High Sixes!!!

I'm going to make up for not having a High Five for Friday post last week by giving you a High SIX!  (Heads up, a lot happened this week and I went picture crazy.  Prepare for a bunch of photo collages). 

1!
These little beauties have been getting together for playdates for almost a year now.  At our first playdate, they didn't really want anything to do with each other--except to steal each other's snacks and sippy cups.  They now range in age from 14-18 months old and are actually kind of "hanging out" with each other.  I hope they become great friends!!

2!
I found THE cutest Halloween costume at a consignment sale a couple of months ago.  I was so excited for Avery to wear it.  I'm not really a "let's wear whatever TV character is popular this year" kind of costume fan.  I want something unique, something adorable.  Avery obviously has other plans (doesn't she always??).  If I even bring this costume out of the closet, she starts to whimper.  Don't ask me why.  So would you like to see the Halloween costume that never was?

*sigh*  Good thing it was only $7.

3! 
I was hugely involved in FFA in high school.  I got the opportunity to serve as the 2005-2006 Kentucky FFA State President.  Naturally, I had to have the "I Wore the Blue Jacket" shirt.  FFA is in my blood and I hope that Avery catches the blue and gold bug too.....hence the "Future FFA Member" shirt. 
Finally, on Wednesday, my sister Dayna (the redhead on the left) and I got to go up to Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention to judge the Agricultural Issues contest.  Our youngest sister Kristen (the blonde in the middle) is a senior this year, so she was in Indy with her chapter.  My dad requested that we all get a picture at National Convention together.  He was at National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri thirty-someodd years ago and never dreamed that, one day, his children would all be at a National FFA Convention together.  :)

4!

I saw this at Barnes & Noble last week and almost died.  It would make an awesome Christmas present (hint, hint Marty)......

5!
Last week, my family went to a Fall Festival--where Avery got the opportunity to paint a pumpkin (and mommy's hands), pie her Granddaddy in the face and show her pumpkin off to Aunt Dayna.  I hope my child inherits my love of Fall.

6! 
Our Minnie population in this house is getting a little out of control.  Minnie plates, silverware, cups, pillows, shirts, hats, pajamas, beach towels, socks, toys and stuffed animals.  They're taking over.  I'm a tiny bit nervous.

High Five for Friday...finally!

 I've missed the last couple of "High Five for Fridays" because of vacation, so I'm excited to get back to this one.  Without further ado......high fives!!

{one}

This past week, we visited Disney.....AND Avery got her first haircut in the Magic Kingdom.  It was an awesome/sad/tear-filled moment for both Avery and Mommy.  My little girl is growing up so fast.

{two}

After Avery screamed and cried through her entire haircut, everything was made better....when she got to meet the real live Minnie Mouse.  She kept pointing at her while we were in line waiting and, at one point, she got down to walk and tried to cut line to see her beloved Minnie.  She was at little nervous at first, but then warmed up and gave Mickey and Minnie hugs and kisses.  It's going in my book as one of my Top 10 Favorite Avery Moments. 

{three}

My great aunt and uncle came in from Colorado this weekend and my Meemaw had a bigger dinner for the whole family to see them.  Somehow, the dinner got turned into a family jam session with Meemaw and my great aunt singing and my uncle and great uncle playing a guitar and mandolin.  I wouldn't trade my family for anything in the entire world. 

{four}

Marty and I are trying desperately to move back to our hometown and have our house up for sale.  After two weeks of being on the market and no calls, I was feeling pretty crappy about our chances of getting to move back home.  But my husband talked to our realtor last night and he's had THREE calls from interested buyers and is going to show the house sometime next week!  Pray that these interested buyers turn into sold offers (I know I am)!!

{five}

I had to bring Avery to work with me a few times this past week.  Doesn't she make a good little receptionist??

Happy Friday all :)

High Five for Friday...digging deep.

High Five time again....it comes around every Friday!  It almost didn't happen this week because I've felt like death warmed over and when I first thought about 5 good things from the week, I couldn't come up with anything.  When I stopped and really thought about it though, I knew there were at least five good things in my life that happened this week.  Sometimes you just have to look past the bad and realize that there's still really great things in your life.

