My Little Baby Face

I think it's super fascinating to see how my girls take after me and my husband. I especially like to compare Peanut Butter and Sweet Pea because they have so many similarities, even thought they have different moms. So any traits they have the same have to be a Robert trait. (Obviously all the negative ones comes from him.) 

For example, absolutely every single one of them make this scrunchy eyebrow face when they are confused, even Robert's nephew does it. I am amazed every time. Peanut doesn't get truly mad very often but she reacts exactly how Robert does. She retreats and shuts down. her mouth a thin line and she ignores you. Sweet Pea and Bliss are demanding and drama queens. I'd like to say they get that from their Daddy, but nope, that one is all me. 

The stuff they get from both of us? Stubbornness, intelligence, sense of humor and just all around awesomeness. 

I also like to compare baby pictures.  Pea and Bliss both have my little pointy chin, but their Daddy's nose.

She "painted" her nails.

Check out my mullet guys.

Please ignore the Bliss boogers.

Daddy won a cutest baby award with this picture

Peanut on the slide, taken by her super talented Mommy

What do you think? Who looks like who? Do you look anything like your kids/parents?

Falling On My Head Like a Memory

 

I wish it would rain. 

When Bliss was born, I woke up in the middle of the night. You know how it's never truly quiet in the hospital? But at night there's a hush, voices are subdued, the lights are mellower and you can hear the nurses shoes squeak by outside. I had a giant window in my room, that took up one whole wall. Underneath was the bed for the husbands. I use the term bed loosely. A slightly wider then normal couch would be a better term for it. My husband and three year old were crunched together, but sleeping soundly. I can't remember what floor we were on, but it was pretty high up.  I rolled over gingerly, being strapped to IV's and just recently cut open. That storm was tearing pass my windows. It was grey and violent. I could just barely hear it battering against the thick glass. A whirlwind of water obscured anything beyond a few inches. I watched it for about twenty minutes until it began to abate. I was disappointed to see it go. Between the surgery, Bliss in the NNICU, being stuck in my bed, it was a moment where I didn't think about my stress. The beauty outside my window and knowing that my family was all near me and there if I needed them, helped me catch my breath for just a moment.

I wish it would rain.

What's one of your favorite memories?

God, I Hate This Commercial

Don't get me started on advertisement. It's all psychology and most of it's bullshit. Nope, just joining the gym, will not make you look like that in a swimsuit. But those commercials sure do make it seem that way. Birth control ads are equally stupid. Oh you know, me and my girls are just hanging out in a club and talking about Birth control and it's side effects. That's what we do on our girls night. The secret is revealed guys, no panties or pillow fights. We talk about sore boobs, spotting and possible heart attacks. And sometimes we talk about house cleaning. Good times.

But this one drives me up the wall. I'm sure my husband is starting to get very irritated with hearing my rant.

So apparently if we want to have a baby we can't buy a house? get a degree? go to Paris? Find a  good guy? (Let's not get started on the depiction of "shopping" for a person) I am so tired of being considered a second class citizen because I chose to have kids.  Guess what? I can do all these things. And I have the security of my family. I have a small person who loves me unconditionally and gives out the best hugs. I am responsible for another human being. Who will choose whether she wants to be a mom or not. But will also be aware that if she does have kids, her life doesn't end. It grows and expands. It becomes something different and amazing. Something worth it. Something better then before. 

If you don't want to have kids. Good for you. I'm not here to judge. But I do have them. So stop acting like I should just stay at home and stare at the walls. How dare I bring my kids out in public! I am more then a mom. I am also someone who owns a home, has a degree, has the best guy and will someday go to Paris. And maybe I'll bring my kids with me. 

If you want a funny take on woman in advertising, check out Sarah Haskins. Just to wash my anger out of your mouth.  That sounded kind of dirty.

What advertisements drive you crazy?

Austin Bakes For Japan

Three things always make me happy. Sugar, Austin and giving back. Lucky for me I am participating in the Austin Bake sale for Japan. 

Over 10,000 people have died and half a million people are still homeless. Japan is not a poor country like Haiti and they are still struggling to house, feed and clothe the people who have been effected by the earthquake and tsunami. This could happen to us guys. We aren't even close to prepared as they were and look what happened. And as human beings it is our job to help other human beings. And if I get to meet new people and eat cupcakes while I'm ate it, then even better. 

It's all going down on 4/2, starting at 9am! There are five different locations all over Austin. 

Downtown Austin: Woof Gang Bakery
1204 North Lamar Blvd., 78703

Austin Bakes for Japan will be set up in front of the main store entrance.

East Austin: Nomad Bar
1213 Corona Drive, 78723

Austin Bakes for Japan will be set up outside in front of the building.

West Austin: The Shops at Mira Vista
2785 Bee Cave Road, 78746

Austin Bakes for Japan will be set up at the east part of the shopping center, between Keith Kristofer Salon and Spa and Collective Home.

