a Sharp blog

Sugar, da da da da da da, oh honey honey, da da da da da da...

2011-02-20T21:42:00.002-06:00

I will miss you...but only for a little bit.

Tomorrow I'm beginning a 30 day NO SUGAR pact with a couple friends. Why you ask? Because this "drug" is terrible for us and my body needs a detox. I have to admit, I have a weakness for sweets and it's taken over the last couple weeks.

I CAN DO IT! I once gave up all sweets (excluding fruit) for about 3 months and I actually felt so much better, physically and mentally, when I did this. I already live a grain-free lifestyle, so with very little carbs and cutting out the sugar, I'm hoping to get rid of the blood sugar spikes that I know aren't good for our bodies.

The first week is going to completely suck, but it should get better. I'm so hoping that this move doesn't trigger any other crazy craving though!!

It was time for a new look

2011-02-01T14:00:00.004-06:00

Thanks to shabbyblogsblog.blogspot.com for the inspiration and all the blog freebies. It took awhile, but my blog is finally in a state that I'm pretty happy with! It might be a tad over the top, but that's what I LOVE about it! lol!

Taking the Clean Eating PLUNGE...family style!

2011-01-30T11:30:00.005-06:00

Well, I did it! I finally cleared the pantry of all the processed junk. I've successfully avoided this "stuff" for months, but wasn't prepared to transfer my healthy habits to my kiddos...until now.

I have to say, this first week has not been easy. They're so used to grabbing the frozen pancakes and waffles for breakfast, the Lunchables and chips for lunch, and so on. I am learning though that just like my meals, their meals don't have to be real "conventional." For example, Cassius had cocoa almonds, a cheese stick, and apples for breakfast yesterday. He got in some healthy fat, protein, and fiber...really a pretty well-rounded meal!

One snack that's been a hit with both the kiddos and me, Clean Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Protein Bars. Paired with some fruit, these would make for a great breakfast as well. (And, they are a super tasty treat with coffee!!)

The bottom line is that this is a great change for my kids, but I've quickly realized it will take a huge commitment on my part. But that's okay, BRING IT ON! Will every day be perfect? No, but I'm super pumped about the changes we've made in the first week alone. And, the kids have actually been excited to go to the store and pick out their "healthy" foods.

Stay tuned for more updates on this adventure!!

To the left, to the left...

2009-06-04T20:54:00.002-05:00

It cracks us up when Cassius jams out to the Tootsie Roll song. Daddy totally eggs him on too!

A Pinkalicious Day

2009-06-01T22:51:00.005-05:00

Gabs and I shared a mommy-daughter day and headed out to the Pinkalicious musical performed by a troop from NYC at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts. She was super excited to wear her twirly pinkalicious petti.

If you know me well, you know I can be a last minute sort of gal and scoring these tickets was no exception. I lucked out though! They must have released a handful of tickets because we ended up in like the 5th row, right stage...just perfect.

Gab's friend and her mommy went to the show too, so we hung out for a bit afterward. The girls even got their pink crayon souvenier boxes signed and their picture taken with the cast!

From left to right: Pinkalicious, Peter, Madelon, Mr. Pink, Gabs, Mrs. Pink, Dr. Wink/Allison

Bye Bye Curls.

2009-06-01T22:40:00.003-05:00

They're (mostly) gone! I was just about in tears when Corey brought him home from his cut. But he's still my handsome little man. He just looks like such a big boy now!

The most cottony fluffiness I've ever seen.

2009-06-01T22:26:00.003-05:00

Gabby: Mommy look at that sheep in the sky!!

It would've been impossible not to notice this beauty when driving home last Saturday evening. We pulled into the garage and then walked to an open clearing a couple blocks away to get a better view and score a couple pictures. This has got to be the most amazing cloud I've ever seen. It looked so close that you'd have thought we could reach out and touch it.

A new friend...

2009-02-06T17:20:00.005-06:00

Gabs got her first American Girl doll, Julie, from grandma and grandpa Willis for Christmas. She was super excited and still hasn't put her down!

Grandma Patti and Aunt Aysha watching Gabs open her presents.

I don't know about this guy...

2009-02-06T17:11:00.003-06:00

I ran across this and had to share. The expression on her face was crackin' me up. It's like, "don't get too close buddy!"

A Door County Thanksgiving!

2009-02-06T16:37:00.005-06:00

So, I realize it's February and I'm just now getting to November happenings. I've been slacking...bigtime!

I think this was our 4th annual Thanksgiving trip to DC, WI. This year, it was just grandma/pa and our family, but we had a blast! During the annual Holly Days celebration in Egg Harbor, we took a horse drawn carriage ride, Gab's shopped for xmas presents with help from an "elf," and we attended the tree lighting ceremony in the town square. We also had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day at the clubhouse in my parent's community. My parents have decided they may be selling the cabin so this was probably our last annual Thanksgiving trip to DC...so sad. We really looked forward to this. Guess we'll have to find a new tradition!

Gabs and Cash-man strike a pose in front of the big tree after the tree lighting ceremony. This is such a fun tradition. It was FREEZING, but you get to drink hot cocoa, munch on cookies and sing Christmas carols. What more could you ask for?!

Hanging out and playing!

On Thanksgiving Day...

On our horse-drawn carriage ride. It was coooollllldddd! But fun...we had a good time singing carols. Gabs was jammin'!

Our Halloween Chronicals

2008-11-10T21:20:00.006-06:00

The Monday before Halloween, Gabs got to go the Discovery Museum's "Boo Bash" with her friends Emily and Ethan. It was only for kids 4 years and up, so Cash stuck back with daddy so Gabs and I could have some mommy/daughter time. Not that she was paying a bit of attention to me though!

There was so much for the kids to do, including oodles of crafts, which is where she spent most of her time.

The kids' school had their annual Halloween party, followed by a parade.

Here she is...the "Queen" monarch butterfly. She wasn't just a butterfly, or even a monarch butterfly. She was a "Queen" (emphasis on that word) monarch butterfly. The girl cracks me up! Who knows where she got that!

We've spent the last several Halloween nights trick or treating with the Hutson's (Jillian) and Ericka & Tracy's cousin, Brianna. Brianna and Gabs wanted a picture with our resident "witch"!

It's always a good time, except when the girls are pushing and shoving over who gets be the line leader and ring the doorbell! Yes, I'll admit, it's usually my daughter initiating this. It's like a game to her and she's soooo got that competitive gene already. You know that makes daddy proud!

Cassius was just trying to keep up as usual. He did okay at the first house, but then he saw some kids with masks on and it was over. Totally freaked him out! That meant daddy had to carry him the rest of the way!

The weather was awesome by the way! I think the high reached about 74 and it was still nice in the early evening. Nicest Halloween I can remember in a LONG time. It's usually freezing and/or raining.

Not your typical bedtime story (teller)

2008-11-10T21:00:00.008-06:00

Check out my big girl Gabs. For those that know the fam well, you know that Gabs spent most of the first year of Cassius' life pretending like he wasn't there. He just couldn't do much, so she didn't pay much attention. Boy, has that all changed!

We always read before the kids' bedtime and Cassius has quickly fallen into this routine. Only, it's usually daddy or I doing the reading...until recently. Yep, he's been wanting his sissy to help with the reading. Especially his "First Words" book. It's perfect because she can point to a picture and ask him to say what it is. Or, if he's having a hard time, she can say what it is and he'll repeat her.

By the way, just 15 minutes earlier, he was chasing her around like a madman and she was running for her life! I bet sometimes she wishes he'd still just lie around...NAH!!!!!!! Then what would she do with all that time and energy?! It's so cool to see them grow up and (sometimes) bond!!

SPOOKY Spider Sneak Peek

2008-10-29T20:04:00.003-05:00

Cassius and Gabs had a blast at Meijer's Halloween Parade last Saturday. The above picture is a bit blurry because the little guy was trying to keep up with his big sis!

They were really trying to juice the candy distributors too :) A few of the first tables we stopped at were being real generous and giving the kids a handful of candy. So, you know Gabs wasn't havin' it when someone tried to give her one, heaven forbid ONE, piece of candy. She just stood there staring at them, waiting for more. It was funny!

Rockin' the CHUCKS!

