PSF - This Week With My Boys

This week the boys have...

Protected my honor,


"Played nice" and given me some much needed peace,


Entertained me with their shear cuteness while at the pool.


It's been a good week. Hope yours has too...



Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Let's Wrap This Up, Shall We?

Alright kids, it's my last Blogher post. I know it's taking me forever to write about it all but well, there was a lot to document and since it was my first time to attend I want to make sure I do a good job of it, k? I'm not apologizing for being long-posty winded, by the way...

So Saturday was a day for celebrity sightings (and also, in my case, just hearing their voice over the crowd that I was too short and pregnant to try to see over...)

Paul Deen was in the house (or expo hall, whatever) at the Wally World booth (I won't say their actual name on here since I DO NOT shop there and even left their swag tote bag in the hotel room because I WILL NOT advertise for them). Ahem. Anywho, I never actually layed eyes on her because the crowd around her was IN. SANE but I did get to hear her awesome Southern accent live and in person so I consider that pretty cool. I do kind wish I'd seen her put a whole stick of butter on top of some waffles or something but alas, it was not meant to be.

Tim Gunn was also hanging around and telling people to "make it work." While Haley waited in line to get her picture with him, I chowed down on a huge chocolate chip cookie but I put it down long enough to snap his picture from afar...

He's a pretty snappy dresser, I have to say...

Now this pic was actually taken on Thursday night but I had to add it because Chris Mann is kind of a looker and well, he's certainly a bloggy celebrity.


Thanks to Haley for taking this one...

Then on Saturday night Brooke White, of American Idol fame, performed at the BowlHer event and played about 5 or 6 songs. Her voice is so wonderful and she is so cute (and freakin' skinny!). Her version of "Let It Be" is just glorious. Here she is doin' her thang.

And here she is with me! We practically look like sisters, no? Yeah, it's uncanny...


The BowlHer event was quite fun and although I kinda parked my tushie on a sofa and stayed right where the music was playing (I was already pretty exhausted at this point), I was hangin' with my girls and enjoyed myself a lot. I hung out in the same room as Steph and Ivy and Ivy is just the cutest thing (as is her sweet mother!). Here we are together at the hotel before-hand.

This picture just makes me want to buy baby legs by the boat-load. This girl thing is going to get really expensive...

But honestly, my favorite part of Saturday night was dinner.

Haley was brave enough to venture out with me and try to go to Gino's East pizza on a Saturday night in July, in Chicago. Yeah, SO not happening. The line was FOREVER long and after an angel of a cabbie returned my camera that I left in his cab, I didn't really care where we ate (can you believe I did that??). So, we ventured across the street to Ed Debevic's, this diner-type place. Complete with the paper hats, shiny vinyl booths and cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate shake. Yum.

But then. There was the obvious rudeness. After Haley had been pushed by a waitress, we were snapped at by another guy and I saw our server throw someone's check at them, I asked the guy down the diner counter if they were SUPPOSED to be rude to us and thankfully, they were. And they were quite good at it. But despite their purposeful bad attitude the burger was mighty tasty and the counter dancing was superb. Here's our waiter "shakin' a tail feather."

And here's me making a "snarky" face, trying to fit in with the staff and attempting to be rude back. I don't think they took me seriously.


All in all, my experience at BlogHer was fabulous. I finally met some wonderful women that I have admired for years and met new ones that I didn't even know were out there totally rockin' the blog world.

My only regret is that there were SO many that I didn't recognize or find that I wanted to talk to and hug and comiserate with.

As far as the whole swag thing goes, I was quite disenchanted the first night when women were falling all over each other to get some free stuff and figured if that was the way it was going to be, I was out. I mean, the belly may be kinda pointy but I wasn't going to use it to acquire things for gratis, nor was I going to risk it being overly bumped (aka, tripped). Fortunately people calmed down quite a bit and I honestly can't wait to give some of the goodies away (stay tuned for a giveaway) and to get my free pair of GAP jeans (sweet!) once I can fit into a "regular" pair again. And hey, something has to make it worth it that I had to pay a pretty "hefty" fee just to get my suitcase back to LA. So, not so "free" after all...

