Snow Day!

It has been unbelievably nice this last week. Wonderful sunshine and tolerable temps!

Then last night it dropped some thirty (or forty) degrees and it started to snow. It snowed for a little over 8 hours straight!! We woke up to about 5 inches of snow and wind!

The girls couldn't wait to go outside in it. I tried playing around with RAW captures today. I think I had some luck but I can't say for sure.

Next week it's suppose to reach 70 degrees by Thursday.

Yes, I live in the midwest!

Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt – Blueberry Acaí! (Review and Giveaway)

I have always been a yogurt fan. There's something about the creamy goodness that fills you up and satisfies that craving you have. It's one of the few dairy products that I enjoy everyday and there are so many things that go great with yogurt. I love to dip graham crackers or chocolate in mine. Yummy!

Yogurt offers all kinds of great things for your body. Yoplait Yo-Plus offers live and active probiotic cultures that help regulate your digestive health year-round. Yo-Plus also is a good source of fiber, calcium and vitamins A & D. While researching some of these things, I also found the following new tidbits about yogurt.

*It improves natural defense, it contains a good amount of phosphorus and 88% water.

*Some people have trouble digesting lactose, a carbohydrate in milk and milk products, because of the deficiency of enzyme lactase in the body. Live yogurt cultures produce lactase and break down the lactose. Yogurt is a healthy way to get the calcium the body needs, for the people who can not tolerate milk products. -www.essortment.com

Recently I was asked to try Yoplait's new Yo-Plus Blueberry Acai. No hesitation here. I found the selection at my local Walmart for $2.34 Yoplait's Yo-Plus line is very smooth and silky. It's very pleasing to a sore throat too! lol!! I loved the little Bluberry's going through it as well. I really enjoyed trying the new flavor and will add it to my shopping list. We already buy Yoplait every week, even the children's flavors, but this is my new favorite flavor.

For more information on Yo-Plus and to receive a dollar off coupon,
visit http://www.yo-plus.com/.

But wait, there's more! I have three Yoplait gift packs to giveaway!! Each Yoplait gift includes a large tote, water bottle, journal and a coupon for a free 4-pack of Yo-Plus!

To enter for your chance to win one of three gift packs, please complete the following.

- Leave a comment sharing your personal tip on how to stay healthy and maintain a nutritional diet this year.

For EXTRA entries you may:

-Follow Me (Over there on the right)
-Place I "Heart" Tucker's Button on your blog!

That's a total of three chances to win. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

Giveaway starts today and will end Friday, March 6th at Midnight. Winners will be chosen via random.org and announced March 7th.

Good Luck!

Raffle Winners, Coming Soon!

The first round of our raffles is quickly coming to an end. Have you had a chance to donate and enter your name for a chance to win?

The following raffles will close at midnight on February 28th. Winners will be announced on March 1st, 2009

Win a Child's Custom Canvas

Win an FHI Flat Iron

Win a Kool Aid Bag

*If you have made a donation to Tucker's Whole Heart fund and wish to be entered for a chance to win any of our raffles, please make sure you have left a comment under the correct post.

Thursday Thirteen- Edition "H"

1. House - We are so fortunate to have a home of our own. Even if we will be remodeling it forever.

2. Hair - My hair has almost always been the same style, just a different color. lol!

3. Hangover - I've never really had a real hangover in the morning. Maybe a little tired, but most of it wears off when I sleep.

4. Horse - I had a horse named Rambo when I was younger.

5. Harry - As in Potter. Loved the movies and I have read all of the books.

6. Heart - Tucker needs heart surgery. I've set up a fund raising blog to help get he and his family to Boston. Go Check out I "Heart" Tucker for some great raffles!

7. Hard Drive - My iMac has a new internal and external. Yay!

8. Healthy - A very good thing to be in our life right now.

9. Homecoming - I was nominated Homecoming Queen in high school. I didn't win.

10. Hiccups - I do not get them often, but when I do they last all day!

11. Hallmark - Kansas City's own. We've taken the girls to Kaleidoscope a few times. There's some wonderful history about Hallmark. If you are ever in the area, I recommend the museum.

12. Haunted House - I've been to a few that we have here in KC, but not since I was younger.

13. Horoscope - "This year, you make a difference. Your mind works overtime, and sometimes you make mountains out of molehills."


Bare with me for the next 26 weeks as I participate in Thursday Thirteen, Alphabetically. I think it's going to be a lot harder than I thought. LOL!

If you are playing along, you may sign Mr. Linky below. Please sign Mr. Linky with your actual TT permalink and not your blog's homepage.

Happy Thursday Thirteen and don't forget to visit a few other participants! Have Fun!

My Very Own "Amber Alert"

I was looking for soft fajita shells for dinner. It wasn't a hard decision but I was contemplating size, brand and price. It was a last minute dinner idea.

Emily was occupied in the cart with some water guns we found in the clearance section. Izabel was walking beside the cart, with one finger looped through the metal.

Or was she?

I remember talking to her, not really spacing out, but my answers were vague. I plopped the soft shells down into the cart and looked up to make sure I wasn't going to run Izabel over. She has a habit of walking in front of the cart.

She wasn't there.

I glanced up the isle and yelled her name.

Nothing.

My heart starts pounding and a million things start running through my head.

I turn the corner, look up and down the next isle over, call out her name.


Nothing.

Now I am really in a panic. People are starting to look at me funny. Those, "OMG she lost her kid," stares are pouring in from every direction.

I run up to the counter and ask for help. It's only been 3-4 minutes but at this point I'm already starting to really go into a full panic attack. My knees are week and my heart is pounding.

I continue to call her name and it suddenly hit me that I may have just lost my daughter to some stranger because I gave in and let her "walk next to the cart" instead of being in it. That and a lot of other devastating things are running ramped through my brain as I canvas the same area over and over again.

A nurse who noticed me yelling out Izzy's name turned the isle, and pointed.

There was Izabel. 5 rows away from the food department in the Hannah Montana clothing section.

Not even 10 minutes had passed since I looked up and saw nothing in the isle ahead of me.

I was a mess. I picked her up and put her on top of all of the groceries in the cart. I walked immediately to the cashier.

The cashier looked up at me and said, "It happens to all of us at least once."

Let's just hope this was my one time.

*When asked why she left the cart (going the speed of light) she didn't have an answer. Nothing came to her and I think she herself was a little confused as to what happened.

Hallelujah- It's a Miracle!

My dear readers, forgive me while I am unavailable.

My Mac has returned home WITH RECOVERED DATA!!! Yay!!!

They were able to recover 75,000 photos and hundreds of home movies.

Now, not all of those photos are mine but there is a slew of them that are. Plus, I have found several of our Florida vacation photos. I'll be able to finish up the series soon.

So, keep your fingers crossed that I find what I am looking for. I'll return to regular posting and commenting soon.

1 Day, 2 Girls, 3 Parks

One day last week we desperately needed to leave the house. It was one of the warmest days of the week. We decided to go out and visit a few parks, all the while trying to find images for our Photo Hunt.

We hit three parks in a matter of hours and the girls had so much fun. There isn't a park within 40 miles that we haven't visited at least once. There's something magical about a park too. Kids are so happy and free and full of energy! We had a great time and look forward to venturing out again this week.

Izabel and Emily, Jesse James Fairgrounds, 02/21/2009

*See Emmy's little pigtail? lol!

Emily Rose, Tryst Falls, 02/21/2009

Izabel Grace, Tryst Falls, 02/21/2009

I ♥ Faces- B/W

Emily Rose, Jan 2008

I ♥ Faces is really something special! I am having a lot of fun. Each week I canvas my photos and love trying to find the perfect photo for the theme. This week was really fun. I LOVE black and white photos! The simplicity of the colors makes for such a beautiful photo. The photo I chose is of Emily while we were playing at Kaleidoscope. She was snuggled close to my heart in the sling, sleeping away like an angel. She was so little!!

On A Photo Hunt

We went on a little photo shoot/hunt today. It's amazing how difficult it was to find something that I was looking for. Instead, we found plenty of other fantastic sights and scenery.

The Nikon D60 is treating me well, however I find myself having to learn how to operate a camera all over again. It's quite similar to my last but there are so many more options. I'm slowly trying to learn the functions and use specific settings. Today's shoot went well but I must remember to compensate for moving children. *lol* The Nikon seems very sensitive to those movements! lol!

Hope everyone had a nice Friday! Enjoy four of my favorites from today!

PhotoStory Friday- Life Is A Watercolor (Updated)

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

One minute it's a beautiful piece of art...

Then it rains...

And you are left with a messed up, unrecognizable glimmer into the future.

Edited To Add: This post really has nothing to do with Izabel painting. I was trying to be poetic about recent events this past week. It's been one of those weeks that you never think you will have to face; but we did. Just thought I better clear that up. It seems I am not very good at being poetic anymore. lol! Happy Friday!

A Vacation Villa

Are you looking to take a vacation to Arizona in the next year?

Do you need a place to stay?

Go over and check out the newest raffle I have up on Tucker's blog. You won't want to miss entering this one!

Thursday Thirteen- Edition "G"

1. Grace - Izabel's middle name.

2. Glade - My favorite brand of candle. I really like the oil ones.

3. Gregory - My amazing, talented, loving, and funny husband.

4. Gratitude - I have many things to be grateful for and I try and show my appreciation the best way I can.

5. Grandmothers - Both Greg and I's Grandma's are no longer living but we think of them everyday. They were extraordinary women and I wish our girls could have known them.

6. Grasshopper - I love to photograph them. They are so unique and some are so vibrantly colored.

7. Good Will - I never met a Thrift Shop I didn't like. lol!

8. Gamble - I've been known to play a little.

9. Garage Sales - Love them! I look forward to them all Winter long.

10. Gynecologist - It doesn't matter how many times you go, it's never a fun visit. Even after I have had children, it's still uncomfortable to go in and spread your legs for a stranger.

11. Garland, Judy - The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies.

12. Germs - Izabel loves to tell you where "little tiny germs" hide.

13. Galaxy - Greg and I share a love for the stars.


Bare with me for the next 26 weeks as I participate in Thursday Thirteen, Alphabetically. I think it's going to be a lot harder than I thought. LOL!

If you are playing along, you may sign Mr. Linky below. Please sign Mr. Linky with your actual TT permalink and not your blog's homepage.

Happy Thursday Thirteen and don't forget to visit a few other participants! Have Fun!

WW- Emmy's Cute and Clean

For More Wordless Wednesday, Visit 5 Minutes For Mom, MomDot and the Wordless Wednesday.

I ♥ Faces- Wonder

Izabel Grace, May 2008

This is my entry for week 6; Wonder. Izabel is shown here at her cousins second birthday. One can only imagine what she was thinking. I love how I caught her fingers too!

I ♥ Faces is such a fun show of photos. There are some amazing photographers to be found.

I Need To Babble

I feel like I need to come about and explain my absence in the blogging world lately. I have been so busy for the last few weeks. Every week comes around and I tell my self that today is the day where I can sit down and catch up on all the new posts, respond to emails, and just plain lollygag around the blogosphere.

And then the weekend comes round and I still haven't done it. *sigh*

I finally got caught up today on emails and I've been around to visit PSF and a few others. But I have a pretty large pile of blogs I like to look in on; I'll need another day or so. lol!

Among the usual, chaotic, everyday things, I have been working on a very important fundraiser. It's important to me because I am very good friends with the family. It's important because Tucker is such a sweety! If you have a moment, go over and see what I have been working on. You can also click the farm button on the top right of this blog.

In other news, house remodeling is well under way again. So yeah, things are being torn apart, knocked down, and redone. The dining room has been torn down to the studs, all the way around. This weekend we were able to put the ceiling up, which was down right harder than it looked and build the stud wall for the Princess's room addition. My Daddy has been so gracious as to help with all of it and we are so thankful. We made 3 trips to Home Depot this weekend, each with a truck load full of wood and sheet rock. We also made a trip to the flooring place and bought new hardwood laminate for the living room and dining room. And we also got a new door for the dining room. We will be opening up the dining room to a future-built deck out to the backyard.



Yep, fun times! Can I just say that everything is so darn expensive! I am a pretty frugal shopper so I found the best deals I could for the new deck door and flooring, but sheet rock and 2 x 4's are not usually an item you can find on sale. However, those who know me and have been to my house, know that all of this was needed. We've been remodeling for almost 4 years now. It's about time we were done.


So, between the Princesses, the house being torn apart again and all of the little things in between, I've been awal.

Now, on to the highlight of my valentine weekend. I've read so many sweet posts and lovely letters from husbands to their wives today. I am so glad all of you had such a wonderful heart day. The girls got some goodies from Gama and Papa and I gave them each a new shirt and some chocolate. Daddy got a new movie to watch and then spent the day doing housework. (Read Above. lol!) Grandparents, nieces and nephews, I had cards for you but I never made it to the post office. *sigh* We though of you all and hope you had a nice day with family too.

Anyway, Greg and I usually exchange a sweet card and some little thoughtful gift when we can. Greg is really good at writing me notes and sweet thoughts. One day I plan to scan some of the nice things he writes me. You'll melt. lol!

This year however, I was shocked to see that my sweet and darling husband went above and beyond. Keep in mind, I usually know everything. It's hard to get anything by me...most of the time. So we exchanged our gifts with me saying, "Don't be upset, but it's just a little something."

Greg smiled and got overly excited on purpose when he saw a movie in the bag. He really did like the selection I chose, but you could tell he was excited for me to open my gift.

I picked up the box and just knew he had gotten me a new knife block and knives. I've been talking about it for awhile now. I smiled, thinking I already knew what was in the box. I tore the side of the paper off...and then about fainted.

The girls were just as shocked as I was. It took us some time but I am now upgraded. I can't tell you how excited I was when I saw this. Greg did his homework, calculated our budget and made my Valentines Day so very special. Anyone wanna book a shoot?'

To recap, we are busy, tearing apart the house and happily shooting away with the Nikon. Thanks for listening.

P:S:- The data recovery guy called this morning...so far nothing. Not one single file can be found. It's not looking hopeful either.

Does anyone have any advice on dealing with a panic attack?

Walking Through The Zoo

Last week we had a chance of warm weather. 72 degrees in the middle of February calls for a special outing. My brother and I decided to take the girls to the Kansas City Zoo.

The girls had a blast, especially with Uncle Doc tagging along. Emily loved the birds the most. She would chase the geese and gaze at all the beauty of Australia. Izabel seemed to like the Sea Lions the best. She loved the barking noises they would make. I think she just enjoyed being out of the house more than anything. She ran the park non-stop.

Emily Riding A Leopard On The Carousel, KC Zoo, Feb 10th, 2009

Izabel Riding A Zebra On The Carousel, KC Zoo, Feb 10th, 2009

Some of the zoo had been closed for construction, but there was enough to see. I was able to capture some beautiful animal shots while visiting and hope to have them up soon. We love going to Zoo's all over the place. The girls have been to a couple and it's always a pleasant experience.

Emily Feeding The Sheep, KC Zoo, Feb 10, 2009

Izabel Watching The Meerkats, KC Zoo, Feb 10, 2009

There are several more photos of the Zoo visit over at Flickr! Enjoy!

V Day +1

Dearest Alisha,

I hope you had a St. Valentine's Day as wonderful as you are. I love you.

Always Your's,
Greg

The Day Of Surgery

Izabel made it onto the operating table today, after almost a year long wait. Everything went smoothly and I am happy to report we are home and recovering. Thank you to each and every one of you who sent us all your thoughts, prayers and good vibes. They worked!

Izabel did great the entire time! She checked in like a big girl and was calm as can be. She did get frightened by the pulse ox monitor but after we convinced her it really wasn't going to hurt, she loved it. We were so proud of her and the way she handled everything. While waiting we played Barbies. It was actually quite amusing except for the fact they really do make getting them dressed quite difficult! lol!

We insisted on using Verset before she was taken from us. The doctors had no problem with the request. As you can see from above, Izabel didn't either. She was happy! Her and Baby Jaguar were wheeled back to the operating room in a wagon about 7:35am. Daddy and I tearfully said our good-byes and went to wait in the waiting room.

Those were the longest 2+ hours of our life.

Izabel came out of surgery and into the recovery room at 8:31am. The nurses called down to let us know she was doing well and they were attempting to extubate and wake her. Every doctor, nurse and individual she came in contact with said she did beautifully. There were no complications or concerns. We were so relieved to hear this.

Shortly before 10am we were reunited with our Princess. She was dazed, confused and in a little pain. I think she barely knew who we were when they wheeled her into the Family Recovery Room. As soon as the nurse let down her crib rail, she reached for Daddy. There she sat, holding on tight and mumbling things we couldn't make out.

She had some rough times throughout today, but nothing too bad. We think she was more tired than anything. Her skin is slightly yellow and there are dark patches around her eyes. She looks pale. All of these physical mentions are from the anesthesia. But other than that, she's doing great. She was able to get up and walk around on her own by this afternoon.

More photos from our long day will be up soon. As usual, I have been busy with so many other things. Not to mention I still have Zoo photos to get up. lol!

P.S. It's 12:09am, Happy Valentines Day, From our heart to yours!

PhotoStory Friday- Izabel's 3rd Birthday Party

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Izabel had a very nice 3rd birthday. We had a small gathering at the house where she played with balloons, opened presents, ate a beach cake, and drove her new Mustang. All was good. It's official, I have a three year old and she knows it. Thank you for all of the birthday wishes from near and far and all of the wonderful gifts she received. There are a few more photos over on FLICKR! I'll be adding more soon.

Keep Izabel in your thoughts today because while all of you wonderful bloggers are reading this, we are in surgery. Or at least, we should be. I'll be a little behind in visiting but I'll be sure to be around this weekend for your PSF.

Vote for Izzy 'N Emmy Until February 27th

Surgery Is A Go

Izabel Grace, Photo Taken September 3rd, 2008

Thus far, we have been cleared for surgery tmrw morning. *fingers crossed* The doctor called this afternoon and we have to be at the hospital and checked in by 6am. Surgery will most likely begin by 8am.

As far as I know, she will be given a drink to help make her a little drowsy. This will help to ensure that she does not panic when they take her back. Daddy and I will not be allowed to go with her. Once they take her back they will insert an IV for the anesthesia. This will put her completely under. Once she is under, they will intubate her; a breathing tube will be inserted through her nose down to the lungs.

X-Rays, cleaning and repair work will all take place while she is under. We are uncertain on exactly what will be done. We have a general idea of the repairs but until the X-Rays are taken we won't know how much or how little will be done.

Once Izabel's surgery is complete, they will take her back to ICU where she will be extubated. Again, Mommy and Daddy will not be allowed to see her until she has been extubated and is awake and asking for us. She will remain in recovery until she drinks some fluids and the doctor feels it safe to release her.

I can only guess we will be at the hospital for the day. Again, *fingers crossed* if all goes according to plan.

I usually don't ask for much but this go around I will. Please send us your thoughts and good vibes. While it's not a major surgery, it's still risky.

If you'd like to know more, her diagnosis is Here and her first surgery attempt is Here.

Vote For Izzy 'N Emmy until February 27th, 2009