Central Austin: Foreign & Domestic
306 E. 53rd st., 78751

Austin Bakes for Japan will be set up in the restaurant parking lot.

South Austin: Hotel San Jose
1511 South Congress Ave., 78704

If you're interested in volunteering or donating please contact them at their twitter page, facebook page, blog or email. Or if you don't feel like getting out of the house you can just donate right here. 100% of proceeds goes to Americares for the Japan relief fund.

Will I see you there?

RIP Beethoven

Food For Thought-The Brains Edition

 Do you guys like my new logo? Man I love macaroons. 

I made it on Picnik.

♥At Rants from Mommyland, they just don't give a fig because it's been one of those days.

♥A list addict tells us Pandora features she needs.

♥Dave Grohl has integrity and is sexy when he's mad.

♥I would love to do this. They are starting a Food Corp. Be on the front line of truly making the world a healthier, maybe even tastier place.

♥About focusing on what's important and what you can actually do in the face of Japan's disaster.

♥I love his beliefs, they are so clean and right on.

♥I want this adorable T-Rex necklace!

♥ I'm really feeling this. I've been pondering some Annie style lately.

♥How to be skinny

♥Blogging Must Haves and Have Nots. I wish I had read this when I started out.

♥I just really like this picture. Maybe because I want my hair that color.

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♥This makes me never want to get a trampoline for the girls. Ever.

♥How Twilight Saved Some.

♥Ani got me through high school. Thank you to Yum and Yuck for reminding me.

"We are fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance." - Japanese proverb

♥I love What Not To Wear and they have never criticed any one's weight. Just the stuff they clothe it in.

♥How can this be sold out! It is amazing!

♥A brain purse! I need a new purse. need, want. whatever.

♥A zombie cookie jar. More brains.

♥I want this shirt!

Being powerful is like being a lady, if you have to tell people you are then you aren't.

♥Katharine Hepburn on a skateboard. Awesome.

♥Affirmations you should be saying to yourself every day.

That's a long one! But can I help it if there is so much awesome out there? No. No I can not.

I also have two questions for you. 

1. I've noticed that on other link posts people tend to have two ways of doing it. For example:

a)This made me laugh

b) This video of a sloth trying to hit the camera made me laugh. 

Which do you prefer? A bit of a surprise or more descriptive?

2.) I've been thinking. I don't alert people when I put them in my Food For Though. I'm not taking credit for what they did and you guys clicking on their links helps their analytics or whatever. But I was thinking that if someone linked back to me I would be super excited. So do you think I should start telling people? 

And a third question, have you guys seen anything amazing this week?

TILT-The I'm Hungry Edition

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♥ hot tea ♥ books ♥ making half ass chili ♥ chocolate cake ♥ playing outside with my babies ♥ getting a raise at work ♥ getting an excellent review ♥ family vacations ♥ silkies they look like they're wearing little fluffy pants. ♥ the beach ♥ grandmas ♥ grandpas ♥ old pictures ♥ diet soda ♥ feeling better, not skinnier, but better. ♥ fried chicken ♥ nostalgia ♥ new turquoise cowboy boots ♥ new clothes for free ♥ my husband's amazingness ♥ SXSW is over ♥ new tomato plants aren't dead yet ♥ an amazing sense of well being ♥

A good opening and a good ending make for a good film provided they come close together.
— Federico Fellini

What do you love this week?

Professional Disqus Thrower

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I am so excited you guys! I feel all grown up and professional, in a bloggy kind of way.  (come on spell check, bloggy is totally a word.) I have added Disqus, to make commenting easier. Mostly to make replying to comments easier. I have been really struggling with keeping up replies. And I love to respond to all of them. Now I just do it here. And it is so easy. When you log in. On the right side of your dashboard, there is an "Add" button. Click on it and follow directions. Done! Seriously, way too excited about this. I am also super excited about that notepad up there. I must have it and make up important notes to write to Robert, like: "URGENT: I really think you look sexy in your bandanna." or "URGENT: We need sodas!"  That kind of thing.  or for the girls "URGENT: No you can not have anymore cookies!" Very very important notes. 

Leave me an important message I can write on my pear notes. That I haven't actually bought yet. Oh but I will!

A Ring of Truth

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My Idea of Heaven

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We don't have enough closet space as it is. But I will totally give up some clothes for this. I could spend all day curled up in here with my books and a cup of hot tea. That's my idea of a mental health day.

What's your idea of heaven/mental health day?

8 Ways to Celebrate the Spring Equinox

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Today is the Spring Equinox. Although in Texas it feels like we skipped spring and went straight to summer. And I know in some spots you guys are still battling snow. But either way, we can pretend. The Spring Equinox is all about connecting with nature and celebrating newness and rebirth. So here are eight ways to do just that.

