First Day of School!!

HOORAY!!!  Today was the first day of school.  .  .I tell ya, I'm EXHAUSTED! I knew the morning routine was really going to be a challenge this year, we've had it down for Camden for a couple of years now--but Evan is a little hard to motivate in the mornings!  We've been practicing getting dressed before we come downstairs for a couple of weeks so we have that part down, it's just the doing it within a reasonable time frame that we need to work on!  Challenge or not, we made it out the door in an hour and everyone made it to where they needed to go on time!  YAY for us!  I wish I could say the same for the afternoon.  .  .I really thought Evan's pick up time was 3:15--oops!  The boys didn't have much to report about their day--Evan didn't eat anything so he was STARVING when I picked him up, and Camden still isn't sure he likes his teacher.  .  .we are all about looking at the positive side of things ;)  I know it will be another great year for both of them, I just may not hear too much about it ;)

Braelyn thinks it's great the boys are headed back to school!

I said "fart" they can't help but grin

He was very upset that they served him peas for lunch

When did this kid get so big??

Frozen yogurt for everyone!

Summer Recap

WOW!  Where did this summer go?!  I can't believe that school starts next week!!  I wish I could say that we did so much this summer.  .  .but really, I don't feel like I've hardly seen the boys.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining.  I love that they can go spend time with their grandparents over the summer, I did the same thing when I was a kid and those are special memories that you never forget!  If I'm being really honest here, the boys having some time away was probably the best thing for everyone.  Times have been a little stressful, even when we don't realize how stressful they have been, and I think everyone needed a breather and a little space to regroup.
No worries--everyone is fine, we aren't breaking up marriages or giving kids up for adoption or anything ;)--but with Jason being gone all the time things can get hectic, and sometimes it's easy to lose yourself when you are busy being a mom.  I know it's hard on everyone, but this is my blog so.  .  .

So summer has come and gone and it's been fairly uneventful.  The boys have enjoyed VBS (B would've enjoyed it too had she not ended up with pneumonia)--VBS is one of my favorite weeks of the year at SUMC!  Camden has participated in Boy Scout Camp, Evan went to Space Camp and Water Camp.  Both boys have gone to swim lessons--and I've made a pact with a friend that we will put our boys on swim team next year ;)--you know who you are, and I won't forget ;)!  Tomorrow we go meet Evan's pre-K teacher and he gets to see his "new" school. .  .this is bittersweet for me.  Then we are shopping for school supplies and getting everyone ready for next Wednesday!

Another big event this summer.  .  .Braelyn turned 2 and got her big girl bed.  The big girl bed came quicker than I had expected.  We tried to transition our little escape artist to a toddler bed first, but she was having none of it and none of us were sleeping!  So we went and bought the princess a full size bed and did a little room makeover!  So technically, this isn't her bed b/c they sent the wrong one, but I didn't ever take a new pic so you get the idea.  .  .

She is sleeping so much better, still not EVERY night all the way through, but we are getting there!

I didn't take too many pics from her birthday party, I was too busy just enjoying the day, but I got a few.  We opted for a VERY small party, family and a few of her little friends.  The weather cooperated and we had a great time--we enjoyed the bouncy Friday-Sunday which meant we had VERY tired kiddos by the end of the weekend!!

I can't believe this little girl is 2!

Another Bill Rhodes birthday cake, so delicious

I really thought the bubble pool (VBS inspired) would be a fab idea. . .
this is NOT what I had in mind ;)

Hopefully that catches us up for the summer!  I wish I had more pics, but I really don't.  .  .the summer has been a whirlwind!  We've got some things coming up.  .  .that are keeping me distracted, but more on that later.  .  . :)

Carb Free. . .

NOT ME!

