Time for an Update

As of October 13th, 2008 at 5:15pm my life was changed. That is when I locked eyes with Chase Landon Gregory. I fell in love at that moment with a little 7 pound boy that has forever changed my life.

My labor was perfect and I wouldn't change a thing that happened. My water broke at 1:47am on the 13th. I thought that I had wet my pants but it was my water. I awoke Justin and told him and we were on our way an hour or so later. Of course, I still hadn't packed my bag so that was part of the delay. I got my epidural at 6:00am and felt great. I napped all day and progressed 1 cm every hour. At 3:40pm it was time to push. I pushed for an hour (it really did go by fast) and then Dr. McIntyre informed me that Chase was "sunny side up" and his heart rate was at a constant 180-190 bpm. He told me that if Chase was going to be out in 10 minutes it wouldn't be a big deal but I still might have to push for 1 to 2 hours. We decided on a c-section. My husband said, "Dr. McIntyre, we trust you. We are in the trash business and you are the doctor. You know what you are doing."

I was prepped for the c-section and Justin and I got to meet Chase at 5:15pm. He is perfect. His little head looked like the crystal skull from the new Indiana Jones movie. It was insane. It's back to normal now. He is so beautiful. Also, Chase's cord was wrapped around his neck. I am so thankful for Dr. McIntyre's wisdom and his decision to recommend a c-section.

I am recovering really well. I went Tuesday for my 2 week check up with Dr. McIntyre and everything is healing well. Did I mention that I love Dr. McIntyre? He is AMAZING! He's been delivering babies for the longest amount of time in Austin. He's only 63 and feels that he is at the "top of his game."

I need to also say thanks so everyone that has helped out over the past 2 weeks. My sister came with a TON of food/help and we have had a ton of visitors/helpers. I also need to thank mom, Nanny, Janet, and Jenn for providing so much help those first few days.

I also need to thank my amazing husband. He has done more than I could have ever imagined. I am so in love with him. His new nickname is "Mr. Perfect #1." Chase is "Mr. Perfect #2." I am so blessed to have these men in my life!!!!

I hope everyone is doing well. I will try to be better about blogging when I get a free moment.

I'm so excited!

I am so pumped! Chase's bedding is all done! Janet (my mother-in-law) picked it up for me today and said it looks so good. She is a very honest person and would have told me otherwise. I can't wait to see it on Friday! His nursery is almost done!!! I will post pictures as soon as I get some.

Chase is pushing his head directly on my sciatic nerve. I have been sitting on a heating pad all day. It helps a bit but I still have some pain. I am going to be rolling my bottom on tennis balls in a sock tonight. The Branham family has told me it helps a ton. If anyone else has suggestions, let me know.

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday.

A Funny Conversation...I think

This was a conversation between my loving husband and me yesterday.

Amanda: Man, Chase was kicking me all night last night.

Justin: Really? I felt him a few times.

Amanda: Yep, I guess he was having a party that we weren't invited to in his womb. Get it? Womb...sounds like room!!! (i started laughing out loud at myself)

Justin: You are so funny, Wavy. (that's my 2 1/2 year old niece)

I really do crack myself up sometimes!!!

This goes out to my Austin friends....

I just ate a really yummy lunch that consisted of a grilled cheese and a cup of potato soup. Now I am having a peppermint hot chocolate. You may be asking yourself, "Why in the heck is she eating that?" Well, it is rainy, foggy, and 59 degrees in Alpine. Yes, you read correctly. 59 DEGREES!!! I am loving it. I can't wait to get back to Austin but I will really miss this weather.

I hope everyone's not too hot this afternoon in Austin/Central Texas!

33 Weeks

Here I am...33 weeks and still growing!

It's happening!

I have been fully aware of the fact that I am having a baby sometime around October 25th. I haven't been nervous and when I thought about the delivery process it didn't freak me out at all. Well, I officially started to freak out yesterday. I'm not sure exactly what happened. I was in Austin on Monday talking to people at work and telling them how I feel great and I'm not really nervous at all. I also was just telling my sister on Saturday how the delivery process does not freak me out at all.

I HAVE DECIDED I WAS IN DENIAL THIS ENTIRE TIME!!!

I became uncomfortable yesterday and really started to feel pregnant. Then, it hit me...I will be birthing this baby. It really hit home when I saw a friend of a friend's blog. Her little girl was due one month before Chase. Now she has a countdown on her blog. Only 14 days until her c-section. Holy Crap! If I am doing the math correctly (which I think I am) that means I have one month and 14 days left!!! I am really going to have this baby! So many thoughts came rushing through my head. Will it be a c-section? Will Chase come early like his BFF/future wife, Jade? Will he weigh as much as Justin (10lbs,13oz)? What will he wear home from the hospital? What will Justin and I wear home from the hospital? You know we have got to coordinate!

I know it will all work out and that once I see Chase's little face everything else will pale in comparison.

On a totally different note, I have my countdown in my head until I move. It could be as early as the weekend of the 13th or as late as the 27th. We hired my replacement yesterday. She comes in at 3pm today to begin training. I am so excited!!!

