Thursday, April 29, 2010

{Ex} Lawn Mower Virgin...

Would you believe me if I told you that I have never mowed before? I'm serious. Never ever ever. It always scared me. I guess you could say that my parents did a pretty good job of telling me how dangerous lawn mowers are--I was afraid to go near one in fear that I would lose a foot. Or two.

But my fear disappeared today. Oh, yes it did! Because guess what I did...

Uh-huh-uh-huh! I mowed! The front yard--I'll do the backyard tomorrow...which, by the way, is smaller than our front yard...

I set out to just read on my front porch. I'll tell y'all what book I'm reading in another post--this post is the celebration of me being a lawn mowing momma!

Back to what I was saying. I had already washed and straightened my hair for the day, had an ice cold Diet Coke and my book. I sat there for a moment and decided to do some raking up of old mulch to make room for our new mulch that's on my to-do list.

I looked around the yard and thought, I'm going to mow this yard! And I did. It wasn't nearly as hard as I imagined it to be. It was actually a lot of fun--and it reminded me of vacuuming, except harder.

I'm so proud of myself! I'm surprised I didn't come in to the house with a handkerchief to wipe off the sweat on my face and pop open an ice cold beer.

On second thought? That doesn't sound bad at all...

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

I Dream of Greasy Food. And Margaritas.

Today I've been daydreaming about food and alcohol--and not necessarily in that order. Now, don't ask me why I've been sitting here thinking of margaritas, greasy burgers and Mexican food. I have no idea why and obviously I have issues this morning.

I'm blaming my cold medication...that can cause this sort of thing. You didn't know that? It does--feel free to use my excuse anytime.

You're welcome.

Here is a list of foods that I have wanted for the past two hours. Yes, that means this all started at or around 9 this morning. Lord help me.

*Presidente margaritas from Chili's. Yes, that's plural and yes they sound delish...

*A cheeseburger from Five Guys Burgers & Fries. What?! You've never had one? Go. Go now. If you don't have one plan a trip down to my little town and I'll personally take you.

*Fajitas. Chicken. Lots of guac. Enough said.

*French fries from Five Guys Burgers & Fries. Again, out of this world.

*Margaritas from my fave little Mexican restaurant. Yummy & cheap. The best kind.

That's it. My food dreams of today. Hoping to fulfill at least one of these cravings today...I'm not even picky on which one I get--nice, huh? 


*Leo, if you're reading this? I'll be the happiest wife ever. Just sayin'...*

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

For the First Time...

For the longest time I've been hard on myself about my body and my looks. I remember reading Seventeen magazine and wishing I looked like those girls. Their hair, skin, and bodies? Were perfect. I would look at myself and cringe at what I saw. Glasses. Lanky arms. Thighs that were bigger than theirs. Pimples. Freckles. Crazy, unruly hair.

It's sad to think that I cannot remember a single time when I was a teen that I actually thought that I was pretty. Sad isn't it? I remember cringing at swimsuit season thinking I was "fat" or "overweight" when I wore a size 6 or 8 in Juniors. What was wrong with me? Why was I so hard on myself that I gave myself nothing but low self esteem? Was it due to these perfect bodies in every magazine that I opened? Was it from movies and television? Where did my self loathing start...and why did I allow it to last so long?

I look at my body now. Yes, I admit, it hasn't been easy getting used to my new body and looks after I had my girls. It hasn't always been easy stepping on the scale and seeing that I am 30 pounds heavier than when I was initially pregnant with Isabella.

But now? I'm happy. I don't mind seeing my stretchmarks. I don't mind seeing a little cellulite. I don't mind that I have more of a pooch now on my stomach. I don't mind that I wear two sizes bigger in clothes now.

Some of you may be sitting there wondering seriously, Chelle? You don't mind because why...?

That answer is easy. Over the years I have learned to love myself. My skin, my body and my hair. I have realized that my girls love me no matter what. My husband loves my extra curves. I can look in the mirror and smile knowing what all I went through to get here--to get where I am today.

Because for the first time in my life I love what I see. And even more? I love who I have become.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Lovely Bones: Movie Monday

Movie Monday @ Messy Mommy


I can't tell y'all enough--I love movies--my family loves movies...it's just something that we can do together if it's raining outside and I've exhausted all other resources of entertainment.

And I love how The Messy Mommy has Movie Monday--I get to let my readers in on great or crappy movies and then? I get to read about the ones you watched and I have more to add to my Netflix Queue! 

This past Saturday we had some bad storms here in Mississippi--so Leo and I decided that we would turn on The Lovely Bones...which happened to be our latest Netflix pick.


I had read the book years ago {and let someone borrow it...and of course never go it back...}. Anyway, I remember reading the book and loving it. I loved how it was written and how it was told through her eyes even though she was no longer alive.

Being a Mom and watching it now made me see it through a whole new set of eyes. I couldn't imagine having to live through what this family did--I mean to lose a child is my worst fear...and the way it happened to Susie was just horrifying.

