Friday, November 26, 2010

Thanksgiving/Black Friday

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with lots of good food and more importantly family time. What are everyone's traditions? I grew up with a huge family and holidays were extremely special. We always went to my mom's side of the family and had a huge shindig. Mostly at my grandparents or my Aunt's house. We ate a lot of food and spent time together. They are some of the best memories of my life. Unfortunately, time always changes things...people move, people pass away. We don't do that anymore. Now my dad's side of the family is very different and we have been going there for most of the holidays. I am not really talking about my sister or brother, but extended family. It's just not the same. The value of the holiday somehow disappears on who cooks what and how and your joyous banter is replaced with complaining and vulgarities. I make them sound terrible. Really, they aren't. I love all of my uncles and one Aunt, but they are better individually, in smaller doses. Something happens when they all get together. Don't get me wrong, I am happy I saw them all because I rarely do, but I am not sure that's the tradition I want to make with Liam. I want him to have those memories I do with my mom's side. The importance of togetherness and what holidays are really about. We were able to go to one of my best friends since elementary school house today where they celebrated their Thanksgiving. It was intimate and special and a great representation of family. They are some of the best people I have ever met. I had a fantastic time. Anyway, like I said, things change. I guess it is time to make our own traditions.
Mommy on Thanksgiving

Liam's 1st Thanksgiving

Grandpa and Liam

Tired little boy


I also was able to go Black Friday shopping with my mommy and Joel. We got a whole bunch of stuff for Liam (mostly because he is the most fun to shop for)and my nieces and nephews and a few things for me. My mom kept saying "these dolls are ugly", ha, it was funny. My little boy is such a trooper, he got up and braved the crowds! Like he had a choice...


Now let's start working out to work off all of our food!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

I am THANKFUL for....

  • My wonderful son, Liam
  • My puppy Fawna
  • My crazy family
  • My wonderful mother (yes she's family) but especially her b/c she helps us in so many ways
  • My great friends
  • Joel (yes he's a friend) but again, he does so much for us
  • Good health for Liam and I and most of my family and friends
  • The roof over our heads
  • My new job
  • Having food in our fridge
  • The ability to attend school
  • My son not being raised in the midst of fighting and poverty
  • TV, internet, phone
  • Mexican food, sushi, and Pita Jungle (HA)
  • Almost getting through this year in one piece regardless of the stress and emotional rollercoasters I have been on
  • My guardian angels: my grandparents, my brother, my cousin, my uncles
  • Man there is so much that I have to be thankful for, it is hard to write a list. I am sure there is so much I am leaving out. But trust me, I count my blessings everyday and know I have a lot more than most.

    What are you THANKFUL for?....
    Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
  • Monday, November 22, 2010

    Mandatory Measurement Monday

    Hey guys! Happy Monday! I know I have been seriously slacking on this. To be completely honest I really fell off of the horse with my progress. But what happens when you fall off? You brush yourself off and get back on....after crying and throwing a little fit if you're me. I am really lucky I haven't gained anything back and I am still at 178. To give myself credit the past week I have done really well with my eating, but I didn't track it. I did donate to the Hungry Howie's 5 year anniversary fund, but besides that I have done really well. I have started eating a lot of fresh vegetables, chicken and fish. One of my favorite things lately is this:


    ***OMG!! GASP*** Yes, its bread (insert dramatic music). Tsk Tsk. Ok people, get over it. I can't live without some carbs and its not as bad as it seems. The slices are a little smaller than normal bread, but they are only 40 calories a slice. Pop some tuna on those babies and you have a quite healthy and fulfilling meal. Another classic favorite, popcorn. My new favorite:


    Holy moly thats a big picture, oh well. I don't want to reupload. Talk about lazy (thats some foreshadowing for my next topic). Now its got a few more calories than SmartPop or plain popcorn, but its worth it. The flavor rocks. Its almost like eating chips, but way less guilty. Plus, popcorn fills me up.

    What I need to stop is being a lazy bum. Before Liam was born I loved exercising, mostly cycling, but I ate whatever I wanted. Didn't help. Now I can't get my butt up to exercise. GRRR... I know the hardest is just the first couple of weeks and once you get into the routine of the new lifestyle its easy, but man that hump is killing me. Now, I could sit here and rattle off a whole bunch of excuses, but that's exactly what they are, excuses. I could walk, I could run, I could do Wii Active, but instead, here I sit typing a blog. I guess I could blame you guys?! Ha. Starting tomorrow, dagnamit, I am going to work out, even if its just walking around the park.

    So there is my update. I think I can, I think I can.......

    And just because he is too cute to not mention:

    He sure loves shoving that thing in his mouth. There is no proof that Liam is still in his pajamas at noon, thank you very much.

    Saturday, November 20, 2010

    Book Review: A Summer Affair

    Before I get into the review, I just want to say where this is coming from. I love reading. Before Liam came along I read continuously. It is definitely more staggered now, but I miss it. I mostly read romance, especially the smutty ones and thrillers or suspense. But now that I plan to do book reviews, I think I should branch out. Not just that, I feel like I should read something with a little more meaning, something that will inspire or touch me. So I promise I will try to get all the recommended reads and get reviews up. And just a disclaimer I am not an author and do not have any professional experience, these reviews are just based on my personal opinions. So please feel free to disagree, just do so politely. Also, sorry if the first couple of reviews aer mucky, I am sure they will get better the more I do them. Thanks! Onto my first review....


    Synopsis (Always from book unless otherwise stated): Claire wants it all and in the eyes of her friends, she has it: a devoted husband, four beautiful children, even a successful career as an artist. But when serving as co chair of Nantucket's social event of the year propels Claire into the orbit of billionaire Lock Dixon, unexpected sparks begin to fly. Lock insists on working closely with her - often over a bottle of wine - and before long Claire can't ignore the subtle touches and lingering looks. To her surprise, she can't ignore how they make her feel, either. A Summer Affair captures the love, loss, and limbo of illicit romance and unchecked passion as it takes us on a brave and breathless journey into the heart of one modern woman.

    My Rating: ★★★☆☆

    Being my first book review, I don't want to get all crazy, but I think three stars is generous. The book was really slow going and extremely anti-climatic. Hilderbrand does a nice job with descriptions, but nothing really excited me. I didn't connect to any of the characters. The story does a nice job of showing some of the pressures of a wife and mother and how it can push you to do things out of character, but it just skims the surface of the consequences. I felt it was lacking a lot of depth and detail. There was a lot going on, but not in the good way. In my opinion, this book fell flat, and I would not recommend it.

    Wednesday, November 17, 2010

    6 (ish) Month Doctor's Appointment and Stats

    So we were a tad bit late taking Liam for his 6 month doctor appointment and I definitely heard about it from Dr. Reznick. I like the old man, but he is stuck in his methods and sometimes I am not sure I agree with everything he says or recommends. But he works for now. Anyone in the Phoenix Metro area have any suggestions on great pediatricians? Anyway, on to my cutie patootie.

    6 (ish) Months:
    Length/Height- 26 1/2, 30th percentile (please don't be short like mama)
    Head: 17 3/4, 75th percentile (lots of brains)
    Weight: 18 lbs 12.8 oz., 50th percentile (definitely NOT what I expected)
    Size 3 diapers
    3-6 & 6-9 months clothing
    Size 2-3 shoes, depending

    Liam had four vaccinations done today. He finished the series of Rotavirus, and had IPV, TB, and Hep B. He actually wasn't too upset today, but he had a looonnnnggg nap in the afternoon. That was nice for mommy because I had a terrible headache, so I got some rest too.

