Thoughts on Motherhood

Recently, a lot of bloggers have announced the birth of their children or their pregnancy. This baby boom has got me thinking about our future children.

I LOVE children. As a matter of fact, I have 12 nieces and nephews -- 6 nieces and 6 nephews. Being the youngest of 7, I sort of have to love kids. I was an aunt from the time that I was 15. With that being said, I love most kids -- my nieces and nephews and the two cute little boys I call my nephews -- my best friends' children.

Back to my point - the recent baby boom has got me thinking about being a parent myself? I have a few questions for all of the recent moms out there:

• How did you know you were ready to start your family?
• How long did you try to conceive before you were successful?
• How bad was the labor process?
• Did you feel you were prepared for labor and being a parent?
• Is there any advice that you wished you had know before your little one arrived?

I ask because I think maybe I am ready to try my hand at this parenting thing but since I can't return the kids if it doesn't work out, I am trying to prepare myself.

Feel free to share any websites, blogs or books that you found helpful

Happy Birthday...

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband, JP. Wishing you a great day to another great year.

I love you -

Introducing..

Sweet Southern Monograms...

Thanks to Natalie over at Team Imhoff for helping me come up with the cute, creative name to call my little embroidery business. (Natalie: Let's chat about what kind of things you would love to have embroidered with your monogram and I will get that too you soon!)

I will be showcasing new items as soon as I can get them completed, photographed and posted.

If you are interested in having me embroider something for you, leave me a comment or send me an email and we get talk about creating one of a kind, unique items.

Now, I hope to convince my husband to make a website/blog to keep separate from the personal one.... JP -- I know you are reading this...

Don't Forget..

Leave me a comment on this post to be entered for a one of a kind gift made by me. Just leave a comment with a creative name for all things embroidered by me.



Comments will be reviewed and decided upon on Saturday, January 30 by 12pm.

Toodles!

Help me be creative

I need YOUR help! I need you to help me come up with a creative name for my embroidery business.

Even though I have yet to share any of my cute creations using my new embroidery machine, I have had a LOT of people ask me to make or monogram things for them. While I love being able to do so, I want to create a name for my business.

I am too busy down in my little sweatshop (otherwise known as my basement) to come up with any cute, creative ideas. So, this is where you come in!

I need you to help me come up with something catchy and cute. Here are a few things you should know about what I do:

• I can embroider-- most of which are monograms.
• I can applique.
• I create a lot of baby things and then embroider or applique.

To sweeten the deal for you, whoever comes up with the most creative name for the shop, will win a great prize. Of course it will be monogrammed for you or a cute little something for your little one. We can discuss what you want after you send me your ideas!

I leave tomorrow for a big girl, real job business trip. So, leave me a comment by Saturday at 12pm noon! That's when I will be checking the comments for the first time. JP and I will read over the list and agree on a name for this fun hobby I have.

Life Lessons..

This week is a bit surreal for me. I am reliving part of my college days but seem to be having an out of body experience. Never in my life did I expect to be the old one. Last night, I realized that I was just that -- the old, mature one of the group that has to be responsible. I didn't like it. one. bit.

I have shared before that I volunteer with my sorority at a local university. Well, RUSH {er.. recruitment} is happening this week...

I finally realized, last night, why a lot of people have such strong feelings about sororities and the greek system, in general. Taking a step back, I realized that women can be very catty and down right mean, to other women. It made me think back to my college days and I am positive that the same types of attitudes and behaviors were present then. While I was active, I assumed it was normal -- the way women were treated and talked about the others, even within a certain circle.

Don't get me wrong, I had a great time during my sorority days. I have met some of my best friends and had experience that I will always remember and treasure. I firmly believe that the greek system is a positive experience for some women but not for everyone. I believe that being greek is a personal choice.

It makes me sad to think that women treat each other the way they do. Recruitment is a very competitive process and women shouldn't feel so insecure about themselves or the women they associate with. But even after college, I think we as women, should be proud of who we are and what we do -- at any age.

I have learned a great lesson from these college women. No matter the situation, women should be more respectful and thoughtful of one another. In a society where reality shows and celebrity gossip are popular, women lose sight of what is really important -- the relationships we have with one another.

Winter Weather 2010...

Seriously, this weather forecast needs to be 100% wrong.



From the latest forecast I heard, 6-8 inches of snow are headed our way in just a few short hours. I couldn't be more over it.



I am scheduled to have my first embroidery machine lesson and if the weather does what it supposed to, then the class will be pushed back. I have already had this little dandy for a while and not even tried to figure out how to use it...