{one}
Finding Nemo in 3D came out today!  I'm not really sure when I'm going to have a chance to see it, but it will happen.  I will be "seaing" it. 
{two}
This week, I tried to paint Avery's fingernails.  She was GREAT while I was painting them.  In completely and utter awe of what I was doing.  She sat still for the whole thing.  It was the sitting still for the drying part that we had trouble with.  Evidenced by nail polish all over my comforter, hands and her pacifier.  Maybe we'll try again in a few months.
{three}
This week was the Kentucky Kid's Consignment Sale.  I got to shop early (2 days before the public) and got some pretty great things...like a Minnie Mouse dress for $5 and Avery's Halloween costume for $7.50 (it's a surprise).  I also decided to sell this year.  There's 1 1/2 days left and I've made $42.  Hopefully the rest of my stuff sells!
{four}
Last weekend was my mom's *cough*-th birthday and I wanted to get her something special.  I shopped around for weeks for the perfect gift for her and came up empty handed everywhere I looked.  So I decided to go the homemade route and made her this canvas.  Hopefully I can get my schedule under control and start painting and selling again soon!
{five}
The Frazier History Museum in Louisville is debuting an exhibit on Princess Diana, opening this weekend.  I'm obsessed with Duchess Kate, just like my mom was obsessed with Princess Diana in her day.  The exhibit has some of her outfits she wore on dignitary trips and family heirlooms and jewels.  And......her wedding dress!  I already have my tickets for Sunday.  Can't wait!

Hope you guys don't have to dig deep to find some really great things from your week.  :)

Linking up with:  Lauren at From My Grey Desk

High Fives {week 9}

Friday High Fives!

{one} 
I live in Kentucky.  Here, we have a gigantic rivalry between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals.  Like "I can't be friends with you if you root for the opposing team" kind of rivalry.  I am a die-hard, bleed blue alumni of the University of Kentucky.  The sun rises and sets on Kentucky basketball.  Somehow, I married a Louisville fan.  Our child is going to be so confused.
{two} 
After much convincing, my cousin is starting a new blog!  She's still under construction, but it's been fun helping her design her blog and give her some of the tips I wish someone had told me when I first started.  Check her out in a few weeks when she gets up and running!
{three}
Remember a few weeks ago when I told you we were getting a major office remodel at work??  Here's a before and after.  Goodbye hideous 1970s wood paneling and dingy carpet!

{four}
Matchbox 20 came out with a new cd on Tuesday.  Their first in a decade.  It's pretty darn good.

{five}
This pretty lady is my momma.  She's been there for me for every major moment in my life.  She's listened to me complain, let me whine about my problems and gave me a reality check when I needed one.  I honestly don't know what I'd do without her.  Her birthday is tomorrow and she's planned a super secret trip for her, my sisters and one of her sisters.  I can't wait.  Happy birthday Mom!  I love you!

High Fives for Long Weekends! {week 8}

Friday High Fives! (linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk)

{one}

I conquered my fear of eBay this week and bought myself a Minnie Mouse watch.  I've been eyeing this one over at Disneystore.com....with a price tag of $34.50. 

Not horrible, but not a necessity right now.  So I happened to be on eBay one day browsing around and found this watch.  With shipping and everything, it cost me $9.02.  I'll take it. 

{two} 

Next week is this HUGE Consignment Sale in the town I live in.  It's a three day event that I look forward to every year.  But this year, I've decided to get rid of a few things and be a seller instead of just a buyer.  That means I get in a day earlier than the general public to shop my little heart out.  I. Cannot. Wait.

{three}

Aunt Kristen is not allowed to change Avery's diapers anymore.  Disaster in the making.

{four}

I made a Facebook and Twitter page this week for my blog!  Hop on over and like my page or follow me on Twitter!

{five}

I'm SUPER excited about this one.  My sister and I are tackling a pretty big project starting tomorrow.  So be sure to come back to my blog TOMORROW and check out the details.  Are you adding it right now to your list of things to do this weekend??  Good.

Happy LOOOOONG Labor Day weekend friends!



