year olds have weird food habits. Tonight is baked chicken with some sauce and stuff on it. Nothing exciting. My mom actually brought by a potato casserole too since I was complaining that there was nothing for dinner. Tomorrow night will most likely be McDonalds because I am busy all day/evening. Then Friday- grocery shopping! We can make it til then!!

Acne and Skin Care

2010-01-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

I know I talk all the time about Avon's skin care products. It's one of those things, when you fall in love with a great product you want everyone else to know about it too. I have been pretty lucky with my skin (except during pregnancy) so I haven't had to do a lot of searching for acne remedies. But when I do get a pimple I treat it right away with the Clearskin Immediate Response Spot Treatment. It's like on My Big Fat Greek Wedding when she used Visine to clear it up- it's instant! It's on sale right now for $3.99 and you can use the code FSANY to get free shipping on any order.

The Wedding

2010-01-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

Isn't she the cutest little flower girl you've ever seen? She did a great job. The other little girl ended up not walking down the aisle and Bailey did it by herself. I was so proud of her :)

We had a fabulous weekend. The travel wasn't too bad and the hotel turned out to be really nice. We enjoyed eating out, swimming in the pool and catching up with friends who were there. I think we need to have a little "weekend getaway" once every few months!

I'm the girl next door

2010-01-21T12:59:00.000-08:00

You Are a Girl or Guy Next Door

You are as all American as apple pie, and you're so normal that you belong in a TV sitcom.

And really, that's a pretty great thing. You're a solid person, and you pride yourself on being quite down to earth.

You value your friends and family, and you don't need much in life to be content. You feel grateful for what you have.

You are honest and you have a great work ethic. You believe in giving back as much as you can.

What's Your Stereotype?

Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet

Patio Furniture

2010-01-16T14:23:00.000-08:00

A while back Jonathon and I "inherited" some patio furniture from an elderly neighbor before she went to live in assisted living. The cushions left something to be desired but it was a nice set of furniture. Well once we looked into how much it cost to get new patio cushions we decided it was cheaper and easier to just start over and choose a furniture set that we wanted. We'll probably wait and get something next fall when it goes on sale.

I sold our set on Craigslist and got a lot more than I expected for it! The guy actually came and picked it up right away too. Sometimes it gives me hope for selling stuff, and then the next thing I try to list, the buyer haggles over the price or doesn't show up or turns out to be crazy.

So that's hot

2010-01-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

I just tried on my bridesmaid dress for the wedding I'm in next weekend. Good news is that it still fits around my belly. Bad news is that none of my black shoes go all the way on my feet anymore. Except for my black ballet slipper-slash-grandma flats. I will for sure be the hottest bridesmaid now. If the 34 week belly wasn't enough, this will take the cake.

At least my daughter will make a cute flower girl!

My Avon prizes

2010-01-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I mentioned- but this is my blog and so I get to brag here- I won that Avon cruise back over the summer but I also won $35 gas for my car and two free gold iPods because of my sales and recruiting accomplishments! If you ever want to learn about making money with Avon, you can contact me through this blog or you can visit my Avon site! They have lots of great opportunities to earn money and also some nice prizes :)

Snow Day

2010-01-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

I was so bummed not to be able to play in the snow with Bailey. I am kind of limited to shoe selection right now because my feet are a little swollen... and my coat does not button around my middle anymore. So pregnant mama got to take a few pictures and then headed back inside to stay warm and dry!

Life Insurance

2009-12-31T14:40:00.000-08:00

I have read a lot lately (and heard a lot from different people) about what is the right amount of life insurance to have. We have a policy on Jonathon that would pay off our house and take care of Bailey and I. The policy that we have on me, though? Enough to bury me and get a cleaning lady. That's about it. With the second child coming into the picture (and therefore more years of potential daycare ahead if I wasn't around to take care of the kids) we have been discussing increasing the policy on me or taking out a second policy. I have been looking at some online life insurance stuff to get ideas of prices and what is available. I am curious what other SAHM's have in terms of insurance on themselves, though. And I hate this whole topic, having to plan for not being here for my family. But I'd rather prepare than leave a mess behind :(

Dread

2009-12-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

I am so dreading Jonathon's parents coming here. Nothing specific against them, but I just have lots of things I want to get done while he is off work for Christmas break! We need to finish painting our room, finish the baby's room, reorganize our downstairs, and do some cleaning. I don't need interruptions. Baby is due in just over two months!!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T22:21:00.000-08:00

Oberweis Birthday

2009-12-16T17:47:00.000-08:00

We went to our favorite birthday celebration place for Jonathon's birthday. Bailey gets so excited there. The manager always makes a big fuss over her and this time she got a balloon AND stickers. I was also thankful that they had taken down the giant display of breakable cow mugs and bowls since last time we were there. I wish that they would get some rugs for the floor and figure out a way to make it warmer in there, though! It was so cold and then we left and had to go outside in even colder weather. I guess that's what we get for eating ice cream in December!