Also, in case you were wondering, I did have a really cute outfit picked out to go home in but I am wearing it to both my showers. Justin (aka my fashion expert) explained to me last night that I would be wearing the same outfit for 3 different occasions and that when Chase looks back on pictures on day he will think his mom only had 1 outfit to wear during the entire pregnancy. Ahhh, what is a girl to do?

Christmas is in the air!

I am in love with an artist named Sid Dickens. Well, I'm actually not in love with him...just his work. I collect his "Memory Blocks." You can see them in the post below about my dining room. They are the tiles in between the 2 windows. Well, he has just unveiled his 2008 Fall and 2008 Holiday Collections. My dad got me one of his Holiday blocks last year and I love it. I really would love to get one from each year's collection. Hint...Hint. I am in love with the Angelic Spirit tile from the Holiday collection. Once he retires them, they are gone. The holiday ones are retired quickly and hard to come by. Therefore, it's kind of like an investment. They only go up in value. I hope you enjoy them!!!!

Just in case you were wondering...

Here is the rest of Michael Phelps's swimming schedule:

Wednesday, August 13
Phelps - 8:51 a.m. Men's 200m Individual Medley -- Heats

Thursday, August 14
Phelps - 12:32 a.m. Men's 200m Individual Medley -- Semifinals
Phelps - 8:02 a.m. Men's 100m Butterfly -- Heats
Phelps - 9:48 p.m. Men's 200m Individual Medley -- Final
Phelps - 10:55 p.m. Men's 100m Butterfly -- Semifinals

Friday, August 15
Phelps - 8:45 a.m. Men's 4x100m Medley Relay -- Heats
Phelps - 9:10 p.m. Men's 100m Butterfly -- Final

Saturday, August 16
Phelps - 9:58 p.m. Men's 4x100m Medley Relay -- Final

Please note that this is for the CST zone.

I can't wait to see him win all 8!!! Go USA!!!

Welcome Home!

We worked a ton at our house in Kyle this weekend. Thank you, Daine! Justin couldn't have painted as fast without you!

The house is really looking good. I have attached a picture of my new favorite room. It's our formal dining room. I love the new hutch and I wanted to show everyone the chairs that I recovered, the table runner I sewed myself, and finally the cornice boards that I nailed together myself and covered with my handy staple gun. I also added the decorative trim with my hot glue gun! I love crafting/decorating. I really hope to be like Sarah Hogan one day. By finishing this room, I feel I am one step closer. If only I could learn to smock my kid's clothes!

The only thing I have left to do is hang the pictures on the wall and have Justin hang my new chandelier.

I hope everyone has a great week!

New China Cabinet

Here it is....



The wine rack is removable. I don't think I will keep it attached.

Why???

Why is it that today has been a horrible day? I had an amazing weekend in A-town and today has been no fun. Here are my random thoughts for today:

--Why did the drive up window at the bank make me wait 14 minutes for my deposit while everyone else around me was helped? All the lady said was, "Sorry you had to wait so long."

--Will my toe ring come off or will it need to be cut off?

--Will we get a good pic of Chase on Saturday during our 3-D ultrasound?

--Is it bad that my 2 sources of news are Fox News and Perez Hilton?

--Will my house in Kyle ever have green grass again?

--Why was the Nerds Rope I bought today totally stale?

--Should I interview the peditrician my OB referred me to or just make an appointment?

--How's Bootsie doing (she stayed in Austin this week)?

--What will I eat for dinner tonight?

--Is it considered a "date night" if you are going to the landfill after hours with your husband to see how things are going?

--Will the new china cabinet look good in my dining room?

I hope everyone has a great day!

Let me know your random thoughts!

Fun Weekend

I got to see my friend, Karina, this weekend in Austin. We had a blast. We will soon again be neighbors. I can't wait. She is pregnant and due in 6 short weeks. Daine, if you just read that, I didn't mean to freak you out!

Karina also wins the "Nursery of the Year" award. It is so cute!!!

My New BFF's

I have some new best friends in Alpine. They are the produce men at our local grocery store. On my mission to pack in an organized manor, I have started to ask for banana boxes at both our grocery stores. The one store that I shop at all the time seems kind of annoyed that I keep asking for these. The other store has been great. They have boxes ready for me at lunchtime and right after work. The guy asked me today if I was building a house out of cardboard. I smiled and told him we we were moving.

If you are moving anytime soon, I suggest you use only banana boxes. They are heavy duty, have lids, and handles. They also stack nicely in the trailer!

Our house in Alpine is starting to look empty.

26 Weeks!

Here's some recent pictures of me and Chase! I cut 2.5 inches off my hair this weekend to help slim my face a bit. I told my sister last night that I was going to be bald by the time this was all over!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I did some packing! Yippee!!!

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday to everyone! Justin got a surprise this morning.

Last night he went to the recycle center and his boots got really muddy so he took them off on the front porch. He put them on this morning and was on his way to work. Well, 2 and a half hours later his boot felt weird. So, he removed his boot and this is what he found!




A Baby Tarantula!!! Can you believe it? Now, it's sitting on his desk in a cup. He told me it's his new pet! I will NEVER leave my shoes on the porch again!

