Winter Wonderland Pictures

 Happy New Years Eve!

E and I both have today off or work...Yay!

We spend the first half of the morning cleaning the house...it needed it! Then we had to pick up some groceries because our fridge and pantry are bare. I have been working on laundry all day and what do you know its still not done but I'd much rather be lazy and spend time on blogger. I have been printing out pictures with the hopes of scrap booking this weekend...hopefully.

My mom and sister are on their way down. Which is one reason I need to go finish that laundry and clean up the bathroomsFor now I will leave y ou with some pictures from last weekends snow storm.

E running with 3 out of the 4 dogs in the back yard in Williamsburg

Out the front window in Williamsburg.
My dad had already shoved the drive twice at this point and the snow was still coming down!

My adorable little sister

E and I

Me and my sister

E's car in Virginia Beach...we had less snow than Williamsburg yet it took longer to clear the roads.

I wish I had pictures of us sledding but no one wanted to risk ruining their camera. It was a blast!!

Winner and My Year in Status

The winner of the CafePress giveaway is Allison at A Little Bit of Everything. Congratulations Allison!!

I saw this on a couple of other blogs and thought how fun...so I had to copy! Its easy to do if you have a Facebook...and really who doesn't. Almost all of my posts are happy and include many !!! I feel like I am also so excited when I type. :)

My dad left for Afghanistan today...again. I think it's actually worse than the first time. This is his third trip over there. Two weeks was just not long enough...

My mom and sister are coming to visit tomorrow and spend new years eve with us. My sister is flying to Chicago on the first and then leaves for Luxembourg. She is studying abroad for the semester. So jealous I wish I was going to be able to visit her!!

Top 2 New Years Resolutions

 Top 2 New Years Resolutions

 

1. To continue to become a better runner. 

The Half Marathon is coming...even when I'm not out there running. I really need to focus and run no matter how tired or lazy I feel in the morning/evening. This also includes adding in more cross training. Starting in January I hope to get to the gym a few times a week to swim. In 3 months from now I will have completed my first half-marathon and I'd love to say I ran the whole thing! 

2. I want to create/craft more

I have so many pictures and scrap-booking materials that I need to use. I have a whole craft room set up for just that. I will also include blogging and adding pictures. There was a time I wouldn't post without a picture and now I'm not sure what is the last picture I put up. 

Enter the CafePress Giveaway  - Open till Mindnight Dec. 29th!

Resolutions

With the new year right around the corner I need to start creating a list of things for the new year. I know that I create a list of goals or things to try in the new year and usually I loose or forget about it right around the beginning of February. This year will probably be the same but I really would like to achieve a few. Such as running the entire half-marathon in March Good thing I have a couple more days to get that list together!

There is still time to enter in to the CafePress giveaway.

The day after Christmas. Another great day to shop for sales. Luckily, I have nothing to return. I was lucky enough to get a few gift cards so it's a strong possibility that we will be out hitting up the sales. 

If you are done with all the crowded shopping take a minute and check out my giveaway from CafePress!

This afternoon E is going back to our house. He has to work on Monday. I can't believe that this weekend is already over. I have Monday off and I am so glad that I do. My dad leaves later this week to go back to Afghanistan and just a day later my sister leaves for Luxembourg. She is studying aboard this semester and will be back in May. My dad will be back in June or July. So it was extra special this weekend just having everyone home.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!! I hope Santa brought you some special presents this year! 

I know I am most excited about the Camera and Cricut Expression

 I found under the tree with my name on it. :)

I know everyone is super busy with family today but I just wanted to put out a little reminder about the CafePress Giveaway going on right now!! Go enter and win something just for you.

CafePress Giveaway

I was asked to do a review for a CafePress on their amazing looking holiday cards. Unfortunately, that’s about the same time the computer took a crash and I just wasn’t able to get on board with that. Maybe next year they can keep me in mind…I’ll be better prepared hopefully!


If you are still looking to order holiday cards check out CafePress especially the operation gratitude cards. In addition, to helping our soldiers the cards are 20% off! Straight from the website this is what they say about the Operation Gratitude Cards

“An amount equal to 10% of the final purchase price for all Holiday Photo Flat Card Stationery tagged with "Operation Gratitude" and sold through the CafePress.com Marketplace during October 12, 2010 through December 25, 2010 will be donated to Operation Gratitude (http://www.opgratitude.com/).”

You know I love a program helping the military!

