The Happenings Of An Absent Mind

Currently...sitting...watching...and waiting...

2013-04-19T09:53:00.001-05:00

So....currently:

- I'm on my second cup of coffee of the morning.
- My mind is a storm of emotions circling around Boston and all the horrific events unfolding there.
- I cannot for the life of me fathom why people choose to hurt another person. I get the whole mental illness side of that coin flip...but still...to be a coward and not use words or conversation but instead simple destruction. I can't grasp it.
- I have a long list of things to do sitting beside me and honestly, I can't bring myself to start with one.
- I'm kinda glued to what is unfolding in Boston. I hate this aspect of the media. Spiting out wrong information, making assumptions and just plain outright dirty journalism But I do part take in this dance and watch on. Just like any other American...I want to see justice and I want to see the completion of this heinous crime come to an end.
- Thinking about what to post and drawing a blank. How can I honestly and happily talk about all my craft projects, my vacation plans or trivial life happenings when in true actuality my mind is with Boston...glued to the tube waiting and watching for some sort of peace.

Sending my love and prayers to Boston right now!

To Tell the Truth....

2013-03-12T10:23:00.000-05:00

I'm unforgettably a brutally honest person. I won't hurt your feeling, but I will tell you your ass looks fat in those jeans. I'd don't beat around the bush. One thing I cannot and will not tolerate is a liar. I only surround myself with people I can trust and tell me the truth. Even if it hurts. Why live in lies, when the world knows the truth is beyond me. Daily rant for the day.

Add caption

To tell the truth...here are a few truths for me today:

- I've gained weight. I hate it. I kinda denied it for the longest time and only wore yoga pants. You know the drill ladies. But, I finally admitted it and went to my doctor for help. It's my stupid thyroid or PCOS. I went to the doctor yesterday and I was given Metformin. I'm terrified of medicine. But, I'll give it a whirl. I'm tired of having no energy, and my hormones going insane lately.

- My house is mess. A mess as in I would not be surprised if an episode of cops were filmed here last night. Somewhere between a meth house or a frat house. I need to clean, but somehow I have no desire to : (

- My life. It's pretty awesome and chaotic right now. Honestly, when is it not?

- I plan on going back to school for graphic design. I'm terrified of this. The actual part of sitting in a class, doing homework while trying to balance home life and kids blows my mind. But I want, need and desire to. Now to figure out when.

- I have a long list of things I want done to this house and asap. But I also have a low energy level to make this list actually happen. Hummm...quite the conundrum.

- I have this kickass idea for a coffee table book. Again, finding said energy for this task is something I don't have.

- I really like inspirational quotes. Yes, I'm one of those kooks who enjoys a positive affirmation in the morning.

Ok, off to fix lunch, clean a house that is ruled by boys and possibly throw a quick shopping trip into my day. Wishing everyone an honest and wonderful day!

I've lost the love...

2013-03-05T09:42:00.001-06:00

For blogging. I work daily on 5-8 clients facebook accounts and pinterest accounts. Forming words and putting them onto a computer doesn't seem very exciting to me anymore. I have started so many blog entries only to never finish them. They are sitting in the abyss of unfinished projects. Since, I've been MIA for a second let me update on useless information...

- Spen started and finished his comic book art classes. He liked them...but now he's leaning toward skateboard lessons.***Slaps forehead*** I thought I could prolong this phase for a bit longer. I'm not looking forward to ER trips with broken bones :( Boys and their need to be cool...psshhhh.

- Cedric will soon start wee-soccer. Excited about this adventure. I was Spencer's coach for his team, and I thought about doing this for Cedric. But different boys and different needs. Ceddy is way more active, and I highly suspect I will have to dedicate a lot of attention on keeping him merely on the field. He marches to the beat of his own drum ; )

- The hubs and I....Things are good. Eric is hard at work for the Retro Gaming Expo this weekend and I've been doing a lot of graphic design work for my job lately. I'm leaning towards going back to school for this. I talked with a friend who is a graphic designer and he said I'm not charging enough for my work. This I know, but I have no degree which kinda voids a lot of the pay factoring. The hubs supports me in going back. Now it just becomes a question of when.

We have been busy just living life and enjoying the boys lately. I can't wait for warmer weather!!! I need sunshine and a bike ride!!!

After this week I am super excited to start a new house project!!! My new kitchen floors!!! I have to go order the supplies this week. I can't wait!!!

I did fill the ugly void wall with pretty mirrors from Target in my dining room. Once that room is complete I will update with photos. Until then, here is a teaser:

http://instagram.com/p/WFnJpFzUhb/

I also have an art project I'm throwing around in my old brain for spring. Perhaps, a coffee table book...hummmm....

Ok, sending everyone a hug and a wish for a wonderful week ahead. Off to make coffee. Orange juice doesn't cut it for me ; )

Promises for 2013

2012-12-29T11:21:00.000-06:00

Life is all about what you make of it. Sometimes, you have to put on your big girl panties and realize you will never have the things you long for. Life is about accepting things and moving on. This past week I reached out and tried to better a relationship with my mother only to have it backfire. I have come to the realization that I will never have the idea relationship with her. A relationship that consists of normal mother daughters situations. She is who she is, and I am who I am. We have different parenting views and styles. She is obviously not comfortable with my views, and I am not going to edit or change them. I am who I am, and I parent how I parent. I have unconditional love for my children and can only strive to have a better relationship with my kids than I have with my own parents. Sometimes as adult you are given a wake up call and you realize you can't change people, you can only change how you deal with them. So no longer will I try to be closer, I will only put that energy back into my family. So with welcoming 2013 I am no longer going to long for what I do no have but rather nurture what I do have. I have two beautiful children. We will start our own family traditions : )

This year I promise the following:

- To get outside more! I love hiking and this is something I need more in my life!

- To start new adventures!

- To take more photos!!! I've not been snapping as much and this is only due to my laziness.

- To not live with guilt! I can not control how others feel, those are their feelings. I am no longer going to be controlled or made to feel less than due to others thoughts.

- Work out!!! This sister needs to hit the gym!!!

- Get my house in shape! I'm tired of closets bursting at their seams and projects not completed!

- Go after whatever dreams I am too nervous to pursue. You get one life, and there is no time to sit on the sidelines.

- Love my boys and introduce them to more life experiences!

- Travel!!!

- Volunteer. I have an idea where I would like to, but it's just a matter of making time.

- Blocking out negativity. Only thinking positive thoughts and surrounding myself with positive people.

2013 will be a good year! The newness of the year brings with it excitement of possibilities, memories to be made, and the magical feeling of not knowing what is to come. A new journey to be had! Wishing everyone a fabulous year!!!

Poor poor little blog

2012-11-07T20:00:00.002-06:00

I have neglected you. I have been insanely busy last month. I had parties, a festival, a camping trip, wedding and health scare to deal with. But I am back! Happy, healthy and feeling wonderful!

Current random thoughts:

I have started doing a daily top 10 list of blessings. I'm trying to purge myself of negativity. This includes, thoughts, actions and PEOPLE ; P

I firmly believe we are our words and thoughts. I'm so over negative people and thoughts. I admit I have been a Debbie Downer lately, and something has got to give! So with that said...I choose to see the glass half full and move on.

The election...woah Momma. I was nervous there for a second, but my nerves were soon calmed. I have voted in every election I have been legally able to. I made my husband drive home early from our mini vacation so I could cast my vote.

Our mini vacay: JUST WHAT WE NEEDED!!! Last month Eric, my husband, had a health scare. They were afraid he had thyroid cancer. Honestly, all signs were pointing to it. Thankfully, his biopsy came back benign! BUT I got really sick due to stress. So sick I ended up having to call off my son's birthday party. You know sh*t done got real when I call off a party...ha! I was miserable. When I get stressed, I get sick. I ended up going to see the doctor and she gave my a shot along with antibiotics. I'm feeling much better and VERY well rested! We took an impromptu trip to the Gatlinburg. It's funny, because my husband and I always call it the old folks capital. We decided why not join the old folks and rent a cabin. I'm so glad we did! I LOVED the cabin. It was in the woods and surrounded by trees. I LOVED IT!!! The kids had a blast running around. It was three levels and had tons of space. I felt kinda guilty not using all the beds, so next time we will be taking friends with us! I so wish I could have Christmas up there, but I'd be afraid of being snowed in. That will go on my bucket list!

Halloween was fun! I love the fact my husband spoils my boys. He worked hard on Spen's costume. He was determined to have the LED's working! I also love how he is not afraid to make an ass of himself! He proved this with agreeing to be Redfoo. Here are some shots from Halloween.

Every Day I'm Shuffling! Have a great week guys!!! I promise more updates this month!

Kinda Numb...

2012-10-16T20:59:00.002-05:00

So Eric got his test results back from his thyroid scan. Not good. He has a nodule that is questionable. I had a bad feeling about his test. My heart sank today when he called and told me the news. He set up an appointment to go talk with his doctor. So my mom came and sat with Cedric and I met him there. With his blood work, thyroid being so swollen, and the way the nodule looks the doctor wants a biopsy. Honestly my mind is going to cancer. I keep having crying fits during the day when no one is around. I love my husband so very much. He is my best friend. I keep thinking why him. He's the good guy. He's the husband that rushes home to his kids and wife. He is selfless and loving. I just hope and pray everything turns out ok and his biopsy is benign. They should call tomorrow with the date it's scheduled. I feel like such a horrible wife. Eric was worried about me!?!? I need to be strong. I need to pull myself together. I'll do that tomorrow ; ) Today, I'll sit with a pity party tucked away in my office crying away from the boys. I just hope and pray everything is ok!!! Please keep my hubby in your prayers!

My Life As of Lately...

2012-10-10T09:46:00.000-05:00

This weeks mantra!

I have been insanely busy. From work, to kids, to just life.

Right now my nerves are pretty shot. My husband is having some health issues and I'm kinda going a little insane with worry. He is my best friend, my partner and the love of my life. I just hope and pray everything is ok. I could not imagine a life without him. We are attached at the hip and I adore him even if we argue like an old married couple....ha! We will find out more by next week. This month we will be celebrating our 6 year anniversary. I love him so much and he is such an important part of my life. He is the sweetest guy who always puts others and his family before himself. I will update more once we know exactly what is going on. Please keep my hubby in your prayers and thoughts.

Last weekend was the cub scout camp-out. We had a blast. Even if I did not want to exit my tent in the morning to frigid temps. Ha...Eric basically had to drag me out. I freeze too easily and once I get cold it takes a small eternity for me to warm up.

Halloween...I'm sure my neighbors know something is up with my family. We do not have our usual plethora of decorations up yet. This is unheard of. We are the Pullen's aka Clark Griswold of decorations. We have just had so many things going on to drag everything down from the attic. But THIS shall be done tonight!!!

Halloween parties...I have been working on ideas for three. Sheeeshhhhh along with the family fun night. I have over extended myself this month.

Work has been insanely busy too. This is my busiest month. I feel bad at times because I could really grow my business if I wanted to. I know how, I have the skills and resources to do so...I just am enjoying being a mom and wife right now. This will come later. I had this aha moment last month. I really like being a mom and wife. I am not saying you can't be both with working, but for me I like the freelance lifestyle of picking and choosing when I work. I like that I can attend my son's class party. I like that I can snuggle with my youngest during the day or go on an impromptu picnic. I had wanted to go back to school and start a new career, but that is just too much to do at this point in time. I also realized there is no hurry to be successful. Life is a journey with different stops along the way. I know I am blessed to have the ability to have the work schedule I have. I have been a single mother working full-time and I know the riggers of that life. It seems as women and mothers we sometimes put so much stress on ourselves with the idea we must do it all. I'm not swallowing that pill anymore. I enjoy the lackadaisical lifestyle I have and who knows what next month, year or years shall bring. But at this moment, I will continue on with the pace I am going and not wear myself out on a rat race. Finding your bliss is very important and having the ability to realize it and hold it in your grasp is an amazing thing few ever obtain. I'm living my bliss right now : )

Saturday one of my best friends is getting married and I am her maid of honor. I wrote my speech and now I need to remember it ha! They are a wonderful pair and I'm so happy for them!!! Now to find me some shoes to wear and jewelry to go with my dress. I ALWAYS wait until the last minute. Shheessshhhh....

Ok..off to clean. Wishing all my followers a great week. Remember to hug your love ones and follow your bliss, even if it is off the beaten path!!!

Dad Love...

2012-09-19T10:18:00.001-05:00

It was super sweet this morning. While checking over my oldest sons homework my heart melted. Just had to share!!!

Being Responsible and all that jazz...

2012-09-14T09:42:00.002-05:00

OK, admit it...everyone groans when you have to do the "right" thing as an adult. When sleeping in is not an option and blowing your paycheck on new makeup and clothing doesn't even enter the realm of reality anymore. Today my husband called to let me know he got a bonus, besides the fact taxes got to it before I could we both made the boring ADULT decision to put it into savings. Blah blah blah....oh joy. I think of all the things I could spend that money on...and in our savings account just doesn't seem very fun.

Below is a random list of things I miss about being a non-productive adult...aka...still living at home care-free and all that jazz...

Sleeping in. I miss this so much. I am NOT a morning person.
Staying up all night and watching the night turn into the morning.
Blowing your paycheck on clothing, new hair, nails, or any other girly thing my mood fancied at the time.
Sleep...good solid slumber. Not having difficulty falling asleep worrying if your kids have kicked their covers off.
Bills...oh how as a young adult I was dumb and thought it was funny to ignore them. This proved to be a rather dumb move on my part. But I do miss the innocence of not realizing just how important your credit rating really is. The hubs and I have nearly perfect credit now and that took some hard work on our part.
Eating anything and not worrying. No fears of cancer, pesticides, or hell even gaining weight. I used to be the size of a stick. Now if I simply look at food my ass has jumped two sizes.
Cleaning. Ha...wondering why people wasted their time with that.
My biggest miss is the lack of fear. As a young carefree adult you don't understand the gravity of a mother's fear. Fear truly does not enter into your life until you are a parent. Then fears you never even knew were possible creep in. They can be rational, or the biggest irrational fears but they are real to you. I laugh looking back at some of the dumb fears I had as a new parent. Then I cringe at some of the ones I had to face that were real ones. But I do miss complete and total ignorance to things of the heart sometimes. This Mommy job can be hard on your worry meter. Hence, why my second child has given me gray hairs. OK...off to start my day. I have a 3 years old birthday party to plan and errands to run. Also, a lovely dirty house begging for my attention. Have a great Friday guys!!!

Life Abundance...

2012-09-12T22:10:00.000-05:00

Have you ever woke with such gratitude for your life? Your inner sinew sings to the heavens and your soul weeps for yet another beautiful filled day of life. I had that today. This morning was different. It wasn't the usual morning simply filled with going through the motions; but the type of day you glance over at your spouse make eye contact and know you both know how lucky you two are. Today is my love of life abundance day! I have two wonderful beautiful children. One full of such wisdom and strength way beyond his years. Ever since he was a toddler I could tell he had a mission in life. He was the sweetest baby, the calm child, the love bug. My koala bear baby with an old soul. He will roll with the punches life would throw his way with grace and humility. He is growing up to be a wonderful young man. Then my second child. My thrill seeker, my explorer. He is the one that breathes fire into your life with every discovery and every challenge he overcomes. He is my wondering spirit. Like the yin and yang these two souls have blessed my life way beyond any words could imagine. Then there is my other half. The one who calms my nerves, who pushes me for my dreams, and the one who keeps me on task within my journey in life. One glance and the squeeze of my hand and I know everything will be ok. Life will be ok. My love for my husband is abundant. Through every life challenge and obstacle we laugh, cry or simply set our sails to a different wind to move forward around the negative. We are a team in this adventure called life. Hand in hand walking towards our daily sunsets. I feel so blessed to have my three wonderful men in my life.

This post was originally written on Sunday, but being as lazy as I am, I'm just now uploading it.

Here are some phone pics from this weekend.

Nothing like an UNO game on the trampoline.

Ok, had no idea Cedric knew so many of his colors and numbers.

Crazy Mom shot.

Wishing everyone a great week! Off to sleep I go....

BLOG OVERHAUL!!!

2012-09-12T08:58:00.001-05:00

Coming soon a blog overhaul. I need to fix somethings and update my gadgets. Now to find the time to make this happen...

New design wants...

2012-09-07T10:20:00.000-05:00

Ok, I had a light bulb go off in my head yesterday while shopping at World Market. Between having to distract my two year old from knocking every bottle off the shelf and trying to find cute buys it dawned on me. I'm totally digging the old world look. Old World as in industrial chic....not the store in the mall during the 90's that all our moms and grandma's went nuts for. I'm talking about the rustic aged looking pieces. The industrial chic has crept up on me and I am head over heels. While running my hands over a dining room table I noticed the dents, scratches and magically fell in love. They added character to the pieces. I have two boys and a clumsy hubby. I drank the kool-aid and am a World Market fan. I still love super modern pieces, but they don't fair very well in my house. They break, get stained or broken. Give me the rustic wood and I shall dance a jig for you! I have found stuff I like and plan on buying soon ; )

Yes, doesn't everyone need a drafting table?

I must find a home for these curtains in my house...asap!

I really really like this table. For some many reasons...but mainly because it seems pretty sturdy. I'm sure my boys would be wheeling each other around sitting on top of it. And as in boys I mean my husband and kids ; )

On the fence about the cherry blossom painting...

Love this table!

On the fence about this. I'm SUPER picky when it comes to art. Dang all those art classes for making me an art snob!

New art project!!! I totally did not come up with this idea and I shall give props to another blog I follow Sara's Closet (I hate when people don't give their sources anyhoo) My WM did not have the papers she used : ( or even had in the photo...so I found this lovely paper with a perfect shade of pink for the office : )

Lastly, I'll end with my sweet little men. These two love to snuggle and love each other so much. Last night my heart melted while I was in my office. Typing away for work I could here chit chat coming from my oldest son's room. He has a bunk bed and my youngest has decided to set up camp in there. I stopped typing to listen to what they were saying and they were telling each other goodnight and that they loved each other. Awwww...sweetness!

Have a great weekend guys!!!

Living in your truth...Down the rabbit hole...

2012-08-29T13:22:00.000-05:00

I just read a very inspiring blog post from Madebygirl. It got me to thinking about my past and my current life. I've never been a person to be shy or fake. I'm an open book if you just talk to me. But there are things in my past that I do regret. I've traveled down the rabbit hole and made bad choices, met wrong people, and set out on destructive adventures. This kinda was the running theme of my life for a 3 year span. Crashed, burned and picked up the pieces.

Suze Orman talks about living in your truth. I totally get that financially, but it also applies spiritually and emotionally. We all have insecurities and past transgressions we are not proud of. People we have scorned, words spoken in anger and simply bad choices made. But all those things have made us who we are today. With every mistake and wrong path, we soon find the right one and move forward. Life is a beautiful day anew with each morning. This concept applies to people who have wronged you as well. Holding onto anger gets you no-where fast. So set yourself free and move on. Life is an awesome place when you have a free heart : )

Have a great day guys!

Happenings

2012-08-28T09:35:00.001-05:00

I stumbled onto our Day Out With Thomas photos and had to share one of my favorites : )

Here are a few photos from last week...

More photos to come of Ceddy and his preschool : )

A really blurry photo of mom trying to be stealth like and snap a photo while Spen entered his class. All while trying to keep Ceddy out of Spen's class.

Spen was excited and so was Cedric. Cedric thought he was going to school too.

(Tis that time of year again...pop corn selling time. I HATE this time) Any cub scout parent knows the loathe this time of year.

I felt bad for the boys. No one wanted to answer their door. I personally do not blame them ; )

We were a caravan of fun...or a hot mess.

I love how involved my hubby is with the kids. No hands off parenting for him : ) Even if it means walking door to door in the heat.

Cedric kept wanting to sell with the boys.

So we let him. One problem though...Cedric would yell buy popcorn and try to run into their houses...yeah...not the best strategy.

All in all the boys managed to sell some. The moms of pack and along with some of my friends are all planning on getting together and making survival bracelets for the boys to sell too. This pop corn stuff is for the birds!

- Wishing all my followers a great week! I promise more blog entries to come : )

It's exciting to have people from my blog and twitter accounts actually contacting me through email! If you ever have a question feel free to write!!! I'm a nerd and love any form of socializing. The lovely life of a a SAHM. Have a great week!

School House Rock...

2012-08-20T01:18:00.003-05:00

UPDATES:

School is about to start. Spen is half heartedly excited. Only half. We met with his teacher last week. She seemed super sweet and I have heard really good things about her. I have a feeling this will be a great year for him. It is amazing how fast my sweet little guy has grown into a tall lanky boy. He's too cool for all the excitement for school. Its funny though, no matter how big he gets he still crawls up on my lap and cuddles. Sure he'd love to see that typed out. But I'm proud my little guy cuddles still, gives hugs and kisses. He tells me he loves me all the time. I love it! My family are huge huggers and love tellers. We all aren't too cool for that...hopefully my boys will stay that way.

Cedric received his letter from his teacher this weekend. It was super cute! He is beyond excited. He talks about school all the time. It will kill me leaving him on the first day of preschool, but it will be good for him. That's the hard part about parenting, knowing what is good for your child and putting on your game face. Putting aside your emotions and letting your child discover the world. No tears during drop off, now on the ride home...a different story. Although, this is not my first time at the rodeo and I have personally seen how much my oldest learned from preschool. Its hard driving off. He loved it though and learned so much. It is amazing how different kids are when parents are not around. It is funny to see how they play and listen. They learn to socialize and interact with others on a different level. A level this AP mom can't let him do. Hehehehee, I'm a helicopter mom, guilty. Fears: I'm not worried about the teachers there. My friend is good friends with his teacher and I know another teacher at the school. Most of the teachers or aids are friends of friends. Where I live is a small town atmosphere. My main concern is what every rational mom fears, him being scared. It would break my heart knowing he was freaked out. Here is another parent call. Knowing what your child needs. Each child is different, and has different needs. Cedric is a social butterfly. He loves kids and people. He needs the interaction. Honestly, he probably will flash me the peace sign and dart off to play. Ha. This is an exciting chapter in his life. I treat this like he is going away to college. Nope, three hours, one day a week....hehehehehe. but he is my baby... I know this is silly, but my goal as a parent is to instill in my children the courage and confidence I lack sometimes. I want my boys to be confident kind men. I think sometimes parents put their own personal fears onto their children. Kids are little sponges that soak up the good and bad attitudes we carry. So come the first day of school for both boys smiles will be had for all. Mom and Dad included. No tears, but only smiles and high fives!

Class for mom too. I start my first design class next month. I decided to take the Illustrator class instead of InDesign. I am excited and nervous...aka a ball of energy. I need to figure out a schedule and stick with it. I also need to start back at the gym. Not happy with the weight I've gained. Going to make life changes...what better time than now.

We went to Otter Creek this weekend. The older boys shot guns and bows while Cedric and I explored. They have remodeled and have a nice range there. I did attempt to shoot a bow and arrow. Ha...let's just say I'd have a better chance hitting a target if I closed my eyes. I royally sucked.

Fingers crossed, my braces might come off this month!!! I will know next week 😁

Ok...off to sleep. Have a great week!!! Ps typing this on a tablet and at 1am, so sorry for any craziness among the lines.

Quote love

2012-08-13T14:26:00.002-05:00

I read this quote from an offbeat mama post and fell in love! I had to share it!!!

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow…

Pushing on moving forward...

2012-08-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

My goal in life is to never stay stagnant. To be a constant realm of movement with creativity. I fall short of this goal all too often, but most days I escape away at least in creative thought ; ) I may not be painting a masterpiece physically, but mentally, I have already painted five ; ) Being a mom of two active boys, working and being a wife makes it hard to find the time to be creative. I have been interrupted three times just writing this blog entry and I'm only a paragraph in.

Staying creative...I'm a free spirit, so that helps. I try to surround myself with art, creative people, and things that inspire me. I'm taking a new step in the creative field. I'm moving away from photography and moving more towards graphic design. I love photography, but wedding photography has become a thorn in my side. I honestly, no longer enjoy it. It has lost it's luster and has been replaced with anxiety. Long story here, but it's just not the same anymore. I will continue to take portraits, but my heart has been yanked into another direction.

I'm going to start taking some graphic design classes online at Bellarmine. I'm super excited for this! I absolutely LOVE learning. This will be a new journey for me and I can't wait to start it! I absolutely love the excitement of splendid ambiguity. I love that I never will say never. I have met so many wonderful people in the jobs, and adventures I have taken on in my life, I look forward to the many more that shall come with this journey!

Have a great day and follow your bliss!

Random update...

2012-08-07T21:48:00.003-05:00

Nothing says summer like the local spray park! I took the boys and a friends son last week and just now got the photos off my phone : ) Lazy mom here...

The older boys were too cool for me. They kept dodging me.

Cedric LOVED the car wash as he lovely called it.

Frames hand built by me and my hubby for my gallery wraps.

The gallery wraps waiting to be hung : ) I loved how they turned out!

A sneak peek of shower decorations for the weekend's big event ; )

Tomorrow I need to buy spray paint and paint horseshoes. I shall do this while Eric is at work ; )

I whipped this up in photoshop and plan on tying it to the horseshoes with ribbon..somehow...have not fully figured that out ; )

Lastly, I will leave you with a fun image....this is how I cut the grass. Yup...I'm allergic to the outdoors. I'm pretty sure I should be living in a bubble somewhere with John Travolta in the 70's...

Have a great week guys!!!

Happy Happy Walls!!!

2012-08-07T13:27:00.000-05:00

Ok...I have been wanting something fun to stare at while I work daily in my office. Blank walls kill a creative spirit and honestly, bore me. So with the help of my lovely husband I created his and hers gallery ledges. Filled them with fun inspiring photos and quotes. Yes, Boba Fett inspires my hubby. He is a die hard Star Wars fan. So over each of our computers we have a little inspiration for the day : )

Below is a quick DIY of how we made these cheap bad boys : )

My inspiration was this:

This is from Pottery Barn and for the price tag of $79..not something I was feeling. Especially, since I needed FOUR of them. Ouch on my crafty budget!!! I live by the philosophy: while the kids are still young, I will not buy anything that I will cry over if it gets broken; because with two crazy boys in the house...EVERYTHING runs the chance of getting broken.

Ok...let's make those ledges!

Step One:

Get excited on the drive to Lowes. As you can see my excitement has spread throughout the car and my son in the back can barely withhold his excitement. Yeah...I'm a nerd and no one gets pumped for home projects but me; )

Step Two:

Finding straight wood! Lowes had a pretty good selection. Also, it's imperative that you pick up two paint sticks for your kids...let them sword fight while you aimlessly stroll down the aisles looking like a crazy person searching for said straight wood.

Step Three:

Find someone who is not terrified of things that can cut their fingers off and have them cut the wood to size for you. Props to my husband and his lack of fear ; ) FYI: this step can be modified if you do not have irrational fears of power tools and can cut the wood yourself...then props to you!!

Step Four:

Sand Baby sand. It helps if you have a fabulous mani to do so ; ) Be sure everything is smooth and dust free for painting.

Step Five:

Use wood glue to adhere the pieces together.

Step Six:

Clamp the pieces together and wipe up any glue that appears.

Step Seven:

Nail the pieces together. This will add strength and again...it helps if you have someone who is not afraid of things that can shoot their eyes out. Gotta love irrational fears and a husband willing to help you ; )

Step Eight:

Put this lovely ledges in the sun to dry!

Step Nine:

While letting your ledges dry, find a crazy kid who loves to try your patience by pretending to fall off his swing set when you ask for a simple smile for the camera. Gotta love toddlers!

Step Ten:

Prime, and paint. And paint some more. Here is a family secret...I'm not allowed to spray paint. I have a lead hand on a trigger and somehow EVERYTHING I paint will have a drip. My husband has spray paint OCD. He stalks his projects. As you will see...

Me stalking my husband, stalking the ledges.

Step Eleven:

I do not have a photo of this; but give up on using spray paint because it disappears between coats. The wood insanely sucks it up. So I broke out the good ole' white paint, brush and foam roller. Worked like a charm. I also forgot to mention to fill in and sand your nail holes. Smooth finishes is the goal.

Step Twelve:

Hang your ledge. We used a stud finder and simply screwed them in. I then went over the screws with caulk and white paint for a seamless finish.

(Sorry for the crappy photo)

I searched high and low for white frames and actually found some modern ones at Walmart. Happy with a good deal and I love their shape!

I then put together some fun and funky graphics I found on pinterest and google. Played around in photoshop with them and tada...our Happy Happy walls : )

It was a labor of love and really was a pretty cheap project! Many thanks to my husband on this project!!!

Random Fact Thursday...

2012-07-26T22:37:00.000-05:00

- After going to an ENT yesterday and being told all my headaches and sinus issues are due to TMJ, I feel a little bit crazy. Not full on cray cray but...crazy for not realizing it sooner.

- I have watched way too many episodes of animal hoarders today. So much that Cedric stopped playing with his toys and told me he didn't like doggies. heheheheeehe...

- I am now officially going to get into shape...starting tomorrow...yes...tomorrow...

- I rushed all morning getting the boys ready for camp...part of me is jealous I was left behind, the other part is too lazy to want to deal with kiddo campers. Ha. Been there did that...and my head doesn't feel like it today.

- I am on the hunt for white frames. Lots of white frames for my photo ledges.

- I want to make some family art for my gallery hallway...I'll work on that "tomorrow"

- I tried doing yoga with Cedric tonight. It was rather interesting to say the least. He laughed and did everything I did to his best toddler ability. It was super cute.

- I mastered the fishtail braid tonight. It's amazing what one can do when one doesn't want to get off the couch : )

- I have a guilty pleasure of visiting gossip websites and my jaw did drop when I read what stone faced Kristen Stewart did. Gasp...clutching chest...didn't see that coming. Poor Cedric Diggory...maybe now he'll not mess with twitchy muggles...yes, I'm a nerd. I just personally cannot get past her awkwardness. I get so uncomfortable just watching her on screen...I honestly have only seen one Twilight movie. I refused to watch anymore. I never will understand why people cheat, especially on hot boyfriends...sheessshhhh..karma is a Bitch who takes names and waits for the right moment to strike.

- I'm craving the beach...I need a beach right about now...but my bed will have to do ; )

Pointless update have a fantastical Thursday night.

Being sick is for the birds..

2012-07-20T22:37:00.001-05:00

(My BFF)

I have been fighting a bad ear infection this past week. I have horrific allergies and decided to go swimming when my allergies flared up. Not a good choice. So one Z-pack later I still have fluid and pressure in my ears. Sheeshhhh...I hate ALLERGIES!!! I'm one of those nerdy people who have to cut the grass in a mask and am practically allergic to the outside. Inside too. Dust, mold...you name..I'm allergic to it. It sucks, my son inherited my bad allergies. Poor kid.

I plan on doing my nightly ritual of benadryl and ibuprofen. So romantic ; ) Maybe a cotton ball in each ear to spice it up ; )

My braces may be coming off next month!!! Yay!!! I'm excited...and so ready for a good bleaching. Movie star teeth here I come.

We took Cedric to to the doctor today. There was a huge mess up at the scheduling place and we were told to go to the downtown office. Nope...we walked in and they informed us to go the east end office The one not very far from where I live. Tis life. The gastro doctor was super nice. Cedric was a holy terror. Eric was able to get off work and come with me. He helped keep Cedric from escaping while I talked with the doctor. Long story short he doesn't want to do a scope until he's older. He thinks his med's are working just fine and he told us to put him on a low acid diet. Eric and I talked and we are going to cancel Cedric's ENT scope. His voice is almost back to normal, and a lot of his symptoms have gone away. I really do not want to sedate Cedric unless he has to be. I also, did not like the carefree idea of taking his tonsils out. Knock on wood..but Cedric has never had an ear infection or throat infection. That is something we will wait and see until he is older. At 2...he's still too little. Eric and I were terrified he would hemorrhage. The kids screams and yells non stop. He loves to sing and be loud. I couldn't see him understanding not to yell. I'm glad my husband listens to my fears and feels the same. We are a team when it comes to the kids and always try to be on the same page. Sheeshhh...this mom job is hard and full of tough decisions.

The boys are getting ready for camp. Spen is excited and so it Eric. They're both going away to father and son cub scout camp. It's cute how they both are so excited. Spen is over the moon with excitement. My boys are blessed to have such a loving father. Now...my mom worries have creeped in. Ticks, sunburns, swimming pools and dehydration. I know..how random. I trust my husband...I'm just a nervous ninny when it comes to those things. Spen had a tick on him a few months back. He was so calm. Eric calmly removed it as well. He removed it with such precision and smoothness. I was on the verge of passing out just being in the same room as the tick. I HATE TICKS!!! I have been a camp counselor, hiked, and worked outdoors. I love the outdoors...I just despise ticks. I also worry about the heat and their intake of water. I'm a nerd. It's probably good that I am not going. Eric has this ability to give the boys enough wiggle room to grow into men. Not pushing them, or neglecting them. Just standing in the shadow watching them discover things on their own terms. I'm the helicopter mom who swoops in way too often. It's funny...he has bought Spen his first official knife and bow and arrow set....I still cut up Spen's steak for him and pick out his clothes.I like to think it's a nice combination of crazy for the boys.

Ok...off to bed I go. Pointless update. Hopefully, I will be feeling better by morning!

Current thoughts...

2012-07-15T23:19:00.001-05:00

...in random order...

My mind is swimming with ideas for this house...but my body is lacking the motivation of energy to make those ideas come to fruition. In other words I'm geeked up on allergy meds. My body is dragging. I'm trying to get rid of this fluid in my ears and the meds only seem to be making me groggy not well. I HATE ALLERGIES!!!

Yesterday was nice. Eric and I had another date day. We ran some errands that we have put off for far too long simply for lack of excitement in the task of actually doing them and then went shopping. We checked out some new stores and ran back to downtown. We went to an art flea market and walked amid local art and design stores. I LOVE it down there. I told Eric I need to open a studio down there. One day...one day indeed...now to just devise a plan to actually be able to afford the space. ha!

I have a new idea for this blog. I'm kinda excited about it. This has always been a little place for me to vent and purge my feelings, ideas or just every day happenings. I have to get some things in order for this to actually happen. But...soon I'll fill you in on the idea...

I'm thinking about taking a creative writing class at the local college. I think this will inspire me and light a fire under my butt to actually start writing what I want to. My friend actually told me about it and my husband has encouraged me to do it as well. I looked up class info last week, this week I need to commit to it ; )

I have made a purposeful attempt at keeping my bedroom clean. As simple and silly of a task this may be for some...it's not for me. I'm a natural slob. Laziness is in my genetic DNA. But I'm a firm believer in your surroundings breed your energy for the day. If you wake up to disarray you will walk in that shadow all day long. Now...I just need to take charge of my office and do an overhaul in it. I need organization and inspirational pieces in there. In here...is where I want to create and where I work. But sitting amid stacks of outdated papers, creatively rarely flows. More like feelings of guilt. While pinning organizational tips or ideas on pinterest...I really should be doing them.

The theater room is almost done! As I type that the word pretentious burns into my mind. My husband has been hard at work on it and I'm truly proud of him. I'll leave it at that in fears of sounding like an arrogant snob...because...I'm not..but home theater just seems to display that persona.

I actually managed to find some energy and paint today. The mood struck me and I painted my entry. It needed to be done. I had patched the drywall and it was primed ready to go. This week I need to re-caulk the stairs and paint the white trim. I work from home, so therefore...I rarely leave. I stare at the same cracks...paint chips and annoyances everyday. So someday's I crack,cave in and drag out the paint cans and brushes. Progress was made today...

I think I may have to color my hair soon. The ombre has turned south and looks more like bad dye job. I'm not a 6 foot, 20 year old model who could make ratty hair look chic. I'm a short, pear shaped 30 year old mom...and I'm looking a tad bit like a calico cat. I'm thinking more like a Zooey Deschanel hair do.

I already have the bangs and blue eyes ; ) She's a cutie!

Ok...off to bed I go. Tomorrow is the start of the work week for me and I have lots of things to do; doctor appointments, meetings and emails to return. Have a great week!

...Relax....

2012-07-12T22:28:00.000-05:00

Hehehehee...that is what Cedric will tell people if he gets into trouble..He puts his hand out and says...relax Mommy...relax bro bro, relax Daddy...he even told my brother today to relax after he got in trouble for something or another. With that child you NEVER know.

Let me set the scene of this mornings chaos. I think I am getting another ear infection from swimming last week. Always lovely...so I'm dealing with a headache and ear pain (could be TMJ who knows), I had to sub for my boss at her local BNI meeting. I DO NOT LIKE PUBLIC SPEAKING...and yes that calls for all caps. I had to deliver a 45 second commercial and do a testimonial. Ummm...this is beyond my comfort level. So I have been fretting about this all last night. I had everything prepped for the kids to be taken to my moms in the morning. I had sippy cups even filled and ready in the fridge. Yup, that ready. I was ready to dazzle the BNI crew. One hiccup...Cedric. While getting ready, he managed his way into his older brother's room. He then managed his way up his brothers bunk bed. All I heard was his crying. I ran to him and found him laying on Spen's beanbag chair. He told me he fell. Dear God this child will give me a heart attack sooner or later. My husband had already left for work, so no one was there to calm me down. I think I had exasperated all my nerves due to the public speaking worry and I was able to stay calm. I looked Cedric over. Did the mommy 101 accident assessment. Looked for bones poking out, red marks, bruises, or anything odd. I asked where was his boo boo...and asked him what happened. Cedric is smart...and I know he lies to not get into trouble. So we shall never really know what happened. I personally think he slipped on the ladder. He was back to normal in no time. Then I had the mommy freak out of what if this had happened. My nerves were officially shot. So I managed to forget my business cards and was half frazzled at the start of the meeting. Sheeshhhhh....

The end of the day actually turned out awesome. I went to go pick the kids up from my moms. I ended up staying for a while and just hanging out. It seems at some point in adulthood distance grew between my mom and myself. Not sure the exact moment...but it was there. Tonight was different. I ended up laying on her bed tonight talking with her, gossiping, laughing and carrying on like old times. I miss my mom...she's my mom and I adore and love her. We took the kids for a walk and let them run wild in the tennis courts. It was just really nice. I'm going to make a point to really try to bridge that gap of closeness with my mom. Life is too short that type of non-sense.

Pointless update...

Ok, off to self medicate. I have a hot date with Benadryl...hopefully, I can kick this headache!

Short update...

2012-07-09T11:19:00.000-05:00

This coming week will be beyond busy. My boss is going to Disney and I'll be responsible for making the clients happy. I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't nervous. I have spent the morning getting organized for the week the week to come.

I had a great weekend! I actually sat down and did things that I have been putting off. Like finally finishing my kitchen curtains. I had never hemmed them! It drove me CRAZY! Checked off the to do list.

I made a KICK ASS art project for the office. I'll update with pics of that once the office doesn't look like a tsunami hit it. I'm really excited how they turned out!!! Super modern and they add texture to the room. I LOVES IT!

I got bangs! Like for reals bangs. I've been wanting them for a small eternity and just could not get the time to have them cut. I ran out after Eric was home from work and popped in a local hair salon. I feel bad like I was cheating on my hair stylist, but I can never make an appointment. I'm always too busy. I had an insane experience at the new salon. I had been there once before. It's a nice salon and they accept walk-ins, a plus for me. Long story short, this little Russian man cut my hair. He was kinda intense. I felt as though I was in an SNL skit. His thick Russian accent asking me if I knew what I was getting into? Him questioning all these different aspects of my life. He was nice, just intense to say the least. He warned me of how drastic I was going. I informed him I was a professional hair hopper. So, nothing scares me. I have been every color, cut and hair style. Bangs...pffftttt...not a big deal. But actually, I was AMAZED and TOTALLY WRONG with how he did them. The way he cut them OMG. I LOVE THEM and totally stand corrected. I got told I looked hot by a guy waiting to get his hair done. Always a nice boost to a mom's self esteem ; ) It was funny, it totally transformed my look. Updated and modernized my mom hair! I personally loved the responses when I came home. Cedric told me he did not like it. My hair was broken and looked confused at me. The joys of a toddler. Spen said, he too did not like it. He HATES for me to change my hair. But my husband...he had the best response. He was down stairs working on the theater room, and was totally caught up in his work. I yelled for him and he rounded the corner, looked at me and his jaw actually dropped. The jaw dropping soon followed with a huge smile and a OMG wow you look hot. Heheheheheee...it's nice to see I can still swoon and surprise my hubby : ) It's funny, I ran into my friend at the store and she didn't recognize me. Ha! I think the little Russian man put a spell on me...but that's fine...I like it : )

Ok, off to take the boys out somewhere to have fun! Wishing everyone a great week!!!

Mini Trip to Indy...

2012-07-06T11:27:00.002-05:00

We just got home. I have yet to unpack, clean the car out or start laundry. I figured all that fun stuff can wait. My husband and I decided Friday night to take a mini trip with the kids. I swear I have a gypsy spirit and I need to travel, see new sites and have fresh experiences every few months or I get restless. It's something my mind and spirit crave. I know it's silly, but it renews me and gives me energy for the everyday mumbo jumbo. Kinda like a re-boot button for the soul.

We decided on Indianapolis because it was close, they have an AWESOME children's museum (which I had never visited) and the hotel had a pool. Need I say more with this heat wave? Indoor air-conditioned fun? YES PLEASE! We decided not to tell the kids where we were going. I had packed our things without them seeing and we played it off as a simple family outing. Once in Indy my oldest honestly thought we were going to a hotel to swim. Just swim and then come home the next day. He was super excited when he learned we had actually planned to make two days of it. The second day including a visit to the museum. I was blown away with the Museum BTW. They has so many exhibits for the boys! The hubs included ; ) We loved it so much we actually ended up buying a membership. We plan on going back there many more times. The kids had so much fun and I did too. All in all a fabulous family outing : )

Below are some cell phone pics I snapped of the trip : )

***Edited*** Fast forward...I forgot to post this blog entry. This was last weekend. When you do social media for a living the excitement of updating kinda loses it's sparkle.

Currently...I'm excited it is the weekend (again). I have a client coming over for her photos. I have a movie ready to be watched and a house that is pretty much cleaned : )

Eric has been hard at work on the basement theater room. This is not a very good pic, but it's a sneak peek : )

Ok...off to get ready for my client. Wishing everyone a great weekend!