    **What Liam is doing**
  • Sitting unassisted for long periods of time
  • Rolling over from stomach to back and vice versa like a pro
  • Scooting like his diaper is on fire
  • Growing two teeth
  • Eating pretty much all 1st stage solids and some snacks
  • Supporting more weight on legs while being held
  • Trying to pull himself up on things
  • "Talking" a lot, no words yet
  • "Blowing raspberries" like crazy
  • Smiling and laughing all the time (especially when tickled or played with)
  • Extends arms to be picked up
  • Loves playing with his toys in the bathtub
  • Probably a bunch more, but I can't think of any more right now hehe


  • I shot a couple of pictures at the doctor's office today. He is so gorgeous!



    Happy Blogging!

    Tuesday, November 16, 2010

    Rice Cake and Organic Peanut Butter

    I guess.- Check
    Hot Tea.- Check
    Hot Bath.- Check
    Book.- Check
    Nothing to blog about.- Check, check

    Happy Tuesday.

    Monday, November 15, 2010

    BBDDs and Desert Botanical Garden

    It was time to get festive, so the new blog layout is up! I am still making a few tweaks and additions, so hang in with the changes. Thanks!

    This weekend was full of ups and downs. Let me give a little bit of background information. Right now, the bbdd, Ben, gets Liam two times a week, Friday and Saturday for 6 hours each day. Friday I informed Ben that Liam was starting to eat more solid foods and he would need to get a highchair and feeding utensils (spoons, bowls) for him. I told him that he should just get rice cereal and oatmeal for now to avoid any allergy confusion with mixing new foods. I also told him that in addition to solids, he still needs to eat 3-4 ounces of formula as well. On my way home I received a text asking if he should run out and get those things today or if he could wait until later. I responded saying "I fed him enough this morning so he should be okay without you running to the store". Keep this in mind. It will make sense later. So I went to a nice lunch with one of the greatest guys I know and let Ben keep Liam for an additional 30 minutes. It was one of the first times Ben had him where I didn't stare at the clock and worry. Big mistake. When I looked at the charting sheet for Liam I didn't see a time listed for feeding. He usually only feeds him once while he has him so I thought he forgot. I asked him when he fed him and he said "I didn't." I was like "exxxxcccuuuusssseee me? You had him for about 7 hours and you didn't feed him"??? And you know what he says?.... "You told me not to". Now why would I say don't feed Liam if you have him for 7 hours and you know he eats every 3, usually. And wouldn't you at least think to call and ask or text and confirm "its been awhile, are you sure I didn't misunderstand you". Then he tries to blame it on me and adds "he doesn't like formula anyway". So what, you just aren't going to feed him? Then because he got fussy (cuz the poor child was hungry) he gave him Tylenol. On an empty stomach. I was $*#%&@! p.o.'ed. I just left without saying goodbye. I am like where is the common sense? I felt so bad. Now I realize he isn't going to starve to death or anything, but I just question his capability of taking care of Liam alone. This hasn't been the only thing either. I constantly have to remind Ben that 4-5 hours is not an acceptable wait time to change Liam's diaper. Its just all of this adds up and makes me extremely worried to let him have him unsupervised. I am not sure what to do about that whole mess.

    So Saturday I got into it with Ben again over money he owes me for his share of Liam's out of pocket medical expenses. He thinks I am made of money and I should cover it all in full and he can pay little bits at a time. If it wasn't for me, and the help of my family, Liam wouldn't be able to go to his doctor's appointment Wednesday, which would leave him behind on his shots. Plus all of the bills that have only been partially paid would be held against me, and on my credit if it is sent to collections. That really irks me because he gets the rights and not the responsibilities. I am not rolling like that for the next 18 years.

    ANYWAY! Saturday was nice because I kept Liam. Let Ben stew over not feeding his child and his blase response to it. So Liam and I went with Joel to the Desert Botanical Garden. It was a beautiful day out and even though I am a native, I don't recall ever going there. Probably because my dad no doubt said "If you want to look at cacti, just go outside, you don't need to pay for it". Lol. We definitely enjoyed ourselves and got a few good pictures.

