I tell ya--I've been trying to focus more on what I'm putting in my body lately (sort of) and it's very eye opening.  It seems that everything I come across lately is pushing the paleo, clean eating, or carb free lifestyle.  I don't really need to lose weight, BUT, I eat a lot of crap.  . .seriously.  .  .I'm a self-professed carboholic.  Since Jason has been traveling so much lately, I've been eating what the kids eat (minus the hot dogs, I like them, but not all the time).  This has been good because it means I really don't have to cook as much (1 pack of chicken could last us 3 meals) and I am able to "dumb" down some of the things I make when Jason is home and figure out how to make it appeal to my picky eaters.  On the other side of this double edged sword, it means when I make frozen pizza or mac and cheese (from a box) there are no leftovers because MOMMY ate more than her fair share.  Add this to my daily sandwich, chips, and yogurt (typical lunch), cheese toast and yogurt for breakfast (or GoLean Crunch) and I've consumed enough carbs to feed an army!  So the boys have been gone and I was going to try to focus more on pulling the carbs out (by the way "gluten free" does not equal "carb free").  I've wrapped my sandwich in lettuce twice this week, but I couldn't bring myself to forgo my chips.  I was eating my favorite Chobani yogurt and turned it around to and realized it has almost as much carbs as the bread that I left off of my sandwich.  .  .COME ON!!!  So then I was told (and I probably should've known) that sugars = carbs  .  .  .my yogurt was non fat (I didn't realize) so that means more sugar which means more carbs.  It was suggested by MANY friends that I just buy the full fat yogurt and add my own fruit.  That sounds like a lot of work.  .  .too much work.  So, I'm going to keep my Chobani.  The lettuce around my sandwich meat was okay, might be better if I didn't have my meat shaved at the deli.  My brother made me a spaghetti squash stuffed with a hearty meat sauce and topped with cheese (similar, but BETTER, than my zuchinni boats)--it was fabulous.

I think what I've decided is that I want to be more cautious about what I'm putting into my body.  Hopefully it will make me more aware of what my kids are eating too, but, I'm still here and I promise I lived off of carbs and processed foods growing up.  I've tried giving up Diet Coke and I cheat on that all the time.  .  .i tried to think about cutting out carbs and cried the first day because of everything I would have to give up.  So maybe we will just practice moderation for now.  I've always said that's the key to a good diet, so now I will just figure out how to moderate those carbs.  What do you do to help cut your carb intakes?  Any good subs?  (no not the foot long-the "tutes"as in substitutes) Please share! I tried cauliflower mash this week.  .  .it was okay.  . .practice makes perfect, right??

Enough is Enough!!!

Since clearly I am jinxed to never posting on this blog again unless I post about LegoLand.  .  .

we went to LegoLand, here are some pics!  Honestly, one of the best outings I've had with my kids in a long e time!  I had such a blast--my abs hurt from laughing!  The kids loved it, great Atlanta outing, and you could totally do the late afternoon special and get it all done!

Since these pics we've been busy-school has ended and summer is full swing!  We've even had VBS week, which came and went in such a flash that I hardly remember it :(--it's one of my favorite weeks of the year!  B ended up with pneumonia so I missed a couple of days, but I had an AWESOME group of girls that I was working with so I did not worry that Imagination Station would falter.  .  . :)  Since it's been so long, and I can't get my thoughts together, I'll post some pics and be done!!  I've missed my blog. .  .

Evan Got Glasses!

TBall Fun

The float we worked on but never rode b/c it was the beginning of our illnesses :(

Love these girls!  

Garrett & Evan picking strawberries!

Cub Scouts is done.  .  .

The tooth fairy has been to visit!

How big does B look here??

Pool Time Fun!

Where I've Been

It's been a long few weeks.  .  .started with a sick Camden 2 Sundays ago and is continuing with sick mommy this sunday :(

Being at home with 3 sick kids is enough to drive even the most wonderfully patient mommy crazy.  .  .so you can imagine how I dealt with it.  Then when I started feeling bad I just tried to push through-what choice did I have really?  Jason's dad was able to come help me mid week which was a huge lifesaver, but this weekend I pretty much slept.  I even went to the doctor and started taking antibiotic--still have a fever as I type this--yuck :(

Hopefully tomorrow will bring a bright sun and a new week of health.  I finally gave in and joined a gym, I'm having some major buyers remorse--which I'm hoping will go away once I can actually start going and I get rid of my love handles and muffin top.  .  .

Evan has 2 weeks of school, Camden has 2.5 weeks left then we are off to the beach!  I promise to TRY real hard to post about LegoLand before we leave!

Wednesday-Stone Mountain

Wednesday of Spring Break we decided to take advantage of our awesome "Mountain Memberships" (c/o of Papa & Grandma) and head to Stone Mountain!  I had really debated going since Camden's allergies had been bothering him so much, but he REALLY wanted to go and I'm so glad we did!