Lucky for me the company is still letting me host a review/giveaway! I browsed through the site and actually ended up getting a Christmas present for my mother-in law. And then decided I could really use a new water bottle. I love how they have all the pre-designed images and that you can create you own. Talk about getting what you want! I decided on the US Coastie Wife. After I placed the order it arrived quickly and in great shape. I love the size, perfect for at work or to take on a run. The bottle is 12oz so this isn’t the only thing I would pack for a long trip where you wouldn’t be able to fill up again. But when water is easily available for refills it’s perfect.

There is a label on the thermos that says it can keep liquids cold for up to 12 hours. I didn’t get a chance to wash it before I came to work this morning. So I haven’t been able to test it out. However, I was able to easily take it apart for washing. The packaging says it is top shelf dishwasher safe which is awesome because I hate hand washing things! The first few times I will probably hand wash but after the newness wears off it’s going in the dishwasher just like everything else!

Now, it’s your turn! You get to pick your own Thermos from CafePress!

This giveaway is for followers and US residents only.

Entry 1: Be a follower and leave some love

Entry 2: Go to CafePress Facebook page and like them - facebook.com/cafepress

Entry 3: Following CafePress on twitter - twitter.com/cafepress

Since the Christmas is coming up and you and I probably won’t be online as often as normal. You can enter this giveaway till Wednesday December 29th. I will announce the winner on Thursday, December 30th.

Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone is have a good week so far...

I'm packing and getting ready for the trip. I hope there isn't too much snow!

Today is the last day to entry into the giveaway!

Entry in for a chance to win $35 gift certificate to CSN.com

Good Luck!



I am working late at the office all this week in order to take a half day Thursday and all day Friday off so I can go pick my sister up from school in Ohio!

We got the CD with our family pictures maybe if I have time tomorrow I will be able to upload a few...might wait till after the trip. I have one absolute favorite of the kids!

Of course don't forget about the CSN Giveaway 

Last chance to enter is tomorrow by 6pm Eastern Time.

Good Luck

I have had a cold I just can't shake this past week.

I have been going to bed around 8 or 830pm and feel extremely old!

Another reason I haven't written much is because E broke our laptop. my life line to the real world is out of order. It still technically works if you can stand to look at a fuzzy red screen. We are waiting till after Christmas to get it fixed so perhaps I won't be positing much until then.

Anyway, I just poped on to tell you to check out my giveaway!

CSN GIVEAWAY 

Giveaway

Just in time for The Holidays I have a CSN giveaway for all you lovely readers!

Because I was so happy with my review last month...and because I has such a hard time deciding between something for the kitchen, one of the many flat screen TV Stands, or something for my furbabies. I knew this month I needed to give someone else the chance to shop with a gift certificate of $35! 

In order, to give the winner time to shop and order before the holidays I'll keep this short. The winner will be selected at random.org and this entry will be open until 6pm on Wednesday December 15th.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry

Entry 1: Be a follower and let me know! 

Entry 2: Look around CSN and tell me what you would get if you win

Entry 3: Tell me what is your favorite thing about the holidays

Good Luck!

 

I got a spam comment today...on a post from months ago!

WHAT?!


I already deleted the comment...but I thought it was pretty funny.

However, I hope it doesn't happen often cause that will get annoying real fast.

The Weekend

This Saturday is going to be so busy!

We are going to take family pictures with the inlaws. We are keeping it simple white shirts and bleu jeans.

Then we are celebrating my sister in law's and my birthday by going out to dinner.

I hope we go to Cheesecake factory.

And we are finishing the night by going to see The Lion King

Source

Sunday, EJ and I are going to a local farm to cut down our Christmas tree. I am very excited about this. The past two years we have had a small table top tree because we lived in a small apartment and then we weren't actually in our home for the Holidays. So this year since we aren't going anywhere I want a real big tree. When I was little my family went out every year and cut down a tree and that is one tradition I would really like to keep!

Favorite Month

Today is December 1st!

I love the month of December. It is my favorite time of year. I love the lights and sounds and smells and the holiday shopping.

Not to mention it is also my birthday month and I'll be 25 this year!

Needless to say I am happy it is December.

Holiday Lights

Not posting often due to holiday construction going on in our house...

We are hanging Christmas lights this week!

