Friday, April 30, 2010

Day 120/365 - April 30

Well, it's official...I've made it through two full weeks of 4:30 a.m. workouts!!

This is where I go to torture myself each and every morning.
I must say that it's gotten easier to get up and I really do look forward to it. I'm quite proud of myself and have even noticed that I am eating better as a result.

I'm not nearly as tired as when I first started and I can actually stay up past 9:00 at night now! Maybe I'll be able to scrapbook sometime soon!!!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Day 119/365 - April 29

Avery had practice tonight, but I decided to go to the grocery store and work on some things around the house.

When I arrived home from the store, I noticed bread crumbled in the driveway and it didn't take me long to see why. There were these two ducks waddling back and forth between our yard and the neighbor's yard enjoying it!

Luckily I had my point and shoot camera and was able to snap a few pictures before they got scared away.

We may not have a pond in our neighborhood, but we do have some ducks :)

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Day 118/365 - April 28

Nothing too exciting today. 

If you recall a week or so back, I mentioned that one of our shutters had fallen off the house. After the horrible storms last weekend, we were down another shutter!

This is what I found today.
Now we have no shutters at all.

Wes got tired of them falling, couldn't get them stay, and took them all down.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Day 117/365 - April 27

After Princess decided to use one of our leather chairs as a climbing post over the weekend, Wes decided it was time for a visit to the vet. I talked over the various options with them and we decided to get her spayed and declawed which meant an overnight stay. Avery was so worried and upset that Princess would be scared and worried. She cried and cried all morning long.
I pulled out of the driveway heading to the vet with Princess and left Avery slumped over the fence in tears. To say it was pitiful would be an understatement.

We had a ballgame tonight against the AUM Bulldogs (friends from our old church). The girls just didn't really seem "on" tonight and ended up with their first loss of the season with a final score of 6-4. It was a super close game, but you can't expect to win when you leave 10 runners on base!

One funny thing did happen during the game though.  While Avery was on deck, she asked me how many walks the pitcher had.  See, in this league the pitcher gets 4 walks before the coach comes in to finish up the inning and it starts back over each inning.  Avery wanted her Dad to pitch to her. I thought it was pretty sweet, but I think it may have irritated Wes a little. He wants her to feel confident hitting off any pitcher - she CAN do it.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Day 116/365 - April 26

Ah, the joys of a state job - an unexpected April holiday! I still got up for my morning workout, but not quite as early. I met Kathie at the Hampstead YMCA for their 5:30 a.m. Gravity class and LOVED it. Such a perfect break from the  cardio workouts I did last week.

It was also nice being able to take Avery to school this morning. At her teacher's request, we brought Princess in as well since she wasn't there when Wes took her a few weeks ago. All of the teachers crowded around and then brought Avery to the middle of the pod, called all of the kids out, and let Avery and Princess perform their song (Rock a Bye Baby).

It was seriously the cutest thing! Avery was sooo proud and even got to walk Princess around to some of the other classroom/pods to show her off too. A perfect start to a Monday morning.

I picked Avery up in carpool and took her with me to the dentist this afternoon. Thought I was going to get two teeth filled, but they ended up only filling one. Looks like I'll be going back a.g.a.i.n. {sigh}

When we got home, Avery wanted to put her new bell on her bike. She purchased it over the weekend and I can't believe she's waited this long! I got out the screwdriver and she basically put it on by herself. In her words, "I screwdrivered it myself!"
When Wes got home, we took a walk (Avery rode her bike) up to and through the park. It was a bit windy and cool, but still a wonderful time!

Alrighty, off to bed - back to my 4:30 workouts in the morning!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Day 115/365 - April 25

Ah, last day of Footloose :) At least the weather is nice - beautiful and nothing but sunshine! Here's a quick photo I snapped of Avery with two of her friends, Josie and Mallie.
Avery did another fantastic job with her performance this afternoon. She begged to stay for the show, but again I said no. We bought tickets and stayed Friday night.

Once we got home, Avery decided to take Princess out in the backyard.
Yep, she has on her harness and leash :)  Once again, MANY thanks to our vet's office for this.

Avery took her down the slide and they sat in the swing for a while too.

