Saturday 25July09 We went to Fiesta Island and watched the kids play in the sand, and played in the water with them. Yes, I got in the water and played with them, as well...no, there are no photos to prove it...I am the camera-mom, so all photos show everyone BUT ME! Sunday 26July09 We had a relaxed day, then went to the In-Laws for dinner...not a ride I will forget anytime soon. We got the joy of dealing with a very angry, aggressive driver, who decided to put all of our lives at risk by driving like an idiot. Called Grandpa (my Dad), to wish him a Happy Birthday! Monday 27July09 Met up with SIL, Auntie Lisa, to take the kids to Jamba Juice and B&N to play at the train table. Train table got postponed. Rayna decided she didn't want to leave JJ, and threw herself down while holding my hand, dislocating her left elbow...YAY! Gave Mommy a terrible fright, and we all rushed to the doctor to have it fixed...not my best day. Babysat a friend's 2-yr-old son, and plan to do the same soon, while she finds out her newest up-coming addition's gender! Called it an early night due to the very overwhelming/overstimulating day I had...and because Hubby was enjoying my misery WAY too much with comments of how I had broken our baby's arm, and what a mean Mommy I am...Isn't there a rule about not making jokes about stuff like that for at LEAST 24 hours?!?! I guess he didn't get the memo. Tuesday 28July09 Ran some errands and hung out with a great friend, and even had lunch together (w/my kids, of course). Spent the afternoon at home hanging low with the kids after our overly exciting Monday, then left the kids home with our sitter while Hubby and I went out for appetizers and drinks. Came home to a freshly baked pan of brownies...MMMM...the house smelled delish! Wednesday 29July09 Called Brandi to wish her a Happy Birthday! Met up with SIL, Auntie Sara, and her son, and went to a local playground with an awesome water feature...we LOVE that place! It's one of the only places I can take the kids that ISN'T gated in, and not have to worry that they will run off! They are total Water Babies! After that, we grabbed lunch and headed home for our NO-Nap time. Wednesday evening, we went to a park playdate to say farewell to a friend who came into town for the month of July, from Texas. We had a lot of fun hanging out and catching up with some of the Mommies from our Mom's Group...and even got to meet a couple of new Dads! Thursday 30July09 We hung low at home early in the day, and then headed north to Kidsville Playtown in Poway, for a Twerpup with some really awesome gals! It was great to meet some new friends, and put faces to the names of some I had already met online! What a great place to play! It got a little crazy a couple of times, but nothing a few kisses couldn't remedy! We had to leave in a hurry, or would have loved to stay and play with our new friends longer...but I HAD to get home for... The ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 1st Mamavation Mom!!! My heartfelt CONGRATS to Maria! I am so happy for you, and am ready to be here for you and take this journey right along with you! Mamavation and BookieBoo threw a great Twitter Party, and I was very lucky to win a pair of the EarthFootwear Shoes that were being given away that night! Just waiting to hear back about sizing...can't wait to see them IRL!!! Unfortunately, the P.O.R.N. peeps have managed to take nearly EVERY TWEET from that party, and hi-jack them and RT them...I can't count how many times I have blocked a new one over the past 2 days, and really, it's only a couple of people...they just keep changing their names and photos...the text is EXACTLY the same, for the most part. There are 2 messages I get, and each time I get them, the name and photo are different. One of the DISadvantages of PUBLIC social media, right? Hopefully they will get filtered out soon, and give up. Friday 31July09 Maria had her first interview, online, as well as her first Nutritional Review. I was able to listen to MOST of each of these, but Toddlers Rule, you know, so I missed out here and there! Thank goodness they are posting the information for the rest of us on BookieBoo! Again, neither wanted to take naps, so I let them stay up, and Ryan ended up passed out with his crackers in his hand, and Rayna still sitting there next to him stealing them one by one while he slept! We took the kids to dinner, after Daddy's late arrival home from work, and treated our little family with GC's from Grandpa S...Thanks, Dad! Saturday 01August09 Daddy went fishing, leaving in the wee hours of the morning (3am), and returning after 9pm, so I had the kids to myself...nothing unusual about that. Today was a particularly whiney day for the kids, wanting to "Find Daddy" seemed to be the theme of the day. Naptime was a No-Go, so I took them for a ride in the car, and got about 15 minute out of Ryan...but nothing from Rayna. Brought them home, thinking I would sneak him into bed, but he woke up right as we pulled into the driveway, and let me know that he was NOT tired, and didn't need a nap! Hmmm. Gave them some crackers to snack on for a bit, since it was too early for dinner, and went to do my dishes. Peeked around the corner 10 minutes later to find Rayna passed out on the couch...It lasted about 20 minutes. At least I got my dishwasher loaded, right? I fed them dinner, which neither of them would eat, and ended up giving Ryan yogurt, and Rayna decided she just wasn't hungry...she just wanted to hold Mommy. Managed to pick up the toys, vacuum the floors and get them dressed for bed in time to dance like fools to Jack's Big Music Show for an hour...Yes, the entire hour, I was forced, against my will, by 2 crazed lunatic toddlers, to "Keep Dancing, Mommy!!!" "No, Mommy, you have to STAND UP and DANCE!!!"...um...yeah, no sitting and dancing allowed. We stumbled up the stairs at 9p, and Mommy was 15 minutes into singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, when Daddy decides to come flying into the nursery with an excessive amount of energy, to wind the little buggers back up....JOY. An hour later...and after he finally quit trying to get Ry back into bed, and just gave up and let him climb into our bed and lay down, they are ALL sleeping....PHEW! And I am finally CATCHING UP ON MY BLOGGING, whirlwind style! No, I wasn't able to get on my elliptical last night, OR today/tonight...Hubby ignored my sweet request to assist in moving it so that I could make use of it, so it is still squashed into a corner, with the other lovely gym equipment all piled up against it, and the little stuff jammed in between! Quite the sight, let me tell you! I would post a pic, but my battery for my camera died while filming my silly kids earlier today...Great reminder to charge that...and I am off! Toodles, all! I'll see what I can do about adding in some photos soon....having trouble with the computer...loading/accessing photo files, but I will try to get it working properly, and stuff some shots in where they belong in this EVER-SO-LONG Fast Forward Rewind post! Read more...