Hopefully pictures will follow

Half Marathon Training

One of my best friends from high school is here visiting her family. We are running the Shamrock Half Marathon in March together. She lives in Florida right now so we don't train together but we are pretty much at the same pace. Today was our first run as a team! We ran/walked 12 miles. We were following the course that we will really be running down at the beach.  There is a loop in the middle that we opted out of this time which is why we were a mile short. We finished that in 2.5 hours. I am very proud of us because I thought for sure it would take us longer. Now I know we will be able to run the whole thing in less time come March.

Thanksgiving was fun. I spent most of the week with my sister. My camera isn't really working so I don't have a single picture. I'm hoping Santa will bring me a new one because I miss taking pictures. :)

Because I am such a good momma I picked the kitty climbing thing. Ordering was quick and easy. And we received the box today! How awesome is that. Delivery was free and came much faster then I thought it would even with the holiday. I hope Ashleigh likes it. I put some catnip on it to make it extra enticing. Only time will tell. I am happy with the purchase!

I really loved the clock but I was just too afraid it wasn't going to be big enough for the area I want to hang it. I just need to buy one in person. So that's why I went with the the cat thing. Plus I feel like the puppies are always getting new toys but she can't because the dogs will just eat/choke on hers. She deserved a little something special. :)

Hopefully, one day in the near future I'll get a picture of her on it.

Review

I have never done a review before so I am excited to announce that I will be doing one for CSN Stores.

 You know the company, CSN Stores sell everything from housewares for the kitchen to bar tables and stools for the den and everything in between! There is so much to choose from I feel like anyone could find something they love!

I am having a hard time picking just one thing! Plus I am so indecisive....hopefully I make a choice tonight!

I really want an over sized clock to go over the fire place

Or maybe something for my kitty since the puppies just got a new dog bed it only seems fair

Or something for the kitchen...I love these!

Shopping

Going to Michael's today with my future sister-in-law to look at wedding things and hopefully sale items. Twice in one weekend...I am out of control! haha


I would like to get a mirror to put down in the fireplace and candles going for a look like this...without so many candles all over. We have a real wood burning fireplace but the odds of us actually using it are slim to none so I'd at least like something nice to look at inside it!


Source



Swagger

Signed up for swag bucks today...addicting!

Maybe by next Christmas I will have enough to get a really awesome gift card

Did I really just say that?!

I used to work at the Crowne in Old Town Alexandria. That was my first big kid job out of college. Now that I work at this CP it is taking some getting used to. I was leaving a message for a client this week and started saying Hi this is Christine with the CP in Old Town Alex...I mean Va Beach. LOL Ohhh man. I think it was worse because I was talking to someone's voicemail. While I wanted to explain my mix up I really didn't want to ramble on. I thought it was pretty funny...embarrasing...but funny. Now I really think about it when I answer the phone to make sure I don't say the wrong hotel.

I went to Michael's today after work. They are having some great sales. 70% off all halloween and fall decorations. Since I'm not really ready to put out Christmas decor. I took this time to purchase a few things for the mantle. A few years from now when I have hit up all the after holiday sales I will have a house decorated nicely during the actual holiday...at least that's my plan right now.

I don't have any plans for this weekend. Which I am very excited about! Maybe I will be able to get a few things done around the house...like vaccum and laundry. I know, I am the most exciting person. Maybe I will be able to hit up a few more stores for their fall sales.

A new month

It's November 1st already. Like most other people I'm sitting here wondering where the time has gone.

I made it through my first week back as a full-time hotel employee...and now it's on to the second week.

I am getting the hang of things but boy, is it such a change of pace! Days are just flying by.

Halloween was busy but fun. We set up the fire pit and chairs in the driveway and had friends over to help us pass out candy. E and his brother made it their mission to scare kids. We didn't scare too many kids but a teenage girl was frightened to come up our drive-way. We realized later that we probably did look creepy with all of us sitting there in the dark huddled around the fire.

I ran 4.5 miles today the furthest I have gone yet. That is really what I needed after taking a few weeks off last week was very discouraging. So to start this week off with such a long run is awesome!

Light Reading Material

A few posts ago I wrote about how I received an offer for a new job. I named the company specifically. I have been working there for less then two weeks and only for 2 hours a day as I finish up my job as a nanny. Tomorrow is my last day with the kids. Today the General Manager tells me he has read my blog! WHAT?! haha my own parents don't even know about my blog. Apparently they have a google hit search thing for the name of the company and my blog popped up on their! haha Thank god I wrote wonderful things. Not that I would ever say bad things about the company anyway. But it is a good lesson to learn now. I mean I wouldn't have ever thought about something like that. A little some to keep in mind.

