25 things about me:

I have been tagged by my friend Lydia!

1. I am an only child.
2. My favorite color is green
3. I am a paralegal for a civil firm.
4. I long to do something creative with my life instead of type pleadings and discovery all day long.
5. I have been told I am a drama queen.
6. I love making people laugh.
7. I am currently learning how to sew and quilt.
8. I am the klutziest person you will ever meet!
9. I have a black lab named Allie (that we named after The Notebook)
10. I teach classes at a local scrapbook store and design stuff for them as well.
11. I think my husband is the smartest man I have ever met. And most loving. And most patient. And best looking.
12. I talk to myself when I cook and imagine I am on a cooking show.
13. I love cupcakes and anything with cupcakes on them.
14. I still have a red head temper even though the red hair has faded a bit.
15. I love to watch the Disney Channel at night with Parker.
16. I love my friends and consider them to be like sisters.
17. My favorite perfume just got discontinued and I am in mourning (Brown Sugar and Fig at BBW)
18. We are in the process of having my husband adopt my son. I am so very excited.
19. I NEVER want to plan a wedding ever again. I hated it.
20. I hate roaches. I get paralyzed with fear whenever I see one. I have called my hubby and had him come home from work to kill one.
21. I have never owned a brand new car.
22. I am buying a new house this summer.
23. I am not a neat person. Rather unorganized.
24. I have watched Wedding Crashers, The Notebook, and Mean Girls at least 100 times.
25. I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order.

Oh lordy...

So, my child is learning something new every day. I am amazed on a constant basis. Kindergarten has been such a life changing year. I love watching him be so independent but it also breaks my heart on many levels. He doesn't need me as much anymore, he can dress himself, he can entertain himself when he wakes up at 6 am on weekends,and he has taken to wiping my kisses off of his face when I kiss him goodnight. Oh I wasn't prepared for that.
But, every now and then, he shows me his innocence and sweetness. The other night we were going over homework. he was talking about what he had been learning and he said "I know how to do shithappens" Um what???? Mike and I both heard it and asked him to repeat himself. "I am learning how to do shithappens". I told him that I couldn't understand what he was saying and asked him to explain. He got frustrated and said "You know, where you take numbers away from each other?" The lightbulb above my head flickered on and I realized he was trying to say...... SUBTRACTION.

And that, my friends, is just another fun story in our lives. It is one for the books and will definetly be one that all of his future girlfriends will hear.

How was your weekend?

Mine was good. Nothing in particular happened, but it was still good. I was, yet again, reassured that I have the greatest husband in the world. One who has been tested by those vows "In sickness and in health" and has passed with flying colors. I have had a lot of health issues over the last year, and Mike has been wonderful. I know that there are times when he drives me nutty, but I am always reassured, at the end of each day, that I am the luckiest girl on the planet. Yesterday afternoon, he even went out and bought me cupcakes.
Now, anyone who knows me knows that not a day goes by that the thought of a buttercream frosted cupcake does not go through my mind. I love them. LOVE THEM! I collect things with cupcakes on them, Anne got me a cupcake Christmas ornament this year, all of my friends call me to tell me where the cupcakes decorations are if they see them. I just love them. Look at the decor in my crappy cubicle... It doesn't take much to make me smile. I even own 2 yards of cupcake flannel. Not ever sure what to do with it, but I HAVE it, and that is what matters. (things with birds are a close second)
We went to the parenting seminar on Saturday and I feel like I learned a lot.If you ever get the chance to see Hal Runkel speak- go. He has been on The Today Show and is so great in person. He actually lives right here in Atlanta. I often found myself looking at Mike whenever Parker pulled a "parker" and we tried to figure out the "new" way of dealing with the situation. Mike was much better than I was. He generally is.
In a completely unrelated note, this week is the big Craft and Hobby Association show out in Anaheim CA. I was invited to go, but had to pass. Tickets to CA aren't cheap. So, I have just had to resign myself to obsessively looking at all of the new sneak peeks on the manufacturers website. Look at some of these new lines: Girl Friday by Cosmo Cricket (LOVE THIS!!)



Cherry Hill by October Afternoon








Sassfras Lass








And last but not least, a new company called Scribble Scrabble:



Ooooh I am so excited. I know that Tonya and the girls are out there right now. Hopefully they will be bringing back some great stuff for me to work with. I love the colors and patterns. I never knew paper could make a person so happy until I started this crazy hobby.

Have a wonderful evening and make sure to tell your special someone that you love them.

I'm alive..

Just not around. Life has been really crazy lately. It seems that all I do is work and heat/ice my sore bum. It sucks. If I had to have a broken bone, I wish it could be an arm or a leg. This tailbone thing is for the birds. Sitting at work is really hurting. The doughnut is pretty uncomfortable. All I do is complain. Yadda yadda yadda. The folks at work seem to love having me haul boxes, walk around and deliver documents to the courthouse, and crawl around on the floor to find out why our modem has been beeping sporadically. You know... all the things that I should NOT be doing. Quite literally, a real pain in the ass.