This week has been rather hectic, so you will see ONE BIG POST that IS about different events from this past week...This is ME trying to catch up on my blogging, so that I can start fresh this week, with blogging and following along with Maria, @BOREDmommy, our 1st Mamavation Mom, as she leads the way on BookieBoo! So, hang in there, and keep reading, because today is going to be my "CatchUp Friday"! Okay, so it ended up happening on Saturday...better late than never, right? Read more...

In case you haven't heard (click here)! I have not given up or given in...I am simply clearing my head and preparing myself for the journey that awaits me. Thanks for all of the amazing support, please keep it coming! I will try to figure out how to set up a MrLinky, so that other moms can add their blog links here, and we can all follow each other and provide motivation, inspiration, and support to each other!! Please have patience with me, as I am still learning on here! Advice on HOW TO SET UP MrLinky IS WELCOME!!! :) Please keep checking back, and I will try to resume my blogging and everything else this coming week. I simply needed to take a break and gather myself and my thoughts. Thank you for your patience! Read more...

Edited because:***I'm very confused right now...I thought the announcement of the Final 4 was to be online tomorrow, via a Twitter Party...MY BAD, the PARTY and FINALIST ANNOUNCEMENT is on the 30th, for the Winning Mamavation Mom. So, if you want to participate, please check out Mamavation.com for the details, because I am definitely not thinking very clearly right now, and am giving you the wrong information. Going to call it a night, turn off my phone, computer, etc, and leave them off tomorrow. My hubby and babies deserve some undivided attention after this past couple of weeks, and tomorrow, they will each get their share. I also want to send out my heartfelt sympathies to the other moms who campaigned their hearts out for this, and did not make it. I know how much we all wanted it, and how it feels to not be chosen. I also know that we are all very strong women, and will overcome this (I don't even know what to call it...a bump, a setback, a kick in the stomach, no words for it right now) moment of weakness, and show our genuine support for the moms who have been chosen for those 4 spots on the ballot...and eventually, for the ONE MAMAVATION MOM. If you have not already made the commitment to follow along and create your own journey, please do so now. I have already made this commitment, and would love for you to, as well! Original Post:***I am taking tomorrow off... I won't be at the Twitter Party, but feel free to go ahead and participate in it, if you are on twitter...hashtag is #mamavation. There will be giveaways and I am sure you will have a lot of fun! I have a prior engagement that I can now attend at the start time, instead of showing up late to, so I will be doing that instead, and enjoying some adult time out with my hubby. Thanks to everyone who has been supporting me and tweeting for me. I did not make it into the final 4. I WILL continue to keep my commitment, as I said I will, but for now, I just want to take some time away to re-compose myself. Thank You ALL! Read more...