Homearama 2010

I have been babysitting most of the weekend for the cutest little girl. She is 8 months old and just adorable. One of my favorite parts about this particular position is nap time. All the other kids I watch think they are too old for naps.

 But now that I am done E and I are going to Homearama!

10 amazing looking houses in East Beach.

This afternoon will be filled with daydreaming about what our future house will look like.



This is my favorite from the website. I just love the double porches.



Homecoming, 5k, Memory Walk

Pictures from my weekend at BGSU - a little out of order but that's ok



Before my first 5k with my t-shirt - We finished in just over 34 minutes



Getting ready to leave for the game



My sorority family
Amy, Brooke, Me, Liz




At the Alzheimer's Memory Walk on Sunday at the Toledo Zoo
It was soooo cold!!



My sister and I before the race!

New Job

I have a new job!

I am the new sales and catering coordinator at the Crowne Plaza in Virginia Beach.

I am still technically a nanny for the next week and a half or so till she finds a replacement. And I had to tell the little boy last night that I wasn't going to babysit him anymore. I think I was more sad about it then he was. lol which is good because the last thing I want is a sad little boy.

I am going in tomorrow to fill out the paperwork and start to get a feel for it. I have already held this position at the Crowne Plaza in Alexandria, VA but I'm sure there are some differences at each hotel. This hotel is a lot smaller then my last so that will be the biggest change. Waking up and going to work so early and wearing a suit will also take some time to adjust to. Having a full-time pay check will make it all worth it!

Here's a picture of what our life has been like the past 3 weeks with 4 dogs in the house!

Poor E his own dogs have kicked him to the floor.

Giveaway Winner

The interview went well today! Hopefully I get a call soon that I got the job!! As much as I love the kids I work with right now I am so ready to be back in the corporate world...at least that's what I think right now :)

On to the giveaway winner

Random.org selected 

Brae from The Prejean's A glimpse of our life

Congrat's girl!! 

Thank you everyone who stopped by..hopefully I will be able to have another giveaway soon

Giveaway

Nothing real exciting happening here...

Oh, except I am having a giveaway! 

And your last chance to enter is tonight by midnight...that's less than 3 hours people!

Check it out you could win a CSN Gift Card.

Other not so interesting things going on - 

I have my creepy interview tomorrow morning

I am getting the oil changed in my car on Thursday morning

I leave for Ohio to see my real sister and all my sorority sisters on Friday!  - That is exciting!!

I am running my first 5k & BGSU Homecoming is Saturday!  - Also very exciting!!

So really only the next two days are boring :)

Enter the giveaway so I can at least spice up your Wednesday!

Giveaway

~~GIVEAWAY~~

CSN Stores are at it again and you my lucky readers get rewarded!

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from

 stylish handbags, to a funky end table, or great cookware!

I know everyone has at least one thing they need/want right now. And this might even be the time to start thinking about holiday gifts - it's never to early to start shopping!

All you need to do is head on over to their awesome website

Come back and tell me what you would spend a $35 gift card on when you win.

*****

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian readers only.

Entry 1: You must be a follower - show some love

Entry 2: Tell me what you want

Last chance to enter will be Tuesday, Sept. 28th at midnight.

 I will announce the winner on Wednesday morning!

GOOD LUCK!!

Shady Jobs

Alright, I am going to go ahead and order business cards! thank you to all those that shared more ideas about them! I really appreciate it. Currently, I am all booked up this weekend a job tonight and one tomorrow night! Both of these are new families! Yes, I realize that I have no social life what so ever. I am ok with that because this is only a temporary situation.

On my way to work on Tuesday I received a call from the Crowne Plaza. I interviewed with them about a month ago. They are going through management changes and were looking for people for a two different jobs. Neither of the jobs sounded that great so I wasn't too unhappy when they never called back. I was very surprised when I heard from the General manager the other day! He told  me that they were looking at my resume again and wanted to know if I had found a job in the meantime. I explained that I have something part-time but I'd be interested to hear what he had to offer. The GM says ok sounds good I'll call you tonight or tomorrow.  - This is where it gets real weird

At 8pm I get a call from a woman, who is with the Crowne asking to have an interview next week at an off site locations, she gives me her cell phone number and says if anything changes please call that not the work phone because she doesn't want anyone to listen to my message or anything like that. So I'm meeting her at a Panera next Wednesday. Sounds a bit shady right! hahahaha.

