Looking back to the house from the lake
Ashley LOVED the jet ski!!!
Wet hair+wind= a very interesting 'do!!
BFF's :)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Happy 4th of July!!
We had a very fun 4th at home and celebrated P's birthday and hung out with our neighbors. Then on the 5th we got up and went down to our friend's lake house again for the weekend. We had so much fun!! They have a great house right on the lake and our friends Kellie and Dan and Anna were there as well. We had a great time!!
Looking back to the house from the lake
Ashley LOVED the jet ski!!!
Wet hair+wind= a very interesting 'do!!
BFF's :)
Looking back to the house from the lake Ashley LOVED the jet ski!!! Wet hair+wind= a very interesting 'do!! BFF's :)
What We've Been Up to This Month, or Last Month... Whatever.
Hi friends! Yes, we are still alive and kicking! I thought you might be interested to see what we have been doing that has taken me away from blogging... let's see if I can recap. Now, bear with me, I know this is July and we are talking about June. We'll get to this month in a minute.
We begin with Father's Day. Okay, well if you own a calendar you know we don't begin with Father's Day, but that is where our story is starting. Just go with me on this one, mm-kay??
We celebrated a really nice relaxing Father's Day at Marc's parents house this year. It was very low-key because everyone else (my parents and Marc's brother and his family were all out of town). So, we swam at Nana and Gran's and had a great time.
Happy Father's Day Marc!!
Cruisin' and Chillin'
Eatin' some s'getti's
While Father's Day was all fun and games it is not exactly the reason for our web absence. The true reason was a little thing we like to call VBS. Now, for most people this involves going for a few hours one week out of the summer. No sweat, right?? Well, let me tell you- you only think you've VBS'd... oh how wrong you are! You have to be on the committee to really get a feel for the game. Then you know the ins and outs of the whole thing! A friend of mine and I headed up the snack committee this year and I have to say that while it was a lot of fun and very rewarding... wow! It was a LOT of hard work. I am floored by the people that do this every year. The amazing amounts of time and dedication that they happily volunteer makes you realize what it is truly like to have a Servant's Heart. So, for the better part of June we were up at church almost daily making really amazing things out of butcher paper. (I kid you not!) We made trucks, boats and trees for the Missions room, Sharks, Scuba Divers and Jellyfish for the entryway, oceans, caves, and waterfalls... I could go on. That is why I had to take pictures of just a few of the highlights. It is truly amazing what can be done with craft paper and staples!! Anyway, on to the picture stories...
The first day... she was VERY excited to be wearing her "blue shirt". Little did she know she would be wearing it for the rest of the week! Funny enough she loved it the whole week and was actually sad she couldn't wear it on Saturday!! (I, on the other hand, did not share her feelings on the blue shirt... oh yes, I had a matching one.)
The road crew! These are our dear friends that we have been riding to Sunshine School with all year. We loved being able to ride with them to VBS again!!
The Snack Shack... AKA my home away from home for three weeks!!
We served 300 children daily for a week here. Yes, that's right 1500 snacks and 1500 drinks in a week. And these were not mere goldfish and kool-aid snacks. We served Fruit Kabobs, Trail Mix, Oatmeal Cookie Turtles, Pudding with crushed cheerios and shaved chocolate on top (looks like sand) and various drink concoctions like fruit smoothies and slushes. Then on Friday we served about 600 people and made hot dogs and cupcakes that looked like the beach.
This was 1/2 of the cupcakes that we made... yes, that's a LOT of cupcakes!!!
Everything was decorated in our theme of Outrigger Island. It was all so cute! These are the bulletin boards. There are about 25 of them and they were all done this well. Hats off to Tara and her mom and crew!!
Check out the fruit- it's 3-D!!
This was the Crafts Cave next door where the kids had crafts everyday. SO creative!!
This is the kids foyer known as the RT Tyler area. It was so very cool!! The kids would just walk in and look around in amazement!
After VBS, we have had a nice relaxing break of just hanging out at home getting caught up on life. Here are a few pics. of Ashley and her friends. :)
I had to add this last one b/c it cracks me up. Ashley has gotten to where she now asks to have her picture taken. We came home from church one day and she was sitting on the couch reading and all of a sudden started saying "Mama, cheese?? Mama, picture peese?" And she began to "pose". Unfortunately she has also begun to have the fake "picture" smile (as shown here). I am not really crazy about it, but at least she sits still. I'll take what I can get!Thursday, June 5, 2008
Melaleuca products d'jour
OK, I don't have much time to blog today, but I wanted to tell you about the products that I tried today. Here goes:
The Platinum Soap Bar- Yummy!! It smells very lightly like apricot and feels great! It is french milled so it is supposed to last longer than a regular bar of soap.
Access Nutrition Bars- YUM!! I have the caramel chocolate crunch and it is delicious!! These are the coolest bars. They are only 110 cal. but you eat them specifically right before you work out because they help your body continue to burn fat instead of transitioning to muscle burning. AWESOME!! It helped my energy levels and didn't feel heavy in my stomach or anything. I give this one 2 thumbs up!
Envia Finishing Spray- It has been a long time since I have used a pump hairspray instead of aerosal, but I really like this one. It smells good and has good medium hold.
Sol-U-Mel- This is the granddady of Melaleuca products and I can see why. It has about a zillion uses! It is primarily made from tea tree extract (another name for that is melaleuca) and I used it as a fabric/air freshener. You spray it on fabric like couches etc. and it not only makes it smell better but actually kills dust mites! I don't know what else does that. I tested it on the couch today and like the results, so the whole house is getting a spray down tomorrow- especially the bed and pillows. :)
OK, that's all for today- hope to use a few more things tomorrow when I have a chance to do some cleaning. Oh, I will also probably be hosting an informational in-home party at my house next Thursday in case you want to know more and see the products.
The Platinum Soap Bar- Yummy!! It smells very lightly like apricot and feels great! It is french milled so it is supposed to last longer than a regular bar of soap.
Access Nutrition Bars- YUM!! I have the caramel chocolate crunch and it is delicious!! These are the coolest bars. They are only 110 cal. but you eat them specifically right before you work out because they help your body continue to burn fat instead of transitioning to muscle burning. AWESOME!! It helped my energy levels and didn't feel heavy in my stomach or anything. I give this one 2 thumbs up!
Envia Finishing Spray- It has been a long time since I have used a pump hairspray instead of aerosal, but I really like this one. It smells good and has good medium hold.
Sol-U-Mel- This is the granddady of Melaleuca products and I can see why. It has about a zillion uses! It is primarily made from tea tree extract (another name for that is melaleuca) and I used it as a fabric/air freshener. You spray it on fabric like couches etc. and it not only makes it smell better but actually kills dust mites! I don't know what else does that. I tested it on the couch today and like the results, so the whole house is getting a spray down tomorrow- especially the bed and pillows. :)
OK, that's all for today- hope to use a few more things tomorrow when I have a chance to do some cleaning. Oh, I will also probably be hosting an informational in-home party at my house next Thursday in case you want to know more and see the products.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Mela- what??
Welcome to the latest of my adventures. Last week some good friends introduced me to a great company, MELALEUCA. After hearing the whole presentation, I signed on as a customer AND a representative. Yes, I truly believe it is THAT good.
Well, let me rephrase that, I truly believe it has the potential to be that good. To me, it's like entering into a new relationship. When I met Marc, I realized that on paper, this was the guy for me. Whether or not he was my one true love, only time could tell (thankfully, he was!) :)
Anyway, so here we are, in the dating stage...
Let me explain, though, why I would do something like this. Here are my top ten reasons why I chose to switch to Melaleuca:
10. All products are all natural, non-toxic and keep your health and well being as a top priority.
9. The company has been around for over 20 years and has grown significantly in that time. (you can't do that if you don't have a good product)
8. Huge product base of health care, medicinal, cleaning, bath and body, kids and beauty products. Again, ALL of them are all-natural.
7. Opportunities to make a little income to offset the rising costs of gas, groceries and life in general.
6. Most products are concentrated and all are designed to be friendly to our planet.
5. Safe to use around kids and pets. In fact, many people say that problems like eczema, allergies, asthma and many other common respiratory problems went away once they began using Melaleuca.
4. As a representative, I don't have to carry any inventory or be pushy about sales. (thank goodness... I love you all too much!)
3. 100% Guaranteed. Absolutely no risk involved.
2. Whole Foods products at Wal-Mart prices
1. Everything is done from the comfort of your home computer. (no running around with Ashley, wasting gas, getting babysitters etc.)
So, as you can see, on paper this all looks GREAT! I am very excited about it and got my first order last night. As we all know, though, the proof is in the pudding. So, as I try these new products I am going to be really honest about whether I like them or not. I am going to keep a regular log about what I have used and a review because if any of you are interested in switching and saving with Melaleuca, then I feel it is my job as a representative to help you be as informed as possible.
So, here is what I have used so far:
Vitality for Women Vitamin pack- Easy to use, just open the pack and pop them in-no measuring out pills, I like that- day and night packs (I have read countless reports that this is better for you)- vanilla coating is pretty yummy.
Fiber Wise Cinnamon Clusters Cereal- MMMmMMMMmmm, yummy! (Although, please know that I like cereals like Kashi Go Lean Crunch- which is what it was very similar to) Kept me going strong through workout and errands.
Simply Fit Harvest Grain Crackers- Very yummy! I am enjoying them right now actually. :)
Antibacterial Hand Soap in Mint- Love, love, love this stuff!! No more Bath and Body Works for me! Very lather-icious while only using a very small amount.
Clear Defense Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer- works well, dries quickly without being sticky
Alloy Men's After Shave- Marc used this and liked it
Body Satin Moisturizing Body Wash in Original scent- LOVED this!! Smelled so good, I didn't want to stop scrubbing! And it really left my skin soft without being greasy.
Body Satin Cleanser and Toner- loved this as well. Works as well or better than any face soap I have ever used (and believe me, I have tried them all). I'll post an update if my skin start looking great or weird.
Envia Shampoo and Conditioner- Liked it, didn't love it. Lathered kind of funny but seemed to do the job. My hair seems soft, smooth and smells good though.
Tooth Polish- Hmmm, not my favorite product. It tastes really weird although my teeth feel really really clean after brushing. It comes in cinnamon so I may have to give that a try.
Pain-a-trate- Marc used this and liked it well enough. It's not greasy and rubs in completely which is nice. He's pretty picky about his muscle rubs though...
Sun Shades Lip Balm in Vanilla- Yum!! Love this!! It just smells like vanilla so you don't lick your lips and it is very moisturizing and long-lasting
Renew lotion- LOVE this!!! It works so well. Very moisturizing without being greasy at all.
Mela-power laundry detergent- Seems to work very well. I like that it is concentrated and it smells really good.
Mela-soft dryer sheets- worked well and smelled good, what more do you want!
Tough and Tender wipes- I am not a huge fan of the cleaning wipe (think Clorox or Lysol wipes) but this one worked very well. It didn't just move the dirt around, it picked it up pretty well and made everything look and smell good. Plus, they are biodegradable which is nice.
OK, whew! So there you have it. I have been a busy girl today!! Seriously though, I believe that testimony can be the best advertisement and I want to be an honest rep. I can't sell anything I don't fully stand behind.
Your turn. If you have gotten this far in the post, you are either bored out of your mind or have some kind of interest in this. If you want more info. just leave a comment and I will get in touch with you or if you know about Melaleuca and want to leave a comment about your experience, please do. I would love to hear it!!
Oh, and I will put the link over to the left side so that you can visit the web-site to learn more about MELALEUCA!!