All in all, the conference was wonderful, the people were wonderful, the city was wonderful and I'm SO very glad I went. Thanks to the ladies of BlogHer for hosting a spectacular event and to the ladies I hung with (you know who you are), you are the bestest.

Me, hanging out in my room on the 31st floor of the Sheraton in downtown Chicago.

And now, I'm done. : )

You can find my previous BlogHer posts here, here and here.

We Interrupt This Regulary Scheduled Program...

... to talk about The Toddler.

Y'all remember I have kids, right?

With all the BlogHer craziness I'd kinda forgotten myself (of course I didn't actually forget, you know that, right?), although FULLY reminded when I returned home to the multiple personalities that comprise a two-year old.

I missed his adorable smile, his sweet toddler speak and his chubby little feet. But the tantrums? Yeah, not so much.

He threw a huge one after we got home yesterday from having lunch and a visit with Leslie, because he wanted to walk around the car on the same side I did and I had blocked it with the trash bins I brought back up from the curb. At least I think that's what it was about. He was entirely too busy screaming and crying and pointing in that direction for me to really understand what the heck he had his diaper all in a bunch about.

Let's just say in less that 10 minutes he was in his crib napping (well, theoretically) and I was negotiating my own nap with The B Man.

That conference wore me out, Yo.

But back to what I really mean to say...

Little G is uber cute right now. Talking up a storm, including walking right up to me or Tim once he's done with the business of #2 and saying "I'm stinky!" Great timing little dude.

Probably THE cutest thing he is doing right now is singing along with me every night before bed to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Although he doesn't quite have all the words and just drags out "staaaaaaaaaaar" for like 10 seconds. Oh and he screams it. But Oh! the preciousness.

He's a virtual mess at the dinner table. Or the breakfast or lunch one for that matter. I mean I know he's two and all but seriously does HALF the table have to be covered in whatever it was that you were grazing on?

That's right, the kid rarely eats a full meal. He could eat a littlesomething here or there all day. Which is apparently how you are supposed to do it. But how the heck does he know that?

And when he flashes those dimples, all bets are off. 'Cause they are the epitome of adorableness and well I'm pretty sure he's starting to understand that.

He's very much into playing trains with The B Man, and likes to lay out the pieces of a puzzle while saying "I play my puzzle." He loves to play with play-doh and crayons.

And right now it's ALL ABOUT, "Me do it!!!!!' OMG, the kid wants to do EVERYTHING himself. Well, except for go potty, that is.

At bedtime he also likes to read a few books and his favorites include several of Sandra Boynton's books, such as "Hippos Go Berserk," "The Belly Button Book," and as he calls it, "YARD Dance!" (Barnyard Dance). Of course it' takes like an hour to do just a few because he likes to point out colors and numbers and animals on every. single. page. And while I know this is a good thing, it's time for bed already kiddo!

Here's a little video taken the night I returned from Chicago (I'm wearing my 'Born to Blog' t-shirt).



I mean really, how sweet is he? I scarce can take it in...

Tomorrow I will post my last BlogHer post. I know I'm dragging it out but come back because tomorrow's post will contain celebrities! : )

This is extremely WordFUL on a Wednesday, so once again it qualifies. Go visit sweet Angie @ Seven Clown Circus fore more WW.

Out And About in Chi-Town

On Friday afternoon Haley and I decided that we'd had enough of being cooped up in the hotel and hit the pavement. We may have missed a session or two of interest and I know I missed a few keynote speakers who read favorite posts that I kinda wished I'd heard (I didn't know that's what the 'keynote' was about...)

Anywho, here are some pictures from our jaunt to Millennium Park, which is absolutely gorgeous and was a wonderful respite from the craziness of my first blogging conference...

I love the varying architecture in this city. Older, more traditional buildings mixed with newer, more modern ones. Very cool.

"The Bean" Haley wanted to see this and I honestly had no idea what it was until we got there. So cool! See how the skyline is reflected? And then see how I'M reflected? hee hee...


We found this beautiful, luscious garden in the park too. The flowers in the whole city were just gorgeous and there were beds and planters everywhere!


