Day 10- My favorite things

Remember that show Oprah's favorite things? Well, same concept except I can't actually give an audience full of people these things. But I will tell you what they are!

1. Starbucks perfect oatmeal and decaf coffee. Sometimes I have to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to travel across Cobb County and take my sweet daughter to my mother's house. One positive is that I also budget time (and money!) into making a Starbucks stop. I don't get to do this very often, so it's not really a latte factor, but I always get the perfect oatmeal with nuts and fruit (really raisins and cranberries) and a grande decaf coffee with splenda and skim milk. This totally makes my day and starts me off right!
2. Diva Nails. I love this nail salon and if you live over in Marietta, it's in the same shopping center as Smoothie King and Subway, by Lassiter high school. For $18, you can get a mega delux pedi with exfoliating sugar scrub and a long foot massage. Worth every penny!!
3. Target. You would be an ugly liar if you said that you didn't love Target. I love their clothes, shoes, even their target brand products. It's a great place to find everything you need... and more!
4. Progresso Lentil Soup. Lentil soup looks like mud, but Progresso makes it taste yummy for few calories! I buy at least three a week and take that for lunch!
5. My iPhone. Never thought I'd buy any APple Products, but after Jeff got one, I had to get one too! I love that you can instantly download apps- within seconds- and they are apps that help you do whatever it is you need to do! My apps range from baby flash cards to style news. I even have an app that helps me decide where to eat (urbanspoon)! Love it, I don't think I'd be the wonderful person I am today without it :o).
6. Aveeno facial lotion. I. Love. Aveeno. It makes my face feel so much better and it has SPF in it too! Love the way it smells, love what it does to my face, love it all!
7. The library. Although the concept of a library isn't new, I've recently rediscovered this trasure! I love books and I buy a whole bunch of them. I'm running out of places to keep my books! So instead of spending money to buy them, I now go to the library that is within walking distance of my house or to my school library!
8. J. Crew. If I had all the money in the world, I would totally shop here all the time. This is the look I want to achieve, but not the price I want to pay. Remember when J. Crew used to be reasonable? Not so much any more, but that won't stop me from taking out a mini-loan to cover my J. Crew habit!
9. New York. I always said I would live there. That's until I realized how much it actually is to live in NY. I still love everything about it. I love walking around the city, the great shopping, the wonderful food, and the not so friendly people. It's a great place and I'd settle for at least visiting once a year!
10. Swaddles. I know I haven't said much about my beautiful girl in this post, but one thing that has been my saving grace in her 8 months of life is the Kiddopotumus Swaddle. I think Jesus personally made it. Although she normally doesn't sleep with one now, if it's hard for her to fall asleep, we will swaddle her and then take her out of it when she goes to bed. If you are a parent and need sleep, swaddle your baby. I promise it's not abuse, it just makes her feel warm and snugglie!

Day 9- Is it spring break yet?

Do you remember being in College and going down to PC or Destin for SB? I do, I remember and sometimes I wish I could go back! I miss hanging out with everyone for a week, being crouwded into a condo with 10 other girls, borrowing clothes, getting mad because one group of girls wants to go to fudpuckers and the other group wants Pompano Joes. I also remember AJ's and Spinnaker. Oh how I miss you so... Here are my top five memories from SB- the college years.

