Inspiration(and 2 posts in a day)

I love reading other blogs. I have a few that I really enjoy. To the point where I could read some of the same posts over and over again. I really do pull inspiration from them. I am inspired to make mine better.

I am going to change a few things about my blog. The first being, I am going to try and complain less. I think it might be considered a little tacky. I understand that it is okay to vent time to time, but I think it best not to dwell. Let's put an end to this. Just maybe if I complain less I will have a better outlook, or just a positive outlook. Worth a shot I think.

I need to fix some of the formatting. I might have to find someone to help me with that. I would hate to lose content while trying to tweak something.I foresee a little bit of research in my future.

I have to, HAVE TO, figure out a way to take more pictures. What is my deal. I have to get it together and break out the camera and document the life of my sweet little girl. She is a blast to photograph. The cute funny things are priceless.

Lastly, where is the organization. I mean my labels are all over the place. I have to make things clearer, if not for myself for my family that reads my blog. If I am able to clean those up, that would streamline my searching. Whew! Sounds like a lot of work. I guess Over the next month I have my work cut out for myself. I love the design, so at least that doesn't have to change. Here I go.....

If anyone has any tips for me. I love Mandy Chiappini's blog. I wish I were as talented as her. Her blog is so clean and easy to follow. I would love for mine to have similar qualities.

Averie's 3rd Birthday Party

Here are some pictures from Averie's 3rd Birthday. It was a Barnyard party. She had a blast. I love throwing parties! Unedited because frankly I don't have the time. They came out blog worthy.

 

 

Look good and feelin good!

This is a phrase that my Step-daughter Anessa says all the time, and I agree. Shocking I know. Something must have come over me! I started off the week calling in sick on Monday. Not because I was not in the mood to go to work, but because Averie had a long night, and was throwing up. I have no clue what came over the family. We all felt pretty terrible. Everyone is feeling fine today so maybe it was just a little 24 hour bug. Needless to say that I had a 4 day weekend. Today I came back feeling great. Looking pretty good too. I am trying to become a little more fashionable. My best friend Amber is great at putting things together so I am taking my cues from her. Here is what I managed to put together today. Oh I got my second Stitch Fix but it is not worth blogging about. I was not impressed. I kept a pair of earrings so that I would not lose my $20 styling fee. The earrings were 28 bucks after all was said and done. I am going to hold off on the Stitch Fixes for a few. I have lots of clothes that I can wear in the mean time.

The plan today is to RUN, eat well, and watch a little softball. I think that Averie and I will take the wagon to the field. It is a little bit of a walk but it is great exercise. I am really excited for this week. It is going to be busy, but a lot of fun.

*Garage Sale*

I have decided to have a Garage Sale this Saturday. Just one day of purging. I am hoping to get rid of a lot of stuff that is just cluttering up my life. Old Prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, stuffed animals, and other odds and ends. I think that it is time. Maybe this is a metaphor for my life right now. I have to DE-clutter!

I think I am on my own for the actual sale. Brian will be working, Anessa wants me to sell her stuff but wants to do her own thing. Which, honestly I don't care if she is there or not. I asked my Mom and she is busy. Her new job has really kept her busy. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss the time we had together carpooling. I have been missing her a lot lately. Averie and I are going to do the whole Garage Sale on our own. We can totally do it too. I am going to put the signs up the night before, and separate the goods in tubs the night before. Let's see how organized I can get.

This past weekend the Softball team hosted it annual BBQ dinner, and I was one of the organizers, and that was super stressful. Hopefully by taking on a Garage Sale I am not setting myself up for more stress. I do have a tenancy to do too much sometimes. The plan, cause there has to be one.

1. Signs
2. Tables
3. Price items
4. Make signs for big items.

I think that is it. Am I missing something? I am really hoping that Nessa will come through and purge a ton. She can't take everything that she has to college. She has too much stuff.

Key items to sell:
1. Prom Dresses/Bridesmaid dress.
2. Car Seat
3. Luggage
4. Walker/Exersaucer
5. Toy chest

And I am sure that I have a few more big items, but I will have to go through the shed later and see what Needs to GO!

Stitch Fix #1

Okay, so I got my first Stitch Fix and didn't take photos of all the clothes. Why you ask, cause I was tired, and wanted to go to bed. I did try everything on. I ended up keeping one item.

This Chevron shirt. I love it. Paired with some Nine West boots, a Lauren Conrad necklace, and a pair of Old Navy Diva skinny jeans in dark wash. I think its a winner. I felt very confident going into work with this on. For those of you that don't know what I do. I work for a State Agency in their IT department. Nice clothing is not really required. I wear a sweater and jeans most of the time. Let's make this post all about fashion shall we. The last photo is what I wore to my Hubby's and my Dinner at Mikuni's for our non-Valentines Day. Oh, and yes that is my munchkin hiding behind me.

Shoes Nine West, Pants Old Navy Diva Skinny jeans in dark wash, and necklace is Lauren Conrad.

Shirt Stitch Fix

Dress Target, necklace Lauren Conrad.

I love getting dolled up, I just wish I could do it more. I wish that my hubby would want to do it more. I wish I had more MONEY to shop! My next Stitch Fix is already on it's way, and I am so excited.

The Season Begins for the final YEAR!

The softball season started off yesterday with Sheldon's first game against Consumes Oaks. I have a new work schedule so I was not able to be at most of the games. Brian was there, I am pretty sure everyone who knows my family could have assumed that. Some people are alcoholics, or addicted to drugs. My husband is addicted to softball. It pretty much rules our world. Well for the next 5 months at least, then Nessa is off to college, and he has to adjust to a different kind of world. Until then, High School ball has started and Anessa is a SENIOR. Sheldon won the game against Consumes Oaks 8-4. Not the best outing for them but they brought home the win. In the long run that is what counts. This video is of their opening chant, and every time I watch it I get teary eyed. Even though I have some resentment towards softball (a given considering how much it has consumed my life these past 6 years). I still get excited for the games to start, and choked up when they win. It is a kind of high that is indescribable.

I have a very negative outlook towards life lately, I was reading some of my older posts, and nothing seems to make me happy anymore. Which isn't true. Lots of things, and events make me happy. Like watching Nessa play softball. I think this year is just going to be one of those transition years, where I struggle a little to be happy. Which is okay. I knew last year going into this year that it would be that way. So if there is a negative undertone to the things I write about, just know that I am optimistic for the change that the end of the year will bring. Life will be different in the best way for me and my family. It is time that the focus shifts.

That's it for now. I have to get back to work. : ) By work I mean actual work and my life. Aren't they the same!

Let the week end!

I wish that this week had of never happened. Really, it was that bad. I have some part of why it was bad, but it's not all me. It comes back to me making decisions, and learning what the right ones are and the wrong, all while trying not to lose who I am. Deep right?! I knew after the long weekend that this week would be long, but I had no idea that it was going to be like this.

So... I am calling a do over. I am willing to relive the whole week over. I don't think that people understand the magnitude of how bad this week is so far. So many things have been put into question, that I can't even see clearly anymore. What am I doing? Ugh I hate this feeling. You know, uncertainty, and indecisiveness. What do I do next? Have we both been so damaged to the point of no repair. Are we there, or are we going there? Things just don't seem the same, and I feel like I am being duped.

I can't keep dwelling on this. I thought that trying to move on like nothing happen would help but I keep circling right back. I just can't get over it, and truthfully I probably shouldn't. I know that no one really knows what I am talking about, and in all honesty it is too long to elaborate on. Let's just say that me and the hubs made some wrong choices. I am able to admit it, but I am not sure he see's his mistakes, which is the part that is making it hard for me to move on.

Now that I have vented that. It really just was something I needed to get off my chest. Writing it makes me feel a little better, and helps me to see things a little clearer, but doesn't necessarily solve anything. With that in mind, my husband did make a long trip to Winnemucca yesterday to pick up a car. Even after a long drive with his brother, in a truck that the Beverly Hillbillies would be scared to drive, he managed to bring me flowers. For those of you that don't already know. I love flowers. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE flowers! They brighten any kind of day that I am having. After the Tuesday that we had, I was really surprised to get anything. I definitely was not expecting it. We are celebrating valentines day on Saturday, because Brian is protesting on the actual day.

I will take what I can get. I bought a killer dress for the occasion. I am also excited to recieve my first Stitch Fix her soon.

p.s. This was suppose to automatically post. I guess I have not go the hang of that feature yet. So here are all the posts that didn't post. 

