{talk of the train's}

Bubbles

2012-01-31T07:29:00.001-05:00

Whether you are blowing a bubble with your chewing gum, whether they are soaring through the air in a sunny afternoon or whether its a bath tub full of them, one thing is for sure, my kid loves bubbles.

She has always loved bath time, but now with bubbles in the equation, it is just that much more fun. In fact, we had so much fun filling the tub with bubbles that I managed to drain the entire thing of it in a few days...looks like we will be picking up more bubble bath on our next Target trip!

Anyhoo, I just love the little Bitty and love watching her as she plays in her bubble baths. She has gotten so smart lately and is stringing together more words and trying to say sentences. Just yesterday she was making her debut and now she will bow her head to pray and repeat after you at the table. So much fun and if I could have 10 more just like her, I think I would!

Babies are so much fun and so true are the words of Psalm 127:3.

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him."

Mexican Cupcakes

2012-01-30T08:47:00.003-05:00

I am laughing SO hard right now.

I was pulling pictures to post on this blog and while they were uploading I was catching up on a few of my favorite reads. Let me brief you on our weekend and the real gist of this post and then I will tell you why I have the giggles...

This past weekend, we went out with a bunch of friends to celebrate Lauren and Eddie's little family as they prepare to welcome their second little boy. Like it was the most unplanned, non structured event one has ever been to. My brain has been out to lunch a lot lately and it seemed like the best I could do just to get it together.

Literally my thought was to get a bunch of friends together, go to dinner, and have people bring the expectant family diapers and wipes. After all, they have one little boy, so they have the bulk of what they need and the diapers and wipes would carry them for a bit and then they could fill in the rest, right?

So then I tried to think of a good place to have it. Well, they and we love Mexican, so that was obviously the route to go. I made the reservations, set up the Facebook event {fancy, I know} and then I realized that I was not friends with any of Lauren's friends. I think I made like ten new friends as I messaged them, explaining to them who I was and why some random chick was sending them a friend request to invite them to an event for their OTHER friend named Lauren!

Who knew you had to be friends with people to invite via Facebook!?

I think I had already made Lauren feel awkward enough about the whole party thing so I didn't want to tell her this up front that I had to go around randomly friending people and she is probably just finding this out now as she reads this post...Sorry Lauren! Hehehe!

Anyway, Friday night-the day before dinner, I decided that we needed at least something baby themed as we were all bringing gifts {well diapers and wipes} to celebrate their new little one. So off to the store I went to buy the fixings to make some of Grandma's famous cupcakes. I had considered balloons but then I remembered that boys were coming and the last thing I wanted to do was make it all girly. I ditched any thought of excessive decor and just stuck to the sugar.

I made the first batch of cupcakes and only had 18. Given the fact that just under 25 would be coming - and lots of kids who all like cupcakes, I decided we needed more and I whipped up a second batch. On this one I made some mini ones too giving me close to 50. They weren't anything fancy, but now we had Mexican food, friends, diapers and cupcakes. Sounded like a pretty good party to me.

Cupcake tree...sure, why not?!

Mexican and Cupcakes...most random thing ever.

I arrived early and set out the cupcakes. I have to admit, the whole cheese dip and cupcakes thing seemed a bit awkward but whatever. It was too late by then so we just rolled with it.

Thankfully Nanette and Michael arrived first. They were the only other people that I knew so when she got there I was excited as she could help me greet the rest of the guests. As people came in, they asked me where to sit...again, the whole unplanned, just rolling with it, not so much thought out plan was in full action. It seemed like people just filled in as they got there and once we finally got happily seated, we ordered and meals arrived and we all ate and were happy campers.

To my delight, everyone {including the adults} ate and loved the cupcakes! They werent the most beautiful things you have ever seen, but they sure did taste yummy! Once again I think I made Grandma proud!!

James does not look too thrilled either by having to share his Daddy or by me taking the photo.

Baby and her sugar packets.

Towards the end of the night, Anne Margaret and James were having a who can be more into things competition. Anne Margaret seemed to take the cake as she dumped sugar packets all over the table and the floor, but then James won when he tried to pour his sippy cup into the coke glass and when he couldnt reach he literally just threw it. It knocked the entire glass over into Lauren's lap....

...I told her that if her water breaks in public, the "dump your drink accidentally into your lap" is TOTALLY a card I would pull. Consider James just practicing for the next week or two!

With that and our kids getting more rowdy by the second, we helped them load their car and bid our farewells. A fun, low key, most-unorganized-second-baby-shower-sprinkle was enjoyed by all.

James & AM were so cute holding hands!

Now, why was I laughing at the beginning of this post you ask?

Well, because LITERALLY as I was typing this and adding pictures to it, I came across Meredith's blog post for the day. She wrote about her weekend and about how her sweet friends had thrown her a shower for her third child.

Her shower seemed relatively organized. It wasnt at a Mexican restaurant and I bet they had more than cheese dip and salsa. In fact, it was actually themed...more so than just slap some diapers and wipes in a bag and bring them to Lauren and Eddie...it was a "Monogram Shower." How cute is that?!

Anyway, so as I was thinking about my lack of planning this weekend and how poor, sweet Lauren at 38 weeks preggo had to bear the brunt of it, I was reading and giggling at how perfectly schemed Meredith's party seemed to be. Regardless, a great time was had by all and I do think that our friends will at least have enough diapers to get them through a few weeks.

.Lauren, for your third kid, I cross my heart that I will try to be more organized and maybe, just MAYBE, you will get a monogram shower then too....no promises though. And just for fun, we will have to keep the mexican included. In fact, I am pretty sure it will be a "Mexican, Monogram, Maracas, Margaritas and Cupcakes" themed party.

I may even make people wear sombreros...

Awkward Family Photo and a Birthday

2012-01-29T23:46:00.000-05:00

Before I get too into talking about my family's odd photo shoot the other day, lets wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my old man! His birthday was Saturday and I think he did lots of whatever 62 year olds are supposed to do on their birthday!

The week prior, Dad and company had come down to celebrate his birth fest. If you know my family, we just don't celebrate birthdays for the day. Its for the entire month. That said, it was totally normal for us to start dining and feasting in honor of Dad a week or so early. We will continue the celebration in a few weeks when we head to their house for a belated cake and ice cream.

Before dinner, we tried to snap a few photos. I dare not post too many of the outtakes for fear of being shunned from the family, but lets just say I had to do a bit of editing on this one and it was by far the best in the bunch.

Never mind the fact that the camera was sitting on top of a wet mailbox with a piece of folded newspaper wedged under the lens to get the angle relatively normal. I would mash the automatic shutter button, run around, squeeze in my spot and then when the light stopped flashing I would yell for everyone to smile.

The first one looked like a sorority shot gone bad. The second {as seen above} was a bit better. We also had a few solo shots. First, I would like to welcome Kristin, along with the 80's and her semi-side pony action that she has going on. The hip pop out and my child's butt cut make this picture clearly a winner.

Next we have Dad and baby. Cute of both of them, but what cracks me up most about this is the tree in the distance perfectly lined up behind Dad's head. It looks like he has some serious static electricity or major frizzies going on along the back and side of his head.

Lastly, I cant make fun of my family without showing you my worst official photo shoot ever. Like ever. It started off with Dad getting all up in my way. After that, apparently I didn't have my game face on. I forget what I was trying to get a good head shot of myself for, but clearly tonight was NOT my night.

First the lighting was not good.

So we switched sides. Then my arms got all chicken wing-ish and that just looked stupid. My head looks a bit too small for my body here too...Is that a sign I need to lose some weight?

Then we tried hair down, arms in front. Unfortunately when your hair is uber greasy like mine, its just not cute. As Kristin said, "Lauren, you should do this RIGHT after you get out of the shower next time." Riiiighht. Thanks, Sis.

So then I pulled my hair back again and did the most awkward neck pose I could ever do. It honestly looks like I have a goiter on the right side of my neck.

Then I got annoyed and just did a crazy face. Sadly, blurred and all, I thought this was the best shot of me.

My stomach was growling by now and clearly the light or the subject was not getting any better. We went for one more low pony look and after that was disastrous and made me look like I had a nasty rat tail, we headed for dinner.

I went for one more shot pre-dinner and aside from the random restaurant in the back, it turned out half normal.

I am not sure why I am showing you how hideous all of these are. Regardless, we went into dinner and I was feeling so sorry for my unphotogenic self, that I ordered one of everything on the menu.

Seriously though, I ordered a soup and veggie plate and then got a craving for a caesar salad so I added it on and when they brought everything at once there was no room left on the table! I ended up just eating the soup and salad and taking the rest home.

Post dinner, we ordered a big fat dessert to celebrate Dad's birthday. Unfortunately, Dad doesn't like this chocolaty goodness, so Mom, Kristin, CT3, Baby and I just shared it all.

Hi Ma & K!

A good night was had by all. Even Anne Margaret was perfect in the restaurant, and Moms of little ones, you know that is something to be proud of! We went home after dinner and little miss strawberry tried on all of her new gear that Gigi and G-Diddy brought her before they headed home late that night.

Happy Birthday G-Diddy! Here is to many more birthdays, many more desserts and many more awkward family photos!

Love you!

Is It Summertime Yet?

2012-01-26T00:22:00.004-05:00

This little strawberry wants to know if its summertime yet!?

{Photo above also submitted as my favorite photo for the month to The Paper Mama's photo challenge!}

Last weekend when Mom, Dad and Kristin came down to visit they made a quick pit stop at the outlets. They said they were shopping for Kristin, but yall know that they couldn't shop without picking up a few things for baby!

Anne Margaret racked up with a few 18-24 month old clothes that will be perfect for spring and summer and some new beach attire.

Mom and Dad love to take Baby swimming, so I think we will probably leave it at their house so that Mom can take her whenever we are in town. Mom works at a place that has a pool that she can use daily, so even in the winter months, AM can keep swimming!