High Five for Friday {week 7}

Despite my current state of sickness and attempting to hack up a lung, this week has been pretty darn great.  So let's get to it, shall we?  (linking up with Lauren, as usual!)

one!
I discovered Fruit and Maple oatmeal at McDonald's this week.  Since starting my weight loss journey, I've become painfully aware of how many calories were in my favorite foods.  As a result, McDonald's breakfasts have been pretty much off-limits.  If I ran out of time in the morning and was forced to make a stop at the Golden Arches, I would order a Sausage McMuffin.  Tired of that, I wanted to try something different.  Enter the creamy, warm goodness of the Fruit and Maple oatmeal.  *sigh*  I'm craving it right now.  And it's 1 in the afternoon. So yummy.

two!  

We went to the Kentucky State Fair yesterday and spent all day sampling the fried foods, enjoying the handmade entries, checking out the animals (Avery made sure to "moo" at every cow we passed).  But my favorite part was a little petting zoo for children tucked back in the corner.  They had the standard donkey and baby calf for kids to ooooh and ahhh over....and then there were the ducklings.   In the middle of the floor, a large galvanized tub had been filled full of water and baby ducks.  In the midst of the water was a slide-like contraption for the ducks to play on.  They would climb up one end and try to reach some food located at the top of the slide.  To try to get the food, the ducklings would have to jump up to get it--which, in turn, caused them to fall down the slide.  It was HILARIOUS.  My mom and I were probably laughing harder than any child around us.  I could have stayed for hours watching them....and my little Avery, who was in utter fascination of the sliding ducks.
three!
Speaking of Avery, I didn't realize I had such a diva on my hands.  My mom has a plastic crown at her house and my little princess loves to wear it any chance she gets.  Future beauty queen?

four!
I made homemade pizza the other night.  Flatten out some biscuit dough and top it with whatever your little heart desires.  I chose green peppers, spinach, banana peppers and tomatoes.  Amazingly easy, fast and yummy.

five!
My Disney-doodled planner never fails to put me in a good mood.  This week's doodle:  Up. :)

Here's to Fridays and hoping that I can kick whatever sickness I have that's decided to be cool and linger on for almost 3 weeks now!

Put your hands up! H54F {week 6}

It's Friday...it's time for my High Fives!  But.....are you ready for this?  Put up BOTH hands, because I'm giving you a high TEN!  Seriously.  This week has r.o.c.k.e.d. 

{one}

Saw this in my Real Simple magazine.  Kids were polled and asked to finish some well-known sayings.  This one made me laugh. 

{two}

Saturday was Cecilia Days.  During the "Almost Talent Show," my dad had to go on stage for a marshmallow stuffing contest.  The first one to stuff 20 jumbo marshmallows in their mouth won.  I always knew he had a big mouth. :)

{three}

 Marty and I went to the grocery for the first time in over a month.  I won't even talk about the total cost of our trip, but I will say that I got a TON of healthy lunches and snacks to help me on my "Hot Mess" journey. 

{four}

Found this on Pinterest and I'm OBSESSED.  I will be making a version for myself soon.  I miss Lexington/college/UK.

{five}

My kid is seriously obsessed with Mickey and Minnie.  This makes the "Disney-lover" side of me very, very happy.  I'm afraid we have an addiction on our hands.  Our current Minnie/Mickey related items are: 5 Minnie dolls, 2 Mickey dolls, one Minnie pillow, one Minnie cell phone, one Mickey cell phone and numerous clothing items. 

{six}

This has been my view for the week.  Our office flooded and my boss (aka dad) took it as an opportunity to rip out our carpets and let us remodel.  We've been painting...and yesterday, they were putting brand new desks together when I left!  The before and afters are gonna amaze you.

{seven}

As a blogger, I try to support other bloggers as much as possible.  If I like your blog, I'm going to become a follower.  I know how depressing it is to blog your little heart out, dream about blog posts, join link parties and still only have 26 followers. *sigh*  Anyways.  I've found a new blog/Tumblr account that I'm in LOVE with.  Check out http://undressedskeleton.tumblr.com.  She's a girl that has a passion for baking and eating healthy.  I've gotten a ton of ideas for lunches, snacks and healthier living.  Not to mention this fabulous recipe for homemade and healthier PopTarts that I WILL be trying soon!

