I hate Rhonda

Hate is such a strong word. I never use it, and I will teach Maggie to never use it. But I really do hate Rhonda. When her annoying voice comes over the speaker system and says, "I am increasing your resistance and your speed," I want to cry! Rhonda is the voice of my personal trainer on my new elliptical machine. She can take you through 14 different work outs and every single one of them is TERRIBLE! Through my sweat and tears, she has me singing, "Help me Rhonda, Help, Help me Rhonda!" She has the second most annoying voice in the world, first being the lady on my GPS who speaks in a British accent.

All geared up for the big game tonight! Homemade pizza, salad, and a really yummy chocolate dessert. Go Colts!!

Gooey Chocolate Dessert

1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 jar chocolate fudge

1 jar caramel

cool whip

heath bar pieces(by the chocolate chips)

Make cake as directed in a 9X13 pan. As soon as you take it out, poke holes all in the cake with a straw. Then pour the condensed milk, chocolate fudge, and caramel over the top. Put it in the refrigerator and let it cool completely. Then spread cook whip over the top and sprinkle with heath bar pieces. Enjoy!

Cake is only for special occasions. I would have to work out with Rhonda way too much if I ate this cake often!

On the Go!

This past weekend was a very busy weekend! On Saturday, we had Maggie's coming out party! My mom, Mrs. Julie Norman and Mrs. Dana Howard threw a sip and see at my moms house. It was so much fun to get to see everyone and to show off little Maggie! Maggie was SOOO good! She was passed around and let everyone hold her and she didn't make a peep, even slept through some of the party. We really enjoyed it!

I apparently did not get the memo to wear black!

On Sunday, we had Maggie baptized at the Methodist church that I grew up in. It was a very special day to remember. She was an angel through her baptism, and slept the whole time!! She woke up later in the service to say a few words and daddy had to take her out. Afterwards, we had everyone over to our house for lunch and cake.

Now, on to my very favorite topic. Maggie! Talk about on the go...

I have always been able to put her in her trusty bouncy seat. She loves it! So Sunday I sat her in it while I was putting away her gifts in her room.

And this is what I found when I turned my head...

I tried strapping her in but she didn't like that either. So I decided to lay her in her boppy. She usually likes that and its a good place to fall asleep. Not anymore!!

So we did some tummy time...for about 1 second until she rolled over right off the blanket.

So, we settled for the exersaucer. This is our first time in it and she loves it! I cannot believe she is big enough to play in it, but apparently she is. Plus I am out of other options right now!

We also started daycare this week. She has been only a total of a few hours so far. I am taking her just a couple of hours in the morning to get her used to things, then we will start full days next week. Its going ok...the daycare is great. Actually...I'm going to refer to it as "school" from now on. I like to think of it as just starting her education really early! Everyone at school has been great, and the first day she was there they said she smiled for most of the time. I had a really hard time pulling out of the parking lot that first day. Its the most unnatural feeling in the world to leave your child for someone else to take care of her, love on her, and tend to her. I know its not going to get easier, but I will get used to it, and so will she. Eventually, I know she will enjoy it, and I will enjoy the "adult" time. Katie, we are in cute little Josie's class!! They can be best friends!

Oh yeah...my birthday is tomorrow!! YAY!

GO Brett!!!

So let's talk about the big game tonight. I have never been much of a Saints fan...I have never really cared. So why jump on the bandwagon now that they are doing good. So GOOOO Brett!! I have always been a Brett fan...so I remain loyal.

Also, go Colts! Look for my cousin, #69. He is on one of the special teams.

I don't have any new pictures to post. Well really I just don't feel like taking the cord out and plugging it into my computer and then downloading pictures. Pure laziness really, but this blog has to be short and sweet while Mags is taking a little cat nap.

Maggie is growing and changing daily. It is all happening way too fast!! Some new things she is doing:

1) smiling and laughing out loud

2) sitting in her bumbo like a big girl

3) using her hands, she can hold her rattle and she likes to swat at things

4) she has noticed her feet. she reaches for them and stares at them constantly

5) taking full naps in her crib. woo hoo. nights coming soon...stay tuned

6) cooing and talking all the time. i say mama at least 100 times a day. i am determined for this to be her first word:)

7) pulling my hair, my earrings or necklace and yanking. OUCH!

This weekend was another low key weekend. We did some yard work yesterday, and cleaned the house. We are getting everything all ready to have people over next weekend after her baptism. Next weekend is also her sip and see that my mom and some of her friends are doing. We are excited about both and the big weekend ahead. I bought the most beautiful pink hydrangea to use as a centerpiece on the table. Afterwards, we will plant it in the yard and watch it grow, and always remember Maggie's special baptism.