My only thought is that they are letting go of someone soon and want to fill their spot before they do but not let this poor person in on it.

I have serious doubts about this interview and the hotel. But I loved my last job at a different Crowne Plaza so that's why I'm going back.

Babysitting Business Cards?!

Have you seen the commercials for Care.com? Well I have about 100 times. I finally decided to check it out. And what do you know it's actually pretty cool! I have received a few jobs through the website. There are actually many websites out there just for people looking for child care. At first I thought this might be a little weird, you know having strangers watch your kids. And there was one who didn't even need to meet me before I babysat their kids....I was a little nervous about what the family would be like. But it all turned out ok!

I want to increase my client base if you will. I really want to have something planned for every weekend. Weekend babysitting is super easy since usually half the time the kids are sleeping! And it's nice quick money. Most importantly I am a big fan of having my job be to play with kids.  I am kicking around the idea of printing business cards that I could hand out to people I regularly work for. This would be something tangible they could give to friends and possibly result in more business then just word of mouth. I'm not sure if people would think it was dumb and not really use it though.


I know not too many people read this but if you do...what do you think of a babysitting business card...be honest!

Frosty Paws

We got these for our dogs

Who happened to love them!!

See that huge black and pink tounge!

She licked the whole thing till it was gone

I love ice cream so I thought they should too!

Bullies

Today my little buddy came home from school very sad....a bully at school today called him a dumbyhead and a dumby. The 4 hours we were together that was all he could talk about even though I reassured him over and over that he wasn't dumb. This bully also called his friend dumb and kicked a girl in their class.

I even went as far to try and tell him about how the other boy had low self-esteem and that's why he was picking on him. I'm not sure how much of it he understood but I really didn't know what to say when he asked why the boy did those mean things.

This bully is on my shit list!

My heart was breaking for him because, it's only his second day of school and the world is a cruel place. I just wanted to hug him and keep him with me all day all the time!


lol ohh man, I know, I'm in trouble when I have my own kids!

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school here in Southern Virginia!

I took the dogs for a walk this morning and saw all the excited elementary school kids out there with moms and dads taking pictures starting a new chapter in many of their young lives.

The little boy I nanny for is going into kindergarten. He is so cute and so excited. For the past two weeks and probably more all he has talked about is going to school. And today he was not disappointed. He rode the bus and sat next to a boy who he went to preschool with. And a big surprise to me is that his older sister (5th grade) walked him to his class this morning. She can be very mean to him the majority of the day.

With school in session now I don't have to be at work till 11am and I am loving all this extra time!! I am still waking up at 6 but now I'm not rushed.

Beach Day

Today is a beautiful beach day!

Hope everyone has a great Satuday!!

I'm bored.

I need a new project.

I'm feeling restless and want something...anything to focus on.

I'm really enjoying the new job but I have a lot of down time and I don't have to think about it at all once I leave the kids for the day.

I'm on the search in someone out there has to have a great project idea for me!  

In other news I ran 3.6 miles today! It was wonderful. That's the farthest I have gone since I started running again this week. I am so proud of my self.

Gift Giving

A family friend of ours has three little kids all under the age of 5. I think that they are the sweetest kids ever! The two youngest both celebrate their birthday in September. The youngest will be 1 and the middle with be 3.

I haven't been to many kids birthday parties but for the ones I have there seems to be a trend. The kids get tons of new toys. The toys are played with for a day perhaps a couple of days if it is a really awesome toy. Most are just left there sitting in a box of some sort feeling all sad a unwanted.

For the girls birthdays I want to do something special for them and their mom. I'm going to make little gift certificates so that mom and dad can have a day or few hours to herself. Yes, basically I am offering her free babysitting. For the kids it will be a day to do something fun with me. Yes, I'd like to think I am a pretty cool person to hang out with.

The oldest has already had a special day with E and I. I picked him up in the afternoon and we spent the day together and then he even spent the night. His first real sleep over. It's so much fun!

I have this extra cool factor because I'm an adult but not a parent. He likes that I can take him places, do fun activities, and basically just spoil him rotten and then at the end of the day I'm not a parent. I'm going to enjoy this special place that I'm in for as long as I can.

I just can't find the wording I'm looking for my certificates. I want them to be fun and for the girls..but really the girls can't read so it's more for the mom anyway. I'll probably work on them this week. Break out my scrapbook paper and stickers. I love a reason for crafting. I have been itching for a new project!

Fun Run

My sister goes to the same university I went to.

She even joined the same sorority.
Sadly, with 4 years between us we were never there are the same time.

However, that does give me the opportunity to go back and visit her!

This year our school is celebrating 100 years!

My sister and I aren't the only one's to attend the university, my mom and her sister graduated in the 80's. My grandpa was a professor in the psychology department and my grandma worked in the admissions office. So we all have a little history with this school.

Homecoming is in October and I am so excited to be able to go! On Saturday, before the game there is a 5k run/walk. I participated in it one year...the other years it's safe to assume I was busy sleeping during the race.

Since I'm getting ready for that half marathon I thought it would be wise to find a few shorter races to run between now and then. My sister has always been a runner and is happy to run along with me.

I filled out the paper work and will mail it off tomorrow.

I can't wait to go back "home"!

A Good Book

I love reading! I could sit outside on a beautiful day and read until it's too dark to see.

Which is exactly what I did yesterday.

That wasn't my plan. I intended to do more things but I was sucked into this other world and I couldn't or rather I didn't want to leave it.

I read about the book It Sucked and Then I Cried in a magazine a while ago. Normally, I forget about things like that a minute after I read about it but this time I remembered.

And with that amazing library card I just got the other day. My reading possibilities are endless!

Anyway, the book is written by Heather B. Armstrong
who started writing first on her blog www.dooce.com/

I enjoyed the book. In fact I couldn't put it down. I even laughed out loud many times.

Sick pups

I came home to a stinky house today....second day in a row.

My poor little girl dog was not feeling well yesterday and was sick in their crate. She was feeling better today. When I left for work they both seemed to be healthy happy dogs.

I came home to a nasty mess! I mean I had to hose off the dogs outside and their bedding and their crate. I wished that I could take a hose and spray the carpet as well. Looks like whatever little girl had was passed to my poor boy dog.

Yuck.

We aren't traveling anywhere this weekend...I'm not taking two potentially sick dogs in my car.

My only hope is that the cat stays healthy this weekend.


Happy Friday.

sad news

This weekend was supposed to be a fun filled...nothing important to do...lazy days kind of weekend....

However, we got a call last night from E's mom saying that his grandpa is in the hospital again. We were just down there 3-4 weeks ago because he was in the hospital. We knew then that things weren't good but had no idea they would take a turn for the worse this fast. (The boys are E and his younger brother) The boy's grandpa will be leaving the hospital shortly to go home and receive hospice care. His liver and kidneys are failing rapidly. The boy's mom says the doctors are giving him just a few more weeks. They want the boys to be able to see him again before it gets really bad.

Oh, it just breaks my heart to see E so upset.

Calling all mothers of 10 year old girls

I wrote for 30 days straight and the day after I almost drop it all. ha so much for creating a habit after 21 days. Oh well.

Today was a good day. The temperature was finally bearable. I even took the pups for two walks, one in the morning and one at night. I also managed to run 2 miles. I ran 1.5 miles yesterday. Yea, I'm proud that I have run two days in a row.

I am supposed to be running a half marathon in March. So far my training has been anything but great. This is the week to change that! Or so I hope. I want to take tomorrow off but the slacker in me knows that on Thursday it will be hard to run again. I'm lazy like that.

The whole nanny thing is getting better. I adore the little boy. I think he is funny and smart and keeps me entertained. But, I'm not going to lie I'm ready for school to start. I just don't know what to do with a moody 10 year old girl for 10 hours a day. I think my mother is dying with laughter when I tell her about my day because I'm sure I was a moody 10 year old girl.

She doesn't want to do anything I suggest. She doesn't have any idea of her own to keep her busy except watch YouTube videos. Which I have decided my future children will never be allowed to watch. Yes, that's me being judgemental, but she is learning some inappropriate things on there. I need help...does anyone have any ideas on how to keep girfriend busy and happy for the next week and half.

Day 30 A dream for the future

Today is the last day in the series!

One of my biggest dreams for the future is to have a family. I'd love to have four kids! I know that seems like a lot but I've always wanted to have a big family. I know there will be crazy and stressful days but the good times will make it all worth it! I hope that E continues to move up the ranks in the military and is happy in his career.  I suppose just having a big happy familt is my dream for the future.

Day 29 hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days

Let's see my hopes, dreams, and plans for the next year...here are a few

While I am happy I have a job, I would like to find more of a career position.

My biggest hope is that in the next year we are able to get pregnant. I will admit I have baby fever bad!

E and I are planning to take a trip back to Aruba where we went on on honeymoon.

I would like to get in shape and run at least a half marathon.

I want to take horseback riding lessons.

I need to volunteer more - I have great intentions and then seem to get busy and slack. That needs to stop!

I hope to be able to cross a few things off our home to-do list, refinish the dining room table, build a headboard for our bed.

Day 28 What's in my purse

I only use a purse when I need to carry a lot. Usually, that's when I want to bring a drink or snacks. What can I say I like to be prepared on a long day. The bigger the bag I have the more likely I am to carry needless things around all day. 

On a normal day I just have a clutch. My phone fits in an outer pocket. In the zipper pocket is my chap stick, military ID, drivers license, credit cards, cash (but that's rare). I wish that I had room for my keys. Those just get stuck in my pocket or I have to carry them.

Now that I'm a nanny I have a bag with a change of clothes tennis shoes (I wear flip flops there) and my bathing suit. I also bring a bag of craft supplies, paper, stickers, ribbon, Popsicle sticks things that are easy to make up something to do.

Day 27 My worst habit

Hi my name is Christine and I'm a nail bitter.

I bite my nails when I'm nervous or worried about something. I can usually tell when things are going pretty smooth because my nails will be long. It's a gross terrible habit but I can't seem to stop. The only thing that seems to work is to clip my nails extremely short!

Day 26 My week

Day 26 your week in great detail

We are almost through the week right now so I guess I'll go over a few things that happened earlier in the week. I knew I needed to get things done on Monday since I would be starting to work on Tuesday. I went to the doctors early. E and I are trying to have a baby but have some fertility issues so I needed to get a referral. Then I ran all over town getting errands done. I got a call in the early afternoon from the Crowne Plaza asking to set up an interview. I told them I could come in that afternoon or Tuesday morning. She said she could fit me in at 2pm. I finished up what I was doing and headed back home to get ready.

The interview went well. The position is in the food and beverage department. It's a full time position that includes lots of weekends and nights. While I don't mind working that kind of job it's not my first choice.

While I was in that interview I missed a call from The Founders Inn, the other hotel I had the first interview with. They were letting me know that they want me to come back in for a second interview. I called back and scheduled the interview for Tuesday morning. Leaving plenty of time to get the the job that afternoon.

Today and tomorrow I will be playing with kids all day. The weather has been gross so we have been couped up inside. I'm really ready for some sun so we can go out in their pool or to the beach. E and his brother have a bunch of friends coming in for the weekend and they are all staying at his brothers house. They play video games together so it will be a big nerd-fest.

Saturday, we are all going to the beach. I think my mother in law is going to come out and have a girls day with us - hoping for pedicures!

Sunday, I have nothing planned. I'll probably be lazy and won't do a single thing that involves 10 year olds. 

Monday, will be the first official start to a whole week of work for me in over a year! I haven't been full time employed since July 2009! crazy - now you can see why I'm hesitant to go back...that's a nice long break from dealing with the hassles of a job.

Day 25 My day

Day 25 your day, in great detail

I accepted a position as a nanny. I am the new nanny for a 5 year old boy and a 10 year old girl. They are super sweet kids and I am lucky to have a job. Today was my first offical day of work. I was there fore 4 hours yesterday but today was my first 10 hours day. I am exhausted. Wow I don't know how mom's do it. I suppose most moms aren't just thrown in all of sudden like this but still I can't imagine. And I thought I wanted 4 kids!

I'm not really going to go into great detail because lets face it, it wasn't a super exciting day. It was raining today so our options were limited. We played Wii games, played board games, took a trip to my house to check on my dogs, went to the grocery store to get cookie dough, ate lunch, baked cookies, worked on craft projects, played more Wii games, had a swored fight, more craft projects and bored games. That could make a person tired just thinking about all that. And I still have two more days to get through this week.

I only have both kids for 10 hours a day till school starts. The boy is in morning half day kindergarten so then my days won't start till 11ish. Thankfully, the girl will be in school till 2 or 3. She's a bit of a handful. So this is my life now! I'm going to look up the weather and more inside activities to do for tomorrow in case its raining again!

