The Miss Elaine-ous Life

Oopsy!

2012-02-09T20:54:00.000-06:00

New cars and I don't get along that well.
(you know where this is going, right?)

Back when we got our CR-V in 2005, it only took me a few weeks to "bump" into something.

It wasn't that big of a deal and we got it fixed but I felt horrible about the whole thing.

Enter new mom-van the week after Christmas. All shiny, and perfect. Oh the stress of a brand spankin' new, untouched vehicle. It weighs on me.

PLUS! It came with all these awesome sensors that MAKE SURE you never hit a doggone thing! (unless you're me)

A fancy back up camera (or two) with a view of the cement and/or entire backside view. Beeping sounds that go off as you (meaning me) get close to hitting ANYthing!
(including the plastic kids slide that resides on the side of the driveway).

Anyway, as you can probably guess out of all that set up, last Saturday as I was pulling out of the driveway to go to the gym for my run, I hit something.

But not just anything. Our CR-V.

Go ahead, laugh it up.

And instead of me intricately describing HOW I ran into our OTHER car, please reference my illustration below instead, k?

See, Tim's car (which used to be my car, if you're keeping up) is not USUALLY there when I'm going most places, like school pick up, etc. SO, I usually just pull out that way and well, hit nothing and then pull out of the driveway going forward, which I like to do.

BUT, since his car was there and I ignored aforementioned beeping sensors, thinking they were just alerting me to the slide I was about to maybe bump into and I am SO NOT USED to having a back-up camera (OBVIOUSLY...) that I don't look at yet, I hit it. Smack.

First on both of our cars then on my face to my palm. Double Smack. Notice me saying a few choice "bleeps" up there in the picture too...

Then I cried and went inside and woke up my husband at 6:45 on Saturday morning (I suck) to tell him I'd messed up both of our vehicles. Sh*t. k Thankfully the CR-V "damage" was extremely minimal, the dent in my bumper was no longer than 7 inches wide and it was just a tad moved out of place.

He was very understanding, as usual, and we just agreed we'd fix it when we had time.

FFWD to me at school pick up the other day and one of my friends parks behind me and sees the oopsy. Another friend is in her truck with her and tells me about a local place that fixed her SUV for a great price.

So, after my run yesterday I called them.

And they said to come on by.

And then my day, week, month ~~maybe even year~~ was made because a very nice gentleman simply unscrewed the bumper, got out his fancy, high-powered car bumper blow-dryer thingy, and lickidy-split popped the dent out and put my bumper back in place. JUST. LIKE. THAT!

I coulda kissed him. Seriously. Like full-on, on the mouth.

But I refrained, because well, you know...

Anyway, it's fixed. And when I asked them what I owed them they handed me several business cards and said, "Just 5 referrals, M'am".

And then my head exploded from good cheer. Seriously.

And if I'd had any cash (dear Lord, what happens to all my cash?) I would have insisted they take some but we settled with a nice handshake and me taking a stack of cards, which I will dutifully pass out, mind you.

So, if you're in the Lafayette area and you need some awesome guys to fix your "oopsy" go see the guys at Cajun Customs.

They're my new BBFs, for life.

p.s. lesson learned. Dad.

p.p.s. Y'all know I'm only blogging about this because it has a happy and cheap ending and I sorta redeemed myself, right? ;-P

My Life on the Fridge

2012-02-09T09:04:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I sit in the spot at our kitchen table, where I can see the side of the fridge really well. I try to keep the front of the fridge fairly clean, except for a grocery list writing pad and sometimes a few seasonal things the kids have made at school.

Like these hearts.

This morning I sat in that spot and in between packing lunches and getting the coffee started and feeding kids, I thought about the things on the side of my fridge and how barren it would be if my life was not so full.

But my life IS full and so is the side of the fridge.

Yeah, it's kind of a mess, but then so is life sometimes...

A photo of Niwamanya, the boy in Uganda that we sponsor through Compassion. Photos of my nieces and nephews, and our Godson. An old valentine pic of Little G from his pre-school in Texas! Race bibs of mine, a photo of B from his school symposium and another of G from his "summer school" program. Magnets from Chicago and Florida and Breckenridge, Colorado, reminding me where we've been. Watercolor art by Little G and yes, a Texas-shaped magnet and the school schedule, as well as my half marathon training schedule.
(not seen in picture: Highlights calendar with days marked off by The B Man and the farm, letter magnet thingy that I'm pretty sure almost every parent in America has on their fridge, in some way.) :)

Near the bottom right is the family prayer that our church sent us that we try to pray every night but admittedly do not. The last line says "Thank you God for our very special family" and to that I say,

"Amen"

Yes, the side of my fridge is full and messy and cluttered but life is just that way, and I'm good with it.

So, what's on your fridge?