I loved this movie and was wish that I still had my copy of the book {it's by Alice Sebold in case you are wondering--I highly recommend it!} so I could read to see how accurate the movie was. I'm a little thankful that it was years ago that I read the book...I tend to be overly critical and not typically like movies after they were books. {Don't get me started on P.S. I Love You and The Shopaholic series. Ugh!}.

Have you seen this movie? Read the book tell me what you thought. And if you haven't--I definitely recommend them both.

Face Finishing Moisturizer {A Winey Mommy Giveaway}

Ladies, ladies, ladies. Do I have the giveaway for you...

I remember being young, not ever thinking that one day I may get a wrinkle here, a little one there--well, those days? They are long gone! Being 30 {almost 31...} and having two little girls under the age of 3, well, it's time for me to take care of myself and my skin.

What about you? Are you realizing or have you realized that you must start taking care of your skin? Enter Perricone MD. Dr. Perricone's constant research and his groundbreaking products have kept him ahead of the pack with his collection of skin care products. He offers everything from supplements--to include the super berry powder with acai to a large variety of skin care products--including the Face Finishing Moisturizer which I am giving away today!


The Face Finishing Moisturizer hydrates, nourishes and imparts a glow for your face. Its lightweight formula will help to firm your face and minimize your skin's fine lines and wrinkles. Perfect for those of us who are concerned in keeping a somewhat youthful appearance.


***Win It***

I am offering one lucky winner their own Face Finishing Moisturizer--a $65 value. To be eligible to win leave me a comment why you want or need the Face Finishing Moisturizer--and that's it! This must be completed in order for your entry to count and before any/all bonus entries will count. Open to all US/Canada residents, too! 


***Bonus Entries***
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.


 {2 entries} Be a follower of The Winey Mommy

{1 entry per each} Like The Winey Mommy on Facebook {leave first name & last initial}, subscribe via email, subscribe via Reader

{1 entry} Post my button on your blog

{1 entry per tweet} Follow The Winey Mommy on Twitter and tweet the following: Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer giveaway from @winey_mommy--a $65 value! Ends 5/9 http://bit.ly/9xNJ7v This can be done up to three times/day. Allow at least one hour between tweet. Leave your tweet link in comment to count. Thanks!

{5 entries} Blog about the giveaway with a link back to this post. Comment with link to post--must be done prior to May 9th for entries to count.


***Rules***

This giveaway will end on May 9th @ NOON CST. Open to all US/Canada residents 18+. To be eligible to win you must do mandatory entry. If you do not follow that rule all entries will be void. Leave a valid email address in comment or available on profile. Winner will be drawn via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to notification email. If winner does not contact back w/full name/address a new winner will be picked. All winners will be posted on blog when picked. This blog is not responsible for prizes not being delivered, getting lost, etc. I will try my hardest to work with company if something should go wrong. This blog is not responsible for anything regarding to your use of product.


There was no product to review or compensation for this post. This giveaway is being done out of the kindness of my heart for my readers.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The One Where Isabella Escapes

Recently Isabella learned to open all of the closed doors in our house. Just to be clear, we don't have any secret rooms just closed up...I'm talking about bathrooms full of my makeup {pretty sure I've cried when that stash was found...}, doors at nap time, door to Madelyn's nap room.

One day after a call to Leo's work letting him know that we would be buying those door protectors to keep these things from happening, we stupidly grinned at ourselves thinking that we had the bases covered. There would be no way that our little girl could figure these things out--heck, even I couldn't figure them out at first.

Just to be clear on that last sentence, they confused me. They're tricky--for real...

Fast forward a few weeks--yes, I said a few weeks, as in less than a month--to today. Today which was Day 2 of potty training {still trucking--no thrown potty chairs today--that alone is progress in my book!} and it started out stressful. She was throwing tantrums. Hitting--me, Madelyn, anything she could get her sticky toddler hands on. I may or may not have raised my voice and said ENOUGH. I have had ENOUGH.

That started a whole new round of tears...so I told her it was quiet time--for both of us. Shoot, if anything, Madelyn and I desperately needed quiet time. I placed her in her room--and closed the door with her door handle protected so she could not escape.

I truly think that the toddler Gods were against me today and taunting me...Oh, you think you can potty train her and expect her to not figure out a childproof door handle?! Haha, Chelle! Watch this!

And just like that, a few twists and rattles of the door handle, she was out. Free. Telling me hi and giving me hugs...she had the childproof protector in her hands--and tossed it to me.

Here, Mommy! Look!

*Sigh*

I am now off to find an even better childproof door handle thingy...I'm telling you--she is a genius. She can figure out anything...and I'm pretty sure right about now I should be getting afraid for what will come in the future.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Potty Training is NO Joke, Y'all...

 My sweet Bella...eating ice cream. With her hands *smile*

I did it. I decided that today is the day that my Bella will start with potty training. Let me fill you in on my day so far--I hope most days aren't like this...it will surely get better, right? Or is potty training one of those things where it gets worse before it gets better? I wish we were born potty trained...

