Around Thanksgiving last year, we decided that we wanted to come up with a new name and web address for the blog. It had to be both shorter and easier to remember than the blogspot address. Plus, 'bullocksinva' didn't really fit anymore. Well, after a few hours of checking which domain names were available we settled on: www.awshucksitsthebullocks.com

It's definitely not shorter. In fact it's one of the longest domain names I can think of. But we wanted something more fun than 'BullockFamilyBlog.' Plus, with the rhyming, hopefully it's easier to remember. All bookmarks and links with the old address will automatically redirect to the new one, so you don't need to make any changes.

What do you think of the new name?

After blog stalking I found this great site for the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways. Who doesn't like free stuff. Go check it out, there are some really cute prizes to be won!!

Click Me!

Okay, I just have to share with you, I've been on etsy.com for a little while and am now just addicted to it. For those of you who don't know etsy is an amazing site where artists, crafters, and generally talented peeps go to sell their stuff.

Let me just say if I had more time I'd totally sell stuff, but with work, hubby and Avery I have little time to be crafty. (The dress I'm making at least is cut out, when it'll get sewn the world may never know!)

My favorites on the site are play food made from felt:

Of course cute wall letters, not Avery's yet but I have a pending order:

Wall decals, which again I'm hoping to decorate Avery's room with, it'll be easier to sell the house without a bunch of brown dots painted on it :) :

Can you tell I'm totally in the redecoration mode? Anyway there is so much on etsy I can't stand it!! I also love the cute toddler beanies, jewelry and wall art. I'll try to show you some of my awesome etsy finds. PS I wonder if I'll get some commission for this ad, ha ha!!

Since this group is such a huge part of my life I couldn't not write a recent blog about them!! I joined this group at the very end of October of 2007 and have been a pretty active member ever since. I was asked to become an assistant organizer, the Milfinator, which was a job that no one really wanted but I stepped up to the plate hoping not too many people would take it personally. After lots of organizer changes and votes from some of the MILFs I ended up becoming the Head Organizer. I don't get paid with money for this position but am definitely rewarded in being a part of this unique and awesome group.

Regardless of my position in the group from the beginning I've felt a unique bond with these girls. Most of us are new to the area (with a few North Carolinian girls in the mix), are somewhat new mommies and like to have fun with and without our kids.

I definitely know that this group has given me back my identity. I know it sounds weird, but so many things changed when I became a mom and I think I can attribute most of that to moving to a new state where we didn't know anyone. After having no support and a newborn and moving twice within two months it was just a lot on my mind and soul.

I really feel that God led me to become part of this group and meet these ladies for a purpose. Avery has some great friends who hopefully will become life long friends and I now have an even bigger group of people I can call when I'm happy or sad or just to chat. I'm very thankful for all of the women in the group and even the ones I have yet to meet because I know there is a reason they are in the group and hopefully they can have similar experiences and a positive impact in their life.

I love the fact that there are so many support groups and activities in the MILFs group. Avery loves going to the park and play dates and I love hosting them here too. We've already done a "Make your own pizza" date, a regular come and play date, a "Pretty, Pretty Picnic," and this month a fun "Daddy Day" event, but I don't want to say too much about that because Joel will probably read this. :)



I also enjoy being able to get out of the house, (Joel thinks it's good for me too,) I've loved going to the 80s party and the Murder Mystery, Booty Shaking night out, and of course Biggest Loser and am looking forward to so many more.

Anyway just wanted to update you on the best mommy group in Charlotte and the best one I know in general. MILFs of Charlotte, redifining Motherhood!!! Here we come!!

So after much longing for friendships here in Charlotte I decided to do something about it. I went online and searched for mom groups in the area. I found a couple that I signed up for, however I haven't gone to any other sites other than CharlotteMommies.com
Thus far the site has been great, they have groups you can join, forums on just about every mommy topic and more, and a calendar of events to meet other moms, kids and families in or out of your area. It's a very informative site that lets you connect with people from all ages and stages in their "familyhood."
Somehow I'm on the events committee already and have met a few people online only so far. I am in the process of setting up some "mommy/baby dates" and of course talking with Joel about some of the family events too.
They even have a forum for culturally diverse families like ours. Hopefully Avery can meet some other kids and recognize she's not so different after all. Although she's only 4 1/2 months I hope these friendships will last us much much longer.
So wish us luck, we just may make some life-long Charlotte friends.