slump-a-dump

Yup. I'm in one. Maybe something will inspire me tomorrow. Hope everyone is doing great! I love reading all your blogs -- keep up the good work!

One year older ...

Happy Birthday, Ella! Last weekend my darling, but naughty, little girl turned 4. I can't believe it! Birthdays are a big deal at our house and as to be expected, we had a fun and busy week! Here are a few of the highlights -

Grandma and Grandpa Gatherum came and had dinner earlier in the week. Ella got a huge princess tent that takes up half of our family room! They always bring the funnest presents!



Birthday cake #1



Ella got to celebrate her birthday at preschool. They made her a special crown (that she wore for 3 days), a birthday train and I got bring treats. She loved it!



She also got to have a sleepover with Grammy! Ella loves sleepovers with Grammy!



Ella's favorite present!


Cruising on the wiggle car!



Uncle Eric and Auntie Heather. Ella was so glad my family was able to make it to her party this year.

Cake #2

Between cakes, cupcakes, friends, family, school and parties, we were all exhausted. We had a great time and Ella loved every single minute!

Happy Birthday, Ella! I can't believe how fast you are growing up! You are hilarious and clever, sensitive and smart, beautiful and sweet ... we love you so much!

ipod intervention ...

Sad news -- I've ditched my running posse. At least for now. I have ankle and pride issues that need to be built up a little bit more before I can join the pack again. In the meantime, I could use a little help. I am looking for good running songs. My current selection isn't cutting it for me -- Full Of Grace somehow popped up on me the other morning and I just about curled up on someones lawn and took a nap. Help! Send me your suggestions, please! If you feel like putting together a little mix cd for me, even better!

A spoonful of sugar ...

..... plus 300 more seems to be what I'm eating lately. I'm not sure what's going on with me but I am eating absolute crap like I never have before. Honestly, I search it out. I crave it. I eat stuff I don't even like -- all because it's sugar. I'm completely addicted. This is a serious situation needing some serious action. Starting Monday (because I have a great dinner planned for tomorrow) I am kicking the habit ... cold turkey .... until Friday (baby steps). I am posting my rules so maybe I'll feel somewhat accountable.

RULES:
1. No treats. At all. Until Friday. I will not be making cookies for dinner. I will not be popping any popcorn. I will be hiding my stash of minty 3 Muskateers (have you tried these? Yummy!). And the 3 year old Hershey Bar I found in my pantry? In the garbage ... on Monday.

2. One diet drink per day. I love water but for the last two weeks, Diet Dr. Pepper has been flowing out of my kitchen faucet. Crazy! I also realize that some of you may consider this a treat. Not so. This is like oxygen ... maybe more like Heroine. I'm not willing to give this up.

Well, that's it. Easy? My armpits are sweating already! Wish me luck!