A Baby Changes Everything

I can't wait to get Faith Hill's new Christmas album! I heard a clip of her debut single this morning and it's beautiful. I cried (of course)! Here is a link to the story about "A Baby Changes Everything" and an audio clip. Is it too early to start playing Christmas music?! I can't wait. :)

Yearbook Yourself

This is funny! I found this website that morphs your photo into classic looks from 1950-2000. I've already tried several family members and friends and it's hilarious! You can do yours at: www.Yearbookyourself.com

Here are a few of the images:


This one is frighteningly accurate. Yikes!

Big Bike Rider!

Woah, Grant is a two-wheel pro all of a sudden! I'm so proud of my buddy. He is such a go-getter so I guess I shouldn't be surprised but I'm still impressed how fast he picked it up! Today he announced that he was ready for his training wheels to be taken off. Jim was at work so Gabriel offered to remove them and got out his tool box, took out his wrench, and got them off! When did these boys get so self-sufficient?!:) Anyway, it was such a wonderful day. Gabriel was so helpful and patient and Grant was willing to take instruction from his older brother and it WORKED! We've been outside for hours just riding, racing, and watching Grant go. Here are some pictures from my 4 year old big bike rider.
Gabe hard at work:


Gabriel showing Grant how to balance and giving him a push:


And...he's off!




Everyone excited and united for Grant's big accomplishment, a happy day!

Checking In!

It's been a crazy week leading up to back-to-school! Orientation at Grant's preschool, supply drop-off for Gabe today, and trying to cram every summer to-do activity in. It has been a banner summer, I can't complain one bit! The kids got along great, we had a nice variety of fun stuff to do, and the weather was gorgeous. To top it all off, Grant has just about learned how to ride a bike! He's ready to toss his training wheels to the curb!:) He picked it up like a champ and I'm so proud of him.

Tomorrow is my 30th birthday and that should be fun. We aren't doing anything really because my present is our trip to Rome next year (and our Christmas present, and Jim's birthday, etc. etc)! Sheesh, it doesn't even seem real to write that, I still can't believe we are actually going. It should be a nice low-key weekend though. As long as I have my family I am one blessed woman; I couldn't ask for more than being surrounded by 4 handsome boys to celebrate!

Fun Finds!

We scored big at Target today! For Christmas this year we are doing Grant's room in a western theme. I really love the bedding and kids decor at Target with the cowboy flavor, and we have it tucked away and ready to go (last year we did Gabe's room, this year it's Grant's turn). So I was absolutely thrilled when we hit the mother load in the $1.00 section!! We found cowboy picture frames, a night light, room signs, rugs, and even cowboy boot slippers! What made it even better is that it was marked down on top of that, so each item was only .62 cents! YES! Well, I guess I should say...yeeeehaw! Here is a photo of a few of our finds (Garrett has the pic. frame backwards but you get the idea):)




My other exciting purchase was from laptoplunches.com. I keep seeing this pop up and today my Parents magazine came with a nice little piece featuring the lunch system. I love the idea! It's such a smart way to keep the food fresh, offer versatility, and keep the lunches interesting. We ordered one for Gabriel and it comes with a lunch bag, water bottle, utensils, and recipe book. The shipping was a little high so we scored it on eBay but check them out at: www.Laptoplunches.com.

Go Girl!

This sister rocks! She is the oldest Ironman athelete, she's a 3-time champ, and she's a nun! Her name is Sister Madonna Bruder and she is 77 years old. I like this mindset: Buder recalls once questioning whether it was appropriate for a nun to compete in races. She doesn't worry anymore. "You don't need to apologize for the gifts you've been given," she says. "Only apologize for not using them." Here is the full article and video. Amen sister!

Between that and the Olympics, I'm actually feeling motivated. We watched the opening ceremonies and were totally blown away. The boys (especially Gabriel) are glued to the coverage. Even Garrett is catching the fever, last night he tumbled and danced all over the living room after watching the women's gymnastics! We may have a little "Hamm" on our hands! Lol. We are pumped for team USA.

We are almost done with school shopping. I just need to buy shoes and school supplies and we'll be set! My girlfriend told me to hit Kohl's for the sales on sneaks and organizational bins. I also want to get an alarm clock for the boys this year. Poor Jim is bracing to get himself and two boys out the door by himself and that is no easy feat. The first day is 2 weeks away already!

P.T. before 3?!

I think Garrett is on the way to becoming diaper-free! He is doing great in the potty training department and HE took the initiative! That's got to be a good sign. Earlier in the summer we brought the little potty out for him and he started the process. I wasn't consistent so we veered away from it but all of a sudden he's going like a big boy! He just turned 2 in May so but he acts like he's going on 5, he's all about keeping up with his brothers.:) Hooray for the Garebear, big boy underpants here we come!

Now, on to the chocolate saga. I think I found a good compromise. A few weeks ago we had Kathryn Sansone on the show with us. She is a mom of 10 and a fitness trainer. One of those families that look too perfect to be real. But she IS the real deal and one of my heroes! Anyway, she's tied in with Weight Watchers and gave up some coups for free WW Ice cream. I have been eating them (chocolate of course) and they hit the spot. Filling and tasty, but also within a reasonable calorie count. That is something I can justify! Here is her website. Get ready to say "how does she DO it all"?! Pretty amazing.

What is going on with Brett Favre? We lived near Green Bay when he first started with the Packers (I know WI friend will remember he took over for Don Majkowski...ha!) but it was the beginning of a fairy tale and a long love affair between the fans and Favre. The (somewhat) "happily ever after" came when he ended is career the same way he started...as a Packer. But nooooo, that is not how it ends!! BRETT WHYYY?! I know people are mad at him but I also think the Packers are to blame, I mean why didn't they try harder to keep the legacy alive? Furthermore, why did he retire if he wasn't sure, now look at this mess we have! Oie vey.

Okay, my last tidbit is for my Catholic peeps. It's the RosaryFish sticker. This guy had a great idea! We have one on the family van and we wear it proud! I've had several inquires driving around as to where I got it so I thought I would post it here.

Have a great day! I am so pumped for the Olympics. GO USA!

Mops and Chocolate

I just received a great promotional video from Katy from MOPS. I am speaking at a conference in September and they put together a fantastic little piece! Check it out. I hope you can come! All the details are listed on the official website. It's going to be a fun day!



I'm not doing very well in my attempt to relinquish chocolate. I thought I was a pretty disciplined person so I'm really frustrated I'm not doing better. I definitely eat much less (no dessert after every meal) but I just can't go chocolate-free forever. It's like kryptonite! It's probably my biggest weakness but if that's the worst thing I do, so be it.:)

On another note, I am debating whether or not to run the Akron Marathon (half marathon to be specific). It's about 8 weeks away so I have time to train, I just haven't committed yet. My biggest issue is taking time away from the family. If I can create a realistic schedule I will go for it, but not at the expense of leaving Jim and the kids several days a week. This weekend I woke up at 6am and ran almost 7 miles, then returned home before everyone was awake. That kind of setup would work...IF I can only wake up that early every weekend (and do I really WANT to do that)?! Lol. I saw a quote that really motivated me though. It said: "There will come a day when I can no longer do this anymore. Today is not that day". If my body is injury-free and I have the ability to run, by-golly I better do it while I can, right?!:) So we'll see. I just wish I had the same motivation to ward-off chocolate!