Thanks Nat!

My first ever blog contest win! How exciting!

I needed this ever so badly too! (The baby pounds are not coming off very easily) I started the Jillian workout and should say that it is kicking my booty! Thanks so much Nat at It's a Charmed Life for hosting such a wonderful contest.

Catch me up... with pictures

Our computer is finally up and running. Connected to the internet and ready for some serious blogging that I have been neglecting these last couple of weeks. (p.s. I also finished the last installment of the Twilight series last night...uber good!) We're gonna go fast, so hold on to your hats and enjoy the ride!

Emma loved riding in the toy fire truck at her cousin Hunter's house. He was nice enough to share. Emma enjoyed having the wind flowing through her hair. Mommy, on the other hand, was about to have a panic attack. Uncle Reese kept letting go of her hand and I could just forsee Emma falling and hitting her head on the hard concrete. I know I can't keep her bump and bruise free forever, but I sure can try!
Some lovin' from a sweet cousin!

Swimming in the pool on the fourth! She loved it. I think we have a little water girl on our hands.

Just had to share my mad "Martha Stewart" skills with ya. I made this yummy and healthy dessert for our Fourth celebration.

Emma's first ride in the swing.

Last week, Emma had a play date with her best friend, Baker. Baker taught her all about swimming and how to play in the water. She is exactly two months older than Emma. I know these girls are going to be best buds!

Little Doodlebug is learning to sit and loves playing with her consignment store toy finds.

We've gone a little bow crazy. Emma is still as bald as her uncle, but the BLOND (!?!) hair is growing in slowly! Until then, we will be bowing it up! She looks so cute!

Granna and Poppa went to the beach and brought Emma this little hat. It will be great to use in the pool and at the beach in September!

Emma with one of her favorite people..... Daddy!

Not Me Monday, Here Again!

After taking a week long haitus, I have decided to return to the Not Me Monday Blog Carnival. I am ready to tell the honest to goodness truth and live (hopefully) to tell about it!

Since moving, I have been gently persuaded by my new sister to read the Twilight Series. I L-O-V-E it! I did not read the first book in one day and then gently persuade my dad (aka "Tom" buster) to buy the movie for my veiwing pleasure. I definately didn't continue to read ravishly. I couldn't put them down...reading until almost 2:00 (even 3:00) in the morning. Am I crazy??? I have a almost 6 month darling that wakes up at 7:00 am! I am reading the last book now, I have a date with it in just a few minutes. It couldn't be part of the reason I have not been blogging this week. Definately Not!

I also do NOT have a teething, drooling, cranky, little monster living in the room next door that is making it very hard for me to completely fall into my absolutely engagingly good book. I surely didn't wish today that she would go down for a nap (haha, naps while teething? is that possible?) so that I could find out what happens to Bella and her beloved Edward. Not me!

Worst of all, there is NO way that I just sent out the last prize from my contests ummmmmmm.........a month or so ago! I could come up with a hundred excuses (moving, teething baby, family in town from Maryland, moving, end of the school year, moving, selling a house, moving...you get the picture!) There is no good excuse, Next time I will be better. Definately SO!

Lastly, my last thing. I am certainly NOT already planning Emma's first birthday (have been since she was, oh....a week old!) and a little obsessed about it actually. Good thing I have this awesomely delightful book series to take my mind of it for just a short while. I can't decide on the theme, but I just might knock my own socks off! I missed my calling....should have been a party planner!

Make sure you visit MckMama's Blog to see what everyone else has NOT been doing this week!

Some Exciting News

I thought this was the best and most exciting news I had to report since the hubby left Sunday for his training in Columbia. I called him after work to tell him the good news. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: I have some exciting news!! Guess what happened today?

Hubby: Just tell me, I'm not good at guessing.

Me: One guess......pleaaaaaase

Hubby: OK, You got a job.

Me: Nope, Emma got her VERY FIRST tooth!!

Hubby: Great, next time, don't tell me you have exciting news unless it is "You got a job" or "We sold the house."

All kidding aside, the hubby was excited that little one has her VERY FIRST tooth. I think he may be even more excited about the fact that he has not been here to witness the winey, I can't sleep, drooling mess that our little girl has become trying to cut this VERY FIRST tooth. My little darling is growing up too fast. Slow down, please Emma! I want to savor every moment.

They're headed for DE-vorce

I have been putting off this post, because, well... I was a little upset at how things turned out. I have been a long time fan of Jon and Kate Plus 8..since the very first special over 4 years ago. I turned my mom, aunts, grandma, and friends onto the show. I sure felt a little silly getting upset on Monday after they made their announcement. I just wanted to vent my opinion. So, here goes it....

Did you see Jon's earrings? What is that all about? Also, he made the comment that he was "excited" about things. WHAT? You are "excited" about putting your kids through this? I think that was a poor choice of words to describe your feelings about the matter. Secondly, he went on and on about being only 32 years old and wanting to do other things with his life. To me, this sounds like he no longer wants to be daddy to 8 darling kids. They are pulling him down and ruining his fun. (If you can't tell, I should be wearing a TEAM KATE shirt!) He seemed like he was not upset at all about how things turned out. He was just "excited" to get on with HIS life.

I am not saying that Kate is a saint and that she had nothing to do with how things are playing out. She at least seemed genuinly upset at the fact that her marriage is ending. It seemed like she wanted to try and work on things. Make it work, get therapy, for the kids. I feel bad that she is getting "hung out to dry" in the press. They are making it all sound like she is this terrible person and she brought it on herself.

What do you think? Are there any TEAM JON folks out there?

A little shopping

I am lovin' some consignment shops. I feel a little embarrassed to say that I have never set foot into a consignment shop until today. Mom, Emma and I passed two shops on our way into town today and decided to stop and look. Mom was looking for a crib and monitor to keep at her house. We found so many cool things! The prices are GREAT! (Sorry for the sideways pics, I am typing on the parent's computer and I don't know how to work it well.)

First find, this adorable dress with little lambs. It was brand new with tags and cost $4.00! WOW! It's a Carter's brand.
Second find, this cutie pie dress with smocking sailboats. Size 18 months, so she should be able to wear it next summer. $12.00! WOW, WOW!
Another pic of the cute summer sailboat dress.

Lastly, Emma needed some toys. Mom got all five toys for under $30.00. Three of them were still in their boxes...never been used! All are in great condition. Of course, I took the Clorox to them as soon as we got home, but you can't beat that! The Leapfrog Baby drum cost $22.00 at Babies-R-Us and it was 7 bucks today! I am super excited about all our finds today. Emma got so many cute things. After shopping, we headed to dinner at Outback and then went to spend some time with Mark, Charidee, Alex and Ella. Emma got more clothes from the twins that she should be able to wear next year. Charidee's girls always look so adorable.

**Check out your local consignment shops. You won't regret it! I know I'll be back!

Giveaways are so much fun!

Check out the awesome giveaway at Just Lovely. Monogrammed wall art! You know I love anything monogrammed! Wouldn't it look just lovely in Emma's room!