Test your Blog!

TV Reviews

Test your blog and see what your level is! Let me know what you got!

I'm Back!

I had a great time in NYC. We were on the go the entire time and now I need a vacation from my vacation. We saw some amazing shows and I am obsessed with "In the Heights.". I now understand why it won the Tony this year! I will post later once I get all the pics off my camera and I find some time. Also, I didn't meet Anderson Cooper but I had a VERY close encounter with him. I will explain later. That deserves it's own post!

Only a few hours left

I only have a few hours left. My bags are packed, my toes are painted "Big Apple Red", and my boarding pass is printed. I can't wait. This time tomorrow I will be eating at Michael Jordan's steakhouse overlooking the main concourse of Grand Central Station. I really can't wait! If I get a chance to blog while I'm there, I will.

I plan on meeting lots of famous people--my camera is ready!

I got something new today

I bought myself a gift today. Was it a new bugaboo stroller, a gift certificate for a spa, or a new china cabinet? All of these things I would love to have right now but it was none of these.

Ladies and Gentleman, drumroll please, it was a locking gas cap. Yes, you just read correctly. A LOCKING GAS CAP!!!! Someone stole 5 gallons of gas out of my dad's car last night. It was sitting right in front of our house. Can you believe that??? Our mechanic ordered it for me today and luckily they had one in stock at our local parts shop. I now have an extra key on each ring.

What is the world coming to???

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Psssssst will change your life!

Psssssst is amazing. It's one of my new favorite beauty products. I used it today at lunch to freshen up b/c I washed my hair last night.

You have got to run out and get some!!!

Is my memory that good?

Last night I was sleeping peacefully at 9:25pm. I heard my phone ring but I decided not to answer it because I was already sleeping really well and I didn't feel like getting up to answer it. Then, about 1 minute later I hear Boots start to bark and Justin walks into the bedroom with the phone in his hand. I hear him say to me, "It's your sister on the phone." I instantly panic. She never calls both of our phones. Are the kids okay? Has David been in a wreck? Is their house on fire? I say hello and she says, "Hi! I'm sorry to wake you but do you remember how much I pay my housekeeper? She's coming tomorrow and I can't remember." My jaw dropped! I said, "Yes...you pay her $100.00 in cash." She replies, "Thanks...that's what I thought but I couldn't remember for sure." We both say goodbye and Justin wants to know if everything was okay. I explain the conversation to him and he thought it was really scary that I knew the amount and my sister didn't.

I guess the reason I'm blogging about this is because my entire family has always teased me because I seem to misplace things a lot. My sister has always been the worst about it. Well, I guess she can't make fun anymore. I may be a little scatter brained at times but my memory is like a steel trap!

p.s. I would post a picture of Delilah and me but I can't remember where I put the latest one...

Has anyone heard of this?

Okay...I need help with a beauty product. Has anyone heard of the dry shampoo called Pssssst? Jessica Simpson swears by it. I really want to try it because little Chase is making my hair so oily. I read reviews on the product and everyone seems to love it. If anyone out there knows about it, please comment and let me know. I am dying to see how it works. Also, it says to spray it in your hair and then fluff. What exactly does that mean? Please also leave a comment on that as I am confused about "fluffing."

2 against 1 wins, right?

My dad is in town this week to visit Justin and me in Alpine. We are having a really good time. I was going over what meals to cook this week on Sunday night and it hit me...my dad and I love meatloaf. Justin, on the other hand, tells me that the only thing that should be in a loaf is bread. Well, we outvoted Justin. We get to have meatloaf tonight. I have the best recipe ever. It is from my grandmother. I am going to reveal it to everyone for their dining pleasure.

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped onions (I use the already chopped ones that you get in the freezer section)
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Topping
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 1/2 teaspoon mustard

Heat oven to 350. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well with your hands. Put into a loaf pan that has been sprayed with Pam. Mix topping in a bowl and spread on top of the meatloaf. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

On a side note, I woke up this morning feeling light headed. I decided to just eat my morning yogurt and get some apple juice at the gas station. It went away about 20 minutes after I ate. I am so proud of myself. I didn't freak out and call Delilah with all my symptoms and beg her to tell me what was wrong with me. She should be so proud. Her little sis is learning to deal with pregnancy issues on her own! Too bad I only have 17.5 weeks left!

Justin in Home!!!

Justin is home after being gone for 16 days! I missed him so much. I have to show off the little leather shoes that he got Chase in Argentina. They are so cute. I can't wait until he can wear them!

Who's ready for a pool party?

I had to share a picture of these swim trunks that we got as a gift for Chase Landon. I can't wait to have him in the pool next summer! Justin thinks he will be big enough for his first cruise next summer. What is he thinking???