*Told Isabella today was potty power day. She screamed but brightened up once I brought her potty chair to the living room with books.

*She was very indecisive on what underwear to wear...stars, Dora, flowers...decisions, decisions...

*She then wanted to go sans underwear...which I didn't mind...but kind of wanted her to get used to wearing them. I don't want her thinking commando is how we do things.

*After she had juice, water, etc we started the sitting on the potty. She sat there, we read Goodnight Moon together a few times. Nothing happened.

*She started screaming at me that she didn't want potty power, she was a big girl and other random sentences. After that her potty chair started getting thrown around the room--I'm serious! Haha! She was pissed and NOT happy about life...

*She then peed everywhere and screamed at me to get her potty {*sigh* I swear...I need Leo to pick up some wine tonite...}

*Life was good for awhile. She started accepting this whole underwear thing.

*Played outside in the hose while I scrubbed the back porch and trimmed bushes. No accidents. Came inside and she sat on the big toilet with her Dora toilet seat. She hollers out that she's done--and she went potty! Yeah! Gave her a quarter for her piggy bank {she's obsessed with it...}

*Then hell broke out...screaming about the piggy bank?! Not sure, but next round she'll be getting a sucker...she was beyond irate about having to wear a Pull-Up to bed, but got over it when I explained she didn't want potty on her pretty bed.

So, that's where we stand as of 2 pm today. One accident, one success. This potty training business? Yikes...I'm looking forward to getting over this hump and saving major $$$ from diapers...

Have you potty trained your little one{s}? Do you have any tips/tricks for me? I'm open to any and all suggestions--and if you had a super easy time--I'm totally jealous!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Nine Months? Well, Almost...


No, I am not pregnant! I've had dreams lately where I am pregnant--pretty sure it's from thinking of my sister and sister-in-law {who is due any day with another little girl!}. Don't freak out on me, friends. No baby number three {well, yet anyway *wink*}.

I'm talking about my Madelyn. In a little over one week she will turn 9 months. That is 3/4's of a year old. Three quarters of a year old! Today I watching my little ham gobble up some birthday cake and ice cream--it was Leo's 33rd birthday today!--and I just sat there. Like a total Mommy snapping pictures. Soaking in all of these baby moments.

I mean, seriously. Eating cake and ice cream with her hands and it flying everywhere made my day. Her grunting and growling for more...Isabella laughing hysterically at her and then yelling for more herself...cake all over the place...her searching for more.

Then I flashed back to her earlier today. She pulled herself up to stand. She was standing at a tilt...but she was standing. She went from sitting to holding on for dear life and standing up. I was just secretly happy that this hadn't happened yet. I think I was grasping on and holding on to that moment where she isn't wanting to walk...or stand. Army crawling? Rocks her world--I'm telling you, she goes everywhere--fast as lightening, but it's still her Army crawl.

I just can't believe her 1st birthday is rapidly approaching. Time? Are you listening? Can you slow down just a tad bit? I just don't want to forget these days...these moments...at all.

Monday, April 19, 2010

My Sister Had Her Baby Girl!!

Ohmygoodness. What an insane 24 hours. This time last nite I had NO idea my niece would be making her debut, ha!

My sister had her little baby girl, Avery, this evening at 6:59 pm and she weighed 5 lbs 12 oz--a tiny, precious little baby girl! She is beautiful and I'm a crying, happy mess. It's the first cousin that Madelyn & Isabella have on my side of the family so this is such a great time for us. I really wish I was there with them, but we'll be making a trip next week so I can meet my new little niece!

I am SO happy for my sister! Love you, sis--and Avery is perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Sweet, sweet Avery ♥

Guess Who Went on a Date?

Leo and I had a date. It was amazing! We haven't had a real date since before Isabella was born--sad, I know...but when you don't live by family and are new to an area it's a little more complicated to find someone you trust with your girls.

This was all part of Leo's gift from me for his birthday. I lined up the sitter, researched places to eat and lined up what movie we'd watch. It rocked--and he loved it!

I took him to this amazing wood fired pizza place downtown {called Leo's--ha!}. We sat outside, had a couple of drinks, ordered our food and talked. We got some sun, had real conversations that didn't include "be quiet!", "stop throwing your crayons on the floor" and "do we need to go to the car for quiet time?!". At first it was strange--I mean, what do we talk about?! We talked about the girls. How nice it was outside and how yummy my margaritas were {go figure I had some 'ritas...but it was 80 degrees, sunny and just the perfect day for 'ritas outside!}.

After our amazing lunch we decided to go and do some shopping--but we didn't find anything that we had to have. It was the strangest feeling of shopping and not finding one single thing that, you know, I had to have right then and there...

