Thawing Out

Friends, spring has sprung here in Texas.

And it couldn't have come fast enough. Don't get me wrong, I love the winter, and as soon as the hundred degree weather gets here, I'll be moaning that it's too hot, but for right now, I'm enjoying it. I've had the windows open and the a/c off for the last two weeks.

And, seeing as how Baby Butterbean is finally big enough to play outside, we've spent every waking moment out in the fresh air.

Park Play

It's also rodeo time down here in my little part of Texas. The Houston fair and rodeo kicks off on Tuesday, and the Austin fair and rodeo kicks off soon after that, so we're polishing up our boots and dusting off our cowboy hats.

Like A Rhinestone Cowgirl

Also, all of this warmer weather has up feeling a bit lovey dovey, so we've been spending time with our significant others.

Love Birds

Ok, enough of the cute kid pics. We'll move on to something else.

With this change in the weather, I've been craving a bit of a change as well.

Mainly, my hair.

This? Is hot. I'm currently a reddish brunette, and have no bangs. But I feel like this needs to change. I think I need to rock some bangs this spring.

I'm also craving some cute strappy shoes. Flip flops, open toe wedges, strappy sandles, I want them all. I love my fall and winter boots, but my poor tootsies haven't seen the sun since September, and they're begging to be sock free.

These and the right pair of sunnies? Love.

While we're at it, let's get these for the babe

Too cute. 

So what about y'all? Is it finally thawing out where you are, or are you still rocking the peacoat and ear muffs? Are you longing for warmer weather, or content with the cold?

For the Babes

Hello Lovahs!

I'm hoping you all had wonderful, love filled Valentine's Days! I have been a busy bee over here in my world, so I haven't been writing, but you can bet I've been lurking reading all of your blogs!

Anyvajazzle, I wanted to drop in for a minute and tell y'all about something that is near and dear to my heart.

When Baby Butterbean was a week old, she was admitted into the NICU. The reason was because she had had a little trouble breathing, and they wanted to monitor her a bit, but mostly because of her jaundice. We were lucky enough to only stay for two nights. But even just those two nights were the some of the most hectic nights I've ever experienced. To see my little baby girl in a place like that, absolutely broke my heart. 

But what broke it even more was the fact that there were children there who had been there for not just days, but weeks, and even months. Their doors and walls were decorated with pictures of their families, and pictures that their siblings had drawn for them. They laid in beds with tubs all around them and machines making noises all night long. It made me realize just how lucky I was that we were only there for something minor, and that I had a beautiful and healthy little girl.

It's been over a year since she's been there, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. I'll never forget the sounds, the smell, or the teeny tiny cries from the ones who were strong enough to even let out a cry.

Last year, my bloggie friend B and I teamed up to raise money for March of Dimes by participating in the March for Babies. We had such a good time, and I really felt like I was able to help, even if it was just a tiny amount. So, when the time came around to sign up for this year's walk, I knew that Baby Butterbean and I would be there. This is the point where I ask for your help. I've set a small goal of $200, and I'd really like to meet it, and, if possible, surpass it. So, I'm asking y'all, my wonderful bloggie friends, to help me. Donate, if you can, if not, then help me spread the word. Blog about it, tweet about it (@ me in your tweet, @ohheyitsj), just help me get the word out there. This is the link to my personal donation page, or you can click the badge to head straight over there. You can also add the badge to your blog, if you'd like.




Thanks so much guys! I'm so excited about this year's walk, and I can't wait to tell y'all all about it!

Just A Little Note....

I am currently blogging, tweeting, and watching tv. While I'm at work. And getting paid for it. And my boss doesn't care.

You all have permission to hate me now.

Now, if you'll excuse me I'm watching a Ghost Whisperer marathon. I'll be back tomorrow.

XOXO

ps - a big ol' congrats to my packer boys!

In the Words of The Fresh Prince, Mind Ya Business

First of all, please tell me I'm not the only one who remembers this:

He-larry-ous.

Anyvajazzle, on to what this post is really about.....

Friends, we have a spy among us. Someone is reading my blog and blabbing my business to other people. And by other people, I mean my family. Now, here's the thing, I'm not ashamed of my blog. My mom and the hubs both know about my little corner of the interwebz. But, I consider this to be my sanctuary. This is my safe haven, the place where I can escape my world, if only for a minute, to clear my head. And honestly, I don't care who sees this blog. But what bothers me is when someone uses something of mine against me. When someone twists something that I've said or done and distorts it to where it makes me look bad.