After soaking our tired, tourist feet for a bit (everybody else was doing it too and it was even monitored by park employees...), we made our way out of the park.

We passed by this huge water feature where kids and adults alike were running and playing in the water on the ground. I wanted to join them but I wasn't dressed appropriately.

Plus, we had to get back.

That night I attended a party sponsored by EA Sports with Lisa, Christy, April and Midwest Mommy.

We were picked up in a stretch/truck limo thingy (yes, that's the technical term) and taken to The House of Blues for food, video games and drinks (me and my club soda with lime!)

It was great fun! Here I am with Lisa in the limo (hey, that has a good ring to it 'Lisa in the limo'...)And here we are during the party. Doesn't everyone look extra "happy?" hee hee...

After leaving the H of B we went back to the hotel to the MamaPop Party and I will leave you with a picture of the awesome unicorn cake. Because none of the dancing pics I took are "fit to print..." Let's just say it was a blast, even for a pregger like me. I can work the belly, lemme tell ya! Just picture a lot of happy people dancing and enjoying themselves, just as it should be...

P.S. Go to Haley's blog (my roomie) to see more pics HERE! (including her feet too!)

Where to Start... How 'bout the Beginning?

On Friday morning I woke up tired but totally stoked about the next couple of days to come. I'd only seen a handful of people the night before that I wanted to meet and I was ready to find more of my internet friends.

The morning started with the intro to the conference from the lovely ladies of BlogHer. The only person's name I remember from this shot is Lisa Stone, on the right, founder of BlogHer, I believe.
After their presentation we did BlogHer "speed dating" and got in two huge circles and met as many people at once that we could, rotating every minute. It was SO much fun!

While hanging out outside the ballroom after this, I met Barefoot Foodie. OMG, I was SO excited to see her! She totally rocks and I'm NOT just sayin' that. Every time I read one of her posts I wanna die laughing. LOVE her! Plus, she has two boys and just had a sweet baby girl, like me! (well, I haven't done that last part yet, but you know...)

I finally got to meet Christy on Thursday night but we didn't get our chance to prove it until Friday morning. Here's the sweet lady I've been wanting to hug for MONTHS and that re-designed my blog. Isn't she the cutest?


Once we parted ways it was time to move on to the sessions. The first one I went to was about balancing it all and OhMommy was on the panel. I'd actually seen her the night before on the way out of the hotel but of course I wanted to hear what she had to say on this topic since she has three kids, which will soon be my life, and well, I love her too!

Also on the panel were Angela of Mommy Bytes and Rita of Surrender Dorothy.

It was a good discussion and I liked hearing from all of these ladies and being introduced to Rita, who's blog I'd never seen before.

Of course after, I had to get my picture with Oh Mommy! She's very tall. And just the loveliest in person! Wish I coulda brought her home in my pocket!

After sitting in on one more session it was time for a stroll through the expo hall and then lunch, sponsored by Ragu. There I sat with three other pregnant girls, due within weeks of me, including DesignHER Momma (I'm sorry I don't remember the other two...). And there's no pic because I was too busy stuffing my face. What can I say, the food was REALLY good.

So that's Friday morning. And there's MUCH more.

I will continue with the afternoon, which included a walk to Millenium Park. I just HAD to get out of the hotel and my roomie, Haley, was happy to go with me.

To be continued...

It's a Whirlwind!

So far this trip to BlogHer has been head-spinningly crazy. We got in later than expected last night after riding the shuttle "from Hades" to the hotel (don't get me started...) and after waiting an hour for our luggage. Oy. The parties were a tad crazy and the mob for swag, well I won't go there...

But despite all that, the night was still great. We went to the Navy Pier for dinner and here are few shots from my first night in Chicago and some of the amazing ladies I already had the opportunity to meet and most importantly, hug the stuffing outta. (And let's face it, that's the main reason I'm here...) This is short and sweet but, it's a post and I'm doing good to get that up. Wish you ALL were here! : )

Crooked Eyebrow and me (due within 5 days of each other)

Me and Beth from I Should Be Folding Laundry

Haley and I getting into a limo on the way back to the hotel

It's the Little Things...