For our movie we saw Date Night. Okay, it was hilarious! I'm pretty sure we laughed almost the entire time--seriously, we were so happy with our pick. It was perfect for any couple who just finds themselves feeling like their lives are in a "rut" and thinking they need some excitement in their lives. Between the movie, my buttery popcorn and Diet Coke I was the happiest wife ever! We never get to see movies and the entire day in general was so perfect. I truly felt blessed this weekend.

Leo loved his special day--and I think he was impressed with everything--the awesome restaurant downtown, the movie and me lining up a sitter. He told me it was the best present ever--wow! His birthday is actually on Tuesday, so we'll be doing cake then...I'm just glad I got so many great ideas from my fabulous readers!

Oh--and if you watched any movies lately be sure to link up with Messy Mommy! She does Movie Monday each week and it's a great way to find some new movies to watch {or ones to steer clear of, haha!}.



Movie Monday @ Messy Mommy

Friday, April 16, 2010

Must Haves for PMS

Poor Leo. Around this house PMS lasts days upon days. Tired. Grouchy. Bitchy. Cry baby.

It's awful and pure torture--I'm pretty sure we all suffer around here when PMS comes around. {And why isn't there an anti-PMS medication by now?! There are medications for erectile problems...where is our anti-PMS med?!}.

*Ahem*

I thought I would just make a list of what must be in my house--preferably within an arm's reach...--during this time of h-e-l-l.

*Chocolate. I don't care what kind--except for dark. I want the sugary stuff. If it comes with peanut butter or caramel? Bonus!

*Lifetime Movie Network {or LMN}. Crime, sadness, passion...

*Wine. Or tequila {well, that's at the restaurant}. Or wheat beer.

*Fruit. I bet you thought I would write chips. Or nuts. Or something...tricked ya!

*Stretchy pants. Yoga. Leggings. Whatever. Just know that I won't be wearing anything buttoned or zipped for a few days.

*Long, loose, flow-y tops. Because I really don't like looking pregnant when I'm not...


So there you have it. My must have PMS list. I'm sure everyone was dying to know...but what can I say, it's Friday and I have a hot date with my man tomorrow {his birthday gift! More on that later...} so my mind is all over the place at this time.

What do you have to have or what must steer clear of you for those few days that PMS comes in town? Can't wait to hear {read?} what you all must have...

Little Tikes Sand & Water Fun Factory Table {Giveaway!}

Growing up I {almost} always shared a bedroom with my sister. I loved it {most of the time...} and I remember us talking late at night, giggling about silly things and just supporting one another if we were in trouble yet again. Having two girls of my own I know that they will share a bedroom once Madelyn gets old enough to be out of her crib.

Lately Leo and I have been talking about where we will purchase their beds from. There are so many places that sell kids beds, but with so many places out there that sell children furniture, where can we buy online--at a better price--and still get high quality?

For me that answer is simple. I know that when we are ready we will be searching until we find our match from AllChildrensFurniture.com--this site has it all. From bedding, furniture, toys, decor--their site has it all and it's all at a great price! With them I know that I'll be getting the best and at a price that we'll be able to afford.

***Win It!***


Thanks to CSN  and their Toys and Games online store I am giving ONE lucky reader the Little Tikes Sand & Fun Factory Table!! This product looks amazing--and it's just in time for spring and summer. I could see Isabella playing with this for hours. How fun!

***How to Win***

For your mandatory entry please visit Toys and Games Online and tell me one other product that you would love to have for your child, niece, nephew, grandchild, etc. This must be completed before any/all bonus entries will count. 

***Bonus Entries***
Leave on comment per bonus entry. If it says 2 entries leave 2 comments.

{2 entries} Become a fan of CSN on facebook {leave me your first name and last initial}

{2 entries} Become a fan of The Winey Mommy on facebook {leave me your first name and last initial}

{1 entry per each} Subscribe via email, subscribe in a reader, follow on Google Friend Connect

{1 entry} Follow both CSN & The Winey Mommy on twitter {leave your user name in comment}

{1 entry per tweet} Tweet about this giveaway--use link to giveaway in your tweet. Feel free to copy and paste the following: You can win a Little Tikes Sand & Water Table from @winey_mommy! Sponsored by @CSNStores. Ends 5/1 http://bit.ly/9NUkRf  Leave tweet link in comment. This can be done up to 3x's/day.

{1 entry} Add my button to your blog

{5 entries} Blog about this giveaway! Must blog about it before the end date to giveaway {5/1} Leave link to post in comment. Your post must link back to The Winey Mommy.

***Rules***

This giveaway will end on May 1st @ NOON CST. Open to all US residents 18+. To to be eligible to win you must do mandatory entry. If you do not follow that rule all entries will be void. Leave a valid email address in comment or available on profile. Winner will be drawn via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to notification email. If winner does not contact back w/full name/address a new winner will be picked. All winners will be posted on blog when picked. This blog is not responsible for prizes not being delivered, getting lost, etc. I will try my hardest to work with company if something should go wrong. This blog is not responsible for anything regarding to your use of product.