I am so eager to hear who will be the Mamavation Mom Final 4...My heart starts racing every time I let myself even THINK about it! *deep breath* I know that this decision is going to be hard for Leah, especially since I wanted to make EVERY person I saw VLOG the Mamavation Mom. I definitely don't envy her position in narrowing it down to only 4 Moms! I hope that she chooses to put me in the Final 4, but if she is not able to, I would still love for everyone who has been so supportive of me to go check out the videos and vote! Then, when a finalist is chosen, I would like for you all to follow HER journey, and show your support for her! At the same time, I would love to have your CONTINUED support, as I embark upon my own Journey to a Happier, Healthier ME! I have already committed myself to do this, with or without the title, and I intend to keep my word! Feel free to give me tips and encouragement along the way...I WELCOME IT!!! And feel free to join me and blog your OWN journey! It is said that it takes 21 days to develope a routine, or a habit...Leah is giving the Mamavation Mom 2 MONTHS to establish new healthier habits for herself and her family, all while motivating and inspiring others to make their own changes! Change doesn't happen overnight, and it is great that there is no expectation for that here! It is understood that this needs to happen gradually, so that it can be done in a manner that is healthy and HABIT-FORMING! As I have already said, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be THE Mamavation Mom, but titled or not, I would love for you to let me be YOUR Mamavation Mom! Don't forget, tomorrow is the BIG DAY!!! I will post to my blog the INSTANT I know if I make the Final 4, so check back for my post! I can't WAIT!!! I also want to add...I have committed to some smaller goals, and want you to help me to make them reality... Because SLEEP DEPRIVATION can affect weight loss, I have committed to not drink ANY COFFEE after 3pm. This is where you come in...if you know me, and see that I am not adhering to this commitment, PLEASE CALL ME OUT ON IT! Thanks in advance! Because your body needs constant fuel to boost your metabolism, I have committed to eating something small every 3 hours. So, feel free to ask me when I last ate, and what I had...this will help remind me, if I haven't already eaten, AND it will hold me accountable to eating frequent, HEALTHY mini-meals. Because I have hit a plateau of sorts, and need a boost, I have committed to boosting my workout regime from JUST walking/double toddler-wearing to at least 30 minutes of some OTHER type of activity each day! (Elliptical, weight training, dvd workouts, etc.) If you see me online, or IRL, ASK ME...what was your 30 minute activity today? Because I want YOU to get healthy WITH ME, I have committed to spreading the word about this amazing journey, AND have invited you all to join in and share your own struggles and successes with me! Please send me a link to your own blog, so that I can follow your posts and leave encouragement and support for YOU! Because I feel like TV has become too important to my children, and they are not getting enough physical and social interaction, I am committing to LIMITING TV and getting out more to participate in classes and playdates that stimulate them both mentally and physically. So, if you are a local mama, and are looking for company for a playdate, or just an outing to the mall, or a class, please CALL ME, or email me, and I'd be happy to meet up with you, and let our children wear each other out! I have so many more I could list, but for now, I would like to start with things that are realistic, and "short term" goals. Read more...