Watching Parker turn into a real little man has been really fun lately. Yesterday was his 100th day of school so they had to bring in 100 of something. He chose pennies and buttons, so he took 100 of each. Much to my surprise, that child sat and counted to 100 twice. With no mistakes. I was amazed. I could swear it was just last week that we were impressed he could count to 30. He also has his first spelling test tomorrow. Wow- that really takes me back in time. He has 4 words: can, ran, man, pan. And he knew them the first time we reveiwed them. Gosh, I am so proud.

I am really looking to the parenting conference that Mike and I are going to this weekend. It is about the 5 mistakes that every parent makes. I am sure that I make at least 5 A DAY. Parker has now taken to bringing me handfuls of change whenever he gets in trouble. I think he is trying to buy his way out. He is always coming up with something. I will elt you know what I learn on Saturday. I am more concerned with being able to sit for 90 minutes. I hope that the place is packed and I will be able to get up and walk around every few minutes. I am going to take my doughnut just in case. How embarassing.

I hope that I feel well enough in the next few days to start quilting. I went to hancock fabrics today and bought some fabric. Fabric doesn't seem to be a problem, it is just getting it pieced and put through a machine that is the issue. One thing at a time is the way I see it.

Well, have a great day. Enjoy being able to sit down without pain. It is a luxury like you would never imagine. (and yes I would like some cheese to go with my whine)

Couch to.....couch

Ok, so as discussed earlier, I was starting to do the couch to 5K program. I was ready to sign up for my first 5K that was going to be at the end of March. That was all fine and good until last Saturday night. I was going to let Allie, the sweetest doggie in the world, inside when I slipped on the stairs. I fell right smack on my tush. Unfortuately, Mike and Parker weren't at home, so I laid at the bottom of the steps for 15 minutes. I seriously felt like that old lady in those commercials who said "I've fallen and I can't get up". So sad but true.
I spent 4 days laying on the couch in serious pain. I finally came back to work yesterday. I am having to sit on one of those foam doughnut cushions- and there is an 80 year old man on the box that it came in. Again, sad but true. I think this might be nature's way of subtly letting me know that my 30th birthday is in 6 months. Obviously Mother Nature thinks she has a sense of humor. I disagree.
So, other that that, no other news. I am gearing up to teach two classes at Scrap Chic in the next month. One class is all about organizing your scrapbook stash. I seriously had to laugh when Tonya presented me with this venture because I am one of the most unorganized people in the world. But, I digress. I am going to at least be able to show you ways in which to make your organizational material LOOK pretty dang good. Using fabric, dollar store finds, and lots of other cool stuff. I am also teaching a "Handy Dandy Address Book" class. I merely told Tonya that I wanted to make a cute little address book, for my own personal use, and..... VOILA, it became a class. Should be fun. I love teaching, so I am super excited.
Before the fall last weekend, we went out to the Yellow River Game Ranch. Mike and Little P had gone before but I never had. It was seriously one of the most fun things we have done in quite some time. Cheap too! We had such a good time. Next on the to do list is to make a trip to Snow Mountain. I will only watch, not participate because I just might end up breaking something. I am too clutzy on solid ground so I better not push it. Parker will love it.

On a totally unrelated note, I found this picture of Angie and I 10 years ago. My how young we look. Another reminder that 30 is right around the corner. I want to go back 10 years and 60 pounds, but still have Mike and Parker in my life. Guess it isn't possible because that would mean that I was 13 when I gave birth. Nevermind- that's just weird.


Have a great weekend. I promise to be a better blogger next week.

I'm trying hard....

to stick to this diet. But, I must confess. I CHEATED. I did, I'm guilty. Today I had a meeting with a client for over 2 hours and I missed lunch. I was so hungry and I was starting to get shaky and lightheaded. I went over to Kroger to get some sushi, but they had one line open and it was clear down an aisle. I couldn't wait- I put the sushi back and left. I needed something fast and I looked up and saw the golden arches.......
It all went downhill from there. I feel bad. Really bad. Like I cheated myself. At least I do feel guilty. Before I would have just said to myself "It's ok, it's just one meal."
Nope. It isn't just one meal. It's a lifestyle. It's means maybe one more week of life. I gotta kick it up. Get committed. Evolve- into a skinnier Amy.

My new word for 2009

(picture courtesy of etsy seller abismythe)

So, my new word for the year is Evolve. Ali Edwards has hosted the word of the year campaign for the last two years and I finally jumped on the bandwagon.

e·volve (-vlv)
v. e·volved, e·volv·ing, e·volves
v.tr.
1.
a. To develop or achieve gradually: evolve a style of one's own.
b. To work (something) out; devise: "the schemes he evolved to line his purse" S.J. Perelman.
2. Biology To develop (a characteristic) by evolutionary processes.
3. To give off; emit.
v.intr.
1. To undergo gradual change; develop: an amateur acting group that evolved into a theatrical company.
2. Biology To develop or arise through evolutionary processes.

So, I hope to evolve as a person. As a wife. As a mother. As a friend. Spritually, physically, emotionally.

