Running … Out of Debt

"This would be a much better world if more married couples were as deeply in love as they are in debt." --Earl Wilson, American journalist and gossip columnist

Husband posted that quote on his Facebook page the other day. Interesting, right? Makes you really think about the things that people put value on, and unfortunately, put first in their lives.

I love that Husband is on board with my Dave Ramsey obsessive new way of thinking. We’re six weeks into our Financial Peace University course and its truly changing the way we handle our money. Dave’s philosophies aren’t rocket science; in fact they’re extremely simple and straight forward. Cash rules. And, get this - don’t spend money you don’t have. Gasp! We’re such a debit driven society that the thought of actually saving money for something before you by it is almost unheard of. Oh, no we’ll just pay more for it afterwards, for the next 10-15 years.

While it’s hard to untangle the mess made from credit (some days running 18 miles seems easier) its definitely doable – and necessary. Just like training for a marathon you should set your goal, come up with a plan, realize it doesn’t happen overnight, then put one foot in front of the other and go for it. Yes, there’s a little sweat and sacrifice involved, but something tells me it’s truly sweet when you cross that finish line.

Winks & Smiles,

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Food, Glorious Food!

In light of my quest to shed seventeen pounds I’ve decided to eat clean for a week – not just eat healthy but really buckle down and take the advice of one of my favorite fitness divas, Tosca Reno. Six meals, before 6 p.m., and lots of water.

Some of my meals so far …

Yup, a protein shake in a beer glass. That’s just how I roll.

Green beans and scrambled egg whites – delicious!

Broccoli, brown rice and tilapia. Eating clean sure doesn’t taste so bad.

Not only am I expecting to shed a few pounds, but I’m sure I’ll feel better and have more energy, too. I’m going to need it since I get to return to running this week.

*insert jumping up and down like a crazy woman here*

Winks & Smiles,

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Motherhood Madness

There’s some days when I feel like I’ve got this motherhood thing on lockdown and I’m completely in control; and there’s some days that I wonder how did I get here and what the hell am I doing?

Real talk, folks.

Fortunately, when I have those I-have-absolutely-no-clue-what-to-do-moments I have a wonderful support system to give me guidance. This morning thank goodness one of my girls was there to talk me off the ledge and make me realize I’m not doing so bad; that I’m actually doing everything that I should be – that everyone has these moments and that I’m completely normal. Well, completely normal in this situation. Ahem.

School, grades, homework, attitudes, friends, play-dates, activities, did I mention attitudes, can be extremely overwhelming sometimes; but that’s just part of parenting.

When I let it out and bounce it off another mom somehow it makes it more manageable. How about you? When motherhood madness kicks in – especially on a Monday – how do you handle it? Moms on the edge everywhere want to know …

Winks & Smiles,

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RMHC Day of Change: Clink-Clink!

A little change can make a HUGE difference in someone’s life. I’ve been fortunate enough to see firsthand how the Ronald McDonald House Charities does this for so many people in so many ways when I visited one of the Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses late last year. That visit touched my BlogRollin’ partner Christie and I so much that we planned a Moms Nite Out Event there for Mother’s Day to offer the resident moms a special night of pampering.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Day of Change is tomorrow September 9 at participating McDonald’s. From 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. they’ll be collecting spare change in their collection boxes inside their restaurants or at the drive thru. Every penny, nickel, dime or quarter that clinks in the box can make such a big difference in a sick child’s life. You can learn more about RMHC Day of Change at their Facebook page here.

Full disclosure, I was not paid for this post in any way … except for the wonderful feeling of giving.

Winks & Smiles,

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Cherries, Cake and Beer, Oh My!

I’m not a big tagger or awards gal, but since this lovely little honor is coming from across the pond – thanks to the wonderful Kat of The Running Adventures of Zupakat – and coming just in time to cheer me up about my bum foot I’ll happily take part.

Oh, and you know how I just love cherries.

I’m supposed to share something that I wish I could change in my past. Um, I don’t think we have enough time for that folks, ahem, but seriously, I am one of those who believe everything that happens, good and bad, is what makes you the person you are today. With that said if I could travel back and talk to my younger self I would probably say, “Self, don’t be so lazy – get up and take care of you, now!” Incorporating healthy habits would be a must.