Our first top was to get our tickets for the duck ride.  Last time we went I promised the kids that we would come back and ride over spring break.  It's a fun little ride around the park and onto Stone Mountain lake--the drivers give you all kinds of info on the history of the park, etc. and they usually let the kids drive the boat!  We couldn't get on right away, so we had about an hour to kill.  The kids begged to go play at Geyser Falls and PROMISED they wouldn't get wet.  .  .um--okay:

I love the picture of Camden on the top left--he looks so grown up and looks exactly like his Daddy!
As you can see the promise of not getting wet was not kept, but mommy had towels and changes of clothes in the car!!  We left and quickly got ourselves cleaned up so we could ride the duck!  I have to admit, I really didn't enjoy this ride as much as I liked the first one.  Your enjoyment is really up to the driver!  Our driver was nice enough, but last time our driver was OFF THE HOOK! :)  Oh well, the kids had fun!

Once we were done on the ducks, we headed to the baby animal show, then back to the car for our picnic lunch, and we finished up playing in the barn--Braelyn is such a daredevil, she has no problem climbing up stairs and shooting down a slide.  .  .she was non stop--and this was at 3pm with NO nap!!

All in all, it was a great day!  We love going to Stone Mountain and the memberships make it so great to be able to just go and enjoy whatever attraction we want to do that day.  It's only about 15 minutes from the house so we will get our moneys worth!

Spring Break--Monday & Tuesday

Not much to report for these two days!  Jason was home so he took the boys to Stars & Strikes while I went and visited Go Pro and ran a few errands.  The boys had a great time, and Camden one ONE THOUSAND TICKETS!  You read that correctly--1-0-0-0!!  This means we have bags full of little tiny penny type toys all over the house right now!  He was thrilled!  After dinner the kids talked me into Brusters so we all got some ice cream and headed home to get ready for bed.  

Tuesday we hung INSIDE all day, the pollen is horrible.  It isn't bothering anyone except Camden-his eyes are watery and puffy, runny nose, sneezing, etc--he's taking allergy medicine and it helps a bit, but it's still just best to stay inside when we can.  The boys learned to sort their laundry, and how to put it in the washer and dryer--not that they will be doing their own laundry anytime soon, but still--it's a skill.  After a loooooooonnnnnnnnnggggggggggg day of chores, board games, Cupcake Wars, and constant snacking and mess making (can you tell I'm all about an "at home day") we headed to Evan's tball practice* and then to get pizza with GiGi at our favorite Grayson pizza joint-Johnny's!  

*Side note--Evan is embracing tball just like he did last year.  it is so much fun to watch him in action!  we've worked on hitting a little bit and it shows, so I'm excited to see how he does this season!

Couldn't resist this cutie!!

Spring Break--Saturday & Sunday!

We've had a very active, yet relaxing Spring Break this year!  I was determined to not plan to stick around the house, only to desperately be in search of any bouncy place, park, library, or fun outing that would end up costing me just as much as a more "significant" outing would.  So as not to overwhelm you with REALLY REALLY LONG posts, I'll share each day in it's own post.  If you are on FB or Instagram, you've probably already seen all of these--sorry! :)

Saturday
We took a road trip up to Asheville to visit with my grandparents!  I love Asheville, I have so many wonderful memories of being there with my grandparents and my aunt le--they always made our visits so special and I'm happy that I'm able to share some of that with my kids!  I do hate the drive because I don't travel well, and quite frankly, neither do my kids--but they were troopers and we were able to have a nice relaxing picnic lunch and afternoon of playing outside with bubbles and big wheels!!  I wish I had more pics, but these are the only ones I've got:

Nana & B-I had a better one, but  someone
thought it would be cute to give B bunny ears
*sigh*

Um.  . .that's my mini Ms. B

If only they had slept longer than 1hr

Camden said he wasn't sleeping, he was just pretending. . .hmmmm

HAHA!

Sunday
Since we had such a busy day Saturday, and since Jason was having to pack up and leave Monday we stayed still and just hung out together at home.  The boys decided to open up a "duct tape bracelet" stand.  . .everybody needs a duct tape bracelet, well everyone except for the residents of Windsor Creek!  They worked tirelessly, and there were a few very sweet customers that stopped and purchased a bracelet or two--including Uncle Adam and GiGi!  They made about $10 and were so thrilled that they wanted to go out Monday to sell them too!  The only scary thing, I happened to look out and our Grayson Patrol had pulled up to make a purchase--he was super sweet but it occurred to me that my boys were right next to his car.  .  .I'm sure they felt safe-but I definitely used that as a teaching moment about how we don't approach cars EVER...and I decided that this stand needed to have a boss-mom planted on the front porch.