Lots to Do

2009-12-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming quickly or at least it seems like it. I just got hired to work a part time job at the mall. The extra cash will definitely be nice. Get Bailey's head injury paid off ;) and some extras for the holidays. I am probably crazy, I am now a mom of a two year old, pregnant, selling Avon and working a part time job. During Christmas. I think I have a wish for exhaustion this year.

Jonathon's parents aren't coming in town until after Christmas so at least that's one less thing to worry about for now. His birthday is tomorrow so need to come up with a fun idea for that. Poor guy is getting the short end of the stick this year... although after my non-present birthday I think that's okay!

Promo's and Fun Stuff!

2009-11-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

I should also add to my Thanksgiving list... I am thankful for all the great freebies and promotional products that I get through blogging and through some moms groups that I am in. And the freebies that Avon has been sending me lately for doing well with selling skin care, order size, and things like that. I am really blessed with some extras that some people just don't get!!

Happy Thanksgiving / I am thankful for...

2009-11-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for so many things this year:

My health- this is my second, healthy pregnancy with no complications.

Our children- beautiful Bailey and our baby boy on the way!

My husband- he is so wonderful and I take him for granted too often.

Our "stuff"- we have nice things but I am really thankful that we have a comfortable home, even if it's not huge or my dream home... and we have the luxuries of a big screen tv, internet etc.

Food- we always have plenty to eat even if I get creative with the menu at the end of the month!

Family- my parents and grandparents both live here in town, which is great, and Jonathon's family doesn't live in town, which is also great!

What are you thankful for this year?

Weight Loss After Baby

2009-11-16T21:53:00.000-08:00

So I have already been thinking/talking about how after I have this baby I am going to seriously hit the gym and the weight loss thing. I am planning on breastfeeding again so I will have to figure out how to balance that with exercise this time around. I know I can't really take many medications during that time, either. I just want to lose the weight. Not sure if we will ever have a third pregnancy but I can say that I am not happy with myself for going into this second one with extra weight. It's still the "baby weight" from my pregnancy with B. I have read different things about a diet pill that works but I will have to find out more about the safety of it- so far I am thinking it's not going to happen and this will all be done by hard work and exercise.

Have I mentioned...

2009-11-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

We are expecting Baby #2! We are having a little boy in early March 2010. We are all so thrilled (including Bailey who loves the idea of being a big sister!) I am just trying to figure out how in the world I will manage two children, a house, and a home based business. At least without losing my mind...

Organizational Leadership

2009-11-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a website for Gonzaga University and their Masters in organizational development. I had a few friends in college who got their degrees in organizational communication so this kind of stuck out to me. (I was a public relations major so we were all in the same department).

Wondering what organizational development is all about? According to the Gonzaga website, "The Masters in Organizational Leadership is an interdisciplinary, online leadership degree that combines cutting-edge research from the social sciences, communication field, arts, humanities, and business, into a transformative leadership masters."

They say that their online masters program will equip you with the tools and knowledge to lead in any organization. In my "former life" a.k.a. before I became a mom, I worked for a non-profit organization doing fundraising and event planning. This type of degree really appeals to me for several reasons. I would also consider doing an online degree if I were to go back to school, because of how busy my life is right now compared to when I did college for the first time!

This school offers a lot of information on their website and even video clips that you can watch. I just spent a while looking around and they seem to have some good programs available.

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

Carving Pumpkins

And trick or treating!

When I was in high school

2009-10-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

So there's this street in the south party of town that is known for "cruising." It's a pretty redneck thing to do, at least in our area. A few times my friends and I decided to go cruise along the strip and see what the big deal was. There are all these cars with ridiculous stereos, blackouts on the headlights, etc. The one thing we found was that it was easy to find someone to buy a car full of underage girls beer or whatever else we wanted. A lot of people pulled into this one parking lot there and compare car and truck accessories. I wonder if high school kids still do that now. It's not the kind of place I want my sweet little girl hanging out in 15 years.

Boo at the Zoo

2009-10-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

A picture of my little Cinderella...

