Day Two

I have to say I'm so blessed to work for county government! My boss called me today at 6:30 a.m. to say that all offices were closed. That was after I left Zippy outside in the freezing rain at 6 and decided I would try to go in later. We have had a great day so far...Jack is eagerly waiting for the power to go out so he can test out his new generator. I keep having flashbacks to the ice storm of February 2007 when I was pregnant. I remember having a makeshift bed in front of the fireplace with both Wyatt and Zippy (and Jack) curled up together trying to stay warm. I don't ever recall my work being closed, however I could not shower so I didn't go in. At least that will never happen again, thanks to the generator that will power the whole house.

I have been having fun taking pictures though. I really want to get out into the woods and find a bird in a tree or something cool, but its just too dangerous now that the heavy snow is weighing down the icy trees. In 2007, a young girl was killed while she was walking her dog after the ice storm. Anyway, here is Addison yesterday. Grandpa and Uncle Steve came over to shovel/plow our driveway and Addison wanted to go outside so badly. It took me at least 10 minutes to get her ready. After her first step into the snow, she turned right around. Her snow boots do not fit, that is why she has her rain boots on!

This picture was early this morning, maybe 7 am, when it was still freezing rain...

This is about 7:30 am, when it got colder and everything iced up...

THEN, about 8 or 8:30, we had a blizzard that lasted until about 11:00 am.

During the blizzard, Addison and I made Valentine's sugar cookies. She didn't seem as interested as usual, she would rather push a chair to the sink and "wash dishes." She's usually soaked after she's done, but it is so cute.

Here are the cookies we made...

We've also been playing a lot of LEGOS. Uncle Steve brought over a huge stash of Jack's old ones from their basement. We went to Home Depot yesterday and bought an organizer for them. Jack and I stayed up late and sorted by color. I know, we are boring! I did build an airplane though! Addison picked out all of the little people and loves to play with them.

Yah! Taxes Are DONE!

I love and hate tax time. Love it because we sometimes get money back (especially now with Addison) and hate it because it takes time to do it right. Thanks to the FREE Turbo Tax this year and Ohio's FREE I-File and School District online things-it was all done for FREE in about an hour and a half (Addison is still sleeping) and we are gettin' money back! YIPPIE! Oh, but half goes to car insurance. Darn.

Snowed In!

Jack was doing a snow dance yesterday for no school and it sure worked! I woke up extra early today so I could leave the house by 6 to get to work "on time". I didn't drive one mile before I turned around and went back home. I decided to just try when it was light outside. I talked to a couple of people at work who called me wimpy, but they were not the ones on the side of the road for 4 hours with a toddler during the last ice storm. I left anyway, heeding Jack's advice to stay home. I went a little more than a mile this time, but noticed that one of the roads near home was backed up because cars could not get up the hill. I turned around in someone's driveway and got stuck. I spun my tires for 15 minutes before calling Jack. Of course no one driving by stopped to ask if I needed any help. Go figure-we live in Cincinnati. Finally, after turning my wheel back and forth (I guess to clear snow away from the tires) I was able to back up and drove back home. The weather man is calling for ice around 2, and that freaks me out more than anything, so I'm glad I'm home now. Here are some pictures of the snow and Addison coloring in her PJ's.

I don't think I ever posted a picture of our wood stove in the garage that heats our house, so here it is. Jack's been very busy chopping and splitting wood.

Also, never posted my new license plates I got for my birthday...how cute!!Addison is napping now since she woke up at 6 am, so hopefully later we can go play in the snow and get some cute pictures!

Not exactly the way to lose weight

So I guess there was a GI bug going around....and I caught it! Thursday I went to the GI doctor for something totally unrelated and he prescribed me a medication for IBS called Amitiza. Thursday evening with dinner, I took my first dose. Right away I felt really nauseous so I got online to read about the side effects and reviewers comments...Nausea, stomach cramping, vomiting, muscle aches, flu-like symptoms, chills, and hives. Well, I HAD THEM ALL and they lasted for THREE days!! I would not wish this upon my worst enemy!! I'm not sure if it was the medication or the flu. I haven't taken another dose and I don't plan to. I'm calling the GI doctor today to see if was the medicine. I don't ever remember having stomach issues like this that lasted so long in all my life!! I still feel sick and am eating a piece of toast right now.

Addison is also sick, but thank goodness not with a stomach bug--with respiratory stuff....again. I plan on taking her to the doctor at 4 today. At lunch I have to run to Wal-Mart to stock up on stuff before the white death hits us tonight and tomorrow. Oh how I miss 4 wheel drive.

Valentine Spirit

I am finally getting into the Valentine spirit! I went to the Joann Fabric superstore about 3 weeks ago when I was up in Centerville and never got around to completing my project. Addison went to be super early tonight (6:30!) so I had plenty of time to work on my wreath. I used to make these all the time (before kids!), but unfortunately think they got lost in the move 3 years ago. I'm getting back on the bandwagon though with decorating for holidays. I will never forget growing up, my mom would decorate for every holiday--I mean-go all out! My goal is to start shopping after the holiday is over to catch some good deals like 70 and 80% off at Kohls and Hobby Lobby. JoAnn Fabrics in Eastgate and Loveland are going out of business so Mason can build a superstore. Not a problem with me! I love the superstore in Centerville!

Anyway, here is my wreath...
It is made with 2 different fabrics-a light and dark (about a yard each-I bought extra to make Zippy a bandanna). You'll also need sharp pinking shears, a 16" Styrofoam wreath, and a small/skinny Phillips head screwdriver. I cut 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 inch squares (eyeballed) and jabbed into the Styrofoam. 90% of the fabric squares are wrong side into the foam.

I made it in under and hour and now its hanging on the front door. I also bought window clings, however they don't really stay up with an almost 20 month old (gasp!)

Today I was thinking about how much my life has changed since June 5, 2007. I has obviously changed for the better because of Addison but I do miss a lot of the things I used to do and "who" I was. There is not a week that goes by that I don't think about the time I "dropped out of" interior design school when it took me well over a year to be accepted. UC's DAAP (Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning) school is renowned for their program. I got in and QUIT! I can not dwell on the past, so I might as well move forward, but I always think, "what if". LOL-I would not be working for the welfare department! But again, in this economy who's doing interior design and architecture? I'm blessed to have a job! I want my creative side to show again and be able to share that with Addison. Both of my parents were quite crafty. That's not even the right word. They/are artists! My dad did amazing watercolors from his beautiful photography, oil painted, was a wood worker, yada yada. My mom did tole painting, sewed, and did various other crafts. I did learn how to cross stitch at a really young age--I should pick that up again! I got into scrapbooking for a couple of years but that I so time consuming (more than any other craft I have done) and its expensive! I would like to try digital scrapbooking or having a coffee table book printed with my photography in it. Oh and I can't forget about Angie. She has an associates in graphic design. Her work is just as beautiful. Runs in the family-I just feel like I'm a little behind and need to get back on the crafty bandwagon. That brings me to wish for a bigger house with a craft room-somewhere I can keep my sewing machine out 24/7 and use it whenever I want! I would have to say I have good time management, but time is very limited when you work outside of the home full time and have a family. I just wish I had more time with Addison to do stuff with her like I was fortunate to experience when I was growing up. She is just growing up too fast! She's got a small dictionary up in her little head. Scary to hear what comes out of her mouth these days! LOL! Well, to bed I go (yes it is before 9!)...gotta make time to work out at 5 am, ya know?? There's time for everything!!

Found it!!!

After looking for over a month for a specific book, I finally found it! Not where I had hoped to find it (in mom's basement), but on ebay. This timeless treasure was read over and over when Angie and I were little and we will never forget it! My dad even got in on the search, buying a "knock-off" (sorry, dad) of the book. Not to keep you in suspense, the book is called "A Story A Day" by Kathryn Jackson, illustrated by Richard Scarry. Who doesn't love Richard Scarry books?? There are 365 stories for each day of the year and the illustrations are beautiful. It's exactly how I remember-big blue, hardcover book with a bear reading on the cover. I am bidding on a copy from 1998 (it is out of print and it was last printed in '98) on ebay for $4. Hope I win!!

A Day for the History Books

I should have posted yesterday-the day of the inauguration of the first black president (actually I don't view him as black-I would call him more of a mutt). My office organized a viewing of the inauguration in our conference room during lunch, but I chose not to attend, as I knew I would see it over and over again on the news. I was not wrong!! Later in the evening I went to the gym and watched it again on cardio theatre. I still don't know what to think of our new President, as I did not vote for him. I do, however, like Michelle Obama. Her platform is military families. I also think she is beautiful and really represents the American woman. She is a wonderful mother and her children are grounded. As we were watching the news coverage last night I was getting Addison to say Obama-It was so cute!!

I'm still dreaming of warm weather--this winter has been so cold and dreary. It hasn't really snowed at all-just had that big ice storm before Christmas. I guess our big snow came last March, so we still may be in for something big. Jack has been cutting firewood like a fool. Every chance he gets he is outside with his axe. If only I could afford to buy him a log splitter! The only bad thing is that he thinks we are going to run out of seasoned firewood by the middle or end of February. At least next year we will have an abundance of wood for the stove!

I found the website for Bounce U in Centerville. The only open "bounces" they have for preschool age children is Tue/Thur/Fri from 9:30-11:30 am. I am taking off next Friday since grandma Jackie will be teaching at OSU so I'm hoping to take Addison to bounce then. This Saturday aunt Angie is having a bowling party (with bumpers!) for her birthday. I hate bowling, probably because I'm bad at it and it hurts my back, so I will be a spectator.

Cincinnati Museum Center

Long weekends are so much fun!! Yesterday we took Addison to the Children's Museum at Union Terminal. We were only there for an hour before she started walking sideways and rubbing her eyes. There were thousands of kids and strollers-I will not go back on a holiday or weekend ever again! It was hard for her to play at some of the stops because there were too many kids. It was a fun experience though, since we had never been there before. I am a bad mom though, forgot my camera....trying to get a 19 month old ready in freezing weather is hard, let alone trying to remember everything. I at least remembered food, paci, and blanket and those are the most important! I did take this picture with my camera phone, but the quality is horrible. Here is is playing with Dupo Legos. I didn't get too many smiles because she was in shock with all the things to play with.

This Friday is Aunt Angie's birthday (27!!). We were planning on going to the Boonshoft Museum in Dayton, but I think I will wait when I'm off one day during the week so its not so busy. I'm looking at going to this place in Centerville called Bounce U. It was shown on an episode of Jon and Kate and it looks so cool! It is a place where they have tons of blow up climbers and slides. I'm not sure if Addison is too little though.

Stayin' Warm

It's starting to feel like a heat wave at a whopping 10 degrees right now. Yesterday it got down to minus 6, but the windchill was even worse than that!! The sun was out yesterday and it looks like it will be again today after looking at the beautiful sunrise--

Our wood stove could hardly keep up with the cold weather last night. I finally broke down though and bought a down comforter for our king size bed. I had one for the queen, but never bought one when we upgraded. I did get lucky though because I had a 30% off coupon at Kohls, and they were 50% off to begin with. Now I just need to find a cover for it. It made such a difference last night though--I didn't have to wear socks!!

My four day diet is over. I lost 4 pounds exactly and 1 inch from my waist. I would probably have to account it to eating lower calories than normal-not what I actually ate. I did drink 4 gallons of Sassy water, which was really yummy and I think that decreased bloat. Addison made adorable Valentine cookies at grandma's yesterday so I had my fair share of those yesterday! I also had a management retreat at East Fork State Park for work yesterday. It was so nice to be away from work. We even got out really early!!

We are looking forward to the long weekend, having Monday off!! All my "chores" are done (besides going to the grocery), so I plan on playing with Addison all weekend!! This morning I'm planning on making banana bread with her.

Dreaming of 80 degrees

Today it is in the teens, but feels even colder than that with the wind chill of something below zero. I changed my desktop picture on my computer to something warmer and I thought I'd share some "warm" pictures with you...

Seagrove Beach, Florida (June 2008)

Aunt Julie's Pool (Summer 2008)

Oh how I miss the warm weather!!!

1200 calories don't go far

Day one is almost over and I'm obviously feeling the effects of 1200 calories. I'm exhausted!!! Tomorrow I plan to add more protein into the day, paying careful attention to sodium content. Tonight we had meatloaf for dinner with lean ground sirloin, roasted red potatoes and french style green beans. Addison also had applesauce. Tonight marks the first time in a long time (at least at our house) that she has eaten her vegetables--ALL OF THEM. I changed it up a little bit and bought french style instead of regular cut beans and seasoned them with Italian seasoning, spray butter, salt, and pepper. She even wanted MO. She also ate an entire piece of meatloaf and a bunch of potatoes. I could not believe my eyes watching her stuff it all in. An hour after dinner she ate 3 fig newtons. After begging for more of those, we had to tell her there were not any left. I know I now need to get creative with vegetables! Tomorrow night we are having almond chicken and brown rice with yellow squash-we'll see how she likes that!

It is only 7:30 and I'm about to fall asleep. I just wanted to get on and post these adorable pictures from playing tonight. She was playing cabbage patches (Mindy and Hannah) and also with a wind up chick.

And who has a dog that can curl her tongue? Zippy Angel can (and the more I look at it, it's a little disturbing)...