As most of you know, I am campaigning to win the opportunity to become THE FIRST MAMAVATION MOM...I have been tweeting my booty off (for some reason, it's still following me, though), and blogging in hopes of rallying the troops, so to speak! I usually take a few minutes when I first log onto Twitter to Re-Tweet for other folks whose Tweets are of interest to me, or just strike me as something someone I know may find interest in. I came upon a post from one of my local Twitter friends, whom I have met IN PERSON several times, and truly enjoy being around...Sondra of Healthy Hip Parenting. The title spoke of Mamavation, so of course, I popped in to read... I'd like to share it with you, because...well, it's about ME! What an honor to have someone write such kind words about you, and support you in such an awesome manner as this! Please read it HERE! Thank you, everyone, for your awesome support, as I embark upon a journey of self-transformation and lifestyle changes for my family, as well! I hope that no matter what, you will follow along with me in this journey, even if I am not THE Mamavation Mom, I would still love to be YOUR Mamavation Mom! Let me inspire you to make changes in YOUR life, as well! Read more...

Hubby and I are joining another couple tonight, and heading out for a fun night. Sounds like fun, right? WRONG....now, I am stressing. WHAT AM I GONNA WEAR!!! I've already worn my skirt my max number of times before washing...was thinking jeans, but honestly, every pair I could wear leaves me with a massive muffin top, and that uncomfortably "Squeezed" feeling when I sit down. Don't want to wear a dress, as we may stop in at the ballgame at some point during the night, and dresses (to me), are NOT comfy for sporting events. So, casual, but NICE, because everyone wants to go to a nice dinner and go out for drinks later on in the evening... *sigh* No time for shopping (or $$), and not getting into my attic in 92 degree weather to dig something out...so I guess I am going to have to suck it up and find a shirt that covers the UN-BABY BELLY...AND the muffin top, because I will probably just have to suck it up and wear the jeans that Squeeze...GRRRR. Thanks for letting me vent. No idea what to wear...hope I can manage to find 5 minutes before hubby gets home to get ready, and am able to find something that works! I NEED to be ready before he gets here...or before the babysitter(s) arrive! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Seriously, need to find a pillow and scream right now...Gotta go! Read more...

Instead of the usual animal crackers or pb&j snack in the middle of the morning, I pulled some things out of the pantry and fridge that had been opened and then left forgotten after the initial eating! Ryan has proved that anything...and I mean ANYTHING tastes good to him with a little peanut butter! They are actually being QUIET!!! OMG! Read more...

