me

First, thank you lovely ladies for your recent sweet comments through twitter and my last blog post. I promise I am not skinny!!! I just have bird legs that create that illusion. That's why you'll usually see me in skirts and dresses. Pants are not my fashion friend. The dress in my last post is from JCrew and I believe everyone in my family owns it. My boots are Coach from about 3 seasons ago. They are super comfy and I wear them with everything.

Recently some of my blog buddies have been a victim of mean comments-Ick!! How classless!! These ladies are sweet, beautiful, smart & witty! That's why so many people follow their blogs and want to hear what they have to say Some of these ladies are mommas and I cannot believe anyone would leave them snarky comments,especially including their children. These women are real and they choose to share their life with others and if you don't want to hear about it-don't read!

I have been lucky and have received so many compliments via my blog and twitter! Of course they say you haven't actually "made it" until you have a few haters! For those of you recently who have poured out compliments-you MAKE MY DAY! :)

I always hope strangers who read my blog know the "real me". I do think everything I write about on here is a bit romanticized as I just don't want to document the bad times..Do you want to hear about a stomach virus that reared its ugly head this weekend? Didn't think so..The fact the hubby might kill me when we add up the bill from Carsyn's birthday?? Thought not. Things are not always sunny, but I definitely try to find the bright side in every situation. So here's a little bit of info about the real me...

I'm 32. People say your 30s are the best times of your life and I was always skeptical. I think they're going to be right. I have baby girl to thank for that. Who is baby girl, you might ask if you're new here..that would be Carsyn Presley. While she might be the source of a few complaints she's also my everything. That's the TRUTH, whether she should or shouldn't be. Other people that mean the world to me would include my hubby, my family, and a few friends. My hubby is the first to tell you he's a coal miner. He worked his way through college underground and graduated from UK with a mining engineering degree in 1997. Our paths never crossed at UK as I'm a little younger, but that's probably a good thing-I'm not sure what I would have thought of the frat boy prankster that still surfaces from time to time. He works for the best coal company in America and alongside the best people! He's an amazing, doting father who's one character flaw is being over achiever. Well that, and never remembering the words to the song he's singing.

My big sister is my rock. She's also one of the reasons I consider having another child. I tell her everything and know there will never be any judgies. I see my mom and dad every day. They are awesome parents, hardworking people, and polar opposites-Ha! I think I'm more like dad, but as I grow older I find myself becoming more like my mother. My in-laws are actually pretty amazing also. I really feel like I have another mother, father, sister, and brother.


You know what's not amazing?? The pressure I put on myself. You know what that leads to?? Meltdowns! Do y'all put too much pressure on yourselves? Like every party you throw has to be perfect, or wanting your child to be ahead of every learning curve? Feeling your house has to be picked up before people come over? I fall into these traps all of the time! I'm reading Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity and hoping it resolves some of my issues.


I'm a sucker for fashion, but this does not mean I leave my house every day looking like I stepped out of a magazine. Most days I'm in yoga pants and a tee with my hair in a ponytail. See??



I do love getting dressed up and probably spend too much time perusing fashion mags, but a girl's gotta have a hobby, right? Speaking of hobbies I'd much rather be at home with my nose in a book than anywhere else. I'm a loner, I guess. A solitary run or lunch is my idea of a pretty awesome time. Well, unless you count cuddling with baby girl-that probably tops it. An idea day would start with sleeping late then coffee and donuts for breakfast. Next, a jog or walk with baby girl followed by lounging in the sun. I'd love to cook dinner for my family-definitely pasta and sit down and enjoy it over a nice glass of red. A little tv or reading and the off to sleep. Notice, there's no working, washing dishes, doing laundry, or cleaning mentioned-A girl can dream, right??


The real me is uber senstive too!! I always question if I hurt people's feelings. I waste too much time worrying what others think of me. I'm also a hugger. Sometimes when I go to hug people and they back away I inwardly cringe...ooops sorry if I made you uncomfortable! (Then I lay in bed awake at night worrying they think I'm weird. Then I worry that makes me weird and what a triival thing to worry about-I really need to sleep and get over myself!)


I love manis and pedis but I also love a good day's work!! I love to dig in the dirt, but I have a black thumb. I guess its just an excuse to get outside. I love being outdoors, but I actually love Fall and Winter more. I get giddy at the thought of being snowed in with a pantry full of hot chocolate and cookie makings.


I'm fiercely loyal and take sides on everything! I take UK basketball way too seriously. I still feel such disdain for Duke basketball.

I guess that's me in a nutshell. Did you know the real me?

**update: apparently the "real me" can't operate spellcheck either-while proofreading this morning I spotted way too many misspellings-pet peeve-SORRY!

We're a basketball school...

but here in KY we still know how to tailgate!! Don't believe me?? Check out my gorgeous pal PLL.. Not proof enough?

Here are a few pics of Carsyn's first UK tailgate (well unless you count this).



Maddox kept Carsyn entertained! She sat in her stroller for over an hour..having 2 kids might be a good idea after all ;)



Seriously, is he not the cutest little guy?? He kept telling me to throw the football way up high!! Thus making me look super glamorous, don't you think?



Hanging out with my favorite girls..





Some of my tailgating buddies :)



When we made it into the game I figured Carsyn would last about 1 qtr and she lasted the whole game! Of course she was squirmy, but she generally loved it!






She finally tuckered out during the 4th qtr..I guess the good thing about having your same seats for 10 years is getting to be friends with your neighbors!

Carsyn is One!

As in 1 year old!! Back up, didn't we just bring home that little pink bundle??

Carsyn P, you are such a joy!



Personality wise you are always laughing and smiling. You are seriously the happiest baby, Can I call you baby forever, please? You rarely cry and are content most of the time.

You typically rise in the morning with a smile on your face. You actually wake up early, early have some milk, then sleep til 9:30 or so. Not the best habit, but you seem to be happy, so we'll work on that later. You have oatmeal, a cereal bar, or a banana for breakfast in your high chair while watching your Disney channel favorites. If Mickey happens to be on you'll bob up and down for the hot dog dance. After you eat and drink a little milk from your sippy you'll sit there and let mom pick up some or play in your pack in pay, You're getting much better about playing by yourself.

If its a work day you are more than content to babble the whole way to work. Sometimes you'll take a little catnap. During the day you will play with random things-still not a lover of toys! You love to take a stack of magazines and throw in the floor. You also love to take your current favorite toy (rubber ducky) and hide it and find it. Your lunch consists of chicken nuggets and maybe some yogurt. You will almost always take a 2 hour afternoon nap. After that nap is over-somewhere between 3:30 and 4:30 you play some more. We usually work on your walking skills. Lately you will push your little shopping cart, but are terrified of letting go!

We have dinner around 6:30, usually grilled cheese, then daddy play time. This is probably your favorite time of day. Daddy gives you 100% of his attention and you'll chase each other crawling around the house. Next its bath and bed time. Sometimes we have a story. Your bedtime is usually between 8:00 and 9:00 but you're a go with the flow baby. If we're out and about sometimes you'll sit up til 10:00.



You are very long and lean, Carsyn P. We go to the ped Thursday and I think you'll weigh around 17 lbs. Your appetite has really increased lately! You are wearing 9 and 12 month clothing but can actually still wear some 6 months-At least that's friendly on momma's wallet! You are really strong and love to do chin ups on furniture-its too funny! You also love to drop things on the floor, say uh-oh, then pick them up and put them on a table, and drop them again. You love to pull a blanket over your face and pull it down to say boo!

Speaking of words, you are a chatty Cathy.. You say many words if you are repeating someone but words you say on your own are hi, bye, uh-oh, duck, dog, momma, and dada. You sometimes say poop when we change your diaper. You will holler Ro-Sie if you really want to get her attention. When mom tries to teach you to sign for more you'll say mo? Your favorite word in the world is No. No, no, no to everything.

You still love babies and kids. You throw up your hand and say hi to every kid you see-Even some adults. Just the other day auntie and uncle wobble babysat you all day and tried everything to coerce you into saying their names, After meeting their little neighbor Cole for 5 minutes you yelled "Bye Cole" as you strolled off. Stinker!

You love to be free and play in the floor but you also love to be held. You will sit in momma or daddy's lap and watch TV for a while. You still love to nap in dad or papaw's lap. You love to play with your pops! You usually spend an hour a day chasing each other around.



Carsyn, momma and daddy love you to the moon and back..please stay our little girl forever!

My darling Carsyn

Carsyn Presley, I cannot believe a year has went by with you in my life. As sappy as it sounds, your momma is a wreck at the thought of you turning one, What was my life like without you? You have become my best friend, my shopping buddy, my jogging partner, my napping sidekick, the reason I wake up with a smile on my face. No matter what I'm doing baby girl, its funner if you're there.

Exactly a year ago I lay in bed terrified at becoming your mother. How could I be responsible for a little one?? I can't even find my keys in the morning and forget to walk the dog on a daily basis. I prayed for the Lord to give me guidance and make me a good mother. To grant me patience and understanding at times needed. I wondered what you'd look like, if you'd be ok, if my heart would burst with happiness the minute I laid eyes on you, Boy, did it ever. That cry was the BEST sound I've ever heard in my life-10 fingers, 10 toes, and pure perfection. It was love at first sight. You have taught me so much and made my life complete. We definitely have tested each other at times, but those late nights and early mornings bonded us in ways I never imagined. At times sleep was my main focus I would catch myself holding you a little longer or just watching you sleep in your crib, Funny how those first few months are so hard at the time, but how they were the best months of your life in hindsight.

As always, Carsyn, your daddy and I love you more than you can imagine. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings for you, baby girl!

Love, Mommy

Drinking the Koolaid

I guess I'm a follower. I'd like to think of myself as a strong, independent leader but maybe I'm more the opposite. I'm a make no apologies about it product junkie. You know how they say when you buy a new item you should throw one out? Not in this house. I hoard my beauty products. I anticipate the InStyle best beauty buys issue way in advance and tear out the little cheat sheet for future purchases. I'm not really an expert but by now I think we all know if you've never tried Nars blush in orgasm or if you haven't had Chanel Vamp or OPI Lincoln Park After Dark on your nails at least once you might be living in a cave. You know what happens when you have a little one?? Well you kinda start living in a cave. At least I have in certain ways. So here are a few beauty products that have finally sucked me in.. And a Life Planner to boot. Have you heard about the Erin Condren Life Planner ;)






I am the last person in America to get the naked palette. Why? Because I have 18000 eye shadows. But I caved eventually. Have you tried it? It's sparkly wonderment-love!

I have watched about 800 infomercials and 500 hours of qvc talking about the Wen products. My hair is still in rough shape after the kiddo. The new growth is so frizzy and it feels drier than it was before. I've been using the Wen for about a month. People have been telling me my hair looks good but maybe that's just because I went 12 weeks without color last time-yikes. My hair does feel healthier, I'm just not sure I'm sold yet.

Lastly, the Life Planner- It's cute, tough, & fun to use. I just wish it had an address book. Then again that gives me an excuse to order another item! You need to go order one of these stat ladies! Trust me, you'll love it!

What have you recently purchased that you must share with others? Tell me so I can run out and get it!

I remember..

Do you remember where you were on 9/11? I was a newlywed pretty fresh out of college in 2001. I pulled into a place to have my oil changed and asked the young attendant how he was. He said "Ma'am I'm going to war, have you not heard about the towers?" He then explained to me what had happened and that he was going to do whatever he could to make sure it didn't happen again.

My heart is heavy when I think of the lives lost and dreams shattered that day. I've spent a lot of today listening to The Rising album, an inspiring example of Springsteen's brilliance. Into the fire is just a hauntingly beautiful song that salutes the brave souls that risk their lives every day to save others...




Sent from my iPad

Project Life & Scrap booking

I am linking up with Kelly at Kelly's Korner to talk a little bit about my project life kit. I tweeted this a while back and even mentioned it in my blog, but a few people have asked me about it so I figured I'd give you a few more details...



I was introduced to Project Life by my friend Michelle after complaining to her the hours of time scrap booking took up. I had just finished my daughter, Carsyn's first scrapbook December of last year and it took a lot of working til the wee hours of the morning..NOT so easy as a new mommy. When March of this year rolled around and I had not even started getting her 2011 pictures in order I knew something had to be done-Enter Becky Higgins. This album is already laid out for 4x6 photos. It even has cute note cards and stickys included! Becky (let's pretend we know each other on a first name basis)also includes some card stock if you want to create your own layouts. My goal is to get Carsyn's up to date before her first birthday....in 10 DAYS!! I just finished April this weekend..wish me luck.



Here are a few photos:



I have added a few decorations of my own to jazz up some of the layouts..




As you can see each layout is supposed to depict a week with a photo a day. I am not this advanced and I just use each layout for a specific occasion.

Here are a few photos of Carsyn's 2010 scrapbook..














My one recommendation is to design a place in your home just for scrap booking..My kitchen table is just not cutting in anymore and I'm working on a scrap area myself...I hope to show you some pictures soon!!



HAPPY SCRAPPING!!



ps...If you're reading this Michelle, you should share some tips..I'm sure your books are AWESOME!!

Obsession.. The T Shirt Dress

I've always had a bit of a love affair with the T-shirt dress and lately I've been seeing them a little more often.

After spying this Express dress in a lot of magazines I decided to track it down... Well actually my expert shopping sister tracked it down for me..




For scary horizontal stripes it's actually not that hip widening.. I think.

Usually I don't wear much Lilly in the fall, but this season I happened to stop in the local store. Thank goodness because this little beauty caught my eye.






Seriously, it is so flattering on. I love both of these and think they go with flats or heels equally well. I can't wait to wear them with boots and a jacket come fall!

Do you love the t dress as much as me? What are you wearing now?

A Lot of Random

Last week was my hubby's birthday (Tues) and my birthday (Wed). Due to his coal mine being shut down we did not get to do much celebrating together :( Someday I will do a post all about coal mining and what a stressful job it is and how I pray for the safety of our miners every day. Shane's workplace is really like our extended family and I'm so blessed he has a job where people care about their coworkers. But, I digress.

Given the hubby was working long hours I visited my sister on my birthday and Carsyn got to spend a little time with her favorite guy. Seriously these two together MELT MY HEART.











This weekend I went to my mom and dad's and we had a little birthday celebration there.






Maddox was more than happy to blow out Shane's candle!






After sleeping all night (thank you cousins who wore baby girl out) Carsyn woke up saying Max, Max. Cutest thing ever! I hope Maddox is ok with his nickname.

We had a very low key day Sunday and the weather was pretty gross. I ended up taking Carsyn to Lowe's to look around and find some picture hangers. Kid loves riding in the buggy so much. I'm sure people look at me crazy when I run up and down the aisles.






After tweeting a picture of my exciting scrapbooking Sunday night I got a few questions about project life. If y'all want to know anything just ask me. I made a scrapbook for Carsyn's life highlighting events from pregnancy til Christmas but it was just too time consuming, Michelle at Somerset Cottage turned me onto to project life and for now its more my pace. So far I've made it til March.






And in case that wasn't enough randomness for you how about these gorgeous roses I got at Walmart?? $10 for 18 people. They are just so beautiful I put them on my sink so I can enjoy them every morning..Go out and get you some ladies!!