Now, I’m supposed to pass the award along to six people, but I’m not. I’m passing it on to anyone who reads this. If you’d like a little recognition with some cherries on top please consider yourself loved, hugged and tagged.

Oh wait, did someone mention beer and cake? Oh, silly me, I did. Yesterday was a holiday – my normal excuse to splurge a little on the food front. My family was also celebrating my Father’s birthday so being the wonderful daughter that I am I felt compelled to bake him a cake and have a beer with him. What’s a girl to do?

The cake Milan and I whipped up yesterday morning

My daughter’s doll. I know random photo but she makes me laugh – check out the hair.

My sister, Nikki D! Love her shirt.

Did someone say beer?

At least I put some salad on my plate – gasp!

Mi Padre – Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Look what I got for my dad’s birthday – hmm, I like how this works!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Labor Day, too!

Winks & Smiles,

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Run, Little Princess, Run!

“Mommy, I want to do a race.”

*insert silent screams of joy here as I tried to keep my composure*

Yes, folks, our little children are watching us and what we do. My daughter has been begging me to run a race and is excited to “practice” for it. I’m planning to run in the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day and both my children (my son more reluctantly) are going to do the Mashed Potato Mile kids run. We started training practicing for it Monday. It was … well, I’ll let her tell you.



Gasp! She wants to be healthy. I don’t think I could be anymore excited. Something tells me she’ll be keeping me in line. Ahem. We’ll make sure to keep you posted on her progress.

Winks & Smiles,

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Kids Say the Darnedest, and Wisest, Things

I’ve been sort of absent from the blogosphere for the past few day due to a death in my family. On Saturday my cousin, Erich, unexpectedly passed away. He was a gem, with the most joyous smile that could brighten any room. At my age, he was also too young to die. I have a huge family and we’re all staying close to support my aunt, uncles and Erich’s brother, Rick.

When it was time to tell Miles and Milan about Erich’s passing I was scared about how Miles would react. Death is something that is difficult for most people and Miles is no exception. He’s very aware of death and has had many difficult nights going to sleep because of it, so I grappled with what to tell him and wondered if he would “get it.” I wondered until I saw the card that he made for his Godfather, Erich’s brother – Rick.

The cover

This is the inside. There’s also a smiley face on the back.

What made this so special is that he did this on his own. I didn’t tell him to make the card or what to say. He just brought it to me and asked me to give it to Uncle Ricky at the funeral. Wow.

Today my family will celebrate Erich’s life and as I try to stay uplifted I’ll remember my son’s wise words, “He might gone but he loves you.”

Winks & Smiles,

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I’m a Mominatrix

What? I’m a Mominatrix?

That’s right the fabulous, and original Mominatrix, is featuring me today over at The Imperfect Parent.

What are we dishing about?

Sex, of course!

Gasp!

Come on over to The Imperfect Parent and check it out.

Winks & Smiles,

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Out with the Old, In with the New – Sort of

Friday’s Confession …

I picked up this snazzy new garbage pail at the AJWright Blogger Shopping Challenge I went to on Wednesday (ooh, it was a blast – more coming in another post; and a giveaway – ahem!).

So, why is my old, broken, beat up garbage pail still sitting next to it?

GASP!

I know I’m busy but that’s just dumb. I need help people.

Winks & Smiles,

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The First Day of School at Wifey’s House

It’s the first day of school at Wifey’s House and I’m not sure whether to get all sentimental and cry or run around the house naked jump for joy. Truth be told I’m leaning toward the second but I do get a little mushy at times like this – I just can’t believe they’re getting so big. Miles is in fourth grade and my little baby girl is a second grader. Wow.

After braving the heat for six hours at Six Flags yesterday, I went grocery shopping so I would have everything I need to make them these for their lunch boxes …

Yummy chocolate chip cookies

And these for breakfast …

Chocolate chip pancakes – yup, we’re chocolate peeps at Wifey’s House

I was channeling my inner Martha Stewart, whipping up stuff from scratch. We’ll see how long that lasts, although the kids loved it. Milan told me I was "the best mom EVER!" And, Miles gave me a huge hug. Maybe there’s something to this cooking thing.

Before we piled in the car to head to school we took our annual back-to-school pics on the porch.

My big girl

My Miles

I bribed them to take this picture

This is how they really felt

Hmm, how long until that school bus pulls up?

Winks & Smiles,

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Back to School: One Week But Who’s Counting?

One week from today my kids start school again. It’s not like I’m counting the minutes or anything, ahem, but the thought of returning to our regular school-year routine is making me want to run around the house doing back flips delightful.

Don’t get me wrong, I love summer vacation and spending time with my children. As they get older each year I enjoy it more, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Truthful moment, I use every second of that school day to take care of work and family tasks; and I’m much more productive when they’re at school. But, as happy as I am to zip through the drop-off line in the morning I’m just as anxious to see their little faces step off of the school bus in the afternoon.

Who wouldn’t miss these little smiles for seven hours a day?

How about you? When does school start for your children? Are you excited or dreading the moment? Carpool-line Mamas want to know …

Winks & Smiles,

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Weekend Warrior

This past weekend I ran 12 miles, played two tennis matches, became a Godmother to my adorable little niece and celebrated my favorite (and only) Husband’s 42nd birthday.

I think I need a weekend to recover from my weekend.

My beautiful niece and sister

My darling husband

Now I'm off to nap work the day away ...

Winks & Smiles,

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Isn't She Lovely?

Isn't she lovely

Isn't she wonderful

Isn't she precious

Less than one minute old

I never thought through love we'd be

Making one as lovely as she

But isn't she lovely made from love

- Stevie Wonder

Husband played that song for me 7 years ago in the hospital room when my beautiful baby girl, Milan Nicole, was born. It’s the same song my mother said she used to play for me when I was little. And, it’s the same song that can still bring a smile to my face and tears to my eyes when I hear it.

Today is Milan’s birthday and I just can’t stop smiling. If you read my blog regularly you know that she’s a feisty one and just as smart as she can be. She’s dynamic, intelligent, funny, athletic, a leader and super sweet. She once told me she loves me more than Skittles. I mean really - it doesn’t get much better than that.

Yes, I could go on and on about my little princess but I won’t. I’ll share one of my favorite pics instead.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! Mommy loves you …

Winks & Smiles,

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Excuse Me While I Have a Mama Moment

My baby's not a baby anymore. Yes, my real, baby. Not this one, but this one:

Miles on his big day

Yesterday we celebrated Miles' 9th birthday. How did we get here? Seriously, I remember when Husband and I shuddered at the thought of having kids. We knew we wanted them, but just not at that particular time. Shortly after we got married, all thoughts and effort, ahem, went to bringing little Miles into this world. Now, I'm simply in awe of him. Every year I watch him grow into such a smart, funny, thoughtful, charismatic young man and I just love it - and him!

Miles and his cake - no more characters - he's killing me!

I got him good with trick relighting candles

One of his presents - we have big dreams for this kid

At the bowling alley with his boys

My other baby

My guys - Dad, Miles, and Husband

He still likes to hang with his Mama

Happy Birthday, Miles! Mommy loves you.

Winks & Smiles,

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Savvy Scheduling

So I’ve successfully survived the first two full days of the kids’ summer vacation. No really, that’s a coup.

OK, seriously, dare I say the first two days went well; and I attribute that to their schedule. I received a lot of great feedback about Friday’s post in comments, on Twitter and IRL, and it’s been really helpful in preserving my sanity. I’m finding that the kids are quickly adapting to the schedule that I set for them and so am I. We’re all liking it so much that I’m going to create a brand spankin’ new schedule for me, too, so that I can stay productive and somewhat stress free in the process. Work smarter, not harder. I like that.

Are there any savvy schedulers out there? I think the key to scheduling is making it realistic, ahem, and then actually following it. Does anybody do that? UnDiscipline moms want to know …

Winks & Smiles,

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