R & R

I got some pretty good rest and relaxation this past weekend.  I had to work today, so this evening I sat outside and watched my boys play.  Daddy rode Jase on the four-wheeler (which is something I said I'd NEVER let him do, but I lost that battle) and I just watched.  Perfect evening for a fun time outside.  More on this past weekend later.  I'm too pooped tonight to write. :)

Fail... almost

So it's Saturday... and I haven't done an inspirational post.

But the day isn't over yet!!!

I really have nothing to talk about.  Nothing interesting has happened lately.  However, we have had a busy weekend, and I'll tell you all about that soon.

So I guess today, my post will just be generic.  

Something that inspires me is:

DESTIN, FLORIDA.

I cannot wait to go... however, it's a long time 'til August.

But I can keep dreaming of that day when my toes touch the sand.

'Til then, the pool will have to do.

OUCH!!!

See this photo?  I know it probably doesn't mean much to you, but I'll try my best to explain.

Everyone has a navicular bone in their foot.

10% of the population has an EXTRA bone, called the accessory navicular bone that is attached to the end.  Most of the time, it doesn't cause problems.

I am one of those 10%.  And the one in my left foot is broken.  It's actually been broken since I was about 12.  Yep, 12. 

(I won't bore you with the story about how my parents ignored me every time I told them my foot hurt.  They love that story.)

So anyhow, since then, I've always had lots (and LOTS) of pain in my left foot.  In the past year or so, it's gotten extremely bad.  Sometimes UNBELIEVABLY painful.  I saw a doctor about a year ago to see what the problem was... I had no idea I had a broken bone.  I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, and I guess that's why it took me so long to see what was wrong. 

I was told the only fix is surgery.  Surgery involves removing the extra (broken) bone and reattaching the tendon to the navicular bone, where it's supposed to be.

It also involves a cast - up to the knee - for 6 WEEKS.  Absolutely no pressure.  NO walking.

Now, how in the heck am I supposed to do that???  With a 3-year-old???

This week, I've actually been considering it.  I've been in terrible pain today.  I haven't gotten off the couch except when Jase needed me.  I can't put any pressure on my foot, and I can't rotate my ankle.  I wish I could explain the trouble this little bitty bone is causing.

Anyway, now that you have heard my sob story, I hope you'll join my pity party. :(

The thoughts of a cast just make me anxious.  I literally start to sweat just THINKING of my leg being "trapped" inside that thing for 6 WEEKS. 

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

it's your money...

FOREVER now, my husband has been saying, "I'm getting an iPhone." 

And every time, I say, "No you're not."

He's so rough on phones.  He drops them, sits on them, loses them, and all sorts of other horrible things.

But both of our contracts finally ran out w/ AT&T.  He called me yesterday at work and said, "Let's just go by and see how much it would cost."

I was still totally against it.  I can just see a disaster waiting to happen.
In all actuality, he pays for everything, so I guess he can do whatever he wants... I usually am pretty good at talking him out of things. :)

The next thing I knew, we were BOTH leaving the store with new iPhones. 

Craziness.  But I do love it... I spent all night playing with it. :)

Before, I had a Blackberry (that was a hand-me-down) and he had a little crappy phone that barely worked.  But our payment was pretty high since I had to carry a data plan, and we had separate texting plans.

Now, we both have data, unlimited text and new phones and it comes out to be exactly the same amount!  I was impressed.... but it's only b/c he gets a little discount for being a Southern Co. employee.... wish we had known about that for the last 7 years, huh?

The only deal is:  if he breaks it, tough luck.  There will be ABSOLUTELY NO replacing it.... for 700 bucks.  No way.

We'll see how long it lasts (and pray really hard he doesn't ruin it).

For a friend...

I am going back to work... yep.

But thank goodness it's only 2 days a week. 

I have a friend (and former coworker) at Merle Norman Cosmetics in Gardendale... her name is Nancy.

About 1 month ago, she was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma - the most aggressive form of brain cancer.  In a month's time, it spread from one side of her brain to the other.  It is inoperable.  She is under the care of a doctor at UAB.  They have told her from the beginning that there is no cure.  But they are going to do everything they can to treat the symptoms of the tumor. 