They also bought Baby a pair of sunglasses - strawberry themed of course to match the rest! She wasn't too keen about wearing them around, but since last weekend she has grown quite fond of them. She prefers them on her head holding her little blonde in place and safe from flying in the wind.

After dinner and after she modeled the sunglasses, she then modeled the clothes. She also ran around naked, brought us lots of diapers from her room and stuffed them into Kristin's rain boots.

Once we finally caught up with her naked and squirmy self, we tried her new swimsuit on for size. If this isn't the cutest little thing you ever have seen!

Thanks for the new stuff yall! AM loves it and cant wait to go for her next swim with you Gigi!

Update and a Stella & Dot Sample Sale & Promo

2012-01-25T01:26:00.001-05:00

I hope yall had a great weekend. Despite the heaviness of the medical stuff going on all last week, I have remained focused and have actually rested better in the past few days than I have in a while! This week has and will be a doozie at work {catching up and working an extra day at an event} hence my silence here in blog land and hopefully next week I will have my act back together!

Until then, let me delight you with these goodies from my Stella & Dot samples and a fun Valentine's Day Promo I will be running!

First, for Valentine's Day. Go ahead and make a wish list for your man or just for fun, treat yourself! You deserve it....and actually, I have a bunch of guys who I actually help shop and its totally fun. The guy wins because he has picked it out and the girl wins because she gets a great gift! Now, for orders placed before Jan 31st and over $100 retail, the shipping is on me! You must email or call me to place your order so that I know you have seen this post or seen it on Facebook.

Next, I am selling some of my samples at a uber discounted rate to make room for more stuff in my line. Here's how it works. I will post an image of the item {as seen on my Stella and Dot website} and a brief description along with the current retail price and my sample sale price. At the bottom, I have posted pictures of my items on the necklines so you can see how snazzy they are!

I had my first Stella & Dot trunk show on November 29th and I have not even had these items for 2 months yet so they literally are like new. All will be shipped or delivered in their original boxes and if you are unhappy with the product, just talk to me and we can work something out.

Leave a comment if you see a piece you want and please leave your email address so I will have a way to contact you. I will also be posting these to my Facebook Page {shameless promo - click the link and please go LIKE the page!} within the next day or so - so don't delay if you want it as its a first come first serve deal!

I will email you a Pay Pal invoice and upon payment, item will be shipped. I am asking that everyone pay within 24 hours. Shipping is flat $4 if you are local I will deliver.

La Coco Chain - Gold

Retail: $41.40

Sample Sale Price: $30

Gold textured double layer chain necklace, antiqued gold plated finish, comes with extender that can be removed and worn as a bracelet {To create a layered look - order with the Gold Pearl Strand...sorry, not selling mine but you can order here!}

Soiree Pearl Pave Bracelet - Brown

Retail: $20.40

Sample Sale Price: $15

Stretchable, 2.5 inch diameter, glass pearls with a handset Czech crystal bauble.

Amanda Necklace

Retail: $53.40

Sample Sale Price: $42

This may be one of my favorites. I am kind of grumpy to be selling it but Stella & Dot has some amazing new jewels and I just cant have it all! That said this piece is fabulous because it comes with the ribbon and can be worn long or doubled with the ribbon {can you see the small pics on the side with the different ways to style it?!} Its uber cute!

Sofia Pearl Bib

Retail Price: $118

Sample Sale Price: $80

This is another one that I am obsessed with. Our website description reads "cascading champagne and ivory acrylic pearls create a dramatic bib." I agree....its stunning.

Adrienne Mixed Chain - in Gold

Retail: $128

Sample Sale Price: $80

Another necklace I adore but again I need space. This one is actually pretty cool as its antiqued chains are wrapped/braided together to create a lariat. It can be worn as many ways as you can think of and mixed chains are one of the current top fashion trends.

Here are the pictures of the necklaces at my house. Forgive me please, I took them with my Android phone. I know that's lame but its 1:21 AM and I didn't feel like breaking out my mommy cam.

{on top of the La Coco Chain, you can see the extender piece that comes with it and can be worn to lengthen the necklace or as a bracelet! Ribbon is currently tied on the Amanda Necklace to give the doubled look.}

Again, sorry for the poor resolution!

Anyway, comment or email with questions or if you want a piece! Make your wish lists and shop or tell you man to contact me for me to help him make this the best Valentine's Day yet!

P.S. Our Rebel Pendant is in February's Real Simple magazine! WOO HOO! I love being a stylist at such a fun company!

Faith

2012-01-20T08:33:00.003-05:00

{Mom, Dad & Kristin feel free to skip this post. It may make you cry but I needed to get it out there}

People have called me things such as unrealistic, impractical, nonsensical and even fake. Truth be told, I am none of those things. In fact, I believe I am quite the opposite and I think that I am very much a realistic, practical, sensical and sensible person as I look through life through my rosy and half full glasses.

Debbie downers and negative Nancy's bring me down and quite frankly I don't even like to hang around folks like that. They will argue that they are being "realistic" and that I am the one with my head in the clouds and whilst they may be presenting factual statements, their statements border on the worst case scenario and unfortunates, while I tend to hedge on the best case and the lets defy the odds side of things. Their "realism" if that's what you like to call it, brings me down and I think I eventually and probably unknowingly tune out folks like this.

When something bad happens and I look for the positive. I am the eternal optimist and in the darkest of darks, I can find the lightest of lights. I also am a firm believer in Proverbs 18:21 which says that, "the power of life and death is in the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit."

I believe that you can CHOOSE to speak LIFE or you can CHOOSE to speak DEATH.

I believe that you can choose to be negative or you can choose to be positive.

I remember when I was growing up and competing in spring board diving. Mom used to tell me as I went to sleep to visualize myself. To see my self taking my approach - doing my hurdle - reaching on the take off - tucking as I rotated - and kicking out and looking for the water - and a clean entry. Mom used to tell me to visualize myself making great saves in soccer {I played goalkeeper}. To imagine myself making that diving save in the net and winning the game.

Why did Mom tell me this?? Did Mom believe that I would nail every dive or be the hero every game? Nah, probably not, but I think that Mom did believe that I could affect my outlook thus affecting my outcome...and whether or not Mom knows this, I think she did it cause she too believes that the power of life and death is in the tongue.

Lots of times, if I believed that I could do the dive or make the save and if I told myself I could, then guess what, I did it. The times I either was apathetic or down about it were the times that I busted. My thoughts and my positivity gave me the confidence to accomplish the task that was set before me.

------------------------------------------------------------------

In the past two weeks alone I have heard of and or dealt with the following news:

My best friends baby has been in the NICU for a week.
Our church friends baby has been in the NICU for 4 weeks and was just released yesterday - still under 5 lbs and a long road ahead.
A family member with a pregnancy related problem was just released from the hospital after almost 4 weeks on hospital bed rest.
I spoke to a friend on Monday night who asked me to pray for a job interview that he was going to early the next morning. That night I saw on Facebook that he had a severe migraine that day, began throwing up, went to the ER and had a brain tumor removed. Just.Like.That. It is cancerous and as soon as he recovers, I guess chemo begins. He is a year or two younger than me.
The same guy from above's father died about 12 weeks ago.
A friend's little boy has been diagnosed with a nut allergy.
My family is waiting on some test results back...more on that later.
One of my good friends had some pre-cancerous cells removed from I think her uterus last week...testing and results still to come for her.
A friend had a cyst cut out of his throat yesterday and will soon go in for hernia surgery....well as soon as he can heal from his cyst - and this needs to happen pronto because the wife is pregnant, and just cleared a surgery herself and the baby will be due in less than 6 months and all need to be well prior to that!
A friend from colleges sister tried to take her life and is now in the hospital.

On top of all of this, we have a fire alarm that wont stop going off at random times and I keep having dreams of bad things happening to Anne Margaret.

I have shed more than a few tears this week and the fact that I cant sleep and am now afraid to sleep because I dream of my child having seizures or someone dropping her only makes me that much more emotional.

So emotional in fact that when I asked Emily {my friend who just had the baby who was in the NICU} how her husband was, her response that he was "so sweet taking care of her and the baby and already a great father" made me burst into uncontrollable tears.

Bretters, I love ya, but on a normal day, I sure wouldn't cry over you!

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Why am I writing all of this?

First of all, to say that life ain't pretty. All of that junk has literally happened in the last few weeks with all but two of them being this week alone. Quite frankly, it all stinks.

In a lot of the cases there are lots of unknowns. My friends baby has a long road ahead. She is currently on a g-tube and there are questions about her long term prognosis. My friend from the Ranch may wake up from anesthesia to find out a worst case scenario - and may not even remember that depending on how much he is aware. Once my family gets test results back, they make big time decisions. Its an uncertain waiting game.

In all of this, there is lots of opportunity to see the worst, to get mad, to become negative or to stress out over the unknowns. While freaking out and becoming frustrated, bitter and negative seems somewhat like the appropriate thing to do - and is everything that my flesh wants to do, I refuse to go there.

Earlier I said that in the dark, I can find the light. Its not cause I am 'all that and a bag of chips' or anything remotely special and its not cause I am an unrealistic Pollyanna. Its not that I am uneducated or a bimbo or that I choose not to understand ramifications all the way through.

Rather its cause I CHOOSE to believe that the power of life and death is within me and that my actions and my faith can impact my response to these seemingly difficult challenges.

I believe that the LIGHT of the world has come to save me and all of you and so ultimately, if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then He has already paid the price. I believe that there is no darkness so dark that the light of Jesus can not disseminate it. The comfort that news brings truly is a peace that passes all understanding and allows me to say in the crummiest of crummy situations, Lord, blessed be your name.

I CHOOSE to see the good in all of this and trust ultimately that HE has a plan for us. Its not that my heart doesn't hurt or that I don't shed tears. Its not that I do not have emotion or do not get angry or sad and its not that I just sail through trial and tribulation.

Its that in the midst of trials, my challenge is to remind myself WHO is in control. Its my challenge to refocus on HIM and to learn more about my faith. Its an opportunity to lay at the feet of the cross and once again thank my Savior that all has been covered and all I have to do is TRUST in Him. Deep down, I know that "it is well with my soul" and this is merely an opportunity to prove it.

Lots to pray about today and I will leave you with a few lines from my favorite song, "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman.

"Every blessing You pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in

Lord, Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name"

Barber Shop

2012-01-19T21:27:00.002-05:00

These were taken last week when we were in the midst of our sleepless days and nights.

For the life of me, I couldn't get little bit to nap. One afternoon, she had cried for almost an hour and I had a splitting headache. She had gotten herself so riled up that she was gagging and coughing so I went to get her.

By now, we were halfway through nap time and I didn't want her sleeping later for fear she wouldn't sleep that night, so instead, I brought her out to the living room, made a palette, gave her some milk, her blanket, her bunny and turned on Fraggle Rock.

That lasted for about 4 minutes until she got a bit fidgety and decided to go grab a few "bocks."

That's blocks for those of you who don't speak baby.

Unfortunately AM forgot to call 'barber shop' or 'seat saves' and as soon as she stood up, her warm spot was nabbed. Not phased a bit, she laid down again and tried to regain her palette and her bunny.

Clearly Champ was too engrossed in Fraggle Rock to realize that his throne was being challenged as he held his ground and stuck his tongue out at Anne Margaret.

She grabbed his tail a time or two but Champ stood strong and finally AM gave in and took the last remaining corner of the pillow.

Finally AM got tired of it. She figured it she couldn't have it to herself then they would have to share.

The two of them snuggled as they watched the remainder of the show.

Cute as this was, when AM grabbed Champ's tail and started playing "tickle tickle" on her face with it, I think he decided that he had had enough of her shenanigans. He let her tug on his tail for a big and then he got up, moseyed over to me and laid back down.

I must say that these two really really love each other.

Champ is more gentle with her than he is with any of us. He lets her brush his hair, ride his back, jump on him, pull his ears and tail, take food out of his bowl as he eats and more with hardly a peep. He is really the sweetest puppy in the world and I love seeing the two of them grow together each day!

Emailing Myself

2012-01-18T06:37:00.000-05:00

Do you ever send yourself an email from the computer and then get excited when your phone dings??

Yall. I do it EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!

Like just a second ago, I emailed myself a bunch of photos from my phone for this post. Thirty seconds later, my trusty phone beeped to let me know I had received a new message.

I jumped to grab it, excited to see what or who was just itching for my attention.

The I realized I was excited because I had emailed myself.

Is this post screaming LOSER our DUHHH to anyone else out there!?

Please tell me I am not the only one who does this. Please tell me its because I had a brain fart and am emotional and tired tonight from working and running all over creation today. Please tell me I am not losing it...although, I did just spell the word "later" in the paragraph above "lader."

#Thankfulforspellcheck.

Really? What has gotten into me?! I cant spell and I get overly excited when I email myself! HA!

Anyway, before I get all giddy about another email I am about to send {to myself}, here is the past few months of phone pics! Nothing really special about them all other than I just love my big girl and felt the urge to show her off!

Such a great little helper!

M-E-S-S-Y!

CAUGHT! Both of them!

So big!

Did I tell yall that this is my dress from when I was little? My Grandma made it and Kristin and I had matching! I love it that Anne Margaret fits perfectly into it!

Shopping #1

Shopping again.

Precious!

She loves her Daddy!

Toilet paper is up there with our favorite toys these days!

Stealing the bed!

Trio

Playing with David

Everyone sitting! Even more impressive is that I accomplished this feat without any treats!

Anne Margaret says ROLL TIDE!

Looking more like a little girl and less like my baby girl! Love that face!

Making "art" just like G-Diddy and Aunt Kristin taught her!

This was at 3 AM the other night when I went to bed. On my pillows!...stinker.

One More Thing...

2012-01-17T11:38:00.000-05:00

I forgot this one on my list last night {see previous post} of stuff that has gone on lately. This one, though not a huge deal, was definitely something to be noted. Our fire alarm in the kitchen started going off at 3 AM last night.

First let me say, that is NOT a good way to be woken up. I don't think I have ever moved so fast out of bed, into a robe and down the hall. Never mind the fact that I didn't have contacts in or glasses on and I am not sure if CT3 did either. We just got up and ran.

We both ran straight to the kitchen however in my brain I was already planning how I was going to kick down AM's door if needed to get to my baby.

A fire in my house is such a scary thought and to be awakened by the alarm going off {not the low battery beep thing} but the real deal in full force is quite frightening.

CT3 was up on the counter turning it off as I sniffed around the kitchen trying to figure out what in the world set it off.

We couldn't find anything and still have NO clue what set it off. Its in the middle of the kitchen, so occasionally it will go off if we have the oven on or steam coming off the stove, but clearly in the middle of the night, there was none of that.

With no further answers and the battery yanked out of the thing, back to bed we went...CT3 was out like a light, but it took me a while to finally fall asleep. After I did, I still didn't sleep well and then I woke up in the morning after having a bad dream about someone dropping little Anne Margaret.

Its those nightmares that keep me up all night long and wake me with a start.

Anyway, thankfully, none of the dreams nor alarms were real and thankfully sweet Anne Margaret slept through it all! We have yet to put the alarm back up, however we have at least 3 other working ones in the house and so whether this one will go back up or be moved first, is still up for debate!

Hello

2012-01-16T23:21:00.002-05:00

Here's a mid-January random list for ya!

I can't stop eating avocados. I love them more than life and am trying to stop because of the amount of fat calories in them. I think I ate two today. Thats like a stick of butter but with the good fat - not the bad.
I am trying to figure out which forward facing car seat to get for AM. Advice please? She is still rear facing but is about too tall for her carrier/car seat. I cant believe my baby is so big!
CT3 and I have ONLY been out to eat three times in almost three weeks. That may not sound like a big deal to you, but it is to me. Why you ask? Cause I am the one who has been doing the cooking!!! CT3 helps a ton and is great with the dishes too and despite a few peanut butter and jelly nights, we have done pretty well on the cooking front! We are saving money too so I am quite proud!
We have made chicken pockets, chicken spaghetti, baked ziti, spaghetti with vegetable sauce, grilled cheese and more! On the chicken pockets, chicken spaghetti and baked ziti, we doubled the recipe and have a few things left frozen in the freezer! Go us!
Anne Margaret is doing much better eating from the table. She likes grilled cheese and spaghetti too!
One of my besties had her baby! Congrats Em and I cant wait to meet your little man!
I am loving being a Stylist with Stella and Dot! If you have ever thought of doing it and have questions or reservations I will talk to ya. I love love love it!
Our sleeping woes have gotten a bit better. She is sleeping fine - the challenge now is getting her down. She stands in her crib and screams "Mama" over and over and its the saddest thing ever. I think maybe she is learning about fear and being scared maybe?? Like Champ barking did not used to bother her. Now when he barks she sometimes cries and sometimes runs to you to be held. Same thing with you say night night or walk to her room...baby girl realizes whats about to happen and loses it!
I have yet to gloat on the blog about Alabama winning its 14th National Championship and the fact that we rocked the game...I am currently wearing my new shirt though!
About the game, if I had a nickel for every time someone commented on the amount of field goals in the game, I would be rich. Quite frankly, I wouldn't have cared if we won by 16 safety's. The fact was we had more points and that is what mattered.
As for whether or not LSU and BAMA should have had a rematch? Who cares. Talk to the BCS people if you have a problem with it! I am fine {and think its actually a good idea} to go to a playoff system, however for now, those aren't the rules. Alabama played in the National Championship fair and square - and was decidely the better team!
Speaking of Alabama and last but not least, completely unprompted today at the breakfast table, AM put her hands up over her head and said "touchdown!" Then right after it, again unprompted, she swirled her hand around in the air as she said "Oll Ide!" Thats baby talk for Roll Tide!! I am so proud of my girl!
My hubster got a new job and I am so proud of him! He will be in the same place just another role and an exciting move. This will mean lots of work on his part, but he is one smart chemical engineer and I know he will be great at it!
We have had a really relaxing week...too relaxing if you could see the state my house is in.
For some reason I have the overwhelming urge to paint my nails black...maybe its watching the trendy folk on the Bachelorette with there cute nails.
Speaking of the Bachelorette, I wish I were back in Birmingham where Em and I used to go for a run, go grab dinner, get a glass of wine and have Monday nights of the Bachelor and 24. Those were the days!

Well, I know my list is lame, but its 11:20 and the fact that I am actually tired before midnight is nothing short of a miracle! I am usually up til at least 1 or 2 and since my body is speaking to me, I think I shall listen!

Sorry for my lame-o post and I will be back soon with baby and dog stories!

Potty Time

2012-01-13T07:47:00.003-05:00

Anne Margaret is almost 16 months old. If you recall, at around 10 months old, her love with the potty began as she found it fun to send some of her toys for a swim. After that day, we began discussing how only toilet paper goes in the potty and by 12 months or so, her infatuation of flushing the toilet repeatedly was second to none.

Recently a co-worker was telling me that her kids were potty trained early on and she did this by just occasionally setting them on the toilet, letting them hang out for a bit and then putting a diaper back on them and going on about their day.

As AM loves to knock on the bathroom door, throw things in the toilet and flush, I figured, hey, why don't we give it a whirl and set her on the john.

So probably six weeks ago, I set her on the potty for the first time. Homegirl laughed so hard and thought it was awesome. She even tee-tee'd in the potty that very first time but I think it was cause she was laughing so hard she couldn't help it.

Don't lie. You know that all of us have at one point laughed so hard that we went in our pants and thankfully for Anne Margaret's sake, she was already on the throne when it happened.

After that, I told her that we needed to wipe and as I wiped her little booty, she just giggled and giggled. We threw the toilet paper into the toilet {again discussing how it was the only thing that goes in a potty} and she flushed it as she waved and said "bye bye."

By no means are we potty training, however after the first time and her enjoying her stint on the pot, we decided that we would just make it fun and there are certain times a day that if we are around and if I think about it, I will set her on the potty. Most of these times are either right before bath {when we are already in the bathroom}, or right after eating or when I am changing her diaper anyway, so its no sweat off of my back to let her sit for a second and try.

As the weeks have gone on, we have had some successes and some moments when she just sits there and laughs. If you ask her, "how do you go tee tee?" She will respond by saying, "sisssssssssssss." And if you ask her, "how do you go poo poo?" She will respond by grunting at you. She will also push on her tummy {and your tummy if you let her} as the first few times I sat her on the toilet I would tell her to "push with her tummy." She apparently took that literally as she tries to push on her tummy with her little fingers. Its the funniest thing.

Last week, I caught her straining and I whisked her away to the potty. She was quite happy there and proceeded to perform both 1 and 2. I was so proud and we high fived {multiple times} as she flushed and waved bye bye.

All of this brings me to today.

I sat her on the potty after lunch and she again just laughed. We played there for a few minutes {with whatever toy she had in her hand} and then she said "all done," "down please" and tried to get off. I had a funny feeling about it, but didn't really think twice as I let her down.

I went to get a sweatshirt out of the closet and as I was in there, AM said, "Mommy, water?" I turned around and she was standing in the largest puddle of piddle you have ever seen. Like it was all over her, all over the floor and still trickling down.

"Mommy, water?" She asked again.

All I could do was laugh as I drew the bath water and poured some bubbles in it for her first official bubble bath.

Later that day, I texted a picture of her in her bubble bath to G-Diddy, Gigi, Mimi and GrandDad.

Mimi texted back asking me if we were having a spa day...My response was that if it takes piddling on the floor to get a spa day, then I don't want one! Ha!

Anyway, like I said, we clearly aren't potty training, just kind of doing it for fun every now and then and getting her comfy on it. Today my plan backfired, but the bubble bath was fun and we all recovered well from the mess. Its been interesting to see her learn and understand more about the potty and its um, functions and I am actually looking forward to the day that we get to for real start potty training!!

{And yes folks, I do realize that potty training isn't all that glamorous...I sometimes keep two little boys at the house and we have had a few times where the kids get thrown into the bath thanks to a little number two accident!!...I don't look forward to more of those necessarily but I do realize that it comes with the territory!}

We Missed New Years

2012-01-11T00:04:00.000-05:00

This post seems appropriate being 10 days late as CT3, Eddie, Sewing Lauren and I missed New Years.

No lie. We are officially old parents who cant stay up late and who easily forget things. I know it sounds crazy, but I kid you not, four adults and two kids missed new years.

CT3, AM and I had gone over to Sewing Lauren's house. She and Eddie had been kind enough to offer for us to come over for dinner and to ring in 2012.

The plan was for us to come around 6 and I would bring a chicken nugget tray from Chick-Fil-A and a Swiss Bacon Dip. Lauren was going to make a spinach artichoke dip and a buffalo dip and have brownies and Eddie was going to throw sausage or some manly meat on the grill. The kids were going to play, we were going to hang out, put the babies down there, play grown up games, watch the ball drop and sip on sparkling cider and officially ring in the new year.

Now, take the plan, throw it out the window and that is pretty much what happened.

We arrived late. Go figure. We are always late.

We ate dinner late. I got a tray of nuggets that served 8 and apparently the 4 adults and the 2.5 year old ate all of it....Although, Lauren is preggo, so maybe we can blame a few on her little one in utero??

Lauren asked what we wanted to drink for dinner and I went for the tried and true, Coke. CT3 had been eyeing Lauren's Fresca {which are apparently her pregnancy cravings because the trashcan was full of empty cans} and he asked for a HALF of one.

Yes, not a whole Fresca, but a half of one. Lauren and Eddie being the polite folk that they are, kindly poured him a half a Fresca and left the remainder on the counter. Ya know, just in case he got thirsty later.

After that, we chased the babies and just let them play. I broke out the blow things and hats and chased the kids around trying to take cute pictures. I didn't get one good one {see the 10 blurred or non-looking shots below}, but I am sure I did an effective job of acting like the crazy mom blogger who wont put down the dang camera! Lauren's husband probably things I am a nut job and some sources would agree with him, I am sure.

She enjoyed chewing on it more than blowing it!

James was not a fan of the party hat.

...still chewing...

James and his blow things collection!

Happy New Year, sweet boy!

Around 9:30 Anne Margaret was pitching a fit and acting crazy, so we went to put her down. While we did this, Eddie took James to bed. Apparently, AM was not ready to go to sleep because she just stood in the pack-n-play and screamed. Since James was trying to sleep and I would have been mortified if she kept him up, I went and got her. At our house I would have let her cry it out, but for fear of the other folks having to listen to her wail, I caved.

She came back to the living room to play, which was fine because Eddie was taking a cat nap with James. Somewhere in there, AM dropped a puzzle on her toe and bruised it badly. She again screamed like a wild woman. I stuck her foot in the sink hoping to cool it off I guess. I have NO clue why I thought that seemed like a good thing to do, but it did at the time.

Love my snuggle bunny!

She loved James' NOLA inspired necklace. Beads, brass instruments and all...speaking of NOLA - a post is sure to come on that topic :)

We realized at 10:30 that we never made the brownies or heated up my Swiss cheese and bacon dip. This was our first error of the night. Granted we had just finished the chicken nuggets so we definitely didn't have food on the brain. Eddie's sausage never got made either.

It was now 11 and Anne Margaret was showing signs of fading again and so we went for round 2. This time she went straight down. Praise the Lordy!

Around 11:20, CT3 and I made ourselves comfortable on the couch and I tried to plan Lauren's nursery for her....cause I am sure she was just dying to know how I would decorate her house...At some point we pulled a bunch of games onto their floor in the living room and Lauren went to wake Eddie so he could come play...Ah yes! Exactly what Eddie wanted. He was probably dreaming of all of the games he could play and I bet he was happy when Lauren went in to wake him!

Funny side note. I kept saying that we would play "adult games" after the kids went to bed. CT3 asked me at one point in the night to stop saying adult games as it sounded inappropriate....Freudian slip I guess, however, it sounds to me like he needs to get his mind out of the gutter. Clearly I meant games like Yahtzee or Scrabble instead of Candy Land or Hot Potato!

It was now probably 11:40 and we were flipping between Dick Clark and ESPN and the crazy Red Bull stunt jumper guy. We got to chatting about the latest pop culture fads, Jenny McCarthy's crazy-self, how the lady on ESPN was no Erin Andrews and the fact that we never made brownies or played games. I was blabbering in there about how I cannot watch Dick Clark countdown this year because last year I just stared at the TV and cried. We also were wrapped up in deep discussion about how he has probably had extensive physical therapy and how his mind seems still sharp as a tack just some of his motor skills aren't the same.

All of the sudden, CT3 blurts out something about it being 12:03. Eddie quickly flipped back to Dick Clark only to find Ryan Seacrest thanking people and the ball lit and on the ground. Not only dropped, but had been down for a solid 2 minutes. The fireworks had even subsided and the only sparks left were the tipsy people still indulging in a New Year's smooch and CT3 and his 2012 New Year's excitement.

After all that, we missed the ball drop.

Then we flipped back to the crazy guy about to do his stunt. When the channel popped up, the stunt guy was kissing his {assumed} wife and holding his {assumed} baby. Yep. We missed that too.

After all that, we missed the stunt guy. CT3 was bummed about this, so he took a picture of the replay of the jump.

Then, Lauren realized she forgot the sparkling cider and ran off to the kitchen! At around 12:10 we toasted and CT3 tried to plant one on me.

RERUN!!!

My sassy face - and the most normal pic I took all night long.

Finally, we turned to our local news channel which had a ghetto ball dropping and was currently doing a 2 minute countdown.... After listening to 20 seconds of that we muted it. After all, our local channel with a random peach or something dropping 15 minutes late seemed slightly anticlimactic.

We were in hysterics about how from everything to forgetting the food to missing the ball drop to the stunt guy and everything in between, we had completely missed New Years. We stayed up the whole night just waiting for the big moment and did not pay one lick of attention to the time or the channel.

In the middle of our laughing, James {who is 2} apparently got his second wind and came out of his room to party. He was ready to play some Candy Land and Hot Potato.

We hung out for a bit longer and finally around 1:45 in the morning we packed, grabbed AM and headed home. Despite the fact that we missed most of it, it was probably one of the most fun and surely the most memorable New Years we have ever had! Thanks to Lauren, Eddie and James for letting us hang out there til the wee hours! We had a blast!

Oh yeah. By the end of the night, CT3 drank a few more of Lauren's Fresca... Happy 2012 yall!

Spring Jewels!

2012-01-09T16:13:00.008-05:00

The Amalfi Collection

YALL.

Stella & Dot's spring line launched last night and the stuff is AMAZING!

Have you seen it yet!? Wow. I even had my husband watching the runway show last night as Anne Margaret danced to the music and I drooled over the jewelry!

Many props to our design team for their fabulous vision and creativity and thanks to Stella & Dot for offering the stuff at such great price points! ...over half of our line is under $50!

I have already made a few purchases for myself and believe you me, when I say I may have to pick up a few more things as the summer draws near!

Below are a few pages from our Spring Look Book. I am mailing them out to friends, family and customers this week so please leave a comment with your email address if you want one and I will contact you for your mailing address and get one to you ASAP!

I am also looking for friends who want to earn FREE jewelry and host a trunk show! Email or comment if you are interested in that! I have upcoming shows in Birmingham and would like to do a few more in the Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Huntsville or Auburn area as well as would like to do one in Athens, Rome, Nashville, Knoxville, Savannah, Valdosta, South Carolina, or North Carolina. If you are interested in hosting please let me know!

{All pictures below I pulled from the Stella & Dot website and are from our Spring 2012 catalog! Ask me for one or view online for the full line. For those who are ready to shop and be the first to show off the beautiful jewelry, click here!}

OH! One more thing!! Stella & Dot is now in the UK! We are looking for stylists and people to join our team overseas so if you are in the UK and want to be a part of this great company, contact me!

Click on the text below the image to see the full collection!

The Savanna Collection

The Urban Splendor Collection

Trend watch!

Bracelet from the Signature Links collection

Love the Zahara Bib!

What are your favorite pieces of Stella & Dot jewelry? What are your must haves for the upcoming season?? Color is in. Be bold. Be beautiful and don't be afraid to spoil yourself! You deserve it!

Granny

2012-01-08T00:31:00.003-05:00

Today, on January 8th we would be celebrating my Granny's 97th birthday. She passed just over 11 years ago and every day we still miss her! In remembrance of Granny, I will show you a few pictures of her {that I stole from my Mom's family album} and tell you a few of my favorite stories.

First of all, Granny always called me Lah-Run. I guess it was her Virginia accent coming out that made the pronunciation as such. However, to this day, I HATE it when people call me LOR-en. Like I despise it. When people add an "O" to my name, I shudder and at times, can barely get over my annoyance enough to answer them. I blame my desire to be called Lahr-en - with the emphasis on the "A" on Granny!

Next, Kristin, Mom and I all blame Granny for the booty we are lugging around behind us! Some generational things are blessings, but this one is just extra junk in the trunk! Thanks to Granny us ladies have some wide child-bearing hips we are lugging around!

Now that I have blamed Granny for the reason I get angry at people calling me Loren and now that I have blamed her for my ghetto booty, onto the stories!

Granny smoked. Lets be honest, most people who were her age and her generation were quite proficient in their casual smoking and drinking abilities. Well, my parents didn't smoke and we didn't ever want her smoking in the house, so she would always go outside and stand. During the frigid winter months, Granny would go outside to smoke and little Lauren would always go stand outside with her and wait for her to finish her ciggy.

I was probably ten at the time and every time she needed a fix, we would throw on our jackets and head out the door. I didn't want her to be lonely and I assumed she didn't mind the company. I guess Granny one day felt bad that I would come freeze my butt off to keep her company, so she quit. Pretty darned cool of her I'd say! {pun intended!}

Granny had lots of crazy driving stories. Sad to say, but the older she got, the slower her reflexes got and the more her memory seemed to fade. Granny would turn onto the off ramp to get on the highway and one time she tried to park on the concrete pad next to a power station.

I guess she was thinking that it was the driveway to the soccer field? Never mind the large power boxes and electricity fences around it, that was where Granny and her land yacht wanted to park. Everyone was staring and I cant remember what Mom or Dad did but for some reason I think I remember Granny starting to back out and Mom running over there in efforts to help.

I was in the middle of a soccer game and Granny was just trying to come and watch me play. I was too scared as she reversed back onto a busy street to be embarrassed by her choice of parking lot.

One day, Granny's car got stolen. We were sad to see it go, however, it was a blessing in disguise. Her arthritic and weak hands could hardly open the door and it just wasn't safe for her to be behind the wheel anymore. She wanted her freedom and wouldn't turn over the keys and so thankfully some greedy thief stole her car and solved the problem.

After the car got stolen, Mom and Dad would always go get her to bring her to our house and as she rode, Granny would say about every three minutes, "Well, Margie, where do you think all of these people are going?" If she didn't say that she would say, "Wow Margie! Look at all those lights," as she referred to the headlights on the other cars.

Time and time again, Granny was of the utmost concern of where all the people in Atlanta were going.

One time, Granny was over for dinner at our house. We had these doors that you just pulled shut - the didn't really latch. In the room behind the doors was Mom's office, a mini couch where Kristin and I threw all of our junk as we ran in the door and this particular week, our pet turtle.

I have no clue where we got this turtle, but it was in a box in the room.

The doors were pulled shut, but again weren't latched. Poor Granny rested on the doors while we chatted and as she leaned into them, they swung straight open and she fell to the floor.

While Mom and Dad tended to Granny, I think Kristin and I made sure Mr. Turtle was okay. Thankfully he was safe and sound in his shell and Granny was fine too!

Granny got older and it was time to move her out of her house. When Mom and Dad went to move her, they would find saltine crackers hidden in every nook, cranny and drawer of the house. They would find napkins with rolls tucked away and little packets of butter hidden along with them. There is no telling what other snacks Granny had hiding and how long some of them had been there! Also, this house had an out house.

I don't remember much about the house there except for I was scared to death of it. I remember my older cousins locking me in bathrooms and on the concrete attic steps and them making me play bloody mary in the bathroom. I remember the full length mirror that Granny had and how at night it freaked me out. I also remember the cheery Christmas lights in the living room and the baby grand piano that was perched in front of the windows that you see on the far right of the house. That piano is the one that we now have. I remember my cousin Michael playing the "Pink Panther" song on the piano and how we all thought he was such a talented pianist. Now I am thinking he only knew that one song and the chords along with it! I remember some Christmas picture where we all crammed on the couches trying to get the family in the picture. I think Mom was trying to use the timer and would press the button and run over and over again to try to capture us all.

Finally, I remember Mom making me spit in the toilet over and over and over again for spitting at someone...it was probably the mean next door neighbor who always stole my coloring books, but whatever. In this house, I learned not to spit.

Anyhoo, the summer of 2001 was when Granny passed. I don't remember many of the details but I remember that she had a stroke and for some reason they couldn't get my Mom on the phone so they called me. I was the first one to the ER and Granny's right side {I think} of her body was droopy and not really working. Her speech was slurred though she was angry she was at the hospital. This makes me wonder if her mind was there she just couldn't communicate. She had had some pin strokes prior to the big one, but after this one, she didn't ever get to go back home.

I was in the ER with her only for a few minutes before Mom got there. Granny, being a retired nurse, was not happy with the IV or the fact that she was in the hospital and despite her fading condition, she fought to pull out her IV and get up to walk out. Like literally.

I don't remember how long she was in the hospital before hospice was called in, but I do remember all of our family having time to get in from Texas, Virginia and South Carolina and all being able to say goodbye before she slipped into a deep slumber. We all joined hands in a circle around her hospital bed and prayed...in fact I think I was the one who prayed, I think...I remember being nervous praying around all of those folk. So it was either when she passed that I prayed or then.

Anyway, she had been in the care of hospice for a few days and I had a number to run the Peachtree Road Race. I had trained for the 10k but was now torn as to whether or not I should leave Granny's side or go to the race. If I recall, I feel like I was with Granny a lot in the hospital. Now, her condition had faded and she was hardly opening her eyes and there was little to no movement. There would be the occasional hand squeeze but it was obvious that Granny was making her final amends on this earth as she prepared to depart for a place much more glorious. Mom and Dad convinced me that Granny would have wanted me to run it so despite my objection and concern that she would pass while I was running, I went on.

I wore one of her ID bracelets as I ran - it was not a glamorous thing - in fact, I think it was the one from the nursing home identifying her and what room she was in. Regardless, I wore it just so I could have a piece of her with me as I jogged through the streets of Atlanta.

Post race, I hurried home, showered, made me some Velveeta Shells & Cheese and headed back to the hospital with my macaroni in a tupperware container and my finishers tee shirt. I arrived at the hospital and walked in to Granny's room. I told her about the race and how I had run for her. I think I ran much faster that day, knowing I was trying to get back!

I squeezed her hand, thanked her for running with me and told her that I loved her and that I was going to go eat and then would be back to visit.

I stepped out of the room and not two minutes later Mom walked out and said that it was over and Granny had taken her final breath. Mom cried and we hugged.

Sad as it was, I knew deep down that Granny was in a better place. I also knew that she had just waited on me to return before departing. For that I was grateful!

Needless to say, I spit out the bite of Velveeta Shells & Cheese I had in my mouth and to this day, I refuse to eat it. Not cause I dislike the taste, but cause it reminds me of Granny's hospital room. My t-shirt from the 2001 July 4th Peachtree Road Race was buried with Granny. Sounds silly I know, but she had run with me, and she deserved her finishers tee!!

While my stories are probably silly and a bit lame, I am thankful that I have taken the time to write this post and I know I will look back on it with fondness one day. Mom, Aunt Merry and her brothers I am sure have many many more stories to share about Granny and GrandDaddy and maybe one day I will convince Mom to do a guest post on here! ...we shall see!

Happy 97th Birthday Granny! I cant decide if today I will eat a slice of cake in honor of you or a baked potato loaded with butter and salt....another thing Granny taught me to indulge in!

Mini Shoot

2012-01-07T06:48:00.000-05:00

Unedited...cute baby...great light...happy camera...happy mommy!

Sparkley Sparkle

2012-01-05T01:07:00.000-05:00

I was catching up on blog reading and Kat's post today was linking up with The Paper Mama's photo challenge! Since I am too tired to think of an eloquent post for you this evening, I will follow suite and link up! This weeks photog assignment or contest is 'Sparkle!'

Yep. Thats my girl! With a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her face! She is always sweet and always happy and that little face can light up any room!

Be back tomorrow with more stories for you! If you want to play in the photo contest click the button below.

Video Dump

2012-01-04T01:04:00.000-05:00

Welp, its 1 AM.

Anne Margaret and I just finished a tea party and playing with blocks. We have tried to put her down twice now much to no avail. She was also up for half the night last night and CT3 hung out with her, so tonight's my turn...the only bad part about it is that AM has really bad timing. Today I had to work 12 hours and tomorrow I will be working 11. Other than being completely exhausted, I don't mind being up late and hanging out with the kid!

I think its teeth. It actually looks like she is getting 2 upper and 2 lower and the bottoms are swollen and the two top can be felt poking through her little gum line. I am not down with the crazy home remedies, so instead we are rocking it with the sleepless and late nights.

Anyway, while we have been playing, I have uploaded a few recent videos. They are really long and I don't blame you if you don't watch them...well other than grandparents of course. They are required.

The first one is of AM's love for Kristin's non-boyfriend boyfriend. Apparently all the ladies go crazy over Mike, even my 15 month old. This video is not long so check it out.

The next one is when AM was blowing out the Christmas lights. Its long but the first minute or so is really cute.

This one, we just did as we played around. She apparently likes the baby on the screen...as for the fact that I am in a robe and I look like I have a birds nest growing out of my head, please disregard. Also, if you listen very long you will hear that I say something about a story about a girl named Robin...well the story I was going for was "Little Red Riding Hood." Whatever its after 1 AM. Don't judge!

...I just got two eye rubs from the baby. Fingers crossed that third time is the charm as I try to go put her in her bed!!

2012

2012-01-03T07:22:00.000-05:00

Happy New Years Yall!

I hope each of you had a blast ringing in 2012.

As for myself and my old fogey friends, we forgot New Years. Don't ask me how it happened, all I know is that we missed it. And who the heck knew it, that without us watching the clock and counting down, the old year still passed, the ball still dropped, Jenny McCarthy still did awkward commentary and the new year still came.

More on missing the new year later this week but let me start off the year with a traditional resolutions post!

Here is my disclaimer. Usually I have normal resolutions. You know the standard lose weight, eat healthier, exercise more type deal. While I would like to have those on my list, instead this year, I am going for a simplified, more realistic version of those. Feel free to read as a lame list and puny in comparison to real people's lists! In no order here are my resolutions and the whys behind them:

Drink more water.

Water is good for you and I don't drink enough of it. I also drink probably too much coke. If I drink more water then it will take the place of the sugar calories and if I am drinking more water then my tummy may be fuller and I may not eat constantly!

Stretch once a day.

Stretching is good for the ole muscles and helps work out the lactic acid. I can stretch while I watch tv, play with AM or while I am doing regular household chores. I always feel better after I stretch and this is a cheap, easy version of Lauren's around the house yoga.

Fold the laundry after it comes out of the dryer.

Um yeah. If you have ever seen the bed in my back bedroom you know why this is my resolution. Because you cant see it thanks to the mound of clothes on it. If I folded the clothes as they came out and then put them away it wouldn't pile up on me like it currently is. This one may be tough to keep so I am going to call this my strech-o-lution. You know like for college you had that one "stretch" school that you didn't know if you would get into or not?? This is like that...a goal that I would love to happen but realistically may not keep. I just hate folding laundry.

Work hard at my passions.

Vague but this one I like. It encompasses everything and encourages me to be a good mommy, wifey, blogger, crafter, Jesus follower, friend, employee, Stella & Dot stylist and everything in between!

Take off my make up at night.

So I saw this SAME one on another lady's blog yesterday and seriously thought that she stole my resolution. HAHAH! Then I thought about it and was really just glad that there is someone else who is too lazy to take off their make up every night. I know my face will probably thank me for it down the road, so here's to unlazy nights and pre-mositened make up remover pads!

What are your resolutions?? Are yours as lame as mine?

HNY! Here's to a fun and fabulous 2012!

The Days After

2012-01-02T07:48:00.017-05:00

Unfortunately my hard working hubby didn't get any days off for Christmas. On Monday morning, he was back at the office, while AM and I stayed with my family to play.

Honestly, the whole week is a blur! If it weren't for the pictures that were on my camera, I don't think I would have been able to tell you what I even did those next days!

I don't remember Monday at all and then I do remember Tuesday morning and my parents waking me bright and early to turn the house over for our Texas cousins coming in. Each year, they make the trek from the great state of Texas to Georgia. They always drive it and it is probably a solid 11 or 12 hours.

That was before they brought a 7 month old! This year, they brought the newest family addition, Miss Stella. So Tuesday morning, we were up and at em to do the sheets on the bed, clean the bathroom and change the crib sheets. When I say we, I obviously mean Mom and Dad.

...you didn't think I got up uber early to clean now, did you??

Lets be honest, all I do in the morning is grumble and fumble around and think angry words at people who speak to me.

Anyway, Mom and Dad took to cleaning and I did all I could to move the luggage and watch my baby through cracked eyelids. I at some point got dressed {without showering} and then Aunt Merry, Uncle Alec, Faith, Blake and Stella all arrived! We ate lunch and played and watched the babies interact until 3 pm rolled around. By then, the babies were sleeping and Kristin and the Captain were making their decent into Hartsfield.

Lauren's Limo service did the airport run and picked up the sister and her non-boyfriend boyfriend as they arrived from their jaunt to see his family for Christmas. From there, we drove back to my parents house where my child's obsession with Mike began.

It all started with him holding a few of her stuffed animals and it was all down hill from there...more on that later.

In all honesty, the rest of Tuesday and Wednesday, we just sat around and visited. I know that sounds lame, but I was just so dadgum tired and the thought of gathering the herds to get out and about in the post holiday madness with two small kids about did me in. I mean, I know there were lots of hands to help but I was T-I-R-E-D! After all of the hustle bustle and travelers in and out, I was very content sitting around the fire, chatting and playing silly games.

We didn't play games, but secretly, I wish we had. I love games.

At times it got quiet and I couldn't find my child. Whenever that happened, I knew what was going on. Gigi was either chasing her up and down the steps or G-Diddy was spoiling her with treats.

By the way, what is it with grandfathers spoiling their little cute as can be granddaughters?? Its like this on both sides of the family and while the grandmothers are bad, I swear the men are worse! CT3's dad wont ever listen to AM cry and he is ALWAYS up for some AM snuggles. As for my Dad, he is just as much of a push over.

Example 1: AM was supposed to be going down for a nap. We could here here chatting away in her pack-n-play.

Dad: Lauren, she's not going to sleep. Are you waiting for Kristin to get here to get her or should I?

Me: No Dad. She's supposed to go to sleep. She's not fussing, so I was going to leave her.

Dad: Well, if she's talking, I want her out here talking to us. I'll go get her.

Me: {made no comment...probably just rolled my eyes at how much he loves his baby}

Anyway, Tuesday, we all just hung out again until Kristin and Mike arrived. AM was very very happy to see Mike.

Post lunch, we ventured to the side of town where Mom and Merry grew up. I guess Alec and Dad grew up around there too, but I don't really know.

Example 2 of how my father spoils his little granddaughter occurred on the way to the park. We were driving and AM was fussing.

Dad: Its okay sweetie. I will take you and show you the ducks when we get to the park.

{AM in the background repeats "duck, duck, duck."}

Me: Dad, you aren't supposed to talk to her. She needs to fall asleep.

Dad: She isn't asleep. Am I allowed to talk to her now?

Me: Dad, she wont fall asleep with you talking to her.

Dad: But I promised her I would take her to see the ducks!

Me: {Probably just rolled eyes again while driving as I listed to Dad chat away with her the rest of the way to the park!}

Upon arriving at the park, Mike the monkey climbed the tree. Kristin wanting to show that she can keep up with her man followed...in her 3 inch heels.

I just closed my eyes and prayed for no broken bones.

Since they were happily in the tree, I snapped a few cute pictures of them. Then we had to call in back up to get Kristin down and meanwhile, Uncle Alec, who could be a P90X spokesman, did some sort of pull up, glide kip action to hoist himself into the tree.

For a while I thought he was trying to ride the branch, but then he stood up and I again began to pray that he didn't fall, fly nor jump.

Meanwhile, G-Diddy was fulfilling his promise to his baby and they were busy quacking at the ducks.

We snapped a few family shots and then did a mini photo shoot {photos later this week} of my kid cause the sun was pretty and cause she is just so dern cute!

From there we left to go to this place called the "Beer Growler." I guess we thought we could get a beer there. I don't know. I don't drink beer so I didn't really understand it all, but from what I could gather, you basically go in and get one of these glass jug things and then pick your beer. They have all kinds of random ones from all over the place on tap. They fill up your jug and you take it home. Then after finishing it, you bring it back, they wash it and you can order more.

Apparently, its supposed to be fresher or something and really really good?? I dunno! Really, its just like a beer to go place and people seem to like it so I guess that's good for them!

There was a coffee shop next door so we made a quick dip inside for a mid afternoon caffeine boost and meanwhile, Mike and Baby hung out outside.

Sadly, from there, Aunt Merry, Uncle Alec, Faith, Blake and Stella-boo left to go see more of their family in South Georgia. I headed home, packed up my stuff real quick and AM and I scooted out. Before leaving, Kristin, Mike and I snapped a picture. If you ever wondered how short-waisted I am, this is the most awkward photo ever showing you how unproportional my body truly is.

Its okay though. I have had a chat with God and one day {hopefully in a very long long long long long time from now} he will have a pair of Carrie Underwood legs and a Victoria Secret models tummy and bust waiting on me! ...Like I said, hopefully not for like another 90 years or something tho!

Around dinner time, my traveling girl and I pulled into our little driveway. To say I was glad to be home was an understatement. I was tired and ready to be home and my fuse was short. I know I was short to Mom, Dad and Kristin while in Atlanta but after months of traveling and hauling everything all over the southeast, I had hit my breaking point.

All I wanted to do was be home and clean my house. You know I am tired of traveling if I have a hankering to clean!! There was stuff to do at home and I was missing the hubby and dog and so while the holidays were fun, it sure was nice to be in my own bed.

It has taken us a few days to recover. The night we got home, AM went to sleep at 7:30 pm and woke up at 1:54 PM the next day. Literally homegirl slept almost 19 hours straight! Then she went back to bed at 8 that night! HA! ...Gigi, G-Diddy and Captain Mike must have worn her slap out!

On top of being exhausted, she has been a bit out of sorts. Everything goes straight to her mouth and she just gnaws. I am hoping a few more little teeth are on their way in!

We have enjoyed being at home, getting Christmas decor down and playing with our new toys! I am so thankful for my family and the special time we had with them.

I can't believe that another year has come and gone. 2011 has been great and here comes 2012!

Christmas Day

2011-12-31T08:40:00.004-05:00

Anne Margaret woke up at 7:30 AM and I was grumpy that she was up so early.

...don't slap me through the internet, please!

Normally she wakes up between 9 and 10. I was totally banking on that extra hour or two of sleep and I guess all of the Santa excitement just couldn't contain her!

Thankfully my sweet husband got up and did the morning diaper duty and breakfast. This allowed me to catch a few extra zzzzz's and not be AS grumpy...I am totally a grump in the morning.

I peeked over the rail to find this sweet looking face staring up at me ready and waiting to dive into some gifts.

Mom already had cinnamon rolls in the oven and my sweet Christmas elf delivered this yummy treat. While I kind of felt bad about the people having to work on the holiday morn, I was uber grateful as I savored every sip.

Anne Margaret wasted no time and dove straight into her stocking. She pulled out one thing after another and once her's was done, she came and helped CT3 pull stuff out of his.

Apparently Santa left CT3 a moon pie, however thanks to 10 grubby little fingers, there was nothing but crumbs left in the package.

Next began the presents. AM again would rip off the tinest piece and then yell "yaaay!" She would also take the bows and put them on her head. That was humorous to me as she wont leave a real hair bow in her hair for one second!

To say that AM was spoiled is an understatement. From both sets of grandparents, most of the gifts under the trees looked like this::

To our little AM - from whomever. I have to say, the kid racked up and loved every second of it and every toy she got! Below is her on her new fire truck {just like her daddy} and of her "O" toy. I have no idea what its called, but it defintally makes the most obnoxious noise on the planet and AM really really loves it - go figure. If you want my opinion, it should come with earplugs for the parents...

After presents with my parents, we skyped with Kristin and Mike who were with his family for Christmas and then we went to get ready to go to Mimi and Grand Dads house for Christmas #4.

AM wore the same green dress she wore at our house the night we had our little Christmas. I dont think I told you then, but this was my dress when I was a little girl. My Grandmother {from yesterday's post} made one for me and one for Kristin and this one was mine. I love it that its still in such good condition and fit AM so perfectly!

At CT3's house, we all again racked up on wonderful presents. AM got a ton of toys and a really special hand knitted stocking made by a family friend. All of CT3's family has matching stockings...I am yet to have one and I think they are making sure I am around for a bit before their sweet friend whips me up one! Hehehe! Just kidding!

Again, the wild woman pulled tissue out of bags like it was her day job and stuck every bow onto her head! We would open a new toy for her and she would play with it until we could get into the next one. She loved it and thus far has been having a blast playing with all of her new stuff.

Somewhere in the midst of presents, we decided to take a time out to eat. We were all hungry and AM was getting sleepy. If there is one thing CT3's mom is a wonder at, its feeding large groups of people! Her meals never disappoint and I make sure I show my gratitude by stuffing myself silly.

Below was my first go around. I am pretty sure my second plate looked a bit similar but with less green things and more cheesy potatoes!

Post lunch, I literally almost fell asleep on the couch. Everyone was talking around me and I remember bits and pieces of snide comments about my sleepy state...little do they all know that just before walking in the door I had taken an allergy pill. I usually only take them at night but I was struggling big time and needed to get it in my system. Between the antihistamine in that, a full belly and accidentally falling vertical on the couch with a warm blankie over me, I was practically a goner.

No worries though. I rallied strong for dessert and made it through the rest of the presents awake!

After sharing a day with the family, we headed off to the hospital. CT3's sister is on hospital bed rest and we wanted to make sure to see her on Christmas day. We were late getting there, which delayed our dinner plans and we were not able to make the annual Waffle House Christmas dinner with my parents.

Since we would be so late, Dad just ordered us Chinese...

Kari Out... hehehe

That night, I was so dadgum tired. I was happy and full {from family time and food} and was relieved to have all of the Christmas stuff done. From travel to packing to gift buying to taking care of AM and everything between, I have been worn out. I love seeing all of our family on Christmas day and being able to be everywhere and do everything but as our responsibilities have increased, it has made me more exhausted. I cant bear the thought of not waking up at my parents house on Christmas morn, but this year was the first year I have had a slight prick in my heart to wake up in our little house on that special day.

Who knows what we will do next year and for now we will just enjoy the moments and exactly where we are today. Though it was all good stuff and all wonderful, that night, I slept so well.

Thanks to our friends and family for a very Merry Christmas! We love yall!

P.S. Tonight is the last day of 2011! We will be ringing it in with some of our dear friends. I have more posts from Christmas to catch you up on so until my official new years post, let me leave you with a warm wish for the upcoming year. May it be your best year yet!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-30T08:03:00.002-05:00

After seeing Santa and late in the night after hubby and baby were sleeping, I snuck into the living room to take a few pictures of our happy little tree and stockings.

This year our tree and our stockings seemed really special to me for a few reasons. First, my family growing up always had large trees. My parents living room ceiling is like 22+ feet tall so our trees were always between 14-17 feet. I know 11 feet isn't a 17 footer, but having a giant tree was really really fun! Second, we went and chopped it ourselves! Though it was rushed, it was really fun and I think will be a tradition for years to come! Lastly, I made the stockings a few years ago. I know I have used them for the past two years, but this year, I guess they finally felt right. Its like they had been here for a season or two and were officially our stockings now! Here was the post from the year that I made them and then here was last year's post when I added one for Champ and AM! ...I may have even done enough fabric for one more that hopefully we will add in a year or two!

Into the wee hours of the morning, I went to bed and then was up early to travel. CT3 was my hero and waited behind on a few Christmas presents that were due to arrive that day and I went ahead so that I would get in in time for a family visit with Grandma and one of my cousins.

Basically, my cousin Britt and his wife and kids had planned to go visit Grandma. He let me know and said he would love to see us. Instead of us letting Grandma know, we just planned a sneak attack and all dropped in at once!

I am not sure if that's the best way to go about it, but it was good to see her and so far I haven't heard any complaints!

Honestly, the house was quite loud with all of us there. Anne Margaret was overdue for a nap and wanted to explore. She picked up one of Grandma's glass angels and dropped it on the antique glass table...thankfully nothing broke. The half an hour later, Charlie knocked his head on the glass table. At some point in there AM decided she would ram into my dads knee and give herself a goose egg and cry. If I took anything away from her, she pitched a fit. Avery was as sweet as pie and just smiled and grinned and giggled the whole time.

I was tired and a bit stressed out as I tried to play defense on behalf of my Grandma's house. My rambunctious child gave it a run for its money, but I think in the end, I came out on top.

She was the most content when she was dumping out Hershey kisses and reloading them into the jar...

Then came the photo shoot attempt. In hopes of us getting pictures of Grandma with Avery, Charlie and AM, we took probably 15 shots. I don't think we have one where they are all looking and smiling! We had to bribe Charlie with chocolate and that only lasted for one photo! My mom used a timer and took one of us all, but I have yet to get it from her...I am not 100% certain we were even all looking in that one either!

My eighty-something year old Grandma was a trooper as she put up with us all and no doubt if she wore hearing aids, she probably would have turned them down with all of us there. Instead she just had to wait for us to leave for peace to be restored in her house!

From there, AM went home and went down for a nap. Praise the Lord, I needed a break. Between Grandma's and a long car ride up, I was slap worn out.

After Little Bit woke up, she was in a much better mood! We played during the afternoon and Dad and I wrapped presents. He tried to wrap AM at one point, but she wouldn't have it!

Her glaring at G-Diddy!

Either saying "oooohhh" or "noooooo"

Really man?? Why do you keep putting this silver stuff on me??

After she got antsy with the ribbon, Dad gave her two of the cardboard rolls. She whacked them on the ground a few times and then on the dog a few times before challenging Mom to a sword fight.

Hiiii-ya!

Behind the back!

On the head!

Baby steals both cardboard swords for the win!

That evening we ate one of my favorite meals for dinner "Granny's Chicken." Its basically baked chicken wrapped in chit beef {is that what its called??} and then doused in sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Serve on rice and devour.

Post dinner, my little elf friend and I finished up our Christmas wrapping. This year, I printed the cutest tags from The Jones Design company blog {cant find the link right now but google it!}. I pictured a few of them below for you to see!

From there it was off to bed with visions of sugar plums, warm cinnamon rolls and early morning Christmas surprises!

Santa Claus

2011-12-29T07:36:00.002-05:00

Originally we were going to travel on Friday after CT3 got home from work, hence why Santa came to our house on Thursday night. Friday afternoon rolled around we made a game time decision to wait til Saturday morning to travel and boy was I glad that we did!

At some time point last week, it dawned on me that we never took AM to go see Santa. Not that it was a big deal if she missed out but I did think it would be fun to snap a few pics of her on the jolly old fat guys lap. When we decided to wait a day to travel, that bought us a rare evening with nothing to do, obviously resulting in the perfect time to go see Santa!

Then it hit me. I had no clue where in our tiny town Santa even was. After all it was Christmas Eve Eve. Were there Santa's still seeing kids this late in the game or had everyone already given their Christmas wishes?

In Atlanta, and earlier on in the fall, I had tried to get a few appointments at some of my favorite Santa's but by October, all of the ones I wanted to see were sold out. At that point I forgot about that whole idea until now. As I tried to remember where we had gone the previous year, I recalled that last year we took AM to Chick-Fil-A to see Santa. After checking when that was, of course, this year we had already missed it.

Here she is last year at Chick-Fil-A visiting Santa Claus::

Can this go in the running for awkward family photos you think?!

Anyway, as I was thinking of a quick place to go, I remembered that Sewing Lauren had taken her son to our local Bass Pro Shop.

Yep. You read that correctly, Bass Pro. Believe you me, it did not take any convincing to get CT3 on the Bass Pro Santa bandwagon. Within minutes of me saying it, he was googling it to find out if he was still there and til what time. Before we knew it, Anne Margaret was dressed and in the car on the way to see Santa at the outdoors store.

I have to say that I had my reservations about this place. Honestly, if it wasn't for Sewing Lauren's pictures in advance that let me know that he was normal Santa and wouldn't be in full camo regalia holding a fishing rod and a deer head, I don't know if I would have gone!