{eight}

Since starting my weight loss journey, I try not to obsess about my weight.  It's just a number, right?  But this morning, I was feeling so good, I wanted to weigh myself and see if I'd made a difference this week.  Down another .4 pounds!  Overall loss:  6.7 lbs!  Woot woot!

{nine}

Avery rode with us in the Cecilia Days parade.  She was waving with both hands, blowing kisses to the crowd and yelling "hi!"  Apparently, Marty and I have a future politician on our hands. 

{ten}

Avery's one year pictures are done!!  I can't wait to see the entire slideshow, but here's a little sneak peek. :)  Hard to believe our petite little girl is ONE!

High TEN for Friday everyone!!

High Fives, it's finally Friday!! {week 5}

Virtual high fives.....it's Friday y'all!  Let's get to it:

{one}  Avery's Minnie Mouse Birthday Bash was this past weekend!  I will be sharing a post later this week complete with decorations and tutorials on how to make your very own Minnie Mouse party.  I can't believe I'm the mother of a one year old. 

{two}  We're getting an office remodel at work!!!  I cannot even begin to describe how excited I am about this.  Probably because our current set up is no desks at all....picture a kitchen countertop bolted into the wall and held up by file cabinets.  So you can see why I'm excited about getting a physical desk of my very own. 

{three}  This week, Dominos is offering a 50% off special when you order online.  Since they actually have a really good gluten free pizza, I was pumped when I saw this offer.  It's so nice to finally find a gluten free pizza that doesn't taste like a stale cardboard cracker.

{four}  Like almost everyone I know, I've been addicted to the Olympics.  I've cried watching gymnastics, drooled over Ryan Lochte and been terrified of synchronized swimming.  Honestly, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with myself when they're over on Sunday.  *sigh*

{five}  Today and tomorrow are Cecilia Days--one of my most favorite days of the year.  Now, for you out-of-towners, Cecilia is my hometown.  And every year in August, they have a two day community festival with food, craft booths and the parade.  My favorite part is the "Almost Talent Show."  It's a skit that the locals put on and it's hilarious.  Last year, the theme was Hee Haw.  And yes, that's my daddy in overalls in the above picture.  This year's theme is a tribute to Andy Griffith.  I cannot wait. 

Enjoy your weekend!

High Fives!

This week has been insane.  My daughter is teething like ca-razy and no one in my house is sleeping.  Please forgive any spelling mistakes, jumbled words or incoherent sentences.  It's just my sleep-deprived brain talking.  Onto the good stuff!

1.  This isn't exactly new-ish news, but I'm driving a new car.  Back in December, my sweet hubby gave me an early Christmas present in the form of a Ford Edge.  Great for Avery, more room, beautiful, but so expensive when it came to gas.  When you're driving 60 + miles everyday, you need something that gets better than 18 miles to the gallon.  I was so sad thinking of giving up all my extra cargo space.  Insert HHR!  No, it's not the most beautiful vehicle I've driven.  Yes, I get a ton of jokes about it...it looks like a hearse/gangster car/smooshed SUV....but I love it.  It's unique, it's roomy, and it gets 25 miles to the gallon on average.  Laugh all you want.

2.  I visited my local Farmer's Market on Thursday morning.  I was only there to buy sweet corn, but the garden fresh tomatoes were calling my name.  As were the sunflowers, okra and green beans, but then my wallet yelled at me and I had to walk back to my car.  Find your local Farmer's Market.  Your belly will thank you. :)

3.  My cousin is getting married Saturday!!  Today will begin the wedding festivities and I can't wait to stand by her side tomorrow and watch her become Mrs. Miracle!  Hooray weddings!

4.  VBS came to an end this week.  I love watching little kids learn about Jesus and all the wonderful things he does for them. 

5.  I saved this for last because I don't know how much I can talk about it without becoming a weepy mess.  My sweet little Avery turns one tomorrow.  How is this even possible!?!  Sometimes, I can't really remember her being a tiny newborn, due to the sleep-deprived fog I lived in for her first three months of life.  Other times, it seems like only yesterday that I was standing in my bedroom (one year ago today!), folding clothes while Marty gathered our hospital bag, took a shower and counted the minutes in between my contractions.  It's unreal.  If you see me tomorrow and I'm blubbering into a Kleenex, ignore me please. :)

Happy Friday all!!

