Cheeky little thing...

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Video CrAzy!

I keep forgetting...

To post a picture everyday!

So, here's a few videos to make up for it!

Parker and Devil Ducky : A Tale of True Love

1.1

So here's to a new year, to a blog of 365 days of pictures, and to me being sick YET again on New Year's.

Yoga Baby

365 days? We'll see...

So I've decided I'm going to jump on the bandwagon. The crazy wagon, that is. I've seen all these blogs talking about doing a years worth of pictures....one picture a day for a whole year. I'd really like to try it. I think it would be neat to see the whole year spread out like that. So, I'll certainly try!

Parker and I are sick, again. I have a horrific head cold (what's new), and she has a runny/snotty nose. Joy.

Christmas was good, exhausting, and felt like it would never end. The in-laws went overboard as usual, but we're planning on putting a stop to that soon.

I got a sewing machine, a very nice necklace, two attachments for my Kitchen Aid, and a purse. My parents got us a GPS unit for the car. I also got a NorthFace jacket with matching gloves and a hat. Lots of other things as well. Parker got some clothes, toys and books. Oh, and a new "big girl" car seat.

Parker's dance

Do do do do

I can't believe I never got into Christmas music this year. Seriously, I think I listened to my Gene Autry CD once, when I was decorating the tree, and that was it. It's not that I'm not in the spirit, it just isn't grabbing me for some reason this year. Maybe next year when Parker's older and has learned how to cover her ears to block the sound of my singing.

I keep trying to get up and do laundry today. Laundry is so BORING. You wash the same clothes over and over again, and fold them, hang them up just to wear them, toss them in a basket and do it all over again. If, let's say, I was folding laundry and I pulled a new top or pair of pants out everytime I reached in the dryer, now, that would be worth it! Laundry is oddly rewarding though...when I actually have the time/energy/desire/no life to fold them and put them away, I feel so accomplished. I feel like a grown-up. If I were good at math, I would figure out how much it costs with water/electricity to run the machines so I could put a price tag on that feeling.

Oh, and I must mention how giddy I get when Parker actually naps in her crib. Most days, she'll sleep on my lap. I never really thought much about breaking that habit when she was younger, because I was happy to have her sleep on me, and just happy that she was sleeping! Now, I ache, I yearn, I crave alone time. I love her, and I love spending every minute of my day with her, but it's nice to have 10, 30 minutes, even an hour of alone time to just do whatever I want, without checking on her, feeding her, entertaining her, just thinking about her. I'm sure that sounds cold, but if you're a mom, you'll understand that. Some days, if it's early enough, I'll lay down and rest too. I find on those days, she only sleeps 30 minutes, tops. On the days I stay up and say I'm going to "do stuff", she'll sleep for an hour or two.

Today, I've clipped three papers worth of coupons, folded a load of laundry (yes, LAUNDRY), and sat on the computer, lol. Well, I did tidy the living room a bit. I'd love to de-grease myself in the shower, but she wakes up if you turn it on during the day.

Ah, freedom.

This week will be crazy. Monday, I have a photo shoot for a co-worker in the evening. I also have Zumba class tomorrow morning. Tuesday, I have a wedding that I'm taking pictures of. Wednesday, we're going to Troy's family Christmas Extravaganza. Thursday, we're here, alone. Maybe some Chinese food will be involved. Friday/Saturday, headed to good ole Botetourt for Christmas with my family. Whew. Makes me crave a glass of wine just thinking about it.

P-Pie

I got up and did the Cardio Power class today. I was only able to do a half hour instead of the full hour--I was waiting for the childcare to open with my friend who went with me. I think I'm going to go back tonight and try Kickboxing. I'm not able to workout at the Y this weekend, because they don't offer childcare on the weekends, and Troy's working nights. Joy.

We got our Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee machine last night. It's awesome, I'm addicted. It even came with a little cup and saucer and then a big glass mug. So cute. Not bad, for 10 bucks!

I've got loads of laundry to do! I cleaned out the closet and my dresser last night, so I have a BIG bag of clothes to take to Goodwill sometime today. I hate giving away clothes, but it's getting to the point where I've held onto these clothes that don't fit/are old/I don't wear, and I have no room for new stuff! I know I'll probably get a gift card or two to Old Navy or Gap for Christmas, so I need room!

School starts in two weeks. Books cost so much! I can't believe it's 300 dollars for my A&P books! I'll be buying them used for sure. Thank goodness for Financial Aid!

Quite proud

...of myself. I found a website that offers restaurant gift certificates at a LOW price, and they were having a special. I got 100 dollars worth of gift certificates for 8 bucks. Pretty awesome, no?

Hubby and I will be using a quarter of that amount for lunch tomorrow. Mmmm, Legend.

I really enjoyed watching the Biggest Loser finale last night, after realizing that a new season starts back up on January 6th! How awesome is that??! I was seriously about to go through some serious withdrawls. How can I make it through a Tuesday evening without my Biggest Loser/stuffing my face with crap binge?

I made it back to the gym today, but found out I was too late to hit up Cardio Ballet. I did 3 days of classes last week. I feel like I'm coming down with a cold today, so I'm not sure if I'll make it to Pilates tomorrow, but I'd like to try! Today, my friend Amber joined the gym, and we did some elliptical madness and then I did 3.5 miles on the bike. Parker's happy to have a friend in the daycare--Amber's daughter is turning one next week.

I'm also trying desperately to drink more water. I found an online calculator, which says that I'm supposed to be drinking 112.5 ounces of water a day. WHAT?! Yes, that's 7 bottles of water. I made it through 4 and a half today.

