All Things Bella...

Running around the house...

Enjoying her favorite, ice cream...

    Fixing Daddy's hair (princess style of course)...

Playing in her kitchen...

Getting in trouble for using markers as lipstick...

Being a fashion diva...

Ready to hit the slopes...

It's Official...I'm Old!

Despite the fact that I have gray hair, go to bed on Friday nights by 10:00, and occasionally complain of small aches and pains I still have considered myself young. I still enjoy trying to look trendy and cute. I sometimes find myself wondering into Forever 21 in hopes that I might find that cute outfit that will help me blend in with all the other young girls out there. However, forever 21 I am not. My old age became increasingly apparent to me tonight as I attempted to watch the MTV video music awards. First of all, I am a huge fan of award shows. Love the outfits, love the performances, love it all. Second, I grew up watching MTV. It is part of my generation. So after putting Isabella to bed I laid down on the couch to enjoy my show. It began with an appearance from Britney Spears. Okay, who cares. Then some crazy hair British guy came out as the host and within about 2 minutes I realized that I was seriously annoyed. His rant about the Republican party bugged me a little, but I proceeded to fast forward through it. Here it comes, first performance...seriously, why does everyone have to act so weird? What happened to good old singing and dancing? And the songs....Kissed a girl? Super Bitch? I can't imagine letting Isabella watch this even when she is older. The annoyingness continued, the performances were tacky, and I was utterly disappointed. Maybe it's time to switch to VHI?

What, Me???

I was given this very unexpected and probably undeserving award from my bff LB (theHfamilyhappenings). Thank you LB! I have to say that I was surprised that out of all the people she blogs with she would pick me. My blog, or lack there of, seems a bit boring compared to my other friends who have beautiful web pages and endless photo uploads. However, after a long and tiring day of school with no sleep from the night before this little award brightened my day. So I hope to do the same for my winner. Apparently you are suppose to send this award to 5 people. Who has time for that? And...you really wouldn't be the winner if 5 other people got the same award. (that is the ever so competitive side of me coming through) So, I am going to send it to one person. 

Here are the rules:

RULES:

1. Add the logo of the award to your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded to you
3. Nominate at least 5 other blogs  Pick 1 winner and list 5 reasons you picked them
4. Add links to those blogs on your blog
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

AND THE WINNER IS.......

CARRIE

Reason 1: She always looks for the positive in every situation. Something which I totally do the opposite of. 

Reason 2: Her blog is constantly being updated with new pictures of Sam and cute little stories of his daily accomplishments.

Reason 3: Even though I don't have a sister of my own, I consider her closest thing I have.

Reason 4: She loves me for me, despite my faults and always inspires me to be a better person.

Reason 5: The girl can make the best freakin' desserts ever!!!

Love you CK!

100 Things About Me

Ok...so I decided to do this since, well, all my other friends did and because my camera is broken and I can't post any pictures so I really don't have much else to blog about. Sorry it is so random, but it is really hard to think of 100 things. 

1. I was born in Kansas, but grew up in Oklahoma.

2. I know live in Texas, which I love.

3. One of my first memories from when I was little was the day my dad taught me how to ride a bike without training wheels.

3. We lived in a little apartment in the big town of Dewey until I went to 1st grade when we moved to the even bigger town of Bville.

4. I loved school. 

5. I loved all my teachers, especially my favorite Mrs. Tucker.

6. I had lots of friends in school, but my bestest friend was Andrea.

7. We called ourselves Bozo Buddies and did everything together.

8. I started playing soccer when I was 5. 

9. I played for about 15 years.

10. I spend every weekend at the soccer fields. Loved it and wouldn't have done anything different.

11. Greg and I can't wait to spend the weekends at the fields with Bella.

12. I ran around with a group of girls who called themselves the "Fab Five." Silly I know, but we were all such great friends for so long and that is really special.

13. We use to tee-pee houses for fun and scrapbook. Wow-we were wild!

14. I went to K-life and it made the biggest impact on me and my relationship with God.

15. I loved Kanakuk and hope to send Bella there one day. 

16. I dated the same guy for 4 1/2 years of my life. What a waste.

17. I had a full ride for soccer my freshman year and went to a very small school in Ok.

18. It was the worst year of my life. 

19. Finally, I got out of there and made one of the best decisions of my life and became a Sooner.

20. My first roommate at OU was Allison. 

21. We lived in the Post Oak apartments and had a blast!

22. I pledged AXO my sophomore year and starting becoming BFF with Laura.

23. We lived together in the house for a year and she was one of my favorite roommates. 

24. Here is why: she likes things to be clean, we wore the same size shoes, we slept with fans by our bed, and she let me steal her t-shirt blanket once in awhile. 

25. I loved college so much.

26. I still don't know to this day how my parents were able to afford me in college. I spent a lot of money.

27. On September 23, 1999 I met my husband.

28. I ran in a 5 K the morning I meet him and almost didn't go to the game.

29. All thanks to Carrie I was introduced to Greg.

30. After the game, we went to a friends house. Greg bought some Corona instead of the usual cheap beer to impress me. It worked. 

31. He kissed me that very day I meet him. That worked too.

32. We were both dating other people at the time and decided to ditch them and hang out that night.

33. The rest is history.

34. I thought I caught a good one because he had a real job, a nice car, and wore suits to work. Luckily, I did. He is wonderful!

35. The first time Greg meet Laura and Dustin (a police officer) he got pulled over and his car towed. Not a good first impression. 