High Five! {4th edition}

It's finally Friday!  High fives all around!  And these are a few of my favorite things.....just from this week.

1.  I may be getting an iPhone soon....key word being MAY.  That didn't stop me from checking out cases and covers for a full day.  My favorites:

Grey Chevron; Vintage Little Mermaid (drool!!!); Mint Green Polka Dots; Mickey Mouse; Audrey Hepburn; Kate Spade Polka Dots; Fisher Price Baby Toy/Phone Protector (for Avery, of course); Color Bursts; Up

2.  Thank God for Target and their squeezable baby food pouches.  Helps when your kid gets all "sassy pants" and decides she doesn't need you to help her eat.

3.  I finally broke down and bought myself a Tervis tumbler.  They seriously keep your drink cold FOREVER.  And I have to have my water ice cold if I'm going to be drinking a ton of it every day.  I actually have drank more water since buying this cup.  A little on the expensive side, but soooo pretty!  Mine:

4. We went to a 1st birthday party for one of Avery's little friends Saturday. She practiced her party hat look :)

Speaking of birthdays, I finished her invitations and mailed all of them! 1st birthday countdown: 8 days. A WEEK from tomorrow. *deep breath* 

5.  Last Friday, the hubby, sister and I decided to spontaneously drive to Louisville to Easton Corbin in a free concert on 4th Street.   Isn't he adorable?  It's my goal in life to fix him up with my sister Dayna. 

Enjoy your weekend, friends! :)

H54F {part 3}!

Friday again peoples!  Linking up over at From My Grey Desk for another High Five For Friday post!  My five highlights of this week......

1.  Saturday, I invited several of my friends and their girls over for a baby playdate/Pinterest Potluck party.  Everyone brought a recipe that they had found on Pinterest, the babies played and we all stuffed ourselves full of sausage balls and pasta salad.  I love having mommy friends that totally understand my need to talk about epidurals and dirty diapers. (Forgive the fuzzy picture...we had to snap them as soon as we sat all the babies down.  No time to check for the right light or poses!)

2.  It RAINED yesterday.  If you're living anywhere in the continental United States right now in the middle of this excessive heat and drought, you know what a big deal this is.  I honestly stood at the door and watched it pour for a good 5 minutes.  Now, if I could just blow some home to my daddy's farm....

3.  I made Avery's 1st birthday invitations this week!  Time consuming but sooooo worth it.  Can't wait to finish some more projects for her Minnie themed birthday bash!

4.  Thanks to my friend Sarah over at Our Family of Three, I found a new blog to obsess over.  Meet Mama Laughlin.  She's a mom of two boys documenting her story from 180+ lbs down to her goal weight.  She's snarky, she's hilarious and she's motivated me to lose those extra 15 pounds.

5.  I'm seriously considering buying tickets to go see Wicked in September.  This will make the third time I've seen the musical.  It's amazing.  I rock out to the soundtrack on a bi-weekly basis.  Just pretend you don't see me if you pass me in my car busting out some "Defying Gravity" 'kay?

Happy Friday {the 13th!} friends!!

High Five for Friday! {no. 2}

High fives!  It's the end of the week and I'm linking up with Lauren again.  What are you thankful for this week??

1.  I've started doodling in my planner.  It brings a little bit of color and excitement to a normally dull weekday.  Current obsession....Disney doodles. :)










2.  Avery is going to be walking.  Very, very, VERY soon.  She took 7 steps on Wednesday.  I'm a little afraid she's going to skip walking and go right to running.  There's no picture to go with because every time she starts to walk, I get out my camera and she stops.  That's a normal baby thing, right?

3. It's Farmer's Market season. My cousin Mark sells sweet corn, blackberries and farm fresh eggs. If you've never had straight-from-the-farm sweet corn, you're missing out my friend. Support your local farmers and go to the Farmer's Market. 



4.  I got gas yesterday at Kroger for $2.93.  I realize that it's because it's an election season and come November, it's going right back up.  But I'll take it while I can get it.

5.  Teething is happening hot and heavy in this household.  I'd heard that peeled veggies like cucumbers were good for baby's gums and thought I'd try it with our sweet little toothless wonder.  Avery disagreed......

Happy Friday!