This cat is way too sweet and kind (most of the time). She will let Avery do just about anything!

I had to break the news tonight to Wes that Princess used one of our leather chairs as a scratching post. We have kept them covered in blankets since we got her (yep, the inside of our house looks horrible too), but one of the dogs pulled it down and she climbed up the back (front side) and down the side of the chair. Well, climb really doesn't accurately describe this because it's not just claw holes. There are actual tears in the leather. Any guesses on how my sweet husband responded to that one???

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Day 114/365 - April 24

I made it to the gym EVERY single day last week. On top of that, I could finally move (sit, walk, take stairs) by Thursday afternoon. To make things even better, my mood improved by Wednesday too! I think Wes and Avery were very happy about that one!

Can you believe my husband went to play golf in this weather?!?
They had to in order to keep their spot in the tourney and at least the folks will make them come in if any lightning is spotted, etc.
Here is a pic of the radar later in the day just to show that the rain continued to pound Montgomery and Prattville (where they were playing) - it was moving northeast (up from the gulf).

Avery and I got out for a little bit. Her birthday money was burning a hole in her pocket! She planned to buy a new bike, but couldn't find "the one" or one that fit quite right either.

Tonight was another Footloose performance and it was POORING down rain - nasty! I managed to snap this cute photo of Avery and her friend Mallie before they started rehearsing tonight.
Avery did a great job again tonight. She wanted to stay for the musical, but I simply said no.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Day 113/365 - April 23

Avery seems to finally be back to 100%. Well, unless you count the grumpiness that came along this morning. I guess that's what happens when you play ball until 9:30 at night!

Wes is playing in a golf tournament in Prattville with his friend Robbie all weekend. Today was the practice round. On his way home tonight, he was stopped behind a car that was turning and got rear ended. Yep, in his "new to us" truck. At least they had insurance - always gotta look on the bright side, right?

The damage looks very minimal, but you know how things go - once they get in and start looking, etc.

Tonight was Avery's first night to participate in the musical and she was so excited. She did a great job and had a blast too!

After the Youth Chorus finished, we stayed and watched the full performance. Wow, those students do an A-MA-ZING job!! We all seriously loved the show. Well, except for Wes-who left at intermission. I think he was a little worn out.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Day 112/365 - April 22

Avery woke up miserably sick this morning, so Wes called his grandparents and I took her over there for the day. Imagine my surprise to receive a phone call at 9:30 from Avery saying she felt great and wanted to go to school. Are you kidding me?!?

I know I should be proud, happy, and all of that Mama stuff. But really, to be honest with ya, this put a big kink in my day! Off I head to pick her up, go home, get her dressed, pack her lunch, take her to school, and then 1 1/2 hours later I make it back to work. See what I mean? Not exactly in my plans. Not exactly what you can tell your kid though, so I poured on the compliments, blah, blah, blah...isn't that what we're suppose to do?

Avery was none too happy that Wes made her miss opening night of Footloose tonight. Our softball game was scheduled to start at 7:30, but ended up not starting until 8:05 because the first game ran over. Turns out, she could have performed in the 7:00 musical and made it to the game at AUM. It's one of those things that you just can't predict though!

The girls played fabulous tonight and ended up beating AUM's Blue Cobras 14-1 bringing their record to 6-0!!!

While warming up, Wes took a line drive directly to the front/side of his shin. It's red and has a pretty good knot, but not enough that you can really see it in a picture.

Since I couldn't get a picture of "the injury", you get the pleasure of seeing how the front of our house has looked for the past few weeks.
Yep, a shutter fell off and it won't go back up. Wes even bought some new screws and whatever else you use to put it back up, but no luck. For now, we are the neighbors you hate!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Day 111/365 - April 21

Well, I've kept up with my 4:30 workouts (thanks to my workout partner, Kathie). I finally realized yesterday that I didn't have to get up at 4:00 a.m., so I've started sleeping in until 4:05, lol.
Although I don't use the alarm clock, it was the only photo I could take to represent my early morning wake up. Thanks to my Blackberry on the dresser, AWAY from the bed, I actually make it to the gym each day.

