WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Tis the season to make new bloggy friends! I am in serious need for some fun after all that wrapping and unwrapping so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels, put down those Christmas lights and do a little blog hopping!








<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.

There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Follow the guest hostess.

3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.

4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

I've Got the Bah Humbugs

There has always been some pressure when it comes to the holidays. The pressure to decorate, find a perfect tree, send out Christmas cards, and buy the right gifts. I used to LIVE for this time of year; the holiday music, the lights, the endless shopping bags and crowded malls. Not so much anymore.

Being that this is my second Christmas as a mom, I'm feeling a different kind of pressure. The pressure to have lights up, photos with Santa taken, starting some of our own Christmas traditions. To be honest, between work, more work, training for my half marathon and just being tired, I have failed miserably. With just 5 days until Christmas, I am nowhere to being close to that partridge in a pear tree. And I am not so sure I care.

I keep telling myself that,looking back, Stella will not remember whether or not we had a tree, or what she got for Christmas this year. I can start building the memories of being loved, having family around, and being an overall exciting time without all the Christmas bells and whistles, can't I?

I read the story about all the "secret Santas" going to the Kmarts and paying off other peoples' layaways the other day. I was sobbing. Sobbing. The hubby came home and asked what had happened and I could barely choke out the story. This is what Christmas is. It is a time of giving, helping those less fortunate, being with loved ones, and spreading joy whenever possible. When did we lose sight of this? Can I bring the spirit of Christmas to my own family and teach Stella that Christmas is more than what Santa has brought her for Christmas? Or am I the true Grinch this year?

May the Christmas spirit visit me tonight...

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! Tis the season to make new bloggy friends! I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels, put down those Christmas lights and do a little blog hopping!




<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week our gurst hostess is Momto8blog. Ever wonder what it would be like to have 8 kids?  Visit her and find out!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.

There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Follow the guest hostess.

3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.

4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! Tis the season to make new bloggy friends! I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels, put down those Christmas lights and do a little blog hopping!








<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week our gurst hostess is Momto8blog. Ever wonder what it would be like to have 8 kids?  Visit her and find out!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.

There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Follow the guest hostess.

3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.

4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Haute Mom Dilemma #58 - It's Flu Season

I know that with the holiday season comes flu season. I also know that having your little one in day care brings lots of icky germs around. I am not fond of either concept.

Yesterday Stella had her third high fever within a month or two. When I say "high fever", I'm talking about over 104. The nurses that answer the after-hours call-in line at my pediatrician's office know my whole family. Especially the nurse that is on duty between midnight and 3 a.m. Even though I have learned that 104 is apparently "nothing to worry about," I still worry. A lot.

There is something so heartbreaking about a sick, helpless baby who only wants to be held by mommy. Heartbreaking and difficult. Sometimes I wonder if I am the only mom that feels twinges of frustration when I need to pee and have to hold my child or go without her and hear scream at the top of her lungs.

Things like this force my normal multi-tasking brain to stop and focus on what is most important, my sick daughter. I have to push my natural urge to grocery shop, clean the house, do the dishes, and even shower, out of my head and just give my day up to comforting and caring for my precious little patient. It's probably as good for me as it is for her but that sure doesn't make it any easier.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! Tis the season to make new bloggy friends! I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels, put down those Christmas lights and do a little blog hopping!









<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.

There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Follow the guest hostess.

3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.

4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Tis the Season

Four weeks ago I made the decision to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by running the Tinker Bell Half Marathon with Team in Training.  The decision was not an easy one but was prompted when a close friend, Adam, of our was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the early ago of 29.

Originally, I had planned on running the 5K event on the last weekend in January.  When I received news of the diagnosis, it immediately hit home, not only did I think of Adam as a brother, but having a very close relationship to my own brother, I could only imagine the impact it was having on his family.  Adam has just completed his second of six to eight chemo treatments this past week and remains in great spirits.

I am a mom, I work two jobs, and lately, I have had the majoirty of my days not end until 7 p.m. at night.  Was I crazy for trying to take on fundraising and training for a marathon in addition to all of this? After a long discussion with the hubby, we knew it was the right thing to do.  I showed up to sign-up on the very first day of training, almost a month after the rest of the participants.

The support that I have received in the past month has been amazing. People have been overly generous, and some that have supported me were a delightful surprise.  It has made me proud to be surrounded by so many caring people that are willing to step in for a wonderful cause. As I make small sacrifices to fit in my training (getting up before 5 a.m., being away from Stella even more than I already am) I know that this is truly a part of giving back and others would do the same for me.  This year, the holiday sprirt is in full force.

For more information and progress on my training and Adam's condition, please click here.



Me, Adam, and his sister Heather at an ugly Xmas sweater party
over the weekend.



Wordless Wednesday

Instead of the blog hop today, I would like to end this month with the one thing that I am most thankful for.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Haute Mom Dilemma #57 - Falling Off the Wagon

Muffin top is not a term I am very fond of.  Especially since it can be used to describe a rather unsightly part of my body that seems to have developed somewhere during pregnancy.  Even after I lost the pregnancy weight, the annoying extra layer around my middle stayed put.  So long, low waisted jeans.

Over the past year or so, I packed on about five (ok, more like seven) pounds.  Again, normally not reason to panic, except now, those pounds are holding tight around my waist, kind of like Stella does when she doesn't want me to go to work.  But not as heartwarming.

I went back on a little diet about a month ago and along with my Team in Training workouts (have you checked out my webpage yet?) I was able to lose about five pounds!  Very exciting and the muffin top was diminished to minimal appearances.  And then came Thanksgiving.

I know I don't need to tell anyone about the damage that can be done on Thanksgiving, and if this was limited to one day it wouldn't be a big deal. As I peer in my fridge and look at the endless leftovers, it is quite apparent that the overeating may be here to stay.  And no, I don't have the willpower to fight it.  Even worse, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season known for the delightful eats throughout the entire month of December and of course, the onset of the New Year's resolutions of dieting.

What to do when trying to battle the holiday treats?  Exercise is a simple solution, and again, with my half marathon just around the corner, it should be an easy fix.  Although with the shortened days, cold weather, and busy schedules, it is easier said than done.  I did take advantage of our 80 degree weather this weekend (don't hate me) and managed to take Stella for a long bike ride. Perhaps I will just embrace the extra winter layer for now until I come up with a better solution or find some willpower.  The sad thing is, the entire time I have been writing this, the stuffing and pumpkin pie in the fridge have been calling my name.  Give me strength.

My workout partner.

A Time Of Thanks and Other Lessons

Last year I pledged to be thankful more often than just during this time of year. Although I may not have done this as often as I had hoped, I can say that I do find myself being thankful more often than in the past.

I truly believe that being a mom and having Stella is what has made the difference. The glasses that I see things from are a color that I didn't know existed. Stella has completely changed the way I look at family, work, and how I spend my time. Much of this has come from lessons that my sassy, little daughter has taught me.

Lessons Learned From an 18-month-old Teacher (in no particular order)

1. Love is unconditional - No matter what the mood, the situation, or the day's events, at the end of the day, your family members are there to love you no matter what and vice versa.

2. Schedules are sometimes meant to be broken - Not following a schedule can lead to quality time with loved ones that would have been missed otherwise.

3. Get mad, throw a fit, and get over it- When something happens that you don't like, have a quick 1 minute tantrum and then move on to something else. Don't dwell on it.

4. See the amazing things that life has to offer - Finding joy around you is simple. Whether it be something on the television, a walk in the sun, or even a new book, finding joy is easy. There are so many things to be happy about and they are right under our nose.

5. Play by your own rules - Who cares what the norm is. It doesn't matter if you want to wear pajamas all day long or watch the same thing on TV over and over again. Cookies for breakfast and pancakes for dinner? No problem. At the end of the day, nobody else cares.

6. You can never hug and kiss the people you love enough- Give hugs and kisses ALL THE TIME! When you can't use words to tell people how you feel, hug them and give them slobbery kisses to show them. It is surprisingly enjoyable!

7. Make each day a new day - It doesn't matter what happened yesterday. Live as though you don't even remember that it happened.

8. Be silly when you feel like it - Wear crazy hats and other people's shoes. Dance to commercials, roll around on the ground, and squeal out loud when there is something that excites you. The days are too short to worry about being judged, and when you surround yourself with people that love you, they won't judge you anyway.

Rule #4 - Joy is simple

Happy Thanksgiving!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! It is feeling a lot like holiday season and I love it! How about you? I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!







<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

We have a fabulous guest hostesses today, Carmen from Mommy Talk. Be sure to stop over there and say hello!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.

There are a few rules though:
1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Taking on Cancer, Mile by Mile

We all know that feeling of doom when things get so busy, it seems like there is no way out. Being a full-time mom keeps us busy enough not to mention being a wife, housekeeper, employee, and cook, just to name a few. I often know that I am overextending myself with all of the things I try to do.

For this reason, I have decided to take on another adventure. Am I crazy? Yes, but it is for good reason. A few weeks ago, a close friend of ours, Adam Eves was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. At 29 years-old, his entire world changed with one phone call.

The tumor is located in his chest and is a very aggressive tumor. In fact, his doctor has already spoken at a seminar about how severe his situation is and how fast growing the tumor has been. He has since completed two weeks of radiation and started chemotherapy treatment. It was his first of five to seven treatments over a time period of six months.

I had been training for a half marathon in January and decided to do some good with this at the same time. In honor of Adam, I have joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Team in Training for the half marathon event. I will now be running the half marathon for Adam and to raise money for cancer. The services that LLS provides ranges from research to financial support for cancer patients and has helped others I know personally in the past. Additionally, our team has honorary members, and they are both children with cancer. This struck home even more, as a mother. I knew right then that it was a perfect fit.

I have found myself wondering why I have decided to take on yet another endeavor. Do I really need to dedicate more time to something outside of my family and job? The answer is yes. As a mother, a sister, a friend, and a health educator, I know the severity of cancer and the effects it has on everyone involved. I want to not only raise money to bring us closer to a cure, but I also want to raise awareness of the types of cancers and warning signs. Signs that may one day save someone else's life.

What are the causes and issues that you find important in your own lives? Do you ever think that you alone couldn't make that much of a difference? You can! We all can and I am going to do it mile by mile (for 13.1 miles), dollar by dollar. I wonder how long it will take me...

Join the fight to help those like Adam!

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! It is feeling a lot like holiday season and I love it! How about you? I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!





<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

We have a fabulous guest hostesses today, Kalyn from And I Thought I Loved You Then. She is mom to beautiful daughter Eliza and has the coolest man gift I ever did see. Be sure to stop over there and say hello!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.

There are a few rules though:
1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

A Year and a Half Milestone!

I cannot believe that a year-and-a-half has gone by already.  It seems like just yesterday when I started blogging about how much my life had changed.  There are so many things that have are different and strangely, many things that are not.  The important things in your life as a person no longer hold true as a parent.  Each day I wake up with one thing in mind, my daughter. How has time gone by so quickly?

Here are some of the things Stella has taught me in the past year and a half:

• You don't know love until you have a child.
• Each day is a new day of discovering and learning. 
• You can never start getting ready to head out too early.
• Sick days are no longer reserved for when you get sick.
• A clean house is no longer the same as a tidy house.
• There is no end to laundry...or dishes...or taking the trash out.
• It doesn't matter how haute you look; sticky fingers can change that in a heart beat.
• No job can ever prepare you for being a mommy.

Being a mother has opened up my world in so many ways. I only have Stella to thank for all of the ways I have grown in the past year and a half!  Happy 18 months Stella!

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! It is feeling a lot like holiday season and I love it! How about you? I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!





<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

We have a fabulous guest hostesses today, Katie from Mommy With Selective Memory! Her blog is hilarious and she is a mommy of two toddlers and a full-time job! Visit her and say hello!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.

There are a few rules though:
1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Share that you are participating on your own blog.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Haute Mom Dilemma #56 - Treating the Patient

'Tis the season, Stella is sick. I have to say that (knock on wood) she doesn't get sick too often but since she has been in day care, the illness rates have definitely increased. Everyone warned me so I can't say that I am surprised, not that it makes it any easier. Our warning that croup was going around was received on Halloween and by Wednesday, Stella was sent home mid-morning with a fever. She has been sick going on four days now with a high fever (over 104) for at least two of those days.

The little patient while on a walk today
 to get some fresh air. 

The nights have been long lately because all the sick patient wants is "mama". My hubby thinks it's sweet that she want to cling to me when she doesn't feel well but I haven't felt this suffocated since one of my high school boyfriends turned into a "stage 5 clinger" as they put it. I feel bad admitting this but it is so tough for me to be loving and nurturing and put that frustration of not being able to even use the restroom without your little one screaming bloody murder aside. With hubby sleeping on the couch and Stella and I in bed, little sleep has been achieved and so my already thin patience is in the danger zone.

I just have to remember that Stella isn't feeling well, in fact, I have made that my mantra in attempts to not be grumpy with her during her cling-on moments. We have all gone through having sick little ones and if parenting wasn't hard enough, a croup-coughing 18 month old always shakes things up a bit. Fortunately for me, she's in her crib napping and I am going to take advantage by napping (well, when I am done blogging.)

The hubby is taking me out for dinner tonight because he sees the boiling point coming close to steaming out of my ears while grandma comes over to hang with Stella. When I warned her that she might need to be held a lot all she said was, "Like that is a bad thing?" Ha. Tap, tap, it's her turn.

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! It is starting to feel a lot like Fall and I love it! How about you? I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!

<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

We have TWO fabulous guest hostesses today.  Both are fellow haute moms and you are going to love what they have to say!  Lady Goo Goo Ga Ga will give you a good laugh (seriously, she is stinkin' hilarious.)  And Mackey's Moments wants you to button up!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.

There are a few rules though: 1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Share that you are participating on your own blog.

3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.

4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween Happenings

Halloween sure does change when you become a mom! I was looking through a friend's pictures from an adult Halloween party over the weekend and felt strangely disconnected.

I had done this party thing for years and this weekend was spent carving pumpkins, teaching Stella to say "trick or treat", and putting the finishing touches on our decorations. Today I will be going to Stella's Halloween party at her day care and later, ordering pizzas and having another family over to trick or treat.

I can't wait to get home and spend our first year taking Stella trick or treating, watching her expressions, and seeing her in her costume. Halloween is my favorite holiday and being a mom has brought it to a new level!

To kick off Halloween, my first article as a parenting columnist for a local newspaper came out yesterday and guess what, it's about Halloween.

Please take a look!
Gazette.com - The Mom Column

Have a happy and safe Halloween!




Pumpkin Patch Fun

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Tales from the Skies

Because we can't seem to sit still for too long, hubby and I took a quick trip to the Bay Area to attend the Bridge School Benefit Concert and pay grandma and grandpa a little visit. It just so happened that Dave Matthews was playing so I was super excited for the getaway. Because we were just heading up for the weekend, we decided to fly up and take Stella on her first plane ride. I figured, that the worst that could happen was that she would cry the entire one hour and fifteen minute flight.

I must admit, getting through security with the extra pursing hanging around my neck was a little nerve wracking and stepping onto a tiny 2 by 2 seated plane didn't help either. But as soon as we walked onto the tarmac and saw the plane (yes, that is how small the plane was...barf) Stella's excitement took over. She loved the plane, charmed everyone around us (which was pretty much everyone on the flight, did I mention it was a small plane?) and the flight went off without a hitch.

After no more than a couple hours of getting settled, we kissed Stella good bye and headed off for the Bridge Benefit Concert. The event was two days and we were in for tons of music played by Neil Young, Carlos Santana, the Foo Fighters, Mumford and Sons, Arcade Fire, Tony Bennett, Eddie Veder, Norah Jones, and of course, Dave Matthews. The Bridge School is a school that was founded by Neil and Pegi Young for children with severe speech and physical impairments. This benefit concert is an annual event that has been going on for 25 years, and this is the first time we have attended.

It was one of the most touching events I have ever been to. The children of the school are allowed to sit on stage and watching them enjoy the music was life changing. There were touching videos of the children in the school environment that made me understand how wonderful the school is and how it touched the lives of so many impaired children. While I am grateful for Stella's health, I am now also grateful that there are schools such as this to ensure that these children are given an environment in which they thrive.

My 1st plane ride!

Look at all the amazing children on stage!

Ready for my flight home!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! It is starting to feel a lot like Fall and I love it! How about you? I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!





<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

> Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Share that you are participating on your own blog. 3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Insipration to Us All

A few days ago I wrote a post about the importance of taking time doing things that you love to do. I recently decide to sign up for the Inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland in January to motivate getting back into one of my greatest loves, running (no, I am not crazy.) The post was prompted by a number of different things that have come to the surface in my life, including this quote that I read from Steve Jobs:
“When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: ‘If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.’ It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”

The quote inspired me to do just that, to be sure that everyday, I make the most out of what I have and with the chance of being cliché, to stop and smell the roses. There have been three separate events in the last 24 hours that have reminded me just how important this is. Two of these events are hitting very close to home as a mother, a sister, and a friend. One of my closest friends has just learned that her younger brother has cancer at the age of 29. Knowing her and the special relationship she has with her brother, I can only imagine the grief that they are feeling at this time. I have gone through the last few days heavy hearted, with her family in mind, as I waited the news. Shortly after hearing the diagnosis, I saw a story on MSNBC that caught my attention, again provoking tears, about a mother who was diagnosed with cancer shortly after she found out that she was pregnant with her first child. Given the choice to save herself with chemotherapy or ensure the health of her unborn baby, she chose to risk her own life. The mother was able to hold her newborn daughter shortly after giving birth, but died three days later.

I want to share this story from MSNBC because, as a parent, the choice this woman made is very relatable. We would give anything, including our lives for our children, our family. Keep in mind the quote from Steve Jobs, another person who died before his time and be inspired to live everyday to its fullest. Don’t focus on the negative or the little things that could be better but instead go out and spend the time doing what you once wished you could do, doing what you were thinking about doing “when you retire”, and doing things you enjoy with the ones that you love.

Cancer-stricken mom chooses baby’s life over hers

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! It is starting to feel a lot like Fall and I love it! How about you? I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!







<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week's guest hostess is Mommy's Reading Too. She is a mommy and a reader! I know, unheard of, right? She finds the time during naptimes, playdates, and any other free moment! Check out her fanstastic blog and be sure to leave her a comment so she knows you stopped by!

> Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Monday, October 17, 2011

Haute Mom Dilemma #55 -Going For The Gold

I was 33 years-old when I found out that I was pregnant with Stella. I will describe that moment as an unexpected surprise. Children had always been something the hubby and I had seen in our future, just a little further away. Still, who was I kidding, I was 33 years-old and not getting any younger so it was one of those things I chalked up to "it's that time". We were able to embrace this surprise, feeling that there were so many things we had already been able to do as a couple, that it was the right time to expand our family.

Now that Stella is 17 months, I couldn't imagine life differently. She is honestly the sunshine in my day. Everything I do is for her and I wouldn't change a thing. Things in my life are obviously altered, and I feel that time is passing by at a dizzying speed. Every now and then, I see myself doing things I used to do before Stella; things that seem like a faint memory. I catch myself wishing I had more "me" time to do those things. Being a career mom with two jobs, as well as a small business owner, I know that if I want any time to myself, it is going to have to be scheduled time. The hubby is WONDERFUL with helping out so that I can have time to do things that every woman needs to do like getting my hair done, or a much needed mani/pedi. He is always saying that I should go out and do this or that while he watches Stella, but I feel guilty. I feel like I am already gone so much because of work, all my free time should be spent with her. Yet, I can't help but wish (shamefully so), that I could find time to do something on my own.

For that reason, I have decided to bite the bullet and do it. I have signed up to run a half marathon in January. I used to run all the time, I mean ALL THE TIME. I have run in the Long Beach Marathon, done the Long Beach Triathlon, and a number of Ragnar Races. Running used to be my escape, and now, I am lucky if I can get one run in a week. Not anymore. By signing up for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon at Disneyland this January, I am SCHEDULING something that will push me to take more "me" time and train for this run. It is a happy medium for me because running is something that is flexible and I can do it at the best time for my family, and even take Stella along if needed.

I do find it comical that I have to schedule a half marathon in order to take "me" time, but we all have to do what works for us, right? I urge all parents to find the time to do something they love to do on a consistent basis. It keeps us sane, it keeps us happy, and it keeps us healthy. What is something that you loved to do before the little ones came along? Get out there and do it again! Go for it! And if anyone needs a running partner...

Dusting These Babies Off

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Friday, October 14, 2011

This Is How We Do It

Ten years ago, the word "haute" brought forth image of designer heels, backstage passes, city nightlife, and red roped VIP areas. Obviously things have changed since then and although many of those images still come to mind, the reality of my "hautness" looks a little different. This morning the amount of truth in that really took shape. I get up around 5:30 every morning. I used to get up at 5:30, go for a run, workout, shower, eat breakfast, and head out to work. Now I get up, shower, pray I get all my makeup on and my hair straightened before Stella wakes up, get her out of bed, get her milk, and hope I can spend five minutes with her before heading out to work. Things have changed.

I must share though, this morning I did a very haute thing. Something, I think, that may be some type of groundbreaking idea in the making! I was finished getting ready, got dressed, and noticed my pants were a little wrinkled on the bottom. I shrugged it off because, let's face it, to look presentable AND have wrinkle-free clothes is asking a lot these days. Especially on a Friday. I headed back into the bathroom to make sure there were no hints of those annoying curls left and turn off my flat iron (last week I left it on and got BUSTED by the hubby when I forgot). Picking up the flat iron to get that one stubborn piece of hair, I caught a glimpse of my pants with the wrinkled bottoms and...DING (that's the bell going off!) I ironed my pants (while wearing them) with my flat iron. Then, I got that stubborn piece of hair, shut off the flat iron (can't let hubby scold me twice!) and went to get Stella out of her crib. How haute is that? This was for all of you multi-tasking, scheduling, career moms out there - power to us all! That's how we get it done.

Stella thought it was a fabulous idea!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! Halloween is right around the corner and I am excited! How about you? I am in need of some new blogs to read and love so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!







<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week's guest hostess is GirlieMom! Just like me, she is a working mom but she has THREE little girls! She loves to write and since "life" has swept her up, she blogs! There are great tips for us hatue moms on her blog and you are sure to find more than one that you can relate to! We are welcome to have her join us this week!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess GirlieMom.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Monday, October 10, 2011

Haute Mom Dilemma #54 - So NOT Haute

Back when Stella was born, I mourned the loss of my "haute" life; dressing up, nights on the town, designer shoes, handbags, jeans, and eating and drinking to be jolly because I could hit the gym the very next day. Over time, I have not only come to terms with being a mommy, but embraced it, and found the happy balance between the joys of motherhood and keeping my peep-toe Louboutin wedged in the door of my old life. Stella is the highlight of my day and time with her has made finding a Gucci bag for 40% off meaningless. Well, not meaningless but...ok, that was not a good example. You get my drift. But there comes a time in a woman's world where all things considered "haute" come crashing into all things considered "mom". We have hit that point of no return...at least for a little while.

Now that Stella is becoming more and more independent, I have been able to enjoy fashion and fun with her in tow. Her personality and opinions are beginning to come out and my daughter becomes more and more fun each day. I envision afternoons of lunch, shopping, and mani/pedis in our future. Stella's growing independence has led her to become a self-feeding machine (among many other things). This is where the worlds have collided. I love that we can take her out to eat at our favorite pre-Stella restaurants and enjoy a glass of wine without having to spoon feed Stella the entire time, HOWEVER, this learning task has turned out to be well, quite messy.

Spoon or fork, it doesn't matter which, dangerously tipping left and right, front and back as I watch the food teeter near the edge, is not my idea of having a nice, chic dinner out. I have come to the brink of OCD, trying to pick up the food off of the floor each time a piece falls here or there. (Some may say don't go to those types of places with Stella but sometimes, a haute mom WANTS to.) Whatever pair of designer jeans or shoes I have chosen to wear that night run the risk of becoming a napkin or splash mat. I am not going to even address Stella's clothing at this point in time because all of you out there know what I am talking about here - and what is up with their ability to spill on the few places that the bib does not cover?! My hubby bought me a beautiful jacket for our anniversary and sadly wonders why I don't ever wear it out and I try to explain that "it has white honey, not safe with the little one at this point in time." Even at home, we struggle with the eating, the food, the spilling, the mess, the laundry! I'm too hot and sweaty from bending, picking, scraping, and washing to be haute, at least during meal time. Ugh. Maybe next month. In the meantime, I give big claps for Stella's learning to using a spoon, fork, and big girl cup - with my hair pulled back and ready to catch the droppings, of course.

Mmmmm! Yogurt all by myself!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! It is starting to feel a lot like Fall and I love it! How about you? I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!








<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week's guest hostess is Delco Deal Diva! She knows the ins-and-outs of being a haute mom with her 19, 8, and 3 1/2 year-olds! Wow! Check out her fanstastic blog and be sure to leave her a comment so she knows you stopped by!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess Delco Deal Diva.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Friday, September 30, 2011

If You Can't Leave Em, Bring Em

With the winter looming ahead, the hubby keeps pushing me to commit to a few ski trips. Ah, I remember the days when we would take off on a whim to fly to the best snow for the weekend. My ski bag was always packed and awaiting its new destination. Now all I can see is a packed car of strollers, toys, and baby gear. I used to get 20 plus days on the slopes and last year I got four. FOUR! I had to ride in a packed car and take a nanny in order to get that.

Lately I have felt like this is the story of my life. Finding the time to do little things like run, get my hair done, or anything remotely FUN on my own has been so difficult. I know that part of that is due to my inability to just chill and not take on a million different things but it always worked out before, why not now? Oh yea, motherhood. I know a babysitter or leaving Stella behind with hubby is always an option but I have this inner struggle about being away from her when I am already away from her all week and two nights a week between both my jobs.

So, I have come to the decision to find more hobbies where Stella can join me. I have already worked her in to most of my runs and although running with a baby jogger is DREADFUL, at least I can convince myself that I am getting more of a workout. And she loves rocking out to my Dave Matthews tunes. After dusting off our kayaks a couple of weeks ago, we took her with us (she rode in my kayak with me) and had a blast. We also had a gondola ride (with champagne and appetizers) booked and decided to bring her along at the last minute since she loves the water. (Who needs romance these days?) I am going to put a trailer on my road bike and start getting out there on some long rides. The hubby and I recently tried Stand Up Paddle boarding (sans the kiddo) and I have decided that I am going to just try and stick her on the front (not to worry fellow moms, she will have a life jacket on.) That is tomorrow's activity. I know I do need the ME time but until I can juggle my schedule into a more effective one, I am going to try every attempt to find things to do for FUN where Stella can tag along without it being a total kid centered activity. Who's with me, haute moms? Let's get those ideas coming!

Happy Friday!

Family Gondola Ride

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! With school in full swing, I feel myself giving in to the burdens of daily life! How about you? I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!





<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week's guest hostess is Nap Time is My Time. Emily is one haute mom blogging about her stay-at-home days with her beautiful son. Even better, she has some GREAT stuff about Halloween posted. She sure got my Halloween mood going! Be sure to stop by and say hello! Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess Nap Time is My Time.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Crying Over Spilled Milk

I love all the different stages of sippy cups that they make. Although confusing, it's nice to slowly be able to wean the little ones off the sippers. Stella can drink out of a regular cup now but walking around with it is disasterous. Those sippy cups come in handy for the times when we need some drinks on the go or when we can't watch her every second.

Every morning Stella sits in her pajamas and drinks some milk out of her sippy cup as I get ready for work. I'm really happy that she doesn't take a morning bottle and figured this was a good thing for her.

The other day I was sitting on the couch, putting Stella's shoes on and I smelled a horrific odor. I thought our dog had rolled in cat poop again. I sniffed out the dog and she smelled dirty, but was not the culprit. I caught a wiff of the ungodly smell again. Letting my nose be the detective, I traced the smell to the crack between our couch cushions. Sticking my hand in (clearly I am a mom now -fearing nothing that could possibly get on my hand), I felt wetness. Stumped and now gagging, I pulled the cushions up to reveal a smell so terrible, it gave me another notch on my mom belt. What was the wretched smell? Yup, spilled milk. Apparently, according to my hubby, it was from over a week ago when she spilled half her milk on the couch, don't I remember he had told me. Why he didn't clean it up after he supposedly told I'm not sure; if someone has figured their kind out let me know. I've tried everything, vinegar, baking soda, a whole lotta Fabreeze. Suggestions anyone? I'm crying over spilled milk...and may be in the market for a new couch.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! With school in full swing, I feel myself giving in to the burdens of daily life! How about you? I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!







<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the blog in front of you - we need to spread the love.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

A Bore in the Kitchen

For those of you have gotten to know me, you know that I'm no Betty Crocker. In fact, I wouldn't even feel comfortable saying I'm Chef Boyardee. Nevertheless, I have been trying to sharpen my skills in the kitchen so that I can make Stella good, healthy meals. Well that and the fact that her daycare provider is like a gourmet chef. She makes homeade pizza for Pete's sake. I can't have her making me look bad.

I have my go-to recipes that I make for Stellas. They aren't very many but she seems to enjoys them and they are nutritious. I've been feeling like maybe I need to branch out and find some new things to try. Apparently Stella feels that as well. The other day, she was enjoying her ravioli, peas, and milk. This is a meal I make fairly often, which she usually gobbles up. Well this time she fell asleep. That's right. FELL ASLEEP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MEAL! I think she was trying to tell me something about my cooking. Anyone have any recipes they can share? This haute mom needs a little spice in her dishes it seems!

My mom's cooking is a snoooze!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Friday, September 16, 2011

Haute Mom Dilemma #53 - Stop the Clock!

I've been feeling this tight feeling in my gut lately (gut...sad, I know). I'm starting to realize that it's stemming from the fact that Stella is growing up way too fast. I know that all my mommy friends have warned me about how quickly it all can happen but nothing could have prepared me for this.

I was watching Stella yesterday while on a walk. I let her out of her stroller to give her a little taste of freedom. She dug out her sunglasses and put them on before heading to the railing to look at the beach. Strutting around, my husband and I wondered where our little, snuggly monkey went. We have a 16 month old little lady who is potty trained with #1 already!

I could not have imagined how much I could love being a mommy and watching Stella grow up. Every day there is something new she discovers or a new word she adds to her vocabulary. I am so proud of her but at the same time, I wish time could stand still! I guess either way, she will always be my little baby.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! Summer is over for me! Can you believe it's back to school time? I am in serious need for some fun time with my fellow bloggers so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!





<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week, the guest hostess is They Don't Call Me Blank For Nothing. Her blog is darling and her posts have both focus and quite a creative humor! She is called a "mom" among many other things....Be sure to check this one of a kind blog out.

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! Let me know if you are interested in being our weekly spotlight blogger and guest hostess!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Weight on Your Shoulders

No matter how hard us haute moms try to keep it together, there always comes that time where it all getrs to be too much.  There is that feeling that everything is crashing down all at once and it takes every last bit of energy to keep your head above water.  I am having one of those times. 

I never know what exactly triggers it.  Most of us haute moms are busy because, well, we are haute.  We juggle our roles of employee, mother, child, cook, creative soul, wife, sibling, and whatever other roles we choose to fill in our daily lives. Usually it is effortlessly and with style.  Sometimes, however, those balls we are juggling all come crashing down into a useless heap on the floor.

As a woman, some spa time, a drink with the ladies, or a quiet night at home is enough to rejuvenate us.  Now I find that some of our roles (like being a mom) don't offer any time off and finding that important time is next to impossible.  The hubby asked me today why I needed any time, especially when he never gets any time off.  You can imagine where that conversation ended up.  Tonight I am struggling with finding my place, and picking up all of those balls that have fallen.  To be honest, some I would rather just leave on the floor.  While there once was a day I could steal for myself when times got rough, I know that tomorrow, the alarm will go off, Stella will be up, and I will be forced to deal with my twelve hour day.  I guess I need to find a new way to rejuvenate; one that is a lot less time consuming.  For now,  maybe I will just go by a really hot pair of heels online.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! Summer is over for me! Can you believe it's back to school time? I am in serious need for some fun time with my fellow bloggers so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!







<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week, you are all guest hostesses. Follow the blog above you and get at least one new bloggy friend! Better yet...check out everyone!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the blog above you.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Back from Heaven

After an absolute amazing weekend at The Gorge in Washington, it is back to reality. To me there is nothing better than the Dave Matthews Band. To top it off with a completely surreal venue like The Gorge takes the experience to another level.

Although we left Stella behind for four days, my hubby and I were soon thankful for my parents (who came down to watch her) while enjoying the view and free cocktails from the VIP tent. Friday was the first of three, wonderful, music-filled days ending each night with the Dave Matthews Band. I looked longingly at the small kids that were there and even got my baby fix by holding a few, but was grateful to be able to share the weekend with my hubby and some baby-free time. There were some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities (like a midnight screening of a movie after the concert) that we were able to enjoy, which would not have been possible with Stella. I even met Boyd and Jeff, two members of the band, after the screening!

This weekend taught me that we all truly need and deserve some time off from parenting and that when you do have the chance, take it and make the very best of it. I was so happy to come home to my baby girl and will never forget this weekend. I am not do happy about the extra pounds I put on from endulging myself all weekend but these tight pants are a small price to pay for the weekend. Have any of you had similar weekend getaways? I hope they were as great as mine and if you haven't...take one! A haute mom deserves it!

The Gorge

Me and Jeff Coffin

Hubby and I in the VIP tent

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Hitting the Road

A haute mom is always dreaming about that "escape" vacation where the children are just a loving thought and the concept of time to yourself has returned. The reality of actually getting that vacation is not easy but every now and then a chance pops up and you grab it!

The first time I left Stella overnight was to fly across the country for one night to go see my favorite band Dave Matthews Band. I cried all the way to Chicago (a 5 hour flight) but once I got there I had a blast. Today I am preparing to leave my little sassy pants behind to head to see the Dave Matthews Band in a 3 day music festival at the Gorge in Washington. Did I mention we are going as VIP; haute all the way! Four days is a lot more than 36 hours and I must say the excitement is squashed by anxiety.

My parents are landing from San Francisco in a couple of hours to hold down the fort for four days. The hubby and I take off at the crack of dawn until Monday afternoon. I have some guilt mixed with that pang in your heart you get when you know you will be away from a loved one. My husband keeps reminding me how much I need and deserve this trip but the mommy in me wants to be home with Stella. I keep reminding myself that Stella is going to have so much fun she probably won't know we are gone but I still can't shake that feeling.

I know we will have a fantastic time and that the feeling will pass. I am already changing our flight so that we get back earlier Monday then originally planned even though it will involve us waking up at 4 a.m. This is just a reconfirmation that even when you can grab that kid free vacation the mother in you never goes away. :)

"It's just me and you doggy."

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! Summer is over for me! Can you believe it's back to school time? I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!








<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week, our guest hostess is A Creative Princess.  Her crafts are AMAZING and easy to follow. You will find the hautest accessories on there and if you are creatively challenged, she also has an Etsy shop! Be sure to check it out!



Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess A Creative Princess.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)