The First Sleepover Of Summer

What girl doesn't love a sleepover?

My girls ask for them just about every week.

And just about every week, I say no.

Because while all girls love sleepovers, moms do not.

But since school was out for the summer, and because I have to earn some 'fun mom' points right out of the gate, this time, I said YES!

Here are some highlights:

Before their friends arrived, my girls helped me make double doozie cookies for an after dinner treat.

Addy and her friend, Rachel, being silly...which is mostly what they do all the time.

We did 'make-your-own-pizza' for dinner and the girls loved it!

Super Girl really enjoyed the cookies for dessert!

Faith and her friend, Annie, watched a little Pocahontas.

All of the girls played Sorry Sliders, which is always a hit!

In the morning, the girls requested cereal and homemade breakfast smoothies.  How can a mom say no??

What are some of your favorite Sleepover Activities to keep the kids entertained??

I'm Still Here

I know...it's been a while.

But seriously, life has been hectic.

I feel like cheer and football rule my world right now.

Well, that and sick kids, doctors appointments, and teacher conferences.

And by the way, my girls are ROCK STARS!

(In school anyway...)

They both had great reports and I couldn't be more proud.

But things at home are a little less....well...easy.

We are going through some discipline issues and it's hard.

For all of us.

I am glad my girls are so polite at school and respect their teachers etc.

But at home, it's another story.

Fighting, yelling, throwing things on the ground...it's like I live with 2 teenage girls.

But they're only 8 and 6.

I'm not ready for this.

And sometimes I feel like I'm doing a horrible job at raising them to be self sufficient, respectful, appreciative adults.

I think if there were report cards for moms, I'd be getting a D... (okay, maybe a C.  But definitely not above a C).

Anyone else have this issue?

I'm at a loss.

Grounding them is what gets to them most.  But even that is wearing off.

And I feel like I'm the one who is punished, too, because I have to miss all of my fun.

Any advice?

What's On Your To-Do List?

My To-Do list is approximately 7 miles long right now.

I just keep adding and adding, but not much is getting done.

{Including Blog posts, which I am waaaaay behind on.  Sorry!}

At the top of my list right now are:

Get stuff for my daughter to make football signs tonight, (probably should get on that...)
Pick up and take my prescriptions (I have bronchitis..yay.)
Clean my house (who am I kidding?)
Purchase a camera and laptop (I have been procrastinating on this for months)
Fill out and mail in Red Tape paper work kind of stuff (HATE this!)
Decide what I'm making and then make something for a Football/Cheer Bonfire this weekend (which will probably end up being something pre-made and purchased at the grocery five minutes before we go)
Replace the light that went out in our bathroom a week ago (did someone say my make-up looks weird?)
Call and cancel the Netflix that we planned to only have for the free trial month that we have now paid for for  6 months (my bad...)
Figure out what my husband and I are going to be for the Halloween party we are going to next week (does it even matter??  We all know Amy For Him and her hubby are going to win the prize anyway!)
Take the junk that is left over from my garage sale, IN JULY, to Goodwill (so I can put more junk that is currently *inside* my house out there)
And a ton of other random things that will probably still be on the list in 2 months.

But while I haven't been doing those things, here are the things I have been doing:

Snuggling with my kiddo's while we all take turns getting sick (it's that time of year!)
Exercising (and I'm not even lying!!)
Spending time with friends and family who need it (because I have been so blessed by others when I have needed it!)
Having fun with my kids and all of their 101 activities (they will only want me around for so long...)
Making healthy meals and feeding my body the way it is meant to be fed (down 20 pounds so far!  Ask me how if you want to know!)
Enjoying all the new fall TV shows (if you know me, you know how excited I am about this!)


So while I know I have lots to get done, I think my list of things I have been doing is pretty awesome.  And the truth is, I'd much rather be doing all of that!

So tell me, what's on your To-Do list?  And what are you doing instead of doing it?

What A Week

This week has been ugly.

I started a 10 day cleanse last Thursday, and was doing great...until I got a flu like bug a couple of days ago.

I think it's safe to say I'm cleaned out :(

I'm gonna go ahead and finish out this cleanse, though, just because I said I would.  Then it's on to the rest of the 24 day challenge I'm on.

Which is basically eating the way I should and am planning to eat for the rest of my life.

But I'm excited for the "cleanse" period to be over so I can throw some whole grain bread and a little dairy back into the mix.

It's the small things...

And also, I had to cancel a MUCH NEEDED hair appointment because of being sick.

Not happy about that at all!

My hair has been in a constant state of pony tail for the last 3 months.

It's time for a new look.

And my husband thinks he might be getting sick, too, now.

Which is NOT good because we have big plans for this Saturday to go to COSI to see the new Lego Castle Adventure.

I had to miss last years COSI blogger event because of sickness and I am willing all of us to be well so we don't miss this years.

AND, I have had no time to put into Halloween costumes for the kids or myself, which makes me nervous because I usually start that whole process in July.

Who knows...all of us may end up being ghosts this year.

I think it's time for the sheet with eye holes to come back anyhow.  It's retro and cool.  Right?!

Anyhow...it's just been one of those weeks.

What's your week been like?

Cheap or Thrifty??

There is a difference between the two.

For example:

-Purchasing off the kids menu in a restaurant, even though you're an adult.
-Being unwilling to purchase anything without a coupon.
-Returning things after you have used/worn them.
-Replying on other people to cover you all the time.
-Constantly finding reasons to not tip well, (or not tipping at all!)
-Asking others for their leftovers or for part of their meal.
-Being willing to lie or stretch the truth in order to save some $$.
-Asking for free samples instead of actually purchasing something.
-Re-gifting items so that you don't have to buy a present.
-Inconveniencing someone in order to save yourself a little money.
-Keeping track of every single dollar (or 50 cents), that someone owes you.

These are all examples of being CHEAP!

But, here are examples of being THRIFTY:

-Purchasing something that is used but still in good shape vs. buying new
-Getting a great value instead of just looking for a deal.
-Choosing to eat at home instead of eating out.
-Researching in order to get the most/best for your money.
-Sticking to a budget.
-Choosing to drink water with your meal when you eat out.
-Bartering for services.
-Growing your own food.
-Waiting to get something you want when it goes on sale.
-Eating leftovers for a second meal instead of wasting.
-Choosing a matinee over an evening movie.
-Taking advantage of free and discounted events and services.

Have you done/Do you do any of these?  Do you have other examples?  Do you have any funny "cheap" stories??

Oh, and BTW, if you want something for FREE, check out my Giveaway for a FREE $50 Visa Gift Card that ends this Sunday!!  (And there aren't a lot of entries so far, so you've got a good shot at winning!)

Random Friday: Stuff About Me

-I like tuna sandwiches but only when I have frito's to go with them




-I sleep with an ice pack every night because I have this thing called costochondritis.


-I am going to buy a good camera soon, but I can't decide on which one is best (any sugesstions??)

-Sitting in front of a bonfire or on a beach are two of my favorite things.

-I got a sewing machine for Christmas last year and I have yet to use it.

-If I were rich, my #1 luxery would be to hire a housekeeper.

-Not really a fan of caramel apples.

-I am obsessed with celebrity news.

-I have a fear of heights.

-If I didn't have an alarm clock or kids, I would probably sleep past noon every single day.

-I don't really have a favorite song...there are too many to choose from.

-Sometimes I think about adopting a little boy.

-I used to be a super political person, but now I can hardly stand to talk about it at all.

-I have never taken my kids camping....and I may not.  Ever.

-My favorite dessert is Chocolate Lava Cake.

-This blog has started to feel like a personal friend of mine.


I shared.  Now go ahead and tell me one random fact about you!

Clark Howard For President

I'm pretty sure Clark Howard isn't running, but I kinda wish he would.

I am SO SICK of all the political ads already.

I turn the channel whenever one comes on.

And here's why:

I don't feel like I can trust anyone.

Of course The President is going to say Mitt Romney is a only out to make the rich richer and the poor poorer. 

He wants to stay in office.

And of course Mitt Romney is going to say that The President hasn't done his job, and has only increased the debt.

He wants to become President.

And while I am all about social issues, I also care about our economy.

And I kind of think that our economy is the main issue in this race.

And if that's the case, I think that Clark Howard is my guy.

Why?


I think he wouldn't be interested in any kind of hidden/personal agenda (other than scoring a great deal at Walmart).

And isn't that what we think about most politicians?


(Not the Walmart part.  The hidden agenda part.)

I am generally pretty conservative, but even I have to admit that I usually feel like I'm choosing the lesser of two evils.

And I hate feeling that way when I vote.

So, I may be writing in Clark Howard's name in on the next election.

Because at this point, it might be the only thing I do feel good about.

{And yes, I'll be stepping down from my soap box now.}

What do you think about all of this political business?  (Warning: If you leave a comment, Be Nice!)

I'm Taking a Mom Sabbatical

Not really.

But I've thought about it.

And so has every other mom.

(Even if they don't admit it!)

And here's why:

I can go away for a night or two or maybe even a week and leave the kids with my husband.

At first it's all fun and games.

He takes them to a few parks, out to dinner, and sometimes even the pool.

They might watch a fun movie, or read some books, and he plays all kinds of games with them. 

And maybe after the first few days, things start to get a little more stressful.

But he's got this.

Why?

Because he knows that I'm coming home.

He knows he only has to last a few more days, and then he'll be back at work while I'm home doing what I always do.

His perfect world is restored.

BUT,

what if I were gone longer?

Maybe a month or two.

Now we're really talkin'!

The thing is, anyone can entertain kids for a few days, or even a week. 

And when you do all the fun stuff, you're a rock star!

But after the fun stuff wears away, and you realize McDonalds doesn't taste good after the 3rd night in a row, and your bank account is quickly depleting because all this "fun stuff" starts to get expensive, it's not so easy anymore.

This is why I say I want a sabbatical.

I want my husband, (and children), to know what being a full time mommy really is.

I want them to know that it takes Super Hero skills to make dinners that children will eat, husbands will like, and that cost under $10 for the whole family.

I want them to appreciate that it takes many a' midnight hours lying awake to try and think of new and fun things to do that won't completely throw your budget off.

I want them to experience what it's like when mom isn't there to organize the schedules and activities of the entire family.

I want to know what happens when kids are tired and whiny, dad is losing his patience, but homework, dinner, dishes and laundry all still have to get done.

And a library book is missing.

And the oldest left her lunch box at school.

And the youngest can't find her special blankie that she can't sleep without.

And the refrigerator isn't working right.

And

And

And

And I want to see how long it takes before all of them are begging me to come back!

See what I'm getting at?

And please don't think that my husband doesn't already appreciate what I do as a mom.

He does.

At least to the best of his ability.

But the thing is, no one can truly appreciate all a mom does for her family, until she isn't there to do it.

And even though I say that I would like a sabbatical, (or maybe just a month long Hawaiian vacation...), the truth is, I don't do this job for the praise or appreciation, (even though sometimes, that's nice, too!).

I do it because I love this family of mine.

And I hope, (for everyone's sake!), that they never really have to experience what it's like when I'm not there!

Random Stuff for Friday

A few things swirling around in this brain of mine, so I thought I would share!

• Starting Monday, I'll be doing some Back To School posts.  Stay tuned!
• Cheer camp also starts for us next Monday, and I am not nearly as prepared as I should be!
• My oldest, Addy, had a little stomach thing earlier this week and I just know that it's going to strike the rest of us JUST as cheer camp starts. That is soooo my luck!
• I have the best intentions of eating right and exercising, but why does food have to taste so good?  And why is exercise from the devil?
• I haven't been on a date with my hubby in a while now, and I seriously need one.  But I don't see any time in the near future that it's going to be possible because our schedules are so crazy! :(
• Speaking of my hubby, August 31st will be our 10 year Anniversary and I still haven't thought of anything special for us to do.  Money is tight this time of year, so no big trip, but we still want to do something a little more special than going out to dinner... Any ideas??
• Still waiting for the housekeeper, the cook and the nanny to show up.
• I hate it that this summer has been so short, but I'm REALLY ready for the kids to go back to school.  I think they're ready too.
• Iced Coffee is one of God's greatest inventions!
• Big Brother is in full swing right now and I am LOVING it!  Janelle continues to be one of my all time faves, but Mike Boogie is driving me bonkers with his arrogance.
• And while we're on the topic of reality TV, I think Emily (on the Bachelorette) made the right choice.  I ADORED Arie, (maybe more than I should have), but I think Jef was suited more for Emily.  Here's hoping Arie is the next Bachelor!

That is all :)  Have a great weekend!

I'm No Trophy Wife

My friends and I were watching The Bachelorette the other week, and it was the Men Tell All episode.

If you also watched the show, then you'll know what I'm talking about.

If you didn't, keep reading...there's a point.

There was this guy, named Ryan, who kept referring to the fact that he wanted a 'Trophey wife".

(Probably not the best strategy if he's trying to win a girls heart.)

But my friends and I got to talking about it after and someone said that they would like it if their husband thought of them as a trophy wife.

And I laughed and said, "I'm pretty sure my husband wouldn't call me his trophy wife.  Maybe a 'participation medal' wife, but not a trophy wife.

We all had a good laugh, (and yes, I can laugh at myself), and moved onto other important topics.

{Like who we thought her final pick would be.}

But in the days following, I gave a little more thought to the comment.

And here's my conclusion:

No, I'm not a trophy wife.

I have a lot of weight to lose.  And my hair needs a new cut.  And my highlights need to be redone to cover the gray that is taking over.  And I'm starting to get wrinkles on my forehead.  And sometimes there are little hairs that have started to grow on my chin that I need to pluck.  And I don't shave every day.  And I stay in yoga pants more than I should.  And I never exercise.  And these crazy purple veins have started showing up on my legs.  And I break out a lot more than I used to.  And I hardly ever do my nails anymore. 

{Good gravy, I sound like a walking disaster.}

But here's the thing.

My husband treats me like a trophy wife.

From listening to him, you would think that I am a super model with a beaming smile, gorgeous hair, a closet full of designer clothes, and a personality that could win over just about anyone.

And every day, he tells me how pretty I am and how much he loves me.

And even with all the stuff I listed above, I feel like the most beautiful girl in the world.

Because of his love for me.

So no, I'm not a trophy wife. 

But I'm pretty sure he's my trophy husband!

A Girl And Her Blankie

More than not, this is how you will find Faith in our house.

She's cuddled up on the couch, or her bed, or our bed...but always with blankie.

She LOVES that blankie almost more than anything else.

In fact, she calls it "she".

As in, "Mom, have you seen my blankie?  I can't find her."

And while it's the sweetest thing in the world that she loves that blankie so much, there is one little problem.

She also sucks her thumb when she has blankie.

And the dentist and pediatrician keep telling us that she has to stop sucking her thumb, but other than taking blankie away, we have tried everything.

No luck.

As soon as she starts holding blankie, the thumb goes in the mouth.

Soooo, we are left with a decision.

Do we take blankie away, (in which case there will be many tears, tantrums and and pretty much no sleep for at least several days), OR do I let her keep her blankie and just accept the fact that she may be still sucking her thumb in high school?

I'm just afraid to remove blankie because it's so special to her and has been with her since she was an infant.  It makes her feel safe and loved and happy.

But I have a feeling that buck teeth and sucking her thumb in high school will kind of have the opposite effect.

Have you been down this road?  What did you do?  And how did it go?

Do You Get Me??

I started this here blog of mine about a year and a half ago.

I could tell you all the reasons why, but basically it's just because I wanted to.

I have fun writing and it's my creative outlet.

{Or the reason I don't have a drinking problem.  Take your pick}

But sometimes I wonder if people get me.

As in, when you read what I write, do you get what I'm trying to say?

A big part of my writing is humor and/or sarcasm.  But does that come across?

Or do people think I am truly a nut job who takes lots of headmeds and drinks to get through her day?

{Okay, maybe some of that is actually true...}

Or maybe you just think I'm bitter.


I don't know.

Because sometimes I think the way I read it in my head could be waaaaay different that the way *you* read it.

It's like texting or email.

Someone might mean nothing but loveliness, but I read it and think they have named me their arch enemy.


I have thought about vlogging, (video blogging for those who aren't blog savvy), but I pretty much never wear a bra when I'm at home, so that could be awkward.

{If my parents, in-laws or any other relatives are still reading at this point, I'm truly sorry if I've embarrassed or offended you...}

But the thing is, I really do hope people are reading, and getting what I write.

Because I feel like I literally pour myself out onto these posts.  And I care what you think.

Whether you're laughing, or getting teary eyed, or it causes you to take a moment and consider something.

I hope that in some way, you feel even a little bit connected to me.

Because for me, that's what this is all about.

Summertime Blues

Summers are interesting.

I love the extra time with the girls, the laid back schedule, and the time at the pool.

But, there is one teensy weensy thing I DO NOT like.

The fact that I have to entertain my kids All.  Day.  Long.

After the first couple of weeks, they start to complain that all parks are the same.

{Which they pretty much are}

And we have seen every kid friendly movie at the theaters.  And on Netflix.  And on Demand. 

They only want to go to the pool when their friends are there, (which we never seem to predict correctly), and only if I take out a personal loan to afford enough snack bar items to keep them happy.

Plus, they are fighting pretty much every single second of the day.

"She touched me"

"She took my doll"

"She turned the TV off"

"She said I couldn't come in her room"

"She's cutting my hair"

It never ends.

And I am starting to lose my mind....

And I think people are starting to notice.

I am so used to speaking through clenched teeth that I have started answering my phone that way.

{My sincerest apologies to Police and Fire Widow's and Children's Fund.  I really do think it's a great cause...}

And as I'm trying to check out at the library, (as the girls literally scream and kick at one another behind me), the librarian looks at me like I'm crazy.

{Which I pretty much am}

I probably should ask if she could recommend any good parenting books.

But I think we both know it's a lost cause.

So I ask about books on wine instead.

And Valium.

Hey, whatever gets us through, right?

I keep trying to motivate myself into a better mood, telling myself that these times are precious and that one day soon I will wish I had them all back.

But then one of my girls spills a bottle of juice all over the floor and jerks me back to reality.

The truth is, as much as I DO love having them home, I am really ready for school to start.

Please tell me I'm not the only one??!!

The Fun Starts Tonight!

photo link

Are you all as excited as I  am that Big Brother starts tonight??

It is my FAVORITE show, and I look forward to it every summer!

I know it's cheesy and goofy and about as reality as the princesses at Disney World, but I can't get enough of it.

Plus, it kind of has special meaning to me because it's one of the few shows that my husband and I actually both like and we never miss an episode of watching together.

It's kind of like our own special date time.

I remember right after I had Faith, I was basically in bed recovering from the c-section for the first few weeks it was on.

Jeremy would put Addy to bed, bring me a Hershey bar, (one of the only things I could eat at the time), and we would just sit and watch it together.

During a time of mostly nothing but pain and boredom, it was the highlight of my week.

Plus, since we have watched it together for so many years, we have developed our "favorites".

Jeff and Jordan are definitely my favorite couple of all time, and I REALLY think they should have their own reality show.

And I pretty much can't stand Rachel and Brendan.  Or Jesse. 

But I LOVED Janelle!

Anyhow...will you be watching??

Who are your favorites?

Who is your least favorite?

How To Raise The Perfect Children

Did you seriously think I was going to say I had the answer to this?

The truth is, I don't think there are perfect children.

And even if there were, I wouldn't have a clue about how to raise them.

Anyone who knows my kids knows FOR SURE that they aren't even in the same galaxy as perfect. 

In fact, if my kids don't end up in juvy, I feel like I've done my job well.

{Okay, maybe over exaggerating a little here.  They're not quite on their way to juvy...}

{BTW, does juvy even exist anymore??}


But isn't it crazy how much we, as moms, worry about our kids, and try to make them as perfect as possible?


We teach them to read before kindergarten so that they'll be in the top of their class.

We take them to play dates when they're one so they'll begin to develop good social skills.

We feed them organic non-fat food so that they will never be overweight or sick.

We put them in every sport available so that they'll develop athletically.

We make them take piano and art so they'll be well rounded.

We make them double check their homework so there's no mistakes.

We watch their every move so that they'll never get hurt.

We decide who they can be friends with so that we can control their influences.

We demand good behavior at all times.

We want them to have a sense of humor, but not to be too silly.

We buy them the best clothes so that other kids, (and moms), will notice.

We want them to be well liked.

We threaten them with the consequences of bad choices.


I mean, this list could seriously go on for days...

But why??

Why do we do all of these things?

And it's not that we would ever say we are trying to raise perfect kids, but isn't that what all of these actions point towards?

Is it that we think it will help our kids have a better life?

Is it that we think we can help them to avoid all the pain and hard times that life brings?

Because we can't.

As much as we might want to, life will challenge them. 

And I don't think it's our job to make them perfect, as much as it is to love them through the challenges.

And please don't think I'm pointing fingers. 

I am guilty of several of the statements above.

But I'm learning that maybe I need to step back and re-think things.

Maybe my kids don't want to do sports anymore.  Maybe they're more artsy kind of kids.  I'm gonna be okay with that.

Maybe they should learn that it's okay to make a mistake on your homework.  Sometimes you remember better that way.

Maybe they need to make a friend that comes from a family different from ours.  Maybe they can teach each other a few things.

Maybe they need to be as goofy as six and eight year olds should be.  And I need to not let it bother me.

And maybe, just maybe, they need to experience some of life's really tough consequences so that they will know that when times are tough, Jesus still loves them, and so does momma.


I'll be linking up with We Are THAT Family for WFMW.  Go ahead and see what's working!

Insomnia: Stuff To Do When You're Not Sleeping

Insomnia and I have become close friends.

Not by my choosing.

But I'm guessing that I'm not the only one she is stalking.

So, in case you, too, are failing at avoiding her, I have some suggestions for stuff to do while you hang.

10.  Ask Your Husband If He's Awake.  And if he's not, go ahead and wake him up.  Just to chat.  Husbands love having heart-to-hearts in the middle of the night.

9.  Peruse Pinterest.  If you're lucky, you can find some great DIY projects to keep you busy the next night when you're not sleeping.

8.  Do A DIY Project.  See #9.

7.  Watch Infomericals.  I am in awe of the sheer amount of Ah-Maz-Ing products out there that I never knew existed.  For instance, how in the world have I lived my whole life without using InstaHang?  I mean, I have spent years hanging pictures with a plain old hammer and nails.   Never again my friend!  And I really think the Hypnosis Weight Loss program is going to be what finally does the trick for me.  Seriously, those 'actual customers' said it really worked for them.  I'm a believer!

6.  Read.  Since you're sleepy, you won't be able to focus on anything heavy, so stock up on People, US Weekly, and anything else that has a Kardashian on the front. 

5.  Check out AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com  I promise you won't be disappointed!

4.  Eat.  There is no one around to witness you consuming the ENTIRE half gallon of ice cream AND/or the leftover pizza.  And if no one saw it, did it ever really happen?  I didn't think so.

3.  Give Yourself a Mani/Pedi.  I have learned from experience that if you are a parent of young children, this may be the ONLY time that you can get by with painting your nails without the risk of them being immediately ruined by the urgent need for juice or a snack or bathroom assistance.

2.  Clean.  Oh wait, did you think I was serious with this one?  No way!  Not even insomnia and the extra hours she brings are enough to make me want to do actual housework.  I'm still me after all...

1.  Write A Blog Post. If you haven't started a blog yet, this is a great time to join in. Plenty of time to write and not a soul in the world to interrupt you. If you're already a blogger, go ahead and write a post about your insomnia. As you can see, this is riveting stuff.

Linking up with Many Little Blessings for Top Ten Tuesday.  Go check them out!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

Awesome:

My new van!! 

I love it and I am soooo thankful that we were able to find this used van at a price we could afford and it has all the bells and whistles we were hoping for!  God is Good!!



Also Awesome:

A Long Weekend!  I am so excited to have this long weekend coming up!  It's going to be full of family, friends, a date night, and time at the pool!  What more could a stressed out momma want?!

Awkward:

Oh friends...you have hit the jackpot on this week's awkward. 

Actually, these fabulous pictures were taken about 15 or 16 years ago.  But even with that, how embarrassing?  This is me and my best friend, Deb, when we were in college.

Somehow, we thought it would be a great idea to get our pictures taken together.  At Kmart, nonetheless. 

Could we be more dorky or weird???

I mean, the clothing and hair alone is enough to tell you that we had issues.

And the even more awkward part is that after we had the pictures taken, and distributed them to our friends, (seriously??), someone saw it and thought we were a couple.  As in, he thought we were in love.

Even as I type it I'm laughing so hard I'm crying. 

I wish I could defend it in some way, but no excuse makes it any less strange.

Truth is, I had forgotten about these pictures until a few weeks ago I was hanging out with Deb, and she dug one out of her purse and gave it to me.  Needless to say, it gave all of the friends we were with a good laugh.

Ahhhh, gotta love documented moments of craziness :)

Here's a more recent picture of us...at least a *little* better.


Do you have any awkward or Awesome moments from this week to share? 

House Projects and Other Stuff

Oh.  My.  Word.

It has been a looooong weekend. 

And not in the, "oh my gosh, we have extra days off school and work" kind of long.

Long in like, we had a TON of stuff going on.

In fact, the past 2 weeks have been like that. 

My brain is so fried that I can't even remember what I did the week before last, but last week was uniform fitting for cheer leading.

Every night I had to go and help parents size and fit their first through sixth grade daughters into bodysuits, spankies and sports bras. 

If that sounds like fun to you, then you have your own set of issues.

Actually, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, just time consuming.

And then on Friday, some kind of alien took over my body and decided it would be a great idea to paint my front door.  While 5 children were here.  While my husband was at work.

And then, as if that weren't enough, I decided to start pulling weeds and trimming bushes, too.

When my husband got home, he didn't know who this new woman was.  But since she was doing yard work, he decided to keep her and let the old wife go.

{I have a feeling she'll find her way back home, though...}

On Saturday, it was running errands, (with a stop off at the new frozen yogurt place for a treat!), and then back home to paint all the shutters, drag the patio furniture out of storage, and do more yard work.

Did you hear me?

PAINT ALL THE SHUTTERS!! 

And yes, I did it because according to my husband, "painting isn't his thing".  And BTW, he's right, because I have seen some of his handy work and it's actually worse than mine, which is saying something.

And then yesterday was church and then a nap while hubby mowed the lawn, (hey, I had to crash at some point), and then on to cheer/football meetings all evening. 

This morning, I was back at it.  I went to Home Depot to get more paint for the door trim and supplies to clear out the ivy in our front yard, (which I HATE!!!!).   And then I came home, got the kids lunch, and then started our dinner for tonight, which I am WAY excited about, (I'll share that recipe on Wednesday!). 

Whew, I may need another nap just writing all of that.

I'll share pics of the house when it's complete.

Let me re-phrase that.  Because I can assure you, it will NEVER be complete.

I'll post pics when the front of my house isn't embarrassing anymore.

There, that's about as honest as it gets.

And a Friend's A Friend Forever...

If you're singing the next part to that Michael W. Smith song, then you're as cool as I am.

Which isn't cool at all...sorry about that.

But the reason I am thinking about that song, (which, BTW, once in your head will take HOURS to get out!), is because I had a weekend full of friends, and it was Fabulous!

On Friday a few blogging friends, (OAMM, Shaded Jade, and Deals For Dayton), and I got together and had Dinner for Eight. 

When we went to Blissdom...

If you haven't heard of this fun little dinner, let me fill you in.

You get 4 couples, (or 8 people, however that works out), and each pair hosts dinner once per month.  When you are the host, you make the main dish and then hand out assignments for the other courses, which include recipes.  Then you all come together and have a fun evening of great food and good fun.  Or, in our case, great food and the most side splitting, pant wetting, can't breathe because you're laughing so hard kind of fun that you have ever had!

Once A Month Mom hosted this month and she had a Cinco de Mayo theme...(truth be told, I think she stole my idea from last week's post...just sayin').  It was really, really good.  And in case you were wondering, OAMM is the perfect host, and also Super funny!  It was JUST what I needed after a long and frustrating week.

And on Saturday, three of my best friends and I got together to celebrate Carrie's birthday.  We shopped, ate yummy food, shopped some more, got mani's and pedi's, ate more food, shopped some more...ya know, a perfect day!

last year at Amy's birthday

I love these ladies and all the crazy fun we have together.  And BOY have we had some crazy fun...

But  a weekend like this really makes me think about how blessed I am to have such amazing friends.  And I'm not talking about wishy washy friends who come and go, and who are there when it's convenient.

I'm talking about the kind of friends who are there for life.  They encourage me, cheer me on, accept me for who I am, challenge me, call me out when I need it, show me grace, pray for me, listen to me, and love me.

And I just couldn't be more grateful for their friendships. 

Hope you all had a great weekend too!

What's Up With Tanning Mom?

This looks totally normal, right?

So did you see this story in the news?

This mom, (allegedly), took her 5-year-old daughter to a tanning bed.

She says she didn't do it, that her daughter just got a sunburn outside.

And since she doesn't look obsessed with tanning at all, I totally believe her. 

(Just a little sarcasm)...

I mean, if she were chubbier, I would've thought she was trying out for an oompa loompa part.

Is this what we've come to?

That we're so concerned with being tan that we actually think this looks good, and that now our kids should start tanning too?

It's CRAZY! 

Let me hear you thoughts on this. 

Do you tan?  Do you think we should let kids tan?  How far is too far?