Reflections

Hello Loyal Followers:

I am trying to keep it together, but struggle with all of the emotions that I'm feeling regarding the latest school shooting.

In case you don't know, I was attending Virginia Tech and on campus when the shooting occurred 4/16/07.  It was all so surreal at the time...it seemed like it could not really be happening to people that I knew, just across campus.

After yesterday's shooting in CT, I have been broken down completely.  Also, being a parent now compounds the grief that I'm feeling.  I cannot help but imagine those helpless children.  Call me morbid, but the thought of those little lifeless bodies just makes me weep.  I don't know what it is about me but I wanted to know what happened to Austin too.  She worked as a lifeguard for me while I was at VT and was killed in the shooting.  I was able to talk to her parents and find out intimate details of her death and somehow, it comforted me.  Knowing that she did not suffer...knowing that she did not know what was happening, made it more bearable for me.  I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering that her family went through.  I think about her mom often and ache for her.  Just the other night after "Parenthood", I thought of Rene.  Austin is just gone.  Never to be again.  Her mom has to deal with that everyday. 

So, after yesterday's shooting, all of the old feelings have been brought to life again and I am forced to grieve for the families that lost a child and for all of my Virginia Tech family too.  It's not just this Christmas, it's every Christmas from now on.  It's every birthday and every occasion that they will not be there.  It truly breaks my heart.

On another note, I'm going to try and appreciate my family this year and hope that we don't have a nuclear meltdown.  I'll tolerate Christmas Eve with a smile and be glad that everybody is alive and well.  I'll try not to talk bad about them afterwards.

This is just another reminder of how precious life really is.  Be grateful that you are alive and have those to love in your life.

Love,
Whitney

Surrey with the Fringe On Top

Hi Everyone:


So in my last post I was talking about some boots that I have been coveting for a long time.  Much to my dismay, I tried them on and they just didn't cut the mustard.  But then these came into my life:

You can get your pair here and we can be matchy matchy.  They are Luccese Women's Café Glitter Carthage Lazer Design with Cream Inlays Boot.  I just love them.  If I were rich, or awesome like Pioneer Woman, I would give a pair away to somebody that leaves a comment below.  But I'm neither of those things, so I'll just wear my own and hope that you get a pair too.

Just in case you are not familiar with how your cowboy boots should fit:

1. They should feel like a firm handshake across the top of the foot
2. You should have some heal slip when you walk.  I know this sounds strange, but its the cowboy boot way.
3. If they are too snug but the next size up is too big, ask your seller to stretch them for you.  Your local tack store can do this too. 

Then you wear them, wear them, wear them.  Your new boots will be broken in and you will be the most stylin' person on your block.  Rest assured, you will not look like a redneck in these boots!

On another note, what production is "Surrey with the Fringe on Top" from?

Give up?  It's from OKLAHOMA!  It also made an appearance in one of my fvorite movies, "When Harry Met Sally."  Check out the clip here.

I love that link bar...it is so cool!

Finally, I can type like a regular person now.  I've been chicken pecking while holding baby Mason Jar.

So, back to the title of this post.  I'm talking about the big O State because Tommy might be stationed there at Tinker AFB.  Then maybe I could meet the Pioneer Woman and we could be BFFs.   I doubt that.  But, Tinker and Eglin AFB (in Destin, FL) are our top two choices from the preliminary list that we were given a few days ago. 

I'll be sure to keep you in the loop.

Good luck with your boots!
Love,
PW Wannabe

Life Update (aka Baby Pictures)

Good Morning!  Today we are headed off to the pumpkin patch at Holland Farms here in good ol' Pensacola.  I am super excited today because it actually feels like fall.  Instead of being the usual balmy 85, we are in the 50's right now! 

Since the weather has cooled a bit, it might be time to reveal what I am coveting...new boots!  I know that you are so shocked that I want a new pair of boots.  Here they are:



They are almost as pretty as my kids!

 Speaking of the little hellions, here are some pictures:

7 Weeks Old

Hi Mommy!

Thank you, thank you very much! (Said in Elvis voice)

Lady you are so boring!