Day 24 - Where I Live

We live in an older neighborhood. The surrounding area is begining to be built up. There are lots of new shops and restaurants. Where 5 years ago there really wasn't anything out here. We live about 10 minutes from the beach. Which is my favorite spot to be in the summer! Here are a few pictures of the new house 

This is the front of our house. We just trimmed all of the bushes (I'd like to get rid of those big monsters in front of the house but that's a project for another time. We put all the mulch down. And added solar lights to the walk way. Unfortunantly, some of the lights don't get enough sunlight during the day to last very long at night! However, it looks like a brand new house!

This is our back yard. One of the biggest selling points of the house for us. We wanted a house with a large yard and a garage. Luckily, we like the rest of the house and neightborhood too!

The rest house is still being set up. I've heard that a house is always a work in progress. Our bedroom is my favorite spot in the house. We have a nice deck out back and this sliding door is the perfect spot for the cat to look out the window and check on the world. I love all the sunshine that comes in.

 

Day 23 - A YouTube Video

I love this!! SOOO funny. I don't plan to ever get a minivan but if I were in the market for one I would look at the Sienna first

Day 22 A Website

Sinc eI started volunteering for the Virginia Beach SPCA I am promoting everywhere I can! I love all of the animals there and they all deserve a loving home. So needless to say this is the link for the VBSPCA.

If you don't live in Virginia Beach take a minute look up your local SPCA and see what you can do to help. A lot of people say they don't understand how I can go there and not want to come home with all of the animals, and that they could never do it. Believe me if I had so much money that I could have a house/yard big enough and plenty of people to take care of them all I would! But I feel better knowing that even for a couple of hours I made sure those animals know someone loves them. It just take a little bit of time to do something wonderful. :)

Lavender cuddling with her blue man toy

rescued as puppies!

Day 21 A recipe

Let's start out with a little back ground information. My parents are from Ohio. My dad attended The Ohio State University. Growing up every Christmas we made Buckeyes. I've only had them the way my grandma made them until recently. Let me be the first to tell you not all peanut butterballs dips in chocolate taste the same! This recipe is easy and amazing!

Ingredients
1 stick of butter
1 lb. box of powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups of peanut butter
1 package (12 oz.) Chocolate chips

Beat butter, sugar and peanut butter. Form into small balls. Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Melt the chocolate in double boiler or microwave.

Be careful not to overheat or steam (water will damage chocolate - even small amounts of steam)

Dip the peanut butter balls 3/4 way into chocolate so some of the peanut butter still shows. Use a toothpick to pick up and dip into the chocolate. Let cool and dry on a wire rack or wax paper.

Makes several dozen.

I think they taste best if you put them in a container and back in to the fridge or freezer after the chocolate has dried. Something about frozen chocolate and peanut butter...I love it!

This is a picture of real buckeyes
Source

This is a picture of someone else's chocolate buckeyes
source

Day 20 A hobby of mine

I enjoy scrapbooking. I really have to be in the mood to break out all the supplies and then sit there for hours working on it. What I love more about my hobby is buying things for it!

I love looking at stickers, embelishments, and fun paper. I couls spend hours at Michael's looking at all the scrapbooking supplies.

Really, my hobby is shopping but I needs a way to hide that from the hubsand. ;)

Day 19 A talent of yours

I'm not feeling very talented right now. I can't seem to find a job no matter what I'm applying for so it seems no one else thinks I have talent...or at least not enough talent. {{lame pity party of one}}

I'm awesome at organizing. I love it. When everything is so neat and labeled hopefully there's some color coding involved. Any mess, any where, in any amount of time and I can own it.

This is why I would make a fabulous personal assistant to someone rich and a little scatter brained. But, not the kind that goes clothes shopping I'm not trendy.

Yea, I'm sure other people are posting how they can make their bodies turn in weird ways, or can fold paper into something amazing...perhaps my cool talents like that are still hidden.

Day 18 My wedding

A few of my favorite group shots

  

The girls got their makeup done

And their hair done while the boys played golf

We said our vows

I walked down the aisle with my daddy

We had our first official married kiss

We danced

We had wedding cupcakes!

I love our cake topper

We cut the cake with our brother and sister - then shoved it in their mouths

The place cards were beautiful all set up

The tables were perfect

We ate candy all night long!

And partied the night away - a drunken group hug at the end of the night

It was a beautiful day!