My Kids Crack Me Up

2012-02-07T22:23:00.002-06:00

The other night we were talking to The B Man about how we need to get him a new mattress. I won't EVEN tell you how old the one he has been sleeping on happens to be ~~thesameoneIsleptonasakid.~~

He was all gung-ho about the idea and after I laid down on his bed I was all like, "Oh my GAWD, how have you ~~how did I~~ slept on this for so long? Anyway, as we were discussing it he pipes up and says, "Mom, I think I need a Temper Pedic mattress! I need to find out if it really IS the best selling mattress in America!!"

Yeah, um... I don't think so kiddo. And also? No more Disney Channel for YOU! (what is WITH the commercials on there!?!?!)

(btw, new mattress has been purchased, in case you were worried about my almost eight-year old's sleep and back. Because I was...)

Last Friday evening we went to the mall after we had dinner out as a family. Before we could do anything else, we had to put some of my wallet change into the fountain that resides in the middle of this town's quaint indoor shopping experience. The kids probably threw $1.05 in there when it was all said and done, and after the two smaller children both attempted head dives into the change-laden germ infested waters.

Thankfully those type of incidents were averted and so we popped into Build A Bear. ~~OHMYGAWDWHY~~ and as we were leaving ~~couldn't get out fast enough~~ I realized that K had a "Chippette" in her hand (stuffed chipmunk from the Chipmunk movies). Thinking it was best that I curb her klepto tendencies now, I made her take it back in the store.

As I was carrying her back out I asked her "Where's your money?" like we always ask the boys when they want to buy something, and she promptly answered: "In the FOUNTAIN!!"

Touche my little apprentice, touche.

I don't really have a funny story about anything that Little G said but if you would like to laugh just pretend to be like him and take any sentence you can come up with, and I mean ANY sentence at all, and just replace a few of the regular words with "poop" or "fart" or "butt" and tell me you don't crack up.

I dare you.

Stinkers.

This Day

2012-02-06T23:03:00.000-06:00

My heart parts felt a bit jumbled today.

One minute they are shaken up while two kids fight over the front part of the Target cart. And both cry. And I negotiate the best I know how.

We spend too much time touching every Lego box (well, Little G does anyway) and we are almost late to pick up big brother from "church school". We had to find the kids' favorite yogurt before we left, which was on the other side of the mile-long store. I have a love/hate relationship with the "Super" part of my favorite store.

At home I rush to make tacos for dinner and the The B Man smashes the avocados with a fork, like a pro while I dice up the onions and tomatoes. The kids gather together to eat our appetizer and I feel less jumbled and like things are coming together again.

But then... dinner is the usual circus.

The B Man eats quickly and gets up. Little G picks at his food and is quickly distracted by a toy and his fast-eater sibling, who rises. K is up and down and out of her chair and by the door to the garage and we forgot to say the blessing and I just want to eat my ONE taco. But G has to pee and K does too and she actually goes on the Potty (woot!). But oh, I'm still hungry since I've only taken two bites...

Tim comes home just in time for me to leave for the run I have needed to run all day. And I do and I can feel my lungs breathing in all the air they need and my legs go and go and go as I decompress. It feels amazing.

When I return all kids are in bed but Little G is up to his usual night-time antics, keeping his brother from the sleep he needs. Tim is back off to work so it is up to me to get the boys to rest. G grabs a couple of stuffies as I shuffle him off to my room and into my bed while I shower.

I come out and G is as awake as ever, bright eyed and bushy-tailed. Lights out, I say and cover him with the duvet, only his sweet face poking out.

In the kitchen I make my tea and grab a little snack and get the ice pack from the freezer.

And then K cries. She lost her paci so I replace it, cover her and pat her back. She's back off to dream land.

I can see light from under my bedroom door and cutie G is still up. Big surprise. He asks me to snuggle him and I know that will be the only way he will settle this night, so I capitulate. He snuggles in close, draping his leg over mine and my nose lands in his hair and smells the essence of little boy.

He whispers in the dark, "I love you, Mommy".

And my heart parts are all back together again.

Linked up with Share Your Awesome at Momma Made it Look Easy too!

I Heart Hearts & Miss Elaine-ous Monday

2012-02-05T21:52:00.000-06:00

The heart shape is really quite enticing, isn't it? It's one of my favorite things about Valentine's Day.

Or just life in general. It's just so cute and symmetrical and pretty in any color. And well, sweet.

And since I currently have a little girl, I'm utilizing hearts to the fullest.

I found these felt hearts in a six-pack at World Market, with mini clothes pins attached. I pulled those babies off and got me some super craft glue and attached a piece of felt and clippies instead. Cute, yes? I plan to give some extras to friends.

And I painted the shirt when I saw this idea in Family Fun magazine. I wish I had placed the heart a bit higher on the shirt and the paint came through a little thicker on one side but I still think it turned out pretty cute. It was only my first attempt and I am pretty sure this gives me a great excuse to make another one. You know, for next year! Besides, practices makes perfect, or something like that.

