LULU TAKES OVER.......

Hi all....LULU HERE! As you know, it was my Momma's birthday weekend! I know she has been slackin' with the blogs so I decided to hop on here and update you all. She had a blast this weekend. Whenever I saw her she was ginnin from ear to ear. She wasn't home much but she still remembered to feed me, walk me, and love on me a little so we are cool. I know on Thursday (her birthday) her friends threw her a huge surprise partaaaaay. This was her second suprise party. Spoiled brat. HA! She had no clue but my Glamma filled me in so when she was complaining about not having a party I just ignored her and thought, "Bishhhh......you are going to feel foolish when you see your surprise." Obviously, I wasn't allowed at the Salty Iguana because I'm not 21,  but when she got home she shared these pics with me......

THE SUPRISE

THE CAKE

THE BESTIES/ HOTESSES WITH THE MOSTESSES

ANGIE AND MEGS. LOVE.

 FAVE GROUP SHOT.

DIRKO ROCKING THE BOA. STANDARD.

MIKE AND FAMILY

READING THE CARD FROM HER PARENTS

Aunt Lora and Aunt Hudy put the whole thing together and Glamma sent the boas, of course. They totally made the party. Momma had a great time. I know because she woke up with with a headache the next morning. Ha!

Friday and Saturday were spent just Momma and I. We went for walks with Hudy and her doggies and  they went downtown for a couple of hours. We all just hung out at night and chilled. Even though her headache had gone away, she was exhausted. She had to refocuse on her diet after all the birthday cake she ate. HA!

Sunday morning she woke up and went to workout and then for a day on the boat. Coach O came back and surprised her for her birthday so I KNOW she loved that suprise.  The weather was PERFECT and she got lots of sun!

Monday she went out on the boat again but they came in early when they got a call that a friend had fallen ill.  We went over to Junior's house that night and I got to play in the backyard while Mom hung out with her peeps. Uncle Shane is home and she loves seeing him and Hudson.  I just love Junior's backyard! HA!

Momma got tons of presents this weekend and she is so greatful for everything....An iPAD, two diamond necklaces, Gap gift certificates, a fun pearl and rhinestone bracelet, plants for the house, a gift certificate from the local bike shop and THREE bottles of Jack Daniels.   She is so blessed to have such great friends and family....and such a great doggie. HA!

Anyhoo....I'm sure Momma will be back blogging tomorrow.  She is trying to get her work life back in order after being gone for 5 days.  So far, she is loving her 30's. I, for one, am exhausted from all this partying.....

I'm off to take a nap........

SMOOCHES,

THE DARLING LULU

30, FLIRTY, AND FABULOUS

So the sun came up this morning. The earth kept spinning. Time didn't stop. I am 30 years old. So far, so good.  I don't feel much different, just a LOT more mature. HA! Lulu tried to get me in the celebratory mood last night but I looked at the carb count for the champagne in my fridge and decided against it. She drank my share.

I got this text from Coach O. last night before I went to sleep......"I want you to go to bed and know that you will be 30 and you will be smart, funny, pretty and all those things you have always been:)".... Ya know what? She is right. I'm going to embrace my age and be the same flirty and fabulous woman I was in my 20's....just a little bit wiser.

I am a daughter, a sister, a friend and a fur mommy. That doesn't change because I'm 30 and when I think of it that way it doesn't sound bad.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!  Everyone should go celebrate by getting a mani/pedi. Charge it to Teddy Ballgame! Ha! Sorry, Dad, some things will NEVER change.

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

29 AND HOLDING.........

Welp, the day is almost here. Tomorrow is my 30th birthday.  Yuck.  I can't tell you how many women have told me lately that their 30's were WAY better then their 20's. Although I am not buying it......I guess I will soon find out for myself! HA! I'm just not feeling it today. I am tired and my skin is having some mid-life freak out of it's own. I have a couple of those deep, underground zits on my chin. Ya know the kind that make your eyes water if they are touched.  That makes putting makeup on REALLY fun.  BLAH.  I scheduled an emergency facial tonight.  It isn't one of those luxurious, relaxing facials though.  It is a BUSINESS facial-complete with digging and scrubbing.  Hopefully it will be worth it because I don't want to be ringing in my 30's with a pizza face. That doesn't make for cute pics........................

Yesterday Hudy had minor surgery on her leg. So I, being the GREATEST best friend in the world, took her, waited at the hospital, and then drove her home.  Half way through the procedure the doctor came out in the waiting room and told me that she was having an allergic reaction to something they gave her and she was having trouble breathing. They were concerned so they were calling a cardiologist down to help REVIVE her.  I was panicked. I started tearing up and gathering my things so I could go back and find her.  Then, as he was finishing telling me what was going on, he starts smiling and laughing.  I was thinking, "Why the HE** are you laughing while my friend is in there in trouble!?!?!?!" I was about to smack him when he said, "Just kidding. Hudy asked me to come out and scare you. She said it would be funny. She is doing really well and you can go back and see her now."  SERIOUSLY?!?!?! I was so mad I made her walk home.  Just kidding..........but I didn't talk to her for like 30 minutes. Here she is post-operation.....hamming it up for the camera so she gets more sympathy.....typical.

I got back to my office and had the most fun suprise waiting for me.......Harrison's birth announcement.  It was just darling!  Lora is for sure going to help me with mine....if I ever have kids! HA! This is the full page picture on the back of the card. I mean, can you STAND it?  So cute.....................

I just got off the phone with my Momma. She is home safe and sound. My poor Dad had to go directly to meetings out of town so he is not quite home yet. Poor guy. I am sure he is exhausted. I guess that is what he gets for living the "fabulous life." HA!  It sounds like they had a great time on their trip and I am so happy for them that they got to go. Selfishly though, I am glad she is home:)

So the next time I post I will officially be in my 30's. But for the rest of today, I am still 29 and holding........

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

PRODUCTIVE WEEKEND!

Friday night I hung out at Lora's house with her, her kiddos and her hubby. I love going over there because I can totally be comfy....meaning no makeup and wearing sweats. Hudson loves me no matter what I look like:) He has started loving going through my purse. He loves my lipsticks and spent a good amount of time on Friday night wearing my MAC pink lip gloss. It was hilarious.


Saturday was actually a really productive day. I woke up early and worked out. Then I got dressed and headed into KC to hang out with my friend Jamie. I had never seen her house before and it was darling! Jamie was a player for us when I first got my job and now she works in our office while finishing her grad degree. I have watched her grow from a college student athlete into a great young woman. We have taken a couple of vacations together and I consider her a good friend. Because I was so young when I got my job she is actually only two years younger then me so we have a lot in common. She just got word on Thursday that she got a full-time teaching job so we had a lot to celebrate.  We stopped at Nebraska Furniture Mart and looked at washer/dryer combos and then we went shopping(I got a tank top from Marshalls), then to dinner and a movie. We saw Bridesmaids. Loved it. It was kind of gross humor but it was entertaining. I stuck to my diet pretty well even though it was hard. I even brought Atkins candy for the movie. Whatever it takes! Ha!

Sunday morning I slept in and had no motivation to workout...so I didnt. I spent the morning watching TV and emailing with my Mom in Euroupe. Then I took a nap and woke up with the energy to tackle the inside of my house. To be honest my house is always straightened out but it isn't always clean. Well, Sunday was the day I would conquer that. It was me vs. my house and I came out on top! It took me three hours and I was literally on my hands and knees scrubbing. My least favorite thing? Cleaning the showers. Ugh! But in the end, it was worth it. The only rooms I didn't tackle were my laundry room and my guest room, which is subbing for my laundry room while things are being repaired. Here are some pics of the inside of my house. Doestn't it just sparkle?!?! HA!

Living room.

Living room.

Master bedroom.

Master bedroom.

Master bedroom.

Jewelry drawer.  One of two :)

Master bath.

Master bath.

Master bath.

Master bath.

 

Kitchen

Kitchen

Kitchen

Kitchen

Kitchen

Guest Bath.

