Wake-Up Shake...

Ok, today is the day…I’m working towards getting back to a more healthy lifestyle and starting some of my summer goals (check out My Summer To-Do List post). I power walked two miles this morning and plan on doing some strength training this afternoon. It’s ten in the morning and I have already drank three bottles of water. I’m not trying to toot my own horn…I’m hoping that posting my progress will keep me motivated.

I thought I would share a healthy recipe with you today…this one is by Betty Crocker and is one of my favorite morning drinks.

Wake-Up Shake

1 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt
½ cup frozen berries (I usually use a mix of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries)
¼ cup orange juice
1 medium banana, cut into chunks

Place all ingredients in blender. Cover and blend on high speed about 30 seconds or until smooth. Serve immediately.

1 Serving: Calories 215 (Calories from Fat 10); Fat 1g (Saturated 1g); Cholesterol 2mg; Sodium 55mg; Carbohydrate 49g; Dietary Fiber 4g; Protein 6g

% Daily Value: Vitamin A 10%; Vitamin C 46%; Calcium 18%, Iron 8%

Diet Exchanges: 3 fruit, ½ skim milk

This recipe makes two servings…Zoey and I usually share…she LOVES this shake.

So make it for yourself or for your kids…Enjoy!

Seven Months...

I try to take pictures of Zane each month and document his progress. Well, this month Zane is seven months old. This “photo shoot” proved to be a little more difficult as baby boy would not look at the camera. He was too busy eating grass and dirt…hopefully it has some nutrients because he consumed his fair share while I attempted to pry it from his hands. Then the dogs came over to see what was going on and they would not stay out of the pictures…not to mention the fact that Zane could not keep his eyes off of them…which meant his eyes were not directed towards me or the camera. Anyway, this is the best I could do in the photo department.


However, I got one picture I really wanted…do you see what I do?


That’s right…two teeth…one is just breaking the skin! Zane is not crawling yet but he is getting up on his knees. He is able to scoot himself across the floor on his belly…usually in an attempt to get what Zoey has. Zane is still not crazy about baby cereal or food…I think most of it ends up on me…he has learned how to spit and usually does it with a mouth full of food. Zane is holding his own bottle and is still loving bath time. I love these moments!

Contest...

I entered Zoey into the Fresh or Familiar Face contest with Huntsville photographer Jennifer Knapp. Out of 67 entries Zoey is one of the twelve finalist; however, she has some tough competition.


The winner will be determined by votes made by readers like you on Jennifer’s blog, http://www.authentic-images.com/blog/. So please place your vote for Zoey…she is finalist #5. The winner will receive a complimentary session conceptualized by Jennifer herself and a full session album. I would love to win this…but I need YOUR vote!!!

By the way Sara Nash will win a prize too…as I used her as the referral for Jennifer’s site…I found Jennifer’s site through Sara’s blog.

Check out the rest of Jennifer’s great work at http://www.authentic-images.com/.

Thanks everyone for your help!!!

My Summer To-Do List...

I’ve been brainstorming and daydreaming about endeavors that I want to accomplish this summer, and I decided to make a summer to-do list…I figured what better place to voice my undertakings than to my blogger friends.

1. Take Zoey to Sea World
2. Exercise at least five days a week (don’t laugh…ok, it’s funny…but please try to refrain yourself from hysterics)
3. Swim
4. Go on more dates with my handsome hubby
5. Make more time for myself (taking a bath by myself would feel like an accomplishment)
6. Go to the zoo
7. Drink more water
8. Win the lottery (I did say I was daydreaming)
9. Scrapbook
10. Go to the beach

ok, now it's your turn….make a blog post with your summer goals and leave the link to it in my comments area!

"Shiny" Teeth...

We headed over to College Station today for Zoey’s first dental appointment.

I was a little apprehensive as Zoey hates going to the doctor’s office…she starts crying in the parking lot even if the appointment is for Zane. Anyway, I told her that the dentist was going to check and brush her teeth...she showed no anxiety when I mentioned this. We arrived thirty minutes early for her appointment so she could play with the toys and kids in the waiting area. I was hoping this would build her confidence. When they called her name Zoey came to me and asked me to go with her…I thought to myself…here it comes. However, to my surprise Zoey walked right in and followed the dental assistant to the first available chair…she plopped herself right up in the chair and was perfectly relaxed.

The dentist came in and explained what was going to happen. Zoey laid back in the chair and let the dentist do her work.

She had her teeth brushed, polished, and x-rayed…she kept her mouth open the entire time.

After her fluoride treatment we headed home with two stickers on her shirt…and “shiny” teeth.

Just in case you didn’t know…the dentist told me that they see children as young as six months of age and recommend a dental visit by the age of one. We were a little behind schedule but had an A+ visit...and have another visit scheduled in six months.

Another Appearance…

My sister, Shae, and her son, Jace, stopped by for a visit the other day. So guess who is making another appearance on my blog…can you guess??? That's right...my sweet nephew.

He just turned four months old and already has such a personality.


My sister is so great with him and I love spending time with both of them.


Expect to see much more of this sweet little boy.

Glitter Eggs...

In preparation for Easter we decided to dye Easter eggs. Zoey picked out a glitter Easter egg dying kit and initially I cringed. I could picture my kitchen in the aftermath of a glitter extravaganza. However, I folded and let her get the kit and the eggs turned out great. We started out with a dozen hard boiled eggs.

Next, we dyed each egg in one of five colors. The majority of the eggs turned out pink…if you haven‘t read my previous posts this is Zoey’s favorite color.

After the eggs dried the glitter was added and we were all proud of our finished product.

We only broke one egg in the process and Zoey had a great time.

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!

Six Months...

As of March 15, 2009, Zane is six months old. As you can see I’m a little late in posting this…he will be seven months next week. My only excuse is I’ve been one busy Mama. At his six month checkup Zane weighted 18 pounds and measured 29 inches.


He is now eating baby food. We started out with squash and he has moved on to bananas. Baby boy gagged with his first taste of banana. I was shocked…I just knew he was going to love fruit. However, after several more attempts he will now eat bananas without making a sour face.


Zane is sitting up by himself and loves taking a bath with Zoey. Zoey accidentally splashed him with water and he cracked up laughing. Now, during bath time they can’t wait to splash each other. Trust me he does his fair share of splashing back. I love hearing them laugh together!

Under the Sea...

When we asked Zoey what kind of party she wanted for her third birthday she was adamant about having a Little Mermaid theme. So with the help of my family we pulled off a great under the sea party. It’s amazing how much fun kids can have with a bounce house, cupcakes, and loot bags.

My cousin, Candice, and her husband, Cody, dressed up as Ariel and Prince Eric. By the way…my Aunt made the mermaid costume! Is she talented or what?

Zoey was surprised by their appearance and the kids loved having their picture made with Ariel.

Zoey made like a bandit in the present department. She received great gifts including a princess tiara, a handmade quilt, and cowgirl chaps.



Zoey is still talking about her Ariel birthday party…she had a great time!

Love Is In the Air...

Alisha has been a great friend to my sister, Shae. So when she asked me to take her engagement pictures I was honored. Alisha and Michael are such a cute couple and made my job easy. We had a great time and you could absolutely feel the love in the air. Thanks guys for letting me be a part of this special time in your life. Here are a couple of my favorite shots…