Friday, June 29, 2012

5 Years Ago Today...

Five years ago today, I woke up nervous, excited and soooo happy!!!  It was my wedding day.  I could not possibly wait until 9 pm so I could say, "I do" and start my life with the Hubs. 

It was an amazing day.  Ms. L was my right hand.  She did just about everything for my wedding.  She helped me for months beforehand and then the day of she helped set everything up, and did my hair, and make up.  Then the next day (we had the reception the next day, because the wedding was late in the evening.  I know we're weird ;), she and my crazy older bro. even sang at the reception.  (No matter what she says, she has an AMAZING voice.) If it weren't for her, my wedding would've been FAR less awesome.  I wouldn't say it would've been a flop, because in the end I was still married to the most kind, caring, considerate, loving, thoughtful, patient man in the whole world.  I must say, I still owe Ms. L even til this day.  Well, that was quite the rabbit trail into Ms. L's awesomeness ;). 

Back on topic, 5 years ago today I became Mrs. the Hubs.  It has been an awesome journey.  I've watched the Hubs become a father, change diapers, be patient, handle difficult situations with wisdom and godliness, be patient, strive to be the man God wants him to be, lead when it's difficult, be patient, love when it's hard, make small things fun, be patient.  I could go on for days!  I love him more today than I did 5 years ago.  I never believed it would be possible, but it has happened ;).  I look forward to another 95 years!

I hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T

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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Daddy

Today I must honor a wonderful, kind, caring, generous man.  That man is my Daddy.  It is his Birthday today!  In my family we have this tradition of singing the happy birthday song to a person as many years as they are old.  For instance, if a person is 5 they get the song 5 times.  Not necessarily in a row, just in random spots throughout the day.  It is a great tradition when you're 7.  It's ok when you're 17, but once you pass 20 we start making the songs count as multiples, because otherwise it can get down right obnoxious (especially if you have 5 people trying to sing it to you 20 times each through the day.... it gets a little bit old ;).  

So in honor of not annoying my Daddy on his special day (he really hates it when we sing to him as many times as he is old... probably because at this point we have to sing to him morning, noon and night! hahaha!  Whoops, I probably shouldn't be maligning him on his birthday.... Shhh it's a secret between you and me ok? ;), I am going to make this post part of the birthday song count! Happy Birthday to my fabulous Daddy! 

I love you Daddy!!!! I hope you have a fantastic Birthday!!!

Love,
Ms. T


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Non- Productive Day, but I Tried!

You ever have one of those days where you are busy almost all day, and yet not one project gets entirely completed?  I had one of those days yesterday.  It started out well enough, but it went down hill in a hurry.

I started cleaning Firecracker's room (that's where my family that had come to visit had stayed) and putting away all the extra bedding and things when I realized Firecracker's closet needed organizing.  So I started that (hadn't finished the first task), then I realized I needed to put some of the bedding into my space bags, so I went into my room to retrieve the space bags and I realized I needed to organize my photography props.... Let's just say the day went like this all day long! 

I am happy to report that though I still have one billion projects that are unfinished, I did at least finish the organization of Firecracker's closet, and the cleaning up of his room.... It's a small comfort, but there is always today, and tomorrow etc. etc. ;). 

I wish you all a very productive day!!  (in my world productive and happy are pretty much synonymous =)

Ms. T

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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Family

I know I spend an inordinate amount of time blogging about my family.  But that's the way it is.  I love them, and they love me and therefore we spend mucho time together (whenever we can).  Therefore, they are a big part of my life and that's what this blog is about, my friends.  And that's why today you get yet another blog about my family ;).

Last night we had a full house.  My Parents, Ms. L, her hubs and kiddos and my older bro., his wife and their kiddos not to mention my gangly crew ;).  It was chaotic, but fun.  We had dinner here and needless to say the dining room table wasn't made for that many people.  We sat all the kids in the dining room and then I expected the grown ups to fan out finding a comfy spot to eat and socialize with a few others. 

