My Kind of Day

Consisted of the following:

• Got up with Connor around 8 (she actually woke up at 6 and I got her back to sleep till about 7 and then we let her play on the bed while we came in and out of conciseness till the 5th time she sat on my head trying to reach the cup on the nightstand.)
• Made breakfast. (Andres mentioned Burger King but I was not in the mood for a 8am whopper! So I cooked up some eggs, bacon, O'Brien potatoes and toast. Yummy!)
• Put Connor down for a nap around 11, then put myself down for one too.
• Woke up at 1:45!!!!!
• Made some lunch
• Went to Target (my fav) and Ralphs. (Might I add Target has THE CUTEST kids clothes! I swear, they just get cuter and cuter every time I go in.)
• Came home and cooked a superb dinner. At least it looked great on the plate. Steak, side dish of pasta, BBQed corn, bread and salad! It was perfect...till we tasted it. Someone needs to take the seasoning away from me because the old saying 'you can never have too much' does NOT apply to salty rubs.
• Now I'm going to go down stairs and pour a glass of wine and finish watching Hitman with my dearest hubby (after he finishes washing the cars of course:) !)

What a day...I think I'll add another to my schedule for next Saturday.

Johnny 5 is ALIVE

Today was a fairly eventful day for a change. First off Connor came to work with me, which always makes for a busy day.

And then we had a visit from the Bomb Squad! One of my fellow co-workers noticed a strange, metal, suit case sitting in some bushes by a transponder behind our building. So he called the Sheriff's who called Johhny 5 (the orange guy above) and his team. They attached a bomb (which we watched them build...so cool) to his arm and guided him in. They asked us to stay clear of any windows in case they shatter and not to watch. It really turned out to be a bit more uneventful than expected but it was still cool. All we heard was a big boom....yet we prepared ourselves for the whole building to jump and all the windows to shatter (cause that's what happens in the movies of course!).

The contents ended up being a computer, (I know, sucks) and no windows were shattered, or even rattled for that matter. I think the most fun and excitement came from the senarios and ideas of the contents of that metal case. They ranged from clothes to guns to a head (not sure what movie inspired the head idea, but we never rulled it out).

*please note all observations and pictures were taken from inside the building through the window...I was so not ready to be the heroine in case something really was up. And Connor spent the entire time in Grandma Hooties office, safe and sound!

Couch Potato or Potatoe?

I went online tonight trying to remember what it was I meant to search for this afternoon (while on my lunch break of course) but I can't remember! figures. It may have been a search for my book title (see previous post) to make sure I am as creative and original as I believe myself to be, or maybe it was a search for cute thank you card ideas for Connor's birthday party (What? The one year wedding rule doesn't apply to first birthday parties also?).

Either way, I ended up on the ABC website to see what great shows are airing for my viewing enjoyment. This time last year I was a couch potato! I was way prego and every night, when I got home from work, I plopped down in the corner of the couch and let Andres wait on me hand and swollen foot. It was great! But the TV options were great too. I was hooked and had my viewing schedule down pat! I was into the usual:

Desperate Housewives, Brothers&Sisters (my personal fav), Nip Tuck (turn head during all surgical procedures of course), Big Shots (I give an __insert big TV award here___ to the director of casting for that show!), Cashmiere Mafia AND Dirty Sexy Money.

What a great selection, especially for a pregnant chick who only got off the couch with the assitance of a strong man to pee or grab another antacid (actually, just to pee cause Andres was always a bell's ring away for anthing else!) Anyhow, I just saw on their website that they are bringing back Dirty Sexy Money! Yeah to good tv! I really have no other purpose or insight to bring you this evening, other than I like to watch TV. What's your favorite show? And you can't choose Lost, cause I hear a lot of positive feedback so I consider it a given (but, for the record, I'm one of the few who can go without on that show...they lost me somewhere between the plane crash and the shire...I'm confused just thinking about it!)

I'm Spent

I thought drinking was like riding a bike?

May not sound like something to brag about, but I could have a drink or 2 (or 3,4,5...) and communicate with the best of them. Now, 19 months and 1 and a half glasses of wine later, I seem to need a helmet AND knee pads to ride this bike! Why? I'm bigger than BC (before connor) and it wasn't even 2 FULL GLASSES!

I'm gonna write a book. It's gonna be called 'what to expect when your no longer pregnant!'. Here are my chapters (just to name a few):

1. Breastfeeding; what nursing advocates won't tell you (how to calculate your pain tolerance)

2. Nursing Bras; don't bother, there are NO cute ones.

3. Midol, while it is approved by the all mighty board of breastfeeding approval peeps, it doesn't work on the sh*%%y a$$ cramps you WILL experience after delivering.

4. Darvocet doesn't work either so get your hot pad out and tape it to your back.

5. A complete list of Costco locations to buy economy packs of super sized tampons (sorry male readers)

6. Pregnant with your second already? You must have had 2 FULL glasses of wine!

So these are just a few topics I could elaborate on with women who are considering or already are pregnant with their first. And don't start leaving me comments or thinking I blame Connor for any of this...she was and is well worth every chapter!

New Side Bar

If you look to the left you'll see I added a new side bar asking for donations to a fund. I have read on several blogs about a fellow blogger who, along with her husband, were in a private airplane crash recently. They are in intensive care for serious injuries, both were burned badly. However, they have 4 small children at home and are estimated to have over a million dollars in medical bills. There are seveal blogs hosting silent auctions to support this family as well as adding this link to the left. You can read their blog here as well as updates from her sister here. I am also adding a few blogs that I know are hosting auctions if you would like to help!
30 Handmade days
Design Mom
Grosgrain
I will post more if I find them, but feel free to check them out and follow their story. They will be in our prayers and please keep them in yours.

My Closing Ceremony Woes

Now that the XXXVIIVX__ games of the olympiad are now over, I wonder what is next? What TV shows start now and how many times will I hear people label things as a Phelpsian something or another? I tried to list a few of my thoughts and concerns, but find I've got lots and they are really random.

5. I fear the water cube will be turned into a sweat shop where kids under 10 will be forced to sew Michael Phelps limited edition Nikes.

4. What do I do with an empty Tivo?

3. Time to pack up my olympic sweats... will they fit in 2012?

2. Now I will have to look farther than my TV screen for blog material.

1. My 5 month countdown to begin training for the London games begins! (the questions is, do I focus on swimming, water polo or badminton?)

I WON I WON I WON!!!

Check this out! I won a blog contest. This would happen to be my first time winning on any of these blog contests...and I enter a lot of contests. So I got to pick an item from Gap's Product Red and I couldn't decide (go figure). Here are my 2 favs:
I finally decided on the bag, with Andres' help of course. You like? I do and I like Aracely for buying it for me. Thanks, maybe I'll help you track down Oprah in Santa Barbara one weekend.

Why did the chicken cross the road

BARACK OBAMA:

The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a CHANGE!The chicken wanted CHANGE!

JOHN MC CAIN:

My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the needto engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the otherside of the road.

HILLARY CLINTON:

When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to crossthe road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure -- rightfrom Day One! -- that every chicken in this country gets the chance itdeserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.......

DR.PHIL:

The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he mustfirst deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road before it goesafter the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to do ishelp him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his 'CURRENT'problems before adding 'NEW' problems.

OPRAH:

Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why hewants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learnfrom his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going togive this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road andnot live his life like the rest of the chickens.

GEORGE W.BUSH:

We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want toknow if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken iseither against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

COLIN POWELL:

Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite imageof the chicken crossing the road...>

ANDERSON COOPER - CNN:

We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet beenallowed to have access to the other side of the road.

JOHN KERRY:

Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it!It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken'sintentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.

NANCY GRACE:

That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can see it in hiseyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN:

To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

MARTHA STEWART:

No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had astanding order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the pricedropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insiderinformation.

DR SEUSS:

Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, thechicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY:

To die in the rain. Alone.

JERRY FALWELL:

Because the chicken was gay! Can't you people see the plain truth?'That's why they call it the 'other side.' Yes, my friends, that chickenis gay. And if you eat that chicken, you will become gay too. I say weboycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the liberalmedia white washes with seemingly harmless phrases like 'the other side.That chicken should not be crossing the road. It's as plain and assimple as that.

GRANDPA:

In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody toldus the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS:

Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to thechicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how itexperienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish itslife long dream of crossing the road.

ARISTOTLE:

It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

JOHN LENNON:

Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.

BILL GATES:

I have just released eChicken2007, which will not only cross roads, butwill lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of the Chicken. This newplatform is much more stable and will never cra...#@&&^(C%

ALBERT EINSTEIN:

Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath thechicken?

BILL CLINTON:

I did not cross the road with THAT chicken.What is your definition of chicken?

AL GORE:

I invented the chicken!

COLONEL SANDERS:

Did I miss one?

DICK CHENEY:

Where's my gun?

AL SHARPTON:

Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.

All About ME

My first moment of glory! Check out my shout out for Connor's First Birthday party on the 30 days blog. How exciting for me...cause it's all about me you know!

I found the bleep'in camera

I found the camera, charged it and aimed! Of course it took me about an hour of floor time to get these 3 or 4 steps. Check it out for yourself:

My favorite it when she tried to sit in her chair, without lowering the sippy cup, and rolls right off. Classic!

Mad Money

Connor just started with new babysitter this week and we are so excited. She is our neighbor across the street(!) which is so great and convenient. I dropped her off for the first time yesterday and she never even looked back at me (which makes it that much easier to leave). She seemed to have lots of fun and when I called today she was singing with Madison (Tina's 3 year old) in the back seat. (I know, she's the cutest) Anyhow, the new babysitter really isn't the point of this post, it's kind of an introduction...a long winded introduction (which seems to be my usual trademark).

Back to my point...

Tina was stopping at McDonalds today and when I spoke to Andres and mentioned it he felt bad that we didn't give her any money. But how were we to know? I already know that the pay rate of babysitting is just about as debateable as 'thongs or granny panties?', but what do you do about spending money? Andres and I came up with, what seems to be, a great idea! We are going to put an envelope with cash (probably a 20) in the diaper bag for situations like this. Isn't that great...no need to comment if you already do this, let me have my moment of brilliance (damn it).

However, I have one problem with this so called 'mad money'... how do I make sure I don't spend it myself? Do you know how tempting it is to have that cash, sitting right next to you, and your not supposed to touch it? That's like placing a treat in front of a dog and telling him to stay. (not that I'm compairing myself to a dog, well maybe a cute cuddling puppy would be ok). But really? It's like setting the clock in your room 10 minutes ahead so your not as late as usual... you know it's earlier than it says so how is that supposed to work?

Will power...I think that's the answer... or give it directly to Tina and have her test her own will power... mine's being used up to resist the chocolate donut in the left drawer of my desk.

Where's the F*%&^N camera?

Connor took her first steps tonight and it was awesome! She took at least FIVE steps before falling on her butt and Andres and I looked at each other with dropped jaws. It was priceless...so priceless I didn't get it on film. I grabbed my camera but only got a one step moment. I am sure there will be many more attempts to come!

Cute Giveaway

Check out Grosgrain and the dress she made to giveaway for FREE! It is very cute and she is so talented. She sews these amazing outfits for her daughter(s) and an additional one to giveaway...crazy! But a good crazy!

Hard at Work

When Connor comes to the office it means were in for a long day. She has been fighting me to take naps lately meaning that around 2 or so she is sooo tired that she'll fall asleep in the middle of anything. Last week she fell asleep reading her book, just like her Grandma!

And today she fell asleep doing what may be her version of sitting on the toilet...with her diaper wipes in hand!

And I promise I did not have to stage any of this...she makes for a great kodak moment on her own.

Honduras Update

Check out Melissa and the rest of the Sandal's Honduras Team. Please keep them in your prayers and check out their journey!

This is the last one...promise

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Vintage pics - Ancestors

My hypothesis was correct

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Connor's Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Pretty impressive! I wonder what it would have done if we added Grandma Hootie to the list of comparisons? Congrats dad...you won by 6%!

Nifty Ideas

I have drawers of items Connor got at her baby shower that, during those first few months, just seemed so useless. Last night, while searching for the pink binky, I found this bib. I think her Auntie Heidi got it for her at her shower and it was way too big. So I put it on her this afternoon while she ate her mac n' cheese from Burger King (great idea!) and look, it works! It has a clear pocket across the bottom to catch the slippery guys that fall through.Now to find someone to dig their fingers into the pouch and clean out the remnants!

Connor's First Word

People have asked me several times if Connor has said he first word. Well, I could consider momma or dada her first words months ago but I don't feel she realized what she was saying. I believe that her first word has to be real and said on her own, without us prompting her.

So after much thought and listening, I think I have found Connor's first word... ECKS!

Yup Ecks! It may not sound like a real word to you but I have watched her say it and what she does each time that sounds comes out. She knows exactly what she is saying... Becks, OUR DOG! She calls him when she gets home and each time she sees him or we say his name, she pats her leg like she is motioning him to come to her. It is the cutest thing and I think Ecks works for her and makes a great first word.
Connor and Becks are great buddies and he is awesome with her. From day one, he would always lay on the bed next to her cradle while she slept. And if he heard her crying in the other room he would come and get me. He is gentle with her and lets her pull his ears, his tail and anything else she can get her hands on. It is cute to watch their friendship grow. I know he's 'just a dog', but he's our dog!

Practice Makes Perfect...or close to it

I tried a few more times last night and did worse but I think it's because my desk at home is not speed test friendly for comfort. So I tried once this morning, you know, to warm up for a good day at work and check out my score! Guess my fingers needed a good night's rest!

82 words

Speedtest

Girly Projects

Last week my 14 year old sister-in-law, Andrea stayed with us. It was like Heaven. Not only did she watch Connor all day, she was up with her each morning (on her own), she offered to help with EVERYTHING and she was excited about all of it! We celebrated her birthday last Thursday together with a little shopping, lunch and a movie (sisterhood of the traveling pants 2). It was a great girls day and we miss her already.

While visiting we made a few clipboards for fun. Below is her's. She LOVES polka dots and picked out and designed this retro look on her own. Very creative and cute!

Then we made a couple for my co-workers daughters who spent a few days at the shop helping with little jobs while playing with Connor.

This one was for Lexi who is near 6 or 7 and a total princess! (the back has a castle and says princess in the bottom corner in case you can't tell)And this last one is for Kacey who is around 9 and growing fast. I thought they both represented each girl perfectly and I hear they were a hit!

Killing some Time

78 words

Speed test

check this out! This is some usefull information, I rock! 78 wpm

Connor's First Birthday Party

I put out Connor's cupcake picture so everyone could sign the mat. I set out a cupcake bar where you got to choose your favorite flavor cupcake, flavor icing and sprinkles. It was a hit with the kids however I caught the grown ups mixing their flavors for some crazy cupcake creations! My inspiration for the cupcake theme was due to this awesome cake pan. It's a HUGE cupcake.
And I made carmel and chocolate dipped apples for the kids as favors. They were a pain to make but tasty! I set them in this muffin tray because it was cute and went with the theme, AND it was the only way to let them set without getting stuck! (I didn't post any cake eating pictures because there were none. She was terrified of the cake! I worry that she will seek counseling in the future of a cupcake phobia!)

I made this simple banner with some cute cupcake paper on each end saying Happy Birthday. The CONNOR part matched her invites with candles and glittery paper! Connor's favorite gift was this chair from her Grandpa and Grandma Hootie. She doesn't look excited or anything does she?She sat in it the WHOLE time and read each card before opening the gifts. And when I say she 'read' she held open each card and babbled something cute. It was great!

She got tons and tons of gifts from everyone and we thank you so much. Her daddy spoiled her rotten with her own DVD player for the car too, but that may turn into more of a family gift with all the use we'll be able to get out of it.

And then there was ME! About 2 hours before everyone showed up I had a tumble. I tripped on a stool in the kitchen and somehow managed to screw up my left arm. Andres helped me out with this homemade sling and I had my FIRST beer since before I was pregnant. I had been sober for 20 months...shouldn't I get a pin or something for that?

This is my arm now... X-rays show no broken or chipped bones, just bruising and pain. I've got a matching bruise on my knee, but this one under my arm took the cake! (notice it spreads from my elbow half way up my arm! The picture lightens the color, it really looks much worse in person)

And I think that sums up our birthday party fun. I promise to let others help next time, I got in way over my head and have the scars to prove it! Thanks for reading and thanks for sharing in Connor Madison Casstro's First Birthday!

One more before the Pics

Ok, I hear ya friend! But I just have one more Oylmpic comment before Connor's party pics.

What is up with the kid who choaked on his only event for the men's gymnasics team? I know that Pommel (sp?) horse is a tricky one...but his only event! Even the commentators were blown away by his low score. Congrats on bringing home the bronze though (just in case those boys happpen to read my blog I gotta show 'em some positive feedback).

And Yeah to Mr. Phelps (who reminds me of Shere Khan from the Jungle Book) and the other swimmers who took home gold and world records...pretty impressive peeps!

Lastly I would like to bid adieu to my dear sister who is leaving for her Honduras trip today. She failed to sharpen her Spanish skills however I am sure she will be just fine. And since she is an Olympic results spoiler, her absense will make watching that much better. God Bless Mel and safe travels!

Oxygen

Does anyone else find themselves holding their breath and tensing up during the gymnastic routines? I think I do it during swimming also... oh what we do to support our peeps.

Time Filler

So I, like many other fellow bloggers, am obsessed with the olympics. So badly that last night Andres caught me watching in my olympic sweat pants! My parents went to an olympic training facility before the Greece olympics and brought back a pair of white sweat pants with the 2004 Olympic logo on them, so I brushed the dust off them last night. Unfortunately he called me out when I tried to explain to him that 'I thought they were a different pair of white shorts!'

No matter the reason, I needed to be comfortable because I had lots of TIVO to catch up on...and am still trying to catch up. I have set the cable box to record everything olympic related on channel 4 (in HD of course!) and then I can 4xFF through the BS. For instance, Hand Ball? Really folks? Where does one go to qualify for the olympics playing hand ball? Where does one go to play an organized game of hand ball period? And badminton? I haven't seen a birdie since my sophomore year when I finished my PE requirements. I just don't understand where these sports come from and who had the brilliant idea to add them as an olympic sport?

So I did a little research...and I know you are so glad I did it instead of you! First off, Hand ball (and i only focus on these 2 sports first because they are the first off hand sports to air so far...I know there are better ones to come!) I found a website for handball here. Guess what, there is a handball league about 5 minutes from the house! Here is the info incase someone reading this blog locally has made it their life goal to make it to the olympic games playing said sport:
Tournament House 6250 Brockton Avenue, Riverside CA 92506, 909-682-7511Contact: Pete Davis, (909)798-2300, 1531 S CENTER ST, Redlands CA 92373 92507
Who would have known? So they say you have to join a league and they recommend you "play frequently because the competition to make it on the olympic team is 'fearce'"...good to know.

I also did a search for playing badminton (click link for further information) and the top related search was 'how to make moonshine'...enough said.

In closing, I will be sure to update my dedicated readers with further information on playing these low key, yet 'fierce', sports as they continue to air. I would also like to offer my researching abilities to help you locate a local facility offering the opportunity to sharpen your skills in any area of interest.

By the way, I plan to use Dana Torres as my inspiration and begin training for the London games in January. Anyone wanna join me?

Even though you may not care

I just had to share these pictures of my ONE YEAR OLD! My kid IS officially cuter than your kid!Just admit it, I won't tell anyone...

Why is it, by the way, that all kids pick picture day to be cranky? What a long weekend... birthday pictures will be up soon. (just gotta wait for my second wind)

My first Giveaway

Check out my FREE GIVEAWAY!

Thanks for including me in your giveaway series... I got LOTS of comments and entries. You can try too. Just click this link, add a comment on how much you love me and my ideas and your entered. It's that easy!

Remember When...

...she used to sleep all day and only wake up to eat?

...she smiled for the first time?

...she sat up on her own?

...she made her first baby sound?

...she started crawling?

...She stood up?

...she started growing hair on the top of her head?

*ok, so maybe that one is still in the works

Happy Birthday to Miss Connor Madison! Can you believ she is already ONE YEAR OLD?

boy how time flies...

*I will post a current picture as soon as I find my memory stick adapter to upload them, I should put a bell on that thing.