For all my friends in central Texas

First, I want to go on record and state that I in no way feel any of my friends have "crazy" kids. Check out the article below if you feel you are at your "wit's end." You might end up a television star!


http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/mamadrama/entries/2008/06/19/are_you_desperate_for_a_super.html

Random Thoughts

Here are a few of my random thoughts from today. Thanks to Summer for this blog post idea

-Has Justin thrown up today
-Will my gashed ankle ever heal
-Am I going to have a c-section
-Should I get a new IPhone one day
-What fabric will I use for the bumper in Chase's crib
-Is my face getting fatter
-How long will my meeting after work last
-Will I watch the premiere of Nashville Star tonight
-How many "empty calories" are in an ice cream cone from McDonald's
-Does lanolin really help or is Delilah fooling me
-I really should be reading my books on babies
-When will my heartburn go away
-Does that mole on my arm look weird
-Was the ad that I put in the paper today for TDS grammatically correct
-Will I get stretch marks
-When will Nanny get results from the MRI of her knee
-Why is Simply Orange OJ so expensive in Alpine
-Is there a Chase Bank in Midland

Let me know some of your random thoughts.......

Updated Pics

Here I am at 18.5 weeks. I am growing......

I found it!

If you know anything about me, you know that I am prone to losing things. I don't know why...it just happens. I will say, "This is the best place in the world for...I will never forget about it." Then, I am wondering where in the heck did I put my much needed item. Well, Justin lost something and I had NOTHING to do with it! We have a great underwater camera case that is made for our digital camera. We used it a ton last summer when swimming and on vacation. Well, Justin needs it next week. He started looking for it like 3 weeks ago and had no luck what so ever! I was a little bothered because I didn't want him to buy another...I wanted him to find the lost one.

Today, before lunch, Justin announced that he was going home to do one final search for the camera. I knew what this meant...he was going to order another one this afternoon if he couldn't find the lost one. I had to help! Do you know how many diapers we could buy with that money? I had remembered seeing the case in our room. We got home and I looked under the bed and then under the nightstand. There it was. I was so pumped. Justin was so excited and now he owes me big time!

Looking back on the situation, I can say that I'm not too upset that it was lost. Justin cleaned out a storage closet and the garage looking for this case. I have been on him for months to clean those out!

Hope everyone has a Happy Wednesday.

I am missing my friend, Meredith!!!

Has anyone seen my friend, Meredith? I used to read her blog daily and now she hasn't blogged for over 1 month, but who's counting? Maybe this post will let her know how much the blogging world misses her!

WE MISS YOU, MEREDITH!!!!!!

Does Anyone Watch....

Justin and I are hooked on Arrested Development. It was on Fox and premiered November 2, 2003. We just finished season 1 and it was hilarious. Hopefully we will start on season 2 tonight. I highly suggest watching this series. I am also a little sad that we didn't watch it when it was on Fox.

Happy Birthday, Boots!

Today is a very special day at the Gregory House. Boots Gregory turns 3 years old today. It seems like just yesterday we picked up the little fur ball in North Austin. She is so sweet and always makes me smile. Everyone loves her whenever they meet her. I took her on a walk last night to kick off the celebration! I have to go buy her a new bone today just to let her know it's her special day. I will look at our grocery store in town and see if they have any dog ice cream. She loves that stuff but I only seem to find it in the big cities at HEB!

3 Cheers for David Cook!

I really can't believe David Cook won American Idol. I am so thrilled. Justin and I were absolutely shocked. I loved how he teared up at the end. I also loved how they brought out celebrities to sing with the contestants. My fav had to be the music montage with George Michael coming out at the end. I love him! I have to admit that it did stir up my old feelings of not getting to go to his concert when I was in 4th grade b/c something I did got me grounded and Delilah got to take her friend! Life was so not fair.

I was also very entertained by the questions that Justin would ask. Some of them included, "Are the Jonas Brothers really brothers? I guess we could call them a modern day Hanson." and "Who is the h*?l is One Republic?"

Indiana Jones comes out today. Justin and I are planning on going tomorrow night. The local 2 screen theatre here in town will be showing it. We are really pumped!

What did you think?

So, what did everyone think of AI last night? I really want David Cook to win but I think David A might have all of the teeny bopper crowd to pull him through. Who knows. During Season 6, Katherine McPhee out sang Taylor Hicks in the finale but he still pulled through as the victor. I really don't know what to think.

It was so hot here in Alpine yesterday. It got up to 96. I am so thankful that we don't have any humidity. I would be dying right now. Also, I woke up so thirsty yesterday. By lunch time, I was convinced I had gestational diabetes b/c I had already consumed 100 ounces of water. I had heard that extreme thirst was a symptom. Delilah convinced me that I was okay and probably didn't have anything wrong with me. She told me that pregnant women just get really thirsty. Any readers that have been preggo before, please let me know you were thirsty too!

We don't have much planned for this weekend. We don't observe Monday as a holiday, so I'll be in the office all day. I think it will be really quiet b/c most people will assume that we are closed.

I hope everyone has a happy Wednesday. Be sure and tune in tonight for the finale!

Check this out!

Check out this link. I'm so proud of Taylor Hicks! Once again, Happy Taylor Hicks Day!

Happy Taylor Hicks Day!

Did you know that May 16th is Taylor Hicks Day in the state of Alabama? I wish I was going to be there to join in on the festivities! My friend Meredith has a friend named Claire who lives in Birmingham. I hope she throws a party in Taylor's honor. Some of you may be wondering what old Taylor is up to these days. I thought I might fill you in.....