Hard at Work!

Pulled the wagon out for some shade

My assistant "boss-lady"

We finished off our day with a yummy family cookout!  GiGi and Uncle Adam joined us and we were able to sit in the dining room again!  I'm loving just ceasing the moment and using that room!  I just need a good table pad.  .  .anybody know where I can get one??

I Cheated. . .

I did--I feel like I should be honest and tell you that I cheated on my workout and on my diet coke.  Last week was busy so the whole working out thing just fell to the wayside. .  .I actually went into the week thinking I would be able to carve out the time, but it just didn't happen.  I hopped back on my horse yesterday and I'm paying for it!!  I feel like I'm back to square one, but I'm sticking with it!!  I would love to run but the stinking weather is just too cold to take Sweet B out so I will deal.  .  .

I cheated on my diet coke too.  .  .twice.  .  .the good news is, I was able to just have one (or part of one).  .  .and that was enough to satisfy that craving.  I guess maybe trying to be a T-totaler just isn't for me!

Playing Catch Up. . .

...in life and on my blog!!

Last week was the infamous "Consignment Week"!!  Some of us anticipate with excitement, some of us dread it like no other week!  I am in the first category!  I'm on the PTA and the Consignment Board at Evan's (used to be Camden's, about to be Braelyn's) preschool--it is a lot of work, but it does give me a purpose other than housekeeper, cook, and bottom wiper! :)  Every year the PTA (and consignment board, I have to say that because they are separate and there are only 2 of us from PTA on the CB)--anyway.  .  .we have a consignment sale--a really awesome consignment sale.  This was my 3rd sale on the board and I have to admit that I'm pretty proud of it.  The week is full of challenges, but we work hard and even though there are times tears are shed (mainly mine this week--it was a rough week) we come out on the other side loving each other and proud of what we have accomplished.  Not only does the sale raise money for our preschool, it also helps us to reach those in our community that might not be able to run up to the Avenues to buy the latest and greatest, and it brings people into the church that might not have otherwise.  I really do love being a part of this sale, and even though it exhausts me I feel that it is worth it!  Also, I shop consignment for my kiddos.  .  .especially Braelyn.  Seriously y'all--if you have a girl consignment is the way to go.  I'm incredibly picky and generally most of what I buy looks like it has never been worn!

So, on top of it being consignment week Braelyn got sick.  I tried to head it off the Friday before, I knew it was coming--but we checked out and woke up Sunday night with a fever. . .not awesome!  So Monday they said she sort of had an ear infection coming and by Thursday I had her in the after hours office with a fever of 102 and a full blown ear infection.  .  .and a new prescription!  I know it was bad because she literally did not sleep for about 2 nights.  Friday about noon I realized that she really had not had much to drink all day.  We kept trucking along and the day got away from me (it always does), when she woke up from her nap (7pm, yes it was a late one) I realized that her diaper was dry and I hadn't changed her since noon.  .  .OH!  MY!  GOODNESS!!  I freaked!!  Fortunately, she ended up turning it around AFTER I had emotional breakdown on the phone with my dad, another with my mother in law, then with the After Care Doctor's office, and the answering service for my pediatrician.  .  .did I mention I hadn't slept in 2 nights and she had been crying for 2 hours??  Not my finest moment.  .  .GOOD NEWS, she is great.  .  .but I'm still tired! :)

Camden brought home a report card last week!  He got straight E's (and S's because some subjects that's the highest you can go)!  He even brought up his grammar grade from S to E!  I'm so proud.  He really does so well, and it seems so effortless!  It must come from his father. . .
Today I decided it was time for us to "relearn" tying our shoes.  .  .and you know what--we did it!!  I had decided to make him practice for 30 minutes this afternoon when he came home, and we went over it several times and by the end we were racing!  I'm so proud!  Neither of us lost our cool (which is unusual.  . .for me anyway)

He hates getting that picture taken!

TBall starts tomorrow!!  Hopefully we have better luck than we did with soccer!  Evan loved t-ball last year so I think we will be good to go!  Oddly enough, today he told me after tball he just only wants to play soccer.  .  .GREAT! 