*Deep Breath...and let it out...* My babies are now 3 years and 1 1/2 years, and I have not bought new undergarments since my first pregnancy, in late 2005/early 2006...and they were Preggie Panties and Nursing Bras. I weaned my daughter a little over a month ago, and haven't been pregnant in 19 months. And I STILL WEAR my preggie panties and nursing bras daily. *sigh* I am not willing to spend the money on nice undergarments if I am going to have to buy them in the sizes that I require still. I went to VS to get sized for a new bra, in hopes of good news, only to try the size they gave me, and STILL spill over. Not just in the front, but under the arms, and in the back, as well. This is NOT a good look. I won't even LOOK at underwear. So, again, I will say it...I still wear my preggie panties and nursing bras. My goal is to drop some weight and inches...most importantly, the inches. I desperately want to be able to wear the adorable underwear and bra sets that I had purchased just before my first pregnancy, and never got to wear. Yes, I kept them. Along with all of the other clothes I have ever owned. My attic could double as a clothing resale shop...I have a minimum of 12-18 GARGANTUAN Rubbermaid containers stuffed to the hilt with clothes ranging from size 0 to DARE I SAY IT 16...I used to have equally as many containers full of shoes, but due to the flattening and widening of my feet during pregnancy, I was not longer able to fit into ANY of them. I now have a couple of pairs of flip flops, sandals, and a pair of tennis shoes...and a horribly uncomfy pair of heels for special events (you know, that pair you have to wear band-aids with!). My feet are too wide to slide into any slinky sexy shoes anymore, so I opt for the more sensible, not quite so fashionable shoes, these days. If I kept ONLY the clothes that currently FIT me in my closet, I could count those items on one hand...instead, I have several items in different sizes, some kept in there to motivate me to lose the weight (so far, not very motivating, but definitely depressing!), and the rest kept there, simply because I am doing what I do best...PROCRASTINATING on cleaning them out and boxing them up and/or getting rid of them. *HUGE SIGH* I was supposed to go to a pool party the day after the 4th, but was GRATEFUL for the kids wanting to HANG onto Daddy, and not share him after a 1 day/2 night absence...I have NO IDEA what the hell I would've worn as a suit! I thought about it, briefly, and had determined I would wear a sports tank and gym shorts...I am glad I didn't have to dig them out...not even sure they would have fit anyway! Now, I REALLY REALLY want to go to some pool parties and join my family down at Fiesta Island for some summer bbqs, but ME in swimwear?!? Who am I kidding? NOBODY, and I DO mean NOBODY, wants to see the beached whale this summer, and at this point, that's pretty much what they are going to be seeing. Not to mention my skin alone could light up the night sky, I'm so pale! I tried on a swim top today...decided it would do, but OF COURSE, the detachable straps that were supposed to be with it were MIA! It was a size 14...a SNUG one, at that, but the biggest size they had available. So, what did I do? I literally STUFFED myself, roll by embarrassing roll, into the NEXT largest size they had...a 12...and bought it (it was on sale for 1/2 off and then an additional amount that I don't remember!), telling my gal pal that I will NEED a suit to wear as I am losing weight with Mamavation.com! Does it fit me now? No. Should I have bought it? Probably not, but I'm not one to pass up a bargain...especially when I AM going to need it in a couple of months, since I have nothing but Maternity Swimsuits that DO NOT cover up my UN-BABY BELLY. I promise to post photos when I am able to wear it without sending everyone fleeing for safety...please don't hold your breath for that time to come, it may be a couple of months! :) Again, if you have not had the pleasure of viewing my UBER-DORKY VideoBlog Entry for the Mamavation.com contest, please click on the link above (just under my blog header), and watch it! If you are on twitter, or know folks on twitter, please Tweet for me and have your friends/family tweet for me!! @bookieboo I would love to see @picklesugarplum become the VERY FIRST #Mamavation Mom! Be sure to check back on the 22nd of July for your chance to vote for me (if I am one of the 4 finalists!) at mamavation.com. Voting will continue DAILY from July 22nd through 30th, so please vote DAILY!!! Thanks so much IN ADVANCE! I truly hope to become the first ever Mamavation Mom, and have the opportunity to inspire everyone that follows along throughout my journey of transformation! Read more...

I often comment how much I hate doing laundry...Yes, I said HATE. It is a constant process that NEVER ENDS!!! Why DO I hate it so much, though? I started to think about it today. It's not a great reason, but rather an excuse for why...I have to go UP and DOWN 2 flights of stairs...7 steps each, on opposite ends of my house. No big deal, right? Wrong. For some reason, I can't find it in me to do the back and forth every day, which is how often I should be doing my laundry, in order to keep up with it and constantly have my closet and drawers filled with clean, fresh clothes. I started to reflect on this problem, and realize the issue goes much deeper than that. The BIGGEST PROBLEM? I am a Habitual Procrastinator...in the worst kind of way. I will do ANYTHING....yes, ANYTHING, to avoid doing what I SHOULD be doing. It kind of falls into the same category as my weight gains...it affects every part of my life...INCLUDING my weight! They pretty much go hand-in-hand in my life. You see, I don't just procrastinate with chores...I procrastinate with EVERYTHING...playdates/events ("we'll go next time"), clutter ("I'll go through my emails and read that later"), it really doesn't matter what it is, I am a professional procrastinator. Some due to my insecurity (mostly the social ones), but not ALL due to it! I am looking to break myself of these bad habits and develop new, healthy habits, NOT JUST nutrition/exercise habits, but ALL of my habits! Losing weight and changing my eating habits is a GREAT way to improve my life, but that is NOT enough! I need to change how I think, speak, act...everything! I need to start taking charge, rather than putting everything off until I can put it off no longer. Which is why I am hoping to become the 1st Mamavation Mom! It will give me the kick in the pants that I have been needing, and help me break the procrastination cycle that I have been in for far too long! I also think that it will help me rid my life of the OODLES of Clutter...emotional and physical. But that's a whole other blog! :) Read more...

