Saturday, November 19, 2011

Twilight Date Night

I've been working a lot lately (more on that later - that's why I've taken a little blog hiatus) and haven't had much quality time with the hubby. So, last night we, along with a couple hundred other people - mostly screaming teenage girls - went to see the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn Part I.


We weren't crazy enough to go to the midnight showing, but we went on opening night.  I am no Twi-hard or whatever they call themselves, I just think the movies are really good. Though I think I need to read the books, but I was definitely not ready for the 'out there' aspect of Breaking Dawn Part I.  It was very different than the first three movies. Overall an ok flick though. Doesn't help that Edwards character looked pretty darn good in his tux during the wedding scenes.  I'm not into that whole Team Edward, Team Jacob thing, but if I had to choose, it would definitely be Edward. 

Anyone crazy enough to go to the midnight screening?  Thoughts on the movie? (I hear it followed the book very closely.)  Or could you care less about Twilight?

-M

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

My Morning BFF

I start each and every morning with a Pepsi.



(insert massive sigh of relief here)

There I said it. I feel much better now.

I hate to admit it, but I have become one of those people who can't get through my morning without my daily dose of caffeine. We're talking 8:30 and I am about to pass out from caffeine withdrawal. 

And while we are admitting things, I might as well admit that I sometimes have one in the evenings too.

Yes, I just said that.

I sometimes have two sodas in one day. 

I have to say, there's nothing better than sitting down after the kiddo goes to bed with an ice-cold glass of soda and your favorite TV show.

[Ok let's be honest here, I never just sit and watch TV; it's more like watch TV and pay bills, or watch TV and make Hannah's 2nd birthday invite (more to come later!!), or watch TV and edit a proposal for work. I am the QUEEN of multi-tasking, ask my husband!]

What? Soda is bad for me? I should really drink water instead?

You know what, I don't care. I am perfectly happy with my one (often two) sodas a day and the extra ten pounds I am carrying around because I drink them.  Why cut out something that gets me through my busy day and makes me happy?!

So, there ya go. A random admission on this Tuesday morning from a soda-loving gal.

What about you? What helps you get through the morning?



No, Pepsi did not compensate me for this post. All opinions are 100 percent mine. Though I wish they would, I could lifetime supply of free Pepsi! I would be a great spokesperson!! :)

Monday, June 20, 2011

Celebrating A World With More Birthdays

This past Friday was the annual Marshall County Relay For Life.

For those who don't know what Relay is, it is one of the American Cancer Society's signature events that raises money for cancer research and to provide services for cancer patients.  The event is held from 6 pm to 6 am, and participants from different teams take turns walking around the track all night, symbolizing the fact that cancer never sleeps and we must keep fighting until we find a cure.

My mom is a survivor of Hodgkin's Disease, so I was introduced to Relay at a young age. I remember being so enthusiastic about raising money and staying up all night. I think I was really just excited about the prizes you were awarded based on the amount of money you raised. The thought was there, but at that time, I had NO idea how cancer would affect my life.

Fast forward at least 15 or so years, and my thoughts on the Relay are completely different. I am on the planning committee, helping to coordinate an event that brings in over $50,000 for the ACS (and supports local patients and families).  I was involved each year I was at K-State (and even chaired the ENTIRE event one year) and am now involved again here in Marshall County. I've been Relaying for more than a decade, and I just can't get over the love and support present at that event each and every year. I bawl at the Opening Ceremonies and the Luminiaria Ceremony every year. Yes, we are celebrating life, but we are also mourning the loss of our family and friends who have died from this horrible disease.



In 2004, I lost one of my very best friends to cancer. I truly believe the good Lord above brought Lucas Wetter into our lives for such a short time for a reason. He was such a vibrant and amazing young man and I learned so much from him in his short lifetime. He taught me to be present in the moment, have fun, love your friends and family, and most importantly, to not take anything for granted. My fondest memories are from climbing trees and playing outside with Lucas as a child, with not a care in the world.

I lost my Godfather Slim to cancer two years ago this December. Despite his gruf and tough exterior, Slim was a softie and loved his family very much. I still miss his tight hugs and the smell of his aftershave.

Most recently, my friend Courtney, has been battling breast cancer. She is the most positive, inspirational woman I have ever met, besides my own mother, and I have no doubt she'll beat this disease because of her faith and her positive attitude.

In addition to those mentioned above, both my Grandpas, two Aunts, one Uncle, three of Joe's grandparents, and countless of my friends have been touched by this horrible disease.

All of these people are why I Relay.

I Relay in their honor, in the hopes that we will someday have a world with less cancer and more birthdays.


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

5x7 Folded Card

Best Dad Cocoa Father's Day 5x7 folded card
Click here to see graduation announcements by Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Hello. My Name is Mrs. Whitesell and I'll Be Your Teacher This Evening...



Yep, you read that right.  This past Wednesday night (as in two days ago), I taught a class. Well, two actually.

I taught two sessions on Couponing through our city's sports and recreation department. 

And let me tell you, it was a little nerve wracking!

Being up there in front of about 25 people (twice!), might not seem that hard to some people, but I was definitely a little shaky.

I am a PR gal.  I'm the girl behind the scenes carefully crafting statements and planning events. I am not usually the one that talks in front of people.

I did know some of the people there, so it wasn't too bad, but I am still proud of myself for going outside of my comfort zone and teaching the class to some wonderful ladies.

And it's definitely something I am passionate about. I started using coupons in 2007 and was hooked. When I was pregnant with Hannah and realized how expensive having a little one would be, I really got into planning my trips and stocking up when I got a great deal.  Now, I am a seasoned 'couponer' and love that I have cut my family's grocery bill by more than HALF.

Yes, you read that part right too. HALF.

So, when you see me out shopping with my big ol' binder, know that I am pretty proud of being a crazy coupon lady! ;)



Now for the most important part:  this Saturday is Stamp Out Hunger, a program through the United States Postal Service that collects food for your local food pantries.



So, when you are out scoring great deals at the grocery store today, grab some extras and set them by your mailbox. Or raid your pantry and set out a big box of food. You'll be helping those less fortunate.

Have a good weekend!
-M

Thursday, May 5, 2011

A Whitesell Family Update

Haven't posted for a while. Life's been pretty crazy around the here. So, I thought I'd give ya an update on the happenings of the Whitesell household...

First off, we put our house on the market.

Isn't it cute?
If you're interested in a cozy 3BR, 2 Bath house, email me! ;)

So, we've been busy cleaning and making small updates so we could get it ready to sell.

I have been traveling for work a lot - as in almost. every. week.....which is fine, I love my job, but I have already been to KC more this year than I did in 2010 total!

Joe's been busy at work. They always seem to pick up this time of year. Maybe more people have athletic injuries as the weather starts to warm up?

Hannah keeps us the busiest. She is running, climbing, jumping, talking and testing us every moment of the day. And I LOVE it.  She just keeps us on our toes!

Easter 2011

Coloring Easter Eggs. She had a blast with the crayon.

Go Royals!

Reading - her favorite activity. Note the crown on her head...ha!

Plus, I am preparing to teach a class next week on Couponing and Price Matching. I am super excited to help 40 ladies learn to cut their families' budgets! I save 65 percent on average of my monthly grocery budget - and I want to help others do the same! :)

It's been a busy spring already - and it's just going to keep getting busier!

So...there's a little update on our family?
How is everything in your neck of the woods?

Monday, March 28, 2011

An Amazing 18 Months

Where in the world has the time gone?!

My little girl turned 18 months this past week.

18 mos
Hard to get an 18-month-old to pose...

18 months.
1.5 years

Wow.  Time sure does fly.
(Cue cheesy, sad remarks.)

Birth

I knew parenthood would be quiet the 'adventure', but no one could have explained to me how amazing it is to have a child.  I am so completely blessed to be the mother of such a smart, beautiful, joyful little girl. And blessed to have an amazing husband and partner on this journey.

Don't get me wrong, we have our days here at the Whitesell household.

Hannah is at that phase where the only way she knows how to express herself is to launch her cup across the room or throw her crayon at my face when I tell her she can only color ON the paper. And it is easy to get frustrated and mad, but then I remember that she doesn't know how else to tell me she is done eating and doesn't understand that you don't color on the carpet.  I love watching her learn knew things and express her personality.
(just waiting for a crayons on the wall incident....)

And the good days far outnumber the bad. I mean FAR outnumber.

She stacked those all herself!
Double-fisting the waters.

The time spent reading countless books, playing Tickle Time, having dance parties and talking rides in the wagon are so great. Amazing how your idea of fun changes after you have kids. Hannah is really getting into 'coloring' (aka scribbling) - what is more relaxing then coloring?! 


And you should see her dance the moment the music turns on! I need to figure out how to put my videos online. You are seriously missing out on some total cuteness!

Loving on Violet

Each day I spend with this kid, I learn something new. About her. About myself. About the world.

And life couldn't get any better.

Happy 1/2 Birthday Boo!
Love, Mom