There was no product to review or compensation for this post. This giveaway is being done out of the kindness of my heart for my readers.

Tropicana Movie Offer!

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I had to share this with my fabulous readers--it's truly an awesome deal! For a limited time you can buy one Fandango ticket and get one free for only TWO Tropicana Juicy Rewards points!! {Up to $14.00}

That is an amazing offer--I just redeemed my two points for my code. I'll be redeeming it today for our date this weekend that I set up for his birthday.

Hurry, though--this offer is only valid for 24 hours--and when I just checked on the Tropicana site there were only 13 hours left.

Have fun and what an AWESOME reward!

***Note--I had trouble getting directed to the Fandango site from the Tropicana site. However, I looked under "My account" and my Fandango code was there. Yeah!


I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Yes, She Still Takes a Paci.

I've had it up to, oh, here with comments I get when people realize that Isabella still takes a paci. It's her safety net. Her comfort zone. Her soother. It's what gets her through a tantrum when nothing. else. will. And I'm sorry, but I refuse to give into demands for snacks, candy, tv shows etc.

I realize that one day she will be off the paci. I have yet to see a 16 year old driving down the road with a paci in their mouth--so I'm assuming I'm safe in my assumption that she won't be taking her paci for another 12 years.

I don't dog on other parents who do things differently. I certainly don't judge other parents for how they decide and choose to raise their children. And most importantly? I will never make a bitchy comment to another mother for how she is raising her child and the choices that she is forced to make every single day.

So, just a word of advice to any motherbitches {thank you, Shell, for this uber fabulous word} that may be lurking in the shadows:

Do not assume that because my 2 year old still has a paci that I am a bad mother.

Do not assume that because my 2year old still has a paci that I have no control over her.

Do not assume that because my 2 year old still has a paci that I can't figure out how to break her of the habit. It's not like she's out smoking and drinking--it's a pacifier.

And do not, under any circumstances, assume that because my 2 year old still has a paci that it gives you the right to offer parenting advice or to act so shocked that she has a paci.

Does it annoy you when you get snarky comments about how you raise your children? I typically ignore it. Or choose to blog about them *insert sugary sweet smile here*.

*This happened irl--not in blogland. Just wanted to make sure that nobody thought I was talking about them. xoxo

Tropicana Juicy Rewards

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Now that I have my Tropicana Juicy Rewards building up in my account I get to start deciding on what to use them towards. I have a hard time trying to decide which reward I want--there are so many to choose from!

This time I ultimately decided on the Baskin-Robbins coupon--buy one sundae and receive one complimentary sundae of equal or lesser value! Yum--with it warming up down South this is a real treat...and one that my family will love.

Have you signed up for Tropicana's Juicy Reward program yet? What have you redeemed lately?

I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.

Monday, April 12, 2010

What are YOU Reading?

I finished the book I talked about in this post and I loved it. I loved the entire thing--the beginning, the middle AND the end. A lot of times I start getting bored while reading a book...not that one! Like I said before--it's an excellent summer read--perfect for the summer days coming up.

While my Mom was driving me to the airport on Saturday I realized that I had forgotten my spare book to begin reading on my flights home. Ugh! Totally like me--a little scatterbrained and forgetful...go figure. I knew I wouldn't last 10 minutes in the airport with nothing to read so I hit up one of the airport bookshops. I ended up buying this one:

A woman has adopted a little boy. In the first chapter she is getting home from work and sees a missing child flier that has arrived...she looks at the picture of the boy and it looks very similar to her son. To read more in depth about it click here to be taken to the book's page on the author's site.

So far I love, love, LOVE it! It's a little different from books that I have read in the past, but I am seriously happy with my pic. I'm hoping to get it finished by this week--so far so good! 

What are you reading this week? Anything new and fun? Feel free to share below--I loved all of your suggestions last week!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Suckiest Gift Giver. Ever.

I have a confession. I suck at buying my husband gifts. Seriously--I am not joking!

For the past few years I essentially get him the same things give or take. I give him the obligatory grill book, grill supplies, video games {even though I loathe them...go figure}, polo shirts, t-shirts, electronics and so on. It's depressing to see him open his gifts...that and the fact that it's a snooze fest. I need some excitement in both of our lives here, people.

As a disclaimer to my suckiness I must say that this can be traced back to him. Every holiday and birthday I ask him the same question. Hey, babe? What are you just dying to have? 

And I'm willing to bet you can guess his answer. Oh, babe, I don't need anything! I have my girls what more could I have?

I kid you not. That is his response. Every. Single. Time. I mean, I guess if I didn't want to get him a gift that answer would be awesome--seriously. But I'm not looking for that answer. I want an answer filled with excitement and twinkling eyes complete with that daydreamy expression of what it would feel like to get that gift! Okay, maybe I am the one who gives a mile long list of possible gift ideas complete with the twinkling eyes and daydreamy expression plastered onto my face...

Ahem. Back to the problem at fault here.