Wow, I knew that I was at an increased risk for Type 2 Diabetes, but what I didn't know is that I was at HIGH risk for all of these additional health problems. I calculated my BMI this morning (no, I don't want to share the real number at this point), and when it calculated, it also brought up a screen detailing my level of risk and the conditions that I am susceptible to by being overweight. A couple of them, I will admit, I am going to have to google, because I have never even heard of them. Just wanted to share. If you haven't already checked it out, please check out my Mamavation.com VLOG for entry. Please feel free to leave a comment! I don't bite! Your risk for the following health conditions is: High

• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Endometrial, breast, and colon cancer

Read more...

I am EXTREMELY HOPEFUL that I will become the first Mamavation Mom, but the Negative Nelly in me says something this amazing could NEVER happen to me. I'm just not that lucky. Regardless of whether I get chosen for this amazing opportunity, I am committing to the same guidelines that are set for the Mamavation Mom. I will be blogging my Journey, I will even VLOG, as well, and talk about my struggles and successes...I may not PERSONALLY have a team of experts walking me through the process, but the Mamavation Mom will, and most of the same advice they give her will be available to the rest of us! I plan to support her, whomever she may be, and cheer her on, and I invite everyone who follows me to join in and support her as you do me! So, JOIN ME ON MY JOURNEY, as I transform myself, and make this LifeStyle change for myself and my family. Let me be YOUR Mamavation Mom, whether or not I am the OFFICIAL Mamavation Mom! Let me inspire you! Be my support system! We all need one! Read more...