Cold Case

2009-10-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

It's one of my favorite shows. You know what really makes me mad? When the football game goes late, so 60 minutes goes late... then we watch the Amazing Race, sit through Three Rivers, and then they put on the news instead of Cold Case. What a crock.

Jonathon's Masters Degree

2009-10-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

My husband has been thinking about going back to school for either a Masters Degree or a second degree. He has taken several continuing education classes. Since he works with technology, it is important for him to always stay current with new trends and software and things like that. We would also like for him to make a little more money and a masters seems the best way to move toward that goal. Since the economy isn't great right now, we figure it is the ideal time for him to get some school out of the way before looking for a new job.

He has looked at several area schools, as well as some online courses and degrees. We don't really have a lot of information about getting a degree online since that seems to have become more popular since we finished school. One program in particular that was brought to our attention, though, is the online MS in Information Security at Lewis University. This program "Explores the theory and practice of IT security on a global scale, the latest advances in all of the involved technologies, as well as the multi-layered issues on the legal and ethical levels facing IT security professionals."

It sounds like something right up his alley. Not only is he paranoid about security issues online and otherwise, but his background is in IT. There are about 15-20 courses he would need to take for this degree. I think our next step will be him actually calling some of these online schools and talking to staff there, and perhaps getting referrals or reading reviews of students who have gone there.

He also has a few certifications that he would like to get, and also others that need to be renewed. I am glad that he is proactive about his education and his career.

Cruise- Miami, Nassau and Key West

2009-10-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

Avon Cruise

2009-10-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to go on my Avon Cruise. Thanks to everyone who helped me earn this trip! I will post pictures when I get back :)

If you'd like to order anything while I am gone you can visit my web site and choose Direct Delivery to have your products shipped right to you. The code FSWER will get you free shipping!

If you have wrinkles

2009-10-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a good anti wrinkle cream... Avon has an amazing new product called Anew Reversalist. I have several customers who have tried it already and love it. I also have samples available. Right now the night cream is only $27, or you can get the higher concentration serum for $39. Visit my Avon website or contact me for details!

Who wants to be a millionaire?

2009-10-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

So I won a cruise with Avon and things are doing a lot better on that front. Although I am sure we have a lot of medical bills coming our way from this past week. And apparently I am only 64% likely to become a millionaire...

Your Chances of Being a Multimillionaire: 64%

You have a good chance of being a multimillionaire. Better than most people.

You simply have a natural knack for money. You have the perfect personality for success.

Will You Be a Multimillionaire?

Blogthings: Waste Time at Work!

Near my house

2009-10-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

There is a major road that is usually the most direct, but slowest, way to everywhere. There are a ton of stoplights and nothing but shopping every direction. One of those roads you steer clear of during rush hour and on Saturdays. Anyway the other day while sitting in traffic I noticed a doctor's building now offering a discount on a colon cleanse on their digital marquis. It made me laugh a little bit.

Cute Bags for B

2009-06-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

I hate carrying a diaper bag for Bailey at this point. She really only needs a spare diaper on rare occasions, and she can drink out of a big kid cup now. So unless we are going somewhere for a long period of time, I don't bring a bag for her. I have gotten addicted to buying her the cute little purses from Gymboree to match her outfits but they are NOT cheap. I found this site and I am going to order her a personalized tote bag to bring with her when she goes places like Early Childhood Center classes and childcare at our church. I think they are cute and more of a big girl thing to have!

Avon Cruise

2009-06-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am working on winning a cruise with my Avon sales! If there is anything you would like from my website, you can email me at tdargan1 (at) gmail (dot) com for details! I will give you up to 40% off your entire order! But do not order it directly on the website or I can't apply this discount. Thanks!

With Bailey's Earrings

2009-06-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

There is just one thing that annoys me. She has figure out how to take out her earrings. She does it usually when she is bored in the car but then she drops the backs somewhere and they are sooo hard to find! So she is now wearing cheapies instead of her good Sterling ones because I've already lost two $30 pairs :( I have been getting her the packs of like 12 pairs from Avon, they are inexpensive and nickel free. I hope she gets over this stage!

Happy Birthday, Bailey

2009-04-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Happy second birthday, sweetheart!

YouTube Video

2009-04-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

Funny video (commercial) that I just watched on YouTube. It's Howie Mandel (from Deal or No Deal) visiting his "son" at work. The son tells him that he got a great deal on an xBox from a sale on Buy.com and then the punchline at the end is that he paid for it with Howie's credit card. It's super short and worth watching just to see Howie and get a little laugh ;)

Here is the video if you want to watch:

Buy.com really does have some great deals. I have found stuff for a lot less there than at other electronics stores and websites.