What do you get the man in your life that has everything? He honestly has everything that he wants. He has video games and movies galore. Not much of a reader. Still has an unused iTunes gift card that was from "Santa". Has more clothes than me {I wish that was a joke...}. Has an awesome grill, grill tools, grill books. Has landscaping books. Clay poker chip set. Poker table top. Cigars. Humidor. The man has it all.

Maybe I'll just give him a picture of me....*wink-wink*

No, but seriously. What do you buy the one you love the most?? Am I the only one that has this problem? Or do you have this problem, too? Give me your best ideas--the best gift that you ever got your man. If it's something that's amazing but tons of money skip it--that will not do me any good in this case, haha!

ps-totally kidding about the picture...

Things I Learned While I Was Away...

I'm back! It was a rough week filled with lots of tears, but I have arrived back home to Leo and the girls. It was wonderful seeing everyone on my Dad's side as well as my family, although I truly wish it were for a different reason altogether.

When I arrived back home late Saturday afternoon I thought about all of the things that I learned while away and ultimately decided that I wanted to share them with you all {aren't you lucky, hehe!}...so here they are--what I learned while away:


~I realized that while away from my laptop that I wasn't stressed about anything. Amazingness! No reviews to get up, no giveaways to draw, no posting on my blog...it was unreal the clarity that I had in my head for these days.

~Listening to my Grandpa's eulogy I realized just how truly lucky I was to know someone as amazing as him. I already knew this, but there is one phrase that stuck out above the rest: "He never met a stranger". I always knew how kind, loving and funny he was--but I never thought about it in terms such as that. It was apparent to me just how truly amazing he was when I saw how many people showed up for his visitation and funeral. He truly made a difference in many, many lives.

~I finally saw that *gasp* Leo can survive a few days alone with the girls...although he did look exhausted when he picked me up from the airport--he claims it was from Netflix movies and XBox 360 games keeping him up late. Not quite sure about that....ha!

~I bought a CUTE pair of leggings from Kohl's while in Indiana--they are amazing. And I love them and cannot wait to buy more.

~I saw firsthand that I didn't need to snack 24/7--I managed to come back a couple of pounds lighter than when I left. Pretty sure that it will come back from eating all of this Easter candy that was waiting for me at home...

~I realized that I can do a lot of reading while I am away from home and my laptop. I finished one book and started another. Pretty sure I am going to be reading--or trying to make more time do so--a lot more now.

~I couldn't believe how rested I felt when waking up in the morning...pretty sure that was due to nobody crawling in my bed or crying for a bottle throughout the nite. I can't remember the last time I felt so amazing in the morning!

~I realized that there is nothing better than Square Donuts. If you've had them before you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. My favorite are the maple frosted with creme filling. Omg. Delish....


Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts during this hard and sad time in my life. I'm off to start through my massive amount of posts in my neglected Reader....wish me luck!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

And I'm Outta Here...Randoms for the Road...

~I'm leaving on a jet plane tomorrow early in the a.m for Indiana...it's my first time away from both girls & under the circumstances I'm a little anxious right now {how happy am I that I went back to my old dosage of Effexor?!}. I can't wait to see my Dad at the airport and the rest of my family. I need them right now...

~Thank you SO much for your sweet words, prayers, thoughts. You have no idea how much it's meant to me in the past 23 hours. Have I told you how much I love you? I do--so, so much!

~Pretty sure I didn't sleep at all last nite. Tossed. Turned. Cried. Prayed. Talked to my Grandpa {do any of you do that? Talk to loved ones who have passed away?}. Then Bellie came to my room--and she tossed. And turned. *sigh* Hoping I sleep better tonite.

~I was at Kohl's for hours today trying to find outfits for the visitation and funeral. It was weird, but each time that I tried something on? I didn't feel like it was good enough for my Grandpa. Weird and stupid I know, but I just wanted the perfect outfits. Finally bought a couple of really pretty dresses...

~Tonite I was doing some photo editing of pictures with my Grandpa in them. I left Photoshop open while I was feeding Maddie--it had a picture of my Grandpa {Bellie called him Poppy} and she automatically came over and told me "Poppy! Mommy, it's Poppy. Poppy's sick, Mommy. Poppy sick." I tried my best to explain that Poppy wasn't sick anymore and that he is our angel in heaven watching over us now. She looked up at me and said "Feffen? Feffen, Mommy?". It took all I had to not start crying...instead I smiled and told her yes...Poppy? Is definitely in feffen.

~My amazing and super sweet friend brought us a homemade dinner tonite--she's amazing. I've hardly thought about food since everything has happened, so this? Was the sweetest and most caring act of kindness ever. She also brought over pasta and different sauces that would be easy for Leo to cook for him and the girls while I am away. Isn't she amazing?

~We had to turn our ac on tonite--it was 80 degrees in our house. At 8:30 at nite. With all of the windows and fans on. Insane, right? Barely into April and I was sweating like a....well, I was just hot.