OK...I couldn't resist not posting a picture of it.

cat napping

Old Man Baldie & Big Church

Well Maggie is officially losing all of her hair! She has a perfect ring in the back, just like old men get when they start going bald. We call her Old Man Baldie. She's still cute as a little button though, and still has a pretty good amount of hair. I just hope it doesn't all fall out!

We had a very fun weekend. Brian's Mom(Nana) came to stay with us this weekend. She kept Maggie on Friday while I went to work. Then Brian and I had a much needed date night Friday night. We went to the Purple Parrot to eat. I have never eaten redfish before and had the best meal there. Redfish is my new favorite food! Then we went to Mahogony to meet some friends.

We were determined to try church this Sunday. We have waited 3 months to do this, and I was a nervous wreck worried about how to do it. We got up 3 hours early to get ready. Gave Maggie a bath, dressed her in her cute white smocked church dress and her white knit sweater and little tights. We got ready and were out the door in plenty of time! She went to sleep on the way there, so we were thinking it would be easy breezy and she would sleep the whole time. We got to church and sat on the back row with my parents so we could have an easy escape if need be. The first time the organ played, she woke up and just looked around for about 10 minutes. But then started to make a few grunts and I knew she was about to get fussy. I took her out of her infant carrier and held her. She wasn't too interested in her paci, but wanted to just stand on my legs and look around the church. So we did this for a few minutes and then she started making noise. Not fussing, but I knew that was coming next. So we got all nervous and left church and went to peep in the nursery. Well there were only 3 little ones and one of the kids was screaming crying and I just could NOT leave Maggie in there. So...we sat outside the sanctuary on some nearby sofas and listened to the sermon there. Whew...our first church experience is over, and now we know what to expect for next time. It was good we did a trial run though...bc she is being baptized in 2 weeks.

She is learning to walk. It is so cute. She loves to stretch and try to walk around. She can actually put one foot in front of the other and walk for a few steps, but then she starts stepping on her clothes and falls over.

bad hair day

I'm such a happy baby!!

napping before church

heading to big church

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

olive oil

2 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. oregano

1 can diced tomatoes

2 cans chicken broth

2 cups whole kernel corn, I use frozen

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

Saute onion and garlic in large pot in olive oil. Add chicken broth, tomatoes, and seasonings and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Then add corn, black beans, and chicken. Cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Serve with sour cream, mozzarella cheese, and tortilla chips.

Runny Noses and Crib Naps

We have pretty much stayed in the entire weekend. Maggie's nose is still all stopped up and Brian and I have the crud as well. Since it was in the 20's this weekend...we decided it best to keep Maggie Moo inside to let her get well.

We also decided to try something new this weekend. Naps in the crib! See we have somewhat of a little problem...she only likes to take naps when someone is holding her or when she is in her bouncy seat. But it doesn't look like she will be in her bouncy seat for much longer, bc her legs are almost hanging off of it!! See my problem is, she goes right to sleep when I rock her or hold her but as soon as I set her down, UH OH! We would like to eventually transition from the bassinet to the crib at night, but taking baby steps as I am still not really ready to do this! So we decided this weekend was naps in the crib weekend. We have done pretty good. I usually have to stand over her crib for 30 min or so to put her paci back in her mouth several times, but eventually she falls asleep. She hasn't slept for more than 30 min in it, which is not her usual nap time, but I guess she is still getting used to it. Any suggestions? How did you get your babies to start sleeping in their crib?!

Another good recipe for this cold weather!

Chicken Pot Pie

1 cup onion, chopped

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup carrots, chopped

1 cup squash, chopped

1 bag frozen mixed vegetables

4 chicken breast, cooked and chopped

1/2 cup flour

1 can chicken broth

1 1/2 cup half and half

Refrigerator Pie Crust (I use Pillsbury in red box)

Saute onion, celery, carrots, & squash in 3/4 stick butter. Add bag of frozen veggies and cook for about 10 minutes until all veggies are soft. Add flour, chicken broth, and half and half. Should be a little soupy. Then add chicken and salt and pepper to taste. Put in greased 9x12 casserole dish. Roll out pie crust sprinkling a little flour over it. Place over mixture. Fold edges and crimp. Cut slits in top to allow steam to escape. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. **May need to cover edges with foil after 20 minutes to prevent browning** Let stand 10 minutes before eating.

Ok...I blogged the first paragraph this afternoon, and it is now 7:10 and I am just now getting back to it. Maggie slept in her crib for 3 hours today!! This is a major milestone. And when she woke up, she didn't cry or anything. She just lay there looking around smiling. I think she is liking her crib! We will attempt again every afternoon this week to nap in the crib! Making progress I think.

So we also have some really really good news!! We found someone to lease our condo in Memphis for 6 months, so that is going to help us out tremendously. God has answered our prayers!

