Monday

Vacations I've Taken

1. When I was little, we did a lot of camping...I don't remember where
2. We used to visit my aunt and uncle, who lived outside of Houston and go to Galveston Beach and Astroworld. I loved it there when I was little.
3. For a long stretch growing up, we would go stay in a condo at Perdido Key, Florida every year
4. We used to make trips to St. Louis for Cardinals games with our extended family
5. I've been skiing like 15 times to various mountains in Colorado
6. High school senior trip to Cancun, but I don't like to speak of that week
7. I vacationed all over the SEC in college, visiting kamp friends, long-distant boyfriends, and high school friends on weekend trips
8. Mission trip to Mexico in college
9. Went on a northwestern European cruise with my husband's family while we were engaged
10. A few trips to Cape Cod with the in-laws
11. Honeymoon to the Florida Keys
12. I went on a New Orleans trip/Caribbean cruise with 2 friends 5 years ago
13. Andy and I used to visit Chicago a couple times a year before we had kids
14. Notre Dame/Duke football game in South Bend
15. I went to Chicago for my birthday with my 2 sisters and mom when I was pregnant with R
16. My big sister and I went to Chicago last year for my birthday
17. Wrightsville Beach when W was a baby
18. Wrightsville Beach with my whole family when R was a teeny tiny 7 week old
19. California with just my husband last summer


Sunday

What I Think I'll Make This Week

1. Sweet Potato, 3-Bean Chili
2. Banana Ice Cream
3. Oat Soda Bread
4. White lasagna
5. Polenta
6. Chocolate chip butterscotch cookies
7. Quesadillas
8. Homemade bulgar wheat burgers
9. Playdough


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Saturday

Funny Things From Today

1. My daughter prancing around naked at my brother's house, exclaiming, "naked girl!"
2. She also referred to spit as "mouth water"
3. My grandma claiming she'd talked to Maria Shriver earlier on the phone, and that Maria had invited her to her church's performance of "Irish Eyes are Smiling"
4. Making my sister laugh so hard that she spit water all over her car
5. Me, my brother, and my sister-in-law were all wearing dark jeans and long-sleeve black shirts
6. W said that her butt was feeling pretty good (?)
7. My niece gave a little mini sermon at the dinner table about the sovereignty of God


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Friday

Today's Errands

1. Drop off dry cleaning
2. Drop off Goodwill donations
3. Fuel up my car
4. Wash my car
5. Buy makeup
6. Buy bread and bananas
7. Clean out my car
8. Clean out R's ears
9. Pack for Branson
10. Clean stovetop and underneath the gas hood
11. Fold laundry

Thursday

My Top 5 Favorite Shows I Couldn't Live Without

1. 30 Rock
2. Fringe
3. Glee
4. Top Chef
5. Friday Night Lights


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Wednesday

What's In My Bowl

1. Brown lentils
2. Peas
3. Marinated, crispy garbanzo beans
3. Corn
4. Chopped almonds
5. Garlic salt
6. Green beans
7. Nutritional yeast
8. Dried apricots

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Tuesday

What I Don't Enjoy Being Forced Into

1. High fives
2. Pinkie swears
3. When a speaker/pastor/musician asks how everyone is doing, isn't satisfied with the response, so says things like "you can do better than that!" or "I can't hear you!" and makes you shout until they are satisfied.
4. Dancing solo inside a circle at weddings
5. The "wave"
6. Giving "pounds"--I even hate saying that one
7. Side hugs
8. Dressing in costume

Monday

Movies That I Would Consider Classic From My Childhood

1. The 'Burbs
2. Dead Poets Society
3. Legends of the Fall
4. Dirty Dancing
5. North & South
6. Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
7. The Last Unicorn
8. Little Women (Winona Ryder & Christian Bale version)
9. Dazed and Confused
10. Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas
11. Can't Buy Me Love
12. Sixteen Candles
13. The Abyss
14. Mallrats
15. Karate Kid Part II
16. Fletch
17. Back to School
18. Mystic Pizza
19. Starman
20. Princess Bride
21. The Thorn Birds
22. Overboard

Sunday

W's New Princess Clothes

1. Sleeping Beauty's "Aurora" ballerina costume
2. Glittery ballet flats from Target
3. Princess crown
4. Princess wand (wait, princesses don't have wands?)

