My Good Things

Move over Martha, it's time for Mindy's Good Things. Translation: I'm about to waste 3o minutes (or more?) telling you about all the awesome things I am loving lately.

Forever 21
Who doesn't love Forever 21? Fashion forward clothing and jewelry at prices so low it doesn't matter if you only wear them one season. Really. Why am I loving Forever 21 right now? Because they have come to my saving once again with "maternity" wear. I can't tell you the struggle I've had shopping for maternity clothing. Apparently being pregnant means you've resolved to look like you're wearing a sack at all times. 99% of maternity clothing I looked at is 1) unstylish, 2) shapeless (when we're in need of proof we have a shape most!), 3) only in solid colors, 4) if it is remotely cute it is too expensive, and 5) not fit for anyone under 40, and maybe not even then. (Strange, because who over 40 is pregnant anyway?) Lucky me, I wandered into Forever 21 seeking jewelry and hair pieces, and while I did find that, I also found multiple tees and blouses that fit nicely--almost as if they were meant to--over a bulbous belly. I suppose I am lucky that current fashion allows for this sort of thing. Either way, thank you Forever 21 for allowing me to feel pretty while pregnant.

Leggings
I had also hit a bump in finding maternity bottoms. Yes, I know Citizens of Humanity sells maternity jeans and while I always swore I would splurge on a pair, parting with that $200 isn't so easy. And once again, the affordable maternity options are, in my option, hideous AND uncomfortable as the belly band cuts, conveniently, right into your baby when you sit, making it not only uncomfortable for you but probably the baby.
On the same shopping trip (it was a good shopping day and I had early birthday money from my mom) I decided to try on my first pair of spandex leggings in the Gap. I decided I was finally ready to make the jump to wearing leggings not just under short dresses, etc. but with normal shirts too. Another success! $17 for leggings that fit (even the non-maternity type), are super comfortable, surprisingly cool in hot weather, and make me feel stylish AND skinny, even pregnant. Thank heaven once again for the current styles!
The only draw back? "Tyler, I notice my butt a lot when I wear these. Do you think other people look at my butt too?" "Yeah, they do." Oh well.

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner
I have all but given up on hair product. When I use anything that claims to "bodify" or "thicken" my hair, at best it does nothing and at worst it makes my hair lay flatter. After a decade of experimenting with various hair regimens, I have finally developed one I am happy with involving a limited and strict use of a few hair products. And I never venture out. I haven't tried a new hair product in at least 5 years. But I have this theory that shampoo/conditioner sets need to be rotated out or else they loose their "power," and since my set was out I after 2 years (I use this stuff slowly) I was faced with needing to pick a new set. Imagine my delight when I found my new hairdresser has the same theory as me and told me she rotates out my recently empty set with the Bumble and Bumble Thickening set. I was skeptical but B & B haven't let me down yet so I figured I would give it a try. And what a fabulous product!! After a couple of weeks I realized that it was actually working! Like I said, I've never had a hair product that actually thickens or gives body like it claims and THIS DOES! What a novel idea, a beauty product that noticeably does what it says it will.

Sketchers Shape-Ups
Sure, they're nothing to look at, but I have jumped on board the Sketchers Shape-Ups train and am now an official disciple. I have a bad lower back and the combination of having to have stopped exercising for months and gaining weight and having my posture thrown off have made the problem go from bad to worse. I knew it was time to get proactive when I started limping around the house. I got some Sketchers Shape-Ups because I had heard good things about how they improved people's posture and strengthened walking muscles, etc., but ultimately how they reduced pain. I was skeptical and kept the tags on them for a week to be sure they would do what they claimed because these shoes are a pretty penny. Lo and behold, after a week of wearing them a couple hours a day around the house and my back pain is GONE. No joke, it's completely gone! I don't even feel it when I bend over now let alone enough to make me limp when I walk. I've taken the tags off and they're mine for good.

Yoga
It's trendy to praise yoga. I've always liked power yoga but usually only work it into my work out regimen about once a month. When deciding to be more proactive about my back pain (see above) I had also prayed to know what I could do to help my body out. Afterall, I have 15 more weeks of pregnancy to get through and I didn't want to be broken down already. I had the distinct impression one night while getting ready for bed to do yoga. Even at 11pm, I broke out my mat and did an hour of power yoga. I have been doing it only about twice a week for the past two weeks and, combined with the Shape-Ups, the results are incredible! It's amazing to me that while I am doing yoga I actually forget that I am pregnant. It's amazing that I feel more powerful, balanced, relaxed, flexible, and in control when balancing upside down than when walking and standing through everyday life.

Because we need to know when we are lied to

quoted from a Susan B. Anthony List news email:
Well, the “gift” of health care reform keeps on giving. Since Wednesday, when Marjorie wrote to you with the horrific news that $160 million of our federal tax dollars were sent to establish a high risk insurance pool in Pennsylvania, a new program established by the health care bill, with no restrictions on abortion funding, New Mexico has also been added to the list of states receiving this blood money—unwillingly given by citizens from across the country.

Our hard earned tax dollars are being used by the federal government to fund high-risk insurance pool programs that cover abortion on-demand.

Taxpayer dollars--from every American across the country--being used to end the lives of innocent, unborn children in Pennsylvania, and now New Mexico.

When those so-called pro-life Democrats like Bart Stupak and Kathy Dahlkemper voted for health care reform, they said our tax dollars would not be used to end unborn lives. President Obama said that his executive order would protect the conscience of the American taxpayers. . . . an Executive Order that wasn't worth the paper it was printed on.

Get Your Fill!

We're entering the "15 days until move" tomorrow and as such will be super busy with cleaning and packing, and then unpacking. I'm not sure the next time I'll be able to blog, so here is a conglomeration of pictures and stories. Afterall I have hardly posted anything about us in months!

Who's Your Daddy?Everyone has been saying how much Cameron looks like Tyler. This picture shows it! Not to mention it's so adorable.

Speaking of Daddy, here is a picture of them on Fathers Day. Tyler unfortunately had to work that Sunday but we gave him his presents (his degree and IFMA certificate in nice new frames for work and some slick slacks, also for work) and his PB mud pie when he got home. The next night I made him a delicious grilled ribs dinner. He says I did an awesome job and was hot and in love the way men are when their women make good food. It was no big secret: just have a good rub on hand and wake up from nap every 30 minutes to flip the ribs.

Goodbye Hair
I finally did it on Saturday and it's so nice to have the change! I have to say all the attention it got at church the next day made me uncomfortable. What do I expect when I cut off over a foot of hair with no warning to anyone? I did go in again tonight to have my hairdresser thin out certain areas so it is less of a "bob"(like in this pic) and more of a saucy A-line. I really like it now and you'll see pics in the future, I'm sure. And yes, I was able to donate my ponytail. :)

Cameron Capers
Cameron is keeping us on our toes now more than ever. (Above he's wearing a Chick Fil-A cow hat.) He's making it a goal to see how many time outs he have in a day. I officially decided that if I don't want a brat for a child and don't want to be constantly disrespected as a mother that I need to get tough. Therefore I have abandoned some of the sweet, try-and-reason talk (that must work with some kids) and adopted more of our parents' methods of spanks, time outs, and scolding. Honestly, it's the only thing that gets this child's attention. But other than the terrible-twos taking their toll, he is so smart and so hilarious and just as active as ever. He knows all his letters and their matching sounds, can count perfectly to 10, knows his shapes and is working on his colors (we wonder sometimes if he's color blind), and finally has a large enough vocab of words, although still no real sentences.
He also still really loves books. Here is he sleeping on the plane home from Amy's graduation snuggled up to a favorite book.
He's also recently discovered his new favorite toy: the computer. So wise mommy keeps the laptop out of sight and only lets him play (and when I say play, I mean he watches us play and points us where to go) an hour a day. Another smart tactic of mine, I only take him to pbskids.org and starfall.com where the games are educational. (He has actually learned a TON from them!) He is actually even a little bored of those sites now and asks for the computer much less. He doesn't need to know now how vast and entertaining the internet really is. ;)

Happy Four Years to Us
Tyler and I spent our four year anniversary in a hotel bed sleeping naked. Unfortunately that is because we were stranded in Denver (on our way home for Amy's graduation) without our luggage and had to wash our underwear in the sink. And Cameron was there. It was anything but romantic. So later we made sure to get a sitter, dress up, and go to a super fancy restaurant in a historic, fancy hotel downtown. When it was built it was boasted to be the most luxurious hotel west of St. Louis.
We each got a three course meal and had such a blast chatting without Cameron and being treated like we were rich. ;) But best of all is that we're both still so in love. It's true what they say, and I love Tyler more each year we're together.

I mean, who wouldn't love a man that makes you laugh all the time and makes you cards like this on Mothers Day? Keep your romance and roses, I decided that humor is an extremely desirable trait in a husband since it makes the often harsh journey of life bearable and even enjoyable (Single ladies, take notes.)

Getting to know You
There has been a brief halt to our city exploring adventures, first when I got super sick in my first trimester and now followed by the scorching heat and being forced indoors, but we have still been able to get to know our new city and love it! First of all, the food is to die for and there is so much of it everywhere! I want to try every other restaurant I see. I could eat out every day and go hundreds of days before needing to repeat. This city loves their food.
This picture is all the way back in March. There is so much vegetation here and it's so green! Not all of Texas is yellow and dusty. And this city really appreciates nature and has tons of public green spaces and parks. And trees. You would have no idea, but this walkway runs right along a major road down town. If you couldn't hear the cars nearby, you'd think you were in the wilderness. Beautiful!
Not all of Texas is dry either. We've had tons and tons of rain this spring. I've only seen it rain harder in Alabama.
The city also loves its music, especially its live music. Tyler and I went to an Owl City concert here at one of the many small outdoor venues. Funny story, before the concert started we walked five blocks to a gas station mini mart (the closest thing with snack food, all around were trendy bars and restaurants) and got me some ice cream so I didn't toss my pregnant cookies during the show.
This city also loves their parties/events and festivals. There is no shortage of things to do. There is always something going on and the events are always well attended. I think it plays a big role in the strong (and famous) sense of community here. This is a festival downtown one Saturday in May, one of the first weekends I felt up to going out.

Tyler had to experience one of the famous roasted turkey legs. Huge! No, he didn't finish it.

So have I convinced you all yet that this is the place to be?

Independence Day Devotional

I hope everyone had a chance to sing a patriotic song this July 4th! If not, and even if you did, I wanted to share the inspiring words from America the Beautiful that I was able to sing in church today. The words are so beautiful and inspiring, it's too bad that no one talks or focuses on these values anymore. I couldn't sing half of it, at least, because I was so choked up. Studying one's country will produce for anyone a patriotic heart, but especially our wonderful country that was so divinely conceived and has done so much good for mankind. Let's all make sure we do our part to ensure God continues to bless and lead us because without Him, as a nation, we are nothing. I love the United States!! Here's to her greatness and potential for more greatness!

Oh, beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

Oh, beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.

Oh, beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev’ry gain divine.

Oh, beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

Tonight we were able to go see the city's fireworks from on top of the parking garage at Tyler's hospital. Cameron was so delighted by them! We, as parents, would have been a bit happier had some of the tall downtown buildings not obstructed our view. Nevertheless, we had an awesome Independence Day weekend!