Wee Bit Wednesday

I completely forgot about doing this yesterday. So I am only a day behind for anyone that actually reads this blog.

{one} what is your biggest pet peeve? Tardiness. I am always at least 15 minutes early to everything. I grew up a millitary brat so there was never an excuse for being late. If you are a family member in my household you better have a good excuse for not being on time.

{two} what is your favorite dessert? I love sweet and tart desserts. Things like Key Lime Pie.

{three} what is the first thing you notice about people? their skin.

{four} are you usually late, early or right on time? early. Refer to question #1

{five} have you ever fired a gun? I have only fired a gun one time. My uncle took me to an outdoor shooting range. There were so many types of guns to shoot. My very first one was some kind of semi-automatic. Pretty cool and I've got the pictures to prove it.

{six} are you right-handed or left-handed? right.

{seven} which do you prefer: coke or pepsi? Coke. It's a bad habit that I have.

{eight} do you dance crazy when no one is looking? maybe. okay, yes.

{nine} what’s your favorite movie snack? Sour patch kids

{ten} do you scream on roller coasters? I think I do. I haven't been on an actual roller coaster since I was a little kid. It's been so long and no I am not going to tell you how long. Just a little bit more information on little old me! Have a great weekend.

Growing Up!

Oh the joys of growing up to be a big boy. I am so proud of the things that my husband teaches my son. I am going to come home one of these days and he will be drinking milk straight out of the jug. Sorry the photo isn't the world's best, it was taken with Vince's phone.

Wee Bit Wednesday

I thought I would procrastinate just a little and actually put something on my blog today. {one} what is your happiest childhood memory? It would probably have to be going to see my grandmother. She always made every visit so special

{two} what is your middle name? Gail

{three} what’s the habit you’re most proud of breaking? laziness, just ask my husband, I never sit down. I am always up doing something.

{four} what do you order when you order Chinese food? Always chicken fried rice. I am so adventurous.

{five} what’s the best bargain you’ve ever found at a garage sale or thrift store? I recently bought a china hutch from craigslist. I had never seen it in person and had my husband pick it for me. It actually turned out to be a beautiful piece once I had refinished it.

{six} what’s the best costume you’ve ever worn? it wasn't the best costume, but it was definitely the most memorable. My mother decided to make me a pumpkin costume. Well pumpkins are suppose to be round and large. Well mine was slightly flat and droopy. I was so embarrassed.

{seven} who’s your favorite game show host? I don't really watch any game shows, but I do remember watching Wheel of Fortune with my grandmother, so I would have to say Pat Sajak.

{eight} what’s your favorite breakfast food? breakfast tacos, I live in Texas.

{nine} what’s your least favorite word? panties, I just hate that word!

{ten} describe something that happened to you for which you have no explanation. This is a hard one. I will have to get back to you.

My new Website

Come and take a look at my new design website.

www.mypaintedperfection.blogspot.com

I will be updating soon with all kinds of pictures and options.  Also see my updates on facebook and become a fan.

My hobby

My newest hobby is my start up small business. If you know me, then you of course know that I am always working on some kind of project. Just ask my husband, he swears we have lost square footage in our house because of the multiple times I have painted the walls. I digress.

My new focus is re-finishing furniture pieces. Whether it's an old piece that needs a little love or something new that needs a special touch. i love updating furniture adn getting my hands dirty. I have always had the philosophy that home should feel loved, lived in and comfortable. I am not a big believer of having all of my furniture matching and looking like it came off the furniture showroom floor or a model home. And yes, I do know that some people prefer it that way because it makes everything easier to design around. Red goes with red, yellow goes with yellow and beige goes with everything. If you have ever picked up a design magazine and believe me I had so many of them I finally had to throw them out, and looked at all the photos in the homes, none of the furniture matches. But it all flows together in a cohesive mood. All of the furniture and accessories are like instruments to a piece of music. Some are soft, others bold or loud and some are added as a background foundation that keeps the entire piece together.

So that's what I am trying to accomplish with my furniture. Pieces that add character to the look of a room. Something special and one of a kind.

I have been working in our garage for many hours trying to get everything all set up and ready. I am also trying to put together a website that will have all of my information. I promise as soon as I am finished I will let everyone know. So stay tuned in for my new business website.

Busy Summer

This has been one of the most enjoyable summers I have had in a long time. For one thing, Jacob has gotten older and is so much fun to hang out with outside or at the pool. He is at such an age that he gets so tickled at the simpliest things. Vince and I have taken him to our neighborhood pool a few times and he absolutely is in love with the kid's pool area and slides. I think he would go up and down the water slides all day long if we let him. He just cracks me up. I definetly think the swimming lessons have been helping.