Not much to see here!

2009-04-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

We have been really busy lately. Bailey's second birthday is later this month. Also, we have Easter coming up and Jonathon's parents are coming in for the weekend. And if that isn't enough, I am working at a career fair for Avon and also doing a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. So if you don't see a post from me in the next week or so, that's why!

Being an Avon Lady

2009-03-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update- it’s continuing to go well. I have recently gotten a few new customers. And they’re good ones, who like to order a lot of skin care products! (I shouldn’t say “good” because most of my customers are good, but I mean they’re big spenders). I also added four people to my downline in the last two weeks and will be appointing another two people this week. I have a few people in the works to sign up in April and May as well. I love seeing people get started with Avon and then to see how well they do and how exciting it is. I think I like that more than selling. Maybe. I just like it all. It is so silly… I went to college for Public Relations and Marketing but here I am, an Avon lady. My education is actually being used but not in a way that I ever dreamed it would be. My district manager also asked me to help her with something that will be benefiting me a lot financially, and I am working at another career fair in a few weeks. Things are looking good.

And I don't have to resort to doing something like automotive lifts. How cool is it that I can stay home with Bailey AND have a great career?

Programming Job

2009-03-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

Also if anyone in the St. Louis area knows of any programmer jobs- shoot me a message. My dad is a consultant and is in between positions right now. There just does not seem to be a lot out there. He is pretty advanced in his career and so they don't want him for the basic stuff, and they want to pay younger people a lot less to do the things that are widely available. All I know is he works with mainframes and COBOL and his job title at one point was Senior Program Analyst. If you have anything like that, please talk to me. I'd love to help him out!

I've Been Away

2009-03-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

I have been kind of away from blogging for a few weeks. I've been busy, my grandpa had a knee replacement, Bailey has been wild and crazy, etc. That is a whole list of excuses but really I just haven't had as much spare time and energy lately. I hope to be back at it on a regular basis again! Once it has been a while since I have logged in, it is just harder to come back again. not that I don't love it, because I do... but it's just something that I have to enjoy doing. I hope that makes sense.

Oh and speaking of Lowe's...

2009-02-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

Not that this is something they sell at Lowe's- but apparently it is something that we will get "for our next house" because everything we can't afford will magically be bought for our next house. Including a full basement for Jonathon to build servers. But our next house supposedly will also have a projection tv thing and home theater furniture. Does anyone else's husband like to daydream about stuff like this? Or do they really think it could happen?

Sandwich Cookie Personality

2009-02-13T13:42:00.000-08:00

You Are Traditional and Dependable

You view the world with childlike wonder. You are very inquisitive. You can help but spy, investigate, and ask questions.

You are a natural communicator and facilitator of harmony. You value peace above everything else.

You're easy going and easy to be around. You aren't picky or high maintenance.

You seek security in your life. Feeling safe is important to you.

The Sandwich Cookie Personality Test

Lowe's

2009-02-10T23:19:00.000-08:00

Jonathon just called me from Lowe's. He has the craziest ideas sometimes. If we had an annual income of like $500,000 I might tell him to pursue his ideas. Right now, he wants:

A new hot tub cover
new Hansgrohe faucets
These LED lightbulbs that are $51 each (seriously)
Stuff to make an invention that I can't discuss here
New patio furniture

I thought girls were supposed to be the unrealistic ones who wanted silly things when they were out shopping, and had to be talked out of it by the men. I think that scenario got reversed in our household. In his defense, he never actually buys any of these silly things. But when I tell him we shouldn't then he acts like I am grumpy.

February Already?

2009-02-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

Feels like I just started remembering to write 2009 on stuff. Really, what do I even have to write the date on anymore? It's not like I write a whole lot of checks.... I'm not in school and I don't work... but I have still noticed that this year is flying by. Man.

Video Game Consoles

2009-01-22T20:24:00.000-08:00

I have been bugging Jonathon to get a Wii. He says we don't need one because he will end up wasting time. He wants a PS2 or PS3 though, once we get to talking about it. We both agree that we probably don't want to get an xbox 360. For me it's just because the games don't appeal. For him, it's a nerdy anti-Micr0$0ft thing.

If you had your choice, what one would you get?

I am not a cheapskate!

2009-01-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

You Are Not a Cheapskate

When it comes to money, you're very fair.

You're generous when you can be, and you never cheat anyone out of what they deserve.

If you have the money, you enjoy splurging. But you never overspend.

Are You a Cheapskate?

Why I named my cat Chloe

2009-01-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, my mom's favorite perfume was Oscar de la Renta. She also liked Joy and Chloe and Chanel and the other classics. Somehow I got it into my head that I would have some cats when I grew up and give them all perfume names. I wanted Oscar, Chanel, Chloe, Fendi, etc. Pretty silly, I know.

Well I got my first cat when I was in college. I named her Chloe. Fast forward years later to having kids... Chloe was one of my top choices for a girl. We actually considered renaming the cat Samantha so that we could use Chloe for our child. But we didn't, and we named the child Bailey. Five months later or so, we had to get rid of Chloe. So we totally could have used that name.

But now the name Chloe is kind of trendy-ish anyway. I have met several Chloe's. So it would have to be taken off any future lists at this point. But that's the story of one name that I didn't choose for my child.

I want a cool coffee maker

2009-01-09T13:07:00.001-08:00

I went over to my friend Mae's house the other day. She has a new Keurig coffee maker. oh, can I even tell you how much I want one of those. Not only would it revolutionize how I make coffee, but it would eliminate the need for (most of) my Starbucks visits. Which would ultimately save me a lot of money. I am trying to get Jonathon on board with this plan. I think he would enjoy making coffee for himself if we had something like this. I have been looking online at different espresso machines and other options as well.

What do I know, anyway?

2009-01-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 5/10 correct

You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas.

When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details.

Random Christmas fact: Theodore Roosevelt banned Christmas trees in the White House.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

My Avon Business

2009-01-04T22:34:00.000-08:00

I am working on expanding my Avon business. Both by getting more customers and by getting more people signed up to sell Avon. There are a few different things I can get to give to my customers to promote my business. This year I gave little holiday gifts with my name/contact info label on the back of them. I am going to try to find a custom promotional product that I can use to reach more customers and help my existing customers remember to place their orders.

Happy 2009

2009-01-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

These are not resolutions. More like things I want to do in 2009. I hate resolutions because I break them. So I am just setting some goals. In no particular order.

1. Lose some weight. Seriously, it’s bad. I need to lose the Bailey weight plus some.

2. Continue to learn to cook. My goal is to cook at least two new things per week, whether its a main dish, side, dessert, etc. So far I have been successful in the three short weeks that i have been cooking.

3. Get pregnant- but I’d like to lose some weight first. I was a whale last time I was pregnant, I want to be healthier this time.

4. Go on another vacation. The only requirement is it has to be somewhere neither of us have been before. I don’t care where, just somewhere without Bailey so we can relax.

5. Go on our first family vacation (i.e. NOT visiting relatives) with Bailey. I am thinking maybe Branson and go to Silver Dollar City, or something simple like that. Within driving distance.

6. Learn to use my sewing machine. I’ve made a pillow and most of an apron for Bailey. The apron is a little crooked but not too bad. I’ll have to share a picture when it’s finished.

7. Participate in a wine tasting and learn more about wine. Not because I really care, it’s just something I don’t know much about. Obviously this year is all about learning things I should know and don’t.

8. Keep my Unit Leader title with Avon and perhaps move up to the next level. If you want to earn some extra money, let me know.

9. Get our house organized. Keep it that way. Actually iron some clothes.

A Little Glimpse

2008-12-27T14:32:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share some pictures from our Christmas! Hope yours was very merry :)

Merry Christmas

2008-12-27T14:27:00.001-08:00

From us, to you. I have gotten to the point where Christmas isn't all about the gifts and the parties. Yeah, that's fun. But for us it's about Jesus' birth, and spending time with family. I hope that you can enjoy that part of Christmas, too.

And if that beautiful picture didn't make your Christmas exciting enough, check out this page with coilovers. Really, what else could you need? ;)

I am Multicolored Lights

2008-12-24T14:26:00.000-08:00

You are Multicolored Lights

Your holidays are a time for cheer and excitement.

You love so much about the holidays, and everyone perks up a little from your happiness.

You try to be grateful for what you have this time of the year.

Even if things have been tough, you can't help but be joyful.

What Color Christmas Lights Are You?