 1. Take A Walk Outside. Even if you have to bundle up. Get some fresh air and sunlight. Don't forget your sunscreen. Don't want you guys looking like old handbags later in life.

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 2. Buy or Pick Some Flowers. Don't forcefully arrange them, just pick ones that appeal to you and bundle them together. And smile every time you see them.

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 3. Think about the newness of spring. Is there something new you are starting or want to start? This is the perfect time!

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4. Decorate with the flowers you picked, change your sheets to lighter pastel colors, or add some flowery pillows to your couch.

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5. Decorate yourself. Wear flowers, pastels, a new dress. Even if it's bundled under a coat and hat, you can be in a spring state of mind.

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6. Eat. My favorite way to celebrate pretty much anything. Oh it's Monday, you say? Let's celebrate with pie! For spring eggs and seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower, represent new life. I am making deviled eggs. Nom nom.

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7. Plant something. Or plan to plant something. I am trying not to kill some tomato plants my step mom sent home with us. Wish me luck.

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8. And of course you can clean. If you're some sort of weirdo who likes things neat and organized. Pht.

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How do you guys celebrate spring? Give me some ideas!

Food For Thought-The Love For Japan Edition

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 ♥A printable paper Frankenstein.

♥I want a cupcake right now so I can try this!

♥Oh my god. This woman has been reading my mind! Thank you!

♥This made me want to netflicks some 90210.

♥This looks so tasty. Stupid diet.

♥What to say to people when they say "But Don't You Know Fat is Unhealthy?"

♥Colorstrology tells you what your colors are based on your horoscope. Mine are cerulean and lavender. Rethinking my bedroom decor now.

♥This looks like so much fun for the kitchen

♥I have said this to my husband before.

♥This is fucking crazy. It rocked time, you guys!

Normally I post this on Friday's but I wanted to participate in For Japan With Love  "Blogger's Day Of Silence". I know it probably didn't do much. But maybe it raised awareness. If it didn't, it did today. So please go here to find out how you can help.

Have you guys seen, read, heard or written anything interesting this week?

Things I Love Thursday-The Pot of Gold Edition

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Happy St. Patrick's Day! Making corned beef and cabbage. Nom nom nom. Did you know that corned beef has nothing to do with corn? Back way in the day any kind of crop was called corn and they had to salt the beef to keep it from going bad. Hence corned beef. 

♥ comfortable computer chairs ♥ stretching ♥ green ribbons ♥ visiting family ♥ the pool ♥ cute new shoes ♥ the slow carb diet ♥ the cheat day on the slow carb diet ♥ having everyone on insurance ♥ budgeting ♥ redecorating the girls room ♥ chalk board paint ♥ shrimp tacos ♥ dry erase boards ♥ caves to sleep in ♥ Bliss starting to talk to herself  ♥ getting an award ♥ Sookie Stackhouse ♥ never ending book lists ♥ getting my reader under control ♥ pickles ♥ made beds ♥ besos ♥ Blood In and Blood Out ♥ Good times ♥ Drop Dead Diva ♥

What are you guys loving today?

Diabetic Confessions-Sabotage

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When I don't have my medicine, test strips, glucometer, whatever. I use it as an excuse to eat terrible. Because my sugar will be high anyway, might as well eat a piece of cake. Or two....

Because the sugar doesn't count if I don't know how high it's making my blood sugar. Not to mention the fat and calories. Right? Right? 

How do you guys rationalize sabotage away?

A Whole Lot of Rosie

This is a whole lot fo pictures. But it looked like a fun meme. A hipper version of the myspace surveys. Don;t lie you totally did them. I've seen this all over but I decided to do it from Paper Mama. A new mama photographer. She has photographer tips, contests, and even giveaways. Also her daughter is too freaking adorable.  On to the pictures!

I am no where near a professional photographer, these are all point and shoot and to be honest I am way too lazy to go and edit and crop all 30 of them. So yeah, here they are. 

1. Someone I spend a lot of time with

2. A picture of me

3. A random photo of me and the hubs. 

4. A picture of something that makes me happy

taken by Alex Sayer

5.An old picture of me

6. A picture I've never posted of my blog before

7...of someone I miss

8...of people who knew me now and then.

9...of my favorite place.

10....a person I can tell anything to.

11. ...of my everyday life

12. ..that reminds me of great times.

13. ..of the best day of my life

14...that always makes me laugh

15...of my spare time

16..of a great night

17...of people who are closest to me. 

18...of someone you always have a good time 

19...of your parents when they were around your age.

20...of last summer

21..of my closest friend

22. ...that makes me smile

taken by Rachel Mayes. Spirit fingers

23...thing(s) I will never let go.

Woooo. Done. So I cut some out. Some were reduntent and some I didn't have pictures of. 

I'd love to see you guys version. Let me know if you do it to, k?