Holy Hiatus... yep.. Outta the blogging loop

Where did time go?! Definitely escaped me!! Got so caught up in trying to enjoy what felt like the.shortest.summer.ever!!!! Anyone else feel that way? Man alive, it's fall time weather around these parts every morning and I am already freeeeeezing. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT complainin. I love me some sweatshirt and pumpkin spice latte weather more than your average gal, but Fall came quick yo!!! OK, so yeah. We camped, we fished, we played, we baked, we swam, we BBQ'ed, we biked.... we enjoyed our *super short* summer! I do miss it already. *tear* However, onto bigger things. Much bigger. How much you ask? My baby started fourth grade. Let me try that again.. MY BABY STARTED 4TH GRADE!!!! Yep, that is better. Honestly... I feel weathered and aged.. but old enough for MY child to be nearing her end of elementary school? Not so much. It kills me. My heart aches for that once small toddling little bundle to be back in my arms wanting to spend all her moments with mom and thinking everything I said was true and right. Not anymore! It's happening! Where she wants to be with her friends more than she does with me.. and everything I dare say is wrong or at best "not what so and so said". Ughhhh! I struggle between aggravation and happiness that she is growing and forming her own opinions, ideas, friendships and the like. We hear all the time when we are young how quick the years go by and at those young ages you think people are crazy and that time drags so slow. Wrong. So so wrong. I am living it in fast forward at my age and I want a rewind behind.. a pause button.. stop button. Do you see where I am going with this?! Help! I just want to savor every single moment. They pass so quickly and in hindsight I have not had enough time to revel in them. I want to start over! Make all the right choices, have all the answers, make the scrapbook that I wish I could refer back to.. update the baby book a little bit more..take more pictures.. more vacations to make memories... OK, I digress. But you get it don't you? I need to and plan to slow down.. take more time to say "YES" and "lets do i"t and a whole lot less.. "No" and "when I have time's." Challenge accepted! I'll keep ya posted. I have some cartoons to watch with little dude.. "yes"! <3

Blog has taken a second seat!

Birdy, Sug & Tiger! <3

Have not had much time to sit down & blog because I have been spending all of my spare minutes with these three loves of my life. They are kind of a big deal! :) Love these guys (and gal). Life is good and taking time to remember all the reasons why is especially important. I will hopefully be feeling more motivated to get on here and document more of those special moments soon so that I have something to look back on, but for now I am just living in the moment and taking things in stride. Enjoy the photo though! Might not be perfect quality but it has three quality loves in it. ;)


xo

No wind in my sails

I wish there was a pill that would give me instant motivation, but alas I have not been able to find one. I would also love to say that I am loving every minute of summer thus far and my kids behaviors have been impeccable.... resulting in a refreshed and relaxed laid back mommy... but alas that is a big fat "nope" too. Fact is the kids like to argue like it's an Olympic sport, I have been crabbier than I care to admit because of it, there is never enough hours in a day for me to get the things I want to get done, money is not plentiful enough and I feel like I am barking 3/4 of my day away. Ugggh. See why I haven't been writing? Who wants to read someones pity party? Not me.... unless of course it makes me feel better about mine.. in which case: bring it on!!! :) I know it is normal to get frustrated and feel stressed out, I just was hoping for a more easy breezy summer and was praying that the kids would fight less b/c there are no demands other than fun to be had. I have been reminded that life isn't always easy and isn't always fair, but its life nonetheless and a never ending work in progress. Thankfully, I have a husband who keeps me sane and loves me even when I'm not. Some people are not so fortunate and I smile knowing how blessed I truly am at the end of the day. I am trying to have a more carefree attitude this week... a drink my coke and eat my chocolate and not give a rats pa toot kinda week if ya don't mind. My body might not thank me but you can bet your behind my sanity will. Give and take right? ha ha. No days are perfect, I don't expect them to be. I just would like to be able to sit down for five minutes and eat breakfast without hearing whining about being bored, (umm....you just woke up!) or be able to go to the bathroom without an interruption about what I am doing... (hello.. bathroom..door closed...can I pee in private please?) It is going to be a looooooooong summer if they don't learn to just smile and use their imaginations and I don't remember to count to ten (often!). Hope you are finding yourself relaxing more than I am this summer, and enjoying all those moments you have to yourself! I need some wind in my sail!! Off I go to look for some ;)

Lord, have mercy on my soul!!