The boys and I went to a local outdoor farmer's market this morning. The B Man tried his first plum (I'm not a fan so I've never offered them up before) and we found a watermelon that was YELLOW on the inside. Me no likey. Nevermind that it was mealy on the inside, but yellow? That's just wrong.

I left it cut open on the counter and the elusive fly that constantly escapes my swatter was having a field day. Have at it dude.

I did laundry this morning and although it's one of my least favorite chores, for some reason today I was just thankful to have a washer and dryer. I held the boys shirts up to my nose as I pulled them out of the dryer, taking in the sweet smell of little boy mixed with dryer sheet.

The boys and I feasted on a fruit salad full of fresh fruity goodness and after wiping the juice form our chins, we hardly had room for anything else for lunch.

After we ate they played together, hit each other, there was some screaming, some hugging, some tears and some love, just as there is most days.

It rained (again!) off and on most of the afternoon and once it stopped for a bit I headed out to the mailbox. I was excited to find magazines in the box. For some reason they make a house feel more like my home, so yeah, it was good they were there today.

This evening after Tim came home he played the Jason Mraz song "The Remedy" and I started couch dancing with Little G in my lap. I loudly sang, "I won't worry my life away..." as Little G looked at me with his big grey/green eyes and I kissed his button nose. He smiled at my smile and I smothered him with my lovin'. THE BEST.

Today I am thankful for the little things. Farmer's markets, plums, little boy shirts, rain, magazines, music (although a BIG thing to me actually), little noses and yes, even flies...

(my first portion of fruit salad)

For more Wordful Wednesday (and this definitely qualifies) visit my friend Angie at Seven Clown Circus.

i heart faces - Feet Week

I Heart Faces - It's All About the Feet!

This week i heart faces is featuring feet, glorious feet! This picture was taken last Summer (dated 8/28) and it really surprises me that we were hanging out on the lawn in the dead of Summer in Texas, but we were. So yeah, that's one of mine and two of The B Man's feet in the green, green grass. I love this shot!

Head over to i heart faces to join the feety fun!

Yes, I'm Going to Say The "B" Word

No, not that one.

"BlogHer."

As most of you know, I'm going to the BIG blog conference this week and I have an array of feelings to go along with that fact. Included in the list are excited, nervous, overwhelmed, oh and kinda FREAKING OUT!

Of course the main thing on my mind is "Oh MY GOSH, I get to meet so many wonderful people!!" People whose blogs I've read for a while, people I don't even know yet that I should be reading, people I just recently connected with on twitter, etc. It really is going to be amazing. I'm not usually one to shy away from people and sometimes that works in my favor and sometimes it doesn't. Please, if you see me and belly heading your way, don't run. I promise I'll be gentle but I may squeal a little. It's just who I am.

And... I'm getting some time away from the kids for a bit. Don't get me wrong, I will miss them but since we moved to a place where I know NO ONE yet, I haven't had any "girl time." And that my friends, is not so good. Momma needs her time, you know? I think a little "break" will do us all some good.

Then there's the clothes factor. I'm currently around 7 months pregnant and well, I have that pointy belly to contend with and because of that the only pants/skirts that work (in other words "stay up") are the ones with the FULL panel that goes over my entire belly. I bought some way too expensive, but they were the only ones that fit right jeans and a pair of black capris that were a must (as are most of my clothing purchases of course!). I also bought a MAXI dress that is VERY "maxi" on me (partly the belly's fault) that isn't even a maternity dress (and actually several of my shirts aren't). I love the dress but it's a little long (I'm also short and they make those things for tall people!). Oh, and I did find some super cute flats on sale on the GAP ($9!!) that I will be sporting during the day. Shoes really ARE the best accessory.

Next, there's the fact that BlogHer is in CHICAGO. I hope to see a few other things while there beside the interior of the hotel but with my lack of scheduling (next topic) who knows if that will happen. I've never been to Chicago and have always wanted to go so I'm very excited that it is in this city. Although I'm not there to site-see, isn't it totally stupid to think that I could go out for a bit and see some of the city itself? Feel free to actually answer this question if you've been to BlogHer before...

