Happy Notes!!

What an incredible weekend! It was packed with so much fun, love, achievements and firsts! I am almost overwhelmed with such an amazing weekend, that I am finding it hard to focus enough to write!!

T's happy notes part....whatever number, lol!!

Game time - Kit Kat had an awesome soccer game on Saturday. His team played a very good team and they pretty much got slaughtered, but my son played his heart out and I couldn't have been more proud! Among other great plays, one in particular earned him the "team star player" of the game. While playing defender, he made an amazing play by blocking the ball from becoming a goal...using his face. Yes, his face. I don't think that's exactly how he intended on blocking the ball, but it happened. He hit the ground, started crying in pain, but walked off the field on his own. After reassuring him that there was no blood or broken bones, he went BACK into the game on the next sub round and didn't ever give up! It was a definite proud moment for sure! Way to go buddy!!!

Race preparation - Saturday after Kit Kat's game, all the kids and I headed downtown to pick up my race bib and t-shirt for my race on Sunday morning. I was so excited that I spent the rest of the afternoon preparing and getting ready for the next day. I was so excited to be running in my first 5k, that I found it very difficult to get to sleep! Nerves maybe? I think yes!

Race time - As my alarm went off, I was already awake! I showered, got dressed, added all my accessories and was feeling great about my big upcoming event. My hubby brought me breakfast and I was off! Picked up my race buddy and we headed downtown to meet up with the thousands of others who were all there to "Race for the Cure." As we filed into the line in the street for the start, the nerves set in. Was this really happening?? As the bell sounded, we were off. From the minute I started, I ran. I didn't stop running. After 41minutes and 3.106 miles later, it all became a reality. I DID IT!!! I completed my first 5k run and it felt AMAZING! I was so proud that I could feel my eyes tearing up but I kept smiling!!! I gave my friend a huge hug and then we took a picture to capture this moment, this feeling, this day forever!! Absolutely amazing!!

 

First steps - Next Sunday marks a big milestone for me. My baby girl, my beautiful Almond Joy, will turn 1!! I have always said that she will walk before her first birthday and until this day, it just hadn't happened yet. Tonight while playing with her on the floor, that changed. I stood her up and said, "Come on little lady, let's walk!" I stood her up, let go of her hands, stood facing her about 3 feet away, and she walked right over to me, smiling the whole way!!! I was so happy and so proud that I almost cried! Instead, I threw her in the air (she loves it), kissed her on the cheek and told her to do it again....and she did! Looking like a little drunkin sailor baby, she did it over and over until she just didn't want to anymore. It was amazing! I can't believe that my baby girl is ready for that...where does the time go!? She's just growing up SO fast!

Well friends, that was my weekend! It was so exciting and eventful and I am so sad to see it go! How were your weekends? What fun and exciting things happened in your life!?

I feel so blessed with this life that I live and I thank each and every person who is a part of it!! CHEERS!

The new Mr. and Mrs.

What a beautiful day for a wedding! I could not be more happy for my beautiful cousin and her new husband! The weather was perfect, the ceremony was so sweet and the whole day was just full of love for these two lovebirds! I am so honored to be able to have shared in their special day!

Friends, remember those table centers I was stressing about?? Yeah, I got them all done!

 

Remember M&M's tux I was worried about not getting in time? We got it!

 

 

Unfortunately for my cousin, though, there were some rough spot throughout the day.The caterer was 2 hours late, the food was not correct once they finally got there, one of the flower girls dresses went missing and the wedding didn't start on time.

 

HOWEVER, even through all that, the wedding was beautiful and everyone had a great time!

I will leave you with a couple more pictures of this wonderful day. Weddings make my heart truly happy!

 

CHEERS!

 

Gummy Bear Wedding Cake

Gorgeous Bridal Bouquet





Soccer Jam

What a busy (but fun) Saturday! Started the day off right with my coffee, packed up the kiddos and headed over to the high school for the official start to Kit Kat's soccer season!  The Red and White Jam is the season opener and it was a blast!

Kit Kat has played soccer since he was in Kindergarten and of all the sports he's tried and played so far, soccer is his favorite. This year he is playing on a fairly new team, most of the kids have never played before and well, quite frankly, I don't expect them to win very many games...but he is having a BLAST and that's all that matters! (unless you ask my highly competitive husband...)

Yes, today was a great day!  The sun was shining, the team had a great first game and we got team photos taken! Today was also our day for team snacks and thanks to Kit Kat for helping me pick them out, they were a big hit with his teammates! I love the fact that I get to be apart of these fun times...I like being a "soccer mom!"

I hope that you all had a fabulous Saturday as well! Catch you on the flip side!
CHEERS!

Happy Notes!

What a great weekend! My heart is happy after all the fun and excitement that this weekend brought me. I love being happy...its a GREAT feeling!

AdvoCare ~ Thank you for making my body feel and look great! Thank you for bringing friends, old and new, together for me to share your wonderfulness with them! Thank you for giving me the AMAZING opportunity to change my families life! We will become great friends. It's fact!

Friends ~ Thank you for coming to my very first AdvoCare mixer! Thank you for supporting me and loving me and believing in me! Thank you for buying AdvoCare, helping me reach my goal and allowing me the chance to coach you to reach your own health and fitness goals! Thank you for everything you do each and everyday to encourage me and inspire me. I APPRECIATE YOU!

Adidas Employee Store ~ Thank you for having cleats in my sons size at an excellent price! Soccer will be much better for him now that he officially has shoes to play! However, we must have a talk about your choice of colors for shoes these days...electric yellow and striking orange are a bit TOO MUCH craziness for this momma to handle. (Not to mention they are hideous together as a color combo. Hideous.)

Mom and Dad's house ~ Dad, thank you for being a football coach and collecting all the random leftover water bottles. As crazy as one would think, that pile of water jugs actually worked awesome for Kit Kat to have for soccer to stay hydrated. Those suckers are expensive and you saved my pocketbook! Also, thank you for M&M's new bug catcher. He LOVES it! A happy 4yr old makes for a happy momma! Thank you!

Weather ~ Thank you SO MUCH for cooling down just ever so slightly. Ten degrees makes a huge difference in my non-air conditioned house. I was actually able to sleep last night and it was fantastic! I know we've had this talk before, but I really like 78 degrees. Lets hover there, yes?? Thanks for understanding! ;)

Friends, how were your weekends? I hope that you did something fun or at least something that made you happy! Have a great week!

CHEERS!

Wedding Season

Most of you may not know that I have a degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management as well as a Certificate in Professional Bridal Consulting and Wedding Planning. Yes, it's fact! Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to be a Wedding Planner when I grew up. I went to school, put in the hard work but never landed my dream job...or at least not yet! ;) Call me crazy, but I love everything about weddings!

Tonight was the beginning of wedding season for me! My beautiful friend, Sofie, married her best friend and the love of her life, Mark, in a stunning evening wedding. As the sun started to set, a new marriage and life chapter began! It was an absolutely gorgeous day for a beautiful outdoor wedding! I could not be happier for the new Mr. and Mrs. Laymon! Love you guys :)

Next up, is my cousins wedding on September 1st and a long time family friends on September 9th! I am so excited for these two weddings because they will be unique and SO different from each other. I am also really excited for my cousins wedding because my very own M&M's will be her ring bearer...best one ever! ;)

Friends, what are your thoughts about weddings? Are you a lover or a hater? (of weddings that is!)

CHEERS!

Our Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to the most wonderful husband and my best friend in the whole world! I couldn't have chosen a better life partner or father for our children...I am so lucky!! Thank you for everything you do for our family and for making me feel like the most loved woman on earth! I love you more than words and will continue for many more years to come!

Our wedding cake :)

Today is MY day

For the past month, I have been working toward a very personal goal. I joined this AMAZING company called AdvoCare back on July 5th and it has changed my life! I've dedicated myself to a lifelong change...one of health, strength, and personal growth! Today my friends, one month later, I am now an ADVISOR and part of one of the most AMAZING teams ever!!! Today is MY day. :)

I am a business owner and it feels amazing I say that!! I am on my way to making a better life for my family...a better future for my children. I am in control and nobody can stand in my way!

Friends, if I can do this, YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! I want to help you change your life :)

CHEERS!!

Hellllloooo Vacation!

Hello Sunshine!
Hello pool!
Hello lake!
Helllllloooo Vacation!!

Beautiful Lake Chelan, it's so nice to finally meet you! Where have you been my whole life??? I'm in love with you! It's fact.

Crystal clear pools, beautiful blue lake water, hot and sunny skies, and a nice COLD air conditioned condo. Add in a glass of wine and relaxing on the patio with my feet up....Perfection.

CHEERS to 9 wonderful days!

Here it goes!!

AdvoCare Cleanse, Day 1-

SUCCESS!! I did everything right, followed the rules and feel great!! I am
So determined to give 100%...at lunch today I freaked out over my salad dressing!!! I know that sounds ridiculous but friends, seriously, I have waited too long for this day and I am going to to everything in my power to follow it to A-T!!!