What actually happened surprised me and showed me once again what an awesome family I have.  Instead of fanning out and sitting where they were comfortable, the grown ups packed into the dining room too standing while eating or pulling up chairs or bar stools that were not even close to being right for the table size.  We packed in and had a grand time.  It just shows that while our family is a little nutty and crazy at times we're also close knit and love eachother.  We actually WANT to be around eachother!  Crazy no? ;)

When I was a kid I was naive enough to think that all families were like mine.  That they all were fun loving, caring, considerate and well, liked eachother.  Unfortunately, as an adult I have come to realize that my family is a special breed.  And I wouldn't have it any other way!

I hope you have a great day!

Ms. T



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Monday, June 25, 2012

Mommy's Morning Out

My Sis in Law, L, that lives near me came up with the idea of swapping mommy mornings out.  I would watch her kids for a few hours one day and then she would watch mine for a few hours on a different day. 

INGENIOUS!!!  I tell ya!  It gives us time to get all those little errands done that are so much easier sans kids.  You know like going to the post office, returning things to stores etc. etc. 

I seriously encourage you if you're a Mama to find another Mama and trade off mornings or afternoons or something.  It's so nice to be able to get all of those little things done without kids.  Or you could just go home and revel in the quietness.... ;)  Whatever is your cup of tea.

Hope you have a great day!

Ms. T

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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Movies

Yesterday, Firecracker, Sweet Pea and I all went to see the summer dollar movie at the local theater.  It was interesting I must say.  We did it though!  And we all had a great time!

Fircacker in his typical "can't hold all my energy in" way had a hard time sitting the whole time.  He kept getting up and literally running circles around our seats (we were sitting in the handi cap section so that I could have the stroller for Sweet Pea).  But he was good. 

All in all I'd say we had a very successful outing. 

Hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T

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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

St. Augustine Continued

If you missed the first St Augustine post you can read it here.  If you haven't read it feel free to.  We will wait..... Back?  Great! Where were we?  Oh yes, we had taken an ice cream break.  After our ice cream break we wandered over to the Fort and looked around a bit.  We contemplated going in, but it was closed for the day...  The kids had great fun running around on the big lawn chasing the birds.  They were calling "here birdie".  Pretty sure that's not the best way to get a bird to come... Let's just say they were not successful in catching a bird.


After the bird chasing, and the Fort "tour", we went for a carriage ride!  It was the very first time I've ever been for a ride in a horse drawn carriage.  It was awesome!!!

our ride

The kids were excited about the horse ride

T,C, and their kids ready for the ride

Papa enjoying the ride
Gram and Sweet Pea enjoying the ride too

The Hubs on the ride.  He's a little camera shy

the kids getting to pet the horse after the ride.

And that was our trip.  It was super fun!  Hope you've enjoyed the picture tour =).

Hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T


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Monday, June 18, 2012

*HOT COUPON TIP*

Publix has Snapware food storage containers 50% off this week.  The regular prices vary from 2.80 to 9.00.  Making them now 1.40 to 4.50 and in the April 29th Smart Source insert there is a 2.00 off 1 snapware item coupon!!!  If you buy the least expensive one, you make .60 each item you buy!  And if you really would like a bigger one you're still getting a great deal.  I made money on 2 and got 2 for free, because I wanted some that were a little bigger too.  Good luck!!

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St. Augustine

You remember awhile ago we went to St. Augustine to help my brother and sister in law move?  Well, we had a fabulous time and it occurs to me that I never really blogged about all our great fun there.  So here we go!  I am not sure it will all fit into one post, so you may get more tomorrow ;).

After moving all the stuff into T & C's new house we all decided to go sight seeing.  We went down town and walked through the shops.


My Mama and Daddy.  They still hold hands... isn't that cute?!
We found a gazebo that had cannons around it (sounds like an odd combo I know!).

Of course Firecracker and Tank went straight for the cannons!
Poor guys couldn't figure out why the cannon balls wouldn't come off...



Don't worry Uncle T is hiding behind the cannon holding Sweet Pea up so she wouldn't fall.  I know it looks scary ;)
Look at that all 4 cousins looking at the camera and smiling =).


After our exploring we were all hot and wanted to cool down.  So we found an ice cream shop which of course the kids (and I) were thrilled about!





It was a fabulous break!  And this is where I'll leave you hanging ;).  We'll continue tomorrow =)

Hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T


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Friday, June 15, 2012

5 Question Friday

First and foremost, I must wish my Big Sis a happy birthday!  She just brought a beautiful baby girl into this world!  She's wonderful, accomplished (she's a lawyer- a good one, not one of those sleazy ones), and thoughtful!
So It’s Friday once again!  Yippee!! This weekend we don’t have much planned, except to celebrate the Hubs.  As he is the wonderful Hubby and Father in this home =). 
I have to say, I couldn’t ever have imagined how perfect of a Daddy and Hubby he would be until he became those things.  I cannot ever see myself loving or having loved anyone like I love this man.  He is one of the most patient, loving, caring and understanding men I’ve ever met.  And I see more good qualities in him every day!  He still makes me swoon… ahhhh… Ok, mushy stuff over.  Onto the fun!
Once again thanks to Mama M. for letting me link up! 
1. Would you grow your hair out to donate it?
    Yes, I would do that.  To be honest, I grew it out a looooong time ago to donate it, I went and had it cut, but the hair itself never got to the donation place…. Have I ever told you that I’m TERRIBLE about mailing things?  I still have my nephew’s birthday gift to mail to him… his birthday was in March.  Yep, terrible auntie award goes to me!
2. What song makes you think of summer?
     Beach Boys songs.  Like Little Old Lady from Pasedena, 409, Kokomo, etc. etc.  I grew up on oldies and my Daddy loved the Beach Boys.  I have many memories of car trips listening to Beach Boys the majority of the way and talk radio for the rest of it =).  Let’s just say that when the talk radio came on we were begging for the Beach Boys!
3. Are you a flip flops or sandals kind of person?
     Flip flops all the way!!  I wear flip flops about 350 days a year.  No joke.  I even wear blingy flip flops to church. 
4. Favorite summer treat (ie ice cream, snow cones, etc)?
     Ice cream.  Ice cream isn’t just a summer treat for me.  It’s a yearly treat.  It’s delish!  And if you don’t think so feel free to give me your share!!
5. Do you do something special for the father of your children on Fathers day?
     Yeppers, the Hubs gets a Father’s day gift every year.  Since the first year we had the Firecracker.  And his gifts are already waiting for him here in the house ;). 
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Ms. T



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Thursday, June 14, 2012

First Steps

The other day Sweet Pea took her first steps!!!  Unfortunately, I missed it =(.  I was in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner and my Dad, the Hubs and Firecracker were all in the living room with Sweet Pea.  I was just finishing up washing a pan when I heard the Hubs call, "Honey, you just missed it!"

I rushed into the living room only to find out that Sweet Pea had been standing a little bit away from my Dad.  He just reached out to her and said, "come on, sweet heart," and she took 2 steps right to him!  My baby is getting big so fast! 

Since then I have gotten to witness her take a few steps a couple of times.  It's not going to be long before she's off and running like the Firecracker. 

Hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T


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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Worth the Splurge

A while ago one of my blogger friends did a post called "worth the splurge".  She listed all of the things she deemed worthy of spending that little extra money on.  It got me wondering what if any itmes I'd deem "worth the splurge".  I've thought of a few so I thought I'd share with you what they are!

1. DVR- The Hubs proclaims that this has saved our marriage, because he no longer is subjected to watching shows like 16 and pregnant with me =).  And I don't have to watch as much racing, although I do still see my fair share of it ;).

2. Glad press and seal- This is so much better than your average plastic wrap.  So fabulous.

3. Reynold's wrap crock pot liners- Oh my goodness!  Anyone that has ever had to soak a crock pot overnight, because the food was so baked on will appreciate this item!  I LOVE these.  I perpetually have these stock piled in my cabinet.  If I don't have any it seriously makes me consider if I want to use the crock pot!

4. Bounty paper towels- Being a couponer, I am not really "brand dependent".  Whatever brand goes on sale and I have a good coupon for is the brand I buy.... most of the time.  I have learned though, that even if I can get a great deal on paper towels I pass it up.  Bounty are the only ones (aside from Viva, which are ridiculously expensive, but so awesome) that don't rip.  Totally worth the little bit of extra I have to spend.

5.  Disposable bibs-  I do not often use these, however, I've learned how great they are!  I used to carry a bib in the diaper bag at all times, because who knows when we'll be eating some where other than our house and Sweet pea will need one?  The problem would be that I would forget it was in the diaper bag needing to be cleaned afterwards.  And sometimes they'd end up making everything smell funky, because I forgot about them.  Ugh!  The dollar store sells a pack of 6 disposable bibs for 1.00.  Totally worth it!!!