 8 Weeks Old

You are weird.

Look at those chins baby.  You can't get those just anywhere.

I thought that I had some Harper pictures to add, but all I can find of her are videos.  She can be the star of the next post.  Hopefully I'll get some good pictures today at the pumpkin patch.

Happy Fall Y'all!
Whit of the Nee

Essie Beyond Cozy Review

Hi Everyone:

I'm doing just a polish review today.  I just took off my Essie Beyond Cozy, and believe me, it was not cozy.

The color of the glitter is a very pretty silvery gold and leans more silver than gold on the nail.  I'm not too much of a golden gal so I was happy with the color of the polish.  That was where the fun stopped though.

Like I said before, I really liked the color.  The formula was the issue.






















Unfortunately, the polish dried gritty and needed two coats of top coat to be tolerable.  Also, the polish made the ends of my nails scratchy with the glitters which is not very kid friendly.

I suppose if you do not have small children (or a live in nanny), this polish might be more for you.  I did two coats, but needed another for total opacity.  I barely pulled off the two coats of top coat.  It probably could have done another coat of that too.

I hope that you have better luck than me with this polish!!  I'm going to try some UGA/Halloween nails next.  Happy Sunday!

Latest & Greatest

Hi Everyone:

I'm sure you have been thinking that I've abandoned you and would never write my lovely prose again.  False, I've just been busy raising some offspring.  I have developed some new hobbies which I can enjoy all by myself and somehow manage to squeeze in during a 5 minute period during the day when Tommy helps me out with the kids.

Hobby #1:  Nails
This is nothing new, but I actually feel good enough to do my nails so I am back on track.  I've become quite smitten with lots of new polishes, mostly due to the nail blogs that I follow.  If you are interested, check them out:  Let Them Have Polish, The Polishaholic, and Chalkboard Nails to name a few.  I had no idea how many nail blogs there are.  I am enjoying getting to try some of the colors that they swatch.  I don't do much in the way of "nail art", but I do like seeing what they are up to.  I can't wait to get my hands on some of the Zoya Ornate polishes - Aurora, Logan, & Blaze.

Check out my latest mani:

I used Color Club's Halo Hues in Harp on It and for my accent nail (so last year) I used Essie's Luxeffects in Stroke of Brilliance.  The holo is very pronounced and pretty in the sunlight. 

I used Nailtiques as my base coat and Seche Vite for my topcoat.  Overall, I like the result.  I had a hard time not painting all of my nails with the luxeffects, but I pulled through and refrained from all glitter nails.

I have another color from this collection, Cherubic, that I like much more.  I'll try to get that up at another date.







The bloggers that I follow must not have any children because they post a ton of swatches and usually use three coats for each swatch.  I can barely paint my nails with two coats of color.  I've been acquiring more polishes that I can keep up with, so I've put myself on restriction until I've used all of my new colors...and that is good news for you because I know you love seeing pictures of my semi-crummy manicures with kids in bouncy seats in the background.

Hobby #2:  Makeup

I love makeup and beauty products!  Thank heavens for sephora.com

I just purchased some new eyeshadows:
Urban Decay: Urban Cowboy, YDK, Cherry, and Midnight Cowboy Rides Again
These are great shadows with good pigmentation and a nice dose of shimmer.  Not to heavy, easy to blend, and easy to apply.

I've also subscribed to Glossybox and Birchbox.  If you are not familiar with these companies, you basically sign up online and they send you a monthly goody box filled with a few of the latest and greatest products.  So far, I have only received two months of boxes, but I have to say that I prefer the Glossybox so far.  Glossy has provided full size products, but it is $20 a month instead of the $10 that I pay for Birchbox.  If you are interested in getting a Birchbox, go ahead and signup now.  I was on the wait list for a few months before I was granted into their exclusive group.  Birchbox seems to send out more of a lifestyle box with sample sizes and Glossy has been strictly makeup and beauty.  It's fun to get a box in the mail filled with mystery goodies.  So far, I'll keep subscribing and keep you updated on the products that I recieve.

Ta ta for now, ti ti a fin...baby Masonite is calling and needs some boob, stat.

Love to you all...
Wigglets

I love not being pregnant

This was literally going to be my Facebook status, but instead I think that I'll post it in the "about me" section.

I even found an ecard with the same sentiment...

Tommy and I watched "What to Expect When You're Expecting" last weekend and it was pretty cute.  I really connected with Elizabeth Bank's character in the movie.  She did a good job portraying the reality of my pregnancies...miserable, fat, tired, awful, etc.  Andy Roddick's wife did a good job too portraying the opposite of my pregnancies.  You should watch it...not a bad rental.  Check out a clip here.  This clip is also relatable to my most recent pregnancy.

Another plus about not being pregnant is that I've lost all of my baby weight plus some.  Granted, I was a little tubby pre-pregnancy...but now it just makes me feel that much better about myself.  I am 10 lbs. lighter than I was before I got pregnant with baby Mason Jar. 

Even though being pregnant really sucks, the outcome is completely worth it!  Check out some pictures of what I grew during my nine months of death camp:

She is always so serious looking.  Needs to lighten up just like her dad.

In motion shot but less serious.

My mullet child with baby Mason Jar.  Future friends forever.









Have a great weekend and enjoy some fall weather if you have it!  It is still in the high 80s down here.

XOXO,
WE

Life in Babyland

Greetings loyal readers!  I've missed you so.  Lots is going on here at the Evans home.  Mason Elizabeth Evans was born on 8/31/12 @ 5:27pm.  She was 8 lbs. 1 oz and 20.5 inches long.  She is now just over 2 weeks old and is eating and sleeping great!  I am actually getting to enjoy these first few weeks this time around (I had my gall bladder removed at 3 weeks postpartum with Harper).  All of the oxytocin must be talking because I am over the moon with love for my little family.  Surprisingly I have a ton of energy and feel better than I have in a long time.

 This is at the hospital almost 24 hours old.

 Isn't she beautiful!

I lucked out and caught a smile while she was sleeping.  She looks just like her sister.

















We have been so blessed with family coming to visit us.  My mom, Fred, and Will were all here for the birth which was really special.  Tommy's mom, Necia, came down for a few days and then my dad and Desirie came down and rounded out Mason's second week of life.  Grandpa Mike and Carol are coming in October and we are scheduled to see Niecy and GDT again over Columbus Day weekend. 

 My wild woman, Harper Pearl.

 She still is not too sure about Mason.  She will occasionally try to "pet" her but hasn't developed a real interest yet.

 I'm playing with my new camera here.  I love it!

More pictures of my baby!

 Harper and Grandpa!

Sleeping on Grandpa.













Other life updates...
Poor Mandy has hurt her leg somehow.  I think she pulled a muscle on her front leg while playing.  She has only moved to eat and go to the bathroom.  She won't put any weight on her front leg and I feel bad for her.  She has never been so pathetic.

The renters are leaving :(  We are trying to get set up with a management company in Blacksburg.  Hopefully everything will work out and we can get some new people in there soon!

The new stroller!  Check it out here.  We went out for a bit today and tried it out, I love it.  It is a bit heavy, but carried both girls and has a ton of space for my crap below them. 

Other than that, we are just living the dream.  Mason has a doctor appointment on Tuesday and Tommy cannot make it.  I'll be all by myself...but I think I can handle it.  I'll post more pictures and her percentages on Tuesday.

Love you all!
WE

The Anxiety is OVER!

Thankfully, the anxiety that I was having about actually having another child has past, and now I've got ants in my pants to get this kid out.  Today marks my 37th week of pregnancy and I sure do feel all of it.  My biggest pet peeve this week is the inability to keep food dribblets off of my clothes.  When you aren't pregnant and some food misses you mouth, it falls into your lap.  Not when you're pregnant though; it goes right onto your belly (and your shirt).  And since people generally look at your huge stomach, they also see the stains from your last meal and think you are sloppy.  That really gets on my nerves.

The nesting is complete and the next logical step is to have a baby to incorporate into all of this planning, worrying, and doing.  Once Tommy cleans his clothes off of our modified changing table, I'll take and post some pictures of our nursery/master bedroom.

I think it is going to work pretty good.  Everything fits without being too smushed in on top of each other.

Last night we went and purchased some new toys for baby H to have as a distraction.  Deep inside I know this will not work, but I feel like I need some sort of peace offering once we bring the new baby home.  We purchased this Little People super tall slide for cars thing and more animals for the the LP jungle that we have.  Hopefully this will provide some diversion.  The new toys and PBS Kids might get me through the first few days or so.

Will be back with pictures soon!
WE

Hurry up and wait

It's that time of every pregnancy...hurry up and wait.  I'm at the point where I'm pretty uncomfortable but it is not quite time to have the baby yet.  Right now, I am 35 weeks along and my body is telling me that it is tired of growing another human.  My brain knows otherwise...it's not time yet and these last few weeks are important. 

I really should be thankful for these last few weeks with no breastfeeding, sleeping through the night, and evenings all to myself.  It is just so hard not to want the pregnancy to be over.

On the other hand, the doubt has set in.  Did we make the right decision to have another baby so soon?  Can I take care of a toddler and a newborn at the same time?  Will I be able to give Harper enough attention and love during the day?  Do I have enough energy to take this on?

I guess I'll figure it out.  With no family close by and no friends, it can be very overwhelming at times.  But, women have been doing this for a long time, so I guess I'll fall in line and get it together one way or the other.

Wish me luck!!

WE

The summer of "Woooool"

My youngest brother, William, came down from ATL and visited with us for a little over a week.  He left yesterday and it was rough.  Poor little Harpy keeps calling for him, "Woooool" and it just breaks my heart.  I managed to not cry today when she was calling for him.

We really had a great time while he was here.  Not only did he help out a ton with Harper, we were all able to spend some quality family time together. 

The weather has been hit or miss with afternoon and mid-morning thunderstorms since we've moved here.  However, we were able to get in some beach and pool time on the few nice days that we have had.

Here are some pictures of Will and Harper and the base pool:

Will was the master of the water slide!

In the drink!

I really liked this pool.  They have an area roped off for kids that is only 1.5 ft deep and you can see the bay right from the pool deck.  They didn't have a snack bar, but you can bring your own snacks.

We also went to the beach a few times, but I don't have any pictures from that.  With Will and the baby and all of the other things that have to go to the beach, I usually just leave the camera in the car.  I'll have to do better once I have another adult to help out.

We also went to see the Blue Angels practice and it was AWESOME!!!  I am really into planes, trains, and boats so I was super excited about the practice show.  I could not believe some of the stunts and tricks that these guys can do in their planes.

This is the diamond formation.  I liked the solo pilots better

This was the 'slow' by...they were only going 120mph here

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stupid woman standing on her cooler ruined my shot!!

After the show we went to see the National Museum of Aviation.  We were hoping to have a meet and greet with the pilots but they took forever getting into the museum and there were a ton of people waiting for the same thing, so we skipped out on the meet and greet.  However, we did get to see some cool planes from history and reflect on how aviation has played a role in our nation's history.

Check out some of the pictures:

Pearl Harbor Japanese Bomber

We're gonna kill some Nazis!

Will thought this guy was cool with his sword

Up by the planes above the meet and greet area

Overall, this was a great visit for us and we really miss Will!  We want him to come back soon, like tomorrow.

Thanks to GDT and Niecy for allowing us to take care of your precious child.

The Real Beach - Perdido Key

Today we made it out to the real beach, and by that I mean the gulf coast.  Powder white sands and crystal clear water; that is what I'm talking about.  We didn't stay for very long this evening...just wanted to get a feel for the area and see what there was to see.  I am impressed.  It is like an underdeveloped Destin.  There were some nice high rise condos, a few local seafood dives (can't wait to check those out!) and some regular folks on the beach enjoying their vacations.

VA Beach was nice, but this is much more my style.  There were quite a few public beach access points, which I'm sure are full during the day, but I think we will be able to hit the beach when we want to for the rest of the summer.  Even if it is only going in the evenings after Tommy gets home from work, I'll be happy.  It took us less than thirty minutes to get there, mostly slowed by out of town traffic and vacationers looking around.  

It was really nice to get out of the house today.  We've been out and about, but nowhere really fun.  We are going back tomorrow and hopefully I'll take some pictures.

Love and miss you from vacation land...
WE

We've made it to Pensacola

Wow, what a long and exhausting trip.  We began our journey last Saturday and arrived in Pensacola on Sunday.  The movers can and unloaded our stuff on Monday and we are almost done unpacking.  We are still waiting on the 50ish boxes that did not fit on the original truck.  I'm hoping that the things that we are missing are on the truck and not floating around somewhere.

We've managed to find the mall and the Publix!  I am really excited about Publix.  I think it might be the best part about living here so far.  

We did not do anything for the 4th because I didn't think the baby could stay up that late (we are an hour behind now) and we saw a good fireworks display last month at HarborFest.  

Our townhouse is modest and humble.  Smaller than where we were in Suffolk but large enough that we should be able to live comfortably for 8 months.  So far, the neighborhood is quiet and pretty boring, which is just fine with me.

Like I said, most of our time has been unpacking and trying to find some local shopping, so I'll post some exciting pictures as soon as something exciting happens.  

WE

Whaaaa!!! I don't want to move!

Please don't make me go!  I am content right where I am.  Maybe after tomorrow I will have less anxiety, but this sucks.  The movers come tomorrow and I have no idea what to expect.  I'm trying to get the basics together so that we can continue to live semi-comfortably for the remainder of the week, but it is hard to prepare for the unknown.  Are they going to take everything in one day?  Do I get any say so in what goes where?  What if they pack something I need?

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to get up tomorrow and put my big girl panties and face the day.  I think the worst part will be on Wed, Thurs, and Friday when I am trying to take care of Harper with an empty house.  I do plan to keep some toys, but not too many.  I guess we will be finding other things to do outside during that time.  

We are also having trouble deciding how to conquer the drive.  Do we drive as far as we can on Saturday and then have a shorter trip on Sunday?  Do we take our time both days ( I don't think that is physically possible for me)?  Do we just play it by ear?  What if we can't find a hotel that will house the dumb heads (dogs)?  I guess it will all fall into place and I will have to deal with it.  Since I'm 7 months pregnant, it is not recommended that I take my super happy pill, so I'm planning on have a great attitude the whole week;-).  Please say a prayer for Tommy...and for me...and for the baby and the dogs.

This is going to happen one way or the other, I just hope I live to see the other side.....

Casper goes to the pool

Hello followers and readers from afar.  I know that I have amassed quite a few readers and am so blessed that you have chosen my humble life to follow.

Today we took Casper, I mean Harper, to the base pool over at Oceana.  She had a blast as usual.  They are really kid and parent friendly and let parents decide whether or not their children should be using the slides.  Harper really liked the short slide that led right into the big pool.  The slide was about 4 feet wide, 6 feet long, and had a nice gush of water running down to the bottom.  The slide also sat on about a 35 degree angle.   Tommy would stand in the pool and I would push her down.  We probably did this about 15 times.  At that point her lips were too purple and it was time to warm up over at the baby pool.

Daddy and Harper had lots of fun at the baby pool too.  I sat on the edge and cheered, but didn't quite feel up for a dip today. 

Here are some pool shots of Casper and Daddy:

Another of them playing jump it:

This weekend was Opsail in town and the Blue Angels were flying over at the ocean front.  We didn't want to bother with the rednecks and beach crowds, so we just hung out at the baby pool and they did their own little show for us flying back and forth.  Of course, they did two awesome maneuvers that I was not able to get on film!!!  But I did get a couple of them coming back to land.  Check these out:

These guys were very close, but you can't tell on the picture :(

I wish I could have captured them in formation.  It was just like having permission to buzz the tower even though the pattern was full.











Great day for the Evans family!!