Oh yeah, the schedule thing. I know when I get in and when I leave, does that count? Steph replied to one of my comments the other day and asked if I was going to post my schedule and I thought "What schedule?" I KNOW one party that I RSVPed for but after that, I've kinda forgotten. Guess I should write stuff down next time, huh? Luckily I think Haley is pretty organized so I may be following waddling behind her the entire time.

I have to say, I'm a little bummed that I can't partake of "spirited" beverages but then being one of the only sober ones will probably have it's benefits too! (Oh the stories I'll be able to REMEMBER and maybe tell...) ; P

All in all I know for sure it is going to be an amazing experience and also.... over in the blink of an eye. I'm going to try to take it all in as best I can and take lots of pictures!

Now everyone keep your fingers crossed that my blog cards get here before I leave for the airport. Apparently I'm really good at procrastinating lately...

I've Come to Depend on You

Yesterday was a less than stellar day. I spent the majority of it wallowing in self pity and laying on some soft-ish surface in the house.

It wasn't one of my better days. Probably one of the worst actually.

It started out with the boys collectively behaving THE worst they have EVER behaved in church this morning. See, the Find a New Church in the New Town Tour continues (there are A LOT of Catholic churches here) and I'm kinda surprised this one didn't kick us out. Maybe because I did it first. After communion I motioned to Tim (who had been in the back with Little G for the elventy-billionth time) and we headed out before the final blessing. We NEVER do that, but we'd had it up to here {picture me motioning to the top of my and Tim's foreheads...}!!

I guess the idea that we even have to find a new church got to me, reminded me of all the other new things I'm having to find these days and basically sent me into a day of depression.

Meanwhile my wonderful husband took care of the boys, cleaned up his office, got rid of the rest of the empty boxes (via craigslist), cooked dinner and let me wallow as I wished.

I did make it out to Babies R Us to take my mind off of the dreaded "we've moved and it sucks" subject and put it back on "I'm Having a Baby Girl!!" and registered for a few things. Some friends back 'home' are having a shower for me in a few weeks and I figured I'd better let them see what we need. I think I gave a pretty clear message with all the pink and purple things I scanned.

But I didn't actually smile yesterday (I don't think) until I got back online and remembered my friends here. I was reminded of my upcoming trip to BlogHer, that there are several moms out there in twitterland with their oldest child starting Kindergarten soon, like me, and that well, my friends on the "interwebby/twiterscape" (as the hubs and I like to refer to it) are rockin'. No, it's not a replacement for my IRL friends but it's certainly a community I've come to depend on in many ways.

So, thanks for making me smile, as usual. And to my InRealLife friends reading... expect more phone calls and emails from me until we get more settled. I miss y'all bunches...

All Modern Baby - WINNER!

Congrats to Shana at Everything Eads!! (a great twitter buddy of mine...). She won the $50 gift certificate to All Modern Baby! The ole randomizer was shining down on her today!

Also, if you haven't already, go enter the giveaway for $25 to Announcements Galore gift certificate just below...!

It's My Love's Birthday

Thirty-five years ago today a special baby entered the world. Twenty-one years later (plus some months) we met. Four years later we were married and now, almost ten years later, we've built a life together that I thank God for everyday.

He's a pretty simple, hard working man and all he asked for for his birthday was a ticket to Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (which he saw last night) and for me to bake him a yellow layer cake and cover it with chocolate frosting. And of course I'm totally down with the cake part. And the H.P. part is just the icing on his cake.

We plan to celebrate him with dinner out to a place of his choosing and lots of hugs, kisses and well... cake.

I love you my Tim, Happy Birthday... XOXOXOXO

(yes, this picture is kind of old. I need to take more pics of my man...)

WW - Bake On!

Celebratory "I Can Finally Bake in This House" blueberry/banana muffins. Yum!

That's actually all I have to say... except....

Enter the All Modern Baby ($50 credit to their site) giveaway HERE...

Don't forget you can get 10% off of Simple Shoes until the end of the month

Visit Wordful Wednesday HQ at Seven Clown Cirucs