Well, let me rephrase that, I truly believe it has the potential to be that good. To me, it's like entering into a new relationship. When I met Marc, I realized that on paper, this was the guy for me. Whether or not he was my one true love, only time could tell (thankfully, he was!) :)
Anyway, so here we are, in the dating stage...
Let me explain, though, why I would do something like this. Here are my top ten reasons why I chose to switch to Melaleuca:
10. All products are all natural, non-toxic and keep your health and well being as a top priority.
9. The company has been around for over 20 years and has grown significantly in that time. (you can't do that if you don't have a good product)
8. Huge product base of health care, medicinal, cleaning, bath and body, kids and beauty products. Again, ALL of them are all-natural.
7. Opportunities to make a little income to offset the rising costs of gas, groceries and life in general.
6. Most products are concentrated and all are designed to be friendly to our planet.
5. Safe to use around kids and pets. In fact, many people say that problems like eczema, allergies, asthma and many other common respiratory problems went away once they began using Melaleuca.
4. As a representative, I don't have to carry any inventory or be pushy about sales. (thank goodness... I love you all too much!)
3. 100% Guaranteed. Absolutely no risk involved.
2. Whole Foods products at Wal-Mart prices
1. Everything is done from the comfort of your home computer. (no running around with Ashley, wasting gas, getting babysitters etc.)
So, as you can see, on paper this all looks GREAT! I am very excited about it and got my first order last night. As we all know, though, the proof is in the pudding. So, as I try these new products I am going to be really honest about whether I like them or not. I am going to keep a regular log about what I have used and a review because if any of you are interested in switching and saving with Melaleuca, then I feel it is my job as a representative to help you be as informed as possible.
So, here is what I have used so far:
Vitality for Women Vitamin pack- Easy to use, just open the pack and pop them in-no measuring out pills, I like that- day and night packs (I have read countless reports that this is better for you)- vanilla coating is pretty yummy.
Fiber Wise Cinnamon Clusters Cereal- MMMmMMMMmmm, yummy! (Although, please know that I like cereals like Kashi Go Lean Crunch- which is what it was very similar to) Kept me going strong through workout and errands.
Simply Fit Harvest Grain Crackers- Very yummy! I am enjoying them right now actually. :)
Antibacterial Hand Soap in Mint- Love, love, love this stuff!! No more Bath and Body Works for me! Very lather-icious while only using a very small amount.
Clear Defense Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer- works well, dries quickly without being sticky
Alloy Men's After Shave- Marc used this and liked it
Body Satin Moisturizing Body Wash in Original scent- LOVED this!! Smelled so good, I didn't want to stop scrubbing! And it really left my skin soft without being greasy.
Body Satin Cleanser and Toner- loved this as well. Works as well or better than any face soap I have ever used (and believe me, I have tried them all). I'll post an update if my skin start looking great or weird.
Envia Shampoo and Conditioner- Liked it, didn't love it. Lathered kind of funny but seemed to do the job. My hair seems soft, smooth and smells good though.
Tooth Polish- Hmmm, not my favorite product. It tastes really weird although my teeth feel really really clean after brushing. It comes in cinnamon so I may have to give that a try.
Pain-a-trate- Marc used this and liked it well enough. It's not greasy and rubs in completely which is nice. He's pretty picky about his muscle rubs though...
Sun Shades Lip Balm in Vanilla- Yum!! Love this!! It just smells like vanilla so you don't lick your lips and it is very moisturizing and long-lasting
Renew lotion- LOVE this!!! It works so well. Very moisturizing without being greasy at all.
Mela-power laundry detergent- Seems to work very well. I like that it is concentrated and it smells really good.
Mela-soft dryer sheets- worked well and smelled good, what more do you want!
Tough and Tender wipes- I am not a huge fan of the cleaning wipe (think Clorox or Lysol wipes) but this one worked very well. It didn't just move the dirt around, it picked it up pretty well and made everything look and smell good. Plus, they are biodegradable which is nice.
