New Years Survey: Court

This where I insert my excuse for going MIA for a number of months 🙂  Life happens, right?  But this is a great post that’s always fun to do and lets me verbal vomit about my life in the last year.  So here goes it….

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

Entered and completed a 10k and lived to write about it.  HAHAA.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I would say that I didn’t technically meet my resolution of losing the amount of weight that I wanted, but I am pumped for the new year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

OMG did they ever.  Sarah and AK both in one year.  It’s been a lot of baby talk round these parts.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, I had a cousin pass in July.  Very sad situation that really rattled my family.  Unfortunately my Aunt also died just last month while in the hospital under going heart surgery.  You just have to buckle down as a family and push through the good and the bad.  There was more bad this year than I would have liked.

5. What countries did you visit?

JAMAICA BABY.  Ben’s sis got married in Montego Bay and we were able to have a really badass vacation there in turn.  Snorkling was my favorite activity there.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you didn’t have in 2011?

A siamese cat that magically gets over his little man, I hate every other cat in the house so I am going to piss in a pile of clothes act.

7. What dates from 2011 will be etched upon your memory, and why?

Unfortunately my cousins death on July 27, 2011.  We were very close for a number of years and again, just took the whole thing pretty hard.  It was a very senseless situation.

I hate that the one thing that sticks out in my mind is a really bad event, but its what I think of first.

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

This isn’t entirely complete because the school is not over, but….volunteering to be and acting as homeroom mom.  With that comes organization of all class parties and field day.  It’s also given me more time with Austin at a time when he is really starting to naturally become more independent.   So far is been a lot of fun and I’ve been able to be front row for all of Austin’s activities at school.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I don’t have anything that I look back and said that I completely failed on.  There are times I have acted in ways that I shouldn’t have though.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

If sick is being defined as an illness or injury that actually had you down,  I do not believe I was sick one single time in 2011.  Tipsy ladies, feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

A new TV for our bedroom.  I had thought before that I really didn’t care about TVs, until I got a nice upgraded one to watch my Law and Orders on.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Ben was great with all the deaths and goings on this year.  You know simple things like just sitting with someone at the hospital or in a funeral service make the world of difference.  You know that you have someone there that is giving you 100% of their support.

Another person that has totally blown me away is my dear friend Der.  Its been pretty amazing watching her take a natural gift and be able to turn into a career that makes everyone of her customers so happy.  Shes truly got something good going there.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Blah.

14. Where did most your money go?

Its honestly felt like Austin ate, literally ate in food, my paycheck.  What little was left went to Austin’s first football season.  What a great experience and GREAT people watching.  Soccer was nothing compared to these characters.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

I did/am totally wrapped up in the excitement of watching my best friends with their babies.  Its been a lot of fun to see all tha’ boys and its also fun that we are all boy moms now, some of us for the second time.  Its a very special club.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?

“What Sarah Said” by Death Cab for Cutie

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Happier still.  It’s still been a fun year and I have the best people in my life.

Actually if you get down to technicalities, I am thinner–but not by much!

Same.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Traveling.  Its so nice to get out and see new places and experience new things.  I want to do more of that in 2012.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying about things I can’t change.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

In Houston with my family and Ben’s family.  Christmas Eve is at my parents place with all of my Mom’s side of the family.  Its a fun and extremely loud and obnoxious gathering.  One of my Aunts threatened to “slap the shit” out of another one of my Aunts this year, so that’s always a good laugh.

21. Did you fall in love with 2011?

I think in any relationship you continue to get closer and closer when its going good.  So I would definitely say with Ben.  CHEESE BALL!

22. What was your favorite TV program?

DUDE….I seriously have an issue.  All I watch is Law and Order on DVDs.  Now that I have been through all of the Law and Order: SVUs,  I have moved on to the orignal Law and Orders.  I am seriously an addict.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No.

24. What was the best book you read?

Absolutely fell head over heels for the Hunger Games Trilogy.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Sarah Jaffe. Actually Ben discovered her for me and took me to a concert.  She’s amazing and a REALLY chill.

26. What did you want and get?

You know I decided to look for a job in January of 2011 and in less than a month I landed a job that I absolutely love.  I think that was my best catch this year.

27. What did you want and not get?

Nothing I can even think of.