According to Wikipedia (one of my favorite websites these days), he really hasn't been up to much in 2008. The only major thing in 2008 was that he was dropped from the Arista Records label. Don't worry, the Soul Patrol is alive and well! He also wrote a book in 2007 and was paid $750,000 for it. I need to put that on my list of summer reads.

I hope everyone enjoys Taylor Hicks Day. I will put a gray streak in my hair and wear my Soul Patrol T-shirt all day tomorrow!

Cook & Cowell

Last nights performance of American Idol was really good. I loved the fact that Simon told David A. that his rendition of "I Need Ya" by Chris Brown sounded a bit like a chihuahua trying to be like a tiger. It was perfect. David Cook did amazing. Simon declared that the night was won by Cook and Cowell. I really hope he wins. I need to call in and vote for him.

I can't wait for tonight's episode. They all get to go back to their hometowns. I hope David Cook gets a key to the city.

On another note, why does David A's dad ALWAYS wear a hat? Is he bald? Does he have an unusual birthmark? The guy just creeps me out. I am so glad he got his backstage pass taken away.

My prediction is that Syesha will go home tonight. We will all have to tune in and see.

Yummy Cinnamon Rolls

Justin and I went to Midland, Texas on Saturday and stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. I was speaking to Delilah SAturday night and she said, "Enjoy the cinnamon rolls." I had totally forgotten that Holiday Inn Express was famous for their cinnamon rolls on their "complimentary" breakfast bar. I went to bed dreaming of cinnamon rolls and told myself to wake up before 9:30 so that I could run downstairs and get some. I promptly got up at 9am on Sunday and was downstairs by 9:15. Guess what...there were no cinnamon rolls to be found. Just the empty spot where they should be. I went to the front desk and asked the girl if there were any more rolls. She told me she would ask the hostess. She came back out and said that the hostess didn't want to put anymore out b/c it was so close to 9:30. I asked her to go back in the room and please ask the hostess to put more out. It's not 9:30 yet and people are still filtering in for breakfast. The hostess came out and said, "You wanted to talk to me?" I explained the situation again and she said that she didn't want to put any out b/c if I only ate 1 then she would have to throw the others away and she didn't want to do that. I asked her again to please put some out and she turned away without saying anything. She then came out with the cinnamon rolls and I said thanks so much. She didn't say a word to me!!!!

I stayed calm the entire time and used the word please multiple times. The whole time I wanted to scream out, "I need cinnamon rolls." I'm glad a kept my cool! Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that a saw the lady throw out like 25 strips of bacon. I know that costs more than some cinnamon rolls.

We've all been waiting.....

Justin and I are having a BOY!!! We are so excited. I went in for a check up ultrasound last week and the little guy was not being modest at all. I guess he takes after his father already. We have decided on the name Chase Landon Gregory. I can't wait until we get to meet the little guy in late October. I have already warned Daine and Karina that their little girl will have someone chasing after her in a few months.

Now, let the shopping begin!!! Justin just thinks boys are cheaper to raise than girls. I will give him a run for his money!

Welcome, Rowdy the Rhino

TDS got a new exotic animal last Monday. His name is Rowdy and he is really sweet. He weighs in at 3640 pounds and he is 7 years old. I posted some pictures of him. You can see by the picture of Rowdy and me that I was a bit nervous at first to be so close to him but I tried not to show it. He loves to run everywhere and jump in his new pond. I can't wait for the new baby Gregory to meet him soon!

Crazy Dreams

Last night was probably the worst night of sleep I have ever had. First of all, I fell asleep hard on the couch at 8:45. I then went to bed at 9:30 and I was wide awake. It was so frustrating!!! Then, I woke up at 1:40am and was starving. I mean I was so hungry that it woke me up. I convinced myself to go back to bed without getting up to eat. Then, the crazy dreams started. I dreamed that one of my friends from high school (I haven't seen her in almost 10 years) was pregnant also and contacted me to "reconnect." Then the next dream took place at a huge stadium. I was with Justin and his immediate family. We were waiting for the festivities to start (I have no idea what we were there to see) and out comes my friend Meredith's sister, Emily, on this huge horse. She starts riding all over the stadium and up into the aisles. She stops where we are sitting (keep in mind I have never met her) and says, "I know you." We end up talking for awhile and then she rides off into the sunset.

My dreams were over at 4:30am and I was awake again because I had a horrible crick in my neck. It hurt really bad. I never really went to sleep after that. Hopefully, I will catch some ZZZ's tonight!

I love Turbo Tax

This year I decided to tackle our taxes by myself. We have always used an accountant in Austin, but I thought that I could do it myself and save $50.00. How many diapers will that buy?

My sister and brother-in-law use Turbo Tax every year. I thought, "If they can use it (he's a cardiologist and she's an RN), this trash woman/tree farm specialist surely can do it." It was really easy...I did have a few questions for my brother-in-law. I submitted our taxes Saturday and I just got our return in our checking account today. I am pumped!!!

Check out this blog

This Blog is really funny. It's called "June Cleaver after a six-pack." It really mad me laugh.