Such a sad situation.  Unfortunately, unless she receives a miracle (which we are all praying for) the outcome does not look good.

So I was asked to help out in her place at the shop. 

I hate that I'll be going back there on these circumstances, but I'm glad I'll be able to help take a little stress off of the boss.  I know she's having a hard time, and doesn't know quite what to do.  So I'm there until she makes a final decision.

I have prepared Jase for this... as much as possible.  Not too sure he understands that Mommy will be gone for 8 hours on these days.  But then again, he probably doesn't care.  He'll love being with Grandmommy.  She has an iPad. :)

I'll let you know how it goes!!!  And maybe I won't spend too much money on makeup.

New Likes and Dislikes

Some beauty products I've purchased recently... most of which I'm in love with!

This is my ABSOLUTE favorite piece of jewelry (other than my wedding rings) and I wear it ALL the time.  I thought I'd share with you just how special it is to me!

Fizzy Tub Colors - bathtime fun!

This is a great way to learn colors - or just have fun during bathtime!

And also, these fun colored soaps are so much fun... they wash away clean and they smell great!

Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Clean Up!

Recently, I decided it was time (past time, actually) to revamp the playroom.  It will eventually become Jase's bedroom (if we're still living here when the next baby comes).  But it was just a mish-mash of things... toys and stuff, arts and crafts, all sorts of things.

I was tired of looking at it.

So I got busy... throwing things away left and right.

This was my old bookshelf and desk (which I never used, except to collect things... and dust):

And I paired it down to this:

This is the room as a disaster area, while I was trying to organize what I was keeping and what was trash:

And here's the finished room... I know you can't see it all, but it's SO MUCH BETTER.  Much more room to play!

And for the last of my projects, I talked hubby into putting some shelves into my hall closet.  Before, I had stuff just thrown in there.  It would literally fall out onto you when you opened the door.  

Now, it's perfect!  All of my crafts (along with some other things) are neatly stored away... out of sight!

 

I am so proud of the transformation... hopefully it'll look better for house showings.  It definitely won't look so cluttered.  That's a good thing!

Lazy day...

The first off-day my hubby had following the tornado cleanup, we spent all day together!

and it was a lazy day.

here's some pictures I snapped of Jase and Daddy snoozing in the backyard.  

Perfection. :)

Snack time!

I've found a neat little snack that's great for "watching your diet."

While buying groceries last week, I stumbled upon these little things... I was looking for something to snack on during the day (besides Easter candy - it's KILLING me).

 

Sensible Portions Cinnamon Apple Straws.  They are all natural, no trans fat, no cholesterol.  The serving size is 38 STRAWS.  That pretty much sold me.  I hate when I can only eat 5 of something.  That's not enough to satisfy my tongue, much less my belly.

38 straws have 130 calories.  You can't beat that.

I was skeptical about how they would taste, but they are actually pretty good.  And addictive.  They have the consistency/texture of cinnamon twists from Taco Bell.  Light, crunchy, and covered in cinnamon/sugar.  But they have an "apple-y" aftertaste.  

They also come in other flavors: potato, sweet potato, and veggie.

Give 'em a try!

11 Most Reached for Products

Proud Wifey

I am so inspired by my husband and all of the men and women who were "first responders" after the devastating tornadoes 2 weeks ago.  

This week, he brought home a very exciting surprise for me - and for himself.

Each month, Alabama Power Company prints a new edition of the monthly newsletter, Powergram.  Unfortunately, it's not given out to the public, but employees have access to them at their headquarters.  He got his hands on one this week (and we're trying to get more copies).  

Guess who's on the front cover???

Here's a closer look...

Yep.... that's my man!!!

Working hard.

I was lucky enough to see him working in person during the aftermath of the storm... I had to take him some clothes since he wasn't coming home at night.  I just sat in awe, watching him take so much pride in his work.  He's awesome, and I love him. :)

The men and women of the power company have worked so extremely hard to restore power to homes and businesses.  And now, they are in the "rebuilding" stage.  It's going to be a long road, but they are so dedicated.

I am 1 PROUD WIFE!

Genius

I have done a lot of research on cleansing tools, such as this one from Clarisonic.

They can cost more than $200!!!