We played in K's room for a bit after she woke up from her nap today and she made me some hot tea and hot dogs. I kept telling her, "Delicious!" and she smiled so big. Although the dogs did have a tad too much "plasticky" taste for me, but no one tell my sweet little chef that, k? :P

I also just hung these above her play kitchen in her bedroom the other day.

Yep, another heart.

I guess it's truly fitting since I super puffy heart her.

It's also Miss Elaine-ous Monday, so please link up!

Remember, ANY "miss elaine-ous" post will do, something from your archives or something brand new! :)

Do you have a post that meant a lot to you but wasn't read by as many folks as you'd hoped? Or one that has great pictures and you want more people to see them? Or do you just have one that you really want to share!?

I'll also choose a random post from those who link up to feature on The Miss Elaine-ous Life Facebook page (please "Like" if you have not already) so even more folks will see a new post every week! Grab the button and link up! And please visit some of the other linkers as well...

If you do not post the button, please still link back to my blog, even if you just put a little blurb at the end of you post such as "It's Monday and I'm being "Miss Elaine-ous" over at The Miss Elaine-ous Life!" - Thanks!! Oh and extra bonus points to anyone who puts a tweet out there, that would be awesome too! Thanks for linking up! Pin It

Three on the Fourth (again)

2012-02-04T13:53:00.003-06:00

I cannot seem to take my monthly pic of my THREE on the third.

The 4th seems to be our magic day.

Although not sure anyone would call this *magic*.

They like to play on my bed. And I had just a moment to capture them all before they split and were on to something else.

Thanks again for the inspiration, Steph.

The Evolution of a Runner

2012-02-02T21:30:00.000-06:00

Person thinks maybe they'll take up running after being inspired by friends.

Person goes in closet and thinks, "these shoes will be fine".

Person goes to the gym treadmill and runs one minute (not mile) and is pretty sure death is upon them.

Person reconsiders.

Person is persistent and goes back to gym and works their way up to running a full mile without death occurring. (phew!)

Person thinks, well, maybe I can run one of those 5K things. How far is that??

Person trains thinking it's 3.2 miles but finds out on race day it's "only" 3.1

Person gets pregnant (if they are a woman, of course).

Person decides to take up running again after baby is a few ~~several~~ months old.

Person works up to 10K race (and knows that is 6.2 miles...)

Person cannot get rid of pain in Achilles area of right foot but continues to run anyway.

Person does another 10K and is very happy with her time.

Person keeps running and decides that maybe a half marathon is in her future but cannot wrap her brain around 13.1 miles.

Person realizes she needs better shoes and socks. And an arm band for her iPhone for songs and those gel things to suck down while running and more running clothes and accessories.

Person thought running was an inexpensive sport. Apparently person was wrong.

Person trains for half marathon, the entire time thinking she's crazy.

Person sees sports doc for ankle, who only helps her somewhat.

Person runs half marathon although is not so happy with her time and blames it on the weather and first-time toe cramps.

Person feels like a runner now for sure.

Runner (or person who runs) puts 13.1 sticker on her vehicle.

Runner goes to running store to get fitted for new shoes and inserts her trusty heel cups and continues to run and decides to do another half marathon and in the back of her mind considers a full marathon.... someday... maybe... or not... she's not sure...

Runner runs.

Pretty sure Winter just skipped us this year...

2012-02-01T22:00:00.000-06:00

You would have NO idea that Spring is still seven weeks away if you ventured on to my street.

The Japanese magnolias are in full force

And the azaleas are starting to pop out already too!

But it still looks like winter in some ways...

Except across the street at my neighbors, where the tulips are all bloomed out already!

Here's a bunch of "faux" flowers in a jar I found at Goodwill a while back. This arrangement makes me smile.

And here's a favorite birdie which normally sits on my kitchen windowsill but I brought him outside for a bit to take his picture. He's singing. ;)

And the latest camellias in a turquoise Ball jar I also scored at GW! Who gets rid of that?!? I just love the colors together.

I decked the house out for Valentine's today while the kids were at school. They were surprised and happy when they got home. And I was so happy to get this wreath for 4 bucks at a local thrift shop - saw a similar one at Target today for five times that much!

A video that makes me wish I took more video

2012-01-31T21:31:00.000-06:00

I'm sure someone thought we were silly taking a quick video of our little girl "shivering" at cold ice cream the other day.

Like maybe the young guy in the background that you see very briefly.

Or maybe the older man across the way whose eye I caught during the process.

Perhaps he wished he had the same type of videos of his kids. I mean no one brought "camcorders" into Jason's Deli back in the day, at least not that I saw. It's amazing what we can do with our phones these days.

