Saturday, August 22, 2009

Tah-Dah!!!

Well, ladies and gentlemen, the day has finally come.....the blog redesign is complete (mostly)! While there are still a few small things to be fixed or adjusted, this is IT and I'm so excited to unveil it to you all. I think it suites us well.

HUGE thank you to Jaclyn Tubre for this much needed blog-lift. It was my birthday present from her all the way back in JANUARY. Yes, I said (typed, really) January. I'm sure you are all fully aware of my procrastination problem by now, but I'm making every effort to change my ways. I'm even considering starting up a Procrastinators Anonymous group......but I'll get to that later ;) Procrastinators....UNITE (tomorrow)!!!

The masterpiece you see here was all made possible by Leelou Blogs. She took my ideas and RAN with them. I don't know how she did it, but it's like she pulled the vision directly from my scatter-brain. Then she washed it, trimmed it, embellished it, rotated it and developed it into the perfect blog for my family. I'm sure it would have been easier trying to herd a bunch of Mountain Dew-laden squirrels, but Leelou worked her booty off to get everything just right. If you're a little confused about the theme, think way back to circa 1989 and the movie Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Party on, dudes!

I do believe this makeover will get me motivated to post more often. I just can't stop looking at it! I'm especially fond of how she was able to get the Choo Choo Wagon in there and then all the little characters. Each one of the "kids" is holding something so dear to them personally. Pius LOVES his sports balls and claims each one in our house as his own. He's even getting really good at playing catch right now (and actually catching the ball from a good distance away)! Forrest and his green blankie are pretty much inseparable. You'd think it was glued to his left hand and left shoulder by the way he carries it around with him all day and night. Danna Lynn is perfectly content sitting amongst a pile of books and reading to herself in the sweetest voice you've ever heard. The Lainerzinski is gonna be our little race car driver, for sure. He sees a steering wheel and that's the only thing in the world that's important to him at that time. I swear he says, "Cah! Cah! Cah!" at least 50 times a day on average.

And then, of course, you've gotta admire all the clothing the characters are wearing. Denver Broncos for all the boys and Alabama Crimson Tide for Danna and me. The Grafs are representin'! We're looking forward for football season to f-i-n-a-l-l-y start back up again.

Besides the new blog design, I've decided to shake things up a bit in other venues as well. You may have noticed the Avon button on the left side of the screen. I am proud to say I am an official Avon Representative......again. I originally started selling it several years ago before the quads were even a twinkle in their daddy's eye. I continued being an Avon rep even while up in Phoenix during the pregnancy. However, I just didn't have the time to devote to it once the chitlins were born. Now that the babies aren't such demanding "babies" like they used to be (they're more demanding "toddlers" now), I wanted to try my hand at it another time.

I've always loved Avon because they are so much more than just makeup (but I really like their make up, too....especially the new mineral line that works just like Bare Escentuals but is MUCH less expensive). There's a little bit of everything available to cater to every member of the family, and the prices just can't be beat. So, if anyone is in the market for some great products and want to help support the Graf Quads while they're at it, I'd love to be your "lady"! You can browse the brochure at my Online Store and purchase some goodies for yourself, your kids, the spouse, parents and anybody else on your list (it's not too early to start thinking about Christmas....eeeeek!). When you order online, the items will be shipped directly to your house, whether you live near by or far away from me. And right now, you can even take advantage of FREE SHIPPING! Score! So please check out my store and look around. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about Avon. Just shoot me an email (nursemoni at gmail dot com) or give me a call. And thank you for even considering making me your own, personal Avon Lady!

Hope you're liking the new Graf blog as much as I do! Let me know what you think!

Love,
Moni

33 comments:

Shelia said...

You're so darned inventive girl! I love the new layout... and I got the whole "Bill & Ted" thing right off the bat:) She did a great job.

jag said...

I Luuuuuuuuuv it! So cute!

Jenn K said...

I love it sweetie...the pictures of the babies at the top are just adorable!

Great work!

Hilary said...

Looks GREAT!!! :)

Charity Donovan said...

It looks amazing & I LOVE that they are all holding their own personal treasures! Too cute!

Anonymous said...

Love it! Great Job! Thanks Jac! I know Moni had fun with this, Billy said she was up until 7:30 this morning playing with it. I haven't had a chance to say what a great time we had in Dallas. It was fun getting to meet all the quads and quad moms that we hear so much about. Every one of those quads are adorable. The friendship you ladies have developed is very touching to watch. I love witnessing the friendship and getting to join in the fun at Dallas was awesome! You are a special group of family and friends. Billy, Grandpa Stubby, and Uncle Ryno are already talking about a boys trip to Chicago, but I'm thinking the girls my have to crash that trip. Any quad moms up in that area? Love you all, Grandma Vicki

lovey said...

It looks great, but it is really hard for me to read the white writing. Maybe change it to a more bold color?? Thanks, Laurie

Anonymous said...

I love, love, love the new header. Great call to add the photos!

I like your turquoise background, but the white font is very difficult to read. I had to highlight the text to read your blog post. You might want to change it to black or navy.

Also, just curious...why do the Moni and Danna cartoon figures at the top have As on their sweaters?

BUILDING WITH 6 said...

Brilliant!