Saturday

What You Can Accomplish Before Lunch If Your Husband Takes The Kids Sledding

1. Laundry
2. Cleaning the floors
3. Dishes
4. Cleaning the bathroom
5. Picking up the house
6. Cleaning the kid's room
7. Blog post
8. Bathing
9. Making lunch
10. Making the beds
11. Brushing the dog

Friday

Things I Can Do To Make My Day Seem Brighter

1. Get out of the house for a little bit
2. Have music (non-kid music) playing in the background
3. Fancy lunch when the kids nap
4. Keeping the kitchen counters clean
5. Wearing mascara
6. Read something challenging- Streams in the Desert, my Jesus Calling app
7. Doing activities with the kids, as opposed to them just running around playing
8. Organizing and planning ahead meals
9. Fight for W's nap

Thursday

Who We're Listening To Today

1. Gillian Welch
2. She & Him
3. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes
4. Aimee Mann
5. Indigo Girls
6. Mazzy Star
7. Belle & Sebastian
8. Wilco
9. Ryan Adams
10. Paramore

Wednesday

My Big Brother

1. He is 7 years older than me. Seemed like a big difference when we were younger, now...not so much.
2. I would characterize him as the responsible, first child, more serious one of the bunch
3. Wears his emotions on his face. He can't hide anything or lie at all. You can read him like a book.
4. He is a middle school principal
5. One of my most embarrassing moments involves him kissing his friend Leslie in front of our whole town, but I'll save that story for my 2nd installment of "Proof of my Somewhat Redneck Upbringing"
6. I moved into his room when he went off to Mizzou, and I missed him so much that I refused to remove or move around anything in his room
7. I used to cry myself to sleep fearing that he would be drafted and have to fight in the Gulf War
8. He moved back home for two years a couple years after graduating from college to pursue a degree in secondary education. This was my senior year of high school and freshman year of college. Drama ensued.
9. Well, any drama that ensued revolved around me coming home drunk a lot and him having to deal with it.
10. He has four kids
11. I remembering crying and praying that God would make him get back together with his high school girlfriend because I loved her so much and remember thinking that he would never find anyone better.
12. He did! My sister-in-law is AMAZING.
13. One of my favorite moments ever was him sheepishly saying, "I think I might be wearing your socks. The reason I think that is that I got them out of your drawer."
14. He was a long-term sub at my high school during my senior year. My friends thought he was so cute and he would come visit me during lunch.
15. He hates being barefoot
16. He drove 3 hours to help me move when I was fired from a job and had to get out of my apartment quickly
17. He was a really big-time athlete in high school
18. My older sister and I used to fight over who would get to wear his baseball jacket to school.
19. He makes really good milkshakes, salsa, and grilled burgers (I hear)
20. He is very smart
21. He used to play the trumpet
22. He is knock, knock, knockin' on 40's door
23. Anytime he's at his house, he's usually wearing a t-shirt and basketball shorts
24. He is the only sibling who is not a vegan or vegetarian
25. We like the same kind of movies (2 or 3 stars in our old tv guide) and shows
26. He likes my brownies
27. We were pen pals while he was in college
28. He loves history
29. He and I are known for sneaking around trying to locate hiding Christmas presents. My big sister caught us a few years ago.
30. He was "that guy" in high school--star athlete, good looking, fancy car, valedictorian
31. I remember being in his fraternity house while he was in college, thinking it was the most disgusting thing I've ever seen
32. He lived in a really cute old house in Springfield before he got married
33. He puts red pepper flakes on everything and loves hot and spicy foods
34. My big sister used to have a freakishly OCD arranged room with the most random crap (sorry, sis) including these tiny little seashells lined up. My brother replaced the shells with boogers.
35. He is very protective. It used to be over us, but now he is a protective father. I like that about him. You always feel safe.
36. He likes to sing and dance when no one is watching. Well, no one except for family.
37. He had an imaginary friend named Amos when he was little.
38. He and his wife are very hospitable. I love being at their house.
39. I think the only time I've been hot-mad at him was once when we were younger, he insisted on watching a Cardinals game when I desperately wanted to watch Swans Crossing.
40. He is so funny.

Tuesday

Target List

1. Milk
2. Morningstar patties
3. 7th Generation counter spray
4. R cowboy boots?
5. Laundry detergent
6. Stepstool for the kids
7. Princess costume accessories

Monday

Golden Globe Notes (Mostly Fashion Notes)