Anyone who reads my blog can read all about my night out on the town  last Saturday night. I have nothing to hide. I went out without the hubs because he was working. But he knew where I was going and who I was with. I talked to him quite a bit that night. My mom babysat Baby Butterbean for me, so she knows everything as well. Basically, some people have been led to believe that I was out whoring around. Or something of the sort.

Let it be known that at least a dozen people can vouch for my actions that night. 

Here's what I'm getting at. I don't like gossip. I don't like people gossiping about other people for their own personal wealth. But, if you're going to do it, talk about something worth talking about. Don't make up shit. And damn sure don't hide behind it. If you have something to say about someone, let it be known that you're saying it. 

I'm fairly certain that anyone who has any interest in my blog is a grown ass adult. So act like one. This is not high school, this is the real world. Have a little self respect and stop trying to make others look bad. It's really no one's business what I do except for myself and my husband. I live my own life, pay my own bills, and mind my own damned business. And everyone else should as well. Because before you go throwing stones, maybe you should look around at your glass house.

Don't Make Me Eat My Words

One whole day after I publicly profess my love for Houston, something happens that makes me almost regret it.

I'm not sure if this is national news yet, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time before it is.

Basically, the short story is that a teen from Houston, named Chad, was arrested for burglary with some other teens. When he was arrested he fled. Now, let me pause for a minute and state that I think it's stupid that he fled. I've never been in any trouble, and I side with law enforcement most of the time, so I can't sympathize with this kid when it comes to that part of the story. I do, however, think what happened next was completely unnecessary. An officer clip Chad with his car, causing him to fall to the ground. After he fell, Chad put his hands on the back of his head and it seemed pretty clear that he was giving up. He was then surrounded by officers who began to beat and kick him repeatedly. In the video it even shows them kicking him in the head.

Like I said, I've never been in trouble, and the worst thing I've ever done is speed, so I pretty much have a huge amount of respect for law enforcement officers. I work with them on a daily basis!  But I do know that there are officers who've abused their authority in the past, and I also know that things like this happen at times. But it's completely uncalled for. This kid was clearly giving up, I don't see why they felt the need to beat him the way they did. Criminal or not, this kid didn't deserve this. I really hope that a few bad apples don't spoil the bunch, because there's no way all of the officers can be this way in a city as awesome as Houston.

Southern Shenanigans

So, I didn't tell y'all the other day since I was doing the birthday recap, but I had an amazing weekend.

Why?

Because I met the oh-so-adorable Kora Bruce from Dixie Lust!! This is where you all get very jealous of me because, she? Is kick ass. Like, seriously. 

Now, here's the story, I've been lurking following Miss Kora for about a year and a half now. Her blog is wonderful, she writes the greatest shiz around, and it seems like she's always having adventures. She's been to Houston a few times since I became her personal stalker a fan of hers, but we couldn't ever get together, so finally, a few weeks ago, she said she was coming to town and wanted to have a tweet up. (Of course I follow her on the twit, I just can't get enough of her cajun cuteness!) And since then I've been pretty much geeking out with excitement. 

Anyvajazzle, Saturday rolled around and I was supposed to go to Dallas that morning to see my other favorite person, Becky, but our power was out that morning, so I didn't get to go. That pretty much dampened the whole day. But, the electricity came back on that afternoon and there was no way I was missing going to Houston! 

{viz}

(on a side note, I'm so sorry I didn't make it to see you Becky! Can we hang out sometime in the next few weeks??)

So, I got dressed and off I went to a hipster dive bar to meet up with some of the most awesome people in the world! 

Let me say, Houston is the shizzy. Seriously. It's my new favorite city. I had no idea it was such a cool place! I thought it was full of 80 year old oil tycoons, hobos, and gangstas. I'm going on the record and saying that I was dead wrong. Houston has a vibe almost like Austin. It has a kick ass music scene and everyone has their own style. I want to marry Houston and have it's babies. And the bar that we went to? I really thought I'd stick out like a sore thumb, but I didn't feel awkward at all. Which is saying a lot, since I feel awkward on a daily basis.

It really was a damn good time. I haven't been out since my birthday, and I haven't been out to a bar in even longer. Everyone that I met was insanely nice and hilarious as hell. And if it's possible, I love Kora Bruce even more!

I can't wait to go back, but until then, I have a little souvenir from our southern shenanigans. 

Photo booth fun