Well, I'm sure there are more things that I may deem worth the splurge, but these are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head.  Hope you enjoyed them!

Hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T


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Monday, June 11, 2012

I've Been Bumped

I used to be the love of the Hub's life.  Key words there "used to be".  Up until last week when he got his new-to-him car.  Now I'm bumped.  The new car (still unnamed, the Hubs names all vehicles.  It's a prerequisite.  He even named my old car, because when we got married I hadn't named the car.) has stepped up and taken my place.  Until the newness wears off I guess I'll have to get used to taking the back seat! hahaha! Pun intended =)

Anyway, here are some pics of his new ride.  He's so happy.  I love how happy he is. 



The kiddos checkin' out Daddy's new ride ;)

Hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T

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Friday, June 8, 2012

5 Question Friday!


It’s Friday again!  Yippee!! We’re having a double date tonight with some of our friends.  We’re so excited!  Dinner and then miniature golf.  Plus I’m sure there will be lots of laughs.  It’s sure to be a good time.
On to the 5 question Friday fun!  Once again thanks to Mama M.  for letting me link up.

1. Did you do anything special for your kids on the last day of school? Or did you parents do anything special for you?
     Nope, we didn’t do anything super special in our house for the last day of school.  Aside from us kiddos celebrating =).
2. What's your favorite summer tradition with your children?
      Going to the beach, or maybe going to the spray park.  Not sure which, but Firecracker loves both! =)  This summer we’ve got lots of fun stuff planned!
3. What was your favorite thing to do during the summer as a kid?
     I LOVED going to my Grandpa’s house.  He had a big 100 acre farm.  He had cows, and when I was young he even had a horse.  My Grandpa was an amazing man that had a way with animals.  There was a mutual respect between them.  I love him, and miss him….
4. How old were you when you were married? Were you a Bridezilla?
     I was 24 when I got married.  Nope, I wasn’t a Bridezilla.  At least I don’t think I was.  I was surprisingly calm.  Well, there were some hiccups, but they were straightened out.  Plus I had the world’s best wedding planner, Ms. L.  She was an absolute Godsend.  I still owe her for all the help she was at my wedding.
5. What is your favorite girl name? (I'm needing suggestions.)
     I love the names Lila, Daphne and Grace.  We almost name Sweet pea one of these, but we found another name we liked better.
Hope you all have a great weekend!!
Ms. T 



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Thursday, June 7, 2012

Hide and Seek the Easy Way

The other day the Firecracker and I were playing hide and go seek.  Firecracker was exceptionally good at finding me this time.  So I decided to watch and see how he was accomplishing this feat.  I'll show you.




After seeing that it was quite obvious, 1. No wonder he could find me so easily, and 2. I'm raising a cheater! hahahaha!  Gotta love the little booger!

Have a great day!

Ms. T


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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

A Personal Triumph

How do you all like the new background?  I thought it was appropriate for summer =). 

Ok, so now onto the explanation of my personal triumph!  As we all know I struggle with post partum depression and anxiety.  I don't invite people to my house.  I just don't.  I feel like I'm being judged while they're here.  (Yes, even by family that I know isn't here to see my house they're here to see me- words of my Mama.)  I just can't help it.  I get nervous, and feel like my house isn't clean enough, or decorated well enough etc. etc. 

In my head I know it's ridiculous.  My house is not a pig sty by any stretch of the imagination.  It IS lived in.  I have 2 kiddos and my house shows it, but I try to keep things picked up and I do thorough cleaning at least once a week, if not more.  Ok, I'm done defending my cleaning habits hahaha! 

Back to the story.  Anyway, this last weekend I invited people over!  So it was just Ms. L, her hubby, their 2 kids, my Mama and Daddy, my older bro, his wife and their 2 kids.  It was a house full, and miraculously I had not one iota of anxiety!  It was wonderful!  I felt comfortable, and nothing like I was being judged.  It was fantastic! 

It's a small step, but one I'm proud of!  Now, I'm not saying I'm going to be hosting any tupperware parties or anything like that any time soon, but it does mean that maybe, just maybe I can start slowly getting back into my old self.  I've missed her, and my journey back will be long, but hopefully I'll get there one day!

Hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T

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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Christmas in June

Before you read this story you must understand 2 things about me: 1.  I LOVE Christmas.  It's my favorite time of the year. 
2. I'm VERY much into tradition.  I revel in tradition.  It makes me happy.

Ok, now that you understand these things we can begin the story.  Last Christmas I searched for my most favorite Christmas songs cd.  It's a mix cd I made eons ago.  I listen to it every Christmas and sing along and it just puts me in the Christmasy mood.  Well, this beloved cd was MIA.  I couldn't find it anywhere!

I experienced 4 of the 5 stages of grief (I skipped bargaining, because it didn't really apply).
1. Denial- I know it's here somewhere.  It CAN'T be lost...
2.Anger- (read frustration) Why can't I find it?!
3. Depression- Sad, not completely able to get into the Christmasy mood.
4. Acceptance- Oh well, it's gone.  I'll make due.  It's not the end of the world.  There are lots of Christmas songs online I'll be fine listening to them.

I survived the Christmas season and here we are in June.  Well, the Hubs was going through one of his old cd cases and FOUND my beloved cd!!!  I was extatic!!!  Therefore, I am listening to my cd to make up for the absence of it during the Christmas season.  Ahhhh it makes my heart so happy =)!!!

Hope you have a great day!

Ms. T

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Monday, June 4, 2012

Rainy Day Activity

Any parent that's ever been trapped inside their house by rain (or any other weather issue) with 2 munchkins that are restless has inevitably wracked their brain for something to do with them.  Well, here is something that I found on Pinterest and altered to make it fit our style.

First, I set up a grid on the floor using painter's tape.  (Shhhh don't tell the Hubs I used the expensive stuff!  We ran out of regular masking tape, which by the way would have worked out just fine.)  Then I put cars into the various openings.

The boys then had to walk along the tape lines to the different areas trying to pick up the cars and come back without falling off the lines.  If they fell off the line they fell into the "mushy gush" and had to put their car back and the next person got to go.  I must say with two 3 year olds this game was an absolute hit!  It was nice to have something to keep their attention and keep them active while the weather kept us inside. 

If you're thinking, "I have no idea what she's talking about".  Don't worry I took pictures, because I'm not always the clearest when it comes to describing things.




Hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T


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Friday, June 1, 2012

5 Question Friday!

It’s Friday again!  Whoo hoo for the weekend!  I don’t think we have any big plans, but I love hanging out with the family.  It makes my heart sing =).  Speaking of the family, my older bro, his wife and kiddos are coming down for a visit!  YAY!! =)

Once again thanks to Mama M. for letting me link up!  Now on with the 5 question Friday fun!
1. What were you scared of as a kid?
     Spiders.  As a matter of fact I still am scared of them.  I have gotten better about it though.  You can ask the Hubs, when we first got married I was scared of even the tiniest of spiders.  However, now I can squish most of them.  Unless they are the king kong of spiders.  Then I gather the children, run, scream and call for the Hubs to come and save us.  Yep, I’m teaching them to handle stressful situations well =).

2. Do you sleep well in a hotel?
     I used to sleep well in hotel rooms.  But now I have babies, they don’t sleep well in new places, therefore, I do not sleep well in new places.  The sacrifices mommies make ;). 


3. If you could meet any celebrity, dead or alive, who and why?
     I’d like to meet Abe Linclon.  I think he would’ve been an awesome person to chat with.  Did you realize that Abe had 10 major personal and political failures before he was elected President?  Talk about persistence!  I’m sure picking Abe’s brain would be a fun time.


4. It's a hot summer day. Do you prefer to be pool side or at the beach?
     Hard to say, because they both have positive sides.  I do love the pool, it’s easier to go to because it’s close.  There is also something to be said about it being clean and you can see straight to the bottom.  Always a plus.  However, at the beach there is the fabulous smell of the salt air, the beautiful breeze and the sand for the kiddos to play in.  Gotta love it! 
 Either please! 

5. What is your favorite summer dish?
  Watermelon!  Yummy!  I know technically watermelon isn’t a “dish” it’s a fruit, but it’s what I’m going with so you’re going to have to deal. ;)

Hope you all have a great weekend!
Ms. T



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