1. I thought Angelina Jolie looked beautiful! She usually looks weird on the red carpet, I think. She was one of my favorites last night.
2. Natalie Portman was so cute during her speech. She seems genuinely GIDDY about being engaged and pregnant. I love her for not really fitting in in Hollywood. She seems like a normal person.
3. I thought Ricky Gervais was over the top and rude. Tacky and way too far, in my opinion.
4. However, I did love when he introduced Bruce Willis as "Ashton Kutcher's dad."
5. Tina Fey looked fine, so I hope she doesn't get ripped apart during Fashion Police like last year. Sidenote: it was my favorite dress from last year. I guess Joan Rivers and I don't have the same taste. Thankfully.
6. Green seemed to be the it color this year with Angelina, Catherine Zeta Jones, Mila Kunis, and the girl from Mad Men all wearing it. Loved them all!
7. Most of the other dresses were black or shades of pink (blush, namely).
8. Although I enjoyed Mila Kunis in Black Swan, I never would have guessed she'd be nominated.
9. I felt a little lost during the TV awards because of all the HBO nominations and wins.
10. Lea Michelle seemed so genuinely thrilled for her castmates' wins.
11. Jane Lynch was funny (no suprise) during her acceptance speech. She also looked nice.
12. Did Robert Pattinson have red hair?
13. Did Justin Bieber look weird? Maybe I don't know who he is and have been picturing someone else all this time.
14. My least favorite dresses were Helen Bonham Carter, Heidi Klum (her lipstick wasn't helping any, either), Michelle Williams (love her), Megan Fox (seemed dated), Jennifer Lopez, and I hate to say it- Natalie Portman.
15. I was rooting for Jennifer Lawrence. Winter's Bone was amazing.
16. Tilda Swinton always looks weird in an eccentric way, but something about her is so beautiful.
17. Robert deNiro was hilarious during his acceptance speech. I loved when he said that films are like your children, except that you can't remake your children in 3D to increase the grosses.
18. Olivia Wilde's dress was pretty, but really awkward and huge.
19. Sandra Bullock looked sad.
20. Every time I see Michelle Williams and her pixie cut, I want to cut mine again!
21. Speaking of hair, please, please, Christian Bale....cut it and get handsome again.
22. Of course, I loved that Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester presented together.
23. My favorite dresses of the night: Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, Lea Michele, Julie Bowen, Mandy Moore, and Mila Kunis.

Sunday

What We Ordered Yesterday at Crown Candy Kitchen

1. I got a chocolate banana milkshake. Turns out 24 oz. is way too much.
2. Andy got a hot fudge sundae and removed his cherry on top.
3. R dominated a scoop of banana ice cream in a glass
4. W ate a double scoop (didn't finish) of strawberry ice cream in a glass

Saturday

How W Responded When I Held Her & Asked Her If She'd Please Just Be My Baby Girl Forever

1. She immediately responded flatly, "no."
2. She tooted on my leg.
3. She pushed me away and said, "let me go."

Friday

What I Ate Yesterday

1. All Bran mixed with toasted oats and almond milk
2. Baked sweet potato with greek yogurt, salsa, and walnuts and a side of roasted asparagus
4. Bowl of brown lentils, grilled tofu, onion, corn, sweet potato, arugula, and steamed carrots
5. A side of Tostitos Multigrain chips
6. Yikes! 3 more clementine cupcakes!
7. Glass of warm almond milk

Thursday

Random Shows I've Been Watching That Are New To Me

1. House Hunters
2. Selling New York
3. Off The Map
4. Cash and Cari
5. Pushing Daisies
6. Hoarders
7. House Hunters International


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Wednesday

What I Have To Look Forward To

1. Seeing my niece perform in Oliver! at the end of the month
2. Girls weekend in February
3. Going home for a whole week next month, partly for Remi's Princess Birthday Party
4. Baby Swann, Baby Wright, Baby McEntire (I don't feel old, I don't feel old, I don't feel old...)
5. David Gray concert at the Chicago Theater at the end of February
6. California trip this summer
7. W's birthday (and my birthday, but 32 makes that less exciting--I actually just had to do the math to see how old I am) at the beginning of April
8. Warm months

Tuesday

Whole Foods Shopping List

1. Clementines
2. Plain Yogurt
3. Odwalla Juices (snatched up on sale- 2 for $5)
4. Coconut oil
5. All-purpose flour
6. "Just Strawberries"- dried strawberry slices that W loves
7. Almond milk


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Monday

Today

1. Kids slept until 9:00
2. Zucchini bread and bananas for breakfast
3. Spent the morning next door with Grandma Linda, Al, and Hope
4. Lunch was PBJs and green baby food
5. I had a big salad
6. Rice cooked some lentils for the week
7. Kids napped well while I watched 2 episodes of Tabatha's Salon Takeover
8. Right now, the kids are watching Diego
9. I am cleaning the floors and picking up messes
10. Winnie is shouting out for snack...she wants "Hearts" (Kashi Heart to Heart honey toasted oat cereal)
11. Garlic is roasting in the oven
12. I am listening to my newly purchased Air Supply Greatest Hits on iTunes
13. Need to shower
14. Wanted to go to the grocery store and make cookies, but that's getting put off until tomorrow
15. Andy is serving at jury duty today (not a fun thing in the city of St. Louis, but not that it's fun anywhere, really)
16. Going to be VIPs at the Blues game tonight with Josh and Missy
17. Made a HUGE pile to take to Goodwill--kitchen stuff and things the kids no longer need. Feels so good.
18. Haven't checked facebook or any blogs all day today. That also feels good.

Sunday

I Don't Like...