Jason is still traveling more than he's not.  .  .I feel like I'm in deployment mode--except not really because we are lucky enough to see him on the weekends!  I just wish I could figure out meals!  My kids don't eat anything so to cook something good is such a waste!  BUT I DON'T WANT STUPID KID FOOD!  Tonight I went with a Smart Ones frozen meal.  . .I'm about to gnaw my arm off as I type. . .something has to give!

Sorry for all the words--sometimes I just have a lot to say!

Careful, this one is ALL over the place!

So, today was a school holiday.  .  .not really a holiday, just a built in "snow make up day" that we never really needed to make up-therefore we were out today. Now, I know my teacher friends get upset when they see people post about how they don't like their kids being out of school-as if it was the teacher's job to baby sit.  .  .it's totally not the teacher's job, but it is a nice perk ;) haha!!  Kidding, I love my kids and usually I don't mind them being out of school, but for some reason today was the LONGEST.  DAY.  EVER!!  It just finished up in fact.  I don't know why it was that way, maybe because Jason is out of town so there was no relief for me.  Usually I have activities planned, but I just didn't plan anything today.  We did make some playdoh (I love homemade playdoh), watched tv, played xbox and all just really got on each others nerves!  YES, Mommy's get on their kids nerves sometimes too!!  So that's it, the day is done.  We had breakfast dinner, drew names for who gets to sleep in mommy's bed, and had some quality reading time after our baths--so all is right in the world.  .  .for now!

This post is probably going to be all over the place tonight, I have lots on my mind and this tends to be a good place to get it all out.  For one, it's my blog so I can write what I want.  For another, I feel like if I put it here it holds me accountable.  So, last week I started a new workout plan.  A special lady introduced me to Shrinking Jeans last week.  It's wonderful!  It has all types of workout plans, motivational things (lots of ways to connect and get emotional support), meal plans, etc.  Amber told me she was going to start working on the monthly workouts from March, July, and August--so of course, I decided I would too!  I'm proud to say I've stuck with it.  .  .I just love it.  Even doing the 3 months combined takes me about 20 minutes-what this means for me is, life really can't get in the way.  I can usually find about 20 minutes in each day to do something for myself and I'm making this a priority!  I'm also trying to keep up with my running--this is getting tougher because Jason's work schedule is keeping him out of town most weeks, but I am committed to keeping it up and since I've written it here for all 2 or 3 of my readers to see.  .  .I must keep it up!  The other thing is, check out this site!  I really do like it!  I was just looking for something to supplement my running and this has done it-so YAY!
Here is my next accountability statement: I'm giving up Diet Coke.  .  .it's time.  I know, I know--this I will probably fail at, but I am going to try REALLY hard!  I love diet coke, I would't call myself an addict because I don't have it everyday.  I do really enjoy it, especially from a fountain.  If you go out to eat with me, I can down like 6 fountain drinks and then take a to-go cup.  .  .here is the problem--it affects my brain, it's not the caffeine, it's the artificial sweetener-I have NO DOUBT about this.  I work so hard to keep it away from my kids and I really need to keep it away from myself too.

Sunday was an awesome day here in GA!  Almost 70, sunny, beautiful--just beautiful!!  We played outside with sidewalk chalk, and bubbles (homemade-I love homemade bubbles), water guns.  .  .so fun!  The boys got to go play down the street for a bit and ventured off into the woods-YIKES-totally makes me nervous but they had so much fun!!  I was glad they were able to have some adventures similar to what we used to have when the time changed and the weather warmed up!!!

Let's Get Started!!

 You know the best way to get a painting project started??

 Paint the wall.  .  .yea, Jason's not going to be in love with this wild hair when he gets home tonight!  Sorry Babe!

I feel like I haven't posted pics of the kids lately so here are a few from the past week (because I seriously do take pictures daily)!!

Evan asked me to take this pic and send it to
his girlfriend Helen (they are a mess)!

Camden's mohawk for Crazy Hair Day
I'm going to keep my day job and not worry with going to beauty school!

B letting me know she would rather not listen to Adam Levine
or was it Maroon 5?  I don't know, is there a difference?

I swear this isn't a cooking blog. . .

So seriously.  .  .this sign is the next on my "Must Have" list--I know exactly where I will put it in my kitchen:

Source: etsy.com via Melanie on Pinterest

In other news, tried a new Pin tonight!!  It was so delicious, super easy, and thanks to my lil bro for leaving his heavy whipping cream (yes, I went full fat tonight), and garlic from his grocery run last week-I had everything on hand for it!

