To Whom it May Concern:

Dear Sports Bra Manufacturing Companies (i.e. Nike, Adidas, Athleta, Reebok, etc.)

I am writing this letter in reference to ill-fitting sports bras and/or built-in bra tops that offer no support. Please note... MOST women do NOT look like this. In fact, I'd venture to say, that in my nearly 4 years of working out at a gym that is predominately 85% female population, I have seen maybe 3-4 women who do look like this. I'd have to say, that most 'normal' women will never look like this, no matter how much time, effort, energy one puts into their workouts.

So, my question to you is this... why must you continue to make sports bras and built-in bra tanks for this fictional woman? That offer no support and are low cut?

I mean, honestly, I HATE sporting 3 inches of cleavage while I'm at the gym because my sports bra is too low cut. Why you ask? Well, because I'm there to work out. Working out requires bending, lifting, pushing, pulling and sweating. Whilst I'm working out, I don't want to be concerned with bending and sweating, thus spilling out cleavage everywhere. I just don't. It's not who I am.

And for those companies who do cater to the 'normal' woman... companies like Moving Comfort, etc... why must your high impact bras look like this? I mean, really? A zipper? A zipper at my cleavage? C'mon. Really?

So, mega size sporting gear companies hear me out! This is what I want. I want a sports bra or sports tank that is 'high-impact', cut high enough to not sport cleavage and look decent. I don't want it in a fabric that is floral, geometrical or in crazy colors. Just a plain gray or black... or hey, gray AND black is fine by me too.

Is that so hard?

Signed,
Still a DD

Dog Days

I thought it was time to devote a blog entry to our pup, TJ.

All in all, TJ is a very smart, friendly, fiesty, lovable dog. By day, he loves to play outside, dig in the dirt and chase birds...and nap a time or two. By night, he's 100% lap dog.

My attempts at "training" him to be a fabulous house pet have failed. Not because he isn't smart enough, but because I'm just lazy. So, we're all content to have him be a moderately well-behaved dog.

He doesn't bark, bite, nip clothes or yelp. You would hardly know he is here half the time.

He does however have an incessant paw licking issue that drives me crazy. I can't stand for him to lick his paws while he's sitting on my lap because the entire perimeter around his paw is licked as well. Ugh!

And did I mention digging? Ah, yes. He's a digger. Loves to dig. Loves to dig when the ground is muddy too. See where I'm going with this? He's a white fluffy dog. Mud and white fluffy don't go together... ever.

I definitely have my days when I wish I had listened to the legions of friends tell me to NOT get a dog. And if someone asked me if they should get a dog, I'd give them a resounding no. But, the girls love him and I love him 1/2 of the time... so, he stays.

Honestly, I really have nothing to report

And, that's about all.

Nothing to report...or at least, nothing worth mentioning.

I'm exhausted from running 6 miles today at the gym and I need food. And... the tips of my toes hurt. So, I'm wearing flip flops today OUT.OF.SEASON.

I'm off to eat a bite of food before I pass out.

Valentine's Day Giveaway WINNER!

Yay, Heather (a.k.a. Alex and Autumn)
FYI - Heather I sent you a message via Facebook!

Blog Brain Dump

My first official blog brain dump of 2011! I'm so excited! And you should be too. I have a lot to say on this bright sunny mild Texas winter day! (Hooray for sunshine!)

So, I have 2.5 weeks until my BIG 5K run/race. Y'all this is huge for me for several reasons. Allow me to explain:

a.) I don't like to run. Ask anybody.
b.) I don't like to run long distances, but since my goal this year is to run a 1/2 marathon... I need to change that way of thinking.
c.) And, I swore I'd never run a 5K, 10K or any other kind of race known to man because who in their right mind does that?

Here's the deal... I ran track when I was younger. But, I ran sprints and relay races. Believe it or not, I was pretty good at it too. But anything over a lap on the track was considered long distance to me. But look at me now... 38 years old, busting out 3 mile runs as if it's nuthin'. Well, let me rephrase that... huffing and puffing out 3 miles as if I'm about to die of oxygen starvation.

But wait, there's more. Would you believe that I'm actually enjoying running? It's the strangest thing, but I am actually feeling pretty good about the whole running thing. And, I'm making decent strides in my times. Yesterday, I ran 5K on the treadmill in 28 mins, 15 seconds. Whoohoo!

And allow me to let you in on a little secret that even I was hesitant to believe... But, the secret is in the shoes. I'm dead serious. If you want to take up running... get some decent shoes. Yes, I know, they are very expensive, etc., etc., but it's totally worth it. (I happened to get a great deal on my shoes. I paid $63.00 [shipped] for my Asics Kayano running shoes. Oh, and I also bought some running capri pants which are awesome! But, that's not a necessity, of course.

Enough about running. I don't want this to turn into Blog Brain Dump Snooze Fest 2011.

I'm on the Valentine Party "team" for Kyla's first grade class this year and our job is coordinate food, craft, games, etc. for the hour long party on Feb. 14th. Y'all know me... I love Valentine's Day. But, here's the deal... We have to plan a craft that is for both boys and girls. And it has to be relatively easy and non-messy. I'm all over the girl crafts. LOVE girly crafts! But, I'm stumped as to what a boy would want to do for a craft. I mean... these are 7 year old boys, so give 'em a glue stick and they are good to go. I'll be scouring the wise Internets for some ideas.

Speaking of Valentine's Day. I'm sad to report that we will not be hosting our annual Valentine's Tea Party this year. Since both girls are in indoor soccer this winter, we're totally booked on the weekends. I just don't think I could swing it with everything we have going on. AND... Elisan has decided that she is too old to host a V-day Tea Party for her friends. Sniff. Sad day.

Here's what you do when it's cold/wet and dreary outside. You make fleece headbands.

Randy came home that afternoon and inspected my headband handiwork and announced, "You know, you can buy these things at the store." But, I explained to him that the fleece remnant was a whopping $1.50 at Hobby Lobby as compared to a fleece headband you can buy for a$12-$15.00/each... all for the priviledge of advertising "Nike", "Adidas" or "Underarmour" on the front of your head. No thanks.

Don't forget about my Valentine's Day Photo Greeting Card giveaway. It's not just for locals... I'll mail the cards out to whoever wins! And, tell your friends. But, be sure to click on this link to enter, because I will only draw a name from those comments. (I'm a stickler like that!)

Oh, and by the way... I'm also for hire. I'm "officially" putting my design work out there again. So, if you have a birthday party, baby and/or bridal shower coming up or need a blog design face lift or just some graphic design work, contact me!

That's all. Steady on.

Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Another fun giveaway! I just {heart} V-day!

Because it's never to early...

... to begin thinking about Valentine's Day! Especially if you are like me and love V-day, but also if you have two little girls who love V-Day as much as their mama! Perhaps they learned that from me?

This year's Valentine design inspiration comes from Elisan, my nine year old.

"Mom, I don't want my Valentine cards to be too fancy this year. And, I want them to be black and white." she says.

What?! I was floored. "Why not?!" I insisted?

"I want them to be simple." she explained.

"Oh. Simple? I don't do simple very well, you know that, right?" I say.

But, simple is what she got...with a splash of hot pink! And she loved them. And I hope you will love them too!

Click on image to enlarge.

"You Make My Heart Fly" Postcards (x4/page). Download here.
"You Make My Heart Fly" Mini-Cards (x9/page). Download here.
"You Make My Heart Fly" Goodie-Bag Tags (x3/page). Download here.

Ummm, really? It's been 9 days?

So, I realized moments ago that it's been nine days since my last blog entry. Um, really? Nine days? Where did the time go?

Time doesn't stand still people... Remember that. You heard it here first!

Honestly, I've made for myself a new all-encompassing mega to-do list that has me doing something productive each hour and uh-oh... I didn't place any time in there for blogging. Imagine that! Could it be because it doesn't fall into the "productive" catergory? Could be.

So, an update on my running. I'm up to running 4 miles consecutively without stopping! AND, I can do this in under 40 minutes. I signed up for my very first 5K. It's on February 5th and I've enlisted a fellow mom from school to run with me! I'm excited!

It's official. My dog doesn't like to go outside to pee when it's wet, cold and/or rainy. BUT, he does enjoy waking me up at 4 a.m. to let me know that YES, he has to pee and NO, he will not be going outside to take care of his business.

Joy.

So, the other day... I put him in the garage and told him to get busy in there. After about an HOUR, he finally accomplished his business. Over by Randy's car. Right about where Randy would be placing his feet to get in and out of said car. Needless to say, that particular area on the garage floor is the cleanest it's ever been. Sigh.

TJ's new nickname? Princess. Yep. That's right. Princess.

Elisan told me yesterday that she has become "sensitive" at the ripe ol age of nine and that I need to tread lightly around her new sensitive nature. She also happened to mention that ALL of the girls in 4th grade are sensitive these days. Hmmmm, you don't say. I'm forecasting little girl hormones in my future.

But seriously, it's a strange thing seeing Elisan want to still play with Barbi's and dolls, yet, want to be a big kid all at the same time. She just doesn't know why... Pray for me. That's all I can say.

Well, that's about all I have. I need to get back to my list. I have a few bathrooms that are needing my immediate attention!

Steady on...

This is just for good measure! Love my girls! (Yes, I included TJ in that statement!)

Happy New Year

Happy New Year friends! I hope the beginning 2011 finds you well!

My sweet Elisan told me several days ago that she had "heard" that it was tradition to stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve and was wondering why we never enjoyed this tradition at our home. Ah... to be young!

So, the girls were allowed to stay up as long as they wanted last night, but decided around 10:15 that it was late enough and they happily went to bed. I happily joined them. Randy was already in bed. We're such party'ers around here.

I've noticed in the Facebook and blog world people choosing a word for the new year. I camped on this thought for several days and finally, MY word came to me.
This word has many meanings for me.

For one, I will strive to not be full of fear over things I cannot control. This one is a hard one for me. But, honestly, living in fear is paralyzing. I had to come to terms with my fear over the summer when I visited a Christian counselor. He gave me perspective and helped me to come to grips with my irrational fears. I want to keep my fears at bay, and at times, I have harder days than others, but I know, that with Jesus Christ by my side, I will overcome.

Secondly, I want to get over my fears of rejection. I have a list of insecurities that are a mile long. I'm tired of living this way.

Third, I want to get over my fear of trying new things... and failing. Or succeeding... whatever the case may be. I have so many ideas rolling around in my head, but fear keeps me from moving forward. I'm afraid to fail for obvious reasons. Yet, I'm afraid to succeed and inevitably becoming overwhelmed and quitting. (Vicious cycle, I tell you!)

Fourth, I don't want my girls to have a mother who is a chicken. Or a scared'y cat. I want them to see me as a bold, confident woman who loves Jesus Christ with all of her heart who isn't afraid to be the best she can be...with failures along the way.

I've set out a few goals for me this year. If I don't accomplish them I won't chalk it up to defeat, but rather timing.

1.) Run a 1/2 marathon in November - 2011 Rock N Roll Marathon in San Antonio.
2.) Be a better wife and mother.
3.) Get a decent DSLR camera and take a photography class or two. (Or heck, just read the manual and teach myself!)
4.) Dig into the Word again. I mean, really dig and study. Not just read passages of a Bible reading plan.
5.) Renew friendships and make new. Be a better friend.
6.) Be more disciplined at home; Make the MOST of my time while my family is at work/school.
7.) Cultivate my digital design work style.
8.) Volunteer my time/talent in an area that glorifies God.

Fearless.

Post Christmas Wrap

We had such a wonderful Christmas weekend and I'm thankful that our entire family was able to join us, at our home.

Merry Christmas Y'all!

May you find peace and happiness in your world this Christmas!

Without the birth of our savior Jesus Christ,
we would not have a reason to celebrate!

Blogging Challenge! December 24th

Cookie decorating! Our time honored tradition!

This is the part of Christmas vacation that they look forward to the most. We did these all before 9 a.m. I have a house full of early risers!

I use this recipe for Glacé Icing. I love how it dries hard and shiny (and best of all - stackable!)

Check out Elisan's apron.
A present from my MIL the first year Randy and I were married.

Blogging Challenge! December 23rd

This is going to be a mini blog brain dump.

Here goes...

I realized... like reality set in and everything... that my 20 year class reunion is coming up in 2011. How can that be? I don't feel that old. Dang.

I have many, many things I should be doing right now, but can't seem to get my rear in gear to do it all. Nothing like waiting until the last minute... or not at all.

I've added running to my workout regime for the last two weeks. It's not that bad, although I must admit, I've only been running one mile. But, so as not to think I'm a total wimp, I'm running it as fast as I possibly can. Yesterday, I ran one mile in 8 min 33 secs. Not bad for a chick going to her 20th high school reunion soon.

But, the running totally wipes me out. I'm sooo sleepy right now.

This weekend we'll have a house full of folks. I'm looking forward to it and praising God I am not PMS'ing. (TMI, I know.)

My puppy is officially a "teenager" going through a bout of teenage angst. He is dying for a little independence, yet longs for lovin' and holdin'. He can't decide. But, come 7 p.m., he's a total lap dog. Totally.

We're going back to TiVo. I couldn't be happier. Cable DVR is horrible. We've had the cable DVR for a year and I've hated it from the first day we got it. Yay for TiVo!

Did I mention I'm sleepy?

I'm done, done, done with Christmas shopping! Yippee! Now, I just need to clean my "war room" a.k.a. spare bedroom turned into Christmas paper gift wrapping room.

I had a friend post on Facebook about people saying "Happy Holidays" versus "Merry Christmas" and she had such a good point, I felt it was necessary to pass it along.

• Posted on Facebook: "Please be kind to the people who wish you "Happy Holidays" They may prefer to wish you a Happy Kwanzaa or a Happy Hanukkah or a Merry Christmas but they also need to pay bills and feed their families. Just smile and say "Thank you" A snarly response may teach them a lesson but words with honey will make you both feel better."

You know, that's so true. I never thought about it that way... they are probably told by their employer that they must say "Happy Holidays" rather than Merry Christmas. I mean, sure... I prefer Merry Christmas... don't we all? But, yes... paying bills and feeding families is important too. That really made me stop and think. (Thanks Kendi!)

So... I'm off for now. Tomorrow is a big day around here. I'll try to throw up something here that is worthwhile. If not... oh well!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Blogging Challenge! December 22nd

As promised, here are a few of my favorite pictures of the girls from our photo shoot in November!

We had so much fun that day... once the girls loosened up a bit. Most of these pictures were taken in the final 10 minutes of us being out there. Remember... I took about 300 pictures!

But, these are my favorites! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

When did I get a teenager?

This picture of Kyla is so cute! Captures "her".

Have I mentioned how much I love these girls?

And how much they love each other?

Strike a pose!

By far, one of my all time favorite pictures!



This one too!

Just so stinking cute!

Love her!

And love her, too!

Silliness abounds!

Done for the day!

Blogging Challenge! December 21st

This is such a fun idea for inexpensive (less than $5.00!) grandparent gifts! And, it lasts all year long!

A price breakdown:

8x10 photo processing - $2.50 - $2.99 (depending where you go)
Laminating at Fedex Kinkos - $1.99/each

EMAIL ME if you want me to design one for you!

Here's how mine turned out! Very cute!

Here's an example of a two I did for friends!

Blogging Challenge! December 20th

Oh my word! I just realized it's December 20th! Where, oh where, has December gone?!

Thanksgiving weekend I took the girls out to the university near our home for a Christmas card photo shoot. After nearly 300 pictures (thank goodness for digital cameras!) and one hour later, I have to say I captured some of the best pictures of my girls I've ever taken! (I'll show you my favorites this week!)

Once I got home, I got busy editing the pictures with Picnik (an online photo editing software) and I love, love, love how they turned out! Picnik can be a bit overwhelming if you don't know where to begin, so I put together an abbreviated tutorial to help you get started!

Here's my after picture.

Step 1:
Select "Cross Process". Use the slider to adjust the look of your photo.

Step 2:
Select "Orton-ish" for a nice saturated 'glowy' look to your photo.
Use the sliders to adjust the look of your photo.

Step 3:
Select "Lomo-ish" for dramatic vignetting.

Step 4:
Select "Boost" to bring out colors and increase contrast.
Use the sliders to adjust the look of your photo.

Step 5:
Head back over to "Cross Process" and add a smidgen more of this process if desired.

Step 6:
Add text if desired.

Blogging Challenge! December 19th

There was a live nativity scene at church today! The girls saw a camel for the first time today.

It was pretty neat to see all of the various animals! Our church is cool!

Blogging Challenge! December 18th (late!)

Okay, okay...I missed a day in my own challenge!

Randy came home late Friday evening after spending 17 days out of town on business. The girls and I were so excited... I completely (intentionally) forgot about my blog and concentrated on my honey!

See? I have a good excuse.

Even T.J. the puff dog missed Randy!

Blogging Challenge! December 17th

Okay y'all! This post is mostly for posterity because I don't expect you to watch my Kyla Mae recite the entire passage in Luke of the story of Jesus' birth. BUT, if you have a 1:19 seconds available, feel free to watch my sweet baby in action!

I love that our school places such a great emphasis on memorizing the passage about the birth of Jesus. And, after two years of, I pretty much know it by memory too!

By the way, if you are feeling really nostalgic... here's Elisan reciting the story of Jesus' birth back in 2008.

Blogging Challenge! December 16th

As you may recall, Randy took a new job in November. And part of that new job required training in Minnesota.

I'm happy to report that Randy FINALLY returns home tomorrow! In fact, he's been gone since December 1st! Nearly 17 days straight! As you can imagine, we miss him terribly! Especially this time of the year.

And he's soooo ready to come home from the frozen tundra. Last weekend, Minnesota had one of the worst snow storms in 19 years. He said the amount of snow was amazing to see. He also said that he could not imagine it being any colder than what is was over the weekend.

Meanwhile at home, the girls and I have had a fun, easy going time here by ourselves. But, nothing compares to having Randy at home.

Our one 'saving grace' was FACETIME on our iPods (4 generation). We were able to communicate face to face with one another. The girls loved seeing their daddy and it definitely gave me peace of mind to actually see him. I think it helped Randy as well, since I know he was worried about his girls!

I cannot say enough about Facetime. If you are considering an iPod for Christmas (or a new iPhone), Facetime is definitely a selling point. I'm hoping my parents get an iPod soon so we can chat with them via Facetime as well. (Oh, and it's free, so you can basically 'call' someone with Facetime and not use your cell phone (minutes). SWEET!