Cooking and cleaning

When the mess makers leave, I get busy. By mess makers I mean my husband and step daughter. You would think I mean Averie, but her messes are just stuff. These guys try and cook, and bake. Ness wears make up and extensions and so there is always hair and powder all over the place. Her room is always a mess too ugh, we won't go there. So when they leave I put the gloves on and get busy! Clorox wipes and my Swiffer are my friend. The floors and counters stay clean for the whole weekend. Bliss! I made pizza dough and marinara sauce. The house smells so delish.

It's so nice to put check marks next to all these things that I have been putting off. These are great things to keep me busy when it's raining outside too. Averie and I have been couped up all weekend. Next on the list is cookies and valentines. Catching up on some much needed trash tv too. It's nice to watch what you want and sip on some of this... 

This Perrier is grapefruit flavor and so yummy! Oh man I think I have been in the house too long. The silliest things are making me so happy. Eventhough this time alone has been nice, I am so excited  to have my husband back. Too bad it won't be until very late this evening or early tomorrow morning.

Long weekends make for long weeks, hopefully the reset of this week goes by fast.

Random Ramblings!

I have made changes in almost every aspect of my life. I am running again (YAY!), and loving that. Brian and I both are making our lunches to take to work everyday. Which was very overdue, we needed to do this sooner. However this is a catch 22. I need to grocery shop more often to make sure we have the things we need to make lunches. This means spend more money. Bummer.

I bought a new car, huge financial savings there. We fill up once every 7 days or so. That is so amazing compared to the old car that I had to fill up every 3 days.

I am applying for a promotion. Trying to pad the bank account. You know. Haven't heard anything on it yet, but I am optimistic.

Averie is 3 and started preschool. Which means that everyday between 8am and 10am, I have the ability to do whatever I want. What does that feel like? It is so great, because she is learning and socializing while I get things done during the day that I need to be alone to do.

Side Note: Speaking of being 3, and it being her birthday. We are making hotdogs, hamburgers, and fries for dinner. She loves hotdogs, I just have to come up with a cool dessert. A cupcake maybe. Na. My booger likes fruit. Blueberries it is.

What other changes have I made....

 I talk about making changes a lot, and it is just because it is so hard to do. I try so hard, and I find that writing is helping me to stick to them. It is easy to talk about it but hard to start, even harder to maintain. I tend to fall off the wagon really easy.

This is kind of a messy post. I am pretty all over the place. So, why not keep with the theme. Here are a few things I am totally into right now.

1. Tori Spelling's new book. Spelling IT LIKE IT IS.

2. Planning my Race Schedule.

3. Courtney Loves Dallas. Thanks Amber for getting me totally hooked. The show makes me want to shop and Blog, Tada. Here I am blogging.

4. Drinking a lot of coffee.

5. Shopping on Amazon. It's an addiction.

6. Downloading photo editing apps on my iPhone.

7. iSmoothRun, if you do not have a Garmin, or other running device. This is the app for you. It tracks your distance, time, miles you put on your shoes, and your route. It is a serious motivator for me when I run.

8. Leggings, need I say more.

9. Cleaning, I have OCD! Clorox wipes, and my swiffer are my best friends.

10. I am obsessed with finding a new brown purse. HELP! SOS!

Further, and Further

My run was so great. I ran 2.14 miles, and I think I could have gone further. My plan is to gradually increase my distance. I normally sign up for 5K races without actually running the 3 miles prior to the race. Since my goal this year is a 10K, I have to step up my game. So no more taking it slow we are all business. It is a great feeling to be running, and breathing in the air and living. I feel like a new person when my feet hit the road. All my worries from the day are gone, it's just me and my mind. I have to look back at my old race times, and see if this year I can set a new PR. My plan right now is to sign up for the Running of the Elk, the Blue Diamond Almonds Shamrock 5K, and the ZooZoom 5K. That's about 100 bucks in races. Shh... Don't tell my husband.

I noticed a couple of days ago that I imputed a goal into my irunsmooth app. What will happen when I hit my goal?

I love the skinnychickblog. It is one of my favorites, and I was reading about her strength exercises, and I think that she is onto something, so on my off days I think I am going to incorporate some strength and flexibility exercises. Smart right. Too bad I can not take the credit for it. Thanks skinnychickblog.

She's 3 and ready for Preschool

Averie turns 3 today. My little baby is getting to be such a big girl. I have loved watching her grow, and become the special little girl that she is. It has been a great adventure so far, and it is only getting better. We have lots of exciting changes coming. She is not only 3 but she starts preschool today too. Talk about a process. It was not easy, and if you have any questions about it feel free to email me, but it is too involved to put on the blog. She is going into a full inclusion program 2 days a week, and a special education program the other 3 days. I am very grateful for the team she has behind her. They really put her in the best possible situation to thrive. I cannot wait to see pictures of her first day. Grammy our guardian angel is taking her, and I know she will do me proud and take pictures of her. She has to take a back pack and all.  I am not as emotional about her going to preschool as some, because I have a full time job and I have had to be away from her since she was little. Not to say I am used to leaving her but I dont get sad anymore. Especially since she is in such good hands.

I have to talk about this little booger. Here is what she is doing now and some of her favorite things.

Her name is Averie and she is 3!

1. She loves to sing, and dance. Wheels on the bus, This old man, and Old MacDonald are her favs.

2. She likes to laugh and play ALL DAY!

3. She loves to play with her baby dolls, and put them in their crib. 

4. Cleaning with Mommy is fun to her. Lucky me.

5. Grammy loves to keep her active, and in turn she loves being active. They go to My Gym, The Children's Museum, Ballet Class, and the Pool regularly.

6. Her sister and her have a love hate relationship. She loves her sister, and her sister hates when she gets into her stuff. *Laughs* Too bad her big sister didn't want to play with her stuff, I am sure she would be more than willing to share.

7. She loves to read books, she will entertain her self for a while with all the books in her book shelf.

8. Fruit is her favorite. Frozen blueberries is the current favorite.

9. She does not like it when we touch her hair, but if you sing the alphabet you can get through it.

10. Lastly, she loves to cuddle. The smiles and hugs that I get when I get home are the best, and I would not trade them for the world.

This boogers health is great. Just the standard check ups for right now. Looks like there is another set of tubes for her ears in our future, but other than that. All is good in the life of Averie.

Just Run Away

There is no better way to end the day, then to run away. I am on a goal of 2 runs a week. This was the first one. The second one is today, same distance, and same time. Should be invigorating. I always feel just a little better after I run. It is my Therapy. I just wish I had a better view on my run. Houses just don't do it for me.

I took off quite a bit of time, so I have to slowly work back up to a 5K. I will probably sign up for two races in April. It helps to motivate me when I have a goal set. I really want to do a 10K by the end of the year. So, I will make that my long term goal for this year.




I know that Superbowl is over, what a game right. I mean didn't even put up a fight. I could actually care less about the game. I like halftime and spending time with family. Here is a family pic for everyone. I love my little family.

Back into it!

It is time. Time to start running again, time to become healthy and add a little hop in my step. I am going to start taking my multivitamin again. I crack myself up. I ran out and just didn't buy more. I am so lazy sometimes. I joined this new snack box delivery service and I am in love. Technically one box only gets me through a week and I only get one a month, but I can make do. They are called Graze boxes and I have not tried a bad snack yet. Today I had this... 

So delish. Ready for this months box for sure. I am making a goal of twice a week for running. I think that is reasonable, and if I run more than twice that's even better right! Brian bought me some running gear for Christmas. Gear always motivates me to run. 

Averie is going to be 3 on Thursday. We had her party, a Barnyard party, and she had a great time with all the family and presents. She was very ladylike opening them, even with her sisters aggressive encouragement. It was fun to watch her. I am having some issues downloading the pictures. I think they might be too big, so those pictures will come later. I am trying to come up with an idea for her actual birthday. Should I make something special? If so what? I want her to remember her bday!! 

Softball season is coming! Oh my! It is creeping up on me faster than I would like. That means lots of traveling and spending moola. But guess what, this is the end. The last stretch untill Anessa is off to college. So excited for her and me too hehe!! 

Well I am going to try and post more. Between my job, the kiddos, running, eating healthy and travel/high school ball. It's going to be another busy spring/summer!!