Source: hopeandjohnbasher.blogspot.com via Melanie on Pinterest

This was a delicious recipe-only two modifications--I made my own breadcrumbs so we could keep it gluten free (Udis, herbs, and parm cheese), and I added spinach in the end so I could meet Jason's requirement of something green.  Honestly, I think the basil counts as green.  .  .
Did the kids eat it??  Uh.  .  .did you see my sign?

Happy Birthday Penny-Dog

I can hardly believe my first baby (4 legged baby that is) turned 10 years old today!!  She still acts like a puppy.  .  .but we love her anyway!!
I never knew that the boys would be so excited and sweet about celebrating her birthday today.  .  .okay I'm going to be straight up with y'all (cause that's how I roll)-in my head I knew that it was her birthday but I didn't remember until the vet emailed her a "happy birthday" message!  OOPS!

Anyway, Camden insisted that we pick up a special treat for her today so we ran out after his Cub Scout visit to the police station and picked her up a birthday surprise, they were super excited to give it to her!  The other thing that Camden did--and seriously y'all, he's becoming more and more thoughtful everyday (bear with me, this is a long story)!!  Anyway, his teacher told them today they should read a book and have their parents ask questions, for every question they get right they get 1 minute to do something.  Camden earned 11 minutes-he wanted us to all take Penny on a walk (for 11 minutes, which was plenty b/c it was COLD) since it was her birthday!  Wasn't that sweet?!

Happy 10th Birthday Old Lady!  We Love You!

We picked an opossum because we had one on our deck a few months ago that she wanted to play with!  She loves it!

A Personal Best!

I've always wanted to run a 5K by myself, just to see how well I would do if I just focused on my time. For most people 5ks are social, you pick a fun one or one that supports a cause you are serious about, rally your friends and off you go!!  Well, this time I just wanted to see.  .  .

I just want to finish under 33 minutes (this is what I said outloud, but really I wanted to finish in under 30).  I've never really paid any attention to the age groups, or top 10s, etc.  .  .but it would be pretty cool to finish in the top right??  I watched the weather and at the last minute decided to sign up for Run the Reagan, it would be a little chilly, but the race doesn't start until 11 so I figured it would warm up to almost the high of the day!  Can I just say--I'm so glad it didn't rain/snow like TWC said it would.  We are in Georgia the weather changed a million times between the time I signed up and the time we actually ran!  Fortunately Dad was able to drop me a the start line right at race time so I wasn't completely frozen by the time we started!!
Coolest thing ever.  .  .the race announcer told everyone "if you have a number over 2000 please move to the back" I looked down and I was 1208!  WOO HOO!!  Mind you, I paid for that position it's not because I'm a super awesome runner.  This race gives you an option of a timed race, and an untimed race--and yes I kept that in mind when I saw the results.  I started in the front of the pack, and I would say I finished somewhat in the front--not quite middle, but not way out in front with the dude who finished in 16 minutes (WHAT??  he was in a tank top and shorts too)!!

I ended up finishing in 29:47.  That was the time when I crossed the finish, I'm glad I booked it right there at the end.  I had the little thingie on my bib that tracks you and I really thought my time would be a little less since I didn't cross the start line right when the clock started-but oh well, it was under 30 (my secret personal goal)!!  I even waited around for the results, secretly hoping I would see my name on the leader board.  .  .yea, did I mention the guy who finished first did it in 16 minutes!!  However, when they posted results on the web I was 5th in my age group (out of 30 timed runners, Camden asked how many were in my age group)!!  YAHOO!!!  I finished 185th overall, and 51st out of 333(timed) women.  .  .ANYWAY, I know it's not as super awesome as I think it is, and if you are one of those "oh yea, I place every time" just hush--don't burst my bubble!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Hope you all got a Valentine as sweet as we did this morning!!  He even chased Daddy out to the car to make sure he saw it before he left for work!

It was today. . .

It was today that I became "that mom".  .  .you know the mom from Baby Momma (is that it, with Tina Fey)--when Tina tells her she has something on her arm.  .  .this something could be pudding, or it could be poop and without missing a bit mom takes a taste.  .  .