Stephanie said...

Oh I love it!!! It fits all of you perfect!!
Glad to know you are back into Avon! I love some of their holiday and kid gifts!! I will be back for sure to look through it all!! Good luck!!

Steph Golden said...

FABULOUS!!!!! I didn't think it was possible to create a site as outstanding as your writing . . .

QuatroMama said...

Sah-weet Digs, Grafs! The design is cheery and delightful...just like someone I know! =) Great work with all that creativity, chickadee! And kuddos to Jac for the fabulous gift idea!

Jac Tubre said...

Yeah for the new blog design! Of course I could do without the Alabama "A" on your shirt and Danna's, but otherwise it is PERFECT! You are so creative woman. I knew you would get around to getting it done eventually and I wasn't even pushy (though it was hard not to be :))

Miss Avon, I love your products and will be placing an order shortly...I couldn't think of a better looking Avon rep to buy from!

Love you - Jac

Mrs. M said...

Cute, cute, cute! Love it! :)

Anonymous said...

So Glad you are back with Avon! Can't wait to check it out.
I really like your blog heading....and the little wagon picture at the bottom....so cute!!
Love you all!!! Budda

The Cochran Crew said...

LOVE IT!!!! You are so creative my friend!!!! Love Ya!

Anonymous said...

Pretty cool. Go Chiefs. Love you all. Uncle Tom

Kelly Trullinger said...

Love the revamped blog! It looks wondeful and suits your personality well! Can't wait to read more!

Love ya!
Kelly

Misty said...

Love it! I do have to agree with Jac on the "a" thing... Bronco's I get! The other??????
I will get back to you on the procrastinators anonymous. I completely with you on that. Tomorrow is good! lol
The blog makeover is awesome though!

Anonymous said...

Love Love the new blog design - the kids pictures are very cute. Have to agree with Jac T. though - I could do without the Bama A on the shirts - but the blog makeover is fabulous

Stacy

Suzanne said...

love it!!!! it screams "billy and moni"!!! so cute! hopefully it will get you on a super crazy blog posting kick--because i just can't get enuf of the grafs! :)

kiss, kiss,
suz

KelNosz said...

Such a cute design. I love the pictures of the kids at the top - they suddenly look so grown up! I've been reading your blog for two years now (don't even remember how I initially linked over) and it's fun to see the changes over time.

Fellow Midwest Mama,
Kellie

Anonymous said...

Been following your site since before the kids were born. Have never really wrote any updates.

I love your new site.

Glad that I kind of know someone that sells Avon...

Judy Caton
Boston, MA

Goerlich Quadruplets said...

Can I get your background made into tile for my kitchen backsplash? I love it! I keep looking at your Avon site but I'm at a loss on what to order. I need some ideas on foundation/powder options but how do I know what shade to get? Hmmm...I'll get the courage up to just purchase the darn thing one of these days! We need a post with pics of the babies!! I'm missing those sweet kiddos! :)

Moni Graf said...

Thanks for all the great feedback, ladies (and Uncle Tommy)! I LOVE our new look, too. I'll talk to Leelou to see about the white writing problem...I agree that it's hard to read.

To Anon: I'm sure your question has been answered by now...but the "A" on our shirts stands for Alabama Crimson Tide (our fav college sports team).

As for my new Avon business, I'd be HAPPY to answer any questions on products/colors/likes/dislikes...just email me!

Thanks again for being such awesome blog friends/family!

Love,
Moni

Anonymous said...

Monica-the new look is so vibrant and wonderful. Good job!! I love it!

Mandy

Anonymous said...

FWGNFL said........

HOLY HOLY CRAP!!!!!

Where in the F#*K do you two find the time?

What kind of clock do you have?

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again.

YOU TWO ARE THE BOMB!

HOLY HOLY CRAP!!!!

The Carlsons said...

Totally awesome and righteous and stellar blog'over, dudes! It's super sweet! :D

-fellow quad mom of 17mo GGGG and a 5yo boy

HansonTriplets said...

I am in love with the new design and it makes me jealous that you use blogger and can do this. I am still limited on the freewebs site.
I am also excited to hear you are an Avon rep. You are the only one I know. I have been a long time user of the moca freeze lipstick and so last time I ordered it in bulk because I didn't know a rep. I am down to the end of my supply so I will have to reorder. I also use Bare Essentuals and it is VERY expensive. I would be curious to try what you are talking about.

Jody said...

Love the blog but the white font is very hard to read & hard on my eyes too. Hugs to all those growing kiddles.

Anonymous said...

Very Cool!!!

Have enjoyed reading the blog updates and am now expecting many more fun, exciting and entertaining tales of the quads!

Hope to be out to say "Hi" and play soon. Been pretty busy since I got back from my week in ALASKA!
Yeah, you heard me. And it was wonderful.

As always, let me know when you need an adult playmate for the tots(not babes anymore, boo hoo!).

LY, Melody

Fulton Quads said...

I love the blog re design! VERY clever just like you! (=
Love, Cathy & her quads

Karen Shideler said...

Hey, you six - Happy Birthday to all! Can't believe it's been two years - and a year since I last saw those little ones in person. Glad to have met you - and may all of you have many, many wonderful years ahead.