This and That

No one thing to write about today, but more of a mish mash of things. We've had my niece, Samantha-Joy, up here since Sunday afternoon, and the girls have been having a blast! Thought I'd just post a photo montage! :)

(now this is how her eyes really look! So blue :)

Our little Super Model :)

I took Amanda to The Picture People today, for her 6 month portraits. She actually will turn 6 months old on Friday! I can't believe how time flies!! I was pleased with the shots we got, however her blue eyes don't pop, or even look that blue in these pics. I'm already planning on taking her back next month, for another round. I'll be sure to get those baby blues to shine! :)

(sorry... it seems as though blogger can't handle the full picture, so part of each one is cut off :( )

From the Desk of Amanda Joy

From the Desk of Amanda Joy

Hi everybody! Amanda Joy here. I've been trying out my new keyboard that Ms Heidi brought to me. She heard that I like to help Mommy write emails and posts, and she figured I could use one of my own. I do worry, though, what Mommy will do without me now. I'll have to make sure I still help her from time to time, so that she doesn't feel like I'm neglecting her.

I've become very good at 'typing'. I figured out that the faster I bang my hands on the keys, the more keys I can push in! Mommy hasn't figured this out yet. She still types pretty slow, compared to me. And, would you believe, she only uses one finger on a key at a time! Imagine! I'll have to let her know my secret!

Here are some other tips that I'd like to share with all of you, that I think may help you at work! And, Mommy was so nice to help out with taking photos of me so that I could demonstrate them for you. Hope they help!

#1. No matter what, NEVER look surprised when someone approaches you at your desk. This only gives the impression that you were up to something! (Such as reading all the wonderful things Mommy writes about me, here!)



#2. Try to keep a pleasant look on your face as much as you can. Looking unhappy will just make everyone start talking in very high, silly, voices, and they'll keep asking you what's wrong. Then, they may very well start breaking out into some sort of goofy song, and make goofy faces, to try to make you smile. Save yourself! Just smile from the start!



#3. Always laugh at the Boss's jokes. If you don't, she's likely to sit there with that stinkin' camera for up to 30 minutes!


#4. Always look busy, and learn to entertain yourself when you're bored. Believe me, this will make the big guys really, really happy! It's like you gave them a million bucks! Well, almost! :)


#5. If you feel as though Mr. Sandman is getting ready to pay you a visit, whatever you do, GIVE IN TO THE SLEEP! Sleep is very good for you, and your mood, and if you fall asleep at your desk, the big folk will, after taking a few pictures and video, will rush you off to a nice comfy bed, in a nice dark, quiet room!...... * who's laughing now?

I will be okay, because I will be strong.

When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but do not quit.

Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you can never tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things go wrong that you must not quit.

Turning Over a New Leaf

Many of you know, just before I found out I was pregnant with Amanda Joy, I had lost a bunch of weight. I was feeling really good physically, and was starting to enjoy clothes again! During my pregnancy, I didn't gain too much weight, which thrilled me, and after Amanda was born, seemed to drop the inches pretty quickly. I didn't hang on to that pregnant looking belly that most women carry around for months. However, even with all that good fortune, I still have not gone back down to my pre- pregnancy size. It's getting pretty frustrating for me. I've tried a few times, to diet again, but it's been hard. Nursing seems to increase my appetite. Well, Amanda Joy isn't nursing as much any more, since we've started her on solids, so I figure now is the time!! So, I'm starting off slowly.. not really depriving myself of anything, but limiting my portions, and trying to make smarter choices. Some days are harder than others, that's a given. But, I'm trying!

This evening, I met my friend Tammy, over at Heidi's house. Tammy has signed up for this Power 90 program, and is sharing the fun with us. The three of us got together and did one of the workout tapes. Let me tell you, it kicked my butt! BUT, I feel GREAT! I'm proud of myself for doing it, and it's motivated me to start exercising every day. I've got an exercise bike and an Ab Lounger sitting here in the house, collecting dust. I need to use them. So, I am making a promise to myself, to use each one of them at least once a day. Even if it's only 10 minutes. Every little bit helps, and it's better than nothing! I'll be sure to post my progress :)

Now, on to a cuter topic... Amanda Joy :) Yes, we all know she's cute, but you know I couldn't resist sharing a few pictures of the little angel :)

Yes, I know I'm a goofball, but I had to show off the cute outfit Mommy's friend, Ms. Kim gave me!

Having fun in my exersaucer!

Look what I decided I can do now! :)

July 4th Fun!

Hope everyone had an awesome 4th ofJuly! Ours was great! Since we had already seen professional fireworks last weekend, we opted to just stay home again, shooting them off in the street with the neighbors. Rick and Heidi came over, as well as Heidi's friend, Pam, and we had quite the spread of food and drink! We didn't go hungry, that's for sure!!!

We braved the rain sprinkles, that fell throughout the day, but when it started to downpour, we all headed inside. Sadly, our power had gone out ~ we think due to some idiots shooting off illegals, and blowing a transformer. So we all sat in the dark, well candlelight, and chatted. The kids decided to play in the rain, then lit their sparklers under the overhang.

Eventually, the rain eased up enough so that we could go ahead and shoot off our fireworks. There were people everywhere!! I sware, I love this street! :) Here are a few pictures:

Steve shows off our yummy frozen margaritas!! Which, by the way, were made with Heidi's new Magic Bullet! I want one!!!

Amanda Joy enjoys the days festivities too! She shows off her "Born in 2008" shirt here! :)

Part of our July 4th family tradition is to light small fireworks in the backyard. One of the girls favorites are the colored snake bombs.. which, in my opinion, look like big turds! lol

Rebecca, deep in thought! But beautiful! :)

Hannah Banana! Isn't she pretty!?

Hannah, and her friend, Emily.. who lives down the street. The whole block came out for fireworks!

Hannah, Emily, Rebecca.. you can see the fireworks going off behind them! Such fun!! And yes, Rebecca is in her PJ's! heehee


Party in the street!


Heidi, enjoying some freshly squeezed (and tweaked) lemonade ;)


Mary Anne and Amanda Joy

Happy 4th of July!

Hope everyone has a great 4th, and is surrounded by family, or friends. We're having a small gathering at our house, and then fireworks in the street w/the neighbors :) I'll update tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, USA!