36. However, we quickly became great friends are still are to this day. 

37. At one point in college I lived in a house with five girls and four female dogs. That was a lot of estrogen!

38. On my 21st birthday I drank so much that I will not touch liquor to this day. 

39. In college I worked at Express (I made no money here.) and at O'Connells.

40. Oh, and I almost forgot, I worked at Sandy Beaches a tanning salon.

41. Greg and I dated for a year before we got engaged.

42. He proposed on the lake and had a magical night planned for the two of us.

43. We got married in Tulsa and had the most beautiful wedding. Thanks Mom!! And Dad!!

44. I was really nervous to get married. 

45. I don't deal well with change. 

46. We lived in San Antonio our first year of marriage.

47. It was difficult being away from everyone, but it was good for us as a couple.

48. Our first fight as a married couple was over popsicles.

49. I was thrilled when we got to opportunity to move to Dallas. 

50. We bought our first house and are still in it today.

51. I think I'm ready for a bigger house.

52. How does one acquire so much crap so quickly?

53. I graduated with a degree in Speech and worked as an assistant for 2 years.

54. I didn't really like it because it was boring.

55. I decided to become a teacher.

56. I use to pretend I was a teacher when I was little.

57. I got the opportunity to teacher with my BFF and it was great!

58. This will be my 5th year of teaching.

59. In June of 2006 we were introduced to our most amazing little blessing, Isabella.

60. My first pregnancy was a piece of cake. I loved being prego.

61. I thought delivery was pretty easy too.

62. I didn't know how hard motherhood would really be. I don't think anyone can prepare you for that.

63. I know appreciate my own mother so much more.

64. Bella was a little bit of a challenging baby. She didn't like to eat well and got sick often.

65. She is sweet and sassy now. Which many people say is like her mama. Uhmm...

66. Working full time and having a baby is one of the hardest things to do. 

67. I often feel guilty for not getting the time with Bella.

68. I think working part-time would be the best of both worlds. Hopefully, I will get to do that.

69. I have currently been married for 6 years. 

70. Greg and I are expecting our 2nd child.

71. I secretly hope it is a boy. Mainly, so Greg will be happy. He really wants a boy this time.

72. This pregnancy is totally different. I am sick and tired all the time. It's getting better though.

73. I think Bella will be a great big sister.

74. Okay, now the random part because I'm running out of things to say.

75. I love the color red.

76. I love to go out to eat, which rarely happens now with a toddler.

77. My favorite places to eat are Jimbeh and the Melting Pot.

78. I love beer. 

79. I love David Beckham, and currently have a crush on Michael Phelps.

80. I am scared of heights and hate amusement park rides. 

81. I LOVE nachos. I ate them every night of my honeymoon.

82. I can't stand people who are fake. 

83. I tell it how it is.

84. I think I am a very loyal person, but have a tendency to hold grudges.

85. I love the beach.

86. Greg and I want to retire on the beach.

87. My favorite place I've been is the Bahamas. Thanks Al!

88. I was there when OU won the National Title in 2000.

89. I have met Michael Jordan, John Elway, Patrick Ewing, Emmit Smith, and other famous athletes.

90. I wish I could sew and/or paint.

91. I love my parents so much and miss them a lot.

92. I think it is wonderful that my brother is chasing his dream. 

93. I have some of the greatest friends in the world. 

94. I love to run and go on walks with my family.

95. I love my Expedition.

96. I think I have the greatest in-laws ever!

97. Hollis Price and Josh Heupel will forever be in my heart.

98. I will not eat seafood. 

99. I can't wait to meet my new baby.

100. I love my family so much I can't stand it. 

Coming this March...

For those of you who don't already know....Greg and I are absolutely excited to be expecting baby #2! We should be seeing our newest addition sometime in early March. I'm a little unclear of my exact due date, because I seem to be farther along then I expected. When I initially found out I was prego, I thought I was about 3-4 weeks. Turns out I was about 6. oops. Today we had a second sonogram and I measured at 9 weeks, so I'm thinking I'll be due sometime in the first week of March. Baby looks great! However, I am ready to get past the first trimester. I didn't have any sickness when I was prego with Isabella, but this kid is making up for lost time. Of course I will keep you posted on the pregnancy, but don't expect to see many belly shots. I'm well over that and right now it just looks like added fat. Bella seems excited too! She will lift up my shirt and kiss the baby. Then she proceeds to lift up her shirt and tell me that's her baby in her tummy. I think she will be a great big sister! 

Good Morning Sweetheart

Isabella always wakes up in the best moods. (I wish I could do that) She gets out of bed and sits on the couch to watch her cartoons. Her favs are Mickey Mouse and Handy Manny. We usually sit on the couch for awhile before breakfast begins. This gives mommy a chance to drink her coffee and wake up too. This morning she was so sweet all curled up on the couch that I couldn't resist taking pictures. 

I just LOVE her smile! She is so beautiful! 
Good Morning Sweetheart! I love you! 

Daddy's Little Helper

Everyday Isabella is looking for ways to help daddy. She LOVES to help Greg do things around the house. It is so sweet. I love the fact that she is getting more independent and understands the importance of helping people. She gets so much joy and is so proud of herself when she does something to help us. She will talk about helping daddy for days. Today she helped daddy sweep the grass off the driveway.

She puts the cushions on the patio furniture.
And every night she helps daddy feed the dogs. What a good girl! We are so proud of our little helper!

Seriously, what is going on?!!

Last night Isabella fell off her bike and bumped her head. Not an uncommon thing, but was exceptionally strange was that instead of crying for mommy she immediately called out for daddy. Greg and I both looked at each other in shock. Bella ALWAYS wants mommy! Of course, Greg was loving this moment, but I have to say that my feelings were a little hurt. Then, this morning when I scolded Bella she began crying for daddy again. I knew this would probably happen someday, but as much as we want our little ones to give us a break and go to the other parent it still hurts a little. 

Now...I am not much of a dieter, but lately Greg and I have been trying to eat better. I'm not asking to lose some absurd amount, but it would be nice to see some results. Granted, I'm a cheater. I've had a dessert here and there, but I'm a runner. I run just about every other day so I should be seeing some change right? WRONG! This morning was the weigh in. Greg went first. Result: lost 6 lbs. Okay, great. My turn. Result: NOTHING. What the crap!! Give me a freakin' break (and possibly a donut). 