    Sunday, November 14, 2010

    Under Construction

    I am taking a brief blogging hiatus to change up my blog. I look forward to the new, refreshed look! I should resume posting within the next couple of days. Happy blogging!

    Thursday, November 11, 2010

    Happy Veterans Day!


    Thank you to all our service men and women who have given their lives to fight for our country, lifestyle and most importantly, our freedom. Thank you to all of the service men and women who continue to fight the fight and risk their lives every day in the name of the United States and its' citizens. A special thanks to my grandpa, daddy, uncles and brother, among the many, who served in wars, which has allowed Liam and I to lead a life of freedom, with its many blessings. I hope we all remember the sacrifices they made and continue to make and never take advantage of the things we have that other countries do not. What does Veterans day mean to you? I hope not another excuse for a day off.

    I promised before and after pictures of the filing cabinet/paperwork organization projects, but I spaced on the before! I did shoot a few of the after, I apologize for the darkness, I didn't finish until late!

    Still don't like the way it's divided, but it works for now

    This is my new *important, look at me, must do* area (Just made that name up, can you tell). White board has to-do-list for the day and grocery list, corkboard holds unpaid bills (yikes), important business cards and coupons. My calendar is to the right, it's obviously a 2011 one, oh well.


    Today I had a job interview for part-time retail and I am really excited. I will share where if I get the position! Should know more next week. I guess you could sort of consider it a down-grade from the jobs I have held lately, but I have worked here in the past and it was my favorite job. I know it may seem silly to some of you, but this really is a little light at the end of my tunnel (I hope). Sometimes we get so far down and we have to crawl out of the pit in little baby steps. It would be perfect for my lifestyle and what I need right now, so please pray and for those who don't, send positive thoughts my way to get the job! Thank you!! I think my next big project for this weekend is getting my closet/clothes organized and putting the warmer clothes in the front. I love going through my closet, its like shopping. :-D I will leave you with a few shots of my loves:
    She sees into my soul... at least directly into my bowl of food

    Will work for food (meaning will work diligently at grabbing things off your face I want in my mouth)

    Mean muggin'
    But I can be adorable too
    And perplexed
    Enough posing, I just want to eat the tag


    Happy Veterans Day and Happy Blogging!

    Tuesday, November 9, 2010

    Random Mumblings

    The past two days I have spent braving the mess that is my bills/filing cabinet. Who ever said having kids is expensive was sure right! I am really lucky to have parents who help me get through "rough patches" in my life. I guess I can't blame all of my debt on Liam, but anyway you look a it, its not pretty. I cleared everything out into piles and called to verify amounts and what exactly was owed. It wasn't as scary as I thought. One of my goals this week is to reorganize my filing cabinet and get everything in its proper place, so I know exactly what and who I owe and have already paid. Organizing is a pain in my butt, but it sure does make your life easier and you aren't letting it pile up on your mind. And with being a SAHM and going through a custody battle I don't need anymore weighing on my mind than I already have! I would love to hear your ideas for organizing bills/important papers! I hate that we have to keep so many records for taxes! I will post before and afters of that mess within the week. Wish me happy sorting!

    On to other topics......

    Does anyone else feel like we as a society are really pushing Christmas this year? Let me just say, I love Christmas. It is my favorite holiday, by far. I cannot wait to spend the first Christmas with my little bean, but its early November! I don't understand why I am already being bombarded with Christmas commercials and displays and its not even close to Thanksgiving! This year is going to be a tight Christmas for me. Liam and I will probably only do Christmas pictures and cards. Lame-o, I know, but unfortunately there aren't many free gifts. I might do cookies or fudge too. Mostly because I want to eat it. Not like that is going to help my weight loss in any way. BTW, yes I am aware I haven't posted any Mandatory Measurement Monday blogs, I am such a slacker. I did weigh myself this morning and its still the same. If you see what I have been eating, you'd be surprised. Thank God for breastfeeding, but I don't have much longer to take advantage of that.