My baby girl is finishing 3rd grade tomorrow! Be still my heart!  Also, she is turning 9 in just a few short days. She is halfway to an adult! Even less than that until she can begin driving. I just do not understand how & why these days are flying by. The past 9 years have happened over night and I don't want to go to bed anymore people!!! I fear that when I wake another 9 will have passed as well! My heart can't take this. She is a little lady and independent and outgrowing needing her mommy. I miss the days where she wanted me to lay with her and needed a night light and the days where she valued my opinion instead of telling me how "wrong" I am. My baby girl, my sweet bird, is turning into a beautiful, silly, moody, young lady right before my very eyes! Birthday parties will be had this weekend, Happy Birthdays will be sung, cupcakes will be eatin & a few (private) tears may be shed. I love this girl. Heart & Soul. Updates after the parties coming next week!! Try to contain yourselves! ;)

Not feelin it

I am still here! I have things to say.. things to blog about, but I just havent been feelin it. I feel like I am not "with it" this week. Time is flying by and there is so much to do.. and not to do. I will be back at the writing thing soon... but until then I will leave you with this awesome quote that I read today! Enjoy your weekend!

True that!

xoxox

Let's feed the birds!

                                                  Breaking & tossing the bread.

                                              And of course eating some of the bread!

                                           Posing w/ momma & showing off said bread.

                                                         Gettin more bread!!

                                               Isn't he the cutest bread breaker ever!?

This is one of his most favorite things to do! He asks alllll the time to feed the birds. I love the look and smile he gets when I say "want to go feed the birdies?" Oh the little things! Good times!

Life is beautiful

Today was a gorgeous day! The weather was nearly 80 degrees, the sun was shining, and the birds were flying and chirping and enjoying Spring. One bird must have especially loved our chaotic yard and loud kids.. or at least loved our rosebush because it picked that bush to make her nest in. The kids are amazed by it and honestly it makes me pretty excited too. I mean, there will be new life in the nest soon and we will get to see it all happening just by looking out the window. This picture does it no justice.. it's nearly 9pm and starting to get dark but I ran out to get a photo so you could see all three little eggs!

Beautiful!!

Isn't that exciting? New life... happening in our yard. My kids will get to experience it and see how life is going to come from those little eggs hatching and how that mama is going to be there to protect & provide (wormies) for her babies. They keep wanting to look inside, and we let them look but not touch. Thankful my dog isn't bothering it either (It isn't up very high). This is the first year since we have lived here that we have had a nest. Exciting right? I guess I am easily amused ;)

Wednesday morning laugh

This morning my three year old asked if he could tell me a joke. Of course I said "Sure, Bud". He then asked me this: "How do you wake up lady gaga?" and then before I could reply he said "Pokerface". LOL. I cracked up! I mean, yes, I have heard this already (from my 8 year old daughter) who heard it on a Disney show I think (nice) but it was like two or three months ago. He remembered that? Just decided to bust out with that joke? It really isn't that funny but man alive was it hilarious coming from him as clear as day. Yep, laughter is the best medicine. :)

Terrific Thursday

Everything about today was terrific. Terrific weather, terrific time as a family, just terrific all around. We even went outside after showers in our PJ's for an evening family play time in the yard. It's always a good time to swing! Even better when mommy & daddy are their to push you "higher"!!

I love my family. My kids are the best of me. I thank God for these little blessings. I am so thankful for days like today that really ground you & remind you what is truly important.

Rockin out on Monday

This is one of James favorite songs to jam too. Today he really enjoyed rocking out with his air guitar while chillin in the car seat on our way to Target (for PB&J & milk). I love this song too. It's just so comfortable and easy and his voice totally relaxes me. It makes for a pleasant drive. James requests this song a few times each week and he loves it equally every time. It never ceases to put a smile on my face and today it even made me a little bit teary eyed. I mean, it is just the cutest thing to listen to your 3 year old sing the words to such a wholesome country song. Listening to the words make you want to be a part of their town, least it does for me. I would be totally okay with my kids moving somewhere just like this to raise their babies (my future grand babies!) and a wonderful place that I could visit (and probably move to as well, b/c honestly I can never be too far from my babies! lol). It's one of those blah Mondays, but this song only makes ya feel good. Enjoy it! I am off to plan up somethin for dinner!! :)

Mornings are fun!

Waking up is never fun. Let me rephrase.. I love waking up daily because it means another day on this beautiful earth, but ohhh how I long for those good ol days of sleeping in! That's better. LOL. That being said, Once I am up and at 'em the mornings are not that bad. Especially when they involve a cup multiple cups of coffee! I geek coffee! Secrets out. This face (in addition to the coffee) makes mornings all kinds of fun!! Photo shoot!

Isn't he the cutest? He gets it from his daddy!!!! I know I know.. I am kinda bias! It's OK. ;)

Everything's gonna be alright

Monday proved to be a very long and trying day for us. Ya know.. one of those days where nothing goes as planned and everything you were planning on getting done, didn't. James had been telling us that he had a tummy ache over the weekend and we kept trying to get him to go to the bathroom but he couldn't seem to go. Well, we thought it  was constipation. I mixed some Mirolax in with his juice/water combo and we hoped that would help. It didn't. We ended up giving him an infant suppository and within a half hour he went. yay! All was right again. Or so we thought. He still every now & then over the next 24 hours said that he had to go, but then couldn't. Life went on. He played, he ate, he acted otherwise normal. We went to a baby gender reveal party on Sunday afternoon for some friends (a lot of fun by the way) and then came home and hung out for a bit before deciding to give the little guy his evening tubby. When we did we noticed that his little guy parts down there looked swollen and a bit red. He didn't seem bothered and was playing with his bath toys as usual. I was concerned but since he didn't seem too bothered I thought maybe it was from messing with them to much (he is a boy,and yes, he does that). After his bath he went to bed like he always does. When we woke the next morn at 7:30 I checked to see if they were "normal" and sure enough they were still swollen. I called his doctor at 9 and they squeezed us in for an appointment. Once we got there and they checked him out even though he wasn't in a lot of pain they sent us for an ultrasound and suspected it could possibly be testicular torsion even though they were surprised he didn't seem to be in much pain. They found an available time slot for us for ultrasound and sent us directly from the office to have it done. The ultrasound lady, Laura, was amazing. James absolutely loved her. She was so kind and good with him. She didn't seem to think it looked like torsion to her but she said she wasn't a doctor and couldn't say for sure but seemed more like infection. (I then breathed for what felt like the first time in a while). She took the pictures and sent them to the doc and we had to wait for doc to call her back. He called, and he wanted us to wait there because he wanted to come have a look himself. umm...okay. We waited. He came. He looked. He double checked. He said it was Torsion and that there was no blood flow getting into his left testicle that we were being sent to a room to be admitted and they would call the surgeon. Are you serious? I just started breathing again! So, being the overly sensitive terrified momma that I am.. the tears were just falling out of my eyes. My poor son. I feel like the worst mother in the entire world by this point. How could this have happened and I not have known? He never had any excruciating pain like they said he should have, he was never doubled over or curled up or anything. The poor kid had to have emergency surgery a year and a half ago already for intussusception (bowel turned over on itself). How could this be happening all over again? What are we being punished for? Why him? Why this? Why now? Why? Why? Why? I needed answers and there were none. It is just one of those awful things that can happen and there is no explanation. Laura walked us all the way to the E.R. she told them we were to take precedence over all others and be taken in immediately. She put her arm around me, she was there for us, and she told me everything would be okay. She was very comforting and extremely kind to us. I am SO thankful that she is the one who was working. She really did help me, just by being sympathetic and understanding. Anyway, we were admitted and taken right up to a room on the surgical level. Doctors came in, talked to us, nurses, etc. It truly was so surreal. Was it really happening again? I tried to keep it together. And I did for the most part, as best as I could. I had to. What choice did I have? Both of my kids were sitting there and they needed to see that I was okay to know everything was going to be okay. It wasn't until Dr. Cullen came in (same Dr. from his last surgery) that I felt like I was able to begin to breathe a little. I felt comfortable with him because he had done such a good job with James surgery the first go round. He even tried to make light of things and told us that on a bright note we were running out of reasons to see him again! They came to take James up for surgery shortly after. When they wheeled him into the surgical area and took him away from me, his little lip quivering, it was the hardest moment for me. The tears spilled out of my eyes. I couldn't control them. I hate what ifs and whys but they consumed me. I was afraid. I was sad. I was angry. I just couldn't understand why this has to all happen so fast. It was so much to process. I am so glad that my husband is my ever present rock and is able to be so strong for all of us. His ability to stay calm during the storm, combined with my continuous prayer was enough to get me through what seemed like he longest hour and a half of my life. The doctor came in and told us that surgery went great and that he thinks that saving James testicle was successful. Time would tell. We had more waiting to endure until James woke up and we were able to see him. When they came to get us I was more excited to see him than I can even begin to express. He was so brave, so big, laying there in his hospital bed. He seemed so calm and that made me begin to relax again. He was okay. The surgery was successful. God was with him and the surgeon did his job well. Thank you! Thank God! We walked up to the pediatric floor and got acquainted with his room. He was cuddly and snugly and he rubbed my face and he kissed me and he was the most angelic little thing ever. He stayed awake until 1 in the morning watching a movie and it felt good to just have him talking to me.. the time and the circumstances were foreign to me. My little boy was okay. Everything was going to be alright. It was. We went for a follow up ultrasound the next morning and it showed that blood flow to the testicle was 90%. We were so so thankful that they were able to save it. I could add more to the story but the truth of the matter is nothing else matters. We are home, he is healing, we are thankful, and by golly we are going to make the most of everyday because you never know when scary things like this can happen. You can't be prepared. But you can pray, and trust, and remember that this too shall pass. I love my kids. I love my husband. I love my God. But most of all I love being a mom, even on the hard days. Even when I can't breathe.

P.S. Monday is his follow up appointment. I am not sure if it is "normal" or "wierd" or whatever but I plan on getting a gift for both Laura and the doctor to take to them. Something to say thank you, and something to remember James by. I am not 100% sure what just yet though. I have some ideas. What is a good gift idea for them? Feel free to share! Thanks!

***update: I got the doc a tie (he loved it thankfully AND his bday was the following day, sweet!) and for Laura we found a cute angel wing necklace and an equally cute notepad and she was enamored that we even thought of her. I love putting a smile onpeoples faces and making them feel special. Good day! ***

Easter Vacation: The Smoky Mountains of North Carolina

We had a wonderful family vacation over Easter. It was relaxing and a nice change of scenery to say the least. So beautiful to be in the mountains and see all that God created, and especially at such a time as Easter. Easter is supposed to be a time to recognize that Jesus rose from the dead and that He promised that just by believing in him we would have an eternal life with him as a result. On our trip we had a great time dressing up the kids for pictures, going out to family brunch, taking a long drive through the scenic mountains, relaxing around the cabin as a family, watching the kids play, dyeing Easter eggs and of course the fun Easter baskets the kids opened from the Easter bunny and ending the day with a kid centered Easter egg hunt. It was a fun time and at moments I found myself lost in the festivities that I forgot to keep Christ as the center of the day. At bedtime, I simply prayed (as we always do before bed) but I added a sincere thank you for his sacrifice he made me for and for my family and for moments of forgetting. If I was faced with what he was faced with... I know hands down that I would walk the other way. It was a selfless act, one that none of us could do on a good day in our Christian walk. It was a great relaxing vacation, and it felt so good being able to look around and know what a beautiful world we are blessed to be a part of everyday.  I mean, how can you look at this world and all of it's infinite beauty and not believe? It is just something I can't fathom.

Anyway, it was our first far away family vacation adventure, and it was a successful one. I can't wait for more opportunities like this. (I even welcome the drive!! Believe that? lol. It was relaxing (most the time) and of course to see all the beauty beside the open road.)

Thank you Lord, for vacations, family, the gift of life eternal, and for all the fluffy stuff (like Marshmallows, peeps, chocolate, egg hunts and the like over Easter vacation).

Hope everyone had an amazing time celebrating Easter!

Getting antsy!!

A few posts ago I talked about how nervous I was about our upcoming (as in two days away!!!) vacation. Well, I think I am actually feeling excited to go! I of course have made my list (ok, ok I made multiple lists) and have checked off many things already and will complete the packing and checking off tomorrow. We will be ready and revving to go at about 4 in the morn Friday. If all goes well we will have completed our first successful long trip adventure as a family by 4 pm. *Fingers crossed*

It has been an eventful few days (cluster headaches, a sick baby girl, hubby's crazy work hours, etc) and as a result I have had my extreme moments of stress, but this is a much needed long weekend away for all of us and it is so sweet to see how excited my hubby is to get into the mountains. Cute FYI: My three year old plugs his nose when we talk about "The Smoky Mountains" (we are going to the North Carolina side) and says he doesn't want to go because he doesn't like smoke. Hahahaha. Too funny!! I told the hubs and the DD we need to call them the cloudy mountains instead for now. LOL. I adore the way kids think. I need to write that in his baby book too! [remind me!]

So anyway, we are making awesome progress on the packing front and getting all psyched up to go. I will make sure and take lots of pictures to update the old blog when we get back. Hope all of you who read this have a very happy and blessed Easter and remember Our Lord and Savior on this extremely special holiday!

Later y'all!

My reasons

I know it's April Fools day and all of that jazz but I have to admit I have no good "got ya's" up my sleeve. Instead, I will just post a picture that makes me smile super big because my kids are getting along and being sweet to one another! I love those moments. They are the best.. and few & far between! LOL.

I adore these sweet babies of mine (yes they will ALWAYS be babies to me)

So, any of you get anyone good with April Fools day or did you get "got" (haha) ?

Positivity

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, so I keep reminding myself this quote! :)

I didn't, but I thought about it.

Yep... this morning we were running a few minutes late to get Madison off to school. Seems she likes to forget until literally the last stinkin minute that it is Wacky Wednesday today at school. Well, at least she remembered before we were in  the car or already at school like past spirit days. LOL. So we quickly find her something mismatched and kooky to wear,  throw on an unmatching barrette and headband to  go with not go with said outfit, and head out. Regardless, she looked the part (and cute as always in my humble opinion, but no picture to share b/c we were running late, remember?)

Wouldn't ya just know it that because we are already running late a lady flags me down and I roll down my window and she tells me her car stalled and can I "please give her a jump so she can get her daughter to school". UGGGGHHHHHHH I am already running late lady!!!! (yes, sadly this is what went through my head). I can't even blame it on anything else except selfishness because she really was non threatening in every way and I could see her daughter sitting in the backseat. Sooo, I turn my car around to face hers, pop the hood, we hook up the cables and it literally starts right up. TWO stinkin lousy minutes of my morning to help someone in need and I was in a huff over it? Really? Reality check for me. I mean, wouldn't I hope that someone would stop and help me if I was taking Madison to school and my car stalled? The answer is yes.

 My lesson from all this is simple. God had different plans for me. It was open your heart and do what he would do for anyone of us, (and then feel like a total jerk for letting those thoughts of saying "No" so that I could get my kid to school on time escape from my brain).  I am glad that I did it, even if for no other reason than guilt. If I could go back I would wipe those ridiculous "No" thoughts from my head and start over with a happy more positive attitude/outlook. Plus, Madison told me after we were done and driving to school that she wasn't worried about being late because "it was the right thing to do, mom". *sigh* Yeah, it was.. even my 8 year old knew that (which must mean I am doing something right, right?).

Last park adventure

Where did our warm weather go? I know it is only March but that week or so of awesome weather had me feeling spoiled. Don't get me wrong.. I love spending time in my robe (doing just that right now! ha!) but we had such an amazing kite flying kinda day at the park last week that I am itching for more of it. Bring Spring back, and take this brrrrr cold outta here please. I said, Please. :)

Stay cozy! Signing off for more hot java. mmmmm.

Sooo Uhhmazing

I was surfing websites and blogs and the like yesterday (like I usually do) and I came across a recipe for a DIY sugar scrub. I have seen it before and made a mental note that I wanted to give it a go, but naturally it fell by the way side and never happened. Well, I didn't procrastinate this time and I made it. SO very glad that I did. My face and hands are feeling super soft right now! I may wash my hands as much as a fat kid loves cake, jus sayin. As a result, they get pretty rough and not so soft scaly, so this is a welcome change! Ok, without furtherado you MUST give it a whirl!

• 1 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Baking Soda (just makes it less gritty.. use more or less.. to ur liking!)
• 1/2 Cup Oil of your choice (I used Olive oil).
• dash of vanilla or lemon juice (if you want it scented a bit, i used the lemon juice.)
• oh and a container to put it in :)

you may or may not need to add a dash more of this or that to get the right consistency for you.

Anyway, like I said, give it a try. It's super cheap and oh so soft!

P.S. If you don't want to make as much you can cut recipe in half or thirds or whatever to give it a try.

I have found a few other simple DIY homemade recipes for stuff that I plan to try too. Will keep ya posted! :)

You gonna make some!?

Just thought I'd share

We are getting ready to head outside to play shortly, but in the morning, I must first feed my addictions: coffee, check email, websites and blogs!  I generally check them each morning (or every other) to see if I can get a good "steal", have any exciting news, or just b/c lets face it.. I'm nosy! HA! I also should mention that I haven't ordered in awhile & I am not a shopping addict (just like to see the possibilities!) but the things I have ordered have always been great and come in a relatively fast fashion! Thought I would share them with you in case you are looking for a good site with good deals yourself! ;)

this one  (check out this deal! wish i could order one today but it has to wait!! Boohoo.)
this one (cute!)
this one (they have deals for babies & mommas, diff each day!)
this one (this is one of my faves)
and lastly (someday i wanna do an overnite b&b w/ hubs!)

Enjoy!! You're welcome!! lol.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think and also feel free to leave some sites you check and think I might love. I always welcome a new addiction!! ;)