I do not think I can stay up until 9 to watch Jon and Kate, although I will try really hard since there are only 2 episodes left in the season. Then they move to their million dollar home (stalker me googled a picture of it!), thanks to TLC. I go back and forth with this family...I hate them and love them at the same time. It's really crazy to read some of the Gosselin hater blogs out there. I think people are just jealous, but then again, I don't think I would expose my children to the media like they have just to make money. But then again, I like their show and watching how they live their lives with 8 kids!!

I was tagged to post a picture on my blog from Andrea...WELL, I could have lied and make up something, but I honestly went to my fourth picture folder to the fourth picture and I WAS IN LABOR....could not post that on here. LOL!!!

Day One

I said I was going to do the Flat Belly Diet after I got the book, so today is day one. The good thing is the "induction" part is only 4 days long and who can't buckle down and follow a plan for 4 days?? There are no weekends involved or special occasions so I think I'm good! Yesterday I went to Kroger (I usually go to WalMart) and spent way more than I usually do. Partly because Kroger is overpriced but I also bought healthy stuff. You really pay to eat healthy! WalMart seems a little behind the times in the fresh produce/meat selection. I have been spoiled with the Boar's Head deli meat at the new Kroger and their large produce section. Anyway, it will be worth it in the end.

Yesterday I made "Sassy Water," which is a flavored water for the "diet." It consists of 64 oz of water with lemon, cucumber, mint, and grated ginger root. I have never bought ginger root and I found that at Kroger (WalMart did not even sell it). The Starbucks at Kroger had their Christmas items half off, so I had to buy this adorable sparkly mug for my water.

The water sat overnight and it is so good! The first four days of this diet are supposed to be anti-bloat. If there is anyone out there not bloated, email me and let me know your secret!! Thursday it is supposed to be really really cold (like single digits) and I need to wear my UGGS. The only problem is I can't fit into the jeans that I wear them with (skinny ankle). Hopefully by Thursday or Friday they will fit!! Last night we had Gramma's pizza, beer, and ice cream so I'm sure that did not help, but marked the end of bad eating habits!! The good thing is that Addison doesn't like pizza. Who doesn't like pizza??

I think this diet is doable for me because it doesn't cut out carbs, which both Adkins and South Beach do. South Beach is ok, but I could never get through the first 2 weeks of that induction diet. So I will keep everyone posted on this new diet! I would have worked out this morning, however I am still very sore from painting all weekend. I feel muscles I didn't know I had!

Addison loves her new room. She still gets a little confused when she goes to her room, but if we say "new" room, she runs right to it. I'm looking forward to a long weekend coming up where I don't have to do anything like paint and it's only Monday! If it is not snowing, etc we will plan on taking Addison somewhere like the museum center or the aquarium. How fun!

Au Revior Pepto Bismol!

It's finally done! I can't remember working so hard on something in a long time! Yesterday I raced home from work and got started on getting the furniture out of the den and taping off the trim. Jack came home and took apart the desk and moved the heavy stuff. Around 6:30 we went to see Addison at Jack's parent's house until she went to bed. After making a quick stop at the Depot (Yes, I forgot to buy a paintbrush...) The paint that I got is a Disney paint from Home Depot called Princess Tiara. It looks white on the walls, but if you put it up to something white, it does look very very light pink. We just had to get away from Pepto pink! I painted until 11 pm. I did get Addison's new room completely finished though! I even had time to watch Private Practice on the DVR, which was so so so sad! As I type this I can hardly move. I don't know how many times I went up and down on the chair. It was like doing a million squats.

This morning I woke up early to start again. We had to take apart Addison's crib and dresser to fit through the door and into the other room and that was very time consuming. It also took a little bit of time for me to put everything back and organize it the way it was.

So here are the pics--The den BEFORE (white contractor paint)

And Addison's new room AFTER...

After her new room was to my liking, I got to work on covering the pepto pink. I used KILZ primer with interior paint in the color Mountain Canyon. It was supposed to be a guaranteed one coat coverage. Not so and I will be calling tomorrow for my money back. I used two coats to cover the pink. I'm very happy with it now, I just have to hang pictures (which I'm doing a Marine Corps thing because Jack has so many awards and pictures) and hang the curtains back up.

Here is the pink room BEFORE

And the new office/guest room AFTER...

I don't remember if I blogged about cleaning the garage, but I did and here are the before and afters of it...It's actually even better now!

BEFORE

AFTER

And I can't forget to post an adorable picture of Addison from today. She is actually saying Cheese! in the picture!!