New Year = New Me

So New year and a New me. In 2010 not only do I want to complete P90x and look HAWT again, I aslo want to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritualy as a mom, girlfriend, and human being! I hope this blog will help me along the way - help to mold me into the person that I want to be.

First thing first, I'm starting with my health by the work out everyday and the better diet (started a blog check it out! & help keep me motivated by subscribing and commenting!)

Next thing is a new job - which will allow me to be at home more with Mister Monster - I have been a single mom for most of Mister Monster's life and I have always had to work 40+ hours a week. Seems like I blinked and he's 5 already and I feel that I have missed out on Soooo much and it's not fair. He's my only child and he deserves to have me more in his life.

Third I want to work on my spirituality - I would like to find a good bible study group in my area with peers my age and to find a church where our family meshes well and we enjoy going to. I have not been to church once since I have moved up here (8months). And I really want to get back on track and just involve god in our lives more.

And lastly I want to feel good emotionally - I want to happy everyday (for the most part) and do the things that I enjoy more this year. Less work and more family time. I am even thinking about having a Mandatory family night every week where we go to a movie, or play board games, or do something craft just the three of us. I think it would be good for all of us.

So these are my goals for 2010! Let's get started!

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Friend Makin' Monday - New Year's Resolutions

Another week, another Friend Makin' Monday over at {aefilkins} and this week we get to share our New Year's resolutions!

This year I only really have one New Year's Resolution and that is to complete a full circuit of P90x starting Jan 1st thru March 31st and to cut out  All most fastfood from my diet! And really work hard at maintaining an exercise routine and healthy diet! My ultimate goal is to lose 20lbs at the end of 90 days but we'll see what happeneds! 

Other things that I would LIKE to happen in 2010 but they are not resolutions: Get engaged to Chris (We've been together for 3 years now - it's about that time), Find another job that allows me to spend more time with Mister Monster (Currently working Full Time for a cellphone company and 50-60 hours a week just isn't working well with me!), Learn to budget my money (If I drop down to part time I have to get used to spending less every month! No more McD's for dinner every night!)

Please link up at {aefilkins} and start makin' some friends today!!

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Great Find - Ultimate Grocery List

So I am always looking for ways to make everyday things easier and more convient and I have a GREAT FIND I would like to share with you.

The Ultimatest Grocery List

I'm always the one who scribbles on a notepad what I need from the grocery store to find that I forgot it on the counter at the house - so turning the car around,I park, get out and I continue to shop and pick up the things that I can recall from memory.

With a 5 year old in the cart wanting one or two every sugary, sweet thing he finds, grabbing and placing things in the cart when I'm not looking to see how many calories are in a jar of barbeque sauce, it really makes it hard to remember EVERYTHING you had on that list.

So I decided to create "Google" printable grocery lists and found a great one on GroceryLists.Org

It has everything and more that I would need to put on my list! So I wanted to share with each of you and see what you thought of it!

To download

Right-click the links below or the sample image and choose “Save file as…”, “Save link as…” or whatever. Last updated 28 Sep 2008.

Free download: THE ULTIMATEST GROCERY LIST (Deluxe version)

Free download: THE ULTIMATEST GROCERY LIST (Vegetarian version)

 

 

Let me know what you think about it! But I have decided to print it and use it from now on! That is...If I can remember to bring this list with me! :)

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Christmas Week Recap

Warning - this is just short of a book - and I'm sorry for it being so long, but if you do not read it in its entirity - I won't hold ANYTHING against you! :)

As much as I love and appreciate everything associated with Christmas and the birth of Jesus, I am sooo happy that it is finally over and that I can move on with everyday life! 4 houses in 2 days isn't bad but when 2 houses are in Louisville, KY and the other 2 are in Missouri and there's a 5 hour drive one way involved, it's exhausting! On Wed night we drove to Louisville, got there around 11:30pm to surprise Chris' mom *she was under the assumption that we werent making it to Christmas in Kentucky*, and boy was she surprised! She sqeeled in delight! :)

Thursday morning we woke up to eggs, bacon, and pancakes and TONS of presents in the middle of the floor. This year we made a deal with Chris' parents - no exchanging of presents to the adults because his parents are paying for our 8 bedroom, 4 bathroom house in Orlando for our Family Disney Trip in May/June. Which only meant that all those presents were for Mister Monster! He got about 10 new toys and 2 new outfits - what a great Christmas!

(Chris' Mom & Dad's Table FULL of presents for the kids!)

Thursday evening we headed to Chris' aunts house for dinner with his entire family and I mean there were about 30 people there! Mister Monster ran off with a cousin so I had a chance to relax and just chit chat with his family. His uncle is a minister in Kentucky and was offering to marry us in the next room right then and there - which I was all for - but of course Chris wasn't going for it. His uncle even took off his wedding ring and told Chris to try it on and see how it looked!! Not going to happen. Haha. He tried for about 2 hours and 2 houses later still trying to marry us. I like him. *The story about Chris and I will come in a later post*

Friday morning we woke up to breakfast again and lot's of goodies to take back home with us! After eating, we got back on the road around 7am to head to Missouri. 5 hours later we arrived at My Great Grandma's house for lunch. We ate, helped cleaned up, and played Quirckle *some game I have never heard of, but it was alot of fun*. Then headed to my grandma's to open more Christmas Presents. Needless to say, Mister Monster made out like a bandit! He got around 30-40 NEW toys and about 50 new pairs of socks!! And he still has 5 more presents from us to open today - which are toys as well.

(Mister Monster & Daddy playing with his new toys)

Chris and I have decided that next year we are going to only spend about $100 on Mister Monster for Christmas and put the other $200 we spent this year in a savings account for him to give him when he turns 18. We're going to start putting in all of his birthday/holiday money in there as well. So then we will be more prepared for his first car, college, etc.

On a very happy note! My littles cousin had her first baby over the Holiday! Malichi Edward was born on December 24th at 5:02pm! Weighing in at 4lbs, 13 ounces (he was 7 weeks early) but both mom and baby are healthy and doing well!

(Malichi Edward just hours after being born - isn't he just a doll?!)

Hope you and your family had a Very Merry Christmas!! I wish many great things in 2010 for each and everyone of you!

Ps. Now I want to have another baby!! Mine's 5 years old now and I want a little one again! Do you guys ever go through this?

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Wordless Wednesday - Birthday Recap

Another Wordless Wednesday is upon us! And since I have not shared the pictures from Mister Monster's birthday I thought this would be the time to do it! :) So here it goes...

These are Mister Monster's Aunt, 2 Uncles (My step siblings) and Cousin - Mister Monster is the goofey one in the green polo!

Birthday Cupcakes! Were sooo yummy! Italian cream icing!

Mister Monster and the Treasure Box full of "Booty" - I had the kids go on a treasure hunt with maps and clues and everything! Had them running through all three levels of the house! They loved it!

I captured the Pirates after they found their "booty"! I love this picture!

Now get on over to 5minutesformom.com and link up for Wordless Wednesday!!

Also Linked to:

Mom Start

Go Graham Go

Sweet as Punkin Pie

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Post-It Note Tuesday -!-

Another week, Another Post-It Note Tuesday! This is probably one of my FAV blog carnivals to do every week! Thank you Supah Mommy for coming up with this great idea!  So here it goes, enjoy! & remember if you comment for me, I'll come and comment for you!!

That was fun wasn't it? If you want to join the fun please click on over to Supah Mommy's blog and link up! It's really easy and TONS O FUN!!  I look forward to reading everyone's Post Its! Have a great day and Thanking you for reading!

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The Simple Woman's Daybook - Christmas Edition

I can't believe it's Monday again, so you know what that means! It's time for another blog post for The Simple Woman's Daybook. I really look forward to reading these every week from others just like myself, it's a great way to make friends and I encourage each of you to head over to Peggy's blog and link up! Leave a comment and I'll make sure to do the same for your! Have a great day!

Outside my window... Nothing by gray skies again - but it's the first "official" day of Winter and we have a big winter storm forcasted for this entire week so maybe I can see snow too!

I am thinking... about how to start a candle business from my home to make some extra income - any idea's ladies? It would be much appreciated.


I am thankful for... Everyday that I have air in my lungs and everyday that I get to see my Mister Monster grown and change! He's almost an adult you know! Only 13 more years till he's in college... :(


I am wearing... My typical for work - nothing to fancy or cute.


I am remembering... Some great times with a really old friend whom Ive lost contact with. I messaged her on Facebook this past week and finally got a response - all apologies aside I feel a ton better now knowing that we have nothing left to apologize for and that we can hopefully one day rekindle our friendship.


I am going... start planning for my P90x fitness plan - starts on January 1st - hopefully I'll stick with it longer than 3 days this time around!


I am currently reading... nothing at the moment - any suggestions?


I am hoping... for a white Christmas


On my mind... How I can live every day with no regrets - and make each and everyday count.


Noticing that... This year is almost over - and what a year it has been! I transferred jobs, moved 2 hours away from my family, went to Florida, Mister Monster turned 5, and now it's already Christmas!


Pondering these words... "As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let us down, probably will. You'll have your heart broken and you'll break others' hearts. You'll fight with your best friend or maybe even fall in love with them, and you'll cry because time is flying by. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you've never been hurt. Life comes with no guarantees, no time outs, no second chances. you just have to live life to the fullest, tell someone what they mean to you and tell someone off, speak out, dance in the pouring rain, hold someone's hand, comfort a friend, fall asleep watching the sun come up, stay up late, be a flirt, and smile until your face hurts. Don't be afraid to take chances or fall in love and most of all, live in the moment because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can never get back. " - Unknown


From the kitchen... Homemande Oatmeal Raisin cookies, Hersey Kiss Peanut Butter cookies, and Snow balls


Around the house... some last minute present wrapping, cookie making and some cleaning


One of my favorite things~ Homemade meals

From my picture journal...

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Sorry for being MIA

I apologize for being so MIA over the weekend - but unfortuntly I do work in Retail in Sales and I am scheduled to work this entire week (I'm not off work until the 24th) and I have not had a day off since this past Monday - so by the time I'm done dealing with the public, then fighting my way through Walmart just to get cookie ingredients, I AM POOPED! So I do not forsee myself being online a whole this week - but I will still be commenting on the blogs that I follow but I am unsure if I will be able to post on my own.

This week is going to be a busy one for sure - I work Mon, Tues, Wed...off work on Thursday so in the morning Mister Monster and myself are going to make Christmas cookies and then around 4pm we are supposed to drive to Louisville, KY to spend the night with Chris' family for Christmas. However, we are supposed to getting some snow on Wed/Thurs so if it's snowing there is a chance we will not go to Ky. Then I work on Saturday and the on Sunday we are going to my family's Christmas which is another 2 hours one way from us. So needless to say, it's going to be on BUSY week/weekend. I am so ready for the new year! I'm not trying to be Grinchy - but after the last week or so, I am wore out!!

Thank you guys for reading - I appreciate it - and I apologize for being so MIA lately!

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Five Question Friday

Thank you again to Mama M @ Five Crooked Halos for hosting yet another "Five Question Friday" blog carnival! I've noticed I really look forward to these everyweek! I think I do more Carnival's than anything else! So on the 5Q & 5A part...

1. Which boygroup did you like most in your teens?

      That would be a toss up between N'Sync and Backstreet Boys - they were just starting when I was a tween and really hit full force when I was in my early teen years - Not so much of a fan now - but I used to have their posters taped literally from floor to ceiling on every wall in my room! Even had a few of Justin Timberlake on my ceiling! I'm really embarrassed to say that! haha 

 

 

2. Do you do Christmas cards, letters, photos, nuthin', all of the above?
        We do Christmas cards with a photo of the family but that's about it through the mail. Then of course we do the whole gift giving and volunteering thing. 

 

 

3. If you could meet one celebrity who would it be and why?
      Hmmm...one celebrity...wow that's a tough one! I've met quite a few musicians so I would probably say that it would be really great to meet someone like Johnny Depp or George Clooney! They just seem like amazing men! Oh & they're HAWT!!

 

 

4. Favorite thing to cook with (i.e. stainless, non-stick, Dutch oven, microwave, debit card...or, perhaps, a cauldron, etc.)?
    HAHA...love this question! I would have to say that I use my debit card but the microwave comes in at a close second! I do however love to back goodies like cookies, cakes, pies, and brownies - but nothing worthy of calling dinner. I was an only child and was never really taught how to cook. It was just always done for me - but It is part of my 30 Before 30 list! To take cooking lessons and cook Thanksgiving dinner for my family!

  

 

5. What is the one thing you wear the most, besides your unmentionables?
          I love wearing jeans and my chuck taylors! If im not in my jammies or in my work clothes you will def catch me in that - they are just so comfortable and you can "almost" make it work with anything! 

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Flashback Friday - STL Zoo

Thanks to Web Savy Mom for hosting a Flashback Friday! I thought it would be fun to take a little walk down memory lane and bring out some of the old pics!

Jay age 2 with Me @ St. Louis Zoo

We love going to the zoo! We do it every year, it never really changes to much but it's really a great time & best of all it's free! Unless you want to park then its $10 oh and if you wanna eat expect to pay $12 per person and the train ride, yep that's another $5pp and don't forget the petting zoo, another $5 pp! But hey- it's all worth it! Thanks for stopping by!

Leave me some comment love and I'll do the same!

Now get your hiney to Web Savy Mom and link up!

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Thank you Very Much Thursday - 12/17/09

Another week, another therapy session! It's time for another Thank you Very Much Thursday with Kmama over at Daily Dribbles! If you would like to join the fun please go check out K Mama's blog and link up! It makes you feel better after all is said & done! :)

So here it goes:

To person on my butt in the carpool lane flashing your lights at me - I am already going 20 mph OVER the speed limit! If you will wait just 2 more minutes for me to pass this 18 wheeler I will be more than happy to move my little hiney right on over before you flip your lid or I get a speeding ticket - Thank you very much! PS flashing your bright lights at me really makes me want to slow down to 30 mph on the interstate - but I was feeling more nice than usual.

To Burger King - for making those Oh so Delicious, fried in 4 tons of grease, covered in a pound of powdered sugar, with a side of icing on the side, 9000 calories Funnel Cake Sticks! I can't stop eating them and I feel like im gaining 4lbs of fat on my ass with every stick! Thank you very much! 

To the lady with the shopping cart behind me - I was in the aisle first, if you need to get around me, there is enough room in the aisle for both of us! It's just me and you - there is no need to bump your cart into my heels over and over again while smirking and saying "sorry" with every bloody nudge! Thank you very much!

Yep - I feel better! I think you should join in on the free therapy from The Dialy Dribbles and link up! Also, if you leave me comment love - you know I'm going to show some back!

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Things I love Thursday - Smores

Things I love Thursday - Smores!

There is nothing are very few things better than smore's in my opinion. The warm, lightly brown toasted marshmallow smooshing between two sweet graham crackers and a melted milk chocolate square - heaven! Smore's are truly one of my favorite campside snacks - a true favorite childhood past time. I remember camping with the family and having a campfire next to the lake and just toasting marshmallows and enjoying the sweet (and oh so NOT healthy) snack and talking about whatever came to mind. I have a lot of great memories with smores - I even had my first kiss around a campfire cookin' smores. What's your favorite campsite snack?

Here's some pics over the summer of us making smore's at our hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida:

Hotel Smore's Kit

Marshmallows, Grahams, and Chocolate! & of course

the firepit for roasting!

Chirs with the toasting rods!

A little more burnt than I like - but was still yummy!

Enjoying our Smore's!

Thank you for stopping by my Blog & if you are new I would like to invite you to subscribe! I would love to see you come back! Please leave some comment love and I will make sure to do the same for you! If you would like to join the "Things I love Thursday" please link up at The Diaper Diaries !

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My Blog Makeover

I just got my very first BLOG MAKEOVER! What does everyone think about it? I just LOVE  it! And I want to thank Krystyn at Krizzy Designs for designing this awesome layout! You should check out her portfolio and if you need ANYTHING she is the gal to go too! Very quick and answers all questions that you have and is very patient (even with me and I was very picky about what I wanted). So much appreciation goes to Krystyn! Thank you girl!

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Post-It note Tuesday - Slideshow!

"Post-It NoteTuesday 12/15"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

Thanks to Supah Mommy for bringing yet another Post-It Note Tuesday to the table! This week it's time for a slide show! Please take a look at my post-it's from the week, leave some comment love with a link to your blog (So I can check you out too!) and head over to Supah Mommy's to link up and join the Post-It note fun!

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A Special Message from Santa

Tina over at Otherhood, LLC , posted a great website where you can have a personalized message sent directly from the North Pole to that special little person in your life!

I made one for Mister Monster - when my laptop "Dinged" to notify me I had a new email I asked him to come sit with me, that Santa had sent him an email to check on him. We watched it together (was my first time seeing it too) and it was simply magical. Mister Monster was all smiles and was talking back to Santa and telling him how good he was going to be and how he was going to work on going to bed like Santa asked him!

It is free and you can email it to family as well *I emailed it to my mom* Its really a great website! I'm favoriting it for next year too!

Click Here for your personalized message from the North Pole!!

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Great Contest - Demi Bella Giveaway at Theta Mom

Theta Mom has a WONDERFUL contest right now! She has teamed up with Demi Bella to give one lucky bloggy a FREE Mom of... shirt! They are simply adorable and pretty popular with the stars! Please check out Theta Mom's blog post for a full review w/pics plus more information on how to enter her giveaway!

Thanks Theta Mom!

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The Simple Woman's Daybook - December 14th

FOR TODAY December 14, 2009...

Outside my window...I wish I could say I saw beautiful snow, trees, sunshine  but nope! Not today - today I see grey skies and traffic driving by. I really miss living in the country, but in a sense I love living in the city and so close to everything!


I am thinking...How I wish it would snow & stick! I would like for Mister Monster to get to play in the snow.


I am thankful for...everything I have been blessed with - an amazing, smart, kind-hearted little boy, a handsome, amazing boyfriend, a healthy life, a home, a car, a great family and wonderful friends.


From the learning rooms...Teaching the meaning of Christmas to Mister Monster so he knows that Christmas is more than just exchanging gifts.


From the kitchen...Grilled cheese! And possibly some homemade cookies later - depending on my mood!


I am wearing...my Pj's - hey it's my day off! Don't judge me!!


I am creating...a mess currently - I need to pick up the house from Mister Monster's birthday party this weekend.


I am going...to the bank to deposit some money! Whoo!


I am reading..."the Host" by Stephanie Meyer


I am hoping...for a white (ice free) christmas.


I am hearing...silence!! Mister Monster is at Preschool & Boyfriends at work...it's just me until 3!


Around the house...cleaning & picking up from the party.


One of my favorite things...Hot CoCoa! I love homemade coco with marshmellows and a peppermint stick!


A few plans for the rest of the week: Mister Monster christmas Program at school, working everyday until Christmas Eve (thumbs down!) and finishing Christmas shopping!


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...A beautiful show of the St. Louis Arch surrounded by perfect winter weather...Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it snow!!

This pic is copyrighted from Mastermind Creative 

Join in on the fun of The Simple Woman's Daybook and Link up!

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My 1st Blog Award - The Circle of Friends Award

I have recieved my very 1st blog award from Corrie at My Pickle Talks for being a good bloggy friend and subscriber - I just wanted to share with my bloggies and get some more traffic to Corrie's blog! It's pretty comical & heartfelt, the blog is about her son, Jonathan who has Asperger's Syndrome. Please subscribe to her, I promise you won't be sorry! Thanks again Corrie!!

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Friend Makin' Monday - Holiday Home Tours

Today for friend Makin Monday {aefilkins} wants to do a holiday home tour - where you take pics of your home to show off how you have decorated for the Christmas Holiday, but unfortunatly with Mister Monster's 5th birthday this weekend and having a full-time job in retail for that matter, has not left me much time to decorate my house. So I will post a pic of our Christmas Tree - but that's about it at our home this year, but please make sure to join in on the fun for Friend Makin Monday - I'd love to see what your beautiful home looks like! :)

This is my Charlie Brown Christmas Tree! There are ornaments you just can't see them in this pic all to well.

Well thank you very much for stopping by - I'm sorry I didnt have more to show everyone! Next year for sure!

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Trip Down Memory Lane - Mister Monster

So my baby turns 5 tomorrow - it's amazing how quickly this day has come! Seems like just yesterday we were leaving the hospital, it was snowing that night, and sooo cold! We had to bundle him up in 3 blankets to make sure he was toasty warm. He was born at 10:29pm, and weighed 9lbs 1oz! Was such a big boy! I remember he took his first steps at just 8 months! He didnt get his first tooth until 13months. Slept in a big boy bed at 15 months. It's all come and gone too quickly! *tear* but I know im not the only one who's felt this way!! So I hope you guys don't mind that I take a little trip down memory lane!

 Age 3 months

Age 6 months

1st Halloween - 10 months

1st Birthday (before 1st hair cut)

1 year 3 months - Still no hair cut!

Age 2 years, 6 months

Age 3

Age 4 (Easter '09)

Jay & Daddy - Jay age 4 (before fully pottytrained)

Halloween '09 - age 4

My baby turns 5 tomorrow...it's crazy how quickly he's grown up! Can't he stay little forever?? Well thank  you for allowing me this quick trip down memory lane! I got teary eyed thinking how old my baby's getting. Do you guys ever do that?

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