Parker, Troy and I went down to Roanoke this weekend to attend a Compassionant Friends candlelight service in memory of my brother. It was very nice...beautiful, yet heart wrenching.

Parker got her first doll from my mom! She LOVES it. She also started saying DaDa this weekend. I heart her.

Ah, the holidays...

Crazy time of the year. Trying to make sure all the Christmas cards are in envelopes, stamped, addressed and sent in time. Buying the perfect presents for everyone, when you have no money. Cold, yucky and rainy weather that you have to go out in with a 6 month old.

Oh yes, it most certainly is the MOST wonderful time of the year.

Now, on with the pictures!

pictures

Thirsty

I went and took a Zumba class today. Man, it kicked my butt! I'm glad I did it though, it was a LOT of fun. I plan on going Monday/Wednesday/Friday now. I'm contemplating going to Yoga tomorrow morning, but I'm not sure.

Contests!

Win a Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breastpump from Nature's Child - Wholesome goods for Mothers and Babies

Win a Free Organic Embroidered Ergo Baby Carrier Hands Free System from Along for the Ride

Blog This

I've SO got my hands full these days. I thought I was busy before! Ha!

Parker's 5 months old now, and while she's not crawling yet, she's still a handful. She's a sweet baby, although she has her high maintenance moments!

I'm also watching a 9 month old 2-3 days a week now. Now, talk about a handful! She's crawling/standing up/getting into everything. It's nice because it gives me an idea of what Parker's going to be doing in just a few short months!

I'm also still taking pictures. I started doing that more for other people in July. I have my own website, though I haven't updated it in a while: www.pspphotography.net

I also spend a lot of time online, reading blogs and posting on message boards. I have a great network of friends online, and I really wish some of us lived closer!

Here's where I spend most of my time:

www.justmommies.com (I co-host the Fertility Charting Board, the June 2008 Playroom and I'm a Mommy Guide for the July 2009 Due Date Club!)

www.craigslist.org - self explanatory

www.yahoo.com

www.gmail.com

www.richmondmommies.com

www.sparkpeople.com

www.target.com

www.amazon.com

www.ebay.com

www.diaperswappers.com

www.frugalmomsrock.com

www.thepioneerwoman.com - Like to cook? Wish you could cook? Just looking at the pictures of her baking makes me drool

www.findingyourself.net - I LOVE Erin's posts, she always makes me laugh!

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. I wish I had more time to write....oh well! More later!

PS:

GET OUT AND VOTE TODAY!

Wedding Photography Giveaway!

I read other blogs a LOT more than I post on my own. I came across this blog contest from the message board I frequent (JM), and in order to get entries, I'm posting about the giveaway here!

I found a fabulous woman who does some excellent photography. She just recently re-vamped her site, and is setting out on a quest to explore her world and take more pictures outside of the box.

She's giving away a photography package for one lucky couple. Here's the rules:

http://rawsiiportfolio.blogspot.com/

1. The engaged couple must be nominated by someone other than themselves (can be anyone who knows them) and the nominating letter must explain why the couple deserves a free Rawsii Wedding package and include a photo of the couple. The more personality expressed, the better! Stories will be confirmed prior to announcing finalists. Nominations should be emailed ONLY. Send to weddingstories@rawsii.com . Winners will be required to sign the standard Wedding Day Agreement and Photograph and Publicity Consent and Release Form with Rawsii. All stories and images submitted become the property of Rawsii and will not be returned.
2. The couple’s wedding must take place between the dates of 1/1/10 and 12/31/10 in the Continental U.S. (this excludes Alaska and Hawaii). Void where prohibited.
3. All nominations must be received by 11:59pm EST on January 31, 2009. Rawsii reserves the right to select finalists without disclosing reasons or criteria. Finalists will be confirmed no later than March 30, 2009. Three finalists will then be presented on the Rawsii blog for public voting on April 1, 2009. Public vote will be final. In case of a tie, Rawsii reserves the right to cast the final vote.
4. The winner will receive the Smashing Fabulous Wedding Package, valued at $4200, which includes full day coverage, a 30-page (60-side) Storybook Album, and online proofing. In addition, the winner will receive the High Res images on DVD, and a 16x20 Gallery Wrap (an additional value of $1000.) All travel and lodging expenses will be covered by Rawsii. Winners will be required to sign standard Wedding Day agreement with Rawsii, minus any clauses pertaining to an exchange of monies.
5. To be eligible, the couple may not be under any contract or agreement for wedding photography with Impressions Studio or Rawsii or any other wedding photographer of any kind as of the date of entry. Cancellation of an existing contract with Impressions Studio or Rawsii will render a couple ineligible for the contest.
6. Another friendly message from my awesome lawyer, Matt: Rawsii reserves the right to change the contest or contest rules at any time without notice. No purchase necessary to win. Void where prohibited. (thanks Matt!)



If you're interested, shoot her an email, or post a comment on my blog! Good luck and happy wedding planning!!!

Wow...

It has been what seems like ages since I've posted on here, huh?

Um...at lot has happened since the end of May!

Parker was born on May 29th, 2008 at 11:08 pm. She will be 5 months old at the end of this month!

I went back to work, then decided to stay home. I love being at home with P everyday, though I do miss work. We go back and visit often.

I got braces, and I've started to finally lose some weight. Parker and I go for daily walks, and then I work out on the Wii Fit in the evenings.

That's about it in a nutshell. I'll come back and post something a bit more meaningful later, when I have two free hands! ;)