OK, whew! So there you have it. I have been a busy girl today!! Seriously though, I believe that testimony can be the best advertisement and I want to be an honest rep. I can't sell anything I don't fully stand behind.
Your turn. If you have gotten this far in the post, you are either bored out of your mind or have some kind of interest in this. If you want more info. just leave a comment and I will get in touch with you or if you know about Melaleuca and want to leave a comment about your experience, please do. I would love to hear it!!
Oh, and I will put the link over to the left side so that you can visit the web-site to learn more about MELALEUCA!!
Friday, May 16, 2008
It's My Potty and I'll Snooze if I Want to...
Over the last few weeks, Ashley has begun showing me that she is starting to be ready for potty-training. (whether I am ready is a whole other question... yikes!) Anyway, today at Wal-Mart, we decided to go ahead and get a training seat for the toilet so that she is not gripping for dear life and I don't have to worry about her falling in. We picked out a seat with all the Sesame Street characters on it and she was instantly in love with it. She carried it throughout the rest of the shopping trip and wouldn't even let me put it away when we got to the car. This is how she wound up when we got home from the store...
You can imagine that she was not too happy when I told her that it was not a toy and that it had to stay in the bathroom...
Oh, and she does NOT want to put the t-t in the potty... this should be an interesting next few months...
Joy.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Say Cheese!
I think I have created a monster... Ashley LOVES getting her picture taken. She will pose and say cheese whenever she sees the camera out. So the other day when I was uploading some pictures of the kids at school, she wouldn't rest until we had our own little photo shoot. I am glad she insisted though b/c they turned out really cute.
Here are some of the many that I took-
We'll go ahead and call these her 21 month pictures!
The Fast Five
Marc and I celebrated our 5th Anniversary last weekend (the 26th)! It is hard to believe that 5 years have flown by so quickly. It's even harder to think that it has been 9 years since Marc and I met. I guess time really does fly when you're having fun. :)
Marc was so sweet and surprised me with a whole weekend together. Ashley spent the weekend with Nana and Gran and we spent time doing things that only parents with small children could really appreciate. It was wonderful! We went to dinner at one of our favorite places on Friday called Campagnia (sp?) in the west Village. It is a pizza place but it is seriously so much more than just pizza. It is the best pizza I have ever had! Yum! Then we stopped by Lochran's Pub on the way home. Saturday we slept in late (Yea!!!) and went for a long run. It was a beautiful day so it was really wonderful to be able to spend that time together. We haven't been able to run together like that in a long time. Then, Marc gave me tickets for the Jimmy Buffet concert at our own Pizza Hut Park. It was a blast!!!! I'll put some pictures at the bottom.
All in all it was just a perfect weekend! Marc said that his goal was to take me all over the world without leaving the comforts of home. So we went to Italy, Ireland and the Islands for our anniversary- couldn't have asked for more!
Here's to many, many more years to come!!!
Marc was so sweet and surprised me with a whole weekend together. Ashley spent the weekend with Nana and Gran and we spent time doing things that only parents with small children could really appreciate. It was wonderful! We went to dinner at one of our favorite places on Friday called Campagnia (sp?) in the west Village. It is a pizza place but it is seriously so much more than just pizza. It is the best pizza I have ever had! Yum! Then we stopped by Lochran's Pub on the way home. Saturday we slept in late (Yea!!!) and went for a long run. It was a beautiful day so it was really wonderful to be able to spend that time together. We haven't been able to run together like that in a long time. Then, Marc gave me tickets for the Jimmy Buffet concert at our own Pizza Hut Park. It was a blast!!!! I'll put some pictures at the bottom.
All in all it was just a perfect weekend! Marc said that his goal was to take me all over the world without leaving the comforts of home. So we went to Italy, Ireland and the Islands for our anniversary- couldn't have asked for more!
Here's to many, many more years to come!!!
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