1. I once stood in the DJ booth for hours at AJ's and I was DJ V! I remember that me and my girls closed down that bar and we didn't get home until 4am! I helped the DJ spin records and I even semi-remember helping him fade one song out and mix this song with that one. It was so much fun!
2. The last night we were in Destin, a select group of us were "just going to go to AJ's for about an hour and then go home." Our plan was to leave early so that we could get enough sleep to get up in the morning and drive back home. Yeah right! How about we were the last people in that place! We closed down the bar!
3. While staying at CDR (Club Destin Resort), we came up with a lot of fun sayings, such as, "I'm SO pretty," and "Whoop, whoop!" I remember that we went to a midget wrestling thing at this one place before making our way to AJ's. First of all, I would NEVER suggest going to see midget wrestling, it was the worst experience of my life! While sitting in this section away from chaos, my friends and I were approached by this group of guys who wanted to sit with us. Of course, I reply, "This section is only for pretty people. I'm so pretty." Our inside joke that I said to someone else! Well, those guys got up and left (as they should have) and my friends and I laughed histerically because they couldn't believe I would say that!
4. Staying out on the beach all day long! We've met so many fun people and I even got into a verbal altercation with some girl behind me (not my proudest moment). I remember being on the beach with the Tennessee Football players who were battling it out with the Arkansas football players. I remember meeting some random kid with a guitar who sang songs- Meredith and Kelly sang with him too! I remember chasing a girl down because she had an Alpha Gam bag. I found out she went to Southern Illinois. It was just so much fun talking and playing with everyone!
5. Although I have way to many memories to share, my favorite memories were hanging out with my sisters. We shopped at the beach stores and outlets, ate together, and played together! I'm so thankful for the many memories I have shared with them and I can't wait to go on more vacations with them in the future! Next time an all inclusive place please???

Day 8- cousins!

Love this clip! Two cousins playing and I love that Era is laughing! She's such a cutie!

Day 7- True love

I love Jeff! I love him for so many reasons, but here are just a few:
1. I love how funny he is. He is so witty and loves to laugh- we just love to laugh together!
2. He's my knight in shining armor. He will let me figure out things and then come to my rescue if I need it.
3. He has the cutest quirks!
4. He puts up with my craziness and lets me complain!
5. He is real with me; he will sugar coat things when he needs to, and he will be forward other times.
6. He is my best friend- I can't keep secrets from him! He reads me like a book!
7. He is a wonderful father. He's always there for Claire and likes to read up on "new educational" things to do with her.
8. He loves Georgia Tech- very loyal guy :o)
9. He lets me watch my crazy ghost and girls shows.
10. I think he's a hunky guy! I bagged me a real cutie!

Just a few reasons why I love Jeff... there are hundreds more!

Day 6- People let me tell you 'bout my friends

I have the most wonderful friends any girl could ask for. Here are just a few sentances about each person and in alphabetical order.

Ardis- I met her in high school and I never would have thought that we would end up being sisters (in law). I love the following things about her: her fashion sense (always put together and trendy), her decorating style, her sneezes that sound more like little baby chicks, she loves to have fun, and her parenting style. I don't think I could have done the parenting thing without her. She's taught me so much and I can't wait for the wonderful fun times to come!
Brandi- My big sister who is my foundation. She taught me not to stress and to think tihngs through logically and to ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN. She is the most country person I have ever met, but she loves to do city things too. She is my "treasure hunting" partner in crime. She is always willing to go on adventures and always lends a helping hand!
Emily Clare- She is my residential doctor, therapist, love guru, and all around funny friend! She is always willing to try new things with me and will drop anything she is doing to come help you. She is very blunt and will tell you how it is, but is never rude about it. She really should be a doctor- I think she'd make a wonderful one!
Emily Dickerson- I don't think I've ever heard her say anything mean about any one. She is sunshine in a bottle- always warm, sunny, and positive! She loves to go out and have fun, but would always watch crazy shows and movies with me. Through her behavior, I learn to just chill out and not worry so much. That's why I love hanging around her, she just calms you down!
Emily Hauert- She's preppy, always put together, and what I wish I could be. She is a gracious hostess and should have been named Emily Post. She does everything by the book and she is so assertive. She now lives far away from me, but I can't wait for her to move back so that she can take me shopping!
Jana- C.O.U.N.T.R.Y Girl. She know severy country song, will throw down with you at cowboys, and will always help you out. She is so sweet and is such a wonderful person. She never complains and is always looking to have fun!
Kelly- When I first met Kelly, I thought we would never get along. She and I would bump heads on sorority (and other) issues. I have learned so much from her. She is such a determined person who is assertive and so secure. She has this huge sweet side and she loves to watch reality TV. She is silly, funny, but could convince someone the sky is purple (that's why she is going to make a great lawyer).
Kylee- A voice like an angel (with cute shoes and a fun attitude!) and clothes that make Jennifer Anniston jelous. She is so creative and very talented. She really should be an event planner!
Meredith Day- I'm thankful she always let me sleep in her bed. She introduced me to the OC and Grey's Anatomy. She knows everything about every celebrity and also every word to all rap, rock, pop, and country songs. She's so sweet and always so much fun!
Meredith Rand- My newest friend who puts up with my craziness. Tennis brought us together, but we just have so much fun! We have a lot in common and I love her personality. She is so assertive (I try to learn it from her) and she throws one heck of a party.
Suzanne House- My other only child. We get each other, probably because we love attention and to be selfish (it's an only child thang!). She is so wonderful and is always willing to go anywhere!
Teresa Nicole- Hilarious. She is a comedian who also can run and play soccer. She hardly ever complains (unless I call her and start complaining first). You can always count on her to go out with you or to find a treasure amist the sale rack at Ann Taylor. She is sweet, always fights for people's rights (an advocate), and hates drama!
My friends are so important to me and they have played such a huge role in shaping my life! I'd be lost without them!! Love you all!