PS: Greg has informed me that I misspell a lot in my blogging. Sorry. I don't have time for spell check and I'm usually typing super fast before Bella wants my attention. I'm intelligent. I swear.  

The Two I Love

You can never imagine how much you love something until it comes into your life. I find myself loving these two people more and more everyday and I think what a precious gift love is. Sure, I loved Greg when I married him, but nothing could prepare me for how much I love him when he became a father. He is the best dad. Isabella loves him so much and these two have the best time together. They giggle and chase each other and tickle each other for hours. These pictures were taken this morning before Greg had to leave for work. We all wanted Daddy to stay and I feel bad for him sometimes. Dads miss out on so many moments in the day. They have the undesired responsibility of supporting a family. One in which I would never want to have on my shoulders. And although I work too, I don't have to think about the financial stability of our family. I treasure these moments because my heart just overflows for these two people I love. 
So, so sweet! Isabella has really started to show lots of affection. She will know tell you I love you on her own without being prompted. She will walk up to you and hug and kiss you for no reason. She is simply the love of my life and I can't imagine anything greater than being her mom. 

the Helper

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

The Solver of all Problems

So, today was a good day. Nothing extraordinary happened. Bella was being extra loving and sweet. But, for some reason I didn't quite feel like myself. I was blah. Maybe I was tired because yesterday was such a busy day and I didn't sleep well. Maybe it was because we stayed home all day and usually we go out and do something. I don't know, but it was just a blah kind of day. Bella and I just hung out at home all morning, and then in the afternoon we went to the neighbors to swim and down the street so Bella could play with Kenzie. We waited for Greg to come home from work which ended up being around 7. I still couldn't quite shake the blahs away. So, we decided that we should go to Starbucks. I am a creature of habit and usually order the same two things; chai latte or cinnamon dolche latte, both are delicious! However, I took a risk and decided to try something new. I love coffee in the morning, but I'm not a fan of coffee drinks. With much deliberation I decided to get the mother of all drinks. A mint mocha chip frappuccino cream based. Holy Mother of God. In one sip I added an extra 2 inches to my already bulging hip structure, but it was the most amazing drink I have ever had. I can't even begin to describe the sensation I got from drinking this fabulous drink. It had a fluffy chocolate milk shake taste with a hint of mint. It was so creamy, but was also filled with chocolate chips. I could see the calories adding up with each sip I took. I am advising all my friends, coffee drinkers or not, to try this heavenly drink from above. It will solve all of your problems, even the blah ones. 

PS: Thanks Allison for the Starbucks gift card! 

the Fort Worth Zoo

Today we went on a field trip to the Ft. Worth Zoo with our good friends Chrissy and Cameron. You might be thinking we are crazy...two toddlers, 1 prego, and Texas heat, but it turned out to be the best trip ever! We started out on a train ride to the very end of the zoo, so that we we walked back we would see everything and be closer to the car. (great idea Chrissy!) The kiddos loved the train ride and we loved the cool breeze it provided. Oh yes, Bella had to wear her pearls to the zoo. We saw all kinds of great animals: penquins, monkeys, giraffes, and this potty belly pig which reminded me of how I feel after I eat sometimes. It was half price on Wednesday and we brought our own lunches, so the entire day costs us under 20 bucks! What a great deal. Both of the kids were so well behaved and I was so impressed. Bella would sit in the stroller and would walk holding my hand. I'll post more pictures on dropshots, but I just wanted to share a few with you. 

If I could only have this girl's body.

Seriously, look at those abs! 