******My house is tiny. Two bed/two bath. But it is perfect for just me and Lulu. My family, friends, and I have put a lot of work into it. New bathrooms and new painting on top of lots of other things and I am very proud. I will post pics of my outside once I spruce it up with summer flowers. I hope to get that done this week!

Sunday night I went over to Lora's grandpa's and hung out. I had cleaned out my jewel drawer and brought my extra goodies to Lora's 8 year old cousin. I'm glad she got so much joy out of them. I still love going through my Mom's jewelry every time I'm home. Have you gotten an extender for that necklace yet, Mom? Just checkin........

I had a bad day with the diet on Sunday. Pretty much ate whatever I wanted. Carbs and sugar. It was day 21 and I was just DONE. But I am back on the wagon today.  It's not how many times you fall, it's how many times you get back up!  Geez....can you tell I work in athletics? HA! I had a great long talk with my bro last night. Love him. He is so excited to be a Dad!

Hudy is back and my Mom comes back tomorrow although I have strict instructions to NOT call her until she calls me so she can sleep. RUDE! But I am excited to have all my little ducks back! HA! Talk at you all tomorrow!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

Lindsay's Link Party!

I am linking up with Lindsay in New Hampshire's  link party ( I think I finally figured out the linky thingy) and sharing my favorite summer nail color.  My personal favorite is OPI's Cajun Shrimp.  I'm a huge fan of red and I think this is the perfect summer shade.

I'm actually sporting it right now with the shellac!

Anyhoo, happy painting!!!!!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

HAPPY HAIR DAY

What is it about going to go get your "hair-did" that makes a girl feel so good?  I love knowing that, no matter what is going on in my life, I will walk out of the "beauty parlor" feeling like a million bucks.  Last night I went and saw my girl, Penny, for some highlights and a haircut and it was just what the doctor ordered.  This weather, my Mom being gone, Hudy being gone, Lora's kiddos being sick, and the big 3-0 approaching, have left this chica a little lonely so my appointment with Penny came just in the nick of time.  Eventhough we aren't really friends outside of my time in the chair, I really enjoy her. Which is a good thing since it takes 3 hours to get my hair done (With an eyebrow wax thrown in there. Thanks, Dad, for the big and bushy uni-brow. I appreciate it).

I didn't get a good "before" picture but just imagine "squirel butt brown" roots (Coach O's words, not mine. Gotta love honest friends) paired with long blonde locks. I did get "during" and "after" shots though........

AHHHHHH......I feel whole again.  I use Bumble and Bumble products and Penny recommended a new shampoo last night. I don't mind changing it up. I don't know it it is a legit theory or not, but people say it's not good for your hair to get used to it's shampoo........so I ditched the Bumble and Bumble "Gentle" line, which I love by the way.....

And bought the new "Shine" products..........

I will let you know how it works but I already LOVE the name! HA!

Side note: I also use Bumble and Bumble's "Sunday" shampoo and their deep conditioning mask once a week.  Working out, hair dryers, and rollers everyday take a toll on these locks. It's kind of a pain because the mask has to be left on for 20 minutes, but it is so worth it in the end. I usually exfoliate my feet and do a Proactiv mask while I wait. It's kind of like a mini-spa day for me.....only WAY more affordable! HA!


What hair products do you like to use?

Anyhoo.......Lora said the kiddos are better so I am going to go over and hang out with them tonight and my friend Jamie and I are going to the movies tomorrow night and then to dinner and NFM to pick out a new washing machine. Wayne cancelled my workout Saturday morning so I can sleep in both days. My weekend is looking pretty good.....Mom and Hudy who? HA!  Just kidding. I can't wait for everyone to come home safe and sound.....with presents. HA!  

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

BIRTHDAY LOVIE

So I got back from lunch today and had the BEST suprise waiting for me............

.............a birthday package from my Auntie Chris (The Original Diva).  She is just the best. She can even make a brown paper bag into cute wrapping paper!  I took me about 3.5 seconds to tear into that sucker and inside was the most beautiful pewter picture frame. She always knows the most perfect present for me and she has the greatest sense of style.  Last year she gave me some silver bangles that I wear EVERYDAY to work. 

Isn't the little note perfect too?  She is my Godmother and I most certainly get my "diva-ness" from her (although Stef did contribute a little. HA! ).  I'm going to take it home once I get a great picture to put in it. Maybe a pic from my birthday. But for right now I added it to the corner of my desk that I keep all of my "lovies."  I have a huge desk and most of it is filled with work stuff but I do have a section in the corner reserved from my favorite things. Basically the things that keep me sane during the season. HA! If you look closely I have other notes from Auntie Chris up there... 

Another favorite part of my desk is my stapler, tape, mouse combo. I got them from my Mom and co-worker, Trena.  I was issued the standard desk supplies when I got my job but they were soooo boring.  I couldn't stand them! I got the mouse pad from Old Navy for $1.50. So much better then the boring black square they expected me to use!   And now I can totally tell if someone steals my stuff. HA! These just make me happy..................

Anyhoo.....THANK YOU AUNTIE CHRIS ( I will email you a more personal email later).  I love you very much!  Love Love Love.

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

PRAYER REQUEST

I wanted to end today with a prayer request. Some of you may have heard of the NHL star, Derek Boogard, who was found dead in his apartment on Friday.  He was the older brother of one of our players, Krysten. He was 28. They are a very close family and Derek was just here two weeks ago to watch his sister recieve a scholar-athlete award. Here is a picture of Krysten and her brothers taken after the banquet. Krysten is 6'5, by the way, and Derek was 6'8. They were an extremely gifted family athletically but what was most impressive was how close they were.   I am so glad they had this time together and I hope she keeps the memories of that night and weekend in the front of her mind. I saw them together and they looked like such a loving family. 

Krysten is devestated. Please lift her and her family up and keep them in your prayers.  Bonnie and some of our players are headed to Canada this weekend for the memorial services. I can't go becuase I don't have a passport, but I will be thinking of them the whole weekend.

Here is the link to the ESPN ARTICLE about Derek. 

It's times like this that makes me realize how BLESSED I am.  I know it's cliche, but tell your important people that you love them everyday.

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

WEEKEND RECAP

I know it's been a minute since I posted last, but life has been crazy busy!  I took a four day weekend to help the bestie run her annual Midwest Sports Performance Conference.  She's a big wig in the "strength and conditioning world" so her conference is pretty popular. I just like helping out because so many cute boys come. HA! 

All of Hudy's little interns. They were all so star-sturck with the presenters. So cute.

Although the conference is all business during the day, it is all partying at night!  Let me tell you, "fitness people" know how to let loose. We had a blast all three nights. I'm proud to say, I stuck to my diet totally. Because I am done with the first two weeks of Atkins, I could have some cocktails. Thankfully, Jack and Diet is ZERO carbs.  AMEN! 

This weekend was ESPECIALLY good because Coach O. came home for a visit.  I am still calling this her "home" eventhough she officially lives in VA now. I prefer to think she is just visiting there.  My Mom still calls California my "home" eventhough I have been a home owner in KS for four years.  Anyhoo, she brought us back a ton of UVA gear.  Check out my shirt....does she know my taste, or what ?!?!?!

I took yesterday off of work to take Katie and Hudy to the airport and get some things done around my house. Last night my washing machine broke for the THIRD time. So annoying.  Mom and Dad to the rescue, though, and I will be going to Sears tonight to look for a new one. Wouldn't a pink one be fun?

Side note: Mom and Dad are on their anniversary cruise and having a BLAST. With the time difference, they only email me at 1:00 AM my time but I look forward to waking up every morning and reading about their day.  Love you guys and be safe!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

WHO I AM......

Who I Am...

I am...29 years old......30 in a couple of weeks.....yikes

I want...lots of things! I'm a wanter. Sigh.

I have...the strongest and most loving family a girl could ask for. Plus, I am the princess. HA!   

I wish...I could pack up my job and my besties and move close to my parents. I wish that everyday.

I hate...that I am always so worried about money.

I fear...that I will never be able to fully trust a man. He has scarred me forever.

I hear... That the world is ending in May 21, 2011. At least according to my hometown newspaper.

I search...for that special person I am suppoused to spend the rest of my life with.

I wonder...if I am truly forgiven for losing my faith when I was younger.

I regret...not doing grad school right after college. It's so hard to go back.

I love...my dog. my family. and my besties.

I ache...when I see young people make bad choices. I see it a lot in my job :(

I always...wear lipstick. Even to workout. It's the exlamation point on your face. 

I usually...need 8 hours of sleep a night to function the next day. Not a minute less.

I am not...able to pass up buttercream frosting.

I dance...when I have had a few too many cocktails :)  

I sing...Sarah Evan's "A Little Bit Stronger" all day long. Love that song.  

I never...workout without my iPod.

I sometimes...just like to be by myself, but Lulu is always welcome.

I cry...if I think I've dissapointed someone important to me.

I am not always...rational. HA!

I lose... interest in books really quickly. I prefer magazines.

I am confused...by math. This will never change about me. 

I need...to work on my budgeting. 

I should...get the guest bathroom toilet fixed at my house. It's a hassle just to have one functional.

Who Are You?

(Post idea from Our Love Never Fails and Running on Happiness and CMAE)

"TINY" ANNOUNCEMENT (really it's huge though)

Something REALLY exciting has been brewing for the Leland's and I can finally let the cat out of the bag.............


These people (Bro and SIL):

Side note: They are both policemen/women so they are trained with those guns. HA!

ARE GOING TO BE PARENTS.................................



And these people (Mom and Ballgame):

ARE GOING TO BE GRANDPARENTS (Glam-ma and Grandpa, respectively).........

And this girl (me):

IS GOING TO BE A REAL, LIVE, BLOOD AUNTIE!!!!!!!!!!!

Robin is PREGGERS!!!! We are so excited, and a little bit obsessed! HA!  It is so exciting  that our little family is growing. We found out that Robin was preggo right around the time my Grandmother passed away.  Robin said, "Isn't it great how when one life leaves the family another one is born." So true and so powerful. God is GOOD to the Lelands.

They are not going to find out the sex of the baby, which is fine by me. I can still stock up on Jayhawk gear no matter if it's a boy or a girl. I already sent them this onsie.....along with Jayhawk booties, bibs, and pacifiers.  I know, this kid has no chance..................

So.....without further adoo......here is the first pic of my little niece/nephew (from now on reffered to in this blog as "Tiny").

Isn't Tiny adorable?!?!?! We sure think so!!!!!!! GOD IS GOOD!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA



TAIL WAGGING TUESDAY

I am linking up again with CMAE again for Tail Wagging Tuesday.  This week's theme is: Share your pet's favorite treats. 

Lulu will eat just about ANYTHING but her faves are Greenies and she only gets them once in a while.  They are shaped like little toothbrushes and are extremely healthy for her teeth and gums. She had to get a couple of teeth removed last year (I know, I'm a bad mom) and her vet suggested we try them. Homegirl LOVED them.  I can't even keep them in sight because she goes CRAZY.  Unwrapping the package sends her into a tizzy!

Lulu's everyday treats are from Nutro, the same as her food. She gets one treat every time I leave and put her in her kennel. Although she loves these treats, she thinks they are WAY boring compared to the Greenies! HA!

Side Note: This has nothing to do with Tail Wagging Tuesday, but I had to tell. So I have been doing really well on my diet and I am seeing great results. It is so motivating when you can slip up jeans you haven't been able to wear in a while!  Anyhoo.....I am doing Atkins which, in a nutshell, is no sugar and keeping it under 20g's of carbs a day. I went on a long run this morning and got so thirsty that I stopped and picked up a liter drink at the gas station. I picked up a Sobe Life Water Zero.  Drank the whole thing. THEN looked at the nutrition contents.  That thing had over 25g's of carbs! WHAT THE HECK?!?!?!?!?! That is more carbs then I am allowed in one day!  Bummed.  Lesson learned though.  ALWAYS look at the nutrition label. Even if something is zero sugar and zero calories, it doesn't mean it's carb free too! 

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA