Just my luck

An interesting fact about me: I never really had nasty dramatic break-ups when I was dating.

Ok, so there was maybe like one, but he was the one causing all the drama.

Anyway.

Because of that fact, I have managed to stay on fairly decent terms with my exes...you know the kind of terms that say when you see one another at the zoo with your kids in tow you kindly say hello and ask how things are without any expletives involved.

But there are also times when I see certain exes, you know, like the ones who dumped me, that I really revel in. Times when my hair is all fixed, make-up done...you know, times that (I hope) make them feel like crap for letting someone as awesome as me go. I'm a wee bit vindictive like that.

I don't get lucky like that too often though. More times than not, I get the scenario I got last weekend.

I was in Houston running some errands for my Mom. My parents have never moved, so going to visit them often means seeing old friends from high school unexpectedly.

I was wearing workout clothes and still sweaty from doing the 30 Day Shred. I had on no make-up and I'm fairly sure my hair was a complete wreck. I needed to run into Target for 2 things and then I would be on my way.

I made my way through the store fine...I didn't see a single person I knew. Yes! I'm totally homefree, I thought.

I rounded the corner and headed for the cashwraps. That's when I saw him.

Mr. Sophomore Year BF. I recognized him first and stood there frozen in the aisle....for a second I thought I could maybe dart to the closest checkout lane when...

Haley? Is that you?

(sh!t) I'm screwed.

I walk over and we talk. We both have spouses, kids. Typical boring catch-up conversation continues.

And all the while I'm kicking myself for not looking fabulous...and wondering how bad I smell.

After a few minutes we part ways and I checkout.

It was then that I vowed never to leave the house without make-up again.

x 2

Do I sense a trend going on here? I'm still at a loss for words. I've been looking for them everywhere, but haven't found them yet. Let's hope they come back soon.

Peek a Boo

I'm glad even on days when I can't think of anything to write, there are always moments to share like this one. :-)

Don't worry, you're not crazy

There was another post here previously. One with a nasty rant from me.

Anyway, after re-reading it I decided it should come down. I don't like negative anything.
It just makes me feel weighed down. If you read that post just know I'm over all that.

If you didn't read it, you're probably better off.

Today I've been really sick. I'm hoping to feel better tomorrow because I have 80 gillion things to get done.

Tomorrow is Monday. Trust me, I'm really ready for that fresh start.

Ultimate Blog Party 2010

I'm super excited for this years Ultimate Blog Party from 5 Minutes for Mom. If you never participated in one, this is your year to start. There were over 2000 bloggers at last years party...I mean wow! That's awesome!

I participated in the UBP in 2008, a year after I started my blog. Being there and getting to know people really helped me find a wonderful audience, some of whom still come here and comment everyday. It also helped me find so many fabulous blogs that I just have to read everyday.

I hope you'll be joining in the fun with me! Plus, I'm giving away a prize this year...a $50 Target gift card. Who can say no to that?

See y'all there!

Food & Family Friday - Bunny-Face Easter Side Dishes

Food & Family Friday is this new thing I'm doing. Mostly, because I like food and my family a lot (and not necessarily in that order). F & F posts feature easy recipes and fun ideas that will bring your family together in the kitchen.

This is a fabulous activity to do with your children, even toddlers! I think it's especially great because it makes healthy eating habits fun! Jackson absolutely loved this so I'm glad we did a test run before Easter...because I'm excited to do it again for Easter Day lunch! Our bunnys face is made with blueberries, almonds, dried cranberry, and white chocolate chips.

Bunny-Face Side Dish

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Applesauce (per person) I used Musselman's Natural Applesauce.
1/2 cup yogurt (per person)

Edible decorating extras like coconut, raisins, dried fruit, etc.

Directions:

Give each child a small dessert size bowl. Add 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup applesauce to each bowl. Use the Edible Extras to create a silly bunny face in each bowl. Help each child color and cut out the bunny ears and bow tie from your printout sheet (found on Musselman's Facebook page HERE). Tape them to the outside of the bowl and viola! Now you have a healthy side dish that is fun to eat!

Thank you to Musselman's Applesauce for providing me with the supplies and instructions for this craft. I was so pleased to partner with them on this post since they have an all-natural, no sugar added version of their applesauce which has no High Fructose Corn Syrup and is made from American grown apples. That is something to be proud of.

For some fabulous Musselman's Coupons, go HERE.




Disclosure: Musselman's provided me with a jar of applesauce and supplies for this craft at no cost and I was under no obligation to make this post. I chose to because I was impressed with their companies values and products. These are my honest opinions. I was not paid for this post. To see my full disclosure statement, go HERE.

A work of heart

A few days after Cupcake in January, Esther called me and said "I have this idea for a website, and I want you to help me build it." I was surprised and flattered all at the same time. And with that I began compiling tons of info and sorting everything out.

Over 100 hours of work later,  She Posts is up and running.

{It was my pleasure, Esther.}

I'm proud folks.

Esther is a true visionary and in my opinion, her site is genius. It was blast working on this site with her.

If you are a woman or mother in Social Media, this site was made for you.
I would love for you to drop by and check it out if you haven't already...trust me, you'll be glad you did.

******

I also have a new post up over at Conceive. Hope you'll stop by.

You Capture - A Moment

There we were in the kitchen, goofing around before bedtime. Jackson had some new robot pj's and was really excited to wear them. I think he was trying to grab the camera when I shot this and even though it's blurry, I love the look on his face.

I also love how real everything in this photo is. His joy, our tiny kitchen, the crumbs on the floor in the background, the bag of potatoes that should have been in the pantry...everything.

Our life is sweet.

*************

For more You Capture visit Beth's blog.

On Waiting and Hoping

Lately, I seem to be doing a lot of both.

Waiting for the next appointment with the Infertility Specialist. When my mid-cycle test results came back to say that I was still not ovulating and that my estrogen levels were WAY off, I shattered.

I sobbed.

I slept for a long time. I'm weird and that's how I grieve.

I'm okay now. But I'm still waiting for my appointment and hoping for good news.

I'm also waiting and hoping for good things to come from the job interviews that my husband has approaching in April. Awhile back I posted that we were looking forward to some exciting things, and one of those was a job interview for him.

Sadly, that one did not pan out. We have high hopes for these coming up though, and I would appreciate any of your kind thoughts or prayers in this matter. Thank you in advance.

It means so much.




There's more on my journey with Secondary Infertility at Conceive Online. I would love if you stopped by.

Mom 2.0 Summit Swag Bag Giveaway

******This giveaway is now closed******

And the winner is...

Mandala! Congrats, I'll be emailing you shortly!

*******************************************************

That bag is stuffed full of things I got at Mom 2.0 Summit. And in the tradition of my bloggy generosity, I'm giving this bag away to 1 lucky reader! Let me tell you, there is some awesome stuff in there too!

To enter just leave a comment on this post by Midnight CST on April 11th telling me how you are enjoying Spring thus far. (mandatory)


Extra Entries

Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Leave a link to your tweet. (1 entry)
Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
Become a fan of LLF on facebook (1 entry)

Write a post about this giveaway and link back to it (2 entries)
Subscribe to LLF via email (2 entries)

Open to the U.S. and Canada. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Please be sure to include your email address in your comment if it is not in your profile so that I have a way to contact you if you win. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours of being notified a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

How We're Saving Money: Swaptree

How We're Saving Money is a new series of posts I'm doing to help give you insight as to how we're getting through this economic drought. Hopefully after reading my posts, you'll find ways to get through it too.

I cannot speak highly enough of this site. In these hard economic times, one of the first things we cut back on was "entertainment spending". That meant no new books, DVD's, CD's etc. unless we specifically wanted one and saved up for it over time.

That is hard to do. Especially when you are me and hate waiting for anything.

I found out about Swaptree completely by accident. I was on twitter one day and just happened to glance at a random tweet in my stream that mentioned the site.

I clicked over to check it out....and immediately thought "Why didn't I know about this sooner!?"

Basically, Swaptree works likes this.

I signed up. It was free and easy.

I had a Counting Crows CD in my collection that was in great condition. I hardly listened to it anymore, so I listed it in my Items I have section.

Then I went to the Items I want section and made a small list of things that I've wanted to purchase for awhile (but could not). The items I added were the Twilight Series books (because one day I might actually find the time to sit down and read them).

At this point, I had to wait. Swaptree did all the work for me in less than 48 hours. Then lo and behold, they found someone who had Twilight and wanted to swap for my Counting Crows CD!

The trade was set up! Both parties agreed and Swaptree sent us each others addresses.

I mailed the CD in a bubble mailer that cost .50 cents. The "Media Mail" postage cost me $1.39. So, for around $2 overall I ended up getting a hardback copy of Twilight, which normally retails for $19.99, all because someone wanted a CD I didn't listen to anymore.

Swaptree has thousands of items like books, CD's, and DVD's available for swap. And, when you join, if you refer your friends and they sign up...you can earn free shipping for your future swaps! Pretty cool right? I think so.

And that's How We're Saving Money.



Disclosure: I have no affiliation with Swaptree. I was not paid to write this post. I chose to write this post because I wanted to. Swaptree has no idea I even wrote it. These are my honest opinions.

I haven't been this happy since November...

As someone who grew up extremely ill with a "pre-exsisting condition", no insurance, and a mother who sat in the hospital sobbing over the mounting bills...I want to say that what happened yesterday makes me so proud.

More proud than I can say really.

Proud for him, and his children.

And their children.

I'm marching for Jackson & Maddie

On August 21st 2007 my son Jackson was born premature.

Me and J in the NICU.

I scanned this photo in. The quality isn't great.

He was 4 weeks early by his due date, but based on his development the doctors estimated he was about 6 weeks early...and that my due date was probably just off.

You may also know of another sweet baby who was born premature. Her name is Maddie. She is the daughter of Heather and Mike. Sadly she left this world on April 7, 2009 but is still remembered and loved by so many.

Nothing is scarier than having a premature baby. No one should have to experience the fear I went through or the sadness and loss that Heather and Mike feel. That is why I'm marching for Jackson and Maddie during the March for Babies.

Funds raised in March for Babies support The March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And they will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.

Please consider sponsoring me in my walk for this most worthy cause. My heart is so invested in this and I want you to know that no donation is too small. Please give whatever you can.



Thanks in advance to those who give. It really means so much.

A letter to Jackson at 2.5

Jackson,

I realized today that it was this same time last year when you had just learned to walk. On St. Patrick's Day 2009 you finally stepped away from the table (you had crept alongside it for months) and decided to walk across the room.

And just like that you were walking. After I had worried and stewed for months over the fact that you preferred to crawl.

Some point shortly there after, I relaxed as a parent...because your walking came along eventually (even if it did choose to arrive fashionably late to the party).

So now, a year later I feel concerned about another milestone you are supposedly "behind" on.

You don't have very many words in your vocabulary right now....in fact the only one you say really well is "Bye" when you are waving. Sometimes you also say "mama" when you are crying, but this doesn't happen a lot. You have your own made up language that you "speak" with constantly. I love it...my favorite thing you say a lot is "bosh a bosh".

Several people, including your grandmas, are very concerned at how behind you are. So I've called in people to help, even though I'm not sure it's really needed, because I would hate it if I looked back and did nothing to try and make things better for you.

This week we had to go to the doctor to get your ears checked. The first thing the development therapist suggested to me was that your speech might be delayed because of hearing issues.

You do not like it when doctors touch you. When they came in to do a hearing screen and had to stick a machine in your ear you were not happy.

They couldn't get a good reading because your screams were throwing the machine off.

And all the while my heart was breaking because I had to hold you down so they could do this test (that ended up being good for nothing).

I hated every moment of it, because in the very back of my mind I kept thinking...maybe he'll just talk when he's ready. What if this is all for nothing?

So, I just wanted to write you this letter and let you know that I love you.

I believe in you, and I think you just like to do things on your own time.

But as your mother I'm faced with hard decisions about how to care for you daily, and getting these tests and evaluations done was one of those decisions.

I'm sorry that I had to hold you down while you cried and they poked things into your ears. I bet that was pretty scary. I told the nurse to stop after a couple of minutes because it was obvious you weren't going to calm down. I told them that if they needed a complete hearing screen that they would have to do it while you were under anesthesia...because there was no need to get you so frantic.

I am, and will always be your number one advocate. Please know this.

Even when things like the bad hearing test happen, know that I want only the very best for you.

You're my J Little, and I'll go to the ends of the earth to make sure you have everything you need.

Love, Mommy

Food & Family Friday - Toasted Coconut Ginger Blondies (plus a giveaway!)

 ****This Giveaway is now Closed****

And the winner is...

#27 Ashlei! Congrats lady!

Tropical Traditions will be sending you your prize very soon!

*******************************************************

Food & Family Friday is this new thing I'm doing. Mostly, because I like food and my family a lot (and not necessarily in that order).

F & F posts will feature easy recipes and some fun ideas that will bring your family together in the kitchen. This first recipe is a doozy, so brace yourself.

Toasted Coconut Ginger Blondies

• 1 cup sifted flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger
• 1/3 cup butter, coconut oil*, or palm shortening
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2-1 cup flaked unsweetened coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8x8 baking pan with extra fat of choice.

Sift the sifted flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda together into a small bowl. Stir in the crystallized ginger.

Melt fat of choice gently over low heat in a medium sized saucepan. Whisk in brown sugar, mixing well. Let cool slightly if warm.

Whisk egg and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture. Mix in flour mixture in stages until well combined.

Spread batter into prepared pan and sprinkle flaked coconut on top. Bake for 15-25 minutes.

****************
These are so yum.They certainly didn't last long around here. :-)

Jackson had fun with these too, because I let him sprinkle the coconut on top.

I had never cooked with Coconut Oil prior to preparing these. Apparently it has like a zillion other uses too, many of which Tropical Traditions discusses on their website.

*****************


Want to Win your own 32 oz. jar of Certified Organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions?

Just leave a comment on this post by Midnight CST April 4th telling me what you would make with the Coconut Oil if you won. (mandatory)

Bonus Entries

Follow me on Twitter (1 entry)
Become a Fan of LLF on Facebook (1 entry)
Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions Mailing List (2 entries)
Subscribe to LLF by email (2 entries)

Open to the U.S. & Canada. Please make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry you complete. Also, make sure your email address is either in your comment or your profile, so I have a way to contact you if you are the winner. Winner be chosen randomly using random.org. If the winner does not respond within 24 hours a new winner will be chosen.

Happy Eating and Good Luck!




Disclosure: Tropical Traditions provided me with one free Quart size jar of their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil* in exchange for the honest opinions I've shared in this post as well as one jar to give away to my readers. I was not paid for this post. The recipe and photo in this post came from the Tropical Traditions recipe blog. The recipe was crafted by Sarah Shilhavy and the photo was taken by Jeremiah Shilhavy. At the close of this campaign, the free product I was sent has been used up. I recycled the glass jar. :-)

You Capture - Reaching

The more we grow, the closer we get to reaching our full potential.

Lately, I've been trying to grow as person.
Even pushing myself beyond my comfort level some days.

Seems I'm more like my tulips than I originally realized.

For more You Capture, visit Beth's Blog.

***

 If you would like to see more photos of my Spring Container garden you can, here and here.

Also, I have a new post up with Conceive Online. Would love for you to drop by. : )

And just so you know, my Aden + Anais Giveaway ends tomorrow.

WW- Spring

{Tulip in my container garden}

I've been working like crazy this last week to get better at using my camera. There is a lot of trial and error involved, but really, how else do you learn?

{Hyacinth. These smell SO good!}

I think it might finally be paying off too.

 {Daffodil}

Each time I catch a glimpse of these blossoms, my heart is lifted just a little. I'm so glad Spring is here.

For more Wordful Wednesday visit Angie's Blog by clicking below.

In Bloom

After years of questioning my worth and abilities, I'm finally starting to come into my own.

I'm so proud of myself all of a sudden.

I'm a good wife and mother and I get better at both everyday.

I love who I am right now and I adore where I'm going.

Day Tripper

I love Orange Juice. Probably a little too much. I will drink it any time of day really because I think it's just so good.

We have been loyal Tropicana fans in this house for a long time. Really it all started when I was pregnant with Jackson and would drink the stuff by the gallon daily. So, you can understand then, why I felt comfortable doing this campaign about their new Juicy Rewards program.

Now, when you buy Tropicana products you will find a code printed on the bottle. You enter the codes on the Juicy Rewards website and can redeem them for great deals like discounts with online merchants, amusement parks, restaurants and more! And you know I love being able to save money, especially when the savings are coming from a product I was already buying on a regular basis.

Best of all, the site has a search by Zip Code feature, so you can find participating businesses right in your own neighborhood.

This week, I used one of my points to get a coupon for a discounted admission to The Texas Prison Museum, which is right here in my town!

I'm excited to go now and I cannot wait to snap some fun photos to share with you all soon!

My favorite orange juice is taking me on a day trip and I think that's pretty cool.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.

Back In The Day

This weekend while browsing the racks at Macy's I overheard a great deal of squealing coming from the ladies dressing room (no, not that kind of squealing, get your mind out of the gutter!).

So anyway, I headed over to try on several different blouses and when I rounded the corner I saw what all the fuss was about.

A group of four girls (most certainly BFF's) were trying on Prom dresses together.

At that moment I felt the tinge of how much I've aged...at the fact that it's been nearly 10 years since I attended my first Prom.

There I was, trying to find tops to hide my fat rolls, when one girl announced "Maggie, this 3 is too big, can you grab me a 1?"

Oh, to be young....and skinny.

So, here today for your viewing pleasure are my Prom photos. Enjoy (and hold back your laughter, please) *snorts*.

This is from my Junior year {2001}.

My boyfriend was a Senior, so I went with him to his Prom. I got that dress off the clearance rack at Lord & Taylor and paid $15 for it (not kidding!). I'm pretty sure it was a Size 3...if that's not an incentive to keep up with The 30 Day Shred, I don't know what is.

Here is the standard posed photo that we probably paid too much for.

J, if you are reading this post a: How long have you been reading my blog? and b: I'm so sorry for any embarrassment or emotional damage this may cause you.

And finally, for the piece de resistance, I give you....

My Senior Prom Dress.

Senior Prom was a HUGE deal for me. I was determined to have the most fabulous looking dress there and ended up working 3 months to pay for this one, which had a bustle.

I was such a romantic then, which is fully evident by the "Bounce" poster on the wall behind me (seriously?). Perhaps also by the fact that I took a nosegay that year in place of a corsage.

As you can imagine...when the time would come to buy my wedding dress, I faced a bit of challenge trying to top that dress.

But eventually I managed.

 February 16, 2007

If you've ever wondered where my Twitter handle came from, now you know.

Because sometimes you need to kick your own butt

After a lot of stewing, whining, and feeling sorry for myself while downing fast food or huge Frappuccinos I finally decided that I'm SO OVER being fat.

Seriously, I liked my body when I was thin and healthy WAY MORE than I like this Grande Caramel Frap (right?).

Although I know this won't be easy I'm determined to get all this extra weight off. I've never been this big EVER, except when I was pregnant....and the fact that I'm approaching the weight I was the day they checked me in to deliver Jackson....well, that's just pathetic.

Right now I weigh 210 (see below). I want to weigh below 150 before this is all over.

 Dave said to frown for effect, so I did.

I would LOVE to weigh 135 again, which is what I was when I started college.

I'm using 3 tools to get back to healthy, happy weight:

The Daily Plate: Which helps you track your Calories and Exercise for free!

The 30 Day Shred DVD with Jillian Michaels

A very simple diet:

• Scrambled Egg Whites, 1 slice 9 Grain toast w/ 1 t Sugar Free Jam and Light & Fit yogurt for Breakfast
• 1/4 cup Almonds and Banana for Morning Snack
• 1 Apple, 1 Large Colorful Salad, 2 T Dressing, and Grilled Chicken Breast for Lunch
• Handful of Baby Carrots and 2 Rice Cakes with 2 T Peanut Butter for Afternoon Snack
• 2 steamed veggies, 1 small multi grain roll, and 1 serving of lean protein for Dinner
• Skinny Cow Sugar Free Ice Cream Sandwich for Dessert

And of course...obscene amounts of water, which I hate to drink, but I'm past that (mostly).

So yeah, today is my 3rd day already, I'm so sore, but I feel better.

This is good stuff folks.

Good Stuff.

You Capture - Quiet

Blurry, but still sweet.

One afternoon over the weekend Jackson sat in the floor at Elaine's house and loved on this babydoll.

He just sat there quietly as he held the baby and looked at it.

It touched my heart.

For more You Capture visit Beth's Blog.





P.S. A HUGE thank you to everyone who commented and left sweet encouraging words on this post the other day. You all lifted me up so much, and let me know I'm not alone. I'm feeling very confident and proud of me decision now, in part thanks to you. : ) Honestly, you guys are the best.