So much to write about

I have so much to write about today. First things first, I am so excited that Kristy Lee Cook was booted from AI last night. She needed to go about 6 weeks ago. Also, did anyone else cry when David Cook performed? I loved his rendition of "Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey. I really would like for him to win the entire competition.

Justin got home after being gone for 7 days. It felt like an eternity! I am so glad to have my husband, best friend, and office mate back. I get so sentimental these days. I am blaming it on the hormones.

My good friends, Daine and Karina, found out that they will be having a little girl in late August/early September. I am so excited for them.

I have had an insane need to bake lately. I love sweets, but I only will keep one of what I bake and then give the rest to friends. They have told me I have got to stop. My motto is, "If I'm going to gain weight...we are ALL going to gain weight." In the last week I have baked, 32 peanut butter cup brownie cupcakes(thanks, Paula Deen), 37 pecan pralines, a dozen lemon bars, 2 dozen M&M/chocolate chip cookies, and a tray of Mississippi mud. I have got to get this under control or I won't have any friends left.

I have a new job title at the office. I would like to be called the "Tree Farm Specialist" from now on. Justin brought back 3 Monterey Oak trees from Texas Landfill Management's tree farm. Justin's dad wanted us to see if we could sell them out here. We have three and everyone wants one. I didn't realize that trees were so popular!

I hope everyone is doing well. So long for now.

My Celebrity Look-Alikes

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

He found is ROCK

Well, Bret Michaels found his "Rock of Love" last night. He picked Ambre, and I am so glad. Some people didn't like her because they found her to be not very nice. I loved this show and I am sad to see it end. My cousin, Beth, is hoping that he and Ambre break up so that we can have Rock of Love III. I have to admit, I wouldn't mind that at all. The reunion show is on next week at 9/8 C. Be sure to tune into VH1 and watch. Last night, they showed two girls getting in a fight. It was like Jerry Springer style.

I can't believe that I loved this show so much. From my baby website that I read, the babe doesn't have it's ears in place yet. Let's hope so! I don't want him/her to think that their mom is white trash!

I also got on the Poison website last night with Meredith. We are trying to figure out a way to get to Birmingham in July to see the band play. I already know what I will wear. My outfit will consist of a wife beater shirt and a short maternity jean skirt!!! I plan on completing the outfit with cowboy boots and a side ponytail.

I love this stuff!

I am obsessed with Pureology. It's a hair product line that is amazing for color treated hair (not that I color my hair). I started using the shampoo and conditioner back in January and I am still on the same bottles because you use such a small amount each day. Yesterday, I bought the blowdry amplify lotion. I used it last night and it was amazing. My friend, Meredith, told me she had never seen my hair look that good. She even called Justin (he's out of town) and told him it looked great. This is an item that will NOT, I repeat NOT, be cut out of my life when the baby comes. I already know that my I will be asking for it next year for Christmas in my stocking. I'll have to make sure that I am extra good this year!

Justin is Famous...But I already knew that!

Check out the link below. It's an article from this week's "Alpine Avalanche." If anyone would like a hard copy, I have 100 copies of the paper in my office right now. Just kidding...I only have one.

http://www.alpineavalanche.com/articles/2008/04/09/news/news02.txt

I am expecting E! to call any minute for an interview for his "True Hollywood Story." Anyone that would like to be interviewed as a "friend", please contact me and we will go over what you need to say in the interview.

I've got to run...my phone is ringing off the hook. It's crazy being married to a celebrity.

My Eggo is Preggo

Justin and I are pregnant!!! We are so excited. I am 11 weeks along and I pretty much feel like crap today. Oh well, it will pass! We have known for about 6 weeks, but I had to keep it a secret until my dad got here. He flew in Saturday and we told him the news! Everyone else in my family already knew (except my aunts and uncles on my dad's side). I have to give a "shout out" to Delilah for keeping a secret from my dad for so long. I now know I can tell her anything! I already knew that, but this was the ULTIMATE test. I haven't had any crazy dreams and I don't have a "feeling" about what I am having.

Everyone with kids keeps telling me my life will change, but I think they are all lying to me. How much can a newborn possibly change things??? Just kidding!!!

Did everyone here about the Paul McCartney and Heather Mills settlement? She was awarded $33 million in a lump sum. That is insane. They were married only 4 years! If my math is correct, that means she was married 1,460 days. That comes out to $22,602.74 per day. AND, if you want to be more disgusted by this...it's $941.78 per hour. My good friend, Karina, works for ann attorney in Austin and I don't think he even gets that much per hour! Ms. Mills was quoted as saying, "I am so, so happy with this." She better be.

One of my new favorite things

I am in love with this new chocolate. It is so yummy and it makes things so easy to dip. I used to use the almond bark that you would have to melt in a double boiler and then stir, stir, stir! It was a pain and I dreaded the clean up. Then, I found this. It's in its own little microwave cup and there is no clean up. You just throw it away when you are done! I love it! If you need to dip anything in chocolate, you must use this. It comes in milk, dark, and white. Happy Baking to everyone!

Let It Snow

It is 11:35am and snowing like crazy!!! I love it!