Cold Weather Cold

Boo! Maggie has her first cold:( She is being so nice and wants to cuddle all day, but I can tell she doesn't feel well. Her poor little nose is so stopped up and she has a little cough. I stayed home from work today. I just couldn't leave her! Oh the joys of a working mommy. She has been sleeping all day, and we are getting a humidifier tonight so hopefully that will help her. I can't imagine how sad I will be when she gets something more serious. It breaks my heart to see her feel bad. I am eating up every second being home with her. Lots of cuddles and kisses in my house today!

Cold Weather Thoughts

My goodness does my child have some expressions!!

Whew! We had a busy weekend at the Moore house! Thursday night we had Amanda, Joel and their boys over. NO...we did not shoot fireworks with two 2 year olds and an infant. However, we did grill some yummy steaks and enjoyed visiting. My how times have changed though...we ate and they were gone by 9 to make the drive back to Laurel and I was in bed by 10! This makes the second year that I was not up til midnight or to watch the ball drop. Oh well...I'm ok with growing up.

Then Friday, we had the family over for New Years Lunch. Here is a picture of the ladies.

Then Saturday, my old college roomie of 4 years came to see Maggie for the first time. She was home for Christmas holidays and had to make a stop by our house to spend the night! We enjoyed every second of having her here! I only get to see her like twice a year now, and after 4 years of living with someone, it's quite a change.

So what is up with this 20 degree weather?! I am NOT a big fan. But...on a positive note...I love to cook soups, chilis, and roast during cold weather. It is the perfect comfort food in my opinion. Here is the best recipe for pot roast. I love a recipe with lots of good fresh veggies. As Rachel Ray would say, it is YUM-O!!

Pot Roast

1 (3-4 lb.) chuck roast

3 T. Olive Oil

1 cup crushed or diced tomatoes

1 cup water

2 red onions

2 garlic cloves, minced

8 carrots sliced

2-3 baking potatoes cut into large chunks

2 celery stalks

1 cup button mushrooms

2 sprigs fresh rosemary, or 1 tb. ground

4 sprigs fresh thyme, or 2 tb. ground

2 bay leaves

3/4 cup red wine(optional)

In large dutch oven, season meat on all sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tb. olive oil and brown the meat on all sides to get a nice crust. Pour tomatoes and water over meat. Scatter veggies around roast. Season well. Pour remaining 1 tb. olive oil over everything. Cover. Cook on low for 3 hours. Baste every 30 minutes until beef in fork tender. Enjoy!

Well being back to work isn't so bad when your mother has your child! I call all the time to check on her and it is comforting knowing she is in great hands. Now we will see how I do when she goes to daycare, but for now we are making it!

I liked Heather's idea of hopes for 2010. I posted some resolutions in my previous blog, but they were really more hopes and I would like to add on to them.

1- Slow Down! Our generation is ALWAYS in a hurry. Look around you the next time you are at Target, or the grocery store, or wherever. No one stops to smell the roses anymore. I know as soon as I get free time, all I can think about is the loads of dirty laundry in the hamper, or the empty fridge that desperately needs groceries in it, the things that need to picked up around the house, or the dishes that need putting up. But I am going to try really hard this new year to stop and smell the roses. To let my feet dangle and go no where. To read a book, to spend extra time praying, to do a devotional, or to just count my blessings. After all, only when we are still are we are able to really listen.

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.

2- Enjoy each day and live in the moment. I spend alot of time worrying about the future, about our jobs, about Maggie growing up, etc. etc. But I am trying hard this year to enjoy every second I have with everyone I love. Did anyone watch the Biggest Loser last season? Well Abby was my favorite and I really wanted her to win. Anyway...she was on the show bc she had gained weight after a tragedy happened in her family. Her husband and two children were on their way home and got hit by a drunk driver. In an instant, her life changed forever. She was on the show talking about remembering the last thing she said to her husband before they got off the phone, and it wasn't I Love You. I am trying extra hard this year to remember that life is precious and each and every second we get to spend with our loved ones is a gift from God. So I HOPE to live each day in the moment this year.

3- Stop worrying! Give everything to God and trust his will. Here are 2 of my favorite verses.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

Do not be anxious about anything, but through prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ. Phillippians 4:6-7

4- Serve others more!

5- I also hope this year to cook healthier meals. To cook meals with fresh veggies and fruits, and all natural products. 2009 was not a good year of healthy meals in our household. Well for 9 months I was prego and really didn't feel like cooking, so there was lots of take out! And then after we had Maggie, we had lots of delicious (but fattening) meals brought to us! So...we are off to a good start this week. Pot roast Sunday night, spinach and whole wheat lasagna last night, and turkey meatloaf in the oven for tonight.

My grandmother sent me this email and I probably forwarded it to most of you. Some excellent guidelines for 2010! I printed off to make sure I read everyday. Enjoy

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a
beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E ' s -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don ' t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.
12. Don ' t have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don ' t over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don ' t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don ' t waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don ' t remind your partner with His/her
mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28.. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends
will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change...
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.