No WAY am I going to pay that.

Recently, Olay Professionals came out with something VERY similar.  This is their version.

It costs a FRACTION of the price... coming in at $29.99 @ Wal-Mart.  

(I also saw it at Ulta this past weekend for $25)

I heard a YouTube beauty guru, Kandee Johnson, raving about this product.  I could not wait to try it!

This is what it claims to do:

-Cleans skin 6 TIMES BETTER than basic cleansing.

-Helps maximize the immediate hydrating effectiveness of your moisturizer.

It has 2 speeds, comes with a removable head (replacement heads available), and is waterproof for use in the shower.  It also comes with batteries.  That's a big plus for me.

Now, after seeing what the Clarisonic does for people (I've heard it works miracles for your skin), I figured this would do the same thing.  

It definitely does.  I use it twice a day.  I have used the cleanser that came with it - an exfoliating, anti-aging cleanser - and I liked it.  But I also use it with my normal cleanser and makeup remover.  Not only does it clean well, but it exfoliates.  I have noticed a DRAMATIC difference in my skin's texture, the clarity of my skin, and clearing of pores.  I've always looked for a magic trick for blackheads.  This is it.  And MOST OF ALL, it's relaxing.  Jason agrees. :)

So I definitely recommend that everyone try this product!  If you're like me and do NOT want to spend $200 for the professional version, try this less expensive one.  You won't be disappointed.  I promise.

For real???

Head on over to Adventures in Love and Happiness to see who's featured in her weekly post, Real People in Love.

SO EXCITING!!!

Fabulous-ness... Part 2

So the rest of my fabulous weekend went like this:

Saturday, we slept late...  MUCH NEEDED!

Once Jase got back home, we got ready and headed BACK to Birmingham.  We rode through some of the devastated areas.  Pitiful.

We went toward the Summit.  We don't go there a whole lot.  But Jason wanted P.F. Chang's.  So that's where we went.

After a great lunch/dinner, he made a pit stop at Old Navy.  I guess he just new I wanted to go, even though  I didn't say a word.  I really had no intentions of him spending that much money on me this weekend.  Especially since he worked so hard to make it.  But it was his idea.  Why would I dispute, that?

I got a couple of shirts and a CUTE pair of shoes.

And they're actually very comfy!

Then, to Jase's favorite place -  the must-have dessert... Yogurt Mountain.

The we were home by 6:00.  We decided that we'd go out early like that from now on.  That way, the night is still young and we won't have to go straight to bed afterwards.

Sunday was another great day.  After church, we (my parents & my sis and her hubby) went to our usual Mother's Day traditional lunch place... Johnny Rockets.  We went there a few years ago when all of the B'ham restaurants had 2 hour waits.  It was a great decision, and we've just kept it up each year.

Then we spent the evening at Jason's parents' house with his family.  It was such a beautiful day.  We spent the entire evening outside.  Hotdogs, wiffle ball (not sure how to spell that, but Hubby says wiffle), and a porch swing - plus some bug spray.  

Now THAT was a fabulous weekend!

I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day.

In all of my joy, I have NOT forgotten those who have suffered great losses over the past few weeks.  My heart is broken for them.

Fabulous!

That sums up my weekend!

The best part: I had my hubby home with me ALL 3 DAYS!  He devoted the weekend to me, for Mother's Day.  However, I was just glad to have him home.  I would much rather the weekend have been all about HIM.  He's such an awesome part of my life... and my best friend.  I'm so proud of him.

But he insisted. :)

Friday, we had a lazy day.  Then we talked Jason's parents into keeping Jase for the night.  It's been a while since we've been out (just the 2 of us).  Now, we LOVE taking Jase with us.  But he wouldn't have been up for a late movie.

First, we made a stop at Jeff Dennis Jewelers.  I needed just a few more charms to fill up my bracelet.  Unfortunately, the MOM charm that I had really wanted was all sold out.  But next on my list was the cute little cupcake with a gold cherry on top.  LOVE IT!

I think I still have room for one more little bitty charm, but then it'll be time to start another one. :)

Then we made our way to Cajun Steamer.  We love that place!  I had been craving crab legs, so it was the perfect opportunity.