What's your fav?

My friend Meredith and I were discussing concerts last night. She asked me what the best concert was that I have ever been to. I replied, "Prince!" I went through my list and here are some of my favorites. These are in no special order.

1. New Kids on the Block (Hanging Tough Tour)
2. U2 (Joshua Tree Tour--I was like 5 and went w/my family)
3. George Strait Music Fest
4. Kid Rock (@ the San Antonio Rodeo)
5. Keith Urban

Also, I was supposed to go to George Michael when he was doing the Faith Tour but I got grounded. I was in the fourth grade and my sister was in the seventh grade. I remember it like it was yesterday. My sister got to take her friend, Melissa. I was very upset. My dad took me to McDonald's to console me. Ahh, the good old days when a Happy Meal would cure any problem.

Let me know what everyone else's fav's were. I need to know that I'm not the only one who liked dorky bands like NKOTB!

The sign says it all!

You Decide

I got Bootsie groomed the other day and now Justin keeps telling me she looks like a bushbaby. Let me know what you think!

Another reason to LOVE Chick-Fil-A

I am in love with the Diet Lemonade at Chick-Fil-A. It is now sweetened with Splenda and is so yummy! You have to run out today and get some. I would suggest to buy it by the individual cup and not a whole gallon. I ordered a gallon the other day and found out it costs $8.50 per gallon! I know Splenda is pricey, but give me a break. AND, if you want to make it yourself, use this recipe. I made it last night and it tastes just as good

5 Cups Water
1 Cup Splenda
1 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice

Stir all together and serve over ice. This recipe makes 6 1/4 C servings. My sister and I discussed this last night. Our husbands looked at us like we were idiots (we were on the phone) when we discussed how much we thought it would make! I guess you can take the girl out of Kentucky, but you can't take Kentucky out of the girl. Thanks mom and dad for those 17 years of private education! I promise it was worth it!

What are we to do?

Check out this article. I hope this doesn't ruin anyone's day! I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Welcome!

My sister, Delilah, and my dad now have blogs. I am so pumped! I loved how my sister said back in July, "Why do you have a blog? What are you possibly going to write about?"

I am addicted

Okay, I am fully aware that I have a problem buying shoes! Ever since I saw these shoes in the Neiman Marcus catalog, I had to have them. But, I could not justify paying full price for these. Yes, please mark your calender with that statement. I just said I could not justify buying a pair of shoes! Well, Kentucky has been good to me. I found them today for 75% off. I was so excited. My dad was there and just smiled. He is a huge fan of Chuck Taylor's. He likes the black ones. I called my sister with the good news and she said, "Metallics are very neutral." I hope everyone enjoys them. If you would like to borrow them, please email me with the date and time you would like them. I will see what I can do. I know you all secretly want a pair!

Happy Valentines Day, Y'all

Tonight Justin and I celebrated Valentines Day since I will be in Kentucky and he will be in El Paso for meetings on the 14th. I made Paula Deen's Chicken Parmesan. It was so good! I am going to post the recipe b/c it is so yummy! The only thing I did different came from a suggestion from my friend, Meredith. She uses Japanese bread crumbs instead of Italian bread crumbs. They are very crispy and don't get soggy at all. She also uses 3/4 C crumbs and 1/4 C grated parmesan cheese.

CHICKEN PARMESAN

1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced chicken breast, or chicken breasts that have been pounded to about 1/4 inch thick
Paula Deen's House Seasoning (recipe below)*
Plain or Italian bread crumbs - about 1 cup (from container you buy at the grocery store)
3 large eggs
1/2 stick butter
Marinara sauce (Homemade or from a jar)
Sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Rinse and pat the chicken breasts dry. Season each piece with a little of Paula Deen's House seasoning. *Do not use the entire amount - just enough to season the chicken.

Put eggs in a pie plate and beat. Put bread crumbs in a second pie plate. Dip each piece of chicken in the beaten eggs, then dip in the bread crumbs. Place each on a platter while you dip all of the chicken pieces in the eggs and bread crumbs..

Heat the butter in a 12-inch non-stick frying pan over high, medium heat, or low medium-high heat. Saute the chicken pieces, three or 4 at a time (or however many fit in your pan without crowding, for a few minutes on each side (about 2 - 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness). Drain on paper towels. Continue until all pieces have been sauteed.

Lightly spray a pryex casserole with olive (or even canola) oil. Place the chicken pieces in the pyrex, and bake for 10 - 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces. Remove the casserole from the oven and cover each piece with some marinara sauce. Place mozzarella on each piece of chicken and sprinkle Parmesan over the entire dish. Put the Chicken Parmesan back in the oven and bake for 5 - 10 minutes - until the cheese is melted and just starting to brown.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSE SEASONING
From Paula Deen

1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. (I have halved this recipe so that I don't have so much taking up space in my spice cabinet.)


I hope everyone has an extra special Valentines Day!

XOXO!

New Shoes

While in San Antonio this weekend, I finally broke down and got my first pair of Puma's. I love them. And who would have ever guessed what I am about to say....Justin doesn't like them! I couldn't decide between these and the cheetah print pair. If Von Maur has them, I might just have to get the other pair when I am in Kentucky.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Hunting Trip?!?!

I stumbled upon this item today on Ebay while looking for a hunting trip for my man! I suggest you buy yours before they are all gone. My favorite thing about this is that it's made in Louisville, Kentucky. Hollaaaa!!!

Yummy Food and New Friends

I had lunch today at a restaurant in town that has fresh italian food. It's not new to Alpine, but new to me. It was so yummy. I also ate lunch with my new friend, Meredith. We had such a good time getting to know each other. We are a lot alike and are both kind of new to Alpine. Check out her blog. She is super funny.

I love the Mannings!

I am so pumped about last night's win! I love the Manning Brothers!!!!

Happy Anniversary, TDS Alpine!

Yesterday (2/1/08) was our 1 year anniversary in Alpine. We began hauling trash on February 1, 2007. I can't believe it has been a year already! The time has flown by and everything is going great. Justin and I were talking yesterday about how well the first year has gone. We have grown and everyone in the comunities we serve still likes us. I talked to my father-in-law also and reminded him it was our 1 year anniversary. His response was, "You guys did such a great job and didn't even go bankrupt." I guess you have to know Jimmy to fully understand that comment!

I hope everyone has a great weekend! Go Giants!!!!

My New Favorite Snack

This is my new favorite snack! They are so yummy and only 1 Weight Watcher point. Please try them...you will be in love!

Happy Birthday, Waverly!!!

My one and only niece turned two last Friday. I was so fortunate to be in town on her Birthday and for her party on Saturday. She is now 2 years old! It seems like just yesterday she was born! Waverly is so much fun to be around. Everything she does just cracks me up. She is talking more and more and loves to give hugs and kisses! She is such a good big sister and seems to really love her baby brother. I just got off the phone with her and she told me her baby brother was sleeping and that she missed me a lot. My sister and brother-in-law have done a great job with her!

Today is the DAY!!!

Today is the day that I will give up caffeine. I no longer need it and I CAN survive without it! No more Diet Dr. Pepper for breakfast! Only water and decaf beverages.

Also, please take this as fair warning. If you deal with me in the next few days/week, please give me room. I am going to try REALLY hard to not be grumpy!

Hope everyone has a happy Tuesday!

So ya had a bad day?

I keep hearing the words to this song over and over again in my head! Happy Monday.

We Survived...

Justin and I babysat last night for our friends in Alpine. They have 2 little boys. One is 5 and the other is almost 3. We decorated sugar cookies and watched what the boys described as, "The scariest movie.". It was The Land Before Time III. The boys were perfect. They went to bed right at 9 and the oldest one only got up once. He wanted a drink of water from the kitchen sink. I remember saying the same thing!!! Justin and I had a great time and it helps give us our "kid fix."

Good Taste?

I have been looking everywhere for some animal print plates for my kitchen. I found them and I am very upset. I found them on Horchow's website. If you have never been on that site, check it out. I love it. The only problem is that 4--yes I said 4--dinner plates costs $275.00. I cannot justify ever buying these! They are perfect. I love animal print and purple. What's a girl to do? Maybe someone will throw away a set and I will find them in the resale shop in Austin. A girl can dream, can't she?

Question of the Day

Here it is....do you tip the carhop at Sonic? I never know what to do. Please help me solve this age old question....

You're going to Hollywood!

Just in case you have been living under a rock....American Idol starts to tonight at 8/7 central! I can't wait to see Ryan and all the new details of the show!

Rudy's-Official Home of "Sissy Sauce"

I went to Rudy's BBQ this weekend with my family in Denton (north of Dallas) for some yummy breakfast tacos. When we walked in, I was so excited to see the "sissy sauce" in a bottle at the register! I love Rudy's, but their sauce can give me heartburn. Then I was told about a year ago to ask for the sissy sauce. When you would ask for the sissy sauce, they would really embarrass you. They would yell, "We've got a sissy over here." Everyone would look at you and you just had to deal with it.

Now, I have my own bottle of sissy sauce and I no longer have to be embarrassed about it!

God Bless Texas and Rudy's "sissy sauce"

Please be quite!

I have to admit that I am on the edge today. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed and I will be the first to admit it! There was a lady humming in the restroom today and I almost went postal. I wanted to yell, "SHUT UP" under the stall. Humming has always bothered me, but today it was really bad! I am usually not that type of person.

I leave today for Dallas. Hopefully the sight of Super Target and Nordstrom Rack will cheer me up! I love Dallas. I would totally live there one day. My sister told me there was no way I could ever live in Dallas b/c I don't dress up enough. I would if I lived in Dallas. I love the big hair and jewelry! And, if I lived there, I would do my hair like this every day. Actually I would do this version with a lot of blonde hilites! Let me know what you think!

Writer's Strike

Can you tell there is a writer's strike going on? The only thing we could find to watch last night was American Gladiator's. I have to admit...I loved it! Justin and I watched it with our good friends, Pate & Bethany. By the end of the show last night, we were all yelling and cheering for our favorite gladiators.

Justice is our favorite Gladiator. He is a GIANT!!!