I LOVE the 4th of July! It is by far my favorite holiday. Let me tell you why: fun in the sun, cookouts, beer, and fireworks. It doesn't get better than this my friends. So, this 4th we headed up the Ok to visit Greg's family. We had an awesome time. Apparently we have a little fish on our hands, because Isabella could not stay out of the pool. She swam everyday, all day. Her favorite thing was to jump in from the side. The girl is not scared of anything. I did my most favorite thing of all on Friday. I sat my happy butt on a float, with a beer in hand, and let the sun rays color my skin. (which it desperately needed)

On Friday night we headed next door for the fireworks show. Isabella was not the biggest fan of the fireworks, except she thought the sparklers were pretty cool. She was too busy playing in the playhouse and on the swings.
On Saturday, my awesome MIL (mother in law) went shopping, while Greg watched Bella at the house. That night we went to Bricktown and had the best time. Aren't they cute! I have the best in-laws! 
My new fav place is Toby Keith's Bar and Grill! I absolutely love this place! We hung out and had a few drinks and ate dinner. The had a great microbrew, which tasted like lemon tea. Therefore, I kept drinking it. I also had the best Chicken Fried Chicken of my life. Isabella loved listening to the band. She kept wanting to dance in the aisle. It was so cute. If you have never been there, then I highly recommend it. 
After dinner, we took a boat ride down the canal. Bella LOVED the boat. She waved to all the people passing by and was memorized by the ducks floating in the water. All in all, it was a wonderful weekend. We are so tired today, but had a great time! Happy Fourth to all of you! 

Look at the big girl! Isabella has been doing so well with the potty training lately. Granted, she asks to go potty about every 10 minutes, but what do you do? You have to take her every time, because you never know. The best part of it all is that she will clap and say, "Yeah Bella! You did it!" (even though nothing comes out.)

On a side note, I found a nice surprise in Bella's room yesterday. One of the dogs had taken a huge, I mean huge dump right in the middle of the floor. It was so disgusting! They are both old enough and have been trained for years now. Seriously, I think someone is having issues with not being the baby anymore! 

(sorry, that was a gross story.)

Pick your battle.

So I have this little girl. She is quite amazing, but could be one of the most strongest willed child ever. It must be pay back. You see, Greg and I are not exactly easy going people. We are both very opinionated and determined. (Don't ask me how we ended up together, that was God.) So I'm thinking that Isabella's personality is going to be a taste of our own medicine.

Anyways, that being said, here in lies the battles:

Battle #1: The big girl bed

Yesterday Bella was able to climb out of her crib. She did it three times during nap time. I could here her playing in her room on the monitor. The third time she fell completely out and started to cry. Now I'm worried about her hurting herself, but I'm not ready for the struggle of getting her to stay in her bed. 

Battle #2: The Binky

Now that Isabella has turned two I feel like maybe it's time to start taking away the pacifer. She is very much in love with her binkies, especially at bed time. She usually only gets it at bedtime, but once in awhile it is used to solve problems. Part of me is attached to it also. I love that it comforts her and makes her seem still like my baby. But....the battle of giving it up will be a really tough one with a lot of crying.

Battle #3: Potty Training

We have already started potty training. Bella has gone in the potty (poop and pee) several times. However, it is not consistant. I was waiting to start really trying until after we got through her birthday. Well, that time is here. She does really well when she wants to, so I don't know if I should push her or just let it happen. I'm not looking forward to the clean up of accidents, but I also would like to send her to school potty trained. 

Here I go....

I have been advised by my best friends that blogging is the way to go. I think it's great for someone who stays at home, but I am a working mom and my time is so limited. However, I thought I would give it a whirl over the summer and see if I can keep up with my fellow bloggers. Don't expect anything fancy, maybe some pictures and a few words here or there. 

You maybe wondering about the title, "Featuring the Franks: the life and drama of Greg, Nesa, and Isabella." Well, first of all I can take no credit for the artwork. That was all due to my very talented friend Miranda. (thanks Miranda!) If you know me and my family at all, then you know the title is very suiting to our lives (especially this year!). The great thing about my life is despite all the drama, I still have a loving family and amazing friends who support me. 

So...here I go!