Christmas Baking

2008-12-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

I have been doing a lot of baking for Christmas over the last few days. I made five kinds of cookies. I always make a ton of Christmas cookies but I don't think I did last year because I had my hands full with a crawling/cruising baby. It was nice to get back into it this year. Here are my gingerbread men:

I also made a loaf of banana bread. It was my first time making bread. I got it a little too well done because the knife was still gooey when I stuck it in. Next time I will know better. Here is the recipe I used, and then the picture of my bread:

INGREDIENTS

* 1/2 cup margarine, softened
* 1 cup white sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1 1/2 cups mashed banana
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9x5 inch pan.
2. Cream margarine and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs, then bananas. Add flour and soda, stirring just until combined.
3. Pour into prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 1 hour (or till toothpick comes out clean). Remove from pan and let cool, store in refrigerator or freeze.

Now I am going to have to do some serious fat burners and exercises because all this food is going straight to my hips, I promise! Jonathon can eat and eat, but not me :(

I am done, I think

2008-12-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

With Christmas shopping. I just wanted to share. Because I have been seriously stressed about it. I am also starting to wonder what people (Jonathon, mainly) are going to get me. I haven't really dropped any hints at all for him this year. Although I did buy one of my gifts and then give it to him to wrap. Okay, two of them. But as long as he doesn't get me diet pills- don't even get me started on our conversation last week- I will probably be happy with whatever he gets me.

Scrapblog

2008-12-15T14:13:00.000-08:00

I have found a new obsession- scrapblogging! You can make whole scrapbooks online and then get them printed. I bet everyone knew this except for me. Well, I knew about it but hadn't tried it yet. It's kind of tricky to figure out some of the stuff (or maybe it's a user problem) but it's fun. This is one of the first things I made, a signature for an online board.

My Grown Up Christmas List

2008-12-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

You know how when you are a kid, you ask for stuff like Barbies and toys and games? Well now I am asking for stuff like vaccuums and kitchen faucets.

Our kitchen faucet really isn't too bad but if you get it at a funny angle, water drips out of the handle and down into the "Clean Side" of the sink. I'm sure there is probably a simple fix for that but my wonderful husband has yet to do anything about it. Maybe he could just fix our existing faucet for part of my Christmas gift??? Sweetie???

And I am asking him to read this over my shoulder and he's like "So you want me to fix it?" YES.

Don't Know Much About Philosophy

2008-12-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

Really, I've never taken a philosophy class and don't want to. They did a philosophy section once in my Sunday School class and I wanted to pound my head in. But apparently I somewhat paid attention in my other subjects.

There Is 1 Gap in Your Knowledge

Where you have gaps in your knowledge:

Philosophy

Where you don't have gaps in your knowledge:

Religion

Economics

Literature

History

Science

Art

Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge?

My insurance woes

2008-12-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

You know how I am mad about my health insurance? Well I have also been talking to my insurance agent about life insurance. We have a great policy on Jonathon (I actually told him---joking---that between his social security and life insurance that he better sleep with one eye open because I need some Christmas money, lol) and we have a little policy on me. Since i don't bring in much income anyway ;) Our insurance agent is trying to talk us up on that but you know how they are. One thing that I know we won't be able to afford is seniors life insurance. Well unless we are in a different financial situation then. But it costs SO much more to get insured once you are older. They are trying to get me to lock in at the "under 30" rates. Hey, I got two years left!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

It's really not my favorite holiday. In my opinion, the food is blah. Not much taste to anything and I don't really care about turkey and mashed potatoes. Give me some pizza any day. We even did that one year when I was a kid, until I was embarrassed at school when we had to talk about our Thanksgiving dinner and stuff like that afterwards. One year (or maybe more than one) we also had turkey sandwiches.

I am not into football. When I was really little I liked to get up early and watch the Macy's parade with my dad. I think my mom was usually in the kitchen. When I got older, I tried to go out after dinner and at least do something fun. Now, I am sure that Bailey didn't even realize Thanksgiving was a holiday because all we did was have a dinner, and there were only ten of us there.

The best part in my opinion was the dessert. I am not a huge pumpkin pie fan, but I didn't realize that until this year when we didn't have whip cream to hide the taste. I was trying to be healthy and not have it in the fridge afterwards to tempt me. I love love love the pecan pie though. We couldn't get Bailey to try either one, but she was content eating a spoon of Cool Whip. There was just a little bit left in a container that my mom had, and she offered it to the pumpkin pie eaters.

