My Crazy Busy Life

Motherhood Monday: New Definition of Air Guitar

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:41:00 +0000

Now that Cheeks is old enough to sit in the bathtub & play unsupervised (for small amounts of time), I often do a few chores while she plays with her toys and waits for me to wash her hair.

Several months ago, I ran her water and even added bubbles. When I walked past her bathroom this is the conversation that transpired.

Me: J, stop playing with your buttons

(buttons are nipples, by the way)

J: I'm just playing guitar on them

Me: Did your Daddy teach you that?

J: No, I just figured it out myself.

And she continued to play guitar

I couldn't make this up people. Guitar? Really? Oy.

Swap Time

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:43:00 +0000

It's that time again... Mamarazzi is hosting another one of her fabulous FAVORITE THINGS SWAPS & I joined.

So keep your eyes peeled for a post in the near future about what goodies I receive.

Football Cupcakes: I love baking

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:23:00 +0000

In preparation for a Superbowl party we would be attending, I searched Pinterest for ideas (DUH!)

my inspiration

Source: the-baker-chick.com via Natalie on Pinterest

my creation

They were so simple, but adorable. I baked chocolate cupcakes then used a star tip to pipe chocolate icing in an football shape for the top. The "laces" were placed using a round tip and white butter cream icing.

They were certainly a hit. I brought 2 dozen, but left with 0.

And because I was inspired by Pinterest, I'm linking up with Julie from Dutch Being Me for her 52 weeks of Pinterest Challenge

Love Fest: Book Nerd

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:13:00 +0000

From the time I can remember (and from what I've been told, even before then) I have always loved a good book. I would crawl into my parent's lap & beg them to read. And when they did? I would follow up with asking for just "one more book."

I love everything about books.. the feeling, the sound of turning pages, the weight, the smell. One of my favorite ways to spend the day is browsing aimlessly in a book store or library. It's heaven.

With that said.. The Love Item of the day are my favorite books.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Easily my favorite book ever. It's the only novel I've ever read more than once.

I actually lobbied to name my daughter Scout...

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

image from Wikipedia

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Introduced to me by my Mom, I can't wait

until Cheeks is old enough to share this with.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

image via Wikipedia

The unforgettable story about the ability of a book to feed the soul.

my review

The Help by Katheryn Stockett

the story of the South before my time, but one that I knew pretty well

my review

The Scarlet Letter by Nathanial Hawthorne

Read during my junior year of high school. I empathized with Hester

because some days I felt as if my ever growing pregnant teenage

belly was my own big red A.

My love affair with Mr. King began in 6th grade with IT & has continued to this day. I prefer his classic works to the ones around the time of Dolores Claiborne. I stopped reading for awhile, but his new stuff? Reminds me of classic King.... and I like it.
(and yes, I was the dork in middle school that lugged around 5 lb 1200 page books in their back pack)

The Dark Half by Stephen King:

"The Sparrows are coming." We all have good & evil within us, but which side is going to win?

The Stand by Stephen King

Post-apocalyptic society killed off by the Super-Flu.. It took me longer to read this book

than any other Kin novel, mostly because I received it as a Christmas gift. When I started it

, I was sick with flu-like symptoms and it freaked me out. I waited til I was well before finishing it.

IT by Stephen King

Still covering his classic good vs. evil motif, this one played into our childhood nightmares.

Who doesn't hate an evil clown and various other childhood fears.. And although I was near

14 when I read it, I started sleeping with the hall way light on and my door open.

"Try to keep smiling. Get a little rock and roll on the radio, and go toward all the life there is with all the belief you can find and all the truth you can muster. Be true. Be brave. Stand. All the rest is darkness."

Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

I was in high school when these books came out & I was positive I couldn't enjoy some silly wizard book written for kids. So I ignored them. Then, the movies came and I fell in love. I waited until the last novel was released before I started reading. In true Natalie fashion, I devoured them. I laughed, I cried.. These characters were so well-written, I felt as if I knew them. They became my friends and I watched them grow up before my very eyes.

Charlotte's Web by EB White

I enjoyed this sweet story about friendship on many levels.. when my mom

read to me, when I read it alone & then later as I read it to my own children.

Charlotte was even on the short list of baby names for a girl.

"She was in a class by herself. It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both. "

Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Seuss

The most-requested book from my childhood. My grandfather often recounts how he would have to read it to me at least 30 times a day. The constant repetition lead to memorization and probably why this was the first book I remember sitting and reading by myself.
As a mother & reader, it killed me to watch my first born struggle with learning his words. So when Andrew was finally able to master it & his reading light-bulb went on, there were tears in my eyes. It meant that much more because his first book to read to me? Was this one.
Also? That first copy that was read and re-read so many times? Now has a special spot on my bookcase.

This post could probably continue for days.. There are so many books that I love... even if I read it only once or many years ago. If I fall in love with a book, there is an emotional connection to the characters. I truly fall in love with the people on those pages.

And just to ensure the next generation also loves books as much as I do, I encourage each of my kids to become readers.

Motherhood Monday: Week Two

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

In case you missed week one, where I discussed the importance of a well fitting sports bra with my oldest son, read THIS POST..

On to week two:

We are yogurt people in this house. It's great for breakfast, lunch, snack & sometimes dessert. I often buy the tube version and freeze it to put in Jolie's lunch at school.

I typically place the yogurt in the freezer the night before so it's ready to go the next morning while I'm packing her lunchbox. One morning I was running late and had forgotten the night before so I sat it on top of the ice inside the freezer. I figured it would get colder faster that way and because I was pressed for time, it was a win-win situation.

Little did I know that I was being watched by a young person. A person who assumed that the ice bin was the place to set yogurt tubes in our freezer.

Do you see where this is going?

While making an ice water, I noticed the ice not coming out of the door as well as it should. I thought it was odd and commented to Joe later about what was going on, but he either didn't believe me or didn't want to deal with it because he ignored the problem. A few days later, Nathan bounces into the kitchen, opening the freezer door & says

Oh, Man! The ice bin ate my yogurt thing AGAIN.

Yes..again. It seems my child had started placing his Go-Gurt tubes in the ice bin after seeing me that one morning and couldn't understand where they were going after waiting all day to return to eat one.

We removed the full bin of ice and emptied it into the sink. I snapped a picture just to document exactly what the cause of the problem was.

the inside of my ice bin

In case you can't tell from my ~~crappy~~ beautiful iPhone pic, it's the plastic tube stuck in the exit for the ice. It was no only stuck, but the yogurt itself had been squeezed out and the plastic was being shredded.

Where was the yogurt going, you ask? Good question!

Remember that glass of ice water I was making myself? Yep. It was a 32 oz. Big Gulp size of cup and when I got to the bottom half of it, I noticed a funny flavor. Not to be deterred from drinking my water I ignored it until I got to the bottom when I saw a large hunk of SOMETHING pink floating. I poured it out & got a closer look. Yep. It was pink, frozen strawberry yogurt.

Because of all this, we now have the rule in my house that NOTHING goes in the ice bin except for ice.

Have you had any absurd, off-the-wall mommy talks this week? If so, I'd love to hear them.

Love Fest: My Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:12:00 +0000

My wedding day was one of the favorite days of my entire life.. rivaled only with the birth of my children. Looking back, there are things that I would change or do differently but only a select few. It was not only a celebration of our love, but really reflected who we are.

I stressed over every detail, but at the end of the day? The only thing that mattered was that I became his wife.

my little man was NOT happy

my little Mommy's Boy

one of the moments I remember most was shared with my grandfather before the doors opened. With tears in his eyes, he told me how proud he was of me & how much he loved me.

my shoes.. Yes, I went for comfort over style.

Our guests held sparklers as we left the ceremony.

Grooms Cake: Choc Cake, Choc Icing & choc covered strawberries.

3 tiered wedding cake: yellow cake with pineapple filling & white cake w/ strawberry filling

The pictures on my cake table were of each of our grandparents on their wedding day.
Joe's grandfather played a huge roll in his life and passed away when he was only in high school.
It was my way of remembering such an important part of why the man I loved became who he is.

the centerpieces: I made these myself. The vases are metal coffee tins covered in contact paper

our wedding party

the bridal party serenading us with Happy Birthday

my mini-me dancing to "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison

Our first dance

dancing with my Daddy

dancing with my grandfather

They lasted through the cake cutting, the dances, the food & just couldn't last any more.

Details

October 23 2004

Ceremony at First Baptist Church Memphis, TN

Reception at The Palm Court

Photography by Shane Carr Photography

Dances

First Dance to "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison & "Crash into Me" DMB

Grandfather/Daughter to "Beautiful in my Eyes" by Joshua Kadison

Daddy/Daughter to "These are the Days" by Van Morrison

Little Touches

I placed personalized notes with poems and handkerchiefs at each of my family's seats on the pews.

I made every centerpiece for the reception and each of the bouquets for the bridesmaids

Our Guest Book was actually a scrapbook filled with black & white pictures of each of us from childhood

all the way through our engagement. Each page is filled with words of advice and well wishes from our family & friends.

Wedding favors were cd's filled with songs that were meant something to us

Wedding programs included a lyric from a favorite DMB song

Celebrate we will

Because life is short but sweet for certain

After the Fact

The reception was over at midnight, but the party didn't end. We walked across the street to a local, hole in the wall bar. I was still in my wedding dress, but had lost my shoes somewhere along the way. I had no id, no purse. And half the bar bought me shots and drinks.

For more of the story read: My Last Walk of Shame

Best advice I received and have passed on to many new brides-to-be: Don't stress about the wedding. It's only one day. The focus should be the marriage and life you're planning.

Pick what's important to you and focus your budget around those things. For me? I wanted a great photographer, dress and venue. Everything else was immaterial because I knew I couldn't keep them. I was willing to cut back on the flowers & cake if it meant I could have the dress I wanted.

And because my little Love Fest goes along with another linky.. I'm joining the Fabulous Valentine's Challenge.

Love Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:05:00 +0000

I had the bright idea to write a post a day about everything I love during the month of February. There are only 29 days (this is leap year, yo).. Certainly I can come up with that many things that I have deep feelings for.

And the first item on the list isn't a thing.. it's a person.   I've had a relationship with this person longer than anyone else.

C'est MOI.

I'm a firm believe that if you don't truly love yourself, you aren't capable of loving anyone else either.   IF that means embracing your curves, taking the time to work out daily or scheduling a spa day-- then do it. You deserve it.

So when a friend ( who is an AMAZEBALLS photographer) offered a mini-Boudoir session, I said yes. It's something that I've wanted to do for awhile but always found a reason not to: I wanted to be tan, I needed to lose the last 10 lbs.. you know the typical excuses. Not this time. I figured if I DO lose the weight I could plan another photo shoot and consider these my BEFORE pics.

I loaded up my bag of favorite lingerie, jewelry and outfits I wanted to wear. Spent an hour drying and straightening my hair & went to the photog's house and got my make-up done.

Warning: the following pictures are from a boudoir photo session; there is no nudity, just lots of cleavage. Any nudity has been blurred for your own protection.

All pictures are property of

Crystal Chick Photography.

If you're in Memphis.. I HIGHLY recommend

using her for your portrait needs & wants.

If you know my hubs & are reading this? SHHHH!!

It's a surprise for his Valentine's Day.

Shopaholics Unite

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

If you love shopping as much as I do, then you will fall in absolute love with this site.

Have you heard of ZULILY?

It's a site that offers a mish-mash selection of everything you could possibly want. There are deals for mom's, shoes, housewares, babies and kids.
Past deals include Steve Madden, Momagenda, Nine West , Evenflo.. plus MANY more.

There are always so many great deals. If you are interested in signing up & browsing, SIGN UP HERE or leave me your email & I can send an invitation just for you.

Motherhood Monday: Week One

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

While tweeting last week about the shenanigans that is my life, two of my favorite people inspired me to use it for a new blog meme.

Which is where we are now. Being a mom to three of the funniest little people, I am privy to some hilarious conversations. Not to be stingy I plan on using them in a weekly post about the random things I explain to my kids.

Life Lesson:

I was sitting in the living room while my son (the oldest one) was watching tv. An infomercial came for a new fancy bra claiming to perform magic. The snort I gave only perked his interest.

image via

And I found myself explaining the reasoning behind girls needing to wear a sports bra.

And how they worked.

Oy.

I said things like, "bind them like an Ace bandage." And "push in while shoving up."
The best part came when discussing the disadvantages of not only being short, but also endowed. I complained about how, "you need bigger cups to prevent the jiggling and bouncing, but they assume you're tall-ish and give you long non-adjustable straps. So you're pushed in, but not held up. It kinda defeats the purpose."

He took it all in stride and responded with, "well.. that just sucks."

Have you found yourself giving any absurd explanations lately?

Pin It Friday: Newest Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:53:00 +0000

Pinterest=Crack. I log in to find a quick recipe or search for an outfit inspiration & BOOM! I've lost hours of my time. It's the best time suck ever. With Facebook, you can only ~~stalk~~ connect with so many people. But with Pinterest? It is so much more.

5 Minutes for Mom has a new Friday link-up I'm joining to show off a few of my favorite new pins.

pretty much my uniform

Source: polyvore.com via Natalie on Pinterest

I laughed. I admit it.

Source: piccsy.com via Lyndsay on Pinterest

What we're having for dinner tonight

Source: thewaytoaheart.tumblr.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Now I want to take a generation picture like this.

Source: google.com via Natalie on Pinterest

I NEED this dress. Like now.

Source: sassyandalwaysclassy.tumblr.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Have you joined the Pinterest craze?

You REALLY get me..

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:36:00 +0000

Fact: I love FRIENDS. It is possibly the best show ever.
Fact: I love HIMYM. I watched all 6 seasons within a 3 week time span. I couldn't get enough.

It was not lost on me that there are several similarities between the two. Apparently, I'm not the only one. And the fact that I received a copy of this picture via email/facebook/twitter/pinterest mulitiple times this week, means that YOU get me.. you really get me.

I love that.

VIA

Wordless Wednesday: the birthday boy

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:43:00 +0000

How did my sweet baby boy who use to crawl in my bed for snuggles become a 15 year old teenager?

Boob Tube Babble Rant

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:51:00 +0000

Happy Friday everybody!!! It's the end of the week and I'm linking up with Neely and Ashley for Boob Tube Babble.

Yes, I'm excited that One Tree Hill is back.

Yes, I think Grey's & Private Practice are kick ass this season.

This isn't really about what I have been watching, but rather what I haven't.. I want to step up
on my soap box (no pun intended) and rant about recent choices of the powers that be from ABC.

They chose to cancel two of the longest running shows EVER (each were on the air for over 40 years) only to replace them with more reality talk shows. Really? Because our tv programming doesn't have enough reality tv on them.

Here's a thought ABC.. If I wanted to watch a weight loss motivational show, I would tune into The Biggest Loser and not The Revolution.   If wanted to be inspired about what to cook or craft, I would either a. watch Rachael Ray or b. Log into the many blogs I follow or Pinterest.
I WILL NOT BE WATCHING YOUR DAYTIME PROGRAMMING.

Not only did ABC copy the theme of shows already in production on other channels, they have decided to make their daytime hours all reality tv.
Starting at 6am with Good Morning America continuing through The Doctors at 3pm. The only reprieve from reality television is 30 minutes of news and the last remaining Soap- General Hospital.

What is wrong with this picture?

I know it's your typical stereotype of a stay-at-home-mom to sit on the couch watching their "stories" all day. I started watching the ABC shows before I ever started school when I would spend summers with my mom. It continued through school when I would catch up on the story lines when I was out of school.   There are months that I might have only watched a day or two and then other times I would make sure to be home so I wouldn't miss them.

But I knew they would always be there. Until some television exec decided it would be better ratings and cheaper.

As a fan of drama tv, I will NOT be watching the new shows. Ever.

Football Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:32:00 +0000

With another football filled weekend ahead and the Superbowl not so far away:: Here's a photo recap of our first season of high school football.

waiting on the sidelines

After the win against the local rival

line of scrimmage

getting under the ball

making the catch

going for a tackle

Good Sportsmanship

my favorite cheerleader

The Freshman team Tight-End

After our season, there was an awards banquet. Each player walked across the stage and received recognition for their part on the team. For the seniors, there was a video of pictures spanning from childhood to senior year put to the Kenny Chesney song, "Boys of Fall." I can't even imagine what kind of crying mess I"m going to be when it's my son finishing his last year of high school. The booster club also provided each senior with a BHS football and their game jersey. I loved the looks on their faces as they shook their coach's hand.

People? How is he THAT much taller than me?

my boy & his letter. All we need now is the Letterman jacket.

The Numbers Game

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:23:00 +0000

Most of start blogging as a way to keep in touch with family or as a creative outlet. I haven't met a blogger yet who intended it as a way to get Internet-famous. But then the comments start happening. And we all know how addictive those are.

So I started branching out, joining link ups & commenting everywhere. And then I sat, waiting & hoping that others would stop by.

While I waited, I made some great friends. I joined twitter and made even more.

And something I noticed? There is no rhyme or reason to this numbers game. There isn't a magic formula to follow in order to guarantee blogging success.

I read blogs that are considered fairly good-sized and often wonder WHY? What do they do that I don't?
I've seen advice that says, "great content brings readers." But sometimes? That's not true. It feels like one big popularity contest. There are many posts scattered around the bigger blogs of nothing but fluff, but yet they still manage to receive 50+ comments.   I admit I'm jealous.. who wouldn't want a bajillion followers and comments galore. But really? I'm just confused.

I wrote this for Shell at Things I Can't Say

& her POUR YOUR HEART OUT

Financially Fit: How to Make

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:43:00 +0000

When Lindsey first posted about possibly making her own laundry detergent, I mentioned that I made my own & let me know if she had any questions.

Which is where I am today... I'm talking about easy & cheap it is to make your own laundry detergent over at Lindsey from Running down a Dream.

Going back for more

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:09:00 +0000

Last year, I went to my very first blog conference. I met up with people I had only known through my computer. For the first time, I didn't find myself explaining what is a blog and where is a twitter. I didn't have to because these people were like me and already understood.

It was amazing.

So much so, I decided to go back for a second year

This year, I'm not a newbie. I'm not walking in blind and I know what to expect. Kinda. I'm sure the fabulous women who created the event have something new up their sleeve. But I'm also sure it's going to be fun.

And in true Natalie fashion, I've already started the list making and preparation of what to do/pack/buy for the trip. If you've never been, here's a short list of things to think about

Clothes

Layers: be prepared for chilly conference rooms
Shoes: Comfy is key. There's nothing worse than blisters caused by alot of walking
Kick Off Party: if you're gonna dress up, this is the night. Jeans are also ok. Whatever works.
PJs: The last night is Girls Night In. Wear some cute pajamas

Tech Prep
Taking Notes: laptops, ipads or pen & paper. Bring something to document your week

Blog: have several posts scheduled for while your gone & even through your return. It takes awhile to

process after the conference. Plus? You're TIRED from all the fun & need sleep.

Business Cards: I bought a ton of cards last year & have plenty, but I still WANT new ones.

**Zazzle & Vistaprint both have cute cards & very affordable

The Gift Exchange.... or not

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:56:00 +0000

According to hubs, I'm difficult to shop for. His complaint is that I just buy everything for myself and that my list of ~~demands~~ wants is full of overly expensive items. (Why WOULDN'T I ask for a new car or shiny jewelry? hmm?)

Imagine my surprise when I opened my Christmas gift this year and found this.

please ignore the lack of make-up, glasses.. it was xmas morning

Apparently, when left to his own devices (and the help of one little blonde girl) hubs buys me designer handbags. It seems he borrowed my side-kick for a little shopping. They headed to the mall where upon entering the Coach store said, "Let's find something & get out of here in 20 minutes."

Not to balk at the challenge, Cheeks tried on and modelled every.single.bag in the store. And yes, I'm positive she had thoughts of her very own designer bag dancing through her head. She is my child, after all.

Here is the bag they settled on in all of her beauty..

Chelsea Jayden Carryall

Here is my dilemma. Do I keep her? She's beautiful and to quote Cheeks "There is LOTS of room and areas for your junk." I love it BUT for the price? I really like the leather ones. I feel like you're getting more quality for the money.

via Coach: The Chelsea Jayden Carryall in black leather

OR

Chelsea Leather Stripe Charlie via COACH

The third option is to return it and take my money to the outlet where I'll possibly get a great deal.

Thoughts?? Opinions???

ps.. my cousin suggested keeping the bag

and just buying a second one at the outlet..

Why we're Tebow fans

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:54:00 +0000

Even if you aren't a sports fan or live with boys that are obsessed with football, I'm sure you've heard of Tim Tebow.

He's a former SEC goldenboy turned NFL quarterback. And while he's winning games, that's not why I'm a fan. I honestly couldn't care less what the numbers say on the scoreboard. Plus? ESPN has turned into the Tebow-talk network.

I'm not even sure if his talent merits this much hype. I feel like he's still very young and needs a few years to mature and grow as an athlete before the media knows what he's capable of.

What I do like? He's not ashamed of his morals and religion.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is
the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s
handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

He prays to God for his successes.

Tebow-ing

After the Broncos' win over the Stealers last night, Tebow is quoted at the press report “First and foremost I just want to thank my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He’s done so much in my life. And I also want to thank my teammates for the effort that they put out there and just showing so much character—whether it’s good; whether it’s bad—all year, and then our coaches, who every game, whether I’m doing good or bad, stick with me, and I’m very appreciative of that.”

That's one of the things I like about the guy. He's humble. He isn't boasting about how he carried the team; or how the critics can shove off because they were wrong about him. He gave credit where it was due & admits that he's only a player on a team. It isn't about just him.

I like that. I also like the fact that we haven't seen him in negative headlines. There are no arrests, DUI's, alleged rapes, gang violence, dog fighting, drugs or beating women.

Speaking of women? This guy loves his Momma. He's the youngest of 5 children who has nothing but high praises to say of his childhood and parents.

From the SuperBowl ad last year, where she talks about the choice to have Tim

He's a clean-cut, good guy.. which for a mom of boys that love their sports this is a BIG deal. Whether or not they want to admit it, these athletes are role models. And if my kids are going to look up to someone, Tebow is the type of man I don't mind supporting.

Christmas Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:19:00 +0000

The holidays are officially over at my house. The decorations (EVEN THE TREE) have been taken down and packed back in their boxes.

The holidays were packed with fun this year. We watched TONS of the classic movies, made cookies, hosted parties & even attended a few. It was certainly a season full of fun and memories.

Here are a few pictures from our Christmas Weekend shenanigans.

My 3 Monkeys

yes.. Cheeks IS browsing an AG catalog on xmas eve & telling our Elf what she wants

A Xmas Eve Tradition:: new pj's from Mom

Another tradition:: reading the Twas the Night Before Xmas

this year? Cheeks read it to her brothers. I melted on the spot.

Cookies for Santa

Christmas Morning

He finally got a new cell phone.. he was more than excited.

her favorite gift: a jeep for her AG dolls

now her dolls have a pet

new shoes

the box that was impossible to hide & sat in my room for a month

Look, Mom! New skis that match the boat!

Now we only have to wait 6 months before he can use them

the men bleed BLUE in this house

And Santa didn't forget about me... Look what I got!

First world problem:: do I keep it or exhange for a leather one??

Hope everyone else had a very Merry Christmas.. And haven't over-dosed on egg nog.

A Celebration of You

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:02:00 +0000

Today is the day we celebrate YOU.

It is a day filled with balloons, presents, cake and ice cream; a day for making wishes as well as memories.

Today is the anniversary of the day I earned the title Mom. It is the day I was blessed with you.

As I sit here staring at a near blank screen trying to think of the right words to write for your annual birthday letter, I'm at a loss. There are so many stories and pieces of advice I want to share. All of which, I feel like should use the perfect words so you know just how much I love you.

It's as if I feel like saying these things would allow me to freeze time because you are growing up way too fast. But I'm learning, there is nothing I can do to stop or slow down this process. I do feel extremely blessed to be sitting on the sidelines watching and participating.

You are one of the most amazing people I have in my life: so kind, funny & smart. I only hope as you continue to grow into the amazing man you're destined to be, you remember that I'm always there for advice or simply to listen.

First Birthday

October 2011:: Sears Tower

Tales of Birthdays Past

Birthday 12
Birthday 13
Birthday 14

I'll love you forever

I'll like you for always

as long as I'm living,

my baby you'll be

Shiny & New

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:20:00 +0000

Source: sarahearn.blogspot.com via Martha on Pinterest

I've never been one for New Year's Resolutions. The seemed like empty promises that I would never keep. This year though? I have a feeling 2012 is going to be different.

I want to....

document my life in more pictures:: I MUST start scrapbooking again

start a supper club

read 25 books this year

stop worrying about being skinny & concentrate on being healthy

run an organized house for longer than 5 minutes

pay off my store credit cards

decide on a use for the spare room: office/play/craft or guest room

meet more blog friends in real life

have regular date nights with the hubs

start having mommy/kid days with each of the kids separately

decide & start a successful blog linky

Now excuse me while I finish packing up Christmas decor and bake a cake.. it seems my first born insists on having a birthday tomorrow even though I wish he would stop growing so fast.

A Year in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:49:00 +0000

To wrap up this wonderful year of blogging, I'm linking up with Mama Kat's Writers Workshop & Natalie from Mommy of a Monster

Consider this the Best Of or a Who's Who of my blogging posts..

January

I shared my very first birth story in THE DAY MY LIFE CHANGED FOREVER

17 year old me.. 2 week old him..

I realized my oldest child was truly a teenage boy in HE'S DEFINITELY A GUY

Shared a recurring dream in PREMONITIONS

Went to my very first blog conference BLISSDOM RECAP

FEBRUARY

Airports are a bittersweet place SWEETHOME CHICAGO

Have a proud Mom moment in FINDING YOUR WORDS

MARCH

Cleaning to music led to a walk down memory lane in FAST CAR

Source: ffffound.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Why I Love FEET PICTURES

Spring River, AR

Reveal that I'm not always sweet.. in fact I'm kind of a smart ass BAKING A CAKE

APRIL

Birthdays, Princesses, Frogs & Cancer THE BEST BIRTHDAY CARD EVER

MAY

I was a Senior Hottie TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN

Showed a little of my craftiness SUMMER TO DO LIST

JUNE

Couldn't find my words as my friend turned 30 WHAT I WANTED TO SAY

Yeah, I craved Spagettios.. So what?

PREGNANCY & HORMONES GO TOGETHER LIKE PEAS & CARROTS

My Small Moment Monday BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

JULY

A lesson for my children WHEN TO WALK AWAY

AUGUST

Let's Do the Timewarp Again EPIC MOM FAIL WITH A POSITIVE SPIN

I'm not a lush.. I just to like to make yummy drinks I'M GONNA NEED TO SEE YOUR ID

Preschool to High Shool in a blink of an eye TIME CERTAINLY FLIES

how is he in high school?

She finally got what she wanted PATIENTLY WAITING HER TURN

going to Kindergarten with an apple for her teacher

The middle is the best part.. just ask the Oreo THE MIDDLE

no autographs please.

SEPTEMBER

It took a family tragedy to remind how BLESSED I really am.

Source: google.com via Holly on Pinterest

OCTOBER

Threw a doll themed party AN AMERICAN GIRL PARTY

God knows what we need even if we don't IT REALLY IS SWEETEST DAY

Admitted to being a tart & walking my LAST WALK OF SHAME

Wrote the man I married a birthday letter DOLLS IN THE ATTIC

NOVEMBER

Playing rationalizion and what if is a dangerous game WHERE I AM

Source: yesandyes.org via Casey on Pinterest

DECEMBER

Became obsessed with a tv show & talked about it HOW I JUMPED ON THE BANDWAGON

Source: badideatshirts.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Life changing events can happen in a car THE STORY OF A QUESTION

A Madagascar Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:51:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I noticed a tweet from Meghan at the Tuckers take Tennessee talking about a giveaway she was hosting for ICE at the Opryland Hotel. Opryland doesn't do anything small and this even is no different.

From their website:

Gaylord Opryland's popular ICE! event is returning this year with

an all-new theme! Our ICE! artisans will be bringing DreamWorks

Animation's Merry Madagascar to Nashville in the form of 2

million pounds of larger9-than-life colorful ice sculptures and incredible

20-foot-tall ice slides! Relive the story of how Alex the Lion and

his friends saved Christmas after Santa and his reindeer crash onto

the island of Madagascar. ICE! is hand carved by 40 artisans

from Harbin China who will be arriving in Nashville early fall.

They are very excited to be working with our new Merry

Madagascar theme, and so are we! ICE!—which is sponsored by

Delta Dental—will be bigger than ever in the new 40,000-square-foot

Gaylord Opryland Events Center. There's even an exciting new

pre-show experience where you can get a behind-the-scenes

look at how ICE! is created.

I've looked at every one's pictures for YEARS and always wanted to go, but for whatever reason it never worked out. When I saw the giveaway, I jumped at the chance to enter. I was beyond excited when Meghan emailed me that I WON!

I loaded up the hubs, kids & packed our bags for Nashville. I had to explain to the boys at least 8 times that we were not going to anything Disney on Ice related. Once they got over that concept, they were equally thrilled about putting on some blue parkas for awhile.

at the entrance

me & my Diva

Cheeks kept commenting how warm she felt in the HUGE coat

in front of the penguins

the whole fam

my first baby boy

another group shot.. in front of the tree

my mini-me

in front of the Angel

yours truly going down the ice slide at the end

Thank you so much for Opryland & Meghan for hosting such a fabulous giveaway. We had a blast... my kids are STILL raving how awesome it was.

The story of a question

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:05:00 +0000

It was late December 2003 and a typical Saturday afternoon.   There were either cartoons or football games on the tv so after an afternoon of gift wrapping, I decided to nap on the couch near my boyfriend. He had other plans so eventually had to wake up me so he could retrieve his arm from underneath me so he could leave and run his errands.
In case you don't know, I'm not a happy camper if I get disturbed during a nap. At all. I turn into a complete meltdown drama queen.
So after being woke up only to find out that he was leaving for the day, I was pouting and called off our plans for that night of meeting friends at the Casinos. I was just going to sit at home and throw a pity party for myself. In an attempt to get me out of my funk, he bribed with me dinner at my favorite local Italian restaurant.   Who am I to say no to homemade ravioli? He left my house to run whatever mystery errands with promises to be back at 6 to pick me up.

Dinner was great. I ran into a girl I knew from college. After playing catch up on the current happenings of our lives, we left to meet our friends at the favorite bar/restaurant.

One of the defining moments of my life happened while sitting in the parking lot OF MY CAR.

I was unbuckling the seat belt and gathering my purse when Joe handed me a photo album. It was nothing fancy.. just a regular, 4x6 photo album. I opened it to find pictures from every major event in our relationship. On the back of each, there was a short note describing his thoughts from that day.

The story covered the place we met, our first date, our first family date with the boys, going downtown for our birthdays, celebrating our birthdays together the first time. our first picnic lunch at the park, our favorite spot on campus.. and it ended with the jeweler building my ring. It read:

I never thought I would be nervous about this moment. I've never been

more sure of anything, but here I am and there are a thousand

butterflies in my stomach right now.

With tears in my eyes, I looked at him and he told me "We've had so many great memories together. I want you in all of them for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?" Of course I said YES!

He followed up the most romantic thing by saying, "It's really cold outside, but if you want me down on one knee I guess I will." Ha!

That night was 8 years ago.. we're still making some great memories.