Day 5- Being "empty"

So I've been thinking a lot lately about balancing- being a mom, wife, daughter, school counselor, friend, and coach. Before having a baby, I would stay up late to hang out with people or even just pop by my parent's house just to say hi. When I got pregnant I said, "This baby won't slow me down! I'm still going to go out and have fun!" Then Claire came. And with my beautiful baby girl came separation anxiety and sleep deprivation. I concentrated on trying to learn how to be a great mommy and how to not freak out about everything! I learned what is important to me and what is not. Then I started to work again and at first I felt ok, but then I noticed that my quality of work went down and I was exhausted. By the time work ended and I picked up Claire, I was ready to freak out! I had nothing left to give my baby- I was empty. I poured myself into work (being a counselor can take a lot of out you!). I was so anxious about how awful my house looked or how many voicemails my phone had. Then my co-worker Gayle (one of the wisest women I know) said to me, "Years from now, when you look back you won't say 'I wish I had a clean house.' You will say, 'I wish I spent more time with Claire.'" So if you come over, my house will probably be dirty and I may not return your phone calls immediately. It in no way means that I don't love you or that I like to live in filth. It just means that I'm trying to get more giggles out of Claire, trying to get her to nap, or even teaching her how to crawl. People with babies "don't fall off the face of the earth," we're trying to take care of a human being. Please be patient and remember that one day, you too will have a precious little baby. You will also feel like you have no clue what you are doing and you will wonder why you smell bad. But it is so worth it. She is worth every moment and she fills me right back up!

Day 4- Tile

Well Jeff and I are at it again! We are going to tile our basement bathroom and I'm on a mission to figure out what I want to do. First I want subway tile and then I want to add a splash of color, like this:

I LOVE THIS! I really just love Sarah Richardson, but I also really love subway tile. So now we are going to start looking for prices, ideas, etc! We would love any advice on tile!

Day 3- LOL

Claire didn't really laugh until she was about 4 months old. Today, we had laugh out loud time! We danced- she laughed, we played with pookie bear- she laughed histerically, and we tickled her sides- thought she was going to pass out she was laughing so hard! Then I took one moment to just look at her (I mean REALLY look at her) and I thought, "I have the most beautiful and wonderful baby and I'm so thankful that God gave her to me!"

Speaking of laughing out loud, I'm finding lately that the only way I can get through some really tough times is to just luagh! The women are work are so wonderful and we are constantly laughing, my fantastic friends make me laugh, and my husband and baby make me laugh so hard I can barely breathe!

What makes you laugh?