This has been a busy, yet productive week for me. I took advantage of the 3 day weekend by "letting" hubby go on a fishing trip, so I could secretly start a project while he was away. It worked. It would have worked BETTER, had I been able to COMPLETE the project before he came home...oh, well! I have been pulling all-nighters for the better part of 6 nights, now, and living on Venti Quad-Shot White Chocolate Mochas (*Non-Fat, no Whip, thank you very much!) from Starbuck's Please don't bother telling me the nutritional info on this drink...I DON'T want to know. I started my long weekend by hitting up IKEA for some items I had discovered while browsing a couple of weeks back, in search of a computer desk for Ryan. Something that wouldn't take up too much room, but would be functional. I'm beginning to think I got bit by an IKEA bug. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IKEA, but their prices are a bit high on some things. I consider myself to be quite the thrifty gal, though, and seriously, I bargain shop my booty off! I went about 3 years ago, to find a desk to put in my bedroom, for my computer, since I lost my office to create a nursery. My search went horribly, the item I wanted was HUGE and not the best quality...especially for the price. So, we were on our way out of the store, walking past bedroom furniture, when I saw it...the MALM Dressing Table. It was regularly priced at $149, so I was very sad, and started walking away, when I saw a little sign on it with $40 scribbled across it! WHAT?!?! $40!!! I can afford THAT! And it is perfect in size! SOLD! It was supposed to hold my computer and my sewing machine, but I never did get my machine set up on it...I don't want to do crafting projects where I sleep...might wake up with my legs E-6000'd or a straight pin in my back...not good. So, I set up shop when I can, on my dining room table, or an end table, but have to clean up each time I get up from it and walk away....and by clean up, I mean....ALL OF IT. Very hard to function like that. A couple of months ago, I got an ad from IKEA, and started to toss it in the recycle pile when I saw the shelves I've been secretly oogling for soooo long. I've been eye-balling the biggest of them, but know my space restrictions, and since the sale was for the smallest set of 2 cubbies wide and 4 high, I decided to get them....I ended up with 2 shelf sets regularly priced at $89 for $49 each. Another bargain! Still on the hunt for a desk for Ryan, at this point, when I found the attachment for these shelves ON DISPLAY...it was a nice big desktop attachment, only 2 pieces (side panel and top panel), that mounts TO the shelves that I had! $50 each, I actually paid full price for these. Of course, in my FINAL PHASE of assembly, I had a damaged panel, and had to return to IKEA for a replacement part...without a receipt...If you talk to the guy on the phone, and he tells you that you don't need your receipt if you paid via Credit Card, DON'T LISTEN TO HIM!!! Lies, I tell you, LIES!!! I got there, and they took the damaged piece, and gave me a sheet of paper stating that IF and WHEN someone returned a damaged or unwanted unit, they would call me and I could come get the "spare piece" from it. This could be a while, though, because they usually take the pieces from these and pair them with pieces from OTHER returned sets, and make a complete one to sell in the AS-IS section. I came home on a mission....TO FIND THAT RECEIPT. I scoured my house, trying to tidy up my mess from the earlier hunt for that same receipt...I was NEAR TEARS, when I finally decided to look in ONE LAST PLACE (of course, isn't that how it always is?? It would not be the last place you looked if you looked there first, now, would it!?)...Oh, MY GOODNESS....to my very HUGE surprise, there it was! Crumpled up and fading, but it was there! I couldn't wait to go back and get my new piece (with receipt, they can open a new package and just give you the part from the new package). I got my new piece, and a few other things...Yes, I got sucked in and bitten by the darn bug AGAIN! I had spotted some lights the day before...On sale for $11.99, regularly $29.99. I bought 4...Not sure I need 4, but for that price, I snagged them right then and there. At least, this way I have them, and if the sale ends before I complete my project, I have saved myself the additional money! If I don't need all of them, I can return...Yes, I am keeping the receipt safe this time. At this point, we are just cruising around the store, and passing through the kitchen area, spot some shelves that hang on the wall...I had some things in mind for the walls, but didn't want anything overwhelming, but also needed something nice, with good support. I got closer and spotted a clearance tag!!! WOOHOO! Regularly $39, marked down to $14.99. I'll take 3 in white, please. What do you mean the clearance is only for the ones in black? Nevermind. Let's go look at fabric, friend, I will show you what I got yesterday, on CLEARANCE!!! Oooooh...these are NEW....and SOOOOO PRETTY! Guess what!?! I can cover those black shelves with fabric, and save money! Yep, went back and ordered up 3 in black. Decided to hold off on the fabrics I picked for the finale, because THOSE are full price $7.99/yard, and I have 2 prints picked out that I think will do nicely together...one for my curtains, and the other for the shelves! Maybe they will go on clearance next week! Doubtful, but a girl can hope, can't she? So, we get to "the project" I now have 2 shelf/desk combos set up...1 to be used for scrapping and crafting, the other for a sewing table/cutting table, and have decided to relocate MY computer to the same room, and put all of the computers on the dressing table! It's plenty long, and not too deep, so there is enough room for monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers, yet not enough space for any excess clutter, which is one of my biggest obstacles in life. There are a couple of large items that need to be found new homes in our house, or outside, on our patio, if I have my way about it, THEN, and only then, can I move the dressing table/computer desk into the room, and complete the FURNITURE portion of the project. Before then, though, I have a feeling I will be making use of my new sewing station! I have big plans for this room, and I can already feel it coming together. It has become my "baby", in a way...it will be my first design project in my own home, and hopefully, will be enough to convince hubby to give me free reign over further design projects! This project is my way of taking back a little space for ME. It will be a shared space, but it will give me the opportunity to entertain both kids and fulfill my need to express my creativity, via crafting and scrapping and sewing...and my newest outlet, online! Check back for photos of the before and after...but not TOO SOON, since it takes me a bit to get back around to posting photos! And since I am still in the midst of this project, the after photos are yet to be taken! *Side note: I am also hoping for this space to become the home of a future home-based business! Read more...

Leah has created an AWESOME opportunity for one mom to become the VERY FIRST motivational mom...Fingers crossed, I want it to be me! BUT, I know there are going to be a lot of amazing women applying for this chance to inspire others, and regardless of the WHO becomes the first, I'd like to invite all of you to follow along on the journey to her fitness and new healthier lifestyle! This is my first EVER video blog, and WHEW! was IT HARD! I must have recorded and RE-recorded a few dozen times! Unfortunately, half of those times, probably more, I had a minimum of 1 child in my lap, or strapped to me, so I had to pick the one that I felt was the least distracting for YOU, the viewer! Thank you for taking the time to review my application and VLOG for the experience! Read more...