After that, he so graciously let me take a walk in Ulta.  I made myself hurry... I would've bought the whole store if I'd had enough money.  (And I made a mental wishlist... can't wait to go back!)

His words were, "so this place is to YOU, as Mark's Outdoors is to ME."

Good analogy.

Then it was on to the movies.  It's been quite sometime since we went to the movies.  But we love the  Fast and Furious movies, so we had to go see Fast 5.  It was awesome!  LOUD, but awesome.

That was just the beginning of a lovely weekend!

I'll share the rest later!  I know you don't want to read a book.  And also, I'm sitting at the dinner table (by myself) waiting on my hubby to get home from work.  The sloppy joes and french fries are calling my name. 

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!!!

see my cute little cupcake on the top left?  cute!!

My inspiration...

One of the most inspiring people in my life is my mother.

Today is all about her.

She's always been there... will always be there.  I want to be exactly like her.

She (along with every mother on the face of the Earth) used to say, "One day, when you have children, you'll understand."

And she was right.  I never knew I could love someone as much as I love my child.

I love being a mother... and I learned from the best.  I hope I make her proud.

Back to normal...

We're on our way.  If you read my last post, you've heard my sob story.  Our lives (everyone's in Alabama) have been far from normal for the past week.  But I know, eventually, we'll get there.

Again, let me say this... I am SO thankful for the protection of my home and family during the storms.

I'm also so thankful that our household is slowly returning to normal.  After 8 days of working NON-STOP, Alabama Power Co. has decided they can return to normal hours.  Four 10-hour shifts, no weekends.  I'm so very excited!  But not as excited as my hubby is.  He can't wait to just chill on the couch... and I can't wait for him to do that either.  I've never wanted him home so bad in my life. 

And I'm very thankful he'll get to spend Mother's Day weekend with me. :)

Just can't do it...

I'm having such a hard time blogging this week.  

After the devastation that our state (and many others around us) has faced in the past week, I've had a difficult time continuing with my everyday, normal routine.  Just knowing that there are SO many people who want their lives to return to normal, too, just makes my heart hurt.  I can't bring myself to talk about anything pleasant, enjoyable, or fun... just can't do it.

I know things will go back to normal soon... well, maybe not soon.  But eventually.

I've also been in a terrible mood for the past week.  I know, I should be so thankful that my family and home are all in one piece.  And believe me, I AM.  I have so much to be thankful for... especially considering what so many have gone through - and continue to go through.

I have been missing my husband terribly.  He works for the power company, so you can imagine how much he's been working the past 7 days.  18ish (sometimes 24) hours a day.  For 7 days.

He's exhausted... and I'm exhausted just thinking about how exhausted he is!!

But the good news: Their goal was to have 95% of all power (to the places that could take power) ON by Wednesday.  

Well, today is Wednesday.  

They met their goal YESTERDAY!  98% ON.

414,000 people without power last Wednesday - 2,000 today.

I am so unbelievably proud of my husband, all the men and women from AL. Power, and all the folks from other states who have been here pitching in.  AMAZING.

But that doesn't mean I don't miss him.  Jase misses him.

And that's another thing.  This whole situation has really thrown a kink in Jase's routine.  He's been so out-of-whack.  And combined with my bad mood, it's been a rough week.  I've had to apologize to him several times.  Thank goodness, he just smiles and says, "It's okay, Mommy."  Unconditional love.

We are HOPING AND PRAYING that Daddy will get to come home at a decent hour tonight.  Not only to spend some time with us, but to SLEEP!  He's slept in hotels, in storage buildings on air mattresses, and in trucks.  I'd love for him to get more than a few hours of sleep in his nice warm bed... on our new mattress that I made a point to go buy this week. :)  He thanks me.

So, after all my whining, I have to apologize to you, also.

I am not a selfish person, and I don't want to be one EVER... and especially in this situation.  I've been a couple of times to help in communities who lost everything... including ones they loved.

I can't imagine.  I am so very blessed, thankful, and grateful for God's protecting hand upon me and my family.

Thanks again for letting me blow off some steam... that's what blogs are for, right?? :)

Eventually, I'll be back to normal and posting some uplifting things.  Just hang with me.