Avon Contest

2008-11-25T16:49:00.000-08:00

Have you been to my Avon site lately? I am trying to get online orders from every state for an Avon contest I am in. I have been asking for help from my readers, and I still need a lot of states! Please check the sidebar at Two Lines On a Stick to see which states I still need. All you have to do is place an order for Direct Delivery and it counts toward my contest. You can use the code FSANY for free shipping on any order! Thanks :)

Jewelry

2008-11-18T22:56:00.000-08:00

I am going to go make jewelry one night this week with my friend Faith. It's been way too long since we've done that. This is something I made last time. I don't think I ever shared the picture before- at least I can't find it anywhere on this blog. I would love to find more ideas of things to make. I am always scared to wear them, that they might *look* handmade. KWIM?

My Home Says I Am...

2008-11-16T23:11:00.000-08:00

What Your Home Says About You

You come across as somewhat intellectual. You can be quite insightful at times.

Your hygiene is passable, but you may be hiding some dirty secrets.

You are a fairly domestic person. You can probably make a decent batch of home cooked cookies.

You are not a nurturing person by nature, but you can easily take care of someone you truly love.

You don't feel settled in your life yet. You are scrambling to figure things out.

You are a somewhat self sufficient person. You can do fine on your own if you have to.

Your friends see you as honest, humble, and responsible.

What Does Your Home Say About You?

Something Slightly Different

2008-11-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

Guess what my husband asked for, for his birthday and/or Christmas? For once, it is not more memory or another hard drive for his computer. Oh, but something equally exciting. He would like an 8GB sd card. Now THAT is something fun to shop for.

I like that he's specific, but can't he just ask for something like clothes or video games or sports stuff?? It would make my life more interesting. He also wouldn't know EXACTLY what he is getting. But then he'll just go buy it anyway, so I might as well kill two birds with one stone, right?

Please Help Me Win This Contest!!!

2008-11-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

I am participating in an Avon contest with my district. It’s called Miss America Avon and the goal is to get an order through my website from each state in the USA. The first rep to get an order starting on 11/12 (Wednesday) from each state wins a prize. Like if I get the first Missouri order, I get the “Missouri Prize.” Also the rep who has the most states total (even if they weren’t the first order-er from that state) wins a prize at the end. Anyone who gets all 50 states also wins a big prize.

So here is what I am proposing- if there is anything you can POSSIBLY order from my website, please order it! Even if it is a 79 cent lip balm. It doesn’t matter the size of the order. You can use the code REPFS for free shipping. You have to choose Direct Delivery (Avon ships to you) for your order to qualify. Also if you decide to do this you will get a little thank you from me! Feel free to spread the word if you want.

I will update here with the states that I have gotten orders from. If you don’t want me to list what state you ordered from, let me know but otherwise I’ll give you some linky love.

Alaska- Wendy AND Chasing Groundhogs
Arizona- Megan
Arkansas- Unkempt Mommy
California- Audrey
Florida- Bethany
Indiana- Kelly
Louisiana- Stacy
Michigan- Harmony (she also sells chocolate)
Missouri- Barb
New York- Jill
North Carolina- Rachel
Oklahoma- Bethany
Pennsylvania- Girl (check out her etsy shop!)
Texas- Wildmom
Virginia- Feels Like Happiness
Washington- Geoff (BIL)
Wisconsin- Constance

What would really help me shop for my husband

2008-11-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Is if I knew more about buying wholesale electronics. He always talks about all these great websites that he looks at, and he can buy stuff cheap through people he knows. But then he goes and asks me for stuff like a new external hard drive, or memory, or a flash something or other for his birthday (coming up soon) and I am just lost. I can walk into Best Buy and ask for help and pay way too much... but I think I am going to have to start looking around online more and trying to figure out what to get. The problem is just that if I screw up it will be harder to return it :( Why can't he ask for normal gifts??

My Froggy

2008-11-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

Happy (belated) Halloween!

Little Known Fact

2008-10-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

Jonathon and I shopped for engagement rings together. Yes, I trust him to choose things for me. But for something that I am going to wear the rest of my life, I want to love it. I didn't want to hurt his feelings and exchange it later. I am a huge returner. So we looked at rings together a few times and then he secretly went back and bought mine when I wasn't expecting it! The proposal was a complete surprise :)

My ABCs

2008-10-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

My ABC's

Just in case you didn't know enough useless facts about me, here are 26 more!

A= Age: 28
B= Bed size: king
C= Chore(s) you hate- ironing, cleaning bathrooms, VACUUMING
D= Dessert you love: really anything with chocolate or ice cream :)
E= Essential start to your day: hugs from Bailey
F= Favorite actor(s): Harrison Ford, when he was younger, Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, Jared Leto in My So Called Life
G= Gold or Silver: White gold
H= Height: 5' 5
I= Instruments you play: played violin when I was younger, guitar a little bit, that's it!
J= Job title: Mommy, wife, Avon lady
K= Kitchen color(s): light blue, cream, black
L= Living arrangements: Jonathon, Bailey and I live in a house
M= My name is: Sunshine, or you can call me Tara
N= Nicknames: Sunshine, Funshine, Tarable
O= Overnight hospital stay: most recently was when I gave birth to Bailey
P= Pets: none
Q= Favorite quote: can't think of one now
R= Right or left handed: right
S= Siblings: none
T= Time you woke up today: 7:50 a.m. when Bailey stood up in her bed and yelled "Barney! Barney!"
U= Unique about you: I can wiggle my ears
V= Vegetable you love: zucchini, corn, peas, green pepper
W= Worst habit: - worrying
X= X-Rays you've had: only chest xrays, I think
Y= Yummy food you make: nothing really, just as JonathoN!

Good shoes

2008-10-26T13:58:00.001-07:00

One of the things that I believe is important, is buying good shoes for Bailey. I think some people think its a waste of money. But we have been taking her to Laurie's Shoes, where they sell Stride Rite but also Birkenstocks, Dansko shoes, Cole Haan etc and Vera Bradley purses, which I am always tempted by when we are in there. Laurie's is a chain and I have had good luck with the sales people and with the shoes lasting a long time. Bailey outgrows them before they start getting cruddy looking.

I also love that you can bring in your receipts and they will add up the amount spent, and then give you 5% of that amount off your next purchase. Since I bought some Birkenstock clogs when I was pregnant and still had the receipt, that helped me out with buying Bailey's very not cheap shoes. And my mom helped too ;)

These are the shoes we got her for this fall/winter:

Fall cards

2008-10-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

These are my fall cards- Halloween and birthday and Thanksgiving-ish

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

2008-10-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

Jonathon loves anything involving mint and chocolate. Especially dark chocolate. I found this recipe for mint chocolate chip cookies and made them yesterday for him. My trouble with mint recipes sometimes is that the mint overpowers everything else. I thought these were pretty good. I left out the nuts because he gets annoyed about nuts in cookies- you know, it is a waste of space where there could be more chocolate or sugar! Here is the recipe:

MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
10 oz. pkg. Nestles mint chocolate chips
6 oz. pkg. regular chocolate chips
1/2 to 1 c. chopped pecans (DID NOT USE)

Bake at 375 degrees. Combine flour, soda and salt; set aside. Combine butter, sugars, and vanilla; beat until creamy. Beat in eggs. Slowly add flour, mixing together. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (DID NOT USE NUTS). Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 9-11 minutes. Makes 4-5 dozen.

*It also did not make 4 dozen cookies, unless they were Barbie sized cookies.

Honda Pilot

2008-10-21T12:39:00.001-07:00

Did you know me (or read this blog) back when I used to work as a nanny? Well after college, I had a few jobs that I h.a.t.e.d so I ended up finding a job as a nanny. Not a bad gig, if you can find a good family like I did. The family I worked for owned a Honda Pilot and I absolutely loved it. I drove it quite a few times for the family. I had my own car, but I used the Pilot to drive them to the airport and things like that. It was so nice. Heated leather seats, leather steering wheel, just a very comfortable ride. I always thought that I would love to own one.

Now we are looking at getting a new car in the next year or so. We know that we definitely want an SUV or perhaps a minivan. If we could find it in our budget to get a Pilot, I would love it. I was looking at Honda Pilot reviews online and most of them have nothing but good things to say. This one particular review that I found was from The Car Connection and tells about the differences between the 2008 and 2009 models. The main thing it brags about is the interior room, which I remember loving. The gas mileage is so-so, it's 17 mpg city and 23 highway. The review also said that the 2009 has lower quality fabric in the interior and might not be as comfortable.

Looking at our budget, we would be most likely to get a used (at least a demo or a year or so old) car, so I don't think the complaints about the 2009 would affect us. I hope that the interest rates drop and that the economy is stable enough that we are able to get a loan and end up getting a decent car when it's time.

Movies are so much better...

2008-10-19T22:58:00.001-07:00

when you are watching them in your friend's basement, where they have something like a 100 inch projection screen, and home theater seating. Especially when the chairs have a little built in cupholder, so that you can drink soda throughout the movie and actually NOT fall asleep. Yep, I would much rather watch a movie there than in my own living room. Although I wouldn't trade my tv watching hubby for anything! He also lets me control the volume and the lighting but don't tell anyone!