Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Movin' on Up...

Hi all. No we aren't moving. But my blog is!! Be sure to add the new address to your reader... I'm making the switch over to Wordpress. I hope I like it.. if not. I could be back... :)

Come visit me.. tell me if you love it, hate it, or don't really care. :) 

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Oh! How Pinteresting...

It's been a few weeks since I did a Pinterest post.. (Or has it? I can't remember.) 

google


I want one. In a grown up size, please! 


I spy a little Hounstooth pillow...


Hello...


Well, how did that get in here?


I would like a leg transplant, please.


This ROCKS my face off. 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Discouragement. It really stinks.

You know those days where your running doesn't make sense to the training you've been doing? Even running 4 miles is a struggle when you did 10 with little problem? Well.. those training runs turned into a training week. After a few of those terrible runs, you get discouraged. It starts to wear on your mentality. You start to doubt yourself. And I don't like doubting myself. 

Then I reminded myself that Nick Saban harps on having "mental toughness" which he defines as: 

"I think mental toughness is a perseverance that you have when you can make yourself do something that you really don't feel like doing. In other words, you don't really feel like getting up, but you get up. You don't feel like practicing today, but you practice. You don't feel like focusing today, but you focus. And, even in difficult circumstances and difficult surrounds, you can stay focused on what you need to stay focused on. "
Nick always knows what to say. 

I also turn to Pinterest to help motivate me to go out and take my groove back. 

Source: None via Rachel on Pinterest



Source: google.ca via Rachel on Pinterest


I think you have to have those kind of training runs. The ones that hurt. That make you doubt what you are doing and why you are doing it. They may not make you physically stronger, but they make you mentally stronger. 

To me, mental strength is just as important as physical strength. Your mind will give out before your body will. You need the mental toughness to shut that voice down that says "you can't do this." 

So, I knew I had to pump myself up before my last double digit run for my Savannah training. 
For some reason, this series always pumps me up. 

Anyway, it helped. It got me out of my mental funk. Although, isn't it always 2 weeks before a race that you start to realize other things you should have been doing? Like cross training? Ouchies for my hip. I swear I'm going to start strength training for those.. if I could just figure out what will strengthen them. 

Random. I just found out that there is a half marathon in Birmingham 15 days after Savannah.. thoughts on should I run that or not? 

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Third Saturday in October.

For Alabama fans, the third Saturday in October is the second biggest rivalry game for us during football season. 
There is just something about the Tennessee game that brings out the ugly in some people. Must be all that orange. 
Typically, Tennessee fans and Alabama fans just don't get along. It's just one of those things. 

This rivalry game is always played on the third Saturday in October. ALWAYS. And the winner always smokes a victory cigar. ALWAYS. 

Friday wasn't my day and I ended up forgetting my dress in Cullman and we had to go shopping for me a outfit. Turns out, it was in my favor because it was COLD people. 




Molly said I owned more houndstooth than anyone she knows.. it's kind of like heaven. 

We decided we needed the break out the red coronas this week. They are always a hit! 

As always, the tailgate was a hit, with lots of people stopping by that don't normally.. (Holla!! Lindy!) 

I was pretty cold during the game, when I looked around I noticed I was the only one totally bundled up like it was 20 degrees.. I can't handle being cold. Then I realized, it's because my friends that sit in the seat next to me weren't there. 




Of course I took a picture of this extremely drunk girl. It was like she didn't even check the weather before she left the house!! I may be in my winter coat, but honey, you at least need a cardigan! 

After a rough first half.. (seriously. Let's not relive that.) We dominated the second half and that Rammer Jammer was a sweet one! 

For those of you not familiar, we have a song we sing after we beat teams-- it's called Rammer Jammer. I shall give you the words so you can be familiar and learn some of traditions (albeit, however "classless" they are.) 

Hey Vols!
Hey Vols! 
We just beat the hell out of you!
Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer,
Give 'em HELL Alabama! 

We used to play it before the games, but I think it got banned from being played. 

Starting halfway through the 4th quarter, you could smell the celebratory cigar smoke. 
Word on the street at that point was that LSU starting their chant "WE WANT BAMA" during the Auburn game. Our student section started chanting "LS-WHO?" That game is going to be INSANE and yes, I am missing it to run Savannah. Don't worry... I plan on finding a nice little bar with a tv to cheer my Tide on and you better believe I will have on a game day outfit!


That's 5 in a row for our streak, yo!!

It's not lit, peeps. 

Friday, October 21, 2011

Why you hire a professional photographer.

Sometimes, when I am in my time-suck otherwise known as, Pinterest. I come across something and I'm all, "Oh. This is happening."

A certain Superman picture (that has since been taken off Pinterest. Boo.) made me think of this little boy: 


As a photographer.. I can make a lot of things happen if you show me a picture you are going for. I know what I am doing there. I may not be a Photoshop genius, but for the most part, I can make things happen. 

The problem is when you, the photographer, want someone else to take a picture for you. No matter if you describe to a T or even show them the picture, most likely, they won't get it. 

J was pretty pumped about the picture. We tried to take it at the party and after two hours of hell, trying to Photoshop Claire into a picture, John took one look and said, "No. I need to be in a suit." Well.. okay. Wish I would have known that on Sunday. 

So, I gather the supplies and tell John to meet me at his mom's after work and we are doing. this. picture. 
He starts in on how he needs Clark Kent glasses.. um. Okay. Then you need to go find them. He wants me to grab some 3D glasses (!?!?!) and bring them. Done.

About 3 minutes into this photo op, I want to chunk these glasses in the road. He wants to be throwing them.. Um. Okay. 
And we have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. 
Pictures are hard for kids that age. I know. This is my life. I get it. 
I also use tricks and noises and generally act like a fool to get kids to look at the camera and sometimes it doesn't work. 

We took 99 pictures to try to get this family picture. (NINETY-NINE.) 
(Side note: I am doing a Project 12- one family photo a month for a year and it may kill me)

While I am not showing you all 99.. I am showing you a few of the gems we have. This is why you hire a professional people! Which is what I really need to do. But I am stubborn.
This is just a Hot Mess. 

John is giving the air gun to someone...

Could have been cute if it weren't for those stupid glasses.

Claire has found a present for you. 

C is frightened by how horrific this is turning out. 


Addy is clearly over this. And John is about to blow a gasket 

Who are these kids?!!?


Clearly I am arguing with Addy about her pink camera. John looks more like a Blues Brother than Clark Kent


Oh What's that, Rachel? You smelled a fart? 

John says it looks like I have scoop like Lois Lane.. I think I am smelling more farts. 

This is the best we could do. And Yes. Some people have been photoshopped into these family pictures. 
Family pictures... will drive a photographer to drink. 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

An Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party

We did Addison's birthday party Sunday and it was Alice in Wonderland themed. 

I honestly poured my emotions into the decorations for this thing.

My sister made this sign.. she is so crafty with her scrapbooking supplies. It's almost a little scary.


Her Mad Hatter cake.. Yummy. I had a Mommy surprise in that the top hat was a rice krispie treat! 

I made strawberry cupcakes and I ordered the toppers from The TomKat Studio on Etsy and cut them out with a scalloped circle punch and attached them to toothpicks. 


Chick- fil-a nuggets.. did you now you can order these as a cold tray and warm them up? 


Sarah helped with the "drink me" labels. She refused to do the "eat me" ones for the food. 
Addy opening all of her presents.. it was hilarious. I should upload the video b/c the things she was saying would have you rolling. 

 We played Croquet outside..
Then we sang "Happy Birthday" 






And took some family pictures... Not sure how I feel about this one? Textures aren't really my thing but I felt like this picture needed it.. What do you think? 

All NINE McPhillips in one place. It's a miracle... and I suspect a Christmas card. We will number 10 this summer.. Joseph and Tracie are expecting!! 

Hope you enjoyed our Alice in Wonderland themed birthday party.. I certainly enjoyed planning it for my sweet A-A. 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Happy 5th Birthday, Addison.

How can it be? 

How are you FIVE already?

I knew this day would be hard for me, last year when you turned 4. And I promised myself I would treasure every day for the next year.

You're officially a big girl now. 

You dress yourself. You can get in and out of the car and buckle yourself. You'd brush your teeth, if you wanted to, but I think you secretly like for me to do it for you still.

I cannot explain how proud I am of you. 

You are so smart. I can see the intelligence in your eyes. 
You are so funny too. You can spout off the one-liners with the best of them. 
Your athletic ability is uncanny- I've never seen anything like it. 
Your personality is 100% SPUNK, girlfriend. 
We may go head to head in a few years, but your determination is something that should be admired. 


Let's not forget you are beautiful. With all of your other wonderful qualities, it's hard to forget.

I am not ready for you to grow up. But your Daddy says you have to. 

And so do you. "But Mama, if I don't grow up, how am I supposed to reach stuff that is really high up?"

The amount of questions you ask may annoy me at times, as well as how you sing-song everything throughout the day, but I am also secretly so proud that you do both. 

I also secretly love how you refused to have your picture taken at school stating, "I only like my Mama to take my picture." 

You love attention but also get embarrassed by it. 


You smile is infectious. As well as your giggle fits. 

And your love for Alabama football? It will rival your Daddy's one day. 

I love your crazy hair in the mornings. 
I love your stinky feet. 
I love how you want to be big enough to not need snuggle time, but jump at the opportunity to have just a few minutes of it on the couch. 

I see you turning into a little Mama with Claire, and I love it. 

I love watching you at gymnastics- it's amazing how good you are. 


I don't care what you are when you grow up, as long as you are the best Addison you can be. 

I love you so much, baby girl. 

I want to tell you as much as the thought enters my head, just so you know. 

I love you more than a hog loves slop. 

 Love,
Mama

Friday, October 14, 2011

Friday Favorites

Hello loves!

Brooke and I have talked about doing a Friday Favorites where we talk about our favorite product or accessory or general MUST have that week. 

I am starting it off today because of a twitter question/conversation the other night. Ashleigh was asking about Philosophy products. While I LOVE places like Sephora and Ulta and will generally try any hair style or hair color my heart desires, unknown beauty products freak me out. I like to find what I love and use it. I had used Nars face wash and moisturizer for years, but honestly? The price tag got me and in an effort to save money, I stopped using it. 

Slowly, I could tell me skin was dry and looking old. *gasp* I freaked. I can't look old-- I'm *only* 27! Y'all. It got so bad, I was contemplating Botox. 
 I went into Ulta one night and was asking about anti-aging creams. I kid you not. 
The lady told me she didn't think I needed those extremes and pointed me in the direction of Philosophy. Now, I already owned the Purity face wash and honestly? It's a good face wash but a little forgettable. It gets the job done and doesn't break the bank. 
She told me I needed a retinol cream and a good moisturizer. She told me Oprah swears by "hope in a jar". Now, if Oprah says it's the bomb.com then it must be. I started with the "great skin is in" kit. At around $30, it doesn't break the bank to try it out. 

The Help Me (retinol) cream is pretty amazing. I was impressed. But-- the hope in a jar? It's a gift from the skin care gods. Seriously. It's like angels touching your face. When I put this on, my skin feels so soft and healthy- almost like a baby's butt. 


I cannot say enough about this moisturizer. It makes me want to wash my face at night. I think when I open twist the top off the jar, Michael Bolton starts serenading me. 

If you are looking for a new moisturizer or skin care regimen, I highly recommend Philosophy. And at $38 for a 2 oz jar, I don't think it's too baldy priced either.

Do you like the idea of this segment? Would you want to link up? Tell me your opinion!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Triple Tangent Thursday...

1. Party- It currently looks like a party store threw up in my dining room... but I am pretty sure that Addison's "Alice in Wonderland" theme birthday party is going to be spectacular... 


2. Running- It's hard after racing and it finally clicked that the reason it feels like I am running through mud is because I raced Saturday and you need to let your body recover one day per mile you ran... 10K= 6.2 miles= 6.2 days to feel like racing again. Duh. How could I forget that?? 

3. I feel certain that after this party is said and done, that I will go through some sort of depression because UPS and FedEx aren't delivering 3 times a day. 

Have you ever felt depressed because every delivery isn't for you? Or maybe a tad jealous because your child is going to Disney for her birthday and you aren't going?