~I'll be back on Saturday. I'll miss y'all--and can't wait to catch up once I return home. Thank you again for everything--I have the most amazing family and friends ever! <3

Lunar Antics Comic Book{A Winey Mommy Review}

As a little girl I remember reading comics with my Dad every Sunday--it was the highlight of my weekend and each weekend you could find us all reading them--or arguing who gets to read them first. Comics were a a huge part of my childhood--and when we buy the Sunday paper I still go searching for the comics.


 I recently got the opportunity to review Lunar Antics Boy I'd Hate to be Made Out of That Stuff! by Robert Walters. It's hilarious--I was cracking up a lot while reading this book. The Lunar Antics players are a group of space aliens who are going through things that humans go through. They come to Earth to live with Professor Jones who is a a music professor. He borrows a radio telescope and ends up with the four aliens in his home.

Mr. Walters got the idea to begin Lunar Antics from seeing that there were virtually no other comic strips about aliens--so why not write one? He will keep his strips and go back in a month to see if he still finds them funny. I love this about him--how often have I found myself laughing at something and then later wondering why I ever thought it was funny. He has said that humor does not come easily for him--but after reading the book I can assure him that I find him and his characters hilarious!


My favorite strips in the book so far would be where the aliens teach the cat to speak, haha! As a cat lover & owner I can relate to a cat's personality. So with the cat now talking? I was dying laughing! I could only imagine if my cat, Boo, could speak...ha!

If you are interested in purchasing his book Lunar Antics Presents Boy, I'd Hate to be Made Out of That Stuff! it is available online at Amazon. It has received 5 out of 5 stars on their ratings--it's seriously that funny!


A huge thank you to Mr. Walters for the opportunity to review his book. Leo and I loved it! We received one copy to review. No other compensation was given.

Monday, April 5, 2010

With the Angels

My Grandpa passed away this evening. He was one of the funniest people that I've ever met--I definitely see where my Dad gets his sense of humor from.

Please keep my Dad and my family in your thoughts and prayers. This has been a hard journey for us and I'm still in shock...I'm so, so sad right now.

I love you, Grandpa...I know you are soaring high with the angels.

Grandpa, May of 2008

*I'll be away from my computer for awhile...I'll let you all know when I'm back. Love you all and thank you all for your prayers through his battle with lung cancer. 

Reading Books--Do You?

I'm skipping This or That? Tuesday this week. I may be heading out of town on short notice, and I would hate it if I couldn't get to each of the participant's blogs. Don't worry--once things settle down over here in my part of the world I'll be starting up again.

So today's post is all about reading. When I was younger I loved to read--you could find me any time of day curled up with my nose in a book. Then entered middle school where reading wasn't "cool". I still read, just not as often.

Once I got older and moved away to Texas, reading started entering my world once again. I love it--I know that I can open a book and be lost in a world that isn't mine, even if it's only for a few minutes here and a few minutes there.

Today after taking Isabella to the doctor {which we found out she has the virus Madelyn had for over a week. Lovely.} I put the girls to bed and actually curled up. With a real life book. I know, right? A book? Not a magazine? Not a blog? But a book? With pages? And doodles courtesy of Isabella?

Yep. I was in heaven. I read and read and read...until I drifted off to sleep myself {another shocker, I know!}. I'm reading All We Ever Wanted Was Everything. And it rocks. Each time I pick it up I cannot put it down. I get lost in her writing--seriously, if you like chick lit, easy reads, a good summer read or a beach read you will enjoy this!

Are you reading anything good now? What types of books do you read and do you make time for yourself to actually sit down and read?

On a different note...I used to do a book swap on my blog {way back in the day} where basically if you had an unwanted book that you were done with you would write a post about the book on your blog and come and link up over here. Whoever commented first on your post would get the book.

The only rule was that if you commented that you wanted a book you had to list one yourself. It was a lot of fun! Let me know if you would be interested in participating--if I have enough readers who would like love this idea I'll start it up again!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

What My Daughters Have Taught Me....

With all of the sickness and sadness that intruded my home last week, I had a few days to be almost internet free--to reconnect with my children, my husband and more importantly myself. It seems like so much of my time lately had been on my blog. Don't get me wrong, I love my blog, reading blogs, etc...but once it was beginning to take over my life I was happy to take a few days off.

I forgot that my blog was supposed to be fun! Not feeling stressed because I hadn't visited my favorite blogs. Not wondering why some posts got more comments and some got less. Not obsessing with my BlackBerry to see if that stupid, obsessive blinking red light was in fact blinking. Not staying up until one in the morning trying to read and comment on all of my favorite blogs.

 I began to question where the fun went. How did I let this blog snowball into something out of my control? When did this happen?? And how to make it stop?