    Anyway, speaking of eating, Liam used his highchair for the first time the other day! I really think he loves having his own chair at the table and a place to eat his food (and play with it). I know I am bias, but I can't get over how stinkin' cute he is.

    I am waiting so patiently Mommy.


    Now I can make a mess!


    Have a great (and organized) day!

    Monday, November 8, 2010

    About Me

    As I have been getting more followers, I think I should take some time and share who I am and what I bring to this blogging world! My life is far from perfect and I know some may judge, but if you don't like me, you don't have to continue reading. I don't judge you. Walk a mile in my shoes.



    1. I am legally married to Joel. He is my best friend, but we have been separated for a couple of years.
    2. After our separation, I started dating a close friend from childhood, Ben, and I got pregnant (Liam).
    3. Ben treated me terribly during our relationship, so I left.
    4. I am a single mother to my little boy Liam and my puppy, Fawna.
    5. I am unemployed and a SAHM.
    6. I am a student.
    7. I live in an apartment in Phoenix Arizona.
    8. I love Mexican food, sushi and pasta.
    9. I love reading.
    10. I enjoy blogs about fashion, home decor and raising children.
    11. I am honest, outspoken and opinionated.
    12. I dislike politics and think politicians are shady.
    13. I have 1 step brother and 1 step sister who are blood in my eyes.
    14. I have 3 nieces and 2 nephews that I adore.
    15. I rarely drink caffeinated drinks and dislike coffee.
    16. I was a choir kid and love to sing. I miss performing everyday.
    17. I love sports and my teams are Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks.
    18. I have designer tastes on a Goodwill budget. I am constantly looking for a deal.
    19. My favorite season is Fall.
    20. I love anything girly.

    Those are just a few things about me. If you have anything you want to know about me, feel free to ask! What's great about this post is I am no longer afraid to discuss anything openly. No more self editing when I post. This is me, take it or leave it! My advice would be to never be ashamed of who you are or the life you lead! You should live without regrets and take everything as a learning experience. We are all here to make mistakes and grow. I would love to hear your stories and how you deal with the tribulations in your own lives!

    Sunday, November 7, 2010

    Thanksgiving Mantel/Baby Biscuit

    Look, two days in a row...I told you I would start blogging more again! I am forcing Liam and myself to stay in and relax this Sunday! I have already had to restrain from going to Target and its only noon. Liam and I have been on the go constantly the past two weeks and we just need some time to stay at home and be lazy relaxed! As I mentioned yesterday, last night we went to the AZ State Competition for Division II bands and he did great! I wanted to get some more pictures, but we didn't get to stay as long as I had planned. I think the past two weeks have really taken its toll on Liam and he was pooped out.

    Here's what we got:
    Liam and Joel

    Cousin David and Liam

    Cousin Katie and Liam


    He is so blessed to have such an awesome family. Family is the most important thing anyone can have and we've got the craziest cream of the crop ♥.

    I also changed my mantel from Halloween to Fall/Thanksgiving last week, but just took pictures. It is a lot more simple than the Halloween, but I like it. I can't wait to switch it to Christmas anyway.

    White pumpkin left over from Halloween, pumpkins and pinecones from Walmart $5.

    One mini fall girl represents Mommy. Walmart $1.

    One mini fall guy represents Liam. Walmart $1.

    Mr. Turkey Guy. Marshalls $6 this season.

    We call him "Fall Guy". Got him at Michaels on sale a couple seasons ago.


    And other exciting news about my bean, Liam ate a banana biscuit today! Grandma bought them for him a couple of days ago, but he kept gagging and wasn't quite ready for it yet. Today, he did great! What a difference a couple of days can make. Babies grow way too fast! Here are some adorable pictures of him stuffing his face :-).



    The rest of the day I have to do laundry and just hang out. Have a great Sunday!