Some Things Never Go Out of Style

I'll give you 25 guesses where I was Sunday night!!!

Rodeo
Papa Loved Mama
Beaches of Cheyene
Two of a Kind
Much too young
Good ride cowboy
Shameless
The River
Unanswered Prayers
We Shall be free
The Thunder Rolls
Long Neck bottle
Callin Baton Rouge
That summer
In Anothers Eyes (w/ Trisha!!!)
She's in Love With the boy (Trisha)
Wrong Side of Memphis (Trisha)
Friends in Low Places
The Dance
Ain't Goin Down
Turn The Page
Which one of them
Alabama Clay
Wolves
Two Pina Coladas

Some things just never go out of style ;)

Christmas Party

I had the honor of hosting The Hinkle Group Christmas party at my house this year. What fun we had! My sweet husband prepared the most delicious dinner, and we sang karaoke until way too late. So here's a pic of me and my girls who I work with. Beautiful, (inside and out), hard-working, smart women who love Jesus and can sing. What more could you ask for in co-workers? Nothing!

Lindsey (yes, me and my sis work together, and it works!), me, Jeanine (rockin' boss), Makini and Rene'

Love you girls! I'm so grateful for The Hinkle Group! Merry Christmas!

Be Yourself

“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken” Oscar Wilde

For Your Entertainment

Ahhhh, remember the days I used to watch the awards shows and report back to you the next day with the best and worst dressed...those were the days. I've got the CMAs on DVR and have only watched half of them. HOWEVER, I have a guest writer who sent me an email that had me in stitches. I swear, this woman would have readers across the globe if she had a blog of her own! Hope you enjoy this from BB (aka Miz Becky!).

Hey Holly, I'm sure you've already checked these out. There are some amazingly gorgeous women dressed well. There are also some...what the? people too.

First, Kelly Pickler, Kelly Pickler. I love you, you are gorgeous...if I woke up tomorrow and looked like you I'd smile all day. But, hun, who is dressing you? You're SO gorgeous that you can absolutely put the "girls" under cover! Pease check out ciaobella.

Marriage seems to be sitting well with Carrie Underwood. What a little doll.

What do you think of Taylor Swift? The dress works, but it seems she's too flat-chested to pull this off well.

I think Leigh Ann Rimes is doing a total coming out, in your face, "I'm a hussy" look to go with her recent confessions. Wonder if she's thinking this will make her a new sex symbol?

Gwyneth Paltrow is amazing. That dress would look trashy on some, but it looks classy on her. I think she looks great with a few extra pounds (which only means went from emaciated to toned and trim).

So many more, but my last expression is on Billy Ray Cyrus. Is it just me, or can he, Tish and Miley make anything they put on look like a blue light special from K-Mart? It's a gift that seems to keep on giving.

Click here: CMA Awards Red Carpet Pictures - The Boot

Hannah Montana and the Angel of Art

Hadley told me today, "Momma, I've changed my mind allot about what I want to be for Halloween (Belle, Cowgirl, Spider Girl, Doctor), but today I've changed it again. I want to be Hannah Montana."

Now let me get straight with ya'll. I have tried with all of my power to shelter my sweet girl from the evils of hoochie mamas, and the other evils of TV, radio and the modern world. Hadley only watches a little TV, and that is Nick Jr, and PBS...occasionally Playhouse Disney. So I was shocked to hear that she even knew that name.

I said, "Hadley, where did you hear about her?" She said, "I saw her on a commercial." Alex isn't allowed to watch his shows when Hadley is around, but obviously, she caught a peek of a commercial somewhere. So I told her she was NOT being Hannah Montana for Halloween, because she wasn't a good person to imitate. She said, "OK, I'll be a dinosaur then." To be continued what she finally decides (trust me, it will be something we have a costume for).

Second story: Thanks to our inspiration, we have been learning the prayer to St. Michael as a family. I've been wanting to do this for awhile, and our sweet friends gave us the boost we needed. The kids are doing great with it, and we practice it and add a line every night. So as I was tucking Hadley into bed, she said "Momma, I'm scared." I told her she had nothing to be afraid of, as St. Michael the Arc Angel, Jesus and Mary were protecting her. She said, "Momma, where does Michael the Angel do his art? Is that the cutest thing ever? She thought we were saying "St. Michael the Art Angel." And she was picturing him in heaven with his easel!!!!

Persecuted for our Faith

I picked Alex up from school on Friday. To fill you in, he is at a new school this year. Since pre-school, he has always attended a "non-denominational" classical Christian school. I put that in quotation marks, because every non-denominational school/church, has had some pretty strong beliefs, or core values, and pretty quick to set you straight if you don't agree with them. Why don't they just name themselves something? Sorry for going off on a tangent on that...and all my non-denominational brothers and sisters, you know I love you. Anyway, we moved him to another "non-denominational" classical Christian school (but much more of the teachings of reformation at this one).

Anyway, on with my story. Alex entered the car very distraught when I picked him up. He said that he and some kids in Bible class got into the discussion of Mary. He said they didn't believe that she was sinless, and only Jesus was sinless. Alex explained to them that if Jesus, who was without sin, was carried in her womb, and physically connected to her, how could she NOT be sinless! How could a woman who had sin in her, carry a baby who was and would be forever sinless? He got very upset about this and asked his Bible teacher, "Isn't Mary sinless?" To which he responded that the kids should stop the discussion and continue it with their parents when they got home.

Well, the conversation did not stop, but continued without the teachers knowledge. One little boy told Alex that he was going to hell because he was Catholic, and what Catholics believe is not true!

Really? Ten year olds? I mean, I have been told the same thing (by a teacher when I was in high school...nice), but ten year olds? And 4 short weeks into school mind you.

Alex was devastated, and asked if he could go to a Catholic school. Being the mama bear, I wanted to scoop him up in my lap, and say "yes baby, whatever you want!" But I didn't. I told him why we believe, what we believe about Mary (which he obviously knew, and held his own!), and why he ISN'T going to hell.

I started thinking back about being 1 of 2 families that were Catholic in my high school, and what I had to put up with. Honestly, I think it made me stronger in my faith. It led me to study more, and really be able to defend what I believe. I'm glad I went to a Christian school, and really glad I didn't go to a Catholic school. I know there are arguments for all kinds of schools, and they are all good arguments. I think that the decision has to be made for the individual family. Our decision was more educational, but feel strongly about Christian education as well.

For us, we were no doubt, led to this school by our Lord. So much prayer went into our decision, and we are very glad to be there. I know that this won't be the last time that Alex is challenged. We can only pray that it makes him even more proud to be Catholic, and that much stronger in his faith.

P.S. I spoke with the parent of the boy, and she was very upset. She said that they have talked to him and he is going to work on controlling his mouth (we have that problem in our family too). He apologized to Alex at school the next day, and all is well. Of course we forgive them. I just pray that Alex can move past the hurt really soon.

Life Just Ain't Fair

Every time a Red Robin commercial comes on TV, Alex says, "It's not fair! Those burgers on that

commercial look so good, and we don't get to taste them. They shouldn't be able to show Red

Robin commercials here since we don't have one near us!"

Buddy, I feel your pain. The have started showing H&M commercials here...pure torture.

White after Labor Day

I had on my white skinny jeans at a birthday party, and a dad (funny that a dad was the one saying this) came up to me and said "Only one more week of being able to wear those!" I said, no way! That is an old rule. Now I think it is totally fine to wear very white (not just 'winter white')pants through the winter. I know my grandmother would roll her eyes at that (just like she rolls her eyes when I decide to cut my hair short).

I'm not a fan of white shoes (not even in the summer), unless they are like flip flops or white gladiators. I even hate white sneakers. So the white shoes after Labor Day is a moot point for me.

But what do you think? Is it a big deal to you, or not? White after Labor Day that is. Do you still see people in white pants and think it is a faux pax? Would love to hear what my fellow fashionistas think.

To eat or not to eat...

At a playdate last week, I was stressing over the woes of having a 3 year old girl who thinks she rules the world. Who acts like life is over if she doesn't get her way. Who 1 minute is an angel, and the next an irrational mess, throwing a temper tantrum. One of the mamas there said it sounds like a gluten issue. I totally blew off the comment (probably for selfish reasons...like not wanting to deal with the hassle of changing a diet).

But then I got to thinking about it. Hadley has been complaining ALOT lately about her tummy hurting. So Friday, I made pancakes for breakfast. After she ate, she was holding her belly and said "Mama, every time we eat pancakes, my tummy hurts." I don't use junk on my pancakes...we eat agave nectar as opposed to syrup, and we topped that with berries. So it definitely wasn't Aunt Jemima hurting her belly.

So I decided at that point we were going to spend the weekend on a "gluten-free" experiment. Now we didn't go hard-core. Just no bread, pasta, crackers, etc. I didn't go so far as to read labels on things. Ya'll, I'm not kidding...she's a different kid. Completely compliant, obedient and pleasant.

So then Monday I made some muffins, and Tuesday morning she wanted one for breakfast. I decided to let her have it to see if her behavior changed. Halfway through the muffin, she said her tummy hurt. And 2 hours later in the CVS parking lot...meltdown of epic proportions.

Part of me feels bad that all this time, I just had to tweak her diet, and she is so much better. Then the other part of me is glad we caught it while she's still young. So I guess we are going gluten-free (for her at least). I know dinner time will need to be mostly gluten free for all of us. So any suggestions on INEXPENSIVE (anyone who knows me, knows I'm a big saver, and couponer) meals to feed my family in the gluten-free arena, I'll listen!

Words on my hubby

Just a few thoughts:

1) I don't like when my hubby has a stressful day, but my tummy does. He relieves stress by cooking gourmet meals. OK by me! So night before last we had gulf shrimp (in freezer from before oil spill), over pasta with some amazing white wine cream sauce...yum!

2) Whey can I go to a cell phone store and get nowhere (except to be told I have to spend a ton of money for a new phone or to get out of my contract), and he goes in for 5 minutes and comes out with a free new phone for me? Not complaining...it's great, but sometimes I wonder if my sales and negotiating skills got lost somewhere between my stretch marks and c-section.

3) Locked my keys in my car today. If you are close to me, you know this happens WAY too often. Once again, Super Tadd to the rescue. Not mad at me, no yelling...just shakes his head and laughs as he once again shows up to save me. I always tell him to be glad I have all the kids, and didn't lock them in the car! Glad he finds my air-headedness endearing.

I think these things are God teaching me that I don't have to be so independent, and to learn to depend on my husband, and that it's ok to do that! Love my man!

How Hair Makes Me Happy

I love to braid hair. When I was preggers with Hadley, I was so excited to be having a girl so I could play with her hair. Well, she's 3 1/2 now, and still not much hair to work with. However, this is what the Lord blessed me with as a niece!

Seriously? Who could keep their hands out of that hair? Not me! While we were in Mobile with the whole family, I did Gianna's hair in double french braids and it was so cute! She finally sits still for me to fix it!

I also visited my sweet Maw-Maw in Mobile. She is aging quickly, and we can barely communicate with her anymore. She has lost her sight as well. Very hard. Anyway, this visit, I only had Eli with me, and he was very clingy. But I did play with Maw-Maw's ponytail and told her I hope my hair will be beautiful like hers one day. One of the nurses agreed, and said she loves to have her hair braided, and that anytime someone tells her that her hair is pretty, she asks if it is in a french braid. She also said that one of her granddaughters always french braids it. That is me I told her! Since I had Eli, and nobody to hold him, I couldn't braid her hair. But it made me feel so good, that no matter how far gone I think her mind is, she knows she loves to have her hair braided when I visit. I told her that it brings me as much joy to braid her hair as it does her. Now every time I do a french braid (hopefully on my own daughter eventually), I'll always think of my Maw-Maw.

May/June Transformations

For the answer to how much my outfit costs, and for more fun and fashion tips, check out my newsletter! If you aren't on my email list, and want to be, leave your email in my comments section, or email me at holly@ciaobellaimages.com.

Can You Guess?

Can you guess how much this outfit cost me? I'll throw some name brands at you to help you out.