1. Store-bought baked goods/packaged cookies (one exception- Nutter Butters)
2. Waking up before 8:00
3. Watching poker tournaments on TV
4. Clutter
5. Cords
6. When jeans bunch up behind my knees
7. Female business clothes
8. Walking into the bathroom and finding my one year old shaving his face with a disposable razor
9. Public restrooms
10. Tampons
11. Socks- I rarely wear them
12. Smugness
13. Broken vases
14. Feeling sick
15. Hurry up-ing and waiting
16. When people use full-body paint and go to a sporting event
17. That no one uses cursive handwriting anymore
18. Saying "pork loin"
19. The Duke cheerleading uniforms tonight
20. Clowns
21. Cleaning bathroom tiles
22. Snow
23. Popping knuckles
24. Movie popcorn
25. Coffee
26. Products that come over-packaged



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Saturday

Horse Names We Have In Our House

1. Sam
2. Sarah
3. Flicka
4. Spirit
5. Mr. Ed

Friday

What's In My Bowl

1. Spinach leaves
2. Olive oil
3. Red pepper
4. Crispy tofu
5. Onion
6. Sweet potato
7. Long grain, brown rice
8. Cut up veggie burger
9. Spoonful of honey
10. Garlic
11. Broccoli
12. Black beans

Thursday

What I'm Doing Because I Can't Sleep

1. Thinking about a new house
2. Signed up for SparkPeople
3. Played Moxie on my phone
4. Painted my nails
5. Made a mental list of clothes I'd like to buy
6. Tried to come up with some life goals for a little focus in my life
7. Checked facebook & twitter
8. Planned my day for tomorrow
9. Rearranged my apps
10. Searched my house for chapstick and applied some
11. 2 potty breaks
12. Read a couple blogs
13. Read some articles in response to Arkansas' devastating Sugar Bowl loss
14. Meal planned
15. Updated my calendar
16. Tried giving myself a head rub (doesn't feel as good when you do it to yourself)
17. Sent an email
18. Made a to-do list
19. Stared at the ceiling a bunch
20. Readjusted every few minutes because I didn't feel comfortable
21. Took W water at 3:00 because she woke up screaming that she wanted strawberries


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Wednesday

What I'm Into Lately

1. "Pushing Daisies"
2. Nachos
3. The North Face store
4. My new rice cooker, which cooks much more than just rice
5. Organization and getting rid of things
6. Eating sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes when I want a baked potato
7. "Hoarders"
8. The City Museum
9. Yoga posing
10. Maximalism
11. Dishes and china
12. Quilts
13. "Top Chef All-Stars"
14. Lip balm
15. Sweet Art cupcakes
16. My cute new top and sweet dress (dress no longer on the website, because I snatched it half off)

Tuesday

Weird Things I Do

1. Make sure all of the stuffed animals are arranged comfortably in the toy box
2. Tuck in W's dolls/animals in her bed most mornings
3. Comb through her ponies and dolls hair so that they don't get ratty more often than I should
4. Check the toilet constantly while I am on it because I have a fear of a snake swimming up and biting me
5. Spend hours looking for missing pieces to toys because I hate losing things. I spent an hour this morning looking for a lost wooden donut (found it) and it drives me crazy that a little horse from the Little People manger is STILL missing
6. Hate wasting food...not because of wasted money, but because I feel sad for the food...that it couldn't fulfill it's food destiny (as Phoebe might say)
7. Love rubbing the tip of my tongue into the ledge my impacted wisdom teeth left
8. Put clean dishes and silverware at the bottom of the stacks so that some plates, spoons, bowls, etc don't get used more than the others
9. Think that my iPhone is going to cause my fingers to fall off because of cancer
10. At the risk of sounding judgmental or preachy, I'll just say that I have A LOT of food rules
11. I stand between my toothbrush and the toilet when I flush
12. Give myself gingivitis because I brush way too hard
13. Hate when people are overly-critical of their college athletes--they are so young! People forget they are unpaid college kids.
14. Don't ever take ice in my drinks

Monday

My Current Words With Friends Opponents

1. Nate W.
2. Amber E.
3. Brian S.
4. Melinda H.
5. Andy M.
6. Marietta M.
7. Sarah W.
8. Anne S.
9. Matt M.

Sunday

What's In W's Disney Princess Purses

1. Sunglasses
2. Little girl doll
3. A My Little Pony brush
4. Tiny book
5. A wooden doughnut
6. Keys
7. Make Way for Ducklings Schleich figurine
8. Her chapsticks from Albert--her prized possessions
9. Another My Little Pony brush
10. A tiny horse of R's
11. A razorback Schleich figurine
12. A play phone
13. A yellow block
14. Baby Stella's baby food

Saturday

New Year's Resolutions

1. Be more present and creative with my children
2. Master the art of baking pies
3. Get more "me time"
4. Remember my 7 nieces and nephews birthdays


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