28. What was your favorite film of 2010?

I am going to go with….Limitless.  It had me tuned in from the second it started.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

On my 31st birthday Ben took me to a concert and then surprised me with a bunch of my friends that were already at a bar waiting for me to ring in the big 3-1.  I really felt like it was “my day”.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I think a TAD more organization would have helped.  I don’ think I am in immense need, but I started off the new year by organizaing all of my jewelry.  My next battle is my closet.  So I have high hopes to get more organized. 🙂

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2010?

Patterns and bangles.  I did a lot of thrift shopping this year as well.

32. What kept you sane?

The good and bad and up and downs of raising and being as involved as I can with Austin.  Its been work for Ben and I together as well.  Its definitely a learning process that never stops.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

When that TV reporter had some type of seizure or something and was talking all crazy.  That stirred me real good.  Google it.  Thank me later.

34. Who did you miss?

I miss working my old co-workers, they were a really fun crew.  They have all also moved on to other jobs since then as well.  Its just so important to have people that make you laugh, you can talk to and rely on at work.  I spend more time at work than anywhere else, so that kind of thing is important to me.

35. Who was the best new person you met?

On Austin’s football team there are twin boys (age 10) that we have gotten to know during this year.  I have to say they are so damn cool and have a way of making you look at things in a totally different perspective.  They have two of the sweetest personalities and couldn’t have a better outlook on things, considering that haven’t had the best home life.

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

That you really should try to make the best of each relationship, day, conversation.

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Love is watching someone die.— Death Cab for Cutie

 

New Years Survey: Sarah

Soooooo….like Der, I have been, obviously, HORRIBLE about posting since my little guy arrived, but all that is about to change. I have 10 months of ideas in my head, so hears what has been going on!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

Well, had a baby was the biggest thing and most profound…it actually pretty much trumps everything else!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don’t THINK I made any resolutions last year, but I do have a couple for this year I’ll post later.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

For the second straight year, it was the year of babies!!! Me, AK, and several other best buddies!!!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?

Nil, vaca’s were at a minimum, but we did manage to take C on his first beach trip!

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you didn’t have in 2011?

A new house…we’re in the process of getting our current one on the market…so a new house would mean ours actually sold!

7. What dates from 2011 will be etched upon your memory, and why?

March 3…my baby boy came into my life and made our family infinitely better! 🙂

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

Having my son AND keeping him alive…it is funny that what they actually say is true, taking care of a baby somehow comes natural.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I’m not sure I “failed” at anything…

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Not really…woohoo!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My Shark steam mop…LOVE IT!!!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My mother…she has been a HUGE help w/ the baby. I know I could have done it without her, but I’m soooo thankful that I didn’t have to!!!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Nobody in particular…was too busy to notice…

14. Where did most your money go?

My boy…man, kiddos are PRICEY!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Finding out we had a baby boy after waiting 9 LONG months!

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?

“F*&$ You” by CeeLo Green…for no reason other than I LOVE that song.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Happier…Babies make everyone happier!

Thinner, YES…baby weight be gone!
Richer….ehhhh, who needs $$$!?!?!?! (This stayed the same as 2011)

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Sleeping

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Stressing

20. How did you spend Christmas?

We spent a hectic weekend with my family in Gatesville, TX (Christmas Eve) and Gordon, TX (Christmas Day)…

21. Did you fall in love with 2011?

YES!!! I will NEVER forget seeing my baby for the first time!!!!

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Real Housewives of Orange County, Bev Hills, New York, New Jersey…I know…

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Nope…I sure don’t!

24. What was the best book you read?

“Decision Points” by George W Bush

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

??? I didn’t have one I don’t guess…

26. What did you want and get?

A healthy baby boy

27. What did you want and not get?

Nothing…I was really blessed in 2011

28. What was your favorite film of 2010?

Hmmm…I’ll get back to you…

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 28 in 2011 and spent the day with my 4-week old baby!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

If my hubby was home more…

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2010?

Cheap and casual…anything I can throw on in 30 sec or less!

32. What kept you sane?

My friends and family…and google chat!

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Again, I avoid voicing political opinions.

34. Who did you miss?

My sister honestly, she lives 6 hours away and that’s just too far…(This is the same as 2011…I REALLY miss her!)

35. Who was the best new person you met?

My son…Charles Leland!