Day 2

My friend Meredith and I went to get a pedicure today and she asked me a question. "Does the exhaustion go away or do we just become immune to it?" Great question Meredith! I'm 7 months into this mommy thing and people say it will get easier, but I'm starting to believe that they are just saying things to make me feel better! I'm still so exhausted! And even if I happen to get 7+ hours of sleep, I feel great for the first 4 hours, then I have huge bags under my eyes. Sometimes I get so sleepy that I forget to talk or even worse- forget to do something (like driving!). But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how tired I am, it just matters that I get to be with Claire. I'd take all the tired in the world just for a sweet smile and QT with her!
Being a mother has taught me that life isn't fair, my house will never be clean, and I might always look crazy, but I have to put my big girl panties on and deal with things so that my daughter and husband are happy and taken care of. That was such a run on sentance! I've got to do what needs to be done and the motto on my desk is, "After all is said and done, more is said than done!" It's so true!

30 Day Challenge

Here's my challenge folks... I'm going to blog every day for 30 days straight. I guess today would be day one so here goes.

Ten things I've learned through working at a school:
1. Once you meet a parent, you can automatically see why their kid turned out the way they did (good or bad). Very rarely do parent/kid pairs suprise me.
2. Yelling at me doesn't get you what you want. In fact, you should never yell at the person doing your college recs!
3. No, I'm not going to change your schedule because you "can't sweat in the morning." Get over it, I have nothing else to put you in other than a freshman computer class and you've already complained about that!
4. Just because our office is called "Guidance" doesn't mean that we know everything. Sometimes people contact us for locker combinations or ask us when the Varsity baseball game is. We're smart, we just don't know all of the answers.
5. Yes, counselors need counseling sometimes too.
6. You can always tell the teacher who had a horrible time in high school. They're always out to get the "popular" kids and they want to save the others.
7. No, you probably won't get into UGA. Yes, it's because you have a 2.9 and no AP classes. Don't waste your money, apply somewhere else.
8. Always make the secretaries, lunch ladies, and custodians your friend. You never know when you will need their help!
9. If you don't like kids, then don't teach. Summers off are nice, but let's try not to screw up every kid in your class please!
10. No matter how crazy, frustrating, or hectic life at a school can be, it's the times when you know you actually helped a kid that keeps you going. It makes all the crazy things disappear for that one moment.

This week has been 11th grade advisement at our school and I've seen kids and parents every thirty minutes apart. The parents are so eager for their kids to figure out what they want to do in college. It's amazing how many kids and parents aren't on the same page about college, classes, and life. Sometimes what we want for others isn't always right. May favorite thing is when parents say. "Well when I was in high school, they didn't do it this way." Funny you should say that because what we do this year is completely different from what we did last year. Nothing stays the same- can be good or bad. I'm learning through others how I want to parent my kids.

So here's the moral of my story- Be a parent. Put some boundaries in place. Say no. Check up on your kids. Don't be a cool friend, be a lame mom. And most of all, say "I love you."

Has Spring Sprung?

I wake up and I can hear the birds chirping. I look outside and the sun is rising earlier. Then I walk outside and I turn into an ice cube and I'm ready to run back to my warm bed.
Are you there spring? It's me, Viola.
In case the earth forgot, we live in the South and it's supposed to be warm here. So I'm going to need that to happen ASAP please!

7 Months

I can't believe it's been 7 months! She is now 17 lbs. 3 oz. and rolling every where! She can pretty much sit up on her own, she can roll, shimmy, and scoot to where she wants to be. A shiny top tooth is coming in and we can hear her grind her teeth (gross!). She is eating the graduate puffs and we are now on 2 foods. I feel like as soon as I get the hang of one thing, we have to learn something new! I absolutely love her and she has the sweetest, most curious personality! She is also a great jumper and I can't wait to put her in a tumbling class!

In other news, our house is about to appraised and we are going to try and put it on the market. I really want to move to Legacy Park, just for a few years, and then back out here in Pope, Walton, or Lassiter district. This whole moving thing isn't as fun as I thought it was going to be. I'm so nervous about my house because I'm afriad someone won't like it! It's almost like when you make fun of your friend it's okay, but the second someone else makes fun of your friend, it's on! So keep your fingers crossed that someone will love our home enough to give us lots of monies for it! :o)