We arrived at 7:30 p.m. and we did not have an appointment. I was already getting stressed thinking that we had run around like chickens with our heads cut off to go to the dang fishing store only to be told that "there were no more appointments to see Santa."

After we arrived and got the scoop, my anxieties were calmed and I was excited and really enjoyed the rest of our night.

We got to the line and the lady told us that they were giving out tickets for the 8 p.m. group. She gave us a ticket and we could begin lining up whenever. She said the line normally lasted no longer than 30 minutes. With that, we took off for a few laps around the store to check out the camping gear, the boots and other random outdoorsy stuff. We did a quick diaper change to ensure that Santa's lap would not be left wet or stinky and by 7:50 we hopped in line.

AM holding her ticket!

The front of the line!

Visiting the North Pole

We were second in line for the 8 p.m. group and they were still working on the earlier group. We just hung out while we waited and chatted with other Santa-goers in line. I was really excited to see that there was a ton to do for the kids. Most of the parents waited while they watched their kids playing in the play area next to the line. There were snacks and drinks and lots of happy and excited kids.

Soon enough, we were on the red carpet and it was almost our turn. AM loved playing in the little snow flakes and was very independent as she walked up to the front of the line unassisted.

Saying 'cheese'

Wondering what she will ask Santa for

"Yights!"
{Baby talk for lights as she pointed at the Christmas lights hanging above!}

Then it was our turn. CT3 helped AM into Santa's lap, they posted for a few pictures, he gave her a candy cane and before you know it we were off and on to the next photo op. Little bit did great. She was happy sitting on his lap and didn't shed a tear. As we walked away from him, she even turned and yelled "bye!" Bass Pro had a few other places that were cute and set up for kids and families to pose in. We took advantage of it all before looking to leave the store.

The kids play area!

All in all, it was a great experience. We waited no longer than 25 minutes, did not need an appointment, they gave us one free picture and a website if we wanted to purchase more, let us take a ton of our own shots and had all of the amenities for the husbands and kids. I honestly cant think of a better way to see Santa. After this years super easy experience I may be Bass Pro Shops biggest Santa advocate next year!

If you want my opinion, I think its quite the smart marketing strategy...get the ladies in to see a great Santa Claus, entertain and feed the kids and hope that their husbands make a few purchases while they wait!

The challenge for us came in getting out of the store. AM did not want to be carried and instead wanted to check out ever animal product that Bass Pro sold. From pink camo stuffed deer to life-sized dogs to ducks and ceramic dogs, we touched, hugged and petted them all.

Hugs for "Amp!"
{Baby talk for Champ!}

"uck! wack wack wack!"

"Amp!"

Half an hour later we were exiting the store and headed to the car.

It truly was a great night and a great experience. I hope that our years to come are not as crazy as this year has been with travel and all, and that in the future, I don't forget about getting a tree and seeing Santa. This year we got it all done, but it was way frazzled and last minute.

Shout out to Bass Pro for taking care of last minute moms like me and making our trip to see St. Nick a great one!

Our Little Christmas

2011-12-27T11:02:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, we did the first Christmas celebration with my family. On Monday, we drove home and we had CT3's firefighters dinner. On Tuesday we had something and the Wednesday night we had a night of worship at our church. Since we were planning on traveling on Friday, that left Thursday night for Santa to come to our house.

It felt a bit forced but it was what is was and we know we wont be able to travel like this for forever so we will enjoy it while we can. So Thursday evening while CT3 took AM for a diaper change, Santa came.

Earlier that week, we gave AM an "open early" present. CT3's family does lots of open early presents and I have to say, that I just cant get into the spirit of it. My family never ever EVER opened anything prior to Christmas and so it just feels weird to me. We also have an elf though who would leave us little things so I guess that is technically how we would receive open early stuff...though it was already opened - just left by Christy the Elf.

Me trying to get in the spirit, wrapped an open early present for AM.

And speaking of my elf, that is a whole 'nother soapbox post for a whole 'nother day...but be warned its coming!

Little bit only took twenty minutes or so opening her present, but once she got it opened, she was in love! When we were at her friend James house, she kept playing with his Little Peoples Manger set. When I spotted it in Target the other day, I knew I had to get it!

The little manger set tide her over til Thursday when Santa came. At our house, Santa always leaves some opened presents and then some wrapped. This year, Santa left unopened some clothes, a few Where's Waldo books {that AM's Mom and Dad may have hinted to Santa about for us to relive our childhood}, some blocks and a few other little things.

AM would play with something for a bit, then get distracted and run away for a while to play, then come back and do a little bit more unwrapping. She had to be prompted a bit but was a really good paper-puller-offer when she got into it! I have a feeling that next year there will be no stopping her!

Mid-way through gifts, the door bell rang. I am such a talented cook that I ordered Papa John's pizza for our Christmas dinner. What can I say. Mom and Dad take us to Waffle House and I order pizza.

Baby racked up on clothes, toys and a few fun new toys to add to her stash. She is big into Elmo, Big Bird and "Cookie" and thankfully, some of them were added to her toy collection. CT3 got the Xbox he has been eyeing for a while and I got some cute clothes and a gift certificate for a bra.

Yes. My Christmas list this year consisted of a jewelry bag from Stella & Dot, a bra and a pair of cowboy boots. I really didn't want anyone to shop for the bra or for the boots for me, so instead I just got cash and a gift certificate.

It was so fun having AM be more active and engaged this year and it makes me that much more excited about many many more!

In other baby related and or Christmas thoughts::

I really found it hard not to buy everything on the shelf for my child and to buy her stuff so that I could vicariously relive my childhood. Besides the Where's Waldo books {that are totally not age appropriate for her but I still bought} she also got some Care Bear stuff and I almost splurged on Rainbow Brite and a My Little Pony for my own memories sake! ...I only withheld because I didn't want to spoil her all at once!

I was sad to say that neither CT3 nor I shopped for Champ. I figured he had and he thought I had and neither one of us did...this means that the ole Champster will just have to be a bit spoiled sometime in the new year! Thankfully, my parents and CT3's parents remembered the pup and so he did have a few things under the tree!

Twas a Merry Thursday Christmas at our little house with our little family. Two down and two more to go!

Christmas With the Captain

2011-12-26T23:00:00.003-05:00

My family celebrated our Christmas a few days early this year.

The real reason for this was to meet my sisters non-boyfriend boyfriend a.k.a. the phantom.

You see, they have been "talking" for over a year and a half now. While we had heard lots about the Captain, we had all yet to meet him other than a time or two via video chat.

Now at first Kristin kept the Captain on the down low. I found out about him when I was video chatting with her and Aynsley and I told Aynsley to "find Kristin a boyfriend at her wedding." Kristin was quick to lean to Aynsley and whisper something, which I later found out was her telling Aynsley that we didn't know about the Captain.

Once we found out about him, she initially denied boyfriend status. She said they weren't "an item since they live in different countries" however there "are no other guys in Atlanta."

Then at some point this summer, she was on a plane to Germany to visit the non-boyfriend boyfriend. We heard from her once or twice while there so we figured she was a happy camper. At some point, the Captain was back in the states and met all of Kristin's friends. Once she had their approval and once she stopped denying and blushing over boyfriend status, the family was cleared to meet him.

{Photo stolen from her Facebook. Shhh! Don't tell her!}

Apparently the Captain wanted her to meet his family too as he sent her a plane ticket home for Christmas. That said, we were celebrating early with them so that Kristin could fly to the mid-west in hopes of a true white Christmas with her man.

Now this probably sounds crazy to most of you but the other half of the long story is that homeboy is active duty military and stationed in Germany. So he currently lives there and I guess soon after they started talking he took off on a 9 month deployment. This was his first Christmas home in a few years and as much as Kristin was excited to see him and celebrate with him, I know he was happy to be at home with his family.

We cooked a big turkey, ordered a Honeybaked Ham and whipped up all of the fixins for a yummy Christmas dinner. It was only a bit delayed when random person showed up at our house and made herself comfy on our couch.

On any other night, I may have been more patient however I was getting hangry {hungry+angry} and my child was being rowdy not helping my cause. Finally we ate and then it was onto presents. We only opened the ones for/from Kristin and Mike and saved the rest for Christmas day.

At some point in the night, one of my uncles called to heckle Mike. Lets be honest, after a year and a half plus some, poor Mike was going to be put through the wringer as the formal introductions were made. Between my uncle, the random friend dropping by, Dad opening presents with his teeth and my screaming baby, Mike was well indoctrinated into our family. All that was missing was my furry four legged friend begging for scraps underneath the table. We left him at the in-laws house and given all of the other stuff going on, it was probably for the best.

Kristin gave me some make-up that I had asked for and CT3 this outdoor game set. AM received a fraggle rock hand puppet and DVD and I think I may be more excited about this than she!

Mike gave all of us some cool Army stuff and a few toys from Germany and Austria. I think AM's favorite was this yodeling beaver looking thing. We aren't sure what it is but its quite Alpine and marmot looking and she enjoyed hearing it yodel! Champ on the other hand wants to rip its feathered cap off...

Anne Margaret was happy at first pulling off paper and yelling "yaaay!" She would then clap for herself and do it again. After one or two presents though, it got old and for us to keep moving we had to help with her gifts. She did enjoy putting bows on her head and posing.

Before we knew it, the night was over and we were picking up the trash and letting AM take it out. I have to say, if all else fails, she will make a fine trash lady one day! Who knows...maybe this is her first sign of being a neat freak?? She didn't get that streak from me, that's for sure!

So that was part one of our very Merry Christmas! More to come this week, including our last minute trip to see Santa!

Oh yes. As for the phantom Army non-boyfriend boyfriend, I think we all liked him and hope he'll stay around for another holiday or two!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T07:38:00.002-05:00

May Jesus be sweetly celebrated in your home today.

Thanks for a great and fun blog year!

Merry Merry!