I really think that 2009 is going to be a big year. There are so many things to look forward to. Hold on tight because it is going to be a wild ride!

Knitting, Nosebleeds, and other Nonsense

So, I started knitting over the holidays. I have tried in the past but could never quite get the hang of it. Still haven't, but I discovered these handy little things that make it "look" like you have been knitting for years. I really wanted to learn how to "felt" things, but in order to felt, you have to have something TO felt. Hence the knitting. However, you need WOOL yarn. Don't tell that to the four skeins of poly yarn I have in my craft room. Oh well.... I am sure I can find another crafty project in which to use that stuff. Back to the knitting. So, I knitted a cap for Little P. Unfortunately, it was way too small. It looked like a kippah (one of those little hats that Jewish men wear-- thanks wikipedia). So needless to say, my knitting skills leave much to be desired. I did by a new loom that will help me knit a scarf. Don't be surprised if you get some funky looking socks- as they will be casualties of made-to-short scarves.

Next is nosebleeds. Parker has gotten them on a very frequent basis lately. Oh my goodness, I have never had an aversion to blood. It generally doesn't bother me. But when the blood is coming out of my precious son's body at an extremely rapid pace, one can get a little, um, hysterical. Me, not the kid. The other night he had it coming out of his nose and mouth. He calmly looked up at me and said, "Mom, my mouth and my nose are connected so it is just coming down into my mouth. It isn't bad." Yeah, a 5 yeah old basically telling his mother to chill out. After a quick trip to the dr on Friday, I was assured that it is normal and is nothing to get upset over. He isn't suffering from a brain hemmorhage and he isn't going to bleed to death. Thank you Lord!! Some might say I am a bit of a drama queen, but when blood is coming out of a child's mouth, I tend to fear the worst. But Alas, all is well.

And in addition to my fears being put to rest at the dr on Friday, we also learned that Parker has gained 7 pounds in the last 2 months. You know what that means? We will be making another trip to the store for blue jeans. All those slims I just bought are going in the recycle to worthy kids bin. I really was foolish enough to believe that one hellish trip for pants fulfilled my duty for the season, but apparently not. So, I guess that will be on the agenda for the night. Parker had been telling us that they were tight but we, the stellar parents that we are, just told him to give it some time and they will loosen up. Not so much. I'll take crappy parenting for $200, Alex. Go us!

Mike and I officially started training for the Peachtree Road Race yesterday. Mike did way better than I did. I quit early because I swore that the tendons in my ankles were going to tear away from the bone if I moved another inch. Man, for a non-runner trying to become a runner......... THIS SUCKS. How do those skinny people in my neighborhood make it look so easy? I am just going to set small goals for myself. Jog for 60 seconds for every 5 minutes of walking. Baby steps, right? As far as the diet is concerned, I am taking the same approach. Make it through till noon without wanting to consume every cupcake this side of the Mississippi. Then continue with that same notion through until bedtime. Repeat the next day. I need to work on the mental portion of it all. By yesterday afternoon, I was ready to kill a small animal to get my hands on a pint of Ben and Jerry's. But I didn't, I ate a pickle. That is a cucumber, so that counts right? I can do this. I know I can. I just have to put my mind to it. (I wish I could think of some corny phrase to sign out with but I can't. (If I had sugar, I might be witty but I will just be dull now) I'm starving and have a nice day.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Years

and all that jazz..... Gosh- I got all caught up in the holiday festivities which is a good thing. It also explains why I haven't posted in forever. Lots of food was consumed, lots of fun was had by all, and lots of wonderful memories were made. I think Parker got what he wanted from Santa- not so much with the parental units. We got him educational stuff which apparently was so not cool. But, it was still great. I am dreading the fact that I have to go back to work on Monday and work 5 whole days. Having to work 2 or 3 days a week suits me well, so it is kinda yucky to go back to the same ole, same ole. Oh well.

Let's see, how about some Holiday highlights?
- I knitted a hat for Parker
- I made sausage balls for the first time and they were really not good
- Parker snuck into the garage on Christmas Eve and found his new bike, but Mikey was able to come up with a good story and all was well with the world again
- lunch and shopping with Angie and Anne for our annual ornament exchange
- learned to play guitar hero and totally rocked it out multiple times
- stayed up past 12 on NYE
- reorganized Parker's playroom but didn't take before and after pictures
- rearranged my scraproom but again, forgot to take before and after pictures
- had a great time hanging out with family including going to ESPN Sports Zone with Mike's cousin Joey and his wife, Desiree
- utilized the Bionic Eye that Parker got from my parents and looked up noses, inside ears, zoomed in on table salt, and examined a live mosquito
- got a great picture of my neice in a batman mask
- watched my son have a wonderful Christmas which was the greatest gift of all.
- and got lots of sleep

So, now we are in 2009. I have very high hopes for this year. Mike and I are planning on completing the Peachtree Road Race in July. We have already modified our eating habits and started the couch to 5K program today.

Life is good. Christmas was crazy. I realized that I am surrounded by so many people that I love and that love me. I simply couldn't ask for more. I am a lucky girl.

Here are some photos from the season: