21 March 2009

Ultimate Blog Party 2009

Welcome to my blog y'all! I am excited to be part of the Ultimate Blog Party again this year.

Ultimate Blog Party 2009

Hope you brought your tutu! No? It's okay, we have extras. Okay, now that you look festive, let me take a minute to introduce our little space here on the web.



My blog is all about what is normal to me, Natalie. Normal is always changing as we grow and learn. Not just my kids, but me too. I just started a composting project in an effort to continue to teach my kids (and me) about 'healthy' living. We live in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. This country girl from Arkansas married herself a city boy and we are having a blast together.

Here is a picture of my family from when I first started blogging:



Here is a picture of my family now.



My husband, David, is an insurance agent and is currently going to graduate school to finish earning his MBA in Finance. He works very hard so that I can be a SAHM to our two beautiful and very energetic kids. Kirstyn is 5 and never stops thinking and talking so sometimes I share stories about the funny things she says. James is almost 22 months old and is a happy and rowdy little boy that adores his sissy!

And yes, Scooby Doo might as well be considered a part of our family. After all, we make sure we hug him every time we go to Six Flags, he came to Kirstyn's 4th Birthday party, and he often keeps the kids from fighting busy while I am fixing breakfast every morning.

Did you notice that I look a little different in the two pictures? Well, I have managed to lose just over 70 lbs and am on a journey to lose 100 lbs. I have lost the weight by doing Weight Watchers, making up new recipes, and making time for myself by going to the gym. I post about my weekly weigh ins on Fridays in a post I like to call Fat Fighting Friday.

Please feel free to stay and look around or come back soon for more of what is Normal to Natalie, after all, we probably have a lot in common!

Oh and have you picked the prizes that you would like to win? I had a really difficult time choosing, but I would love to win:

58 – Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer Provided by: Moms Who Think

49 – Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD and The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook: Budget Friendly Meals Your Whole Family Will Love Provided by: Pudget: Losing Weight On A Budget

103 — A Surprise Box Filled With Goodies ($50 value)Provided by: Monkey’s Momma

15 — A pair of ChicBud Earphones with Swarovski Crystals Provided by: The IE Mommy

If none of those are available, then I would be thrilled to win any one of the many Target gift cards being offered!

So, tell me, did you notice any thing that we have in common?

I hope to 'see' y'all again soon!
sign

23 comments:

Brooke from The Bluestocking Guide said...

Hi Natalie!!!! I was hoping you were going to participate!!

My party is going strong! I've got a lot of prizes.

party

jodifur said...

I'm party hopping! Hope to see you at my party!

The Stylish House said...

Hi Natalie,
I am a couple Mr. Linky's ahead of you. I had a tough time linking up, I am a link mess! Wow, you go girl, 70 pounds good for you, and such a cute family. I signed up to follow, you can inspire me, I am a WW also. Cathy
http://www.thestylishhouse.net/

Sab said...

Ooh, such a nice family pic! Congrats on the weight loss! That is spectacular! I'm also a SAHM, and kinda a WAHM, being on a dairy farm. I've been interested in composting for awhile now... how's it going for you?
This party is great!

Julie Donahue said...

Wow! Congrats on the weight loss! I hope I can join you this year! Stop by my party when you can.

Natalie said...

I already read ya and I'm partying too. But at my Red Sox Mommy blog, not the Bye Bye Fat Mom one I'm used to seeing you at. :) Have fun partying, you look fantastic!!!

Karen said...

Okay, you intrigued me with the name Natalie as that is my first babies name...now a sassy 7 year old girlie girl thinking she is going on 16. Then once I started reading, I saw the weight loss in the picture. You are awesome. I am trying right now to lose weight. I am also a mommy to a scooby do loving 3 year old and as they say, the baby weight is still on. Good luck on your weight loss and I am planning on following you for some motivation!

Christina said...

What a party you throw! ;o) I didn't know David is in grad school, tho!

Anonymous said...

You look AWESOME Natalie. Keep it up! You are an inspiration.

Angie Vinez said...

You look beautiful! And what an inspiration. I have 5 little ones, and am having a very hard time losing the weight. I'm really going to buckle down and get myself healthy.

Hope you'll stop by sometime!

BTW - the mixer is my first pick, too! :)

Kamis Khlopchyk said...

Scooby Doo is getting fresh with some hot looking woman in that picture!

Oh, that's you!!!!!

:)

Congrats Natalie, I am so proud of you! And that family of yours is darling.

Cheryl said...

My husband just finished his MBA in finance! Too funny
You look amazing, keep it up!!

tiarastantrums said...

hey girlie - nice to see you on the party route!!

Anonymous said...

I DID notice the difference in the two pictures before you said anything. Congratulations! You look great! I'm down 15 pounds and am very happy about it.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Wow, you go girl! You look great. We're Scooby fans over here also; now if I could just get work on my compost...

Thanks for checking in with me. Blessings to you in your week.

peace~elaine

Heather said...

Hi Natalie, my fellow Texas mama! I work in the insurance industry also. Congrats on the weight loss! That is outstanding! Your girls are adorable btw!

Heather said...

Doh! I instantly realized you said you you have a daughter AND a son! The image of the girls in the tutu's was so cute, for some reason I thought they were both your kiddos. Oopsie! Your little man is a cutie pie too. :-)

Brittany said...

Wow! Small world.. My husband graduated from Sterling and grew up in highlands.. After years of fighting it we have finally settled right outside of town. Your family is beautiful. Thanks for stopping by!

Sheri said...

Oh we love Scooby too. Nice to meet ya. Have fun at the party!

Anonymous said...

Hi Natalie! So nice to meet you and your beautiful family. Party hopping and participating too so stop in for a visit.

Anonymous said...

Hello! Poppin’ in from The Ultimate Blog Party…all the way from Queensland, Australia! G’Day! I hope you have time to visit my party soon.

I'm giving away Pink Champagne Shower Syrup from Jaqua Beauty...stop on over and enter! Ends April 8. Open to USA.

Ta!

Marina@EBMR said...

Hi, I'm stopping by from the UMP 2009 party...n I'm from McAllen....so a few hundred miles away ;>, but we're in the same state so that counts!!!

Am new to the blogging scene so hope it all falls into place soon :> Do come over to visit/subscribe/ follow my blog at http://energizerbunnysmommyreports.blogspot.com/

PMKU said...

Congratulations! You are a prize winner. Stay tuned...