So here is my commitment:
I will not cheat
I will give it 110%
I will not fail...
I CAN DO THIS!!!

Happy Monday, here's to the next 9 days...CHEERS (with my super cool water bottle full of scrumptious h2o) ;)

Unexpected surprises

Woke up at 6:15 a.m. to be to work early. Left the house late, hit every red light, got stuck behind two school buses and ended up arriving to work ON TIME. Boo.

Started my day off with a staff training (didn't go as bad as expected...) and it was go time until 4pm when I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Long day. Enough said. All I wanted to do was go home and relax (as much as I can with 3 young kids!). Stop #1- picking up M&M's and Almond Joy from daycare. Stop #2- picking up Kit Kat from after school care. Stop #3- home!!!! And then it all hit me like a ton of bricks... Oh wait, nothing at home to make for dinner!! Add grocery shopping. Oh man, I forgot it's Tuesday and that means Kit Kat has scouts tonight...add that in. Soccer practice?? YES! Oh boy, I'm going to go crazy...too much to do, so little time and all I want to do is go home and relax!!! *sigh*

As I am arriving to the grocery store , I get a call from the hubby. "Hey babe, no work tonight, I'm on my way home!" YIPEE!!!!!!!!!!! And as I am wandering the store I get a message "scouts cancelled for tonight, see you next week"....and I start silently cheering THANK GOODNESS!!! The next thing I know we are checking out and it's...oops, past soccer time. WHAT!?! Ahhh!! Then I thought, "hmm. I went from crazy busy to forgetful mom and it feels.....AMAZING!!!" It really did feel amazing.

Within minuets I was home, making pasta, enjoying the unexpected company of my hubby. We all sat down together as a family, had a wonderful dinner (prepared by yours truly), and I sat back and enjoyed not one but TWO glasses of vino. As I sipped each wonderful drop from my glass, I thought to myself, "now this is the life!"

CHEERS friends!!

Happiness is...

...a glass of wine after a long day.
...waking up to a little girls smile.
...listening to the imagination of little boys playing.
...a hot cup of coffee after a sleepless night.
...family.

We have had my nephew at our house this weekend for a sleepover and he and M&M's have had such a blast! They are the best of friends and I love watching them and listening to them play. Occasionally, like brothers, they fight and yell but for the most part, they get along great. I am so happy they are so close in age and have each other to entertain!

As I sit here and write, I look around at my house and wonder...WTH happened in here!?! Every Lego, puzzle, book, car, train, and toy is out of it's bucket and strewn from one end of the house to the other. There are Ninja Turtle guys without heads, Mr. Potato heads missing limbs and random pieces of hot wheels throughout the hall. The beds are bare from them trying to build forts and the clothes hampers and completely emptied. Most people would be quick to judge saying "Why aren't you supervising them? How could you let they make such a mess?"  Friends, it's simple...they are 3 yr old boys...and they are as happy as can be! Sure it will be a challenge later making them pick it all up, but as long as they are laughing, having fun and aren't fighting, then who am I to rush in and ruin their fun? Gosh, I love them SO MUCH!!

Happiness is a messy house and happy kids :)

CHEERS!

back to being ME

I am a fighter.
I am determined.
I am a survivor.
I am...ME.

Today was a milestone for me. I have been waiting for over 3 months for the "ALL CLEAR" sign. For the "you can get back to being you" sign. For the "congratulations you are healed" sign. For those three words that some take for granted...
You.
Can.
EXERCISE!!!

It felt amazing! I was grinning from ear to ear and so happy with excitement. I can't wait to get my body back...get back to being me. The me that can wear my old clothes. The me that felt "skinny". The me that was happy, confident and could wear my jeans without having a muffin top. I can't wait to feel that again. I can't wait to wear yoga pants in public (yes, I did that) and not feel like my butt jiggles. I can't wait to start running and feeling the wind blowing on my face. I can't wait to see the scale go down instead of up. I can't wait to wear a swim suit this summer...notice I didn't say bikini because lets be real, there is clearly not enough time for THAT! Ha! I. Cant. Wait!!!

Friends, today is a glorious day! Here is to the beginning of my journey to getting skinny!! CHEERS!

Happy Mother's Day

What an amazing weekend! I have been spoiled...with love!

Saturday began with a wonderful surprise at Kit Kat's soccer game. My parents and my cousin from Washington showed up!! We all enjoyed the game and cheering Kit Kat and his team on. After the game, they left and we went home for lunch. We hung out, napped, and had a nice afternoon at home before getting ready for a fun filled evening. My parents built an outdoor movie theatre (think of a drive-in movei theatre except on the lawn in chairs instead of cars) and they invited us over for movies at dark. We had a nice family dinner at Red Robin before heading over there. When we got there, I had a wonderful surprise...my bestest friend was there!! I haven't seen her in way too long and it brought a huge smile to my face!! There was also a lot more family there...grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...its was truely a fun filled evening!! 

Sunday, we were up bright and early to meet the rest of the family for Mother's Day breakfast. I got to see my cousin again before she headed back home and even my uncle joined us! (Happy Mother's Day to him!!) Breakfast was nice and my wonderful kids gave me a beautiful mothers necklace (with special thanks to Nana and Papa)!! After we left breakfast, we stopped and picked up some beautiful flowers and a sweet card for my sister-in-law and surprised her at work to deliver them. She is an amazing mom and we wanted her to know how special is!! She loved it. :)  Once we got home my wonderful husband let me take a nap...a 3 hr nap...and it felt AMAZING!! He also made me a wonderful dinner (which he does most everynight anyways!).  I feel so loved...and so incredibly lucky!

Happy Mother's Day! I hope you had a wonderful day full of love and happiness :)

Mother's Day picture made by M&M's

FREE is an excellent price

Happy May day! I can't believe how quickly this year is flying by. I also can't believe this amazing, gorgeous weather we are having...so unusual but oh so lovely!!

Today I have to share with you a great photo that one of my bestest friends sent to me.  It made me smile! It has been a very trying week so far at work, and this made everything better! There are very few things in life that are free but those that are, are simply priceless.
Friendship.
Love.
Smiles.
Happiness.
and sweet, sweet, Lemonade.

CHEERS!

Welcome Baby Caleb!

HE'S HERE!!! Baby Caleb arrived at 12:16pm weighing in at 7lbs. 9 oz and 20inches long.  He has a head full of red hair and he is just the cutest thing!! I can't wait to hold him and kiss his cute little cheeks this weekend!!

Best Friend - I am so, so, so happy for you and so proud of you!! I can't believe that your little man is here! I'm sorry I can't be with you at the hospital today but just know that I am thinking about you and I am sending my love and congratulations to you!! Muah!♥

Welcome to the world, baby Caleb!! We are so happy you are here. Can't wait to watch you grow! :)

Cheers! Today is a great day!

Today is all about ME

Today was a glorious day!  I went to the doctor for my last check up post surgery and I got the "all clear" to go back to work!  My incisions have healed on the outside and my sutures on the inside are dissolving! YAY ME!! With the exception of the weight restriction (0-15 lbs) and no stairs restriction, I can go back full time and without harm to myself!! I have made it 6 weeks post-op and I am feeling great! She also said that I can GRADUALLY start working out as long as there's no lifting, no running and no abdominal workouts...so basically, I can start walking. ;)  I am so super excited that my body is healing and I can go back to work! I'm excited, nervous, worried, happy and exhausted all at the same time! The last day I worked was September 16, 2011. I really love my job and miss my co-workers so very much! The students on the other hand...well, they are ok too! Thanks for all your prayers, your well wishes, and your sweet comments!  My next appointment is in June...I'll keep you updated!

Happy three day weekend everyone! 

CHEERS!!

A splash of paint

Sometimes all you need is a break.  Most people would go to the coffee shop, take a nap or read a good book.  I am not like most people, although I will admit, I do love to go to Starbucks!  When I need a break, I do something I love. Something that soothes me and makes me at peace with myself.  I crank up the music and I bust out my paint roller.  Yep, its true, I love to paint!  I'm not talking art, I am talking whole rooms or walls. My masterpiece this weekend is my kitchen!

Since before Almond Joy was born (yes, sad to admit that it has been that long), I have had three different paint sample spots on my walls. My plan was to paint it during my maternity leave but I never got around to it. So here I am, one week from returning to work, finally painting! Although my kitchen is one of the hardest rooms to paint becasue of it's cookie cutter cabinets and walls, I am at peace! No stress, just me, my paint brush & roller and some Whitney Houston music (in honor of the late singer who died yesterday.)  Yes, it is a lovely Sunday!

*~ I will post some pictures once it is all completed! ~*

What is your go to when you need a break? 

Here is my new dining room/kitchen! Now all I need to do is hang the pictures :)