I have a kazillion pictures of my children, ESPECIALLY Baby K. But I have not taken as much video as I wish I had.

So I'm going to start. Because these little videos are priceless to me. Just like my babies. :)

p.s. I think it's pretty funny that I wipe her mouth right before she takes an enormous bite of ice cream with her tea spoon!!

Oh So Silly - i heart faces

2012-01-30T22:58:00.001-06:00

I immediately thought of this photo.

I mean, who wouldn't?!

All eleven cousins on my side of the family... being OH, so silly! (well, most of them anyway...)

Back

2012-01-30T11:25:00.000-06:00

So the kids and I drove off to Big D (Dallas) on Thursday afternoon for some visiting of family and friends.

The main reason we went was because one of my "besties" is about to have her second son and we girls surprised her with a shower/dinner. She had absolutely NO idea that it was happening or that I would be there all the way from a neighboring state. She was a tad surprised. ;) And our time together was wonderful but all too short...

While in town (OMG Dallas is B.I.G. after living in small-town LA!!!), we also got to see my MIL and the kids' Great Grandparents and some other great friends. (Of course a shout-out to the Clarks is needed for letting us stay at their house - thanks y'all, as always)

And the "mom mobile" served me well, lemme tell ya, on our first official road trip. Although since the toddler is obsessed with "Finding Nemo" and there are only 2 sets of wireless headphones with the van, I now have that movie memorized.

"Mount Wannahockaloogie" is pretty funny, but not eight times... (okay, just three, but still)

When we arrived back home last night my husband was HERE. And we were able to spend the entire evening as a family. And when the kids went to bed he was still HERE so I left the internet ALONE and that's why there is no Miss Elaine-ous Monday and why my post is later that usual.

But I don't care because man, I missed us ALL being together. It's amazing what family time can do for the heart and soul...

Now for some pics from our trip.

Every time we visit the kids' Great Grandparents the kids help G.G. Gordon "feed the birds".

Just hangin' at The Clark's house...

Playdate at Mickey D's (and Little G is not in this photo because he threw an EPIC tantrum, wanting to take his pic alone with Ronald. I was THAT mom taking him out of the restaurant. P.S. He was just really tired and fell asleep on the way home!!)

SO good to see my girlfriends in Texas. I miss them.

Hope everyone's week is off to a great start...!

Funky Town

2012-01-25T22:41:00.001-06:00

Do you just ever feel like your life is on "repeat"? Sort of like that movie "Groundhog Day"?

he's tickling her face. gah, they're cute.

I've kinda felt that way lately.

Wake up. Feed kids. Drop off kids. Run. Grocery shop. Feed kids. Run (other errands). Compute (which encompasses many things...). Laundry. Pick up kids. Feed kids. Help with homework. Bathe Kids. Put Kids to Bed. Compute. Go to Bed.

Repeat.

Let's get outta that funk for a bit, shall we?

The kids and I are off on a little adventure tomorrow afternoon. I'll fill you in next week.

And Shhhh...... it's a secret for some.

I'm even taking The B Man out of school for a day.

Such a rebel, I am.

And apparently a rebel who talks like Yoda.

Anyway, hope you all have a fab weekend.

Be safe and love those around you.

Thank goodness I have LOTS of photos...

2012-01-24T11:59:00.000-06:00

She's growing up. Already.

Yeah I know, she's only a little over two (2 years and 3.8 months to be exact) but when she's your last? You kinda wish she could be a baby forever.

Maybe this is why I have yet to give potty training a real "go" or I am hesitant to completely pull the plug (a.k.a. the paci)...

She talks (a lot) and runs and rides her scooter and hollers at the boys and gives her opinion about clothes/shoes and her hair style. She tells me she wants to go to "my school" and plays with her "babies" and draws (sorta) pit-chures and demands what she wants (we are working on that... ), especially to play "An-ree burrs" (Angry Birds) on my phone.

I have no idea how all of this happened so quickly and all on my radar.

So... in order to feel (if only for a few minutes) that she IS still my baby, I edited a portion of the scads of photographs I took of her as a wee one and now I'm sharing some with you here because, wow, she was so damn cute (and still is, of course) and we can all use a little, darling "baby" in our life, right?

I think so...

Where's the "rewind" button??

Also, Lightroom is SO awesome...

*these were all taken in the 5-6 month time of her life. There are MANY, many more from other months...

Listable Life {Fave T.V. Shows} & MEM

2012-01-22T22:40:00.000-06:00

Today I'm linking up with my friend Nicole for her Listable Life series...