2008-10-15T19:19:00.005-05:00

We loves us some Chucks! Sparkly silver ballet flat Chucks (uh huh...those are mine!), blue low tops, brown low tops, black high tops...you really can't go wrong no matter the color or style! Or your age!!

Let's hear it for the boys

2008-10-09T19:52:00.009-05:00

From left to right: Derek, Cassius and Corey, Josh, Mike, Chuck, Jeff and Pat

Look at them all cheesin', decked out in their new sports gear. Ericka and Mike were gracious enough to give these to the fellas as a "thank you" for being a part of their wedding day. It's hard to see Corey's, but if you know him at all, you know he's rockin' the NY Mets baby!

We had a great time at the rehearsal dinner as evidenced by this pic of Gabby and Jillian just clowning around. They pretty much always have a blast together, but let me tell ya, they also have their drama queen moments! They always hug and make up though and that's what counts. I just don't know where they get all that energy from!

Last but not least, Bubba Jaymes just being himself. He is such a handsome boy when he's not whining. Ha!

P.S. Mike and Ericka's wedding was beautiful. I'll post an update on that SOON!

There's always next time!

2008-10-08T21:24:00.013-05:00

One of our friends (shout out to you Stac W.) was sweet enough to snap some family photos of us last Sunday. This is what we got when we *tried* to get a couple of Gabs and Cassius together. Poor Stac even had to spend time photoshopping chips out of the pictures. Yes, I was bribing them with potato chips. Well...it was dinner time and they were getting hungry!

At first, Gabs was pretty much tackling Cassius to try and get him to sit on her lap. He just wasn't haven't it. (and I think he may be trying to eat a chip there!)

He finally paused for a couple seconds for this last picture because he was intrigued by a blade of grass he'd found. If I'd have known that's all it takes to get him to sit still for a minute! lol!

I'll post more of our family pics SOON!

Keecha. MO!

2008-10-01T20:40:00.000-05:00

Yep. That's Cash-man reverse code for "more ketchup." The kid is obsessed. Can you tell?

Making a commitment

2008-09-24T20:04:00.000-05:00

In the blog world, apparantly Wordless Wednesday is a big thing. So, in the spirit of embracing this blog thing, I'm gonna give it a shot! Here are some random shots of Gabs I've taken in the last month.

WARNING: Scrunchy Nose Ahead

2008-09-16T22:05:00.001-05:00

This classic Cassius expression really jumped out at me when I was going through a bunch of recent pictures. Especially, when I kept seeing that same look reappear.

Lighten up buddy! Your smile is much more flattering! No, truth be told, I actually think the scrunchy nose is cute in a funny sort of way. That's my bubba jaymes!!

Get your PAGEANT wave ready!

2008-09-16T21:07:00.001-05:00

The girls (Madelon, Elle & Gabs) were really putting their work in during Towanda's 4th of July parade. And, I almost missed little Owen (M's bro) off there to the left. Gotta give him kudos as well. (thanks Susan!)

I have about five more pictures just like the one above. The bigger the wave, the more candy, right?! I don't think I saw those arms go down, except of course when the flying candy was being collected off the hot pavement! And let me tell you, the pretty waves worked because we walked away from that parade with a Gap bag full of candy.

Here's most of our 2008 crew, waiting for the festivities to begin. The Towanda 4th of July parade has been a tradition for us since Gab's was a baby. We're usually joined by the Hutson's too, but they ditched us to go on a family vacay this year!

Cash-man said forget about the parade candy, I'm stuffing my face with my own snack!

07.04.08 - TAKE ONE

2008-09-14T19:55:00.001-05:00

We headed out to Uncle Mike's place at Lake Bloomington for a cookout and fireworks on the lake. This is Mike's last year at the lake, so we wanted to make this a 4th to remember! Aunts Ericka, Tracy and Amy were there, and Lisa, Josh and Elle joined us too.

We couldn't pull Cassius away from the bags set. He just really thought he was doing something...putting the bags in, pulling them out, climbing on the board, climbing off the board! Plus, he made all fellow Cubbie's fans proud by sporting his matching hat! If daddy had it his way, it'd be a Mets hat!

Gabs with her buddy, Emitt and some other random shots.

As dusk approached, we headed out to the boat for the fireworks spectacular! The lake really puts on an impressive light show!

I'm getting sleepy now, but TAKE TWO will follow soon!!

Take me to the "THE WAREHOUSE" (in Savannah that is)

2008-07-13T22:43:00.000-05:00

I don't think I've mentioned it on the blog yet, but I LOVE my job! Not only do I get to do what I'm passionate about, but my employer also sends me on trips to cool places! My first conference was in Savannah, GA and I was lucky enough to travel with a couple of my awesome co-workers/friends (June 2008)! We learned a lot and had a great time exploring the city on our down time.

Our hotel was right on historic River Street and our first night in Savannah, we found this little dive bar that bragged about having the "coldest, cheapest beer in town". So for quality control purposes, we HAD to test it out! Needless to say, we we kept coming back for more...night after night! Ha! Did I mention you can carry your adult beverages with you as you walk around Savannah?? Another bonus!

Check out the view of River St. from my hotel room! See that big barge and those tiny looking legos things on top? Those are actually HUGE tractor trailers stacked on top of each other. These barges were a common site during our stay.

Our first night in Savannah, we went on a late night "Ghost Tour." It ended up being not all that scary and a bit cheesy, but we still had a good time! This first statue was located in one of Savannah's many "Squares". WARNING: I'm not going to be the best at remembering all the landmark names because we saw sooooo many! I should've taken notes!!

Now, I'll take you around town for a bit! First up is Stacy and Tori chillin' on the trolly!

I absolutely loved this fountain and our tour guide said it was one of the most beloved sights in the city. Crazy thing is this is the replica of some fountain in Paris. However, THIS one was actually purchased from a mail order catalogue!!

I just really liked this sign so wanted to snap a pic. Funny...place is called Sorry Charlies and it was actually condemned and closed down! Rut roh =(

Mercer House, from "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

Signin' off with a pretty Savannah sunset!!

Is the doctor in?

2008-06-25T22:33:00.000-05:00

I just love this picture. Remember how much fun it was being a kid? Oh, and the imaginations on some of them (including you know who!).

Gab's and her pre-school classmates, including her "best friend" in the chair, are playing doctor at the local children's museum. Grandma and I volunteered to chaperone this trip and I think I had just as much fun as the kids. It was so cool to see them experience so many new things.

Now this is what I'm talkin' about! Painting on plexi. It's got to be virtually mess free, right? Especially with the big smocks? Guess again...all the sudden, I see a big goop of blue paint plop down on her shoe. She was really trying to be careful too! Luckily, they were Crocs so we could just rinse!! You all know I'm extra careful about her getting her clothes all messed up. Poor girl's gonna have a complex...too late she kind of already does.

Six great years.

2008-06-22T20:57:00.000-05:00

Well really 11 great years, but today marks Corey and I's 6th wedding anniversary! I gotta tell ya, I'm a lucky gal! For those of you that know Corey well, you know I have a lot to be thankful for. Since I totally forgot to get him an anniversary card (bad wife!), I thought I'd dedicate this blog to him. In honor of 6 married years, I'm listing the 6 things I appreciate most about my hubby (in no particular order). Believe me, it was hard to choose!

Corey is the bestest because...

He's a master grillman and makes a darn good pork steak
He is a fabulous dad who loves spending time with his family
He cooks and does the dishes way more than I do
He puts up with me when I'm being crabby and don't deserve to be put up with
He has a very forgiving heart
He is truly self-less and would do anything and everything for the kids and I

"From now on, it will be you and I. And a ribbon in the sky for our love."

~Stevie Wonder, Ribbon in the Sky ("our song")

It stands the test of time.

2008-06-18T23:19:00.000-05:00

Dad has had this yellow swingset, well, it seems like forever. Morgan was reminiscing about it when we were all celebrating Aaron's HS graduation last weekend. The swingset may not look pretty, but it's still going strong!

Gabs and Aysha.

Morgan and Aysha

Little guys can swing too (with help from Uncle Aaron, who I chopped off! Yikes!)

Cassius being a daredevil and trying to climb UP the slide. He doesn't seem to mind the tumble down though.

A couple more random shots of the little man at the grad party!