Please snow gods... keep your snow...

psst...

I need to give myself some props...
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I haven't had a cigarette since November. This quitting business is hard but so worth it. I finally believe that I can quit for reals!

Just a little something for myself

I am still in the holiday spirit and I love to give gifts. Since my husband doesn't think it is appropriate to keep giving gifts to everyone, I bought myself a gift...

Yesterday, I treated myself to a little something that I have been eyeing lately...

That would be Photoshop Elements 8. SO excited to LEARN something new and to start using my camera more to take/make wonderful photos!

Can anyone recommend a great site for tutorials of elements? I need to do a bit of research before my present arrives!

Spoiled Rotten..

That is one way you could describe me. I was so spoiled this year at Christmas to receive a gift I am excited about. For a while now, I have been wanting an embroidery machine. Well, I got it!


Here she is!

With the machine, I received free one on one classes. I have my first class on Wednesday night and am so excited to learn how to use it.

I can see it now... my monogram on EVERYTHING!!!

Stay tuned for an update...

twenty-ten...

It is so hard to believe that Thanksgiving, Christmas and 2009 have all passed. I regret not posting more but even more, I regret not documenting my year in 2009. It was a roller coaster of a year with family, friends and life in general and looking back, it will be hard to remember all the little moments that made 2009 a good year.

Looking forward to 2010, I have a few goals -not resolutions because everyone knows that resolutions go out the window as soon as the newness wears off -- that I want to share.

Document more. A LOT MORE. I want to use my camera and really capture the times that I don't want to forget in the year ahead. Blog more to share these memories and experiences.

Be a better wife/sister/daughter and friend. In 2009, I had a hard time find a balance with being a wife but also caring for my Mom. I feel that sometimes, my husband took the back seat. He is such a great husband that he simply says he understands the situation and accepts it for what it is. It was hard for me to stay connected to my friends too. In the few emails, phone calls and the very rare times when I actually saw my friends, I realized what I was missing from those relationships. My sister and I grew closer in 2009 because of our Mom. I love that we are closer now but I want us to be closer on every level and not just because of our Mom. In 2010, I want to find the balance. I want to put my husband first, find time for my friends and grow closer to my sister all while being the best daughter I can.

Learn more. I have a few areas where I want to gain more knowledge -- photography/photoshop and sewing/embroidery. I want to learn to use these machines and become quite skilled at the same time.

Do more. More volunteering, specifically. I feel so fortunate to have the life and blessing that I have. Sometimes I take these things for granted. I want to find an organization where I can help others. I volunteered a lot when I was in college and I miss having a sense of fulfillment of helping others.

Take time for myself. I know, it sounds silly but over the past few years, I have not been as good to myself as I should be. I want to be healthy and happy. I want to start exercising and eat better. I want to do something that I enjoy and not feel guilty for it.

My hope for 2010 is to be the best me possible. {Cheesy, right!}

Greetings.. from New Orleans...

Good Sunday Morning.

As you read, I am currently looking out the window to a beautiful morning in New Orleans. I have a wonderful view of the city!

I am in New Orleans for work and unlike most work trips, I have some down time to do whatever my little heart desires. I have taken a stroll down Canal Street and plan to head down Royal this afternoon to do a bit of shopping!

Let me tell you .. the FOOD!! It is delish! I am enjoy every meal I have!

I brought my camera, but forgot the damned cord -- so I can't share the view I have of the city. Stay tuned, I will have these photos to share when I return.

Enjoy your weekend !

It is already Thanksgiving?!?

Where in the world has the time gone?! I think last time I posted was way back in the middle of October.

My apologies! Live has been busy - work, travel, Smooches and family. Nothing new has happened and I don't have the exciting news that I wanted to share! Sometimes life just doesn't work out the way we want it to. I just have to remember that God does have a plan for me.

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

Over the next week, I will be sharing some of the recipes I will be making for my family. I don't have photos, just really good recipes. Let me know if you make any of these for your family this year. I would love to have your thoughts.

I have the privilege of making Thanksgiving dinner for 20 of my family members! In some strange way, I am SO excited about. My sister keeps calling me Martha and I am getting used to it!

Stay tuned for those recipes!

Keeping Warm..

With all of the changes to the weather lately, I find myself needing a light jacket. It is too early to break out the winter coat and I don't like to wear my fleece to the office.