One of the choices for this week was to list your top 5 movies or television shows and I chose t.v. shows, so here's my ~~sorta~~ short list:

1. Friends - this is kind of a no-brainer for my generation, I believe. I still miss this show. I kinda wish it could be on forever. I cried when it ended. Funny thing was, I didn't start watching it from the very beginning. I remember being in my dorm and passing by one of the common rooms to go do some laundry, and a bunch of students were in the room watching it. I popped in on my way back from moving the clothes to the dryer and sat it on the rest of the episode and was like "that show's alright..." I had to go back and re-watch the first couple of seasons... :)

2. ER - I was a die-hard fan and watched this show from the very beginning until the bitter end. I'll never forget the episode where Noah Wiley's character and the actress from Life Goes On got stabbed by that crazy guy. That will stick with me forever. And when Dr. Green died I cried SO hard. (I also have to give NYPD Blue an honorable mention here because it was one of my favorite dramas as well).

3. Three's Company - I could never get enough of Jack Tripper and his antics as a kid. I can still see him getting hit with that swinging kitchen door and Mrs. Roper's awful mumu/robe/dresses and later, Mr. Furley's crazy polyester leisure suits. I'm pretty sure there was nary a situation of misunderstanding that this show did not explore. "Come and knock on our door..." Also? I wanted Chrissy's hair.

4. Modern Family -This show makes me laugh OUT LOUD every single week. If I have to pick a favorite character it's totally Phil. That man kills me! I love how dysfunctional yet sweet they all are. Maybe because I can relate. *cough*

5. The Wonder Years - I loved this show because even though it was set in a different era, I was about "Kevin Arnold"'s age while it was on and could relate to so many of his feelings, etc. And I loved the family dynamics and the friendships - oh, and the theme song "With a Little Help From My Friends". (other honorable mention sitcoms I loved - Growing Pains and Family Ties. Oh and Who's The Boss... And anyone for some Facts of Life? Okay, I'm done.. I think... )

6. Lost (the first season) - Lost sorta "lost" me during season 2 but every episode of the first season BLEW me away. I was hooked from the first one with the plane crash, until "Walt" got nabbed by "The Others" at the end of the season.

Other shows I thought of while typing this list: Two and Half Men, before Charlie sheen went totally nuts, was REALLY funny when it first started. I also loved Cheers and Dallas in the 80's. Oh and Happy Days, before the Fonze jumped the shark of course, and Dynasty. Anyone remember Knots Landing and Falcon Crest? Yeah, my parents let me watch these shows! Can you believe?

*I realize this turned into much longer than a list of 5 or 6 but I watched a lot of t.v. as a kid. If you couldn't tell...

It's also Miss Elaine-ous Monday, so please link up!

Remember, ANY "miss elaine-ous" post will do, something from your archives or something brand new! :)

Do you have a post that meant a lot to you but wasn't read by as many folks as you'd hoped? Or one that has great pictures and you want more people to see them? Or do you just have one that you really want to share!?

I'll also choose a random post from those who link up to feature on The Miss Elaine-ous Life Facebook page (please "Like" if you have not already) so even more folks will see a new post every week! Grab the button and link up! And please visit some of the other linkers as well...

If you do not post the button, please still link back to my blog, even if you just put a little blurb at the end of you post such as "It's Monday and I'm being "Miss Elaine-ous" over at The Miss Elaine-ous Life!" - Thanks!! Oh and extra bonus points to anyone who puts a tweet out there, that would be awesome too! Thanks for linking up!

And if PLEASE go visit Nicole at Moments That Define Life and check out her Listable Life prompts for this week (linky goes up on Tuesday)!

She's So Random

2012-01-20T14:26:00.000-06:00

I'm *pretty sure* I want to ~~will~~ run another half marathon in Austin at the end of March. Like really, THE last day of March. I've started training again like I'm going to do it but I've been eating like a pig lately ~~peanut M&Ms are good~~. (I must be making up for low-carb lost time) and feeling kinda weird lately too, probably for that reason alone!

(Additional motivation is that my friends Lisa and Kim are going to be running the race and I really want to join them...)

Anyway, I had a massage (FINALLY!) on Wednesday morning and then yesterday I had this weird dizziness ALL morning and I basically laid on the couch while the kids played around me. I have no idea if those 2 things are related and the massage was FAB. But I have NO motivation, so far anyway, to run more than 3 times a week and I've also had some pesky headaches lately. I plan to get up at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow and go run with a local running group for a 5-miler and I feel like I MUST step it up this time if I'm going to beat my time and be more prepared this go 'round.

But it's HARD. Tim has been working practically non-stop this week and taking care of kids is exhausting in itself sometimes...

I'm a little bummed to be missing out on Blissdom this year. It was SO great last year and now the tweets and posts and general talking are gearing up for this year's conference and I just wish I could beam myself over for at least one night. There is talk on twitter that a "Flat Elaine" may make an appearance so if you're going, keep on the look out for me, k? Also, I told the girls (@BeccasCrazyBoys @prairiemama @ErinMargolin @angelaamman @Missy_Stevens) that it better be a FLAT Elaine and not a FAT Elaine. *ahem*

Are you people watching "Revenge"?? I love this show. Which is really kidna funny becuase when I originally saw the previews I remember saying to Tim, "why would anyone want to watch such a mean spirited show??" and I can fully say now that it's to escape from the "real world" for a bit. It's kinda like the old soap operas that I grew up with, so there may be a bit of nostalgia there too. Tim said he read somewhere that they had to re-write the show from the original script because they didn't think the show was going to last this long! Anyway, I like it A LOT.

Lastly, just want to thank Dumb Mom for the awesome Snapfish credit I won over the Summer for winning a photo contest at her place. So far I've ordered a photo book of mine and Tim's trip to New York City and a canvas from our Florida trip this past summer. I adore them both. So, thanks girl. Please keep up the contests! ;)

Happy Weekend everyone...

Just Flowers

2012-01-18T22:30:00.002-06:00

Our winters are warm here. They just are. The temps usually only get below freezing 2 or 3 times each year.

Which I'm really fine with. Our weather lately has been more like early Spring or late Fall. 65 to 70 degrees? Yeah.

And as a bonus we have these beautiful camellia bushes all around the house. I think we have six or so bushes that I pick from (although some belong to our neighbors but they don't care if snip from theirs too...) and then I place them in vases around the house.

They keep the winters bright and pretty.

Can't beat that with a stick!
(that's southern talk for "awesome")

Life is Messy

2012-01-17T22:55:00.001-06:00

Her face is rarely clean.

In order for it to be I would have to chase her around the house with a wet wipe or wash cloth. ALL. DAY. LONG.

So instead I just take a lot of photos like this.

But it's okay because those baby blues seem to overshadow the messiness and she does get a bath at the end of the day.

When she's DONE eating.

You know, until the next day...

yes, that would be my 2 year-old daughter lying on the floor with my phone in hand, looking like a teenager, thankyouverymuch

Memories Captured - Little G

2012-01-16T23:04:00.000-06:00

It's hard to choose just one child to post a picture of when you have three.

But sometimes you just happen to snap a shot of one of them that you feel is perfect for the moment.

This is one of those pictures.

My second little boy, wearing his Cars jammies, standing in front of his name that he LOVES to spell and sporting that dimple that gets me every single time he smiles.

There's no "big" memory here, except that he's at THAT age - the one where we as parents just know so much is going on in their precious coconut shampoo-smelling heads as they learn and play and grow.

He still has all his baby teeth and wants me to say "I love you too" and hug and kiss him many, many times when I tuck him in at night.

It won't always be this way so I'm taking it now. Ten fold.

My Space & Miss Elaine-ous Monday

2012-01-15T23:00:00.002-06:00

Last week you all saw the desk that I cleaned up and out. Since then I acquired a new BFF (also known as a new laptop, and no, it's not from the apple family, don't start) and two photography actual, legitimate ~~paying~~ customers. So... I decided that I needed to sit at said desk instead of parking my hiney on the sofa while blogging, tweeting and photo editing. I even use a mouse now and my back is supported.

This is what almost-37-year-old computing looks like, peeps. Ergonomic support IS essential, just FYI.

Anyway, as I was sitting at my lovely and rejuvenated space, I realized there was nothing on the wall above it. I happen to be perusing Pinterest at the time and thankfully the internet idea gods aligned and I found inspiration there. Since I had yet to use these frames, the light bulb went off in the ole noggin, I kicked my creativity into high gear and I now have this display above my desk:

Yeah, I kinda love it.

I just put nails in each side of the frames and then used random scrapbooking supplies I had around, including yarn and ribbon, and tied pieces of them from nail to nail. Then I found these darling little "clothes" pins to hold the pictures.

Since the frames were ready to go this only took me about 20 minutes and I'm so happy with it and excited that I FINALLY used them! WOOT!

So, have you done anything inspired by Pinterest lately? I just love the ideas and recipes and I hope to use more of them this year.

And Guess What!?!?

It's Miss-Elaine-ous Monday!!

Remember, ANY "miss elaine-ous" post will do, something from your archives or something brand new! :)

Do you have a post that meant a lot to you but wasn't read by as many folks as you'd hoped? Or one that has great pictures and you want more people to see them? Or do you just have one that you really want to share!?

I'll also choose a random post from those who link up to feature on The Miss Elaine-ous Life Facebook page (please "Like" if you have not already) so even more folks will see a new post every week! Grab the button and link up! And please visit some of the other linkers as well...

If you do not post the button, please still link back to my blog, even if you just put a little blurb at the end of you post such as "It's Monday and I'm being "Miss Elaine-ous" over at The Miss Elaine-ous Life!" - Thanks!! Oh and extra bonus points to anyone who puts a tweet out there, that would be awesome too! Thanks for linking up!

Just Another Awesome Reason Why I Blog

2012-01-13T10:40:00.001-06:00

I've been doing this blogging thing for a while now and SO very many bloggers have come and gone and stayed and some that I used to be enthused with I no longer am (just bein' honest) and some new ones just blow my mind with their awesomeness.

If I had hours ~~days~~ I would tell you about all of them.

Blogging it so crazy really, when you think about it. We put ourselves out there on the daily and ANY person with an internet connection can find us and see photos and even read our words and ultimately KNOW what is in our hearts. Without even having met us.

Thankfully we do get the chance to meet those who do this blogging thing along side us and we can sit next to each other at a table with our laptops and iPhones, posting pictures of our stout coffee or THE cutest new pair of boots on our feet and those around us won't scoff or make fun. You know, because they are doing the same thing. ;)

I'm so thankful to have this community because let's face it, still to this day, not everyone understands this "blogging thing". Even my mother has a hard time wrapping her head around it, I believe. (Hi Mom!) So it's just so darn great to have other people doing this who I know "get me".

See, I got a comment on my blog this morning from someone who said "I'm visiting from Momma Made it Look Easy" I thought "Huh, wonder why they are visiting from Jen's place" and of course I clicked over.

Turns out she put a list on her blog this morning of some of her favorite blogs and I am on it (!!) and she said some really, REALLY nice things about me and I almost ~~did~~ started to cry.

Me and Jen's first meeting, Bloggy Boot Camp, Oct. 2010

Here's the thing. When I started this blog 5.2 years ago. I NEVER had ANY idea that I would make friends doing it. NONE.

I started it because I knew I loved to take photos and talk about my kids and I thought it was a good way for family and friends to keep up with us. And for me to exercise my writing chops a bit (although if you read my firsts posts you would have NO IDEA that such thought existed in my head - ha!)

BUT THEN.

Something tragic happened in the life of one of my best IRL friends and I met Nicole that way (she is a mutual friend) and in an email to those of us concerned, she linked to her blog. And on the sidebar of her blog...a list of a bunch of other blogs.

Me and Nicole's first meeting at our friend's baby shower, September 2008

It was in that moment that I had this crazy "OMG, lots of other people do this too!?!??!" epiphany and...

...as they say A LOT, the rest is history.

I'm not sure why I write all of this. I guess I'm a bit pensive about the fact that I have made some very good friends JUST because I write this blog. People that I truly love and adore and that enrich my life. And these two ladies are JUST the beginning (and are both so wonderful!!)

Anyway, it simply amazes me the friends I've made.

I think I'll keep blogging. I mean, who knows who I have YET to meet, right?

Yeah I'm here to stay.

The A.M.

2012-01-11T12:35:00.001-06:00

The day actually starts pretty lax around here but I attribute that to the fact that I currently have only one child in full-time school. I'm thinking next year might be a different story once G starts Kindergarten (ACK, G will start K next year!!) but I hope it can stay this way.

The little ones go to school 3 and 2 days a week, respectively and on those mornings I pack multiple lunches and do some dishes and no matter who goes to school I always make coffee. I wish I was one of those people who remembers to set up the coffee maker the morning before and even (OHMYGOSHTHINKAHEAD!) program it but alas, I am just NOT. But I finally ditched that HORRIBLE coffee maker and got myself a trusty Cuisinart with a nice carafe so my morning is much better and less full of "artful" words now. :)

Anyway, I'm not probably considered a "morning person" (Hi Honey!) but I do actually like that time of day. I would just probably rather spend it still under the covers. But, as we all know, that is NOT an option...

And at least I get to wake up to and be with the family I always wanted, so it's all good. :-)

My awesome mug from @mycrazybusylife #MugSwap2011

And yes I do still have a snowflake table cloth on the table. What? It's Winter. And I can promise you those are THE only snowflakes we are gonna see around here!!

Some Same Something

2012-01-09T22:35:00.000-06:00

I woke up unusually early to go to the gym since my schedule was packed for the rest of the day. As I came to the end of the street where I turn onto the main road I saw two teenage girls standing in the dark morning, waiting for the bus. They stood about 15 feet from each other both in their own space, not taking, just looking at the ground.

And just seeing them tugged at my heart and my first thought was, "just talk to each other, you're more alike than you know." Part of me wanted to roll down the window and holler at them to tell them. But it was cold and I knew they'd probably think I was just some crazy lady.

The thin one stood in the chilly air with her cute outfit and perfect ponytail. The heavier one was dressed all in black and her long hair covered part of her face.

I knew those girls. I knew them years ago when I was their age. I could probably read their minds. But teenage telepathy is a dangerous thing.

I wanted them to talk to each other because I bet they had something in common, some same insecurity or crush. Some same need or favorite. Some same something. Maybe they had the same birthday. It could happen. One in 365 are not bad odds, if you ask me.

And who knows, maybe someday they'll be best friends anyway. They might meet again at a workplace or a Mom's group. Their babies might have the same colic or reflux or diaper rash tendencies. Maybe they will sit over coffee and commiserate about how badly potty-training is going or the best chicken chili recipe.

Who knows? Certainly they have something in common because well, don't we all?

If only they knew it now...

Y'all Are Gonna Laugh HARD at this Photo of Me & Miss Elaine-ous Monday!

2012-01-08T22:06:00.000-06:00

Y'all.

I'm tuckered.

I barely stopped this weekend. I don't know how many of you saw my Instagram pics but I CLEANED out some stuff ~~sh!t~~ this weekend!! Here are the pics for those of you who did not see... (this is in our bedroom, btw)

BEFORE

AFTER

This took me ALL day. I put my mitts on boxes I hadn't even seen since we moved here in July of 2009. And I'm betting I didn't even touch them then because I was 7 months pregnant and those bee-atches were heavy!!

Anyway, after a minor coughing fit from the layers of dust, I dug deep and got my crafting/sewing/whatevering desk organized and clean. And I'm SO happy I took the time to do it! :D

I now have an entire box of card-making and scrapping supplies that I need to get rid of. I was thinking of putting it on Craig's List but not sure I would get very much for it. Any other ideas? Does anyone scrapbook anymore?

I wish I still had time but I guess this blog is mostly my scrapbook, at least for now anyway. I still love paper crafting and do make cards so I kept most of the tools and some supplies.

As you may have guessed I also came across a lot of memories and random things as I was cleaning things out. I read a lot of letters/cards/notes for the last time and then tossed them into the recycling box. I saved some too. I couldn't get rid of them all. Going through them did make me a little sad and a lot nostalgic for the written word, ON PAPER. We just don't do that anymore, do we? It's ALL on the interwebs, even our birthday messages to each other.

But, it was also fun to weed through it all and I also found a photo for me from college that you all just MUST see, complete with some sort of smudges there, on the middle right.

Check that 'do, you guys!!

And someone PLEASE shoot those couches, OMG!!!

If I remember correctly, they were free so...

Anyway, this was taken circa 1995 and this was my "skinny" picture. I used to have it on the fridge as something to aspire to when I was heavier. My roommate and I had terrible decorating abilities at the time. I was a Fashion Merchandising major. Can you believe it? Uh...no, Elaine, we cannot.

Anyway, when I showed this picture to The B Man he said, "Mom, I DO NOT. like your hair that way."

OH kid, me neither. But it was the '90's.

Anyway, here's to cleaning out and getting organized in 2012. I moved on to the desk in our kitchen today and it's all nice and neat now too. We'll see how long it lasts (damn school papers...)

And now....

It's Miss-Elaine-ous Monday finally again!!

Remember, ANY "miss elaine-ous" post will do, something from your archives or something brand new! :)

Do you have a post that meant a lot to you but wasn't read by as many folks as you'd hoped? Or one that has great pictures and you want more people to see them? Or do you just have one that you really want to share!?

I'll also choose a random post from those who link up to feature on The Miss Elaine-ous Life Facebook page (please "Like" if you have not already) so even more folks will see a new post every week! Grab the button and link up! And please visit some of the other linkers as well...

If you do not post the button, please still link back to my blog, even if you just put a little blurb at the end of you post such as "It's Monday and I'm being "Miss Elaine-ous" over at The Miss Elaine-ous Life!" - Thanks!! Oh and extra bonus points to anyone who puts a tweet out there, that would be awesome too!

Newborns are From Heaven (but a tad hard to photograph)

2012-01-05T21:11:00.000-06:00

My good friend here in town had her third baby boy a few days before Christmas and he is just the sweetest thing. But then aren't all babies, fresh from Heaven? Oh yes, they SO are.

You may remember I took some maternity shots for her several weeks ago (scroll down to bottom of post). Anyway, we gave it the ole college try at some newborn shots the other morning (my first go at it!!) and we got a few good ones despite the fact that he was a tired little one.

I already love him but then I love the whole family so... :)

And I totally understand if this made you want to have more (or some) babies because it did me too ~~but I am SO DONE~~!

Happy weekend all!

Sharing a Moment at Kir's Corner

2012-01-05T07:47:00.000-06:00

Today I am at Kir's Corner sharing one of my Proud Mommy Moments and I'm SO honored to be posting at Kir's place! She's an amazing writer and one of THE sweetest people I've encountered on the internet to date. Her heart is SO big and loving and that's why she's so good at sharing. :)

Won't you please come read about my Proud Mommy Moment? I'm betting you've had some like mine too...

p.s. It has to do with these three stinkers. Can't you tell I have SO many reasons to be proud?! ;)

Yes, that is G's finger in his nose. For a more civilized picture see yesterday's post. I kinda like this one though. Just keepin' it real.