I then began thinking of what I need to do to maintain some sort of control. I won't force myself to comment if I don't feel a connection to a post. I won't feel guilty if I can't reply via email to every comment I receive. I'll try to comment on new visitor's blogs--but if I can't or I forget? I won't beat myself up over it. I simply will not follow a blog because they come by and write that they are now following my blog, could I please follow them back--if I tell someone I'm following them it's meant to make them do a happy dance for another follower *smile*--NOT to make them feel like they must follow back.

I guess things happen for a reason. As much as I dislike that saying in certain situations. My daughters have made me realize that THEY come first. My blog is a hobby--a happy place, not a job.

How do you balance life/work/children/family with your blog? Have you ever felt like it was taking over? I would love to hear your thoughts on this!

Randoms on Easter

*Happy Easter, friends! I hope you all are having a blessed day wherever you are and whatever you have planned.

*Isabella woke me up Saturday morning. She had crawled into our bed earlier and I didn't feel her head--she didn't have a fever when she had went to sleep earlier. Anyway, I was sleeping and woke up right away--she had apparently placed her hand on me while I was asleep and it was seriously burning up--enough so to wake me up from a deep sleep. Her temp? 103.2. I was so scared, but I think it may have broke last nite. Maddie still had a fever yesterday, too--but so far both girls are doing better today. I'm praying that they're on the mend.

*Thank you for your prayers from my post the other day. I know my family appreciates all of your kind words. I don't want to go into many details right now, but my Grandpa was the one I was writing about. Again, thanks for the prayers.

*With the girls being sick yesterday we didn't color any eggs. We had bought some plastic eggs to fill and hide, so Isabella had a blast this morning finding them all. We can't go to church, either, with them sick. It's strange not doing our normal traditions this year--but I don't want anyone else to catch whatever virus it is they have!

*I went to a flea market last week with a friend--I was in love with SO much. I didn't buy anything, but I saw tons of furniture I wanted to buy and fix up. Maybe another time I'll buy something....okay, yeah, I'll totally buy something.

*On Friday I went to see The Last Song while Leo was home with the girls. It was really good--and super sad. As I was sitting there crying in the theater I told myself that the movie? Was the wrong movie for me to see right now--but I would recommend it to anyone--I really did love it!

*Due to my sadness I headed over to Ulta to get happy. I bought some new Urban Decay eyeshadow {the best eyeshadow ever!}, a new Smashbox foundation, and an Essie nailpolish. I love it all--and honestly spent too much money...but like I told Leo--I was sad and needed to be happy, hehe!

*Isabella is obsessed with dragons--I'm not sure when this fascination started, but it's seriously hilarious. When she sees a dragon she does this dragon noise. She reallllly wants to see the movie about dragons--I promised her when she feels all better I'll take her. She's a little excited to say the least. Oh--I'll try to capture her on video doing her dragon noise for this week's Just Dance video.

*Hoping this new week will be a lot better than last one--in my opinion things can only get better *smile* Love you all--have a wonderful Sunday!

Friday, April 2, 2010

Just Dance Yer Bloggy Off--Step by Step

On a lighter note--sorry my last post was so depressing. I feel MUCH better today!

So anyway. Back to my fave day of the week--FRIDAY--Just Dance Yer Bloggy Off--yay!!

I totally sang this song every time I practiced. I LOVED the NKOTB--seriously. So I had a blast this week--so fun! Here's my video. And a HUGE thank you to Supah and Shell for hosting this for all of us. I heart you both!




Thursday, April 1, 2010

Need to Get it Out. This is Rambling.

This week has been shit. There, I said it.

Shit.

I'm sorry if you're offended...but right now? I'm not worried about what others are thinking. I'm going through hell right now. Hell.

Not only have my girls been sick, one had a catheter {Madelyn}, both are running fevers. I'm worried about my babies.

And then. Then there is someone very, very close to my heart who is very, very sick. My heart is shattering in a million little pieces. My chest feels like I have an enormous weight on it. I can't breathe. I think about this person 24/7. 

I just feel like there are so many struggles right now. So many tears are being shed. I know I wrote my lucky post.

And I am lucky. Blessed. I know that. But right now I'm wondering why someone so close to me is suffering so much. Why?? Why does God let these things happen?

There are truly some things in life that make me question things. Him. Life in general. I don't understand why genuinely good, innocent people have to suffer. I don't understand why so many people are taken from our lives every single day.

Babies? Teens? Children? Parents? Really?? I don't understand any of this.

I just needed to get these thoughts off of my chest. I'm obviously going through a lot emotionally lately. Both at home and places where I cannot be right now--which kills me.

Okay. My ramblings are out. I wish I could say I feel better. But I don't....*sigh*

Why Do These Things Happen?

Things like this should NEVER have to occur. My heart is broken and saddened--we, as Moms, need to help stand up against bullying. I have seen so many stories about bullies lately. It makes me scared for my girls.

Please go and read this post. Please. Offer this Mom anything--hugs, prayers, kind words. Thank you all for doing so...I know my readers are amazing and will stand up against bullies.

If you would like to, grab this button and post a link to her site. She needs our love and prayers right now, y'all--her AND her son.