A man of his word.

2008-06-18T22:39:00.001-05:00

He always said he'd get himself a Harley when my brother Aaron graduated HS. That time has come (congrats Aaron!) and dad didn't waste any time! Brand spankin' new and pretty 'clean', huh?

Dad getting ready to take a spin on his Harley Davidson Electra Glide bike.

Jump on in! The water's just fine (for some of us!)

2008-06-16T19:56:00.000-05:00

Let me tell you a little bit about the kiddos and their experiences with water.

The first one...fearless! And absolutely LOVES the water. Bathtubs, sprinklers, pools, hoses, puddles, and the list goes on and on. Water on the face and in the eyes? No sweat! There he goes!!!

He couldn't quite figure out where the water was coming from though!

Having fun with Elle, who was also just as fearless! (Oh, and aren't the little man's swim trunks adorable? Compliments of "aunts" Ericka and Tracy!)

Now onto Miss Gabrielle...the (un)fearless, when it comes to water anyways. She HATED getting water in her eyes as a baby and still does to this day.

This picture says it all (scaredy cat!) Hmmm. Do I go in or not?

I asked her if she was going to get her hair wet and her response, "NOOOO mom, I'm NOT getting my hair wet!". Wow, what a crazy concept, right?!

When she finally decided to get in, she proceeded to do this...

...because she certainly wouldn't want to get her face wet! =)

Okay...this was a HUGE step. And, her hair did get a little wet.

She had a hard time with the fire hydrant sprayers at first (check out that face!). She accidently sprayed herself a couple times and wasn't happy about that. When she finally figured it out though, she was happy to aim it at other kids at the park!!

Did I mention we did this on FATHER'S DAY?! I couldn't possibly post this without at least one pic of daddy and (one of) the kiddos! I know, I feel bad that I didn't get a picture of him and both kiddos!

All's well that ends well.

2008-06-08T20:49:00.000-05:00

06.07 - State Farm Play Day 2008. An all-day outdoor fair full of rides, animals, games and good food. So...as you can imagine, we were very disappointed to wake up to cloudy skies that morning. Nonetheless, we had our breakfast, dressed and packed up for the day's festivities, just praying that the sun would come out. Then, it came...rain...and more rain...and more rain. But, Play Day goes on, rain or shine, so we were on our merry way.

By the time we arrived, the rain had stopped, but we knew there could be more from what the forecast was calling for. Believe it or not, there were other families just as crazy as ours that were ready to head out and weather the storm.

We're waiting for some friends to meet us in the parking lot, but Cassius is ready for a driving lesson.

First stop? Face painting.

Don't forget the bawoo. That's Cassius code for balloon!

Next stop? Rides. (with buddy Ethan)

Daddy and Cassius watching Gabs on the ferris wheel.

Gabrielle's very first roller coaster ride. (with friend Emily)

Round and round, round we go!

Time to wind down. Yep, he's still got the red bawoo.

The whole fam! (and the red bawoo)

More rides. (with friend Elle)

And...two grumpy faces. A sign that it's time to head home.

Although our journey started off a bit wet and unpredictable, we couldn't have asked for a better day at the park. (except for the wet grass of muddy mess that we trecked through the entire day, but that's truly another story for another time!!)

And they lived happily ever after...

2008-06-05T22:53:00.000-05:00

Most little girls love a good old fashioned fairytale and Gabs is no exception. She really thought she was a "true princess" as the flower girl in Chad and Kelly's wedding (05.03.2008).

Not that I'm partial or anything (hee hee), but if you ask me, she stole the show in her "mini wedding dress."

Hanging out with the bride and waiting to make her big DEBUT! The suspense was killing her and boy was she ready to throw those petals. And...she literally did THROW those petals (somewhat forcefully! LOL!).

Get going already!

2008-06-05T22:27:00.000-05:00

Okay, enough is enough! So, I just need to get a post out here. I've spent too much time fretting over making it look pretty (w/ the little blog knowledge I have!). A friend of mine introduced me to the blogging world (thanks Melissa!) and I thought this would be a perfect way to keep people up to speed on what's happening with our fam and brag about the kiddos! I look forward to sharing with you and hope you'll visit often for updates!!!