Another reason that summer has been busy is that I have joined a monthly Bunco group with a bunch of my girlfriends. It has been so much fun. I really do look forward to getting together with other mommies, taking a break and gossiping about nothing. It also helps that we always have yummy food and beverages every time. It also means that Jacob gets to have special "Daddy Time," no mommy around to keep the boys in line.

Vince has been busy with his triathlon that he plans to enter in August. He usually bikes around 25-45 miles every Saturday morning with my dad on the Trinity River. Then throughout the week he trains by himself at the gym with swimming and running. THis will be his first tralthlon and I think he is going to do great. He will also be entering in some other races like the Hotter than Hell in Wichita Falls, where he will be biking for about 60 miles in the Texas heat and sun. Good Luck. I know I couldn't do it. But this something that he has always wanted to do.

This is also the summer that Vince will get to go to New Mexico with my parents for a fishing trip. He is definetly an outdoors man. This is one trip I don't go on because fishing and camping are just not my idea of a summer vacation. But he enjoys and I fully support him.

Well that's about all we have been up too, other than the usual hussle and bussle of a family of three. As Jacob gets older I know the summers are going to get busier and busier, but I enjoy it.

Saying Goodbye to an old friend

Well this past Memorial Day Vince and I celebrated by purchasing a new vehicle for the Porter family. Poor Vince was overdue for a new car. He practically had no A/C, check engine light was on, and other various issues. So we decided to go take a look at Ford Trucks. We all loaded up into the car and drove over to Mimi and Big Daddy's house so that they could watch Jacob for us for the afternoon. Little did we know it would be through the early evening hours until we finally were able to pick him up.

We first decided to visit Grapevine Ford. The place was packed. Did I forget to mention it was Memorial Day and all the sales. We were able to find a couple of trucks that we liked with all the options that we were considering and finally narrowed it down to one. After a nice test drive, they actually let us off the lot by ourselves, we decided to talk price tag. This is where it got sketchy for me. You can ask my husband, I always play the role of the bigger talker, but when it came time to negotiate there were a few times I had to step away. The tension was just to awkward for me. But it was kind of funny seeing a completely different type of personality with Vince. I know my husband pretty well, but we have never worked or sat in a business meeting together so seeing this shark like business money negotiator personality coming from him was a little unexpected. I almost thought Donald Trump himself might jump out and say "You're Hired." But all joking aside, he got us a great deal on the trade-in and new vehicle. He had already priced out all the options, knew how low he wanted to start negotiating and knew what he was willing to finance.

We finally got the financing office around 4:30 that afternoon and we were almost on our way out the door with the keys to our brand new truck. After an hour of paperwork, we we still had to clean out our old Jeep. We had already had it vacuumed and wiped clean, but we still needed to get our personal items out. We couldn't forget the car seat and garage door opener. We would've been in deep trouble. It was kind of sad saying goodbye to the old car. We have had so many good and bad memories in it. She has taken us to so many tailgates and football games. Many road trips to see friends and family. Lots of trips to the deer lease, always caring precious cargo on the back. Oh wait that was only one time. And last, but not least it was the vehicle that brought us all home from the hospital when Jacob was born.

        I still remember that day. Jacob was in his car seat carrier and I was next to him in the back seat, while Vince was the designated driver. I have never seen him drive so slow and cautious. Thank you Jeep for getting all home safe and sound.

                              We'll miss you old girl.

 

But say hello to our new Texas Limousine!!!

 

VIP's Backyard Bootcamp

Are you looking to tone up and lose weight this summer? Do you want to get in shape for the summer for the pool or the beach? Are you pale from too much office work? Then VIP's Backyard Bootcamp is the perfect exercise program for you.

This program specifically designed by Vince himself is a great program that tones, tightens and tans you for that perfect summer body. Best of all , its only once a week for 2 hours! You might ask yourself these questions :

Can an exercise program that is only 2 hours a week really help me?

My answer is simple, yes it can. My program involves cardio and strength & resistance training to really push yourself to the desired result.

I know , I know, your next question is , Should I already be in good shape to start?

Well eager exercise person, we can specifically design a program to suit your level of fitness from beginner to advanced.

Alright already VIP , When and where are these programs conducted ?

Classes are on Saturdays or Sundays at 2pm or 3pm in the afternoon at the gym of Vince & Rebecca at the front and backyards of the gym.

I am interested, so what is involved in the boot camp?

Now we are talking. There are four simple steps to complete the boot camp workout. The first step is Grass Elimination Push Pull. This involves using a specially designed piece of workout equipment that will be pushed and pulled in strategic designed rows to eliminate unwanted grass growth in the front and backyards of the Gym. The second step is the Weed Eater Power Clean. This involves taking a heavy piece of motorized fitness equipment to eliminate hard to reach unwanted grass growth. The third step is the Edger Crunch whereby you will eliminate the grass along sidewalks, flowerbeds, and trees to form uniform straight lines. The fourth and final step is the Clean Up Cool Down where you will sweep unwanted grass clippings into piles to eliminate via the Outdoor Vacuum or Blower.

