Zach and Lindsey

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-02T07:56:00.001-07:00

Our HOA had a contest this year for the best Halloween decorations, so obviously our goal was to take home 1st place and win the $150 prize!

Well we won second place and got a $50 gift card to Wal-Mart...lol! We have already discussed our plan of attack for next year and rest assured we will dominate!

Here are some other decorations we had...mostly thanks to Pinterest!

One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty Six Days

2011-10-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

...or five years is how long I've been married. MARRIED! I know I'm 27 years old and it's very normal for a 27 year old to be married and for five years at that but my goodness! I do remember that night like it was yesterday.

These last five years have been hands down the best years of my life! God truly blessed me when he gave me Zach. I could not imagine being with anyone else and I'm pretty sure no one else would put up with me...ha!

Zach - you are the most amazing man. I am so proud of you and all of the many things you have accomplished. You are making all of my dreams come true and I can't wait for the next 45 years! ;)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

Just call me Martha!

2011-08-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Yes...it's been more than two months since I promised I would quickly post pictures of all the updates we've done. After you read this post and see these pictures, you'll be glad that I'm waiting until I can upload much better pics!

Anyway, about a month or so ago, I was looking on Etsy for some cute clothes, for Adalyn's second birthday party (right...she's two...crazy!?), and I saw this really cute dress made out of, nothing but Amy Butler fabric...for...$45! Sorry, Addy, I love you and all but wanted to get you more than just a dress for your birthday. However, right next to the dress for sale was the sewing pattern for the same dress for...$11! So without giving it any thought, I bought the pattern and some cute Amy Butler fabric. Once my thoughts caught up with me, I realized that I was attempting to make a dress...for a two year old. REALLY?! I mean I adore Martha Stewart but my first name is Lindsey! I already had a sewing machine (nothing fancy...basically it can sew straight lines...well sorta) and I knew how to thread the needle and change the bobbin so why not? ...

I followed the pattern step by step but was completely confused at how this was supposed to turn into a dress. I mean I had to look up what it meant to cut on the fold, what a basting stitch was, how I'm supposed to serge the edges with no serger...it was scary! I do remember there was a point where the directions said to turn the bodice (I only assumed that this was the top of the dress) inside out and it should look like the top of your dress with straps sandwiched between and sure enough it did, which got me excited! I eventually ended up with this:

However the morning of the party, I still had yet to figure out how to make button holes (so the straps would have something to pull through and make the bow stay in place). I had to tell Robin that her daughter's birthday present was ruined and I wouldn't be able to attend the party with an unfinished dress - actually I just begged Cindy to add button holes so Addy wouldn't be naked! The dress was definitely NOT perfect but I think Martha would be proud for my first attempt!

I just finished this dress for Miss Hannah Louise, who is due any day now! These pictures are terrible (just terrible) but it's the best my crappy iPhone 3 could do! Yes, iPhone 3...don't judge!

And no...still no button holes...Cindy I may be giving you a call! I definitely did better gathering and my top stitch is a lot straight (sorry, Addy!).

My next project is making curtains for our bedroom and painting the walls with orange stripes! I know...Zach is just as excited. Ha.

-Martha :)

LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!!

2011-06-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

It's official...I'm starting the countdown!

We are throwing a baby shower for Zach's sister, Kaylene, this Sunday. I have literally 4 days and 30 minutes until people show up at our house and it can no longer look like a construction site! We (along with our parents and my brother) have been working so hard the last 3 months to finish up the major remodeling projects. I promise to post some pictures soon of the transformation!

And you know I can't have a countdown without my birthday, so we're at 91 days away from the big 27! (CRAZY!)

We'll be at the Incubus concert in 99 days! (YEA!!)

Halloween is in 131 days...our HOA gives out prizes to homes who are decorated the best...you better believe we are taking home 1st place!

Our family is celebrating 11/11/11 in Vegas so that's only 140 days away (we really will make up any excuse to go to Vegas)!

And of course Christmas is 186 days away. (Is that not just ridiculous to anyone else??) I already spotted Christmas ribbon and ornaments at Hobby Lobby...no...I didn't buy anything...yet! :)

FURNITURE FOR SALE!

2011-04-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Please excuse this shameful craigslist plug....

Will someone please buy our living room furniture?! It's in really good condition and is super comfortable!

3-piece living room set

We purchased it from Z Gallerie in 2006. It's the Linden collection that they still sell today.

pattern up-close

We had the level 4 chenille fabric added. There is definitely a pattern but it's not outrageous and the color is a neutral green/brown color.

Sofa Dimensions: 92''W x 48''D x 35''H

Back height 31" without back pillows


Chair Dimensions: 52''W x 48''D x 35''H

We're asking $750/OBO for all three pieces - so if you or someone you know is interested let us know!!

MY HUSBAND ROCKS!

2011-02-28T11:44:00.000-08:00

Can't really explain right now...but he's a freaking genius!! and I'm all sorts of crazy in love with him!!

Happy Monday :)

Here's to Twenty Eleven!

2011-01-02T19:54:00.000-08:00

It simply amazes me how quickly 2010 flew by. It literally just feels like yesterday that Zach and I were signing our lives away purchasing our new home. Now I'm here a year later and am so looking forward to 2011 and everything that it will bring!

Zach and I have lots of plans for this year (sorry - they still don't include having a baby):
I am FINALLY going back to school and am on the fast track to graduate from DBU hopefully by the end of 2012!! DBU was able to take all of my Northwood hours and since I'm "old" they are also using my work experience towards elective hours. I'm really excited, pretty nervous, but totally ready!

Zach is wrapping up his rookie year with the Cedar Hill FD. He really amazes me and I am so proud of him. He's learned so much this past year and I know he's really looking forward to not having to do "rookie" duties anymore! ;)

We are making the infamous "lose weight" resolution for 2011. Our goal is to workout as much as possible and eat at home A LOT more! I've been terrible about cooking regularly for the past four years (ha), so if you have any simple and healthy recipes, send them my way!

We're also planning to get out of debt by summertime. We followed the Dave Ramsey plan back in 2008 and paid off all of our debt, and then rewarded ourselves by buying dining room furniture and a king size bed - putting us right back to where we started. LOL. We're staying out of debt this time!

Finally, I'm hoping we'll find a church home. We visited a few churches last year, but didn't really stick with it long enough. I think we're both past the denomination issue, so if we can just find something that has a little "smoke and lights" for Zach but still a little traditional for me we'll be good!

2010 was a great year - here's to making 2011 even better!

Christmas Decorations 2010

2010-12-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for a picture overload? Since I have the BEST husband in all of the world, I just finished editing our photos with iPhoto on my new MacBook Air! ...uhm yeah...I'm cool! ENJOY! :)

Garland #1 - Zach said "it's too puny"!

So we took it down...

and hung this. Much better!

At night...

The pretty side, with trees lit in both windows.

The ugly side...is it weird that I want to buy trees for the garage windows? :)

The sticks I made Zach hang. I saw it in a magazine and just had to have it.

Our red/green tree in the living room - maybe I should have stuck to taking pictures standing up!

Have you seen this mesh ribbon? You HAVE to buy this stuff! It is seriously so easy to use.

In the dining room - one of the front window Christmas trees.

We hosted the Annual Christmas Party with our closest friends so I was finally able to set our dining table (it's only taken us 2 years)!

My small collection of firemen nutcrackers...I'm hoping I'll have an entire Christmas tree of firemen next year...well firemen ornaments! :)

The other front window Christmas tree. This room is pretty empty right now but will soon be our study.

I loved receiving so many Christmas cards this year! I might need another card holder next year!

and of course my nativity scene...the reason we celebrate!!

We're making progress!

2010-12-15T08:04:00.000-08:00

The backsplash has been installed and the slate wall is up! I'm so glad we were able to get these projects finished before our Christmas party last weekend! We still have a few things left to do until we can cross the kitchen off of our to-do list but we're getting there! We'd like to have the pantry extended to the ceiling, all sheet rock, texture and painting finished before Christmas. Hopefully Santa will bring us knobs/handles for our cabinets and then we eventually are going to replace the island and get new floors......and then a new double oven and fridge. Ok now it doesn't seem like we are anywhere close to finishing the kitchen remodel but as my dad says "It's a marathon not a race..."!

I really wish I had a good before picture!

Countertops - Check!

2010-10-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

With the help of some friends, the countertops were installed Saturday afternoon! We are so blessed to have such great people in our lives and we literally could not have done this without their help! Thank you so much Jaysonn, Brandon, Ben, and Garrett for your help! We appreciate it more than you will ever know!

9' long countertop = SUPER HEAVY!

Taking a break before carrying it through the front door.

SO happy!!

Happy Anniversary

2010-10-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Zach and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary by going out to...the garage to work on our counter-tops! HA :)

Totally romantic I know but I wouldn't have had it any other way.

When we bought the house, it had yellow faux wood grain laminate counter-tops and back splash - it was just way too much yellow for me! So of course we ripped them out and started over!

We did the first round of counter-top making back in September but for the last month in a half I've only had counter-tops on half of the kitchen. Sure it's easy access if you need a spoon but we're at the point of annoying now!

So this past week we've formed, packed, poured, polished the other half of the kitchen's counter-tops and with the help of Zach's firemen friends, they'll be installed on Saturday!

In case you're wondering what "do-it-yourself" concrete counter-tops looks like here's a closeup. I was a little afraid at first because I didn't want my kitchen to look like a driveway but we once we (really Zach...I turned on the water and watched) polished them I was quite happy! Definitely cheaper than granite!

Next project the back splash!

*Special thanks for my dad for spending countless hours over here helping with this project!!*

What were we thinking??

2010-06-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

Ok so our front yard looked pretty much like this (with the exception of a few different kinds of grass and quite a few weeds):

Since re-sodding the yard wasn't an option (due to budgetary cutbacks), Zach decided that we were going to re-seed the yard with Bermuda grass. My husband is quite the "researcher" and found that we first needed to kill off all of our grass/weed mixture (we used Round Up concentrated) and then "de-thatch" our yard (please do not ask me to explain this...all I know is that we spent about $50 on a machine rental to completely DESTROY our front yard).

(Do you see our neighbors green grass...OMG...ours is BROWN!)

We then had to rake all of our "clippings" - we ended up with about 15 trash bags full!

After all day of raking and bagging we (really Zach) spread out the Bermuda seed

and with an ungodly amount of water we finally have little sprouts of Bermuda! (Can you see them? You may have to squint or pull out a magnifying glass!)

I really hope that next Spring this will be all worth it!

*By the way...I HATE how blogger puts my pictures and text completely different than how I type them out...soooo frustrating!!!*

my very own "Lawn Boy" :)

2010-06-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

...so handy!

Changes coming soon!

2010-06-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

In the meantime...I'd like to introduce my new second cousin (Erin and Chisum's baby)

Maureen "Rivers" Womack

8.4lbs | 20" long

born at 1:46 pm

May 31, 2010

Not to worry...Zach's okay...

2010-02-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

but he did fall through our ceiling Friday afternoon! Since we had record amounts of snowfall on Thursday, our attic vents started to leak on Friday beacuse of all of the melting snow. All day long we heard a constant "thud" in the kitchen. So Zach, being the great husband that he is, climbed up in the attic and strategically placed pans to catch all the dripping water. (It should be mentioned that I have a terrible fear of attic latters and floors...I just KNOW that I'll fall through!) As he was trying to re-adjust one of the pans, his foot got caught and his left leg fell through our ceiling! He had one leg hanging in the kitchen and the rest of his body was in the attic...it's really funny now...but not so much then!

This is what it looked like as I heard "LINDSEY!! GET UP HERE!!"

and here's Zach patching his hole (LOL!)

Since these pictures my dad, brother, and Zach repaired the hole and we are now on our 3rd round of mud. We'll have to retexture the ceiling and repaint...so needless to say the Open House party that we were planning on having in a couple of weeks has now been post-poned!!

2010-02-05T07:38:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!!!

Ok let's play a game...

2010-01-28T09:27:00.000-08:00

...that I'd like to call "Where in the hell have you been for the last 6 months...don't you know you have desperate readers waiting to read your every word??" Ok well maybe that's too long of a name and it probably isn't entirely accurate!

So I think the last I left off Zach and I were going to the Incubus concert...

...and we had a fabulous time! Our seats were awesome, it wasn't too hot, and I think I only had to wait through 2 songs before Brandon Boyd's shirt was off! :sigh:

Next up was homecoming...

...and it turns out that this would be my last year...until of course Adalyn Grace needs a mum :) Ok so this senior wanted a GINORMOUS mum with fiber optic lights...seriously I think those were her exact words! So this is what she got...well really this is only the top part of her mum...but it was HUGE! I'm not one of flashing lights (at least not on mums and yes the fiber optics had a setting to flash-thanks to my ingenious husband!) but in person this was probably one of the best mums that I've ever created.

Then came Zach and JP's graduation...no picture :(
And my birthday party...again no picture :( but my God did I have a great birthday!! I am beyond lucky to have the friends and family that I do!

Of course we had Halloween, Thanksgiving, and CHRISTMAS!
...and I'm the proud new owner of these kick-A boots!! My mom's neighbor has a boutique party at her house and as we walked in the door I seiously saw flashing lights and heard angels singing! Love.at.first.sight.

And then maybe the most important thing has happened over the last couple of months...
...this is part of the living room, front door, and bar of OUR NEW HOUSE!!!! Although we thoroughly enjoyed living with Joey for the last 2 years...we wanted and needed something to call our own! So thank you Obama for the tax credit and GP for the grant!! *This pictures was taken about a month ago, so the TV is no longer in the fireplace and you can actually walk to the front door without tripping over boxes of decorations!*

I think a party is in order!

So there you have it...you're caught up! I promise not to be gone for another 6 months :)

Do you want more??

2009-12-15T12:44:00.001-08:00

We're getting closer....

Teaser...

2009-12-04T08:22:00.001-08:00

INCUBUS!!!

2009-08-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Zach just sent me the 21 song set list for the Incubus concert tomorrow!!!! WAHOOO!!!!!!

Privilege
Pardon Me
Nice To Know You
Anna Molly
Stellar
Megalomaniac
Love Hurts
I Miss You
Drive
Make Yourself
Dig
Redefine
A Certain Shade of Green
Circles
Quicksand
A Kiss To Send Us Off
Wish You Were Here
Let's Go Crazy (Prince cover)
Encore:
Punch Drunk
Sick Sad Little World
Warning

31 days....

2009-08-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Since Zach and JP's graduation is a few days before my birthday, we've decided to have a party weekend!! Friday 9/18 they graduate in McKinney at some fancy country club :), Saturday 9/19 is my 25th birthday party (!!!!!), and Sunday 9/20 is their graduation party...so since I slacked off for the entire month of July on my diet and exercise, I've decided to make it my goal to stay on my diet with NO CHEATS and continue to workout at least 4 days a week until our party weekend. So I have 31 days (really a total of 32, since I started yesterday) and I am so going to do it! I'm a good little Methodist girl at heart and am used to giving something up for 40 days, so this is going to be a piece of cake (although I technically can't eat that piece of cake until the 18th)!

So to keep me accountable...yesterday I forgot to eat breakfast (I know, I know...the one meal you really shouldn't skip...) but I had a chicken salad for lunch and carb-less fajitas last night. Throughout the day I drank about 3 HUGE glasses of tea or water and went running with my Nazi brother! (He's not really a Nazi...but he definitely kicks my butt.) So you just watch out...I'm gonna be looking hot soon!

:)

Let the countdown begin!!

2009-08-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

It's already week two of August, so we all know what that means?!?! Let the birthday countdown begin!! As of today, there are 43 days until my 25th birthday!! It's really crazy to think that I'll be 25...we're getting old y'all!

Well keeping with countdowns...I've been on a diet (first the shake diet and since low-carb and working out) for the last 118 days (or close to 4 months) and I've officially lost a total of 36 pounds and just about 2 dress sizes! My goal for the next 43 days is to lose another 14 pounds for a total of 50 pounds. That's totally "do-able" I just have to keep on track and not maintain (which is what I did for just about all of July)!

Ever since JP was a freshman in high school (2003) I have made Homecoming mums/garters. I know this sounds so corny but I have so much fun making them...and if I get really into it I can make some extra money...and with Zach going through Paramedic school and having to work part time that extra money is sooo wonderful!! Well since GPISD or the football coaches or whoever sets the Homecoming schedule, has decided that Homecoming should be two and a half weeks after school starts, I have exactly 33 days...crazy!!! This is the flyer that Zach and I designed (with the help of Karen Davis...THANK YOU)!!!

Speaking of Zach and JP...they are both nearing the end of Paramedic School...can I get a Hallelujah!!! For the entire month of August they are on rotation with Dallas FD and will graduate in 41 days!!!! I am so, so, so proud of them!!!! (No I'm never going to be a teacher...)

Lots to look forward to in September! By the way...Christmas is only 138 days away!!!!

and the WINNERS are...

2009-07-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

KELLI and ROBIN!!!!

Congratulations to you both...and to Averitt/Gaskill crew on the new addition to their family!!!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the "Where's Adalyn" Pool! Adalyn will be receiving a check for $25!! Kelli and Robin send me your email address and I will get in contact with y'all in the next week to get started on your "a-DOOR-able Hangers"!!

**Happy Birthday, Adalyn Grace**

Where's Adalyn?

2009-07-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

** Looks like the winners will be Robin and Kelli as Robin will be induced on Wednesday morning. Check her blog for real time updates on the day of!**

Judging from Casey's excitement and Robin's exhaustion, Adalyn Grace is coming soon and this baby girl can't get here quick enough! Since August 1st is the expected due date, it is time to start a "Where's Adalyn?" Pool!

We've got 26 possible days for baby Adalyn's arrival, with two spots per day available! Entering the pool will not cost you anything, BUT for each entry, Zach and I are donating $1 (to give the Averitt Family a possible $52 dollars on Adalyn's birthday)! Also, the winning guesser(s) will receive an "a-DOOR-able Hanger" (that will be customized). To join in the pool, just leave a comment with your name and guess -- the schedule will be updated as often as possible.
*If more than two people guess the same day before an update was made, I will take the first two guessers.*

GOOD LUCK!! :)

Week 11 Results

2009-06-28T14:39:00.001-07:00

So I'm officially down 32 pounds!!!!! Brittany and I have been working out everyday at lunch or after work and its really paying off!! Next Saturday marks 12 weeks of so I'll definitely have to take measurements and another picture just to see if there are any noticeable differences! I've already dropped about a size and a half...so I'm hoping by my birthday I can drop another 2 sizes! Fingers crossed!

In other news...I need all you GP, Arlington, Las Colinas, etc...girls' help! My cousin just started selling Premiere Jewelry and so my mom and I are helping her out by hosting two parties for her on Thursday. The first party will be mainly GPISD teachers enjoying happy hour at 4:30 and the second one is for those of us who work during the summer and that starts at 6:30! For my cousin to count this as 2 parties we need at least 10 people at each party. So this THURSDAY, JULY 2nd at 4:30 or 6:30 be at the Seider household!!! We'll eat and drink and play in jewelry, so please come and bring a friend!!

Its a 4 day work week people!!!! Can I get an AMEN!!!

Seriously?!?!

2009-06-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone? It does not seem like its been almost 2 weeks since I last posted. Time totally is flying by!

So let's catch up...Week 8 results: -28lbs (YEA!)
Week 9 results: -25lbs (BOO! Too much celebration that continued into the week...)
This Saturday will be Week 10...I've been kicking butt all week and really hope to be down 30lbs! We'll see! BUT! I have officially dropped a size in clothing! My goal is to be down another 2 sizes by the end of summer...

Last night I went to my first Ranger game of the season (GASP...I know...)!! Justin had an extra ticket and even though I was the back-up invite (since Zach had class last night) I still had a great time and we had awesome seats!

It was dollar hot dog night so I drank my 2 bottles of water and watched as Justin created his food baby and was so miserable!
Brandon and Jennifer went too!!! So fun! PLUS, Pudge actually broke the "most games caught" record so that was a really neat experience...although I didn't tear up like Brandon did! HAHA! The game went into an extra inning but the Rangers WON!!
These are phone pics so they aren't the greatest....

I love my friends and I'm so glad Zach had class last night! :)

Week 7 1/2 Results...

2009-06-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks I've been hovering at a weight loss of 22-23 pounds...and it has just stayed there...no matter what I ate or if I worked out. Well I am proud to say that this morning I weighed in and I'm down 26 pounds!!! Does that not sound so great? :) The official Week 8 weigh-in is Saturday morning, so I'll be pushing crazy hard until then!!

By the way, thank you, thank you to everyone who commented and emailed me your opinions on the door hanger. I really do appreciate it! I'm trying to finish up a few other door hangers to post...but with all of the great feedback I've gotten already, I think I'm ready to take the next step. More to come later though!

a-DOOR-able Hangers

2009-05-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Have you waited long enough? I hope you are as excited as I am! :)

So here's the deal...my cousin, Jamie, asked me to make a couple of "door hangers" over the last couple of years. (I'm not using the word "wreath" because it sounds too Christmasy...although there is absolutely nothing wrong with being too Christmasy, it's just not what I'm going for.)...back to door hangers...She gave them as gifts to her friends who were expecting. She was always pleased with them and thanked me for sharing my talent with her. Just a couple of weeks ago I made one for Miss Adalyn Grace and I was really shocked by the reaction. Multiple people said "Oh you should sell those in Canton or on etsy...etc" and ever since then, I've had this little itch.

I've checked into a couple of Market Days/Trade Days that go on monthly around the area and started to get really excited! However...before I sign up for any of those events...I wanted to get some HONEST feedback from my fellow bloggers!! Over the next few days, I am going to post some pictures of some "mock-up" door hangers that I've made and would really appreciate your opinions. It would be so awesome if you could answer the below questions anonymously (look I am learning something at work)!

Here are a few things I'd like to know:

1) Does this door hanger appeal to you? Why/Why not?

2) Would you ever consider buying this door hanger (either for yourself or as a gift)?

3) If you answered yes to question #2: How much would you be willing to pay for this door hanger?

4) How much do you think others would be willing to pay for this door hanger?

5) What is the one thing you like most about the door hanger?

6) What is the one thing you dislike the most about the door hanger?

Of course any other comments about the door hanger or this new business are greatly appreciated!

If you'd rather email me, please do so at: lin.seider@sbcglobal.net (I know I should really update that)!

Door Hanger #1:

Here are some closer shots. The door hanger has a the letter "J", two pairs of socks, two pacifiers, an iron cross, and 3 wooden animals, among a lot of ribbon, green moss, and a grapevine "wreath".

Please let me know what you think...ALL OF YOU...if you've made it this far in my post, you can totally leave a comment!!! :)

Thanks!

Teaser...

2009-05-19T11:27:00.001-07:00

Band Nerd :(

2009-05-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

So the last few weeks I've gone to my parents neighborhood to walk around their block. The big lap around is just under a mile (but until I start training for a marathon...which is never...I'm calling it a mile)! It's funny because my mom and I would always "walk" and make it a lap and sometimes, if it were 60 degrees or cooler and we didn't have anything else to do, we would walk 2 laps...and by walk I mean stroll. But we enjoyed each other's company and it always sounded better that we "walked 2 miles!"

Lately I've been walking at least 3.5 miles about 3-4 times a week. I'll do a warm-up lap with my mom and then she'll sometimes join me 2 miles later for my cool down, half lap. Well the first day I started this I was so bored just walking by myself and I didn't really keep track of how long it was taking me to do walk a mile. So when I dropped my mom off after the first lap, I'd tell her, "Give me 30 minutes to do 2 laps and then join me for a cool down lap." Apparently I walked really slow because my mom had been waiting on me for like 10 minutes! So the next day I figured I'd walk with an iPod...

I turned the iPod to shuffle and started walking. The first song was "There's Your Trouble" by Dixie Chicks. It had a good beat, made me walk at a good pace and definitely brought back so many memories from HS. Well the next song was by The All-American Rejects and it was an ever faster paced song! My shins started hurting, my heart rate was pumping and I was totally sweating. I mean I knew I was suposed to work out but I couldn't figure out what was going on...that's when it hit me.

I have never claimed to be a band nerd, because I don't play an instrument (besides hot crossed buns on the recorder and chord of L on my guitar) and when I was considered to be "in band" it wasn't nerdy! BUT I did participate in marching band for 3 years in the Colorguard...and so listening to these songs totally made me walk to the beat (you know...left. left. left...) yea...I'm a band nerd! But I've found that the Dixie Chicks, Steve Miller Band, and Lady Antebellum are great bands to listen to if you're trying to keep time while walking!

So there you have it...I'm a nerd!

I walked 4 miles Monday night and even ran some! I was so proud of myself (and yes I double-timed the beat, but no I did not jazz run)!

:)

Week 4 results...

2009-05-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

It's official...I have lost 20 pounds! Much more to go, but definitely a great, great start! My mom owes me a pair of shoes and when I hit 30 pounds, my Mammaw is buying me an outfit!! :) Needless to say, if you need me this week I will be working out crazy, crazy!!

Happy Mother's Day :)

Week 3 Results...

2009-05-08T09:58:00.001-07:00

I know, I'm almost a week behind...but I was dreading posting my week 3 results!

So I'm not sure if I mentioned this last time or not but I totally fell off the bandwagon and stopped drinking the shakes. I seriously was taking in like 500 calories a day and gagging every time I tried to swallow the shakes. Not pretty...so last week I went back to eating our low-carb diet but because I was actually eating again my week 3 results were AWFUL!

I gained 5lbs in one week! I'm sure some of it was water weight, but I was so upset! So I was back down to my overall weight loss of 12.4 pounds. I didn't do any measurements because I was too upset!

Well this week is a-whole-'nother story! I've been eating GREAT all week, taking my vitamins, and even working out for at least an hour about 3 times this week...so far I've already lost the 5 lbs I gained last week plus some!

Since we're doing a little different diet plan this time...Zach and I are weighing in on Saturday mornings...because from noon-midnight on Saturday we can have carbs (in moderation, don't freak out, Casey)!! So I have one more day/night to work off just a few more calories!

I promise soon I'll have a post about something besides my weekly results!

Week 2 Results

2009-04-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

So this week turned out to be harder than I thought! I didn't lose as much as I wanted to, but so far I'm down 17.4 lbs and have lost 9 inches overall.

Zach and I are kicking it in gear this week and giving 110% so hopefully we'll have some pretty great week 3 results!

We didn't take any Week 2 pictures (I figured since I hadn't lost much it wasn't worth posting those nasty things on the internet) but we'll definitely get some pictures up of Week 3.

Only 12.5 more days to go!!

Week 1 Results

2009-04-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

OK so most of you know that Zach, Brittany, and I are doing this "ALL SHAKE" diet that good ole Casey has put us on! It has proven good results with Ben, and so a week ago we thought "drink your meals for 28 days straight...sure, no problem!!"

HA HA HA HA HA!!

It's the hardest thing in the WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD!! Zach is blogging about it (with AWFUL pictures) at www.weareshakingit.blogspot.com so you can check out the whole story! You can't really tell a lot by the pictures but hopefully at the end of 4 weeks there will be a huge difference!

But as far as my results go...this past week I lost 12.8 lbs and 4 inches overall!! Definitely motivation to keep going for another week.

We do get to have one meal a week (check out Robin's blog for this past week's meal)...so my next meal will be Thursday night!!

Good luck to all of you "Summer" dieters! Just remember to take it one step at a time and just think when June 1 rolls around how amazing you will look at feel!!!

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

2009-04-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

Y'all ready for this...

2009-04-09T12:58:00.001-07:00

(are you singing MC HAMMER...I am...although I only really know "Y'all ready for this...duh nuhnuh nuh, nuh, nuh..." OK I'll stop!)

I think I've invented a sickness in blog world...its called "I read too many blogs and end up wanting to be crafty just like everyone else!" It is really a terrible sickness and I have the worst case! So let me show you what I've been working on the past few weeks...

So I'm a total sucker for "puddly" (is that a word?) curtains. LOVE THEM! So I made Joey move the red curtains from the dining room (that barely touched the floor) to replace the poopish green curtains in the living room (that now hang about 10 inches too long)...but aren't you in love? Be still my heart...

So my mom and I bought some beautiful green silk material (for 30% off at Hobby Lobby) and, with the help from my dad, we have these curtains hanging in the dining room:

can't really tell what they look like (me neither...phone pics)...how about an up close and personal picture:

...still not great but can you see the cute little fleur-de-lis? Only thing is these curtains don't "puddle" - I didn't measure exactly right!

So then the next project to tackle is the big empty wall in the kitchen.
Exhibit A:

Just awful, right? So I get this brilliant idea (while watching Color Splash) that "I, too, can become a world class artist overnight with supplies from my very own Hobby Lobby!" So I went and bought 3 tall and skinny canvases and painted one purple, one red-ish, and one burnt orange-ish (to match my curtain above the sink...that I don't have a picture of). I then proceeded to draw on them with chalk to outline a knife, a spoon, and a fork...and then painted them in gold metallic paint. Exhibit B:

OK so we are nowhere near David Bromstad, but I think once they're put in some funky frames it will be good enough!

And of course I have to show you my Canton finds from this past weekend...
A really cool plant stand that we will most likely use as a cooler (by adding a galvanized tub) and a cheap-o window-ish planter (still debating where to put this...for now my "favorite" couch in the "coolest" sun room will do):

I also got this awesome cross to eventually be put on our cross wall:

AND last but certainly not least...my cousin, Jamie, has a one month old baby girl (Elizabeth Faith...shout out to Lizzy) and she flat out told me that she would not be putting any bows on that precious baby's head! I totally can hear all of the gasps from you "Gaskill Bow Machine Making Mommas!" So I have made it my mission in life to make sure that every time I am around cute little Libby (we're apparently still debating on a nick-name) she will be wearing a bow! So in Canton, I bought a bow band (?) and two little bows (a pink polka dot and an Aggie maroon) and thought you know...if this is really going to be my mission in life...the bows should be much bigger...so after a trip to Target and realizing the silver bow should really be used for Joey's birthday present, I made two other medium sized bows. Libby-Lou (yes I just might pass down the extra name "Lou" to you) I hope you like your bows!

That was fun! What are some of your favorite blogs??

Joey is having some foundation work done this week on the house, so I'll be sure and show you the gigantic holes that have replaced the front flower beds! Happy Easter weekend to everyone! Sunday I will be at the Ft. Worth Zoo doing some more interviews but you can bet that I will have a Dr. Pepper in hand!! Just 3 more days!

Have you missed me?

2009-04-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a little teaser and let all of you know that I plan to have some pictures up of a few things that I've been working on lately. I've been blog surfing a lot lately and have stumbled upon some great blogs with some fun ideas!!

So check back soon :)

By the way...countdown to Easter has begun...only 4 more days until the taste of some sweet DP and tea! Can you hear the angels singing???

Wfaa

2009-03-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

I hate thunderstorms but am glad to have pete delkus and my husband and my blue blanket!!!!!!

Ft. Worth Zoo

2009-03-20T13:17:00.001-07:00

As most of you know I am not an animal person....I know, I know...and please don't send PETA after me...I do have a heart and feelings...just not for animals.

So I work at a marketing research firm in Arlington and although I am USUALLY not the person begging you to take an interview, I am the person who has outsourced to a company that begs you to take an interview. Well, we haven't been too busy at work lately, so our top dog sold a project and said that DAI employees will conduct the interviews. So Monday, Brittany and I spent about 7 hours out at the Ft. Worth Zoo interviewing, and I'd like for you to know that we are holding on to the "most interviews completed in a day" record!

We had to pack a sack lunch (like an elementary field trip) and ate at these employee picnic tables...which happened to be conveniently located BEHIND THE ELEPHANTS! My Smart One seriously almost tasted like poo....so gross. Just adds to my running list of why I do not care for animals!

Anyway I have to go back out Sunday from noon-5, so if you're in Ft. Worth come stop by the zoo and take a survey! I'll have some really cool suckers for your kids! See you there!

My Husband ROCKS!

2009-03-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

I am now the proud new owner of an iPhone! I totally loved my old phone (may it rest in peace) but it really should have stepped up its game this past week...because when you're married to a guy who has already gone through 2 iPhones and has to have the latest and greatest toys, he'll make sure that his wife is just as cool! We're on a mission to find an orange cover...so be on the look out!

By the way, I am doing great so far on Lent...I've only had one "swig" of sweet tea and that is because the waitress filled my drink up wrong! Don't worry, I spit it out immediately. :)

I'M NOT CATHOLIC!

2009-02-25T14:56:00.000-08:00

Last year I totally fell off the band wagon and completely gave up half way through Lent...which if you'll remember was probably the first time I've ever given up and not finished my Lent.

Well this year I am taking names, dangit! :) Instead of trying to go all out and not drink anything but water, only have foods that I've grown in my backyard, and workout every waking hour, I've decided to take it back old school. I'm giving up soda and sweet tea! In the "Seider" house you have to get pretty specific about what you're giving up (or taking on) for lent. My mom cracks me up...one year she decided to give up margaritas and started drinking red wine, the next year she gave up margaritas and red wine and started drinking white wine, and so on...

So I am specifically only drinking water, regular tea (can be sweetened with splenda) and orange juice. Any other "good for me" rituals that take place the next 40+ days are strictly counted towards extra credit!

Are you giving anything up?

Video?

2009-02-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

I know I've neglected this thing...I'll be back one day! Anyway, I was downloading pictures from my camera and found a video from when we were in Vegas...so I'm testing to see if I can actually post the video.

I love the fountains!!

Scale Malfunction

2009-01-14T07:34:00.001-08:00

Seriously...we weighed in tonight and our scale would not register out weight. It kept dancing around but would never land on a number. The one time (out of probably 15 tries) that it did, it said we gained weight...and that is unacceptable!

Tonight's mission is to find a good quality scale and hopefully the numbers will be better! HA.

Yard Sale

2009-01-12T07:22:00.001-08:00

Last week totally kicked my butt! After posting my record high weekly weight loss, it was just about downhill from there!

All week we were cleaning out closets, making posters, pricing stuff, organizing stuff, all for our Yard Sale on Saturday. I've never thought yard sales take a lot much work, until you start putting one together...and one that includes 6 families. We had TONS of stuff! (I wish I would have taken some pictures.)

I think we finally went to bed close to 1:00am on Friday (Saturday morning) and woke up at 5:00am to go get coffee and donuts (yes...donuts...who has a yard sale without donuts?)...well since I am NEVER up at that hour, I had no clue that Starbucks didn't open until 6, so we just had donuts. When I got back home, the guys had already started bringing stuff to the front yard...it was still dark and SO cold! We had put out the signs the night before in 80 degree weather, so to wake up to 30 degrees was a shock! Karen and Sara came by around 6:30 and brought two more truck loads of stuff, that we quickly arranged and priced. We were told serious shoppers start showing up around 7:00am, so when we didn't see the first customers until after 8:00, we were worried that this was going to be a flop! But after 7 hours of shopping, we only ended up donating a couple of trash bags of clothes and just a few boxes of left over odds and ends. We all walked away with some much needed money...definitely a great way to start the New Year!

Biggest Loser - "Stewart Style"

2009-01-06T20:28:00.001-08:00

Since tonight was the premiere of BL7 (the season we would have been on) we decided to do our own BL...Stewart Style. The Stewart Style does not consist of working out hours and hours a day, it does not consist of doing death defying stunts to earn immunity and it will never vote us off!

Casey got Zach hooked on this diet plan a year ago and for the month of January in 2008 we did really well...and then started moving and things went downhill from there. Totally moving forward this year and kicking some butt! We jump started our diet on Friday 01/02/09, so that when the contestants weighed in tonight and lost ungodly amounts of weight, we could weigh in as well. We have been sticking to the plan really well (except for one night) and I have "worked out" twice.

I know I mentioned that I was thinking about posting the scale's actual number and pictures...but I'm just WAY too embarrassed about that number right now...but stay tuned you never know. (Like all of y'all are just on pins and needles waiting to see how much we really weigh.) BUT I will post some pictures (just not tonight, because I can't find the right cable).

This week's results:
L: -12.6 lbs.
Z: -3.6 lbs.
*After we weighed in, Zach said that he probably cheated more than once...haha*

Word.

2009-01-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

pu·ri·fy: to make pure : to clear from material defilement or imperfection : to free from guilt or moral or ceremonial blemish : to free from undesirable elements

I've chosen purify as my word for 2009. I've already put in place a diet plan to purify my body of all this ridiculous fat that it has been carrying. Zach and I will start attending churches again regularly and hopefully that will lead us to a great church home. I am going to try really hard to stop shopping at Target, Hobby Lobby, Pier 1, or any store besides a grocery store, on a weekly basis...and if in fact I do step foot in one of those stores, I will go in for what I came for (list in hand) and leave. I guess de-clutter could be another word for 2009...but I'm totally going to take this to an entirely different level.

Word.

Goodbye 2008...

2008-12-30T15:01:00.000-08:00

...and Hello 2009!

I cannot believe it is already the 5th day of January. It seriously seems like we just finished opening presents! So crazy how time flies!

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas! Zach and I totally loaded up this year...so, so blessed! We had about 10 different Christmases and it was great! It started out with Zach's rich Great Aunt and Uncle and all of the cousins. Then on Christmas Eve's Eve mom and JP went and picked up Mammaw (since she was spending Christmas with us) and that night we had Christmas with Joey. I had to work Christmas Eve but we were sent home around 2:00pm. Zach and I finished up some last minute Christmas shopping (this is probably one of the first times I have been in GP on Christmas Eve...it was pretty weird...) and then headed to his parents house to have Christmas with them. Christmas morning we got up at our own house (again pretty weird...since we are usually in Mt. Pleasant...miss you guys!) saw that Santa Davis visited Zach and I and then we headed to my parents house and had a yummy breakfast with Mammaw and Grandma. After breakfast Santa came and then we opened up presents. We headed back to Zach's parents house to have Christmas with his aunts/uncles/cousins. Then headed back to my parents house to have Christmas dinner. We really had a great time and were so busy Christmas Day, but I so missed all of my aunts/uncles and cousins! I really hope we can find a time next year that we can all get together...it just wasn't the same. I couldn't even imagine what Christmas would be like if Mammaw didn't stay with us!

We hit up some shopping on the day after Christmas and took Tina and Brie to the airport. We got a call from Rob and Kathi Friday night to let us know that they are coming to stay with us a couple of days! (I hadn't seen them since Rob married Zach and I, over 2 years ago!) Saturday the 26th my mom took Mammaw and I to get pedicures and that was really a lot of fun, but then we had to say goodbye to Mammaw. Rob and Kathi stayed with mom and dad until Monday. It was so great to hang out with them; they are such awesome friends.

I worked a couple of days last week (yes, even New Year's Eve) but had New Year's Day and the day after off. The newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Adam and Brittany Nelson, had a New Year's Eve party which was so much fun! Adam and Brit "created" a game called "Drunk-Opoly" and I think I had an entire bottle of champagne within the 2 hours we played the game! Good thing Zach and was DD because I sure did have a great time! :)

I decided that we needed to have a Yard Sale THIS SATURDAY, so we've been cleaning out closets in multiple homes (since I moved to a 500 sq. ft. apartment I didn't really move everything out of my parents house) over the past few days. Zach and Joey think I'm crazy, but if we don't ever set a date we'll just keep collecting this stuff and never get rid of it! So if you're in GP this Saturday (only) drop by the Willow Spring house and see if you want some of our crap! HAHA! We have about 4 different families bringing stuff over, so it might not be all crap. :)

Here's to 2009!!

My own Biggest Loser Season 7

2008-12-17T11:58:00.001-08:00

So I watched the finale last night (twice...) of the Biggest Loser season 6 and thank God Michelle won! Seriously, I would have had some issues if Vicki walked away a winner. However, I did almost start cheering when she almost fell down. (Gotta love that Christmas spirit!) :)

Anyway, so towards the end of the show, NBC gave a teaser about season 7 (which would have been the season that Zach and I would have been on). We were told there would be 15 couples, but they only chose 11 (which bummed be out) and Z and I totally look cuter than anyone on there (which bummed me out) but judging by the looks of it this is their HEAVIEST group yet.

Season 7 airs January 6th and Z & I have decided that we'll start weighing in with them every Tuesday night also. So I'm seriously thinking about posting our BL7 progress on here...fat pictures and all. (Ok, I just said I'm thinking about it...) There is no turning back though and we have to STOP making excuses! Z is in paramedic school through September and will be ready to test for different departments in October, so he's got to get in shape! I on the other hand am just not myself AT ALL! I don't ever want to go out anywhere with anyone and do anything...which is totally not me! BUT, if I do show all of you the number on the scale and the pictures behind the scenes, I wont be able to see any one of you until all the weight is off...HAHA!

I'm determined and will not let another year go by!

can i get an AMEN!

2008-12-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

And he set me on fire and I am burning alive.

With his breath in my lungs I am coming undone.

And I cannot hold it in and remain composed.

Love's taken over me and so I propose the letting myself go. I am letting myself go.

You are my joy. You are my joy. You are my joy. You are my joy.

-David Crowder Band

What happens in Vegas...

2008-11-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

...stays in Vegas!

I can hardly sit still at work this morning; I am just so excited knowing that in a few short hours I will be in VEGAS! JP turned 21 this past Sunday, so we are celebrating his birthday in Vegas! My parents took me when I turned 21 and we went last year with the Averitt's and David for my dad's birthday on 07/07/07! We wish the Averitt's and Nelson's could go with us...but we'll catch them the next time around!

Vegas is such a great place! Everything is so larger than life and it is just awesome (except for the pimps standing at every street corner passing out "flyers")! We arrive in Vegas tonight around 8:45pm and should be checked in to Paris by 10pm and then starts a full night of gambling. I plan on walking away a millionaire! HA!

If you need me for the next four days, you can find me playing Craps, at the Blackjack table, or playing Rapid Roulette at NY,NY! Robin, stay close to your phone, I may need an inspirational number!

YEA!!!!!

Cotton

2008-11-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

Please say hello to the new addition to the Stewart/Davis household. This is our "cotton" purchase for our 2nd anniversary! I'm going tonight to buy it (while Zach is in class...haha...don't worry he knows and it will not result in being our last anniversary present)! YEA!!

This just in...

2008-11-07T06:45:00.000-08:00

It's official....I am a BLOGGER STALKER! As I try to go from blog to blog anonymously, for those of you who know I check your blog 1,000 times a day and don't have a clue who I am...I'm sorry! I promise, no harm will come to you or your family!

IT'S FRIDAY!!!!

THANK YOU!!

2008-11-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

My mom and I had our Southern Living at Home party tonight and it turned out great! We had such a fun time and I am so thankful to have such wonderful friends! Thank you to everyone who came...thank you, thank you!!

:)

as promised...

2008-11-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

More pictures of everything I'm getting accomplished!!

We call this our "Bar Tree". Is that bad?...that we have a Christmas tree in the bar? Anyway, we used bottle caps to make the garland and are hanging wine glass charms. I couldn't get a great picture...
When my mom and I were in Canton we saw these candles with these over sized crosses on them but they were way too expensive for me :) So, I made my own on a much smaller scale. I think it turned out ok, definitely will continue to perfect it.

In other news, I'm watching the Election results on multiple channels, hoping that the numbers will look different on a different channel. We are in for a huge change...but way to go Kirk England (he's up 57%)!

My mom and I are throwing a Southern Living party Thursday night, so if your on Green Hollow Thursday night from 5-7 you should totally drop by!!!

Peace out....

Snaps for "L"!!!

2008-11-03T22:26:00.001-08:00

(this is where you start snapping....if you don't know why you are snapping, then you should STOP, go watch both Legally Blonde 1 and 2...and then continue snapping and finish reading my post!)

Joey, Zach and I had such a productive night! We accomplished so much!! (and I have pictures to prove it!)

Zach is working on a Love Story. It's "due" tomorrow...so of course he started working on it tonight. Somethings will never change, but that is another post!

Joey and I started to decorate his tree. It is a 7.5 foot normal size tree and is in the dining room. It is going to look GREAT at Thanksgiving...here's a sneak peak of the "topper"...

For Halloween I spelt out "SPOOKY" on blocks (sorry no picture and they're already packed up). Anyway, Joey's mom mentioned to Zach that she really liked them and that I should not forget her the next time I'm feeling creative. Well, she made a really freaking awesome tree skirt for the blue, green, turquoise room so I made her "BELIEVE' blocks as a thank you!

On to the next project....

Joey hung up the three wreaths I made for the Blue, Green, Turquoise room.

So how's that for being productive?

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

Accomplish

2008-11-03T08:09:00.000-08:00

In the beginning of 2008, I chose the word accomplish to keep me energized through the year! As we enter November, I am not sure what really I have "accomplished" so far...ha! When I chose that word, Joey was in the process of buying a house that needed LOTS of work and I was at a point in my life where I wanted to make some changes. We accomplished quite a few projects on the house but I'm still struggling to change the things in my life that I want! With only 58 days left of 2008, I better get busy!

First on my agenda...to finish the hundreds projects that are scattered throughout my craft room, living room, and game room.

Finished products with pictures - coming soon to a blogspot near you!

By the way, I am so excited to read about Robin and Jean's "30 days of Thankfulness" posts for November! What a great idea!

accomplish:to bring to its goal or conclusion; carry out; perform; finish: to accomplish one's mission.

Tonight isn't as cold as it was two years ago...

2008-10-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today is mine and Zach's second anniversary! Seven hundred and thirty one days ago Zach and I vowed before God, our family and friends to love, support, and comfort each other. I've held up my end of the deal pretty well; Zach just needs to buy me a car to live up to his! :) Seriously though it has been quite an amazing two years (and they've gone by so fast)!

I really couldn't imagine living with anyone else (Joey doesn't count...), I couldn't imagine sharing my bed with anyone else (except for JOY), I couldn't imagine paying my bills and saving for the future with anyone else (thanks, Dave Ramsey), and I couldn't imagine loving anyone else for the rest of my life! Words really cannot express how lucky I am to be married to Zach Stewart (and yes it is still weird to say that I am married to Zach Stewart).

The first anniversary is traditionally the paper anniversary, so we bought TICKETS to see Incubus!! This year is cotton and since Zach is at EMT school (STILL...and its 11:22pm) we are heading out to Northpark tomorrow to buy some "cotton" (not sure what we'll come up with). Next year is leather...so I'm holding out for LEATHER SEATS inside of a brand new car! HA!

I love you Zachary Stewart...for at least another 48 years! :)

"I don't mind if you monopolize all of my time..."

Birthday Week :)

2008-09-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

So if you know me at all, you know that my birthday is my favorite Holiday :) Ok, so technically it isn't a holiday, but it might as well be since I always celebrate my birthday in a week long fashion. I have always counted down to my birthday for as long as I can remember. The famous countdown started when I was in 3rd grade at Florence Hill (my mom's first year there); I remember writing "10 days until Jacquelin and Lindsey's birthday" on my mom's chalkboard (since Jacquelin Way and I share(d) a birthday); I think there's even a picture of it somewhere... I'm sure some of you have had the pleasure of witnessing a birthday countdown on numerous chalkboards throughout GPISD. I even have one here at work. (I wonder if I will ever grow out of this...) Birthday's are the best! It's the one day (or week) a year that everything is all about you. Maybe I'm just a brat but I just get so excited about my birthday...WEEK!

So this year my birthday is on a Sunday. So my birthday week starts today! My team at work took me to lunch to PF Changs and then we just had a birthday cupcakes and open presents! Not sure what celebrating we're doing tonight, because I have to finish a mum... Tomorrow my mom and I are driving to Gruene/San Marcos to do some shopping this weekend with Tina and Brie!! When I get back home on Sunday, The Stewart family is cooking out for mine and Leslie's birthdays (we, too share a birthday). Then it's up to Zach how we celebrate on Monday through Wednesday to wrap up my birthday week! I'm so totally excited and can't wait to get this week started!

Biggest Loser Season 6

2008-09-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Joey, Zach and I watched the premiere of BL Season 6 last night...depressing!! Just wait until Season 7 rolls around...I'm sure I'll be throwing things at the TV!

HA...

Go ORANGE TEAM!

Biggest Loser Season 7 - Casting Call...

2008-09-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Since July 19, Zach and I have been waiting to see if we would be part of the next set of cast members for the 7th season of The Biggest Loser. After many extended dates, Friday was THE night that we would hear from the Producers...and we didn't...so we're still here and fat. :)

I wanted to blog about our experience since it has really consumed our lives for the past two months (which really feels so much longer...)

Casting Call:

The whole casting process had it's roller coaster emotional moments, from super excited to super bummed to "just hurry up already and tell us if we're picked or not!" On the day of the casting call (Saturday, July 19) we stood outside for 5 hours (from 7:00am - noon) in the HOT , JULY, DALLAS, TX, SUN (yes July and Dallas, TX are adjectives to described how hot it was). We were probably the 200th and 201st person in line. It really was an act of God that my hair stayed fixed, my make up did not run off my face (like so many others), and both Zach and I really didn't sweat much at all (which for two fat people is beyond amazing). The week prior to the casting call, Zach found some very helpful blogs (about the casting process) that said to dress nice and be prepared. We waited for another 3 hours inside Dave and Busters before we FINALLY got to see the casting directors. The blogs said to really stand out and speak up when meeting with the CD's. We had our applications and pictures (both fat and skinny) in hand and were the first couple, of our group of about 12 people, to walk into the room with the CD's. Tad Patrick Frank (the CD) told us some information about Season 7, that this season would have 15 final couples and would be on the ranch for 5 months instead of 3. He warned that there would be no internet, radio, television, newspapers, mail, phone calls...NOTHING! Although each contestant would be paid $100 each day they were on the ranch, the money would have to get sent home since there was no use for it on the ranch. He said that they would be conducting callbacks over the next 4 days in Dallas, so if you didn't hear anything back from them tonight by 8:00pm, then you didn't make it to the next round. He went through all of this information in about 2 minutes and told us to have our applications in front of us but facing him and he prepared us for the questions he would ask: your name, your relationship with your partner, how old you would be at the end of September, how much you weigh and how much you wanted to lose. I was up first and as bubbly and as excited as I could I said "My name is Lindsey Stewart, and this is my husband, I will be 24 years old and weigh not going to tell you but will lose not going to tell you!!!" Tad asked how long Zach and I had been married and Zach, our of nowhere, immediately said 2.5 years...I looked at him and said "more like a year and a half!"

Side note: The ENTIRE time we were waiting in line(s) I was so nervous since I knew we only had this ONE chance to impress the CD's and it just ate away at my stomach, all day long. However, Zach was so calm, he kept telling me to relax and that everything would be ok. We met a few people in line and Zach was just being Zach and told jokes and made everyone laugh, even at our holding tables he seemed so at ease....UNTIL we talked with the CD's and he just lost it! It's so funny to me, because the second we sat down in front of the CD I was totally fine...and Zach was the nervous wreck.

So, then it was Zach's turn and even though he was nervous, he did a great job! We were the only couple that brought pictures and I think that really helped. One of our pictures was us at Vegas for my dad's birthday last year and Tad said "You look like Natalie Maines!" Gail Payne is the only other person in the whole world that has ever said I look like her and so it really caught me off guard and I just kept smiling and Tad said "That's a good thing, she's really pretty" and then he moved on to the next couple. He made it through all 6 couples in about 3 minutes. So we had waited for 8 hours and got to talk to the CD for a total of 30 seconds and then we were escorted out of the room. We were walking to our car with a college roommate couple that we had met in line and they both said "You two will totally get picked, y'all would be so great for the show!" We got in the truck about 3:10pm and headed south on Loop 12 towards home. We made it as far as Texas Stadium when Zach's phone rang from a 310 area code and I joked "IT'S TAD!"

He answered the phone and I of course was anxious to know who it was but Zach just kept saying, "yes sir, ok, great, sounds good, yes sir, yes sir, thank you" and hung up. I said who was that! He said that was Tad and they want to see us on Monday for an on camera interview. I don't think Zach has ever heard me scream so loud! I started crying and was just so in shock! We weren't 5 minutes down the road and they already wanted to see us again! We called our parents and friends and told them the good news!

**To be continued**

Semi-productive...

2008-08-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

So I didn't go tan or hang up the laundry or finish the art project...but I went with Joey to Hobby Lobby and Lowe's last night and bought a Christmas tree! I LOVE Christmas and I LOVE that Hobby Lobby completely passes up Halloween and Thanksgiving and goes directly to Christmas!

Since this is the first year that Zach, Lindsey, and Joey will be having Christmas under one roof, and with all of our decorations combined, we will have at least 5 Christmas trees!!! (Eat your heart out Momma T!) :) So we of course had to make sure that we had enough decorations for each tree and then see how many other trees we might, as well. So to do that, we (and by we, I mean Joey) got in the attic and pulled down all of our Christmas boxes and we went through them. Zach was still in class and I didn't want him to come home to a complete mess, so Joey and I re-arranged all of the furniture in mine and Zach's sitting room and bedroom to accommodate all of the Christmas boxes! However, I DID vacuum the sitting room and our bedroom, so I was semi-productive last night...

It's Friday and I am happy!!

Did you miss me?

2008-08-27T21:11:00.001-07:00

I know, the last I left off, I was going to post about my trip to my mammaw's...but I ended up traveling last week on business and catching some nasty cold (that I still have) and this last weekend we threw a couple's shower for Adam and Brittany and this coming weekend we are filming a wedding! It's been busy!

I have tried to be somewhat productive this week (except for today and Monday)...so Tuesday I cleaned the kitchen, did the laundry (except for hanging it up, see previous posts), vacuumed the living room, and dusted...all feeling like crap and blowing my nose every 5 seconds!!

We helped Tina move a couple weekends ago, so she treated us with a gift card to Chili's that we used tonight and then Zach and I went shopping. I had a coupon which I was really excited about! I was planning on buying like $225 worth of clothes and would only have to pay like $150! Pretty good deal...right? So Zach (being the fantastic husband that he is) made me try on everything and proceeded to tell me yes or no...we added up what we liked and headed to check out. I hand over my oh so awesome coupon and the lady says "This coupon does not work towards this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and this...but you can use it towards these 2 shirts!" I was so mad...and I now HATE fine print...so I put back some stuff that I didn't REALLY need but still walked away with some cute stuff. Stupid coupon!

Since Zach will in class tomorrow night, my goal is to:
Go tan...yes this is a chore...going through all of the effort to remove your clothing and lay on hot bulbs in the dead heat of summer, to go back through all of the effort of putting your clothing back on, so I can then smell like a burnt piece of meat...
Put away the laundry
Clean our room
Vacuum (and maybe mop) our room/bathroom
Finish an art project that I started on forever ago...
and then blog tomorrow night and let you know that I didn't go tan, the laundry is still in the basket, our room is not clean nor is it vacuumed, and I still have an unfinished art project.

:)

We are still waiting...Psalm 143:8...Goodnight!

Still waiting...

2008-08-13T21:16:00.001-07:00

We think 8/18 is the day that we are supposed to be waiting for...as we sit here watching the Olympics in awe of all of the US athletes and their unbelievable bodies and abilities, oh and Zach is eating pringles....Please, oh please, pick us!!

Not much has been going on the last few days. Zach has been working a lot and is at EMT class every Tuesday and Thursday nights. I'm heading to Mt. Pleasant this weekend with my mom and brother to see my Mammaw, since I hopefully wont see her until Christmas! :) Isn't that weird to say...but oh I hope it's true!

What was that? You want to see more pictures...OK :)

Little Zachary playing soccer...age 5

Little Lindsey peeing (who does that)...age 4ish?

Zach looking good for the ski bunnies...pahahaha!

Brandon and me at Joey Stabile's wedding...don't we look so cute! I still have that "cherry dress" and I WILL fit in it again...one day!

Zach playing in One Less Day...these were the days that we could not stand each other...amazing what 6 years will do to you! :)

Jon-Paul and me at the circus in 2003...look at all of JP's hair!

The day I left for College Station...who knew I'd be home almost every weekend and get engaged 6 months later!

Time for bed...

I know it's only Thursday but have a great weekend...and to all of you teachers, have a great LAST weekend of summer; welcome back to the workforce! :) haha...love you all!

Happy 50th Birthday, Old Man!

2008-08-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

Zach's dad turned 50 on Sunday and we celebrated his birthday at the Ranger game in a suite that Zach's Great Uncle owns.

Kaylene set up the party and did a great job. We had food catered and over the hill decorations everywhere! Garrett and Hayden (our nephews) kept yelling for the "horse" and asked "where's the horse, where's the horse" when they couldn't see him. Kaylene had arranged for the "horse" come to the suite during the 3rd inning and the boys completely freaked out! Garrett warmed up to him, but Hayden was in tears and screaming the entire time! The second the "horse" left he was fine! So funny....

We really had a great time and are so happy to celebrate such a great milestone for Joe. We hope the next 50 years are even better! We love you :)

The Rangers played a great game against the Toronto Blue Jays and won 8-4!!

When Zach and I grow up and are rich and famous, we will totally own a suite at the Ballpark! I think the plan is to go in with Robin and Casey...right? The "King Chapps" Suite? :)

out of our hands...

2008-08-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

Our package has been delivered and our future is now in the hands of very important people in LA and a very important man upstairs...

This is taken completely out of context but is giving me so much hope:
"Not so fast. There's a holy man in this town. He carries a lot of weight around here. What he says is always right on the mark. Maybe he can tell us where to go." - 1 Samuel 5:6 (The Message)

I'm sorry Julie...

2008-07-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

So Zach and I are in the process of...I'm going to call it "losing weight" and we found a lot of old pictures and thought I would share...enjoy :)

I'm maybe 18 months and wearing my mom's Varsity cheerleader sweater...GO WARRIORS!

Isn't he the cutest thing!

At Joe's turning 18...

OneLessDay head shots...nice sideburns, Zach!

This picture cracks me up....wavy hair and all!

Oh my gosh...the day I got my car! Here come the tears!!

So happy in love! :)

And now fat and happy in love! It's really unbelievable to see what we started at and we're we are now.

Everyone start praying now!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coming soon....

2008-07-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

Back from Lubbock...Post and Pictures tomorrow...I totally promise!

Stay tuned!

Night two...

2008-07-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

I totally almost forgot about this! Pretty pathetic as it is only the second day of my two day "I'm going to blog" attitude!

I'm in my craft room (I worked from home this afternoon, so I set up the laptop in here in hopes of cleaning up this room...needless to say that didn't happen) anyway, I'm in my craft room looking at a disaster in our bedroom. I've done about 3 loads of laundry today, that is actually folded for once (I love doing laundry, but I HATE to fold and/or hang up) but is laying all over our bed. I need to pack for our Galveston Getaway, that's on the agenda after I blog and check work emails!

Zach and I rented a car to take us to Galveston. I have been BEGGING for a new car going on (how long have we been married....) 1 1/2 years now. Zach's theory is that I need to be broken down on the side of the road at 3:00am in the morning 10 times before we buy a new car. Well I don't ever drive at 3:00am in the morning, let alone by myself, so I think the Honda will be with me for quite sometime :( Anyway, I've been begging for an Infiniti FX35 and I was hoping I would be able to find a Hertz or something that rents them...well the one at the airport does, but it was going to cost some ungodly amount like close to $1,000 bucks for the 4 days that we need the car. Anyway, so we settled on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Zach picks the car up at 5:00 tomorrow afternoon then we're on our way to Galveston.

We are coming back on Sunday and I think I am going with my family to Shreveport on Monday for my dad's birthday. Last year all of us (and Casey and Robin) were in Vegas for his birthday (07-07-07)...so Shreveport is the next best thing. We'll be in Vegas in November for JPs 21st birthday. I cannot freaking believe JP will be 21. First of all that means that I'm going to be 24 in a couple of months which is almost 25, which is 1/4 of a century and almost 30...and second of all he's my baby brother. It really amazes me how fast time goes by the older you get. I remember counting down the days to my birthday and thinking that 45 days was so far off...now that's just 6 Fridays away or 3 pay checks away. Growing up is totally not what I thought it was going to be at all. Don't get me wrong, I am really enjoying life but it is just so different than what I thought.

Instead of cleaning my bedroom or packing, I went and got my nails and toes done. For those of you who don't know (that makes me laugh cause really Robin is the only one who reads this and she knows but...) I shaved a small portion of my nail off the other night. So I have this gimp ring finger and the very nice asian lady decided she was going to remove the clear nail polish, file it, remove its cuticle, and paint it like there was an actual nail there! Let me just say that it is still throbbing from the unbearable pain and looks completely ridiculous! But I can never say "OUCH....STOP DOING THAT..." I just sit there and smile, while tears roll down my face and I still give way too much of a tip!

Ok I deserve a medal or something...this is probably the long blog ever! I'm a pro already...haha. I more than likely wont blog until Sunday, but I will be sure and take lots of pictures!

I hope you have a great 4th of July! Enjoy the great fireworks and be thankful for our freedom!

Here's another random picture from Ireland or Scotland....the gazillion white letters on the building is the actual name of the city and underneath it in black letters, is what all of those letters mean in English. Crazy!

This is so Robin has something to read since Casey went to bed 2 hours ago...

2008-07-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

I know, I know it has been way too long...going on almost 3 months of no blogging! I'm a big fan of blogging but just really need to stick to a schedule! So for this week I WILL blog every night at 10:30pm! However, we'll be in Galveston Thursday through Sunday, so I WILL blog tonight and tomorrow...ha!

I'm watching Designed to Sell. Not my favorite show and tonight's no different. They are totally screwing up this person's house! There's no way I'd buy it...changing channel...What Not to Wear!! Love this :)

The last few months have been so freaking busy! We had a wedding in May, a wedding in June (both showed a Bridal and/or Love Story at the reception, so we had to get those videos ready before the weddings). We have our first destination wedding this weekend in Galveston! Totally excited...July 4th is my favorite Holiday! First of all it is special to Zach and I (we held hands for the first time July 4, 2003...everyone now: "aww") and B. I freakin LOVE fireworks! Even though it is just Galveston, Zach has never seen "ocean" water and sand together at the same time, so it should be fun! We'll be traveling to the LBK at the end of July for another wedding...busy busy!

My brother just got here...he's staying the night...and he just slapped my arm. BRAT! Anyway, he's staying the night because he thinks his Green Hollow bed is hurting his back so he's trying out his Willow Spring bed. We'll see. He's now complaining that I am watching TLC and blogging. HA!

Alright that was fun, yes? We'll see what tomorrow will bring.

I was going to put a picture from Vegas on here, but all I have are my mom's pics from Scotland/Ireland...so this will have to do:

Goodnight to all!

Landscape...

2008-04-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

So the front of JOEY's house :) is need of some major love! I am the type of person to rip everything out and start completely over...Joey (and my mom) on the other hand like to THINK they can trim and replant to salvage these terrible, over grown tree-like bushes.

So, Saturday Joey and I were pulling out holly bushes and I "trimmed" a few bushes (so there would be nothing left, so we would HAVE to take them out). The house still pretty much looks like the front from the previous post.

Well, in an attempt to improve my PhotoShop skills and to convince Joey that starting over is the best thing to do, Zach and I came up with this as what the front of our house COULD look like.

Pretty cool huh? I took basically the picture below and took out some trees and planted pretty plants! The next time you see Joey, tell him how awesome the front would look if he just listened to me!!

haha.

You are in for a treat...

2008-03-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

...that is if you care to see pictures of the house!

It definitely needs some landscaping...but that will have to wait.

Here is our really bid backyard. Also in need of some MAJOR TLC! We're taking out about 2 feet of dirt all the way around and we'll be installing a retaining wall towards the back, a new 8' fence, and hopefully one day a bright shiny pool! The "barn" is going to get a face lift as well!

Two things I need to mention...

1) Please do not judge me because this house is a WRECK!

2) I have come to find out that my really cool camera, can't take a picture in focus :(

In the beginning we did not take enough pictures (I thought I had learned my lesson from Avion) but if you can, squint really hard, this picture is standing in the living room looking into the kitchen. The kitchen has pink linoleum tile and the remnants of old wall paper.

This picture is of the halfway point. I textured all of the walls and painted them green. If you don't like the color, don't tell me!

Then we moved on to the floor. We put down "Peacock" slate from Floor and Decor. It took us a week or so. We just finished grouting and sealing today! Dad is putting in the baseboards tomorrow and the kitchen will be about 99% finished!

This has been a very long weekend. We've been working really hard to finish up a few things before Joey's birthday/Open House party (too bad Zach and I wont be here for it). So I'm just worn out! Tomorrow Zach and I are going to Haverty's to buy our kitchen table (see below) It is a counter height table, that can either square or round! I really love it and I think it will look great in our brand new kitchen!

My bed is calling my name....goodnight :)

This is a test...

2008-03-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

of the emergency broadcast system...checking to see if I really know how to upload a picture...

...and I do!! This is the picture of the curb in front of the house :)

Now that I am a genius, I will be sure and upload more tomorrow!

Well done good and faithful servant.

2008-03-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

I want to be beautiful. Make you stand in awe. Look inside my heart, and be amazed. I want to hear you say "Who I am is quite enough". Just want to be worthy of love and beautiful.

Beautiful by Bethany Dillon

I know, there are still no pictures of the house. I have them on my camera, but can't find the cable that connects the camera to the computer.

Easter is this weekend which usually means Lent is almost over. Except this year I got about half way through Lent and gave up... I really think this is the first year that I have never finished Lent. At first I didn't care, I didn't second guess my decision, I didn't think twice about what I was doing or what was going to happen. I completely fell into temptation and let it get the best of me. Zach always says that he doesn't have to do Lent because he doesn't have to prove his faith. I guess that mentality got the best of me this year and I feel so guilty. Now here we are and Easter is less than a week away and I will rejoice that my God has risen but would have loved to know that I tried my hardest to not fall into temptation. Maybe the rest of this year will be my lent and I can prove my faith all year long! :)

The song Beautiful by Bethany Dillon has just settled on my heart. I am so ready to find a new church home. I am so ready to belong. I am so ready to hear Him say well done, you are beautiful. So ready...

Slacker...

2008-02-28T07:10:00.001-08:00

I am totally slacking! I was hoping to get some pictures up of the new house, but I would need to have a charged camera, the cord that plugs it in to the computer, a computer that is up and running, and time. Right now, I don't have any of the mentioned! Moving is so stressful!!

In order for us to get our money back from our apartment, we either had to find somebody to move in as is, or repaint everything that same light beige color...so we found Erick! But, the management at Avion is terrible and doesn't remember our agreement, and the actually manager is out of town until Monday (March 3rd). We have to sign out of apartment by March 1, so we paint. BOO!!!

The new house is in such disarray. We are living out of boxes, still no groceries (but we do have a cleaned fridge), and unfinished projects everywhere! With busy weekends ahead, I'm not sure when we're going to finish. My department at work surprised me with some embroidered towels and a $50 gift certificate to Pier 1! How sweet is that? I work with some really great people!

My mammaw is home from the hospital. She is over her pneumonia, but the doctors found out she had a really terrible bacterial infection in and around her lungs. She had to stay in the hospital over the weekend as she was on some heavy antibiotics to kill the bacteria. She is home now, and hopefully doing better. My mom and I are going to Canton this weekend and then to see her in MP for her birthday. Busy busy...and I really shouldn't complain.

Ok, I really hope to get some pictures up here soon. Take care.

L :)

Busy Weekend

2008-02-18T07:31:00.000-08:00

I am so worn out this morning! We have been working so hard to finish up the house so Zach and I can start moving in this week. We were able to finish painting the living room and the dining room last night, and the kitchen is 90% finished (good enough to move in). The plan today is to finish our bedroom, and start moving some of our stuff over!!! I will be so happy when everything is at ONE home (not three)!! *I'll post pictures up tomorrow*

In other news, my mammaw (mom's mom) has pneumonia and freaking emphysema! She has never smoked in her life, but lived with people who did. I am just so upset about this, almost like it is not fair! I know that sounds like a 2 year old throwing a fit, but she should not be "punished" for other people's bad habits! She will be 78 on March 1st.

Zach and I had a wedding this past weekend at FUMC Grand Prairie. The reception was at the Ruthe Jackson Center. The bride and groom were so nice and such great people to work with!

I guess that is all that really happened over the weekend. The next 5 weeks are full of Bridals, a trip to Austin, a trip to Canton/Tyler, and of course moving and more house work, so we will be busy in the coming weeks. For all who read this, have a great day!!

L :)

Here we go!

2008-02-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

I have had a lot of fun reading all about Landon and Cooper, seeing pictures of all of Julie's creations, and of course keeping track of what Robin is up to, so I have finally decided to start my own blog. I'm really excited to start documenting things that are happening all around me!

So let's see. Zach and I have been married now for a year and almost four months. We currently live in Avion Village, but are soon moving to Willow Spring Court (and I have never been so excited)! My "uncle" Joey is buying the house and is kindly letting Zach and me move in! It's a great house, many parties to come! I have been working at Decision Analyst (a marketing research firm) since April of 2007, and I absolutely love my job. My official title is National Field Assistant, but I work mainly with International clients. I work with my good friend Brittany Tadlock, trust me there is never a dull moment. The next time someone asks you to take a survey, DO IT! :) Zach is still with Parker College of Chiropractic, in their Audio/Visual Department. "He tapes people getting massages" as Brittany would say. Z and L Productions is our videography business that we just started. We mainly focus on weddings, but have had a few request for anniversaries and recruiting videos. I'll be sure and get some of those videos up on here. (http://www.zandlproductions.com/) What else? We currently do not attend a church. We felt that we needed to find a place together, and of course I have been dragging my feet about leaving my church for a very long time. They just helped make my decision easy, so once we get settled into the new house, finding a church home is our next priority!

I love to throw parties, go to the movies, decorate, shop, create things, and be with good friends. "Make your bed and sleep like a baby."

-Lindsey