Here are a few that I like:

{forever 21}

{forever 21}

{New York & Company}

{New York & Company}

Where is your favorite place to shop for a new jacket?

Why Do They Do This To Me?

Why do the Missouri Tigers let me down? I don't know how much more I can take? Really, a loss to Nebraska and Oklahoma State? I didn't expect a perfect season but a few conference wins would be nice.

Dear Mr. Pinkel -- Where did you learn to coach football? I am starting to question your calls..

Dear Blaine Gabbert -- Can you please not suck so bad?

Dear Football Gods-- Please let things turn around for us Mizzou fans...

My husband and I would LOVE it if you could please play a bit better. Our neighbors don't like it when we yell at our television all night...

September Goals revisited

It is mid way through October and I failed {miserably, I might add} to keep up with tracking my goals. No excuses-- I simply failed! Not only did I fail about recapping my goals, I didn't even complete a majority of my goals.

Lets review:

1. Use my new treadmill three days of the week.

-- Not even once - maybe in November!

2. Make three new recipes.

-- Only one. Three cheese artichoke dip! YUM!

3. Share my recipes and reviews on the blog.

-- No photos, I didn't share the recipe, yet, but I will soon.

4. Read a new book this month.

-- I didn't even think about a book to read.. my brain was preoccupied...

5. Organize our office.

-- Oooh! I did get this done! Check! I organized the closet, bookshelves and the desk. I put up a few new prints and decor too. Again, no photos... :(

6. Get ready for Recruitment with my advisee.

-- I did get a good start on this, too. I have met with my advisee three times, decided on the voting process and feel so good about where we are now. Hopefully, we can keep things moving and continuing making process.

7. Sew some more cute stuff for *Smooches*.

-- I haven't even turned on my sewing machine since this post was posted. Oops! I have found some new patterns and fabrics that I can't wait to use. Stay tuned and I promise that I will have some items soon!

8. Set up my Flickr account.

-- Nope.

9. Plant tulips in the back yard.

-- HAHA. Didn't even think about it! And hopefully, we won't be in our current home much longer. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

10. Plant mums at my parents house

-- Scratched idea. When the weather changed so quickly, the mums would have died by now. Good thing I didn't waste my time.

11. Monogram my galvanized buckets before fall really gets here so I can show off my pretty mums!

-- My buckets are monogrammed but I don't have anything planted in them... sad :(

12. Take Maggie for a walk once a week.

-- Complete fail, again. Poor little Maggie only got a walk 5 times this month. And I didn't give her a single one. Her grandpa loves to take her for walks and since I was home so much recently, he took her for her well deserved walks!

Since October is half way over, I will wait until November to post goals. Hopefully, by that time, I will be settled done and in a better place to actually achieve my goals!

Does anyone else feel like a complete failure when you don't accomplish your goals? Help me feel better!

Fall TV

A lot of TV shows are now well into full swing. The husband and I are BIG tv fans! Here are a few of our favorites:

{One Tree Hill}

{Modern Family}

{The Good Wife}

{Cougar Town}

{Flash Forward}

{Glee}

{The Middle}

What are your favorite new or returning shows? Let me know what I need to start watching!

Giveaway time...

A good friend of mine, Natalie, is hosting a giveaway this week.

Head over to her blog and sign up. While you are there, tell her I sent you!

Celebrating...

It is my birthday week! Yes -- I said birthday WEEK.

I won't try to hide the fact that I have been struggling because I will be 25. A lot of people have been giving me a hard time because in reality, 25 in really not that old. I guess its a big birthday because I am no longer in my early twenties but now moving towards my late twenties. I am loosing my youth and it FREAKS me out.

Here is to a great week of celebrating with family and friends!

Where have I been..

Oh my goodness..

So I just realized that it has been about 6 weeks since I have updated my blog.... I am sure you have been wondering what I have been up to!

Well here is a very brief recap:

• My Mom has been in the hospital three times in the last six weeks. That alone has caused me to not have time to update the blog!
• Lots of trips down south to visit with Mom to make sure she is doing well because of the hospital stays.
• Lots of updates on the personal front-- and before anyone asks -- NO, I am not pregnant. (Even though, I SO want to be!!!) Once everything clears over, I promise I will give a detailed post about all of this business.
• House Hunting has begun again. This goes along with the personal life stuff, that I can't get into right now.

I have had zero time to do any updating to my blog. I apologize and will try to do better!

Now that I have an evening to sit down at my computer, I will be scheduling a few posts just to make sure that another six weeks don't pass before I post again!