Hey this sounds a lot like yard work to me?

The only one being cheated by not taking part in the bootcamp is you. I am a teacher and motivator but I can not do the workout for you.

Okay , Okay, How do I signup , what is it going to cost me, and where do I find this needed fitness equipment?

This is the best part, the class is free and all equipment will be provided for you. If you are interested in joining all you have to do is email Vince at the Bootcamps email address at : vip@MowMyLawn.com

Is this program provided year round?

You got me hear, unfortunately we can only take students from March to maybe Mid October. If we have enough participation I will gladly plant Rye Grass so that we can continue programs throughout the winter. However we will be offering alternative workout during the winter months like the Tree Prune & Flower Bed Rake Workout or our favorite workout The Christmas Decor Attic Climb and Christmas Light Hanging Challenge.

Here are a few words from friends and happy customers:

I have lost 1 lbs just watching VIP perform the Backyard Bootcamp. With my only being 1 & half years old I am too young to perform most of the exercises but my dad promises me that when I am old enough I can workout every week doing the Backyard Bootcamp.

Jake in Keller

I am only been able to perform the Grass Elimination Push Pull in March when its 75 degrees or lower but I can attest that its a tough workout. I have seen students after performing the workout in July and August and they are covered in sweat after the workout. The farmers tan that goes with the students workout is an added bonus.

Rebecca in Internet Land

Hope to see a new crop of students for VIP's Backyard Bootcamp soon!

Swim Lessons

Our little man is set to start swim lessons this Friday for 13 weeks. I hope he enjoys it as much as he did on vacation. I think this will be a good class for him and get him use to being in the water and learning how to possibly breath. The thing I am most scared about is submerging him under water. It literally scares me to death to see him go under and possibly not know how to hold his breath. But I am sure he will be a trooper and enjoy himself like he always does.

The Many Faces of Jake

Can you Hear ME?

Really, the last blog post was from December 10th? How bad are we? Jacob's hearing and language is awesome right now, we need to post and update on aadfll his test and progression thus far but he is doing great:

Getting to Know Me....Christmas Edition! 1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? - Wrapping paper. I always have a special kind that I buy for each year. 2. Real tree or artificial? - Artificial....I hate the needles that I have to clean up. 3. When do you put up the tree? - Usually we start the weekend after Thanksgiving, but since having Jacob sometimes it takes us a little longer. 4. Do you like eggnog? - NO! Disgusting! 5. Favorite gift received as a child? - I think the best gift I ever received was a CD player boom box. I think I got about 5 CD's that year, MC Hammer, New Kids, Vanilla Ice, and some others. I know bad taste. 6. Do you have a nativity scene? - Yes, but I didn't put it out this year because it is breakable and the little man has his hands all over everything. 7. Hardest person to buy for? - My husband. He never says anything that he wants. And when he does it is usually something for hunting and I am clueless. 8. Easiest person to buy for? - Jacob. He's only 15 months so of course he's not to picky right now. I could wrap an old gift and he wouldn't know the difference. 9. Mail or email Christmas cards? - Mail! I love mailing Christmas cards and I love going to the mailbox everyday during December to see if we received any Christmas cards. Which means I better get to work on sending our's out. 10. Favorite Christmas movie? - The Christmas Story. As a kid we would always watch it and now it has become a tradition on TV for 24 hours straight of "The Christmas Story." 11. When do you start shopping for Christmas? - Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving and I usually finish mid December. 12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? - All the dinner sides. I love all the casseroles and potatos. I am not a big fan of turkey, but I don't mind it. 13. Clear lights or colored lights on the tree? - Clear lights. I don't like colored lights for some reason. 14. Favorite Christmas song? - I really don't have a favorite Christmas song. I actually don't really listen to it that much. Too many of the songs get stuck in my head. 15. Travel or stay home at Christmas? - We usually stay at home because all of our family lives in the area. 16. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? - Dasher, Prancer, Donner, Vixen, Comit, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, Rudolph!.....that is all I can name. I was trying to sing the song in my head. Ha! 17. Angel on tree top or star? - usually some kind of bow that I have made and an tree topper ornament. 18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? - We always open presents on Christmas morning. 19. The most annoying thing about this time of year? - Nothing really bothers me about this time of year. I love it! It is my favorite time of year. 20. What I love most about Christmas? - Spending time with my family. I love the togetherness. I also enjoy going to Children's Mass on Christmas Eve.