• Old Navy Tank
• Banana Republic Skirt
• North Face Flip Flops
• Hat, bracelet, necklace brands unknown

Go ahead, give it your best shot! And sorry about the poor quality, I Phone picture!

I have confidence...

...that if I were a man with hairy arms (like up to my shoulders), I would refrain from wearing sleeveless shirts.

We Are Nashville

Thanks to all of you who called to check on us during this crazy time in Nashville. We are fine, thank God! We had one house in our neighborhood that had flooding in their garage, and we had some roads buckle and some damage to a bridge and our neighborhood playground. So in the big scheme of things...nothing. So many have lost their homes, their possessions, and some, their lives and loved ones.

But I can't tell you how beautiful it has been to see such an outpouring of love and community during all of this. We have had friends affected by this terrible flood, and have heard stories of how people have come to the rescue. Before FEMA arrived, before Red Cross arrived. Neighbors, churches, complete strangers were there to help these people pick up the pieces that were left and lend a helping hand. Strangers, covered in mud and sewage from climbing under houses and ripping out ductwork. Covered in dust from cutting out drywall. Coughing, sneezing, sick from the mildew infested carpet, furniture, clothing, and air. It's such a good reminder that you don't have to look far from help. And that people really are generous...sometimes it just takes a natural disaster to get people going.

There are tents set up in these neighborhoods that were destroyed. Here, people, restaurants and grocery stores bring food and drinks daily so that lunch and dinner will be available to these people who still have no power, no food, and some of them no money to replace these things.

Below is a video clip of some of the pictures from the flood, and the quotes are from a blog post from a local who had some great things to say. Please continue to reach out to these people in any way you can. If you aren't local, there are plenty of ways to donate. If you can't donate, please pray. There are so many stories out there that would just break your heart.

One way you can help (and be really fashionable at the same time) is to buy a "We are Nashville" t-shirt. I'll be heading over to Nashville Clothing Company to pick up one for myself this weekend!

'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!

And the winner of the naming of the newsletter contest is....Molly! The newsletter's name is Transformations! I'm throwing an honorable mention at Miz Becky. I'm using her "The Girl Across the Room (never envy her again, advice on being her)" for the advice column! She gets a $50 gift certificate! Congrats girls. And I promise, you'll get the newsletter soon. I worked really hard on it, made it beautiful, and the file is too big to email. I may have to make it less beautiful so I can get it to ya'll :( Congrats girls, and thanks to everyone for the creative names. It was a tough decision!

Win $100 Gift Certificate

Ok people, I'm giving away $100 Bella Bucks (that's a gift certificate towards my services)! But I need your help! I'm in the process of creating my very first newsletter, and I'm very excited about it. But I want some input as to what I should name it. It's going to have articles, tips, a Q&A section, and of course a client section with before and afters.

So put on your thinking caps! I want to get the newsletter out by week's end, so contest ends on Thursday. Oh, and if you are out of town (too far for me to travel) and you win, no worries. We can do a partial consultation online!

To enter, just leave a comment with what you think I should name my blog. And if you want to receive the newsletter via email, leave your email address in comments section or email me at holly@ciaobellaimages.com. Let all of your blog buddies know so I have lots of ideas to choose from!

Good Luck!

You Were on the Cross

Yesterday, all I wanted to do was spend time praying, meditating and reflecting on the death of our Lord. Tall order for a mom of 3. Satan did everything in his power to make this not happen, and most of the day it worked. I had a really hard "mommy day." I found myself praying, "Lord, I just want to spend time with you!!!" And the truth is, spending time with my kids (even at their worst) IS spending time with HIM! So as my 3 year old was throwing fit after fit, and literally throwing her sippy cup at me while I was driving down the road, I "offered it up." I knew that I was going to have a little time with Him at the Good Friday service at church, where I could utilize the nursery. WRONG! No nursery. More offering it up. As I prayed last night, the Lord put this song on my heart. Even at my worst (which really isn't that bad) and I wonder where he is, he's there, on the cross.

Lost.

Everything is lost

And everything I’ve loved before is gone

Alone, like the coming of the frost

And a cold winter's chill in my stony heart

Where were You when all that I’ve hoped for

Where were You when all that I’ve dreamed

Came crashing down in shambles around me?

You were on the cross

Pain.

Could You take away the pain

If I find someone to blame

Would it make my life seem easier

Alone, all my friends are asleep

And I can't find anyone to stay awake with me

And where were You when sin stole my innocence

Where were You when I was ashamed

Hiding in a life I wish I’d never made?

You were on the cross

My God, my God All along, all along

You were on the cross You died for us

All along, all along

You were on the cross

Victorious

All along, all along

You were there in all my suffering

You were there in doubt and fear

I'm waiting on the dawn to reappear

By: Matt Maher

CD: Alive Again

Wisdom of a Man Named Joe

Last weekend, we had a business fair at our church. I had a table set up there, and it was great to share my business with the people of my parish. I was doing free, quick, wardrobe analysis and consultations. I met a very interesting and confident man named Joe. He came up to my table and said, "So, what do you think of my image, never mind, don't tell me. I already know. My image is perfect, because I am made in the image of God. In fact, we all are, which means, nobody needs to hire you."

He got me thinking. He is right, we are all made in the image and likeness of God, and when we meet him one day, we will have perfect bodies, and no thoughts of insecurity. However, we don't all have perfect bodies and/or the confidence of Joe. I heard a lady speak at the women's conference yesterday, and she mentioned the Dove "Real Women" campaign from a few years ago. The campaign statistics showed that 2% of women label themselves as beautiful. 2%!!! This is crazy to me. I look around every day and see the beauty of the women I come in contact with. So different, and so "perfect." Even though we are perfect, and God sees us that way, and is crazy about us JUST THE WAY WE ARE, that doesn't mean we see ourselves that way.

So that's where I come in. You know, when I describe my business, I compare what I do to the show What Not to Wear. I should really stop doing that, because the way I approach the whole process is very different. I don't choose to tear you down only to bring you back up. I take the person and ask them about their insecurities. I teach them to love what God has given them, and to make them look and feel beautiful, no matter what their body type or perceived flaws.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all felt like Joe about ourselves? I would totally be fine being out of business if that's how we all felt! I would find something else to do. But thanks to the media, Satan, and original sin, we don't all feel that way.

A new friend asked me about my business not long ago. She said, "So do you think that a sweet little nun with a bulky habit, and no make-up needs your services?" My response, "Heaven's No!" That little woman has given her life to God, and is probably very confident that God loves her just the way she is.

I'm not out to make a little fashionista clone army. Just as God made us all look different, I think we should all dress different. I like to help people feel comfy in the skin they are in while wearing things that make them feel good about themselves (so sue me if for me these things happen to be skinny jeans, cool boots and trendy jewelry)!

So today, I challenge you all to tell yourself you are beautiful, and mean it. And if you don't feel it, go through your closet and put something on that makes you feel beautiful. Then thank God for giving you this beautiful body that is made in HIS image!

Finger Lickin' Evil

Do you know how hard it is not to lick the spoon after you've made chocolate muffins for your daughter's preschool? Well, it's hard. Ridiculously hard. Borderline heroic

Domestic Monastery

I borrowed this from my friend Laurie's blog. Good stuff if you have a minute to read. And, I have a friend who suggested a Ron Rolheiser book to me years ago. I started it, and decided I wasn't smart enough to read his stuff. I think I'll try again ;)
The Domestic Monastery

Written by: Ron Rolheiser OMI January 7, 2001

Carlo Carretto, one of the leading spiritual writers of the past half-century, lived for more than a dozen years as a hermit in the Sahara desert. Alone, with only the Blessed Sacrament for company milking a goat for his food, and translating the bible into the local Bedouin language, he prayed for long hours by himself. Returning to Italy one day to visit his mother, he came to a startling realization: His mother, who for more than thirty years of her life had been so busy raising a family that she scarcely ever had a private minute for herself, was more contemplative than he was.

Carretto, though, was careful to draw the right lesson from this. What this taught was not that there was anything wrong with what he had been doing in living as a hermit. The lesson was rather that there was something wonderfully right about what his mother had been doing all these years as she lived the interrupted life amidst the noise and incessant demands of small children. He had been in a monastery, but so had she.

What is a monastery? A monastery is not so much a place set apart for monks and nuns as it is a place set apart (period). It is also a place to learn the value of powerlessness and a place to learn that time is not ours, but God's.

Our home and our duties can, just like a monastery, teach us those things. John of the Cross once described the inner essence of monasticism in these words: "But they, O my God and my life, will see and experience your mild touch, who withdraw from the world and become mild, bringing the mild into harmony with the mild, thus enabling themselves to experience and enjoy you." What John suggests here is that two elements make for a monastery: withdrawal from the world and bringing oneself into harmony with the mild.

Although he was speaking about the vocation of monastic monks and nuns, who physically withdraw from the world, the principle is equally valid for those of us who cannot go off to monasteries and become monks and nuns. Certain vocations offer the same kind of opportunity for contemplation. They too provide a desert for reflection.

For example, the mother who stays home with small children experiences a very real withdrawal from the world. Her existence is definitely monastic. Her tasks and preoccupations remove her from the centres of power and social importance. And she feels it. Moreover her sustained contact with young children (the mildest of the mild) gives her a privileged opportunity to be in harmony with the mild, that is, to attune herself to the powerlessness rather than to the powerful.

Moreover, the demands of young children also provide her with what St. Bernard, one of the great architects of monasticism, called the "monastic bell". All monasteries have a bell. Bernard, in writing his rules for monasticism, told his monks that whenever the monastic bell rang, they were to drop whatever they were doing and go immediately to the particular activity (prayer, meals, work, study, sleep) to which the bell was summoning them. He was adamant that they respond immediately, stating that if they were writing a letter they were to stop in mid-sentence when the bell rang. The idea in his mind was that when the bell called, it called you to the next task and you were to respond immediately, not because you want to, but because it's time for that task and time isn't your time, it's God's time. For him, the monastic bell was intended as a discipline to stretch the heart by always taking you beyond your own agenda to God's agenda.

Hence, a mother raising children, perhaps in a more privileged way even than a professional contemplative, is forced, almost against her will, to constantly stretch her heart. For years, while raising children, her time is never her own, her own needs have to be kept in second place, and every time she turns around a hand is reaching out and demanding something. She hears the monastic bell many times during the day and she has to drop things in mid-sentence and respond, not because she wants to, but because it's time for that activity and time isn't her time, but God's time. The rest of us experience the monastic bell each morning when our alarm clock rings and we get out of bed and ready ourselves for the day, not because we want to, but because it's time.

The principles of monasticism are time-tested, saint-sanctioned, and altogether-trustworthy. But there are different kinds of monasteries, different ways of putting ourselves into harmony with the mild, and different kinds of monastic bells. Response to duty can monastic prayer, a needy hand can be a monastic bell, and working without status and power can constitute a withdrawal into a monastery where God can meet us. The domestic can be the monastic.

Home Sweet Home!

We got it! After a very long weekend, and even longer day today, we found out we got the house! We move in tomorrow. And thanks to my sweet sister, and precious son's help, you could eat dinner off my baseboards, and bathe in my toilets!

Patience and Trust

So if you would've asked me on Friday what I was doing this weekend, I would've told you I was moving into my dream house (seen above). However, not happening yet. Here's the story for those of you who don't know.

We went to close on Friday at 3:30, check in hand, pen ready to sign. Well the closing attorney told us that when the builder bought the land, he was to pay the neighborhood a marketing fee. Builder went under, never paid fee. So then the current owner bought the house from the bank. He went to sign the papers to sell the house to us and saw this fee on the papers. He said he wouldn't sign, because it wasn't his responsibility to pay, it was the builder's. And no, the fee is not small enough for us to pay it, just to get into the house. So needless to say, we couldn't close without his signature. Story to be continued. We didn't get out of there until 6:00, with no resolution. Hoping it all works out tomorrow, but may not.

So what did I end up doing this weekend? Canceling movers, fridge and furniture delivery, PODS pick-up, etc. Good times. BUT, I got to enjoy this BEAUTIFUL weather with my family. The sunshine gave us all a boost.

We were saying our family prayers the other night, and Tadd prayed for patience. Right when it came out of his mouth, I said, "NO! Don't pray for patience! God will give you opportunities to practice it!" Needless to say, we have been given that opportunity.

The good thing is, we both totally trust that God's will is going to be done in all of this, and we have turned it over to Him. So if he doesn't want us to have this house, we will know.

So we wait, and trust.

Ashes to Ashes...

and dust to dust. We hope you burn your britches when you jam with us (clap, clap), jam with us.

Ok, sorry for the cheer. I couldn't resist. This post is not about cheerleading, but about Ash Wednesday. The beginning of Lent, or the 40 days before Easter. Looking forward to Lent. The older my kids get, and start to understand, the more I look forward to it. There are so many teaching opportunities.

Just a few things I wanted to share about today (mainly so I don't forget these things in the future).

1) While at mass this morning, we were waiting in line for ashes. Hadley saw some people sitting in the pews who had already received theirs. She asked me what they were. I said, "They are ashes, and you are about to get some!" She said, "Ok Mama, I want pink ones!" So cute, she is such a girly girl. Only she would ask for pink ashes!

2) When I was about to drop Alex off at school after mass, he said, "Mom, are my ashes still there?" I told him they were, but a little faded, and asked him if he wanted them gone. He said, no, he wanted them there all day. I don't know about you other Catholic girls, but I was never proud of my ashes as a kid. In fact I think I always thought seriously about cutting bangs every winter to cover them up. No really, I think it was because I grew up going to Christian (but not Catholic) schools, and had very few Catholic friends. Not an excuse! Alex is in the same boat, and loves his ashes. Love that kid.

3) A man behind me in the grocery store said to me, "Enlighten me." I said, "Pardon me?" He said, "Enlighten me. What's on your forehead?" REALLY? I thought everyone knew about Ash Wednesday, even if you aren't Catholic. So I explained.

4) I told you my family gave up sweets for Lent. Well, Alex's teacher decided to share a cookies and cream (Alex's fav) candy bar with the whole class. He declined. He said it was so hard, and he almost cried. He even said another little girl in his class gave up sweets for Lent and she took a piece of candy. Like I said about teaching opportunities...this was one. I think he is learning about true sacrifice. He also said someone had steak for lunch...he had PB&J...no meat on Ash Wednesday. So proud of my little guy.

P.S. Nobody forced him to give things up. HE chooses what to do.

How Krispy Kreme Saved Me

Problem #1: Hadley, in new preschool. New teacher tells me on Monday that there will be a Valentine Party on Wednesday, and to bring valentines for the class. (I know what you are thinking..."Genius, it's that time of year. You should be prepared." In my defense, the month of February is crazy for us...3 birthdays 1 anniversary, and now closing on a new house...so Valentines isn't at the top of my list.)

Problem #1 Solved: Pick up one dozen donuts from KK, get 12 free valentines with coupons for 1 free donut on each. Done.

Problem #2: I ate 1/2 of the box of the donuts I bought to get the free valentines.

Problem #2 not solved yet. Donuts went straight to my arse.

Problem #3: Alex has a male teacher. He told us about the Valentine Party on Thursday the day before the party. Asked us to bring something, God love him.

Problem #3 solved: Picked up another dozen donuts (the cute heart shaped kind seen below), got 12 free valentines. Also, used the 2 leftover valentines to get me and Hadley a snack. That one went to my gut.

Problem #4: I walk in the class with a dozen donuts and valentines (no, I didn't eat these), and Alex is embarrassed that I brought Valentines. Apparently, 4th grade boys are too cool for this. I almost walked out the door with the valentines and got myself 12 free donuts with the coupons, but the kids talked me out of it.

Problem #4 almost solved by me yelling at my son (in front of the whole class) how he is ungrateful, and he needed to get over himself and quit trying to be so cool because one other boy didn't bring valentines. Changed my mind, and decided to let my sister get this year's Mom of the year plaque.

Moral of the story. My family is giving up sweets for Lent. I'm obviously addicted, and it will be the hardest thing in the world for me to sacrifice. Pray for us! I Heart Krispy Kreme (pun intended)!

Olympic Time Baby!

I love them! Tadd and I so look forward to the Olympics! We watch them constantly when they are on, and even sit through the entire opening and closing ceremonies. My favorite part of the Olympics are the stories you hear about the athletes (of course...this is how the media draws women into sports...they pull at our heartstrings!). Anyhoo, I always look forward to seeing what the US Team wears at the opening ceremony. Ralph Lauren has been the designer for the last few Olympics, and my reviews are mixed about his designs. Here are a few pics. What do you think? Do the outfits represent America? I do recommend going to the NBC site to see some closer pics if you can't make a judgement by my pics.

Here's what I think. From the waist up, I think they are ok. I like the Abercrombie type moose hats, and the puffy jackets. Very "Colorado Ski Resort Chic." However, underneath are these bulky cable-knit off-white sweaters...just ok. I'm not a fan of cable-knit, and definitely not a fan of off-white sweater w/ white pants. And the white pants are baseball looking pants. Not a fan. The boots didn't excite me either. Oh, and the socks were off-white like the sweater. Scary. In Mr. Lauren's defense, how hard must it be to design something like this? I mean, all the things to consider: 1) It must be for both sexes 2) It's got to be warm and comfortable 3) It's got to be as American as Apple Pie and hot dogs (but healthier than that since these are athletes people).

Anyway, I know I'm rambling, but would love to hear your opinion. And more importantly, I would love to hear if I'm the only psycho that is waiting with baited breathe to see what the US Olympic team is wearing.

Patron Saint of Flat Tires

This past Thursday, my friend Stacy's daughter, Riley was receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. She asked me to be her sponsor, so I drove to Louisville on Wednesday night to be with them for a few days. We had such a great time. I just took Eli, and my sweet hubby took care of the other two kids.

Anyway, Stacy and her family live right in the middle of downtown. She literally only gets in her car once a week to go to Wal-Mart and Costco. They walk everywhere, from church to yoga class to dinner out.

So on Thursday, Stacy and I were walking to Mass and lunch, and she stopped and picked up three pieces of rusty metal that resembled bent nails, and she said "Perfect!" Puzzled, I asked why she just picked them up. She laughed and said that when on walks or runs with her husband, she always picks up nails or anything that could give you a flat tire. So her husband calls her "Stacy, the Patron Saint of Flat Tires." And that is the kind of person she is. She is so kind and giving and always thinking of others.

Ya'll, these are the kind of people I'm surrounded by. The Lord has blessed me so richly with friends who I strive to be more like (because they are so much like Christ). And when I think I don't have room in my heart for another friend, he sends me more. I love my friends, and the uniqueness they bring to my life.

Who is she kidding?

Not me. You still have a mullet Kate. Still business in the front, and party in the back...just a longer party. Does this crack anybody else up? I mean, every time I see a picture of this hair, I laugh...see? Laughing now.

You asked for it

So I re-posted with pictures below. Figuring out this Mac thing...and kind of liking it.

Worst of 2010...so far

I really hope 2010 has more to offer us in fashion this year (I mean more fabric). I've seen some yucky outfits. Please people, put some clothes on so we can let our kids watch TV!!! I really want to say nice stuff about people...really I do. But I need something to work with here. Soon, I'll dedicate a post to sweet Taylor Swift. She is usually modest, and is a decent role model for our little girls. These below...leave little to the imagination. So warning, if little eyes watch while you blog, come back to this one later.

J Lo left her dress at home and just wo

re pantyhose on her whole body on N

ew Year's Eve. My sweet Alex wanted to watch the ball drop in Times Square on TV this year. So I let him stay up and ended up having to cover his eyes so he didn't have to see this ridiculousness.

Miley left 1/2 of her dress at home on VH1's Divas. This girl's daddy wants

be everywhere else with her, why can't he be with her when she picks out her dresses?

Someone please give Kelly Clarkson my card (she can't dress, but sister CAN sing!).

I hope Miley is only paying her dress maker 1/2 price for only making her 1/2 dresses!

How old is she again? Seriously? Tadd says Hadley will NEVER watch Hannah Montana. Amen Honey

!