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

That everything my parents ever told me about having children is 100% true, and I never imagined you could love another human as much as I love my son. (Mushy, I know…) 🙂

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“Life’s not the breath you take, the breathing in and out, that gets you through the day, ain’t what it’s all about. You just might miss the point, trying to win the race. Life’s not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away…” — George Strait

Scattered

At some point this past Fall/Winter I got behind on my blog reading. I try to keep up…but we had a whole month where everybody was sick around here and that’s probably what started it all.  So generally when I get behind in Google Reader, I will star things to read later or pin later. Then I’ll get to a certain point where I’m catching up and can go back and read everything that I’ve starred or pin it to one of my pinterest boards.  I thought I’d share some of the stuff that stuck with me lately….a round up of sorts kinda like what Danielle over at elleinad spir does on Fridays. Except some of these things date back to maybe September. I know, I know!

Cute But Deadly: Raising Children Through Their First Years

How Having a Second Child Turned From a Nightmare to a Dream

Today

The Gifts We Give Each Other

I Went to a Cookie Party & Came Back with an Even Better Recipe: Shrimp & Grits Tarts

Christmas Card– I totally want to do this next year!!

A Great, Big Outdoor Playball

Bulldog Lamp

Fleece for the Littles

I went on a hunt for some new fleece hats on Etsy and ran across this adorable shop: mrs ptb makes all things awesome. She has some ADORABLE hats for girls and boys.  These are just a few of the ones that I found, go check out the shop for more!

Welcome Back Carter!

I love Carter’s for the basics and they have some cute stuff for my little chunk of a 4 month old right now.  I have a slight obsession with baby socks so I’ll go ahead and admit that those have been purchased.

  1. short sleeve 5-pack bodysuits, Carter’s
  2. Carter’s Boys Duck/Mud Boot – Tan/Brown, Babies R Us
  3. Carter’s Boys 6-Pack Everyday Play Computer Socks, Babies R Us
  4. Carter’s Boys 4-Pack L/S Bodysuits – Grey, Babies R Us

A Birthday for the Cars Obsessed

My oldest son will be 3 in October and his current obsession is Cars 2. He knows what country the racers are from, what their numbers are, where the 3 races in the World Grand Prix take place, etc etc. So, we play with cars every. single. day.  Keeping that in mind I’ve been trying to come up something for his birthday.  I’ve got 3 different things in mind that are potential winners.

  1. Park & Play Service Garage (CP Toys)- works with die-cast cars, has multiple ramps for driving or crashing vehicles (omg), has a working elevator (omg omg), and a car wash (omg omg omg)!!
  2. Disney Pixar Cars 2 Charge Ups Track Set (Target)- you charge up cars and then they race around the track on their own
  3. Quercetti Super Marble Run Vortis (Amazon)- or a marble run of some sort. The kiddo got to play with one of these in real life and dude was busy for a WHILE.

So tell me other moms of car obsessed children, what do I need?

PJ Fanatic

I’m definitely a PJ fanatic. It all started with my with my almost 3 year old and it picked up speed with my 4 month old.  I’ve got to say that my absolute favorite PJs are from Hanna Andersson so you can obviously see why I’d be a fan of Serena & Lily’s newest PJs where they partnered with Hanna Andersson….totally adorable.  I’m also a long time fan of Hatley footed PJs too.  Hatley has a bunch of these footie ones on sale.  The best thing about all of these is that they zip up.  No fumbling with snaps late at night!

  1. Hanna Andersson Organic Cotton Baby Sleeper – Blue Stripe, Serena & Lily
  2. Game Fish Infant Footed Coverall, Hatley
  3. Hanna Andersson Organic Cotton Baby Sleeper – Orange Star, Serena & Lily
  4. Cookie Monster Infant Footed Coverall, Hatley

StickyGram

So by now you should know that all of us Tipsy gals use the instagram app.  If you haven’t heard of instagram, please come out of the hole you have been living in.  What you may not have heard of is StickyGram. StickyGram turns your instagram pictures into magnets.  Super fun! I ordered some of my favorites for our fridge.  Not only do I love to see them everyday but my kiddos love to see themselves also!!

My Typical Day

I just read Jennie’s post over at She Likes Purple regarding her typical day and loved it and thought I’d play along as well!

6:00a Hank (our almost 4 month old) starts stirring, I get up and go get him and bring him in bed with my husband and I and sometimes he’ll fall back asleep until my almost 3 year old, Jack, starts waking up.

6:45-7a Jack is for sure awake by this point. We all file downstairs. My husband, Jesse, gives Hank a bottle while I fix Jack his breakfast and fix my husband and I some form of caffeinated beverage.

7:30a Jack starts playing with his cars and Jesse and I fix our breakfasts while Hank swings or bounces in some sort of contraption.

7:45a Hank is thoroughly over said contraption and hopefully one of us has snarfed their cereal down fast enough to go change up his scenery.

8:00a Jesse, who works from home, generally tells us “goodbye” and heads back upstairs to start his work day. We resume car playing.

9:00a We load the cars up and head upstairs where Jack plays while I get Hank down for a nap.  This generally involves Jack running back and forth between Hank’s room and the game room in a LOUD whisper asking me what I’m doing, what’s Baby Hank doing, which Cars 2 racer is from Spain, Japan, England, Italy, etc etc.

9:20a-ish Jack and I head back downstairs for his second breakfast of yogurt and blueberries.

9:40-9:45a Hank wakes up. Sometimes he’s happy, sometimes not.

10:00a-10:15a Bottle for Hank. Jack is asking me about (Cars 2) Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell and Grem and Acer and Professor Z and what they are doing and where they are going and do they have engines and do they need car washes.

10:16a Change Hank’s poopy diaper

10:20-11:00a At this point we generally get “the big phone” (the iPad) out and either do some puzzles, read stories or practice writing letters with some of the apps.  Hank is either happily screeching in my lap or swinging or in the jumperoo.

11:00a Jesse comes downstairs. I fix Jack’s lunch and Jesse fixes our lunch.

11:30a Just as Jesse is putting our lunches down on the table, Hank is ready for a nap.  I head back upstairs to get Hank down. Jack finishes up lunch with Jesse downstairs.

12:00p Jesse usually takes Jack up and reads a couple of stories and gets him down for his nap. And I try and get my lunch in at this point.  This is also the point in time where I attempt to do some sort of laundry or pay bills or read email or if I’m lucky get through some blogs on Google Reader.

1:00-1:30p Jesse heads to the gym. Hank wakes up sometime around now.  Bottle time!

1:31p Change Hank’s poopy diaper.

1:45-2:00p Jack wakes up.  I run upstairs and get him and we come back downstairs.

2:00p-3:00p We generally need a snack and a Team Umizoomi or Bubble Guppies or Curious George or SOMETHING. We build car dealerships with legos, or oil derricks, or giant car washes. And I NEED caffeine.

3:00p Hank is ready for a nap.  We head upstairs and I turn on Mister Rogers where they explain how they make crayons and Jack is fascinated by this process. However, in general we repeat what happens at 9a where Jack is running back and forth between Hank’s room and the game room and in a LOUD whisper is asking me what I’m doing, what’s Baby Hank doing, which Cars 2 racer is from Spain, Japan, England, Italy, etc etc.

3:40-3:45p Hank wakes up, we head back downstairs.

4:00p Bottle Time!

4:16p Change Hank’s poopy diaper.

4:20-4:30p I ask Jack if he wants to go get the mail, he says no.  I get the keys and we all head outside to get the mail. Come inside drenched in sweat and heat rash already forming on Jack. I’m swearing under my breath about how hot it is as we walk back inside.

4:30p-5:00p Jesse heads downstairs. I try and fit in a trip to the gym.

5:00-5:30p We all sit down to eat dinner.

5:30p Hank goes down for a nap.

6:00p Hank is up!

6:00-7:00p Dance parties and piggy back rides!

6:45p Hank is PISSED that he is still downstairs and you people aren’t taking him up for a bath and a bottle and bedtime.  He voices this loudly. Jesse heads up with Hank and does that routine.

7:00p-8:00p Jack and I head upstairs.  He takes a bath, then we go and read 2 or 3 or 4 books depending on how persuasive he is.  Then we have some Cars 2 talk.  Then lights out.

8:00p I shower and then head downstairs to do the dishes.

8:30p We settle in downstairs and watch whatever we have recorded on TiVo and Jesse works.

10:00p Head upstairs and give Hank a bottle and watch a Friends rerun.

10:30p-11:30 Pass out from exhaustion.

So that’s my day.  And that’s just a regular at home day, not a day when we have somewhere to go.  What’s your typical day?

Come On Cold Weather

Mini Boden has some of the cutest boy stuff for fall and winter and I’m definitely a sucker for stripes, which seems to be their specialty!!

  1. Padded Gilet
  2. Layered Polo
  3. Stripy Jersey Hoody
  4. Snowboard Hoody
  5. 7 Pack Socks
  6. Chunky Jumper