Christmas 2009 Santa Pictures

We fought the mall traffic and got Jake's picture with Santa today:

Here is his December 2008 picture with Santa, what a difference:

I would like Jake's 2009 picture with the 2008 version of Santa. I am not sure whats going on with Jolly Old Man but he has those deer in the headlights look about him.

Since its one of my favorite pictures, here is Santa Jake from last year:

Jakes 1st TCU Game and the Like

We took Jacob to his first Football game this past weekend, a 51-10 TCU beatdown of New Mexico. Now on to a BCS Bowl to be named later (please be the Sugar if not the National Championship)

We could only stay the first half because as you can see in this picture he was all over the place in typical Jacob Style. Oh and he likes to feed Seven his dog food when we happen to leave the laundry room door open:

I apologize this has taken me this long to put together. Thanks to Raegan at http://hansonsdallas.blogspot.com/ for nominating me for this award. Sorry it took so long, I couldn't think of anything say about myself. Here are the rules for the award: 1) You must thank the person who gave the award and list their blog and link it. 2) You must share "10 Honest Things" about yourself. 3) You have to present this award to 7 others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you. 4) Last, you must tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award. "10 Honest Things" 1) I love to design and decorate. You would never have guessed it by the piles of projects that I have all over my house. Just ask my husband what my favorite thing to do when he is out of town, I guarantee he will tell you she's painting the walls again. 2) I am very OCD and ADD. What a combination!!! There are some things that drive my husband crazy about how attention to detail I am, such as ironing the sheets before I put them on the bed, making sure all the clothes are hung on white plastic hangers, the blinds all have to hanging at the same height, etc. I could go on and on about the tiny little things that I am obessed about. But then you turn the corner and I've become the ADD girl that can carry on a conversation in multiple directions it would make your head spin. I seriously can start a conversation off on the topic of the Economic crisis we are in and somehow end up on the discussion of pureed dog food, a do or don't. It's just the way my brain connects things. 3) Same as Raegan, I love shoes. I pretty much have about 90-100 pairs in my closet. I did finally get rid of few so there aren't as many. And yes, they are all in clear boxes, stacked on top of each other and divided up into categories, color, season, and style. I told ya OCD!!! 4) I love the smell of the bathroom after we give Jacob a bath. It smells so fresh and clean from all the baby soap. If only I could get my whole house to smell like that all the time. 5) I secretly want to be Martha Stewart. Okay maybe not actually be her, but somehow build an empire like hers with crafts, designs, and cooking. I just need all those people that work for her to come help me build my empire. Of course it would be for free. Sounds like a deal to me. 6) I can stop whatever I am doing and always sit down and watch a chick flick. Even if I really don't like the movie. That's the ADD in me because it means that I was probably in the middle something that wasn't very interesting, like filing the bills and I wanted to procrastinate. 7) I really like to watch Reality TV. A lot of it is because I like competition and I want to see who would win, but I guess you can't consider The Real Housewives... a competition unless it's a race to determine who is going to use up their last brain cell first. And yes I still watch them all. 8) I love to read other people's blog. Regardless of whether they are happy or sad. I mainly read blogs about people that write about their children. I love reading about other people's perspective on their little ones. It is so cute and funny to see how we all look at our children and try to figure out who they will become based on different character traits and funny situations that encounter each and every day. Some days, it would seem as if Jacob is going down the path of a WWE ring fighter and then other days because he is so whiney I think he might become a politician. 9) I have the worst diet in the world. It amazes my husband that I will go a whole day only eating junk food and that I consider it to be normal. I am trying to get better at cutting back on the sweets and adding in more nutritional food, but it does creep in there every once in awhile. OMG I was horrible during my pregnancy. I am surprised I didn't gain over 60 lbs. I lived on KFC mashed potatoes, sour patch kids, smarties, and Arizona lemon tea in a can. Empty calories!!! 10) Becoming a mother has changed my life more than I will ever know. Jacob has been one of the most wonderful little boys I will ever have the pleasure of getting to know. I feel guilty sometimes about being a working mother because I don't get to see him as much as I use too. But then I realize I am a better mother for doing what I have to do for my family. Right now at this age he doesn't understand why mommy and daddy have to leave every day, but one day I hope he recognizes the sacrifices we've had to go through for him. While Vince and I enjoy both working, if we had a choice or of course won the lottery we would much rather be with Jacob.

These are the other peoples' blogs that I read and find inspirational in some sort.

1) MckMama from http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

2) Kelly from http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/

3) Patrice from http://patriceandmattwilliams.blogspot.com/

4) Joy from http://threecalhouns.blogspot.com/

5) Sue from http://thelifeofsuz.blogspot.com/

6) http://mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com/

7) http://roomtoinspire.blogspot.com/