I got my teeth cleaned this afternoon and found out that I have two cavities - yuck. Looks like I'll be going back to the dentist for a third time. {wrinkling nose}

Avery had ball practice tonight and complained about not feeling good the entire time. Wes finally told me to take her to Pri-Med when we finished up because she was just miserable. Can I just say I {heart} their call ahead service? The parking lot was packed, but we were in and out in 1 1/2 hours - not too bad. Nothing more than a sore throat/virus, but she was just pitiful :(  The doctor said to keep her out of school tomorrow and all activities through the weekend. Um, I can tell ya that she won't let that happen. She has a softball game tomorrow night and it's also opening night for Footloose, the Spring Musical at school. I really hope she gets to feeling better soon!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Day 110/365 - April 20-Happy Birthday Avery!!

Happy 9th Birthday Avery!!
The day started off with Avery opening presents - what better start than that?!? All she asked for was to have her room painted and a new comforter. We threw in a ceiling fan just for fun! Well, really because she needed it but fun sure does sound better, huh?


I dropped Avery off at school and helped get her cookie cake inside.
She picked out the design of two dogs and a cat. Obviously, she forgets that we really have another cat! Maybe if said cat paid her any attention she would have made her way onto the cake too :)

Wes and I met at school to have lunch with Avery. I picked up Subway on the way. Ah, the joys of sitting at a lunchroom table on a stool the size of my hand!
Avery and her friends had fun though! Have I mentioned that third graders are VERY silly?

We finished off the big day with dinner tonight. Avery picked Kabuki, a Japanese restaurant near our house because "they have the pineapple, fruit thing on your birthday." Wes had a meeting and couldn't make it, so his parents joined us for a fun night.

It's a good thing I haven't done my grocery shopping yet...that dinner took a big chunk out of my budget. However, everyone enjoyed the meal and that made it all worth it.

Happy Birthday my sweet Angel Bug!!!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Day 109/365 - April 19-workout

OK seriously, after all the build up yesterday...how could I forget to comment about my 4:30 a.m. workout plans?!?

Well, I set the alarm on my Blackberry for 4:00 and started waking up at 3:00 and was awake off and on for the next hour - so worried I would oversleep. No worries though, I was wide awake before it went off.

I made it to the Y on time to meet my friend, Kathie. She works out on the elliptical machine and I figured that would be a good place for me to start. I thought I was going to DIE after 5 minutes, but I pushed through and managed to last the full 30 minutes (my goal).

By mid-day, I could barely walk, couldn't sit, couldn't stand - it just wasn't pretty. I'm really hoping for improvement each day.

Oh, and those endorphins that are suppose to make you happy and feel good when you exercise? They obviously didn't find their way to me today. Maybe tomorrow...

Day 109/365 - April 19

One of the gifts Avery received for her birthday was an adorable little hat for Princess! It's a little bit too big for her, but Avery managed to get it on her for a brief moment before school this morning.
Luckily I was able to snap this quick photo as well.

We finished the day off with a ballgame tonight. Take a look at Avery's "new" helmet.
It's actually her old helmet, just with a bit of airbrushing. They've been set up at the ball field for a few Saturdays and it finally worked out to have Avery's helmet done after our game this past weekend. I went by their store this afternoon and picked it up. She is totally in love with it and that makes me happy.

As for our game, we had another great night ending in a win! Our team is now 5-0 which is just an amazing start! We are SOOO proud of our girls!!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Day 108/365 - April 18

It would be fair to say that I woke up in a pretty foul mood Sunday after the ending to our Saturday - promises for help with spend the night company that didn't happen, our child getting lost. For once I was very truthful when Wes asked what was wrong. Typically I try to blow it off (everything is fine, etc) only to wind up even more angry later. It was quite a relief to get it out and be done with it and really made the day much more enjoyable :)

We went to church at EHBC since Brian, Mollie, and Bowman were in town and we were planning to go to lunch afterwards. Since we were going to celebrate her birthday, Avery got to choose the restaurant and she picked Wings.
The food was good and company wonderful!

Once we got home from lunch, I had to run to Target and pick up a baby gift for our next door neighbor's baby shower this afternoon. Normally I have this stuff ready ahead of time, but it's just been crazy lately. The baby shower was very sweet - she's having a little girl in about 5 weeks and they are getting pretty excited.

After I got home, it hit me that laundry needed to be done - yuck! While it was going, I noticed the cats playing in the dining room and managed to snap a few pics that turned out.

They have just recently started tolerating each other and actually seem to play a little bit too! It still didn't take Tagi long to decide she'd had enough of that silly kitten.

In the midst of all this, Wes peeked in Avery's room and found her asleep on her couch. I wish I had been able to snap a picture, but didn't want to disturb her - naps are NOT something she takes often and NEVER freely!! When she woke up, she came into our room and crawled up on the bed. I laid down and cuddled up beside her and we were both quickly sound asleep.
Not sure how long we napped, but it sure was nice!

I warned Wes earlier in the day that I would be heading to bed early tonight and I didn't disappoint! 6:00 came and my happy self was curled up in the bed. Avery joined me after her bath and quietly watched TV. However, that didn't stop me from being sound asleep by 6:30.

Yep, you read that right - I was asleep at 6:30 tonight!!

I have my alarm set for 4 a.m. tomorrow to meet my friend Kathie at the gym to workout at 4:30 - ack!! Wes totally things I won't make it. Truthfully, I have doubts myself. We'll see...

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Day 107/365 - April 17

**WARNING - SUPER LONG POST AHEAD**

Wes decided Avery needed a longer bat-this is something I told suggested before the season started by the way. So, Wes mentioned it to his parents and they decided that would be their birthday present to Avery this year. He went and picked one out at Academy last night and I wrapped some tulle ribbon around it and stuck it in her bag. When Wes told her to get her bag out this morning, she found it.
Do you think she likes it?!?

We took the girls to Chappy's for breakfast. Avery, Paige, and Caitlin rode bikes and scooters; Wes walked; and I drove the truck so we could put all the ride ons in the back to take back home and get to the ball fields on time. The girls got a booth to themselves which allowed Wes and me to have a nice grown up meal to ourselves - at 7:00 in the morning!
After breakfast, we dropped the bike and scooters off at home and headed up to the ball fields for our 9:00 (which really turned out to be 9:30) game. My mom came and picked up the girls right before it started to take them back home.

At this point, it was time for our game to start. Wes said from the beginning that he thought it would be a tough team and he was right. They shut us out the first inning with a double play - third baseman caught a pop fly and then tagged third when our runner stepped off the base.  It was not a fun way to start the game!

Avery had an A-MA-ZING hit in the second inning that batted in two runners - it was a huge turning point in the game!
Avery did a great job at catcher too (even with her injured knee all taped up from the bike accident yesterday). She has really come a long way and is catching so many more balls with each and every game.  
Despite the slow start, our girls played hard and came back to finish strong with a 9-4 win - way to go Ambassador Awards!!!

After the game, we headed home and Avery got to play for a few minutes before getting showered and changed for play practice. This is also when she pointed out the huge knot and bruise forming on her thigh from a pitch that hit her today while catching.
Notice the red line through the center? That would be the stitching of the softball!! She didn't say a word about it during the game though and kept right on playing. You really should see her legs though - it looks like she has been in a cat fight - they are NOT pretty, that's for sure!

On to our next stop for the day - a special, called play practice from 1:30 - 3:30. Luckily, I was able to use this time to pick up the last few items for Avery's birthday party tonight!

After play practice, we rushed home, Avery changed into her bathing suit, and we had about 30 minutes to catch our breath before heading to the YMCA for her party.

To say Avery was excited would be a slight understatement!! This was the third swimming party she's had at the Y (6th, 7th, and 9th) and the kids always have a blast. I'm sure it's partly because most outdoor pools aren't open yet and it's the first time many kids have gotten the chance to swim for the season. The kids swam, played, went down the waterslides, and laughed bunches.
We had 10 pizzas delivered at 6:30 and they were inhaled in a matter of minutes. Then it was cake time! As always, Ivy made the cake and did an amazing job!

When the finished eating, the kids swam until the party wrapped up at 7:30. Avery asked if her friend Kylie could spend the night and Wes agreed that he would help out, so I said it would be fine. We packed up and headed home. Or so I thought :)

Our neighbors in the cul de sac directly at the end of our street were having a block party. I was beyond exhausted - hadn't been home more than 30 minutes ALL day since leaving at 7:00 a.m., but Wes really wanted to go....so we did. I'll admit, I had a really great time. Saw some good friends, talked lots, good fun.

Until my phone rings. My friend Chelly (who is not at the block party) asks if I've seen Avery and her friend.

How did she know Avery had a friend over is what I'm asking myself in my head.

I respond, "no, they are playing in and out of the yards."

She proceeds to tell me that she found my child and her spend the night company walking the neighborhood LOST and took them back home!!

What?!??

Come to find out, Wes told Avery that they could walk home - straight down the street all of FIVE houses to get her bike and scooter. Apparently Avery got confused and took not one turn, but TWO turns and ended up on the MAIN road in our neighbood at 9:00 at night!!

Yeah, it's time to go home now.

But wait, there are two kids that need baths and Avery still has presents to open from her party.
All the presents are finally opened and kids are in bed at 11:00.

And remember that husband that was going to help with everything? Uh huh...he was in bed asleep at 9:30 - didn't help one single bit!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Day 106/365 - April 16

Avery has been BEGGING to take Princess to school for share ever since she got her. Do they even have an official share at school? Nope, but that didn't really matter to Avery. She asked Mrs. Stanley who said sure, just have your parents touch base with me ahead of time. Ever since then, Avery has been pestering the mess out of both Wes and me to take that cat to school.

Obviously, Wes has grown tired of hearing it and finally gave in and agreed to bring her to school this afternoon.  Avery had the best time showing her off to the class.
She demonstrated how they sing Rock a Bye Baby together for both her class and Mrs. Saunders - who thought it was so neat that she brought Avery in to show the entire class as well. Princess even walked around the classroom a little bit.
Wes was not too happy when it came time to leave right in the middle of carpool. He had to walk through the carpool line and across the parking lot with the cat - not such a manly think to do, I guess. On top of that, he had to deal with getting out during carpool - not a fun thing to do, I KNOW! However, the entire visit completely made Avery's day and is something I don't think she will forget for quite some time!

After work, I had to pick up Avery's birthday present (new bedding from JC Penney) and her cake. Paige and Caitlin were coming over to spend the night as well and my mom was kind enough to meet me while I was running errands and drop them off - thanks mom!!

The girls spent the evening playing, but I was determined they were NOT going to be up as late as last weekend. I had them in the tub bathing by 7:30 and snapped the cutest picture of the three of them all lined up in a row with their knees pulled up and their chins resting on them. Totally appropriate, but still not sure it's something I should post here :)

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Day 105/365 - April 15

Avery's how to book report/project was due today and she was eager to share her handiwork with the class!
I had the pleasure of making a trip to the dentist today. Turns out I haven't been in TWO years - woops!! Pretty bad considering I use to work for him in college. {hiding head in shame} When I told Wes I was going to the dentist, he asked if it was for a cleaning and I told him that I had a tooth that was hurting. He gave me the "you've got to be kidding me" look and said "we just finished paying for the last work you had done" (or something along those lines). I quickly informed him that it had been two years since I had any teeth problems to which he promptly responded that it's been 25 years for him. Hmph...guess he won that one.

Seriously though, I just have crummy teeth. Those are the words my dentist uses everytime I see him. It should make me feel better, but it really doesn't. While he was putting a temporary filling in my broken tooth, he informed me that it would need either a crown or a permanent filling in 3-4 months. Of course, he recommends a crown ;) He also noticed that I had a small broken tooth on top too. Seriously?!? Yeah Wes, did I mention that to ya?

After work, I headed over to my mom's house to pick up Paige and Caitlin to give her a little break. We went to pick up Avery from after school play practice and then headed home. The girls had a great time playing in the backyard.
Avery even found the remnants of a little egg.
She thought it was the cutest thing even after the dogs crushed it some in her hand! I quickly reminded her to wash her hands after she put it back down.

The girls ate a quick dinner and we all headed to the ball field for Avery's 6:00 practice. When it finished up, Wes took Paige and Caitlin back to my mom's so that I could get Avery on home for a quick bath and on to bed.

Tomorrow is Friday and the start of a SUPER BUSY weekend for us.