Crazy Busy

It's been over two weeks since I've had the chance to blog. I had a birthday a couple of weeks ago and I should have known that my life would be hectic after that point. Each year I celebrate my birthday and then stay busy until after the new year. Unfortunately, that's when Michael starts to work a lot of hours and we don't truly get him back for months. I have plenty to blog about, but it may just have to wait until the new year! I'll do my best to blog about Julia's 8 Month birthday tomorrow, but I'm not promising anything. I will give myself a pat on the back if I even get her picture taken. I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving!

Five Question Friday - 11.12.10

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?

Well, it's not childbirth because of wonderful medication. I developed an autoimmune disease in April, right after the birth of Julia. It's called Pemphigoid Gestationis and I was absolutely miserable. I hate remembering that month. I almost always cry thinking about it. You can go to my labels on the right if you are interested in it.

2. How much sleep do you get at night?

Not enough. Last night, it was my own fault, but I got about 5 hours. It always seems that if the girls give me a good night, I mess it up in some other way. Ex: caffeine, watching a game, or just thinking.

3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?

I have a horrible memory. I really have no clue!

4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?

Like I said, I have a poor memory, especially when it comes to movies. I think I saw that Facebook movie last. I want to see that overly girl movie, Morning Glory. Any girls want to go with me?

5. What do you wear to bed?

I wear shirt and leggings during the winter time. I wish I could be more "appealing," but I'd rather stay warm.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Embrace the Camera - Date Night!

Audrey and Daddy had a date night Tuesday night. Michael's been pretty busy lately and Audrey has been missing him a lot. She was so emotional about him leaving for work Tuesday morning that he promised to take her out on a date when he got home. I was thinking Chic-fil-a. He took her to Romano's Macaroni Grill. Lucky girl! She had their yummy bread, spaghetti, and lemon ice cream. Wednesday was a much better day for Audrey and I believe the date is what made it better!

Footed Pajamas

I absolutely love the warmth, coziness, and cuteness that are footed pajamas. But, I had forgotten how difficult they are for the child that goes potty. I now understand why they made those pj's with flap at the bottom!

Baby Books

Well folks, I did it. I FINALLY pulled out Julia's baby book. Just now, you ask? Yes, my baby is 7 months old and she finally has writing in her baby book! Mom of the year right here.

Do you know what's worse? The ONLY pictures I have of Julia were the ones that were taken at Portrait Innovations when she was 3 months old. I will be visiting Shutterfly shortly.

And do you know what is the worst of the worse? All of the picture frames in HER room are baby pictures of AUDREY!

Please don't take her away from me! I love her tremendously!

So I updated Audrey's baby book and got started on Julia's. Do you guys actually fill out everything in those books? Some of it I find a little ridiculous. Maybe I wouldn't when I was seventy years old. But as a thirty year old, it is ridiculous.

I Better Get to Workin'!

Is it November 8th ALREADY?! That means I have my two year old for just a little more than a month before she's another year older. I was so fearful of the "Terrible Twos" but I just loved this past year! Audrey went through the "Terrible Two" phase for about a week - the week she turned two. It was like someone gave her a memo or something. I have heard that 3's are worse, but since year 2 was fun, I'm gonna look forward to 3 as well.

I was getting all proud of myself because I had taken care of all of Christmas and Audrey's birthday presents in the first week of November. I forgot one thing - Audrey's party! In the past, I took months of slowly putting her party together. I'm not creative in the least, so I really work hard to put together something that's just kinda cute. Now I have just about a month to get it all sorted in my head and bring it all together. Thanksgiving is sitting there right in the middle of it all. And it's Thanksgiving with the Halls, meaning it will be at least a week-long celebration. I was inspired last night with a theme and I'll go to Hobby Lobby today to see if it's doable.

Here's a little video for me to remember how Audrey was at two.

Five Question Friday - 11.5.10

1. If you could have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be?

I believe I would enjoy being a writer. I don't read books all that often (when do you find the time, people?!), but I would love to have the talent of a good author. I can just imagine cozying up to a fire, sipping on a cup of joe, and typing away.

2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods?

I would definitely choose a cabin in the woods; it would be the perfect backdrop for my mystery book writing! Have you seen my skin tone? The beach would not do this skin any good! Although, I would feel safer on the beach, that is, until a hurricane came through.

3. Is there any meaning or reasoning for the names you chose for your child/children?

Oh yes. I blogged about it HERE. As a teacher, I couldn't have a name that reminded me of a problem kid. I wanted a name that didn't scream a certain year or decade and you would have no problem spelling it. Also, I wanted a name that didn't leave you guessing if it's a boy or a girl. So far, I have Audrey Grace and Julia Kate.

4. What is your guilty pleasure? (I know we've done this one before, but I'm guessing people's "guilty pleasures" change frequently. At least, mine do!)

Right now, I have two guilty pleasures. 1) My daughter's peanuty Halloween candy. The poor girl will never have the chance to taste the goodness of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup or a Snickers bar. 2) Blue Bell's Pumpkin Spice Pecan Ice Cream!

5. Do you live in a house that is deep cleaned or straightened?

As of yesterday, straightened! October - aka, the month of illness and Ranger baseball - my house took last place on the priority list. I do have an excuse though. I can't vacuum with Audrey in the house. I finally got her back into school and I finally had a day home, so it was straightened up just a bit. Anyone want to deep clean? I've got peanuty candy and ice cream!

Embrace the Camera - 11.4.10

There's No Place Like Home

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

Most of you have probably seen these pictures on facebook already, but I know you can't get enough! Ha, yeah right! Here are my little ladies dressed up for Halloween. Audrey wore a Dorothy dress that she received last year. I found an infant Toto costume for Julia. I didn't find out it was for an 18 month old until it arrived. Oh well, it got the job done. It was itchy inside, so not only was Julia wearing long sleeves and pants on an 80+ degree day, she topped that with faux fur and fleece. She didn't complain much; she's a trooper!

Audrey really enjoyed it this year. She lost her shyness when she figured out that these scary adults would give her candy if she went up to them. She even said Trick or Treat a few times. My church does the best Trunk or Treat I've seen around here and I'm so glad my kids get to experience it. Afterwards, we even went up to one of Michael's coworker's house to do an actual trick or treat. This coworker can't get enough of Audrey, so we had to surprise her with a visit. She offered Audrey candy about 10 times. Audrey always obliged. Then at the end of the night, Michael's folks dropped by to see the girls. After a Cowboys loss (I don't care about them) and a Rangers loss, I'm glad I got to enjoy Halloween with the family and a morning of service with my church with another round of "The Church has Left the Building."

7 Months Old!

Julia celebrated 7 months on Halloween! You'll have to return tomorrow to see her as Toto.

Julia has really developed a cute personality. One of the funniest things she does is crinkle her nose, smile, and nod. I love it! Of course, isn't that supposed to be how you respond to crazy people? Perhaps I'm crazy. I like asking her questions and having her respond like this. Do you have a poopy diaper? *Smiles and nods* Is Daddy a weirdo? *Smiles and nods* So fun!

She also is doing the Ranger Claw. Now, I'm sure it's just a development thing, but it is very appropriate.

She is sleeping much better. She occasionally needs me to put the paci back in her mouth, but that's about it. I think she's teething a bit and that has caused some problems, but mostly during the day.

Julia also got her first haircut last week. I've been wanting to cut it for awhile. I needed Audrey to not be home since Julia has to watch Audrey's every move. Audrey finally went to school on Thursday after being sick all month. Here are the before pictures:

Business in the front.

Party in the back.

And now the after pictures: