Wordless Wednesday...kind of

Bellingrath Gardens

Finley and I ventured out to Bellingrath Gardens today. It's kind of like Birmingham Botanical Gardens, but bigger. It's really nice. We went there once before for a Magic Christmas in Lights thing they have during the holidays, but it was at night so we couldn't really see everything. It is really beautiful there. They have these huge green lawns and lots of little areas along the trail with benches, water fountains, koi ponds, etc. The only problem was that it was really HOT!!! I didn't realize how hot it was until we got there and started walking around. I snapped a few pics and then we left. Finley's little cheeks were red;) I would love to go back with Joey so we could get some family pics, but not until its cooler or overcast. It got us out of the house, I got to use my camera and Finley got to be "side" which is her word for outside, so the trip was a success. I'll try to upload pics later. Blogger isn't letting me right now:(

Just for fun!

It has been rainy here so I haven't gotten a chance to go out and play with my camera, but I did snap these this afternoon. I am LOVING this camera!

Battle of the Summer: Bikini vs. Tankini

I have a major dilemma. We are going to the beach in two weeks with my family so I have started looking at bathing suits. I feel certain everyone faces this problem at some point and probably right after you have a baby. I have no idea if it is still appropriate for me to wear a bikini. If I'm being honest with myself, I'm just worried about what other people will think. I know I shouldn't care, but I do. Obviously I'm not talking about anything skimpy, just a two piece bathing suit. After my first shopping trip, I came home with a brown tankini with white polka dots. I tried it on for Joey and he said he hated it and that I looked like I was 40. I truly appreciate his honesty. I kind of felt that way about it too, but thought maybe it was just that I had always worn a bikini and felt weird with more on than I was used to. I'm 28 and I want to look it! Being in my 20s makes me think I can still wear a two piece, but the mom in me says maybe I shouldn't. I bought 2 two pieces also and they are all laying on my bed with the tags still on and I've been standing over them trying to figure out if I should wear them. HELP ME!!! Maybe I need to find a cuter, younger looking tankini. If anyone knows where I can find a cute one, please let me know. Moms, I would love to know what ya'll think.

FINALLY!!!!

We FINALLY got the new camera I have been dreaming about since Finley was born! Yay!!! We got it this afternoon and I plan on taking Finley out tomorrow and snapping about a million pics. I love it! The pictures are so clear compared to my digital camera. I can see all the little curves of her face now:)

What will we do?

A while back Joey and I were looking through a dance recital program (I was thinking to myself how I couldn't wait until Finley could take dance) and started up a conversation about the costumes the girls were wearing. These "little girls" were wearing hot pants, midriff bearing tops and lacy satin things that looked like they belonged on a young woman on her wedding night. I know they are just costumes, but no matter how well you explain it to her, you are putting a little girl in a sexy outfit, onstage doing sexy moves and people are going wild for it. It will speak to her louder than her parents voice ever could. The girls in the video are talented and should be able to showcase their talent in more clothing and without the gyrating. A couple years ago I would have thought this was cute! Becoming a parent really changes your perspective. Look at the title of the video!!! Yuck, yuck, yuck!!! Watch it all the way through.




What will Joey and I do if Finley loves dance and joins a dance school and this is one of the routines they want to perform? I know what we would do, I just hope we never have to. Some people might think I'm a hypocrite because I have worn these things. I wore hot pants, fishnets and a midriff bearing top for hundreds of people to see while I danced to Britney Spears "Toxic". BUT, I was an adult in college on a professional dance team. I was not at a dance competition in the under 10 age group. The moves were not half as provocative as the ones you will see in the video. Actually, it was a jazz number. The video and article were on a website called digitaldads.com. The article is really good and so is the message. Good luck to moms and dads raising girls. This is what we have ahead of us. Not to be Debbie Downer, but we have to take the good with the bad. Maybe I'll steer Finley towards soccer;)

Here's the article that went with it.
http://www.digitaldads.com/2010/05/stop-slutting-up-our-girls/

Thursdays Thirteen

1.) We are having a neighborhood yard sale this Saturday. I'm so excited to get rid of some junk!!! Actually, it's mostly home decor that I don't like anymore. I have the urge to sell everything and start over. Finley's room won't be touched. I still love her room!

2.) 2 weeks until our annual family beach trip. Let the starvation begin:( On a happier note, I am beyond excited to take Finley to the beach this year! She is at a really fun age so I know we will all have a blast.

3.) Just about every afternoon, Finley and I go out in the driveway and she plays with her car and pushes her wagon around while we wait for Joey to get home. The kids across the street play baseball in their yard about this time every day. Remember when you were 10 and you were out of school for summer? No plans, no responsibilities and no obligations. Oh I miss those days!

4.) We never heard back from either of those "promising" buyers we talked to about our house. Booo! I know I shouldn't be surprised. I'm more disappointed than anything. Oh well.

5.) I

6.) have

7.) a

8.) really

9.) EXCITING

10.) secret!

11.) Can't

12.) tell

13.) yet;)

No, I'm not pregnant!

Kim, I bet Jason thinks this is cheating;)