It's a zoo out there

Earlier this month on one of my Mondays off work (which I like to refer to as Fun Day Mondays) Sheridan and I went to the Austin Zoo with my friend Sara and her little girl Natalie, Anne and her children Nicholas and Mackenzie, and Ginger and her children Jase and Grace. We had a great time and Sheridan really enjoyed seeing the different animals.

It took Sheridan a little while to warm up to the idea of petting the goat!

I had to help Sheridan feed the deer or else she would try to eat the food herself!

From left to right: Mackenzie, Jase, Sheridan, Nicholas, Natalie, and Grace

Notice how all of the other kids are sitting nicely for the picture and my daughter is trying to get down and run around! :\

Tired already?

Sheridan was very interested in the turtle

Now that's the way to see the zoo

Sara and Natalie on the train ride

I thought Sheridan was the happiest little baby but Mackenzie was always smiling!

Nice kitties

Things that make you hmmm......

3 things I'm puzzled about today:

1. Last night Tara introduced me to Oh's cereal and I love it! However, I don't understand how it stays crunchy from the very first bite all the way to the very last bite when all the other cereals get soggy???

2. How do my dogs possibly have ANY hair left on their bodies when every other day I sweep up enough dog hair to make a whole other dog???

3. How can I watch 8 hours of DVR'd shows from yesterday in one evening without staying up until the wee hours of the morning???

Ah....the pain!

I've gradually been watching the numbers on my scale increase and have finally decided to get serious on doing something about it. Keep in mind I also haven't completely lost all of the weight I gained when I was pregnant with Sheridan so LOTS of weight gain here to overcome! I tried doing the low-carb thing again and I just couldn't stick to it. I like sweets. I can't help it. I'll blame it on my genes that I get from the Sheridan side of my family. It has nothing to do with lack of self control. It's all about genetic make-up I'm sure.


Anyway....my friend Sara and I were driving home from our girls weekend in San Antonio (I'll post about that later) and this was when I came up with my new workout routine/diet while muching on delicious trail mix that I made for the trip complete with Crunch n' Munch, M&Ms, yougurt covered Cheerios, Cheerio Crunch cereal, pretzels, toffee covered peanuts, and cashews. Perhaps this could be part of the problem. I decided to ditch the low-carb approach and do low-calorie and healthy foods...fruits, vegetables, salads, yogurt, all of those fantastic 90 calorie snack packets to satisfy my sweet tooth, no more potatoes and rice and bread at meals for dinner. Tara also gave me a bunch of food suggestions and I think I'll be able to do it. Sara told me about a yoga show that comes on at 5 o'clock in the morning on the Oxygen channel called Inhale. Now let's not get crazy and think that I'm actually going to get UP at 5 o'clock in the morning to do yoga. That's why someone invited the DVR. So I could still sleep until 7 o'clock and then get up and do yoga. Three times a week is my goal and so far I've been a good girl and have done my yoga on Monday and this morning. Now this is where the pain comes in. After doing yoga on Monday my body was killing me. Perhaps it's in complete shock to this foreign thing called exercise that I haven't done in quite awhile. But the pain and soreness didn't stop me from thinking it would be a good idea to do some sit ups on Tuesday morning in an effort to try to find my abs again. Not the greatest idea I've ever had to torture myself like that because my stomach was killing me yesterday! It hurt to even laugh.

The other part of my new workout routine is to put Sheridan in the jogging stroller and walk around our hilly neighborhood for 30 minutes three times a week. Cameron and I loaded up Sheridan in the stroller and dug out the dog leashes on Monday night. I decided if I was going to suffer I was taking the whole family down with me! Fortunately, I mean...unfortunately, the skies looked like they were going to open up any minute and dump a ton of rain on us so we only walked for 15 minutes but I figured it was better than nothing. And Tuesday morning when I got on the scale and the scary number was 1.5 pounds lower I was thrilled and that's where my motivation came to do sit ups. I hope I can make this a habit and keep it up. I'll keep you posted.

Tick tock, tick tock

No, no. That's not the sound of my biological clock ticking but rather the sound of the internal time bomb that is about to explode on never ending tile project that is still underway at my house. Yes, I'm referring to the one that was started back in July people! A few weeks ago this is what my kitchen looked like......

After I told my sister about the new feng shui arrangement of appliances in our kitchen, she asked me how I cooked or fed Sheridan. And the answer is quite simple. I didn't! Well, let me clarify.....Sheridan did get fed but I did not attempt to cook. It was very annoying trying to squeeze through the space between the oven and fridge to move through the kitchen just to microwave a Gerber Graduate meal for her, I certainly was not going to try to cook an actual meal. The first night we ordered pizza for ourselves and the second night I had bible study so I ate dinner at my mom's. Apparently Cameron cooked himself pasta that evening however, I just like to continue believing it was impossible to cook under those conditions. Fortunately, this didn't last too terribly long....maybe four or five days and the kitchen was back to normal. If only I could say that about the rest of the house........

Lessoned learned

I never would have thought it was my daughter I needed to watch for tearing up the toliet paper instead of my dogs!

Chillin' and Grillin': Married Edition

This is the second year that Ben (one of Cameron's fraterity brothers) and Cheri had their annual Chillin' and Grillin' summer party at their house in Pearland. It was the weekend of August 11th (yes - I'm a little behind on posting) and the "Married Edition" was added on because Ben and Cheri got married in June. Heath and Shaunna drove down with us and we all stayed at Ben and Cheri's house so we could party into the wee hours of the morning.

The "A" team: Shaunna, Heath, Kenny, Sara, Sheridan and Cameron
Heath practicing for the future???? I could have posted the picture that showed why Heath's nickname is Belly!

Heath and our hostesses with the mostess, Ben and Cheri
A few weeks ago Cheri called me to share the good news that she and Ben are expecting a baby in May!!! We are so excited for them and can't wait for next year's Chillin' and Grillin': Family Edition party!

Sheridan family reunion

Every year on the third Sunday of September is the Sheridan family reunion in Gatesville, Texas. It's my mom's dad's (are you following me?) side of the family. I remember going to these reunions for as long as I can remember and they have certainly changed over the years. There are many faces that we miss now and many new faces that we look forward to seeing. When my grandfather was alive he lived for these reunions! Family was absolutely the most important thing to him. I remember he would always try to get me to talk to my 2nd cousins that were close to my age but I was very shy about it....hard to believe I know! But I was. Well they too are grown up now with kids of their own and my grandad would be proud of me...Star (one of the 2nd cousins) and I had a great conversation this year. I even got her email address. Speaking of...I need to email her for the recipe of the dessert she brought to the reunion. It was delish!

Picture with my mom's aunts, Evelyn (far left) and Nita (middle)

Such a serious face for Cameron
me and Dawn
My mom's cousin, Gary, also named his daughter Sheridan after his grandparents (my great-grandparents). His Sheridan is 10 years old. We thought it was so funny when we got to the reunion and saw that the other Sheridan was also wearing pink with black polka dots. Definitely a photo op!

Sheridan and her dad, Gary

We always go to the cemetery where my grandfather is buried while we're in Gatesville. This year we went before the reunion and I did not like that there weren't any flowers on his grave. It was very depressing and made me sad. So after the reunion I had Cameron take me to Walmart (the only store in town) so I could buy some and then we headed back out to the cemetery. After I was done I thought his headstone looked much brighter and cheerful! I was happy!

I'm a BIG girl now!

Like most moms I think everything my daughter does is precious and worthy of a photo. This morning was no exception. When I dropped her off at daycare she went right over to the princess table in the kitchen, pulled out the chair, and sat down...she was ready for her breakfast! I stood there for several minutes watching her eat breakfast and I just couldn't believe how "grown up" she seemed. It's moments like this. The random little ones that I never anticipate having such an affect on me. That make me stare in disbelief and reinforce what I'm reluctant to accept...that my baby girl is not my baby girl anymore but my little girl.

Weekend in Dallas

After all of our weddings were over for the month of June (we had NINE) we slowed down for July and August. Cameron and I definitely took advantage of our free weekends and did a lot of traveling to visit friends and family. We went to visit my sister and her husband the weekend of July 27th. One of our favorite places to visit while were there is Sheridan's Frozen Custard...because we're cheesy and think it's so cool that there is a restaurant named after Sheridan. ;) This time we took things a step further and took pictures in front of Sheridan's.....

I think Sheridan looks a lot like her Aunt Sarah


Sheridan definitely loves sweets like her mom and aunt!

Take me out to the ball game

We went to a Round Rock Express game on August 7th with tickets that Shaunna got for us through Dell. We sat in the grass and it worked out perfectly because the girls (Sheridan and Natalie) didn't have to be confined to a seat. For the most part Sheridan was good about staying near us on the blanket but there were a few times we had to run after her as she took off across the grass. To be honest, I didn't really watch the game very much since I was preoccupied with keeping an eye on Sheridan. But that's fine with me....I had a great evening with my friends!

Heath, Trevor, Kenny, and Cameron

Natalie, Sara, Sheridan, me and Shaunna

You can't go to a baseball game without getting cotton candy!

The best way to watch the game

Birthday Celebration: Part Two

Tara and Steve came into town for the 4th of July so we celebrated my birthday (actually on June 30th) and Mimi's birthday (actually on July 14th) on Friday. Sheridan spent the night with my parents so we were kid free and since Tara is pregnant (due in November) we had our designated driver...we were ready to celebrate! We started the evening with dinner at El Chile and the food was excellent! Except for the salsa...I was not a fan and neither was anyone else in our group. Then we headed back up north for drinks, music, and some dancing (thank you Will for finally getting out on the dance floor with me!) at Merkaba. We had the best time that night! Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the next day...it's no picnic recovering from a night out while taking care of a busy toddler!

Tara, Mimi, and me

Steve and Tara
me and Mimi

Thirty something

In years past I've been known to celebrate my birthday for weeks instead of just one day. In fact, I like to refer to the month of June as my birthday month. And even though I was less than thrilled about turning thirty-one I didn't let that limit me to just one birthday celebration. I had no problems with turning thirty and I didn't freak out last year about where I was in life, where I was going...you know, the usual things people turning thirty tend to agonize over. But there was something about turning THIRTY ONE that did me in! Now I'm actually IN my thirties and that just seems very hard for me to believe or want to accept. I think it all boils down to the fact that I've always had this "idea" of how responsible adults in their thirties are with their jobs and their families and their bills and honestly, I can't believe that's me now. I'm the adult in her thirties. When did that happen?

Dinner at the Melting Pot

with Mom and Dad

Can you say procrastinator?? I can!

Well I finally finished the entry I started after our ski trip in March (I know...that's horrible turnaround) and published it tonight. However, since I started the draft in March it published it in the order of the date it was started...not actually published...which makes sense but is highly annoying. So...to see pictures from our fun filled trip you can use this link to our ski trip. Guess this will teach me not to save my drafts for so long!

Julie 101

My friend Kelly did a list of 101 things about herself so I thought I'd try it. These are in no particular order....just a list of random things about me.....

1. My dad was in the Air Force so I've lived all over the place...like....Colorado, Virginia, Florida, Okinawa, Arizona, and Austin.

2. My anniversary is September 11th and we will have been married for 3 years!

3. I have two black labs, Harley and Brodie.

4. Harley is pure breed (AKC registered) and Brodie is a pound puppy.

5. December is a crazy month for me because along with Christmas, my daughter's birthday is the 26th and my husband's is the 18th.

6. I LOVE strawberries!

7. I work for a photographer and it's the best job in the world!

8. I've started shooting at weddings as a 2nd shooter and it rocks!

9. We are moving into our new studio right now and I'm so excited....it's VERY nice!

10. I hate to fold clothes....I think it's because of all of the years I worked in retail.

11. I've had acrylic nails since I was a junior in high school.

12. I've only taken them off twice for a few months each time. Once for softball during the summer after my senior year in high school and I can't remember why or when the 2nd time was.

13. I'm not sure if I'm going to watch Grey's Anatomy next year because I'm still annoyed with them breaking up Meredith and Derek AGAIN!

14. I love scrapbooking!

15. I'm very behind in my scrapbooking though! Currently working on the year 2006 but that's only because I skipped 2004 and 2005. :\

16. I learned to knit (scarves and hats) on our ski trip this March.

17. I am not a good skier!

18. I like Miller Lite and Dos Esquis beer.

19. I like the kitchen to be clean before I go to bed every night.

20. If Cameron is in charge of cleaning the kitchen it usually is NOT clean when I go to bed!

21. I got my first job when I was a senior in high school at Hudson's Grill (now closed) as a hostess.

22. I was a waitress at Lone Star Cafe the summers after my senior year in high school and first year after college.

23. I worked at Express for four years during college and after graduation to keep my discount.

24. I'm a shopaholic!

25. I get pedicures regularly.

26. My favorite nail polish color is "The Thrill of Brazil" by OPI.

27. I'm scared of dying.

28. I finally started a bible study with my mom and her group of friends every Monday night. One of the lady's daughters refers to the group as "God's Girls."

29. I'm horrible at remembering things since my daughter was born.

30. I was a Pampered Chef consultant for almost 5 years.

31. My grandmother took me to London after I graduated from college.

32. My first car (in high school) was a 1984 Mustang convertible (white).

33. My 2nd car (drove throughout college) was a 1989 Nissan 240SX (black).

34. My 3rd car (graduation present from my parents) was a 1999 Cougar (red).

35. Now I drive a Envoy (silver).

36. I miss my sports cars! :(

37. I hate having a car payment!

38. I love non-fat white chocolate mochas from Starbucks...with the whip cream of course!

39. My latest favorite ice cream is Chocolate Covered Strawberries by Blue Bell.

40. I have one younger sister, Sarah Michelle.

41. Growing up she hated to be referred to as "Julie's little sister"

42. My sister was an excellent (and by excellent I mean straight A's) student.....I'm glad I came first!

43. I was not a straight A student!

44. I got my degree in marketing.

45. I think you should be able to skip over the basics in college and go straight into classes for your major.

46. I grew up Episcopalian.

47. This spring Cameron and I joined the First United Methodist Church in Round Rock.

48. Sheridan said "mama" on Sunday and my heart melted!

49. I love being a mother!

50. I stay up late.....usually go to bed between midnight and 1am.

51. I was a bit of a wild child in college....actually....I was a bit of a wild child growing up in general....not just limited to my college years! ;)

52. I think I'm responsible for my father having a full head of gray hair pretty early in life.

53. When I was pregnant it hit me and I apologized to my parents for everything I ever did that made them worry.

54. I have a four leaf clover tattoo on my hip.

55. I don't regret getting it and I often forget I even have it.

56. I talk to my mom at least twice a day.

57. I hope Sheridan will talk to me that often when she grows up.

58. My sister lives in Dallas now with her husband.

59. I miss her terribly and I wish she lived closer.

60. My family and friends are everything to me!

61. My friend that I have known the longest is Kelly (since 6th grade).

62. Kelly lives in Arizona and I wish she lived closer too.

63. The only thing I look back on at my wedding and wish I had done differently was my hair.

64. I watch my wedding video ALL the time!

65. My boss makes fun of me because I watch my wedding video all the time...I don't care.

66. I LOVE my engagement ring!

67. Cameron is giving me my wedding band this year for our anniversary!

68. I was supposed to get it for our one year anniversary.

69. I'm learning that patience is a virtue.

70. This list is making me realize how random my mind works.

71. Cameron still hasn't completely finished our tile.

72. I'm practicing patience.

73. I'm a TV junkie!

74. I DVR Live with Regis and Kelly, The Ellen Degenerees Show, and the Young and the Restless everyday!

75. My other favorite tv shows are: How I met your mother, Two and a half men, What about Brian, Girls Next Door, My Name is Earl, American Idol, Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, and October Road....I think that's it.

76. I would have added Grey's Anatomy as one of my favorite shows but as I mentioned earlier in the list I'm a little bitter about things on that show right now.

77. I got my friend Courtney sucked into my tv world...starting with Grey's Anatomy.

78. I wonder if the spin-off Private Practice is going to be good or if it will just frustrate me as much as Grey's does.

79. I'm still on Team Aniston.

80. I'm glad Rosie is not on The View anymore!

81. I used to DVR "The View" everyday but Rosie also made me bitter.

82. I am a republican.

83. I like rock, rap, alternative, and country music.

84. I cried when Friends ended.

85. I wish I had more time to read books...it takes me about a year to read one book it seems.

86. My all time favorite movie is Grease.

87. I do NOT like scary movies.

88. I love treating myself to massages.

89. I miss my granddad Sheridan so much!

90. I feel a lot of pressure trying to think of another name for a second child since Sheridan's name has so much meaning.

91. Don't worry....we are NOT planning on having a second child anytime soon!

92. I want to take a vacation to Mexico...Cabo or Playa.

93. For our 5th anniversary I think it would be cool to go to Hawaii.

94. We went to St. Croix for our honeymoon.

95. I love mexican food.

96. My friend Amy taught me how to make the BEST tacos in the world!

97. Her mom taught me how to make the BEST mexican rice in the world!

98. I like to go out to eat on Friday nights.

99. The worst punishment my parents could have given my sister and I growing up was going to bed without dessert!

100. I rub my eye brows when I'm deep in thought or stressed.

101. I want our next house to have a pool.

And there you have it....101 completely random things about me.