Okay, so it wasn't anything that gross, but when I realized an hour later, once things quieted down a bit and I had some time to reflect.  .  .I thought "WOW--I did that, and didn't think twice".  .  .I'll set the scene:
Alright, it was one of those mornings where I was trying to get ready while simultaneously feed the kids.  Since I'm responsible, I relocated all of my beautifying tools to the downstairs bathroom off the kitchen so I could be sure nobody choked on their cheese quesadilla.  Of course, as usual, once I got all set up Evan and Braelyn were done eating so they were running around playing nicely while I was applying makeup and straightening my hair (yes Misty Ratchford, sometimes I do straighten ALL of my hair).  OKAY-so my cell rings and I thought "woohoo, speaker", I was so proud that I was able to figure out how to chat with my girlfriend about an upcoming shower while putting on my mascara.  Now, I know you don't all have kids, and they are all different-but when my phone rings I SWEAR everyone in my house drops what they are doing, they come to find me and make it a mission to talk to me about anything and everything I never cared about.  Braelyn wails and needs to be picked up, the dog barks.  .  .you get the picture.  ANYWAY, B & E made their way into the teeny bathroom off the kitchen and began playing with the toilet paper, talking, and playing with my hair clip.  .  .Braelyn thought it should go for a swim so "plunk" right into that toilet.  All the while Evan is screaming "Braelyn threw it in the toilet" (remember, I'm still on the phone).  .  .without missing a beat I stuck my hand in, grabbed the clip out, washed hands and clip, hustled everyone out of the bathroom, finished up my conversation.  .  .AND clipped that hair on up!!!!  UGH and that was the moment that I became "that mom".  . .don't judge-it could be you one day!

1 down. . .80hundred more to go. . .

I Jason got a project done this weekend!!  He's now threatened to block Pinterest's ip address so that I can no longer access it from our home.  .  .

Honestly, it didn't come from Pinterest--it came straight from my head!!!  I don't know how I talked him into doing it-I think he just thought "maybe if I do this one, she'll stop following me around gabbing about all of the other things she wants done. .  ."

So, I was giving the kids a bath the other day and they (Braelyn) was splashing all over the place--but where I could really see it was on the wall right outside of the bathtub.  Then it hit me (no not the water) the brilliance.  . .what if we just put tile there?  I mean, how hard could it be???  Plus, it saves the paint I'm going to put on the wall one day (remember, there are 80hundred more projects to go)!!  So, I found the tile and we went for it!  I'm kind of proud, it was all my idea.  I was kind of like a manager, I thought up the plan and delegated it to Jason!  :)

Now all I need is my towel hooks--I say 3 b/c there are 3 kids and this is their bathroom.  Jason says 4, in case we have a guest.  .  .but if we have 4 one will always be empty.  I was going to stencil their initial above their hook so they all have their OWN space (note the color coded wash cloths--again, a moment of brilliance.  .  .)

So, like I said 1 down 80hundred more to go.  . .thank you Evan for showing me I can use the number 80hundred, it's his very favorite number, I hear it every day!  Oh, and of course, thank you Jason for being so handy and getting my tile up!!  I love it!

Another Successful Pin

I love when a Pin really turns out as it promises!!  When it does I just feel the need share, I mean you are really taking a risk every time you try a new one--TRUST ME, I've had quite a few "mis-Pins"!

Tonight I made this:

Source: emilybites.com via Melanie on Pinterest

It looked entirely too easy, used minimal ingredients, AND claimed to be WW (i.e. low fat)--this had mis-Pin written all over it.  .  .BUT, I had all of the ingredients on hand and I love an excuse to make the frozen texas garlic toast (don't you judge me-that stuff is good!) So I went for it!!  Seriously--it was FAB-U-LOUS!  The only modification I had to do was the bread crumb topping--I made my own and just threw some of Jason's UDIs into the food processor with parm cheese, garlic, and oregano:

throw some bread in the food processor

really, it's as easy as it sounds

Admittedly, I made entirely too much.  This was 4 slices of bread and I had triple what I needed.  I just threw the rest in the freezer for next time.  .  .and there will be a next time!

Yum!

**TOTALLY FORGOT: B said "paci"today!  I know, I know, not the word on the top of everyone's list but WHATEVS she's starting to talk.  Admittedly she didn't say it in order to get her paci, she refused to say when I was dangling her paci in front of her face saying "paci, paci".  .  .but she'll figure it out eventually!  Yay for words!