All Things in Moddy

11 months already?

2011-04-28T22:21:00.001-04:00

Well, I broke the news to Kate that, as of tomorrow morning, there will be yet another Princess Kate.

I'm quite sure that she simply doesn't care. I think she knows that she'll always be my favorite princess.

But I'm not gonna lie, I would ~~like~~ love to watch the 4 am (our time) ceremony. However, I ~~like~~ love watching the back of my eyelids a little more. I think it's crazy how, on the news, they've been interviewing people who have just packed up and headed to London for the royal wedding, just because they "thought it'd be fun." Is that crazy or what? Who does that? Apparently their fun and my fun do not share the same budget.

Plus, I know that there will be crazy amounts of media coverage and I'll be able to soak it all in when I wake up...which will probably be around 5 am because my man usually wants a bottle around that time. Hamp, not Matt, just in case you got confused. I have two men, remember?

I will tell you though, that I am a big fan of Kate Middleton. Not that I could even list 5 facts about her (because I couldn't), but that's neither here nor there. I like the idea of liking Kate. And she's got great style that appears effortless. And since I'm sitting here in an old t-shirt and running shorts with my hair in a pony (along with an unidentified number of bobby pins holding back my strays), it appears Effortless and I are the best of friends. Only, my effortless is way less attractive than hers. Dang. I bet M to the Izz-A wishes Effortless and I would have a falling out and wouldn't be quite so chummy. Then, maybe Effort and I could get a jump start on a beautiful friendship.

And while I'm being all open-bookish and stuff about who I'm a fan of, I'll also tell you that I whole-heartedly would love to go to the Taylor Swift concert that's coming to my area in the fall. Because Claude knows I live vicariously through every curled tendril on that girl's head.

Okay I'm getting carried away, let's get to the heart of this post...

Hamp is now 11 months old. And now I wanna cry. I cannot, I repeat, CANNOT, believe he's gonna be 1 year old next month. We want him to stay 'yittle'. So now I'm planning his first birthday party and while planning parties is fun, I can't help but think of his little newborn-self staring up at me when I first held him in the hospital. Where did the time go?

Shoes are overrated.

3 egg hunts later, it's still all about our Risen Savior

2011-04-27T15:13:00.000-04:00

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Romans 8:1 (Refreshing, isn't it?)

"...that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve."

1 Corinthians 15: 3-5

In love "he predestined us for adoption to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to his riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in heaven and things on earth."

Ephesians 1:5-10

He has risen indeed. Thanks be to God.

Our Easter week was a busy one but thankfully it was filled with lots of family time. But (isn't there always a but?) if I see one more shred of artificial grass on the floor, I may just scream. Loud. Just when I think I've gotten all of it up, I catch a piece staring at me out of the corner of my eye. Seriously. Staring at me.

Easter party at preschool:

Lyndi and Kate

singing their Easter songs

Coloring eggs:

Church Easter party:

special friends

Easter Sunday:

The obligatory family Easter pic

cousins

Anna and Hamp

Hamp's first beach trip:

Sara Gale and Kate

eating sand

sweet moments

With each year that passes, I feel more blessed...beyond my deserving. I'm not worthy. But I'm so thankful that God's sees me differently. He doesn't need me, but he wants me.

Something I'm starting to realize is that the same grace that saved me is the same grace that will get me through the mistakes of my daily life. (One of Furtick's blog post really brought this to my attention: see more here.)

I'm so thankful for the grace that our sweet Lord and Savior has given to those who believe.

Hope everyone had a great Easter!

She loves the Boatright Boys

2011-04-22T10:43:00.000-04:00

Some of you may remember when I posted about my friend Kerri's baby shower last month. Well, Cooper Jack has arrived...two weeks early!

And if you're wanting to read about her amazing, crazy birth story (which I know you do!), click HERE.

Since I wasn't able to take the kiddos with me when I went to meet him for the first time in the hospital, I took them to meet the new little guy last Monday. While Hamp was content with just exploring ground level, Kate spent every second playing her heart out with the absolute cuteness that is Brock, and his new little brother, Cooper. Need I say it again? She LOVES the Boatright Boys! I love them too, and their Mama is so very special to me.

So adorable and cuddly

Back to playing...

"Next time, can you just leave me there by myself, Mama? And bring my bed."

And this will forever be known as the day that the kite and I became friends

2011-04-21T08:52:00.000-04:00

You know how sometimes things seem more fun in concept, rather than actually doing them? Kind of like the idea or thought of any one particular activity is the only fun thing about it, because once you get out there and are actually involved in the event you've been talking about, you realize the only fun was in the 'talking about it' part?

Some of my personal favorites that fall into this category are:

* highschool prom - The getting ready part was fun. The actual prom? NOTsomuch.

* painting your bedroom - What do you mean I have to move the furniture? Can't we just paint around it? We have to tape off what? Can't we just get away with putting on one coat?

* bathing suit shopping - Do I need to explain this one?

* deciding it's worth the money to go out to eat at that nice restaurant with the whole family - Do I need to explain THIS one??

* making that cake you signed up to bring entirely from scratch (when you know darn good and well that box cakes are just as good!) - Listen, I sweat more when I bake than when I go for a run or workout. Got me?

* flying a kite - Yes, flying a kite...looks fun, sounds fun, but in reality is REALLY difficult!

Can you believe flying a kite made my list?

Well friends, that is no longer the case.

Yesterday was the day - the day that I was successful at, yes, you guessed it, flying a kite...for the first time in my life, might I add.

People fly kites in movies. People fly kites in books. But Hollie has never successfully flown a kite in a movie, or a book, or real life. I remember trying it over and over many times as a kid, to no avail. Kite day at school? Yikes. Suddenly not feeling well. Or maybe that was the year that something was wrong with my kite?

Crazy to think that a childhood pastime could be so much fun as an adult, when you actually do it correctly.

The highly sought after instructor? Well, none other than M-to-the-Izz-A, of course! Jake of all trades, no?

So we took to the church parking lot, kites in hand, and got nuts with it.

cousin Anna

cousin Noah

"Come on, baby. We can do this!"

Having the time of my life with a Disney Princess kite.

best kite-flyin' partner ever

Wordless Wednesday: Town Clean-up Edition

2011-04-20T16:40:00.000-04:00

Hamp's first year 'participating'

Kate was 10 months old and in a stroller her first year participating. Now, look at her!

New Addition

2011-04-18T11:27:00.000-04:00

This is backtracking a little, but after taking that little blogging break, I've got lots of catching up to do and there's no way I could skip over something as special as introducing the newest member of our family. My younger sister, Ali, gave birth to baby Krew on March 31st. She was scheduled for induction the next morning, but I guess Krew didn't want to be an April Fool's baby, so he decided to make his debut the day before his appointment!

Thought you'd like to know that Ali didn't make it to the hospital in time for an epidural. By the time she arrived, she was ready to push and Krew was welcomed into the world, all nat-ur-al. Better her than me! She is woman, hear her roar. I'm so proud of my little sister.

So without further ado, please welcome Krew Braden!

I love how his hands show just how excited he is to hold his baby brother for the first time.

Brothers

proud aunts

That's JP in his official my-mom-went-into-labor-unexpectedly outfit, complete with plaid shorts, striped undershirt, and his big brother tee!

Kate and cousin Krew

Precious

Congratulations again, Ali, James, and JP!

The Motivational Ponytail

2011-04-15T11:04:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I drove to Clearwater, FL to meet up with one of my best friends from college, Aly, and run in the Irongirl Half Marathon.

We hadn't seen each other in years. And so what better way to meet up than running 13.1 miles together? Okay, I can think of a hundred better ways, but this is what brought us back together this year.

And since I've already proven in my last post that I'm tacky enough to take a pic of a pic, I'm doing it again.

Here's a picture of us taken when she came to spend New Year's Eve with me, when I lived in New York City our first year out of grad school.

NYC 2004 - pre-marriage, pre-babies, pre-crows feet

And here we are last weekend at our pre-race meal at Guppy's:

Clearly our priorities have shifted - drinking our hydrating water in our special glasses this go 'round.

It was fun to get back together and pick right up, as if we never left Gainesville. I was able to join up with her and a great group of girls that welcomed me right in. Although, in this next picture, I look like that random stranger that hopped in the photo at the last minute. Clearly I wasn't quite comfortable enough to do the whole throw-your-arm-around the group move... So, I awkwardly placed it on my leg?

We tried to go to bed early, but you know how it is, we had tons of catching up to do. And then there's the whole bit of pre-race jitters, and hoping that the hotel coffee the next morning will taste decent enough to get a cup down.

(How many times can I use the prefix pre- in this post?!!)

Before the race

The race consisted of a beautiful course, alot of it right along the beach, and included 3 bridges.

I love running, but let's face it, around mile 11 or so you just start questioning yourself as to why the heck you sign up for such things. When then, out of the darkness, comes the ponytail.

The ponytail that will keep you focused and your mind off the pitter-patter of your own feet.

The ponytail of the girl right in front of you that seems to be in perfect swinging sync with your pace.

So, thank you, girl in the army green shorts and gray tank, for whipping it, and whippin' it good. Your ponytail that is.

After the race

Hamp turns 10 months!

2011-04-14T16:53:00.000-04:00

That picture isn't even very clear. I took it with my phone, but for some reason it turned out to be my most favorite picture of him taken during the week he turned 10 months, so I went with it and made it his monthly pic.

And then a couple weeks ago I was visiting my younger sister, Ali (who by the way has given birth to her son, Krew, and I'll upload pics and details soon!), and took this picture-of-a-picture of Kate, from a photo Ali had framed on her mantle.

The resemblance between Hamp and Kate blows my mind.

Kate - 7 months old

They look so much alike!

Hamp has started talking a lot more now and can say, "Thank you (which kinda sounds more like 'tattoo'), Da-da, Mama, Kate-Kate, and 'get it'. Yes, get it. He says that when he sees a toy and wants to play with it. His favorite toy right now is a ball. He and Kate can sit on the floor and roll it back and forth to each other.
Cutest. Thing. Ever.

Last week, the kids and I went to the zoo with my friend, Jade, and her daughter, Guilana.

It was Hamp's first official zoo trip!

riding the train

waiting to feed the giraffes

Guilana and Hamp

Guiliana and Kate

Our tour guide

As we say around here, "plum tuckered out."

Other big news in Hamp-land is that he is finally wearing shoes! Or at least he did today. Tomorow may be a different story. Just when I thought he was gonna forever be known as the 'barefoot baby', he goes and wears some Nike sneaks today. Big boy.

I know what he was thinking: I put on some shoes and Mama goes ahead and busts out a full photo session. Dang.

But he was a good sport.

Oh my word - this next picture reminds me that I almost forgot to tell ya'll that he has 4 teeth!

Check out those long hairs around his ears that I refuse to cut! Just can't do it yet.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T22:14:00.000-04:00

Lots of catching up coming soon...

I may need to get all scrapbooky on ya'll and just do a post with lots of pictures and captions - that's how behind I am.

Big things goin' on around here!

Wordless Wednesday: Grass Between My Toes Edition

2011-03-23T23:03:00.000-04:00

And then they wore matching jackets

2011-03-21T22:22:00.001-04:00

Thought I'd start this post off with a good lookin' pic of the two good lookin' men in my life.

And I don't even have a story to go with it. Just a pic, all by its lonesome.

Hamp's been a little under the weather lately. A little pink eye mixed with a bad cough and snotty nose does not make for a happy baby. Needless to say, sleep has not been our friend and we are all feeling it. Sometimes when I'm up at night (at some crazy hour!) rocking my sweet boy, I start thinking about who else just might be up doing the same thing as me. I think to myself, " I bet so-and-so might be up rocking her baby right about now.." For some odd reason I can find a little comfort in that. I go through a mental list of my friends, family, and even people from the past, like maybe from college or something, and wonder if they are up rocking their kid or getting some awesome, highly desired, face-to-pillow sleep time. Is that crazy or what? I mean, what does everyone else think of when they are up rocking their baby? Sure, a lot of the time I spend praying over my little ones, but I do find myself going back to wondering who else might be up with me, somewhere.

The best remedy for being tired is to head out with the best friends for some girl time. A night out with the gals lends itself to lots of laughs, food, and even more good conversation. Pretty sure we were the last ones to leave the joint.

Kristin, me, Jobeth, and Kerri

On Saturday, Jobeth and I threw Kerri a baby shower, since she's due to welcome her second son, Cooper Jack, into the world in just a few short weeks.

Beautiful Mama

Hamp spent the majority of the time using his baby blues to flirt with the girls.

playing clubhouse

This little guy is going to be a big brother soon. He's one of the most polite 4-year-olds I know. I love him!

Brock a.k.a. Riz

The partying carried over into Sunday with cousin Anna's sixth birthday, luau style.

Lydia, Kate, Isaac, and Anna

Reese and Kate

Ben

Hamp and his girlfriends, Brooklyn and Braelyn
(He digs twins.)

Stopping the party for a little BeyBlade action:

We've been so thankful for the sunny weather. It's not quite pool season but it is just right for some time in the sprinkler.

Kate, Anna, Sara Gale

The best thing about Kate's swimsuit? It was given to her by her Aunt Lindsay, at my baby shower, right before she was born actually. We've waited three and a half years to wear it and it finally fits! Last year we gave it a try but it kept falling off. Now, it's perfect! Thank you, Aunt Lin!

The Elmo sprinkler has seen better days...

...not quite the effect they had in mind. Pretty sure it's clogged with sand and who knows what else.

So we dug out the ol' trusty yard sprinkler and it didn't disappoint.

And just because I know ya'll need somethin' funny to make you laugh on this Monday:

There are NO words.

Far from Wordless

2011-03-09T23:32:00.001-05:00

Just thought I'd share...

A few weeks back I was introduced to Pastor Steven Furtick's blog. It has quickly become one of my most favorite blogs thus far. He is the pastor of Elevation Church, but he also writes daily blog posts (which, in my opinion, are kind of like devotionals that really get me thinking and hit me right where I need it).

His current series of sermons (which you can download as free audio podcasts), Honorology, hits the nail on the head with it's introduction saying:

Today's generation has done a great job at ruining the concept of honor. We have confused it with respect. We think honor is something we can withhold from someone based on their performance. Based on how much we like them. But that’s not biblical honor. In the Bible, honor is weight. Honor is value. And it's something freely given. It's time for a re-education.

I've added the link to my blog roll for easy access.

Don't feel like scanning through the entire site looking for the 'really good ones'? Let me recommend a couple of my favorites:

this one (spiritual growth)

and

this one (personal development)

Oh, and if you're needing some motivation...this one, for sure.

Bet you can read all three of those in less than 10 minutes - maybe even 5. That is, if you were in the high reading group in elementary school. Just kidding. They are all fairly quick reads and get straight to the point. And I, for one, appreciate getting straight to the point.

And heck, ya'll ought to know by now I can't not post a few pics of the kiddos.

Just a swingin'!

Gettin' springy with it

2011-03-08T10:43:00.001-05:00

Spring has surely sprung around here!

The children's department sang in our morning church service last weekend and did such a great job! Kate chewed on her dress for most of it but took a break every now and then to perform the hand motions with the song. It was a hoot!

Reese, Sara Gale, and Kate

On Saturday we attended cousin Isaac's birthday party. They had jumpy houses...and a DJ, who apparently was in high school during the same years as most of the parents because he played songs that made us wanna take off our shoes and pretend we were at a sock-hop after the Friday night football game. The only difference was I wasn't worried about the tight roll in my jeans coming loose while I danced. It was lots of fun and we impressed ourselves by remembering all the lyrics to most of the songs.

I managed to take a few pics with the ol' phone:

Hamp and one of his favorite people, JB.

Hamp also had his 9 month checkup last week. Weight - 20 lbs. Height - 29 in. Solid.

Please do not leave your child unattended on the exam table. Or at least not for longer than it takes you to snap a quick pic or two with your phone. That sign is located very close to the one that says to turn off your cell phone while in exam room.

His new thing is to throw his head back a little for pictures. You know, kinda like football players hold their chin up all tough lookin' when they take their roster pics. Hamp T. on the Florida 40 yard line. He's on the 30! ..20..10! Touchdown for the Gators!

Sorry. Where was I?

Oh yes, Hamp is 9 months old. And what's a month milestone without a picture to go with it?

Sweet, sweet boy

Wordless Wednesday: Friends Edition

2011-03-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

Awaiting the arrival of Baby Krew

2011-02-23T13:16:00.000-05:00

My younger sister, Ali, is headed into the home stretch with her pregnancy - only a few weeks left. So last Saturday we celebrated her upcoming arrival of Krew Braden with a baby shower.

Keeping with the decor of the nursery, we threw her a sporting event themed shower, complete with concession-style food - corn dogs, nachos and cheese, boiled peanuts, wings, popcorn, and soda. YUM.

Ali, with the party throwers (correct term?) - Sal Gal, me, and Aunt Sara

Ali and her best friend, Brooke

We asked all the guests to sign this football as a keepsake. One day Krew will be able to look back and see all of his fans that came to cheer him on.

Kate and Hamp spent the weekend at their Grammy's, so M to the Izz-A and I took advantage of the free time and went out to dinner with a group of our best friends on Saturday night. I forgot the camera at home. On purpose.

I'm loving this warm, almost hot, weather. Kate, Hamp, and I have been on bike/stroller rides almost everyday for the past week or so. We love it. And Kate would ride all over this little town if I'd let her. She never wants to turn around and always throws in a quick recommendation of riding all the way 'up town' to Subway or McD's for lunch. Not to mention, we can't ever just hop on the bikes and go, she's got to 'work' on hers for a little while before we leave. Every time. It's hilarious.

So we give her the time she needs to work on her wheels while Hamp and I take shameless SP's. Ain't no thang.

I love the view - my two loves. Wait, make that three loves. I just noticed my DC made it into the pic.

The only thing missin' from that picture is M to the Izz-A - then it would have been perfect. Maybe he could join me at home, be a SAHD, and we could live on love and frozen Girl Scout cookies.

And here's a pic of my girl and me from today. Why is this pic so important? Because it's the first knot dress I made her.
And, well, I need to document it just in case it decides to come apart at the seams before the day's over. I still get nervous about that. Just kiddin'. Kinda.

In other random news:

-- Hamp turns 9 months old this week.

-- Shawntel on last night's Bachelor scared me.

-- Kate asked to take Hamp to school in a box with her this morning as her show-n-tell.

-- For a second or three I actually considered it.

Bringin' art work to life for years

2011-02-15T10:37:00.001-05:00

When I think back about the arts and crafts I made as a kid, I distinctly remember my love for paper accordion- fold arms. If possible, whatever I happened to make or draw that day was inevitably gonna end up with those wonderful, springy, paper-folded-back-and-forth arms.

My drawing of a rainbow? I eventually cut it out and slapped some accordion arms on it.

A house made of popsicle sticks and glue? Yep, accordion arms coming out of the sides.

I was this close to adding some to M to the Izz-A's Valentine card. This close. But I had a slight notion that they would be underappreciated.

I had kind of forgotten about them, so it was with great joy that I stumbled across this little Valentine's Day finger puppet craft to make with Kate yesterday:

I started singing Celine Dion's, "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" quietly to myself.

But then I stopped, because things just got weird - I'm pretty that song wasn't written about paper accordion arms. But it should have been.

And then we just went nuts with construction paper and glue, which just so happens to be way more fun than following a set of directions.

So now that I've won the nonexistent award of using the word 'accordion' the most times in one blog post, I shall move on.

LOVE. You know what I'm loving these days? Hamp's ears. They're so dang soft and floppy that I can't help but bite on them and fold them back and forth constantly. Well, not really bite, more like pretend bite, with my lips, not my teeth. He doesn't seem to mind. Nevertheless, it's something I'm trying to curb. And yes, I do realize that my son's ears do not and should not technically qualify as a hobby. But he's one big cuddle bug and his ears are just the icing of the cake.

In other Hamp news, he officially started crawling yesterday. Yep, he decided to become fully mobile on V-Day. I tried to video him three times, and all three times he stopped crawling and just stared at the camera. I'm gonna have to get sneaky with it.

We ended the day by playing hairdresser and pulled together the best mohawk we could. Still need a little more hair.

Happy Valentine's Day, ladies. My name is Hamp. I like corn on the cob, laughing at life, long crawls across the living room floor.....and I've got soft ears.
And my mom makes a mad set of accordion arms.

Early Morning in the Moddy Household

2011-02-12T10:15:00.001-05:00

Well hey there, good-lookin.

Since it's Valentine's weekend and all, we decided to make a batch of heart-shaped chocolate chip muffins this morning. Chocolate chips, as long as they're smashed into muffins, make for a completely acceptable breakfast.

Also, one should not feel too incredibly special. As I've shared before, this is the only muffin tin I own. So, if I withhold the making of muffins throughout the year and reserve them solely for Valentine's week, it appears I've gone the extra mile in more ways than one, no?

I assumed that the heart in the muffins stood for love. Kate, on the other hand, rightfully assumed that the heart wasn't just reserved for love, but also for "pumpin' all ya blood". Thank you for the early mornin' visual.

And the finished product of the highly-esteemed just-add-water-recipe:

Note to self: tackle Kate's fingernails this weekend

VDay parties

2011-02-10T16:12:00.003-05:00

A few days ago, Kate and I sat down to write out her Valentines for her friends at school and church. She insisted that I read each card to her, even if it was obviously a repeat of one I've read before.

Me: And I'm writing 'from Kate' on all of them so they'll know who it's from.
Kate: No, Mama, not Kate...Katelicious!
Me: I don't think I'll EVER be comfortable with adding -licious to the end of your name, sweet pea. Let's stick with Kate, shall we?

She had loads of fun at her party and used the skating rink for running sprint races just as much as she did skating. The party came complete with clowns, a magic show, face-painting, food, and cupcakes (which clearly falls under the category of food but sometimes I feel they deserve a special mention all their own).

Kate and her friend, Lyndi

performing their Valentine songs for the parents

Kate's friend, Joelie

After the magic show, the clowns hung around to paint the kids' faces.

I learned a very important lesson yesterday at the party: Never, ever try to cramp a clown's artist style. I told the kind (and what I thought was open to suggestions) clown that Kate wanted two simple yet sparkly hearts, one on each cheek. She looked at me and said, "Okay", but she must of been thinking, "Sure lady, whatever." Because then Kate walked away with this:

She wasn't a clown, she was an artist, and my daughter's face was her canvas. I actually ended up loving the finished product. Super cute!

Kate and Alli

Last night was the nursery department's Valentine party at church. They made heart-shaped pizzas!

Kate and one of her faves, Sara Gale

Hamp and Miss Halee

sweet Reesey

Jobeth, me, Kristin, and Halee (and Sara Gale!) - great friends

Today we went on our first official field trip with Kate's school. The class performed their Valentine songs for our local senior citizens center and then took a trip to the post office to mail their 'special Valentines'. (Something tells me I'm gonna be getting something 'special' in the mail in the next day or two.)

The post master just so happens to be our neighbor - Kate loves Mr. Jimmy!

Kate and Mr. Jimmy

On a side note, I was able to make Kate's Valentine ruffle pants and dress this year. Although I purchased a sewing machine over two months ago, it wasn't until last week that I finally took it out of the box. Prior to this, I didn't even know how to sew on a button. I never realized how much fun sewing could be!

If I've said it once, I've said it hundred times... I love this girl.

Here we are!

2011-02-08T21:18:00.001-05:00

Has it been a long time or has it been a long time???

Hamp is now 8 months old! He's standing, beginning to crawl, has TWO teeth, and is laughing at everything. He's also 'talking' a whole lot, and I, of course, can understand every single thing he 'says'. Well, actually he just repeats the same phrase over and over: I love my mommy, she's my most favorite person in the whole world. (And I'm just paraphrasing here, but I promise you it's something along those lines.)

He enjoyed his first corn on the cob last Wednesday at church. And let me tell you, he loved every minute of it - every little kernel.

Oh and I forgot to post his 7 months pic so puh-lease let me do that now:

While I'm sure I've posted this pic before, it was missing it's officially "7 months yada yada yada" and well..you fellow type A's get me, right?

Watching them play together is the highlight of my days! (Well, that and when I actually get around to taking a shower.)

I love his baby blues!

Kate's class sang in our Sunday morning church service last week. They did such a great job! I am so very thankful for our church and church family for taking the time to invest in my children!

Last weekend, M to the Izz-A and I went with our church youth group to a Leadership Rocks Conference in Orlando. We had so much fun and realized just how old we were. Seriously. When in the world did I go from being a member of the youth to a chaperone?! The before bedtime topic of discussion was a dead giveaway... I'm pretty sure I never discussed what anti-wrinkle face cream works best back in the day.

Kate and I are headed to her preschool's Valentine's party tomorrow. We are extra excited because it's being held at our local skating rink! Gonna try to get some cute pics of her and her little school pals!

Happy Tuesday, ya'll!

Wordless Wednesday: Fuzzy Phone Pic Edition

2011-01-12T13:34:00.000-05:00

New Year's Eve 2010

Thanks for the pic, JB!

Hide your dumplin's, your cobbler, and your cotton

2011-01-11T12:43:00.005-05:00

Hamp's little toofy's (that's what we call them around here) have managed to just barely break through. Or at least one of them have!

BUT, that's not what was causing his pain, or not all of it at least. After a trip to the doctor on Saturday morning, we found out that he had double ear infections. Ouch!

After two days of meds and some super awesome numbing ear drops (which means he's sportin' some cotton balls in his ears), he's improved tremendously. We are so very thankful for that!

Cutest beginnings of a tooth ever? Very likely.

To celebrate his new tooth, Hamp enjoyed some chicken and dumplings, peas, and peach cobbler last night for dinner! Needless to say, his appetite is strong as ever.

We took Kate to the doctor yesterday because she quickly developed a nasty cough that just wouldn't quit. She turned the waiting room into her little playground and guarded the water dispenser with her life. If we wanted water, we had to go through her. She was the water monitor, if you will. Because this is an excellent idea, for your sick child to put her hands all over your cup before placing it to your mouth.

Here she is taking a sip of her water, but being very careful to keep her eyes on the others in the room.

After getting some meds for my sweet girl, we headed home - but not before a quick swing by Target. Thank you Target, for filling prescriptions in your wonderland-of-things-I-want-but-do-not-need. Actually, I only bought a couple things for Hamp, because the poor boy has been wearing cut-offs, as in cut-off pj's. We've been cutting the feet out of his pajamas because he's gotten too long for them. I would like to say that this is something new we had to resort to, but unfortunately we did the same thing when Kate was a baby.

Before we knew a cough was setting in, Kate spent the night with her cousin, JP (my sister Big Al's son) on Friday night.

The best way to describe Kate and JP's relationship is this: They are each other's biggest fans.

While she was there, my sister sent me this picture through text:

Miss Incredible

Earlier on Friday we had a playdate with Lydia and Sara Gale....

The girls thought they were big time, playing with the older kids' PSP's (or whatever they are called, I cannot keep up with all the letter combinations lately!) while they were away at school. PS3, PSP, ABC?? Who knows what they were really playing with? Anyway, I've found that if you say any combination of three letters real fast under your breath, everyone assumes you know what you're talking about.

Then it was time for dress-up and chocolate... (pretty good combo, if I do say so myself!)

Aunt 'Rella made Hamp feel better and gave him lots of cuddles.

The good news is that both kiddos seem to be on the upward slope towards being well again.

A few random thoughts before I go:

--Last night M to the Izz-A was out on-call, so I watched the Bachelor for the first time in years. I used to watch it all the time, prior to motherhood. And even though I had no idea who was who, I sat right there and watched it from beginning to end and enjoyed every dang minute of it. Even though B-Rad gives me the creeps. Big time. And if you can creep me out after just one episode, you are cuh-to-the-reep-y. That does not mean, however, that I will not try my hardest to watch you next week.

--If my phone auto-corrects (incorrectly) what I'm texting ONE MORE TIME, I'm gonna throw it. Hard.

--I've found that walking backwards helps your joints to pop and crack less. Explanation: After putting Hamp in his crib asleep, if one of my joints just so happens to make the smallest sound when walking out, he will more likely than not, wake up with a quickness. So in an effort to curb that, I have started walking out of his room completely backwards, all the way from his crib to the door. (Are you picturing this in your head? Please don't.) Discovered all this by chance, my friends. I know, I know, forget Brad, now I'm creeping YOU out.

--I've decided I want to sing Katy Perry's "Firework" to karaoke. Somewhere. Someday. I'm a big fan of the pretty-screaming type singing. But in the meantime, that microphone that Kate got for Christmas is lookin' like it'll do the job.

Think About Such Things

2011-01-06T20:03:00.001-05:00

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.-Philippians 4:8

About a year and a half ago, I wrote a post about being intentional with your thoughts. (Please visit or revisit that post, or this may not make any sense at all.)

Well, today was one of those days where I had to be intentional about being intentional.

Talk about down in the dang dumps. I'm tellin' ya'll, I simply cannot handle a sick baby. Cannot.

As much as I'd like to think of myself as a pretty positive-thinking person, sometimes I can't just take everything with a grain of salt and go on throughout the day as if everything's okay. I'm telling ya, it's like some days I feel like I can take on the world, whereas some days I feel like I can't even take a shower. Today was the latter. (And at this point, if you're thinking I'm crazy, don't tell me.)

Hamp has been crying for the past two days straight. I'm assuming it's his teeth trying to come in, but he's also a little congested with a cold. My poor little man has been so irritable, miserable, and just plain pitiful and that has a tendency to make me feel the exact same way.

So while I didn't want to 'waller around' in the negative, I decided to focus on the things that made me smile - the little things throughout the day that brought me joy (or kept me from joining in with Hamp and just screaming).

#1 - My big preschooler was so proud of what she made in school today, she asked me to take a picture of it "for Daddy". I love that she's proud of her school work.

#2 - and the fact that she flares her nostrils sometimes when she smiles, just like her daddy.

#3 - This little guy finally found some relief and took a short nap, in my arms.

#4 - This precious, family-sized bag of goodies was left over from our cookie decorating party...AND they were in the fridge, which means they were cold and crunchy, just the way I like 'em.

#5 - seeing that about three-fourths of my grocery list is crossed out and accounted for, because M to the Izz-A volunteered to stop on the way home from his meeting and pick up the things that were on the we-need-it-NOW category. The other stuff can wait.

I know ya'll are diggin' my stationary. Don't worry, you can get yourself some from Burger King. And the pen? Teacher supply store, baby.

#6 - watching Kate and her daddy work together on their garage project.

#7 - seeing this little guy get some fresh air and go longer than 5 minutes without crying.

#8 - a pink washcloth and a blue washcloth -- well, not the actual washcloths, but what they represent: A little girl and a little boy who have my heart.

#9 - Leftovers from last night = tonight's dinner

#10 - A couple of new parts and they got it running!

Turn Arounds, Teeth, and Old Toys

2011-01-04T12:32:00.000-05:00

Well, I got up this morning, got Kate all dressed, packed her snack bag, wrote out this month's tuition check, put her good behavior tokens in a baggy to be exchanged for a trip to the treasure box, strapped both kiddos in their car seats, patted myself on the back for making decent timing, and drove to Kate's preschool only to turn around and drive right back home

with Kate still in the car.

Today was not the day that school started back.

Apparently.

When does one learn to actually read the calendars sent home to parents?

The holidays have indeed fried my brain.

So, I turned around - but not in the preschool's turnabout, because I didn't want anyone seeing me (not that there was anyone there to see me. Everyone else was still at home, in their pj's, reading their monthly calendar.) So, I used the next driveway as my sneaky turn around spot. What? I can do that.

I was excited about getting back into routine, I guess. As I've told you before, I thrive on routine. Plus, I was running out of crafts and fun things to do 'round here. We've pretty much exhausted all means of 'fun' around here for a while.

Yesterday we resorted to drawing our bodies on butcher paper. Well, Kate and Hamp's that is. We voted against drawing Mama, because with the height I'm packin', that roll of paper wouldn't be much of a roll anymore.

Love his blonde mohawk!

Hamp wasn't sure what was going on and wouldn't stay very still, which resorted in one leg longer than the other. His legs are constantly moving. Maybe he's born to run?

Hamp's also been quite the drooler lately. No shirt is safe around him, it will inevitably end up drenched, even if he's wearing a bib.

His little gums are swollen and I just know that a tooth (or two!) will be poppin' through any day now.

Trying to get a shot of his puffy gums. Kate wanted to show her teeth, too.

Drool is cool.
And so are orange noses due to lots of carrots and sweet 'taters.

Playing with the toys Santa brought me.

Sorry, I got a little sidetracked. Those lips are just too much! Sweeeeeeeet sugar.

And I forgot to mention that it snowed for a millisecond over Christmas weekend! Kate had been asking all month long if it was going to snow for Christmas and my response was always, "No baby, it doesn't snow where we live." Well, I guess I didn't know what I was talking about. We pulled Kate out of bed, wrapped her in blankets and took her outside to see it! She couldn't believe her eyes and promptly pointed out the fact that I was wrong. It does snow where we live.

We got it on video, but no pictures. It didn't last long enough for all that.

But M to the Izz-A had decided earlier that week that since it doesn't snow where we live (or so we thought), he'd make some ice for Kate, using the ol' sprinkler system.

And for the record, I tried to start the new year off to a productive start.

Tried.

Project Old Toy Toss will have to be completed during nap time, because just as I went to toss this toy:

Kate reminded me with all the excitement that she could muster, "Wait, Mama! I remember that! I love it! I remember it from when I was born in a baby manger!"

So it looks like that turtle is gonna be stickin' around for a while. But only because it was given to us by one of the three wise men.

Wordless Wednesday - My Top Picks Are Cooler Than Yours Edition

2010-12-29T12:28:00.000-05:00

Alternate title: Identity crisis, anyone?

Strap on your seatbelts...

2010-12-28T12:44:00.002-05:00

...this is gonna be one heck of a post.

When it's over, it's over. And Christmas is indeed over. So I will attempt to document a whole month's 'doings' in one post.

It's gonna be long and picture heavy.

Crazy? Maybe.

A little much? Absolutely.

But this girl's doing it anyway. I can't fathom having to do another post about Christmas later this week. We took our tree down on Sunday and we have moved on, and therefore my blog will do the same.

Don't get me wrong, we LOVED Christmas around here! It's the most wonderful time of the year!

And the busiest.

Our family hosted our Christmas Cookie Decorating Party again this year and I must say that it has become one of our most favorite events of the holiday season. We love having all of our friends and family over for one big sugary mess!

sisters - Sal Gal and Big Al (preggo and due in March!!)

And I guess we complained about the hot weather long enough that is actually listened to us and got colder. A lot colder. So many days were spent inside getting creative -

like making snowman crafts wearing old, hand-me-down Halloween costumes. Because that is completely normal.

Other days we just stared out the window and pretended we were outside.

And then we found a new life for the window clings.

Kate had her very first preschool Christmas program. It was a big hit and I experienced that 'proud mommy' feeling that just can't be beat.

This is the moment right as Santa is about to pick her up. I love this picture because you can see in her eyes just how incredibly excited she is to be on her way to his lap.

3 generations that would be 4, but I'm the one takin' the picture.

We also added to our family over the holiday season and got ourselves some ADF's.

Meet Monster and Griddle.

This year we had a pajama party at church in the children's department. It was a lot of fun and I'm hoping they do it every year! It would be a great tradition!

Baby Jesus got lots of attention

We took Kate back to Disney this year for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. She loved the roller coasters the most, even Thunder Mountain!

I can't wait to take Hamp one day!

Moving right along...

We had our Christmas party for M to the Izz-A's side of the family the weekend before Christmas.

Abbi, Brittany, and me

Oh, and as you may can tell, I added a few more highlights back to the ol' mane, on the same day as this party to be exact. I missed them. They are my hair bling. And this girl needs bling.

And since it was Hamp's first Christmas, we played GQ dress-up, of course...

...and played with the ornaments while hanging out under the tree.

Christmas Sunday was a crazy morning. I realized it was Christmas Sunday while laying in bed around 11pm the night before. For some reason I had it in my mind as the following Sunday. Wrong. So Sunday morning we rushed around getting our Christmas attire ready, well the kids' at least. M to the Izz-A and I just pulled out something that we hoped we hadn't worn recently to church and just called it our Christmas outfit.

Sunday lunch at Mimi's

Kate loved baking a birthday cake for Jesus last year, so we did it again this year. Wait. Actually last year it wasn't so much of a cake as it was chocolate bark. We wrote "Happy Birthday, Jesus" on our chocolate bark with red and green icing and used it as the cake. Some of you may remember that from last year's Christmas post. But this year was an actual cake. It's something we'll continue for years to come. And Kate let me know that, "Jesus likes lots of sprinkles." Well then.

Christmas Eve night we threw out our reindeer food for Rudolph and his friends

and set out cookies and milk for Santa.

Christmas morning brought smile after smile.

Hamp loved his toys that Santa brought for him.

Kate even helped him open some of his gifts. She truly is the best big sister ever.

Hamp, goin' in for a bite.

Kate got lots of artsy stuff, which is right up her alley!

cousin Kennedy and fam came by for a visit

And around lunchtime we headed over to my parent's, Papa and Gaga's.

I had to post this because my mom looks EXACTLY like my grandma (her mom) in this pic. EXACTLY.

We continued our tablecloth tradition this year. It's so neat to look back on drawings from years past.

And then we looked and Sal Gal had written 2012 as the beginning of her tablecloth masterpiece...

WHAT?

Our younger sis, Big Al, promptly called her out and we all looked at her in confusion. She had no explanation.

Just got a little sidetracked? Not thinking clearly? Wishing for a speedy 2011? Who knows?!

So she worked hard to fix it and make it read the proper year, 2010.

Enough said

B-ball with Papa

cousins

Hope you all had a very, Merry Christmas!

Now I'm looking forward to New Year's - spending time at the lake with some great friends. Not so much for the lake, more for the friends.

And I really should go grocery shopping now, which is what I should've done instead of typing this post, because I seriously just considered making Kate a sandwich out of Cheez-Whiz.

Even more sad? That actually sounds kinda good right about now.

Wordless Wednesday: Family Pics Edition

2010-12-08T14:46:00.000-05:00

Last week I got behind the camera for some fun family pics --

Kate 3 years and Hamp 6 months.

Enjoy!

This award brought to you by the murtleneck

2010-12-07T11:02:00.002-05:00

A red plaid murtleneck (man turtleneck) with his grandpa's preachin' pants?

You had me at hello.

M to the Izz-A won the award for tackiest get-up at our Tacky Christmas sweater party over the weekend. Truth be told, we threw it together at the last minute. About 30 minutes before we had to leave, he ran down to Paw's (actually he rode a bike I think, but that's neither here nor there) to borrow some pants, socks, and a tie. I had already taken care of the sweater vest. Yep, borrowed that thing from my grandma. He smelled like her perfume all night long. The turtleneck? Compliments of Wal-mart (women's section, but shhhhhh...).

side ponytail = 4th grade yearbook pic
curled and sprayed 'til completely motionless side tendril = prom pic = ever year

Those pants just beg to be worn that high and cinched with a belt.

look closely for the hair sprout

Receiving his 'award'

Everyone looked hilariously tacky and had stories of buying their outfit with the cashier commenting on how "pretty" it was. I think one sweater was even referred to as...beautiful?

Jobeth and Clay

Halee and Michael

Wayne and Michelle - If you didn't wear your sweater you had to wear the antlers.

Bryan and Tara

Ken and Peg - two words: gold pleather

Trudy and Bo and one sweet red blazer

Brandon and Kasey

Kristin and Ben

And listen, I apologize in advance if you own any of the sweaters posted above. They really are "pretty".

As a matter of fact, I've got to hurry and return the sweaters I borrowed from my sweet grandma so she can work them back into the rotation.

Look! I'm 6 months!

2010-12-03T21:50:00.001-05:00

If Bambi was a goat, her name would be Olivia

2010-12-02T13:14:00.003-05:00

She's gettin' a goat.

I just had to get straight to the point.

It seems Kate and her daddy have been ~~plotting~~ planning for her to get a goat for Christmas.

Sneaky, sneaky.

M to the Izz-A, Papa Dan, and Miss Chevious

No better way to spend Thanksgiving - Kate and Kennedy getting friendly on the farm

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Olivia.

There she is, in all of her adorable glory. She really is Bambi. But in the form of a goat, of course.

And what's a goat named Olivia without a hot pink collar?

So Kate set out on a mission...

It took a little bit of coaxing (also known as waiting 'til the next day so that Olivia could calm down from all the excitement...and yelling...and swinging of bright pink chokers.)

But she finally obliged...

Friends

So we're all set up to go back and pick up Olivia in the very near future.

And I thought after having Hamp our family was complete. Silly me.

Thanksgiving was fun and filling. Kate and Hamp had fun with their cousins.

While Abbi and I made our own fun...

I have no idea what we were laughing about here, but clearly - it. was. hilarious.

And Hamp was excited about partaking in some of his delicious sweet potatoes.

He's my sweet potato.

Will Hamp ever wear shoes?

my loves

Mr. Fella's very first Thanksgiving

And while I'd love to share with you my Black Friday fun and finds, that my friends, was cut short. Very, very short. After only a couple hours into it, I was attacked by a stomach virus. Yes, attacked.

While most of you refer to it as the stomach 'bug', I feel that the term bug doesn't do it justice.

Bug makes it sound small, tolerable...and maybe even the size of a Polly Pocket and somewhat cute? (Why do I use Kate's toys for a point of size reference??) So to better and more accurately describe the 'thing' that overtook my body, I have and will forever refer to it as the Black Friday Stomach Stallion.

Because it was not small, tolerable, pocket-sized or cute. And it's name sure wasn't Polly. It was over the top AWFUL.

Feelin' much better now, though. It truly lasted exactly 24 hours, almost up to the minute.

So now I'm moving toward Christmas. Got everything underway. Underway, not finished.

Baby steps.

I currently have a tree up with lights but no ornaments, stockings out but not hung, and a snowman cookie jar sitting beside my fall pumpkins.

Now I just gotta pick Olivia out a stocking.

Why yes, I did post

2010-11-23T22:54:00.001-05:00

Okay listen, I really don't have a post but thought I better type something. Anything. I'm really wanting to have something to say everyday, but let's face it. I'm not that interesting.

Well, I've been doing laundry all day as I'm trying to pack to head to M to the Izz-A's mom's tomorrow. The only problem is that I still haven't unpacked from last week's trip. Yep - suitcases still full and we've just been living out of them every since. You can officially disown me if you like. Because I agree, that is pa-thet-ic. Technically I could just leave them packed and head out of town, but unfortunately it's supposed to be 80 degrees or more this Thanksgiving so I need to pack more weather-appropriate clothing. And since when is 80 degrees appropriate for Thanksgiving?!

Let's move on...

Hamp officially turns 6 months old this week and I really can't believe it. That little guy is getting so big. He's eating three meals a day and sometimes a snack before bedtime. Tonight at the grocery store, I found myself struggling to pick him up in his big ol' car seat. And so what if that's mainly because I've been lifting dark chocolate (with nuts) M&M's instead of weights. Thankfully, he's starting to sit up, so sooner than later he'll be able to sit in the buggy all by himself...upon which I will promptly put in one of those big puffy seat covers, because I've seen the reports about the germs on those things! Side note: M to the Izz-A rolls his eyes when I say this. You can, too. Because the fact of the matter is, that kid is exposed to more germs on a daily basis than I care to know about. BUT - those grocery cart covers are CUTE.

Alright, I think I'll post some pics from last Sunday, "Thanksgiving Sunday" if you will.

just gettin' a quick sports recap on yesterday's games folks

I will go to town on those cheeks!! You hear me?? To town!!!

Thanksgiving thoughts and trip recap

2010-11-22T02:03:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or has everyone forgotten Thanksgiving this year?

I mean, we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet and everyone is already moving on to Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas with all of my hot chocolate lovin' heart, but I also love Thanksgiving (and on a side note, would like for the traditional Thanksgiving feast to be worked into the dinner rotation year round).

I think my sis, Big Al, summed it up best when she said, "Respect the turkey."

I'm headed to the in-laws for Thanksgiving to enjoy some food, family, and farm time. Where exactly is this place, you ask? Click here in case you missed that post. And while I'm talking about Thanksgiving, my mother-in-law, and food...you may want THIS RECIPE for your upcoming holiday feasts! Last year she didn't include it in her menu and so no one would share what they were thankful for around the table before the meal. Oh I'm kidding, but we did pout just a bit. You don't just throw out a menu item involving cheese without good warning. This year, I've already been told, that it has regained its rightful spot on the table. Thanksgiving is now complete.

Last week we went out of town again for M to the Izz-A's job. Now you and I both know there's no need to do a recap of the same trip taken within less than a month apart. Plus, I get tired of typing the name of that chicken joint we hang out at a lot because it has too many dashes in it (okay only two but who's counting?) and that throws off my typing speed. And I'm pretty sure you don't want summaries of all the Dinosaur Train episodes we watched. If you do, email me, and I'll hook you up.

So I'll share our lil' trip in the form of photographs (and a few captions). Ya'll know I can't be completely wordless!

Why in the world are his socks like that?

Oh, that's right, because he does this.

Best smile ever

Love

Such a good lil' helper

And somehow we managed to make it home with yet another Olivia.

We found a fun place called Johhny G's. I can only assume that it's NOT named after Johnny Gill.

love this pic -- love her even more

Look who's learning to sit up by himself!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-17T10:51:00.001-05:00

Make cards, not war

2010-11-16T13:58:00.000-05:00

I love Christmas.

I love cards.

And when I say I love cards, I'm talking all year long, all occasions...even non-occasions (which may or may not be a real word). Whenever M to the Izz-A and I decide we are skipping gifts for whatever the reason, he knows (at least, now he does) that ~~he better~~ I would at least like for him to get me a card - with some form of handwritten message attempted inside. Heck I'll even accept a quick jotted, "U da bomb". Just something.

It's been somewhat of a bumpy yet educational journey, but we've finally arrived to the point where he understands the fact that 'no gift' does NOT mean 'no card'. Got me?

Did I ever tell ya'll about the time we both scrambled for a last minute card and unknowingly presented each other with the same one from our local Dollar General? Yeah, it happened.

Well, take my love for Christmas and combine it with my love for cards and you'll know why I was beyond excited to find out that Shutterfly was offering 50 free Christmas cards for bloggers!

50 FREE! Do I even know 50 people?

Regardless, you're speakin' my language Shutterfly, you're speakin' my language - the language of Tightwad.

I'd like to think of myself as a Shutterfly veteran, as I've enjoyed their wonderful products for the past several years, making photo books (like Kate and Hamp's birth story) and personalized gifts (such as photo coffee mugs). And I think it'd also be fun to make a photo calendar to hang in our house and to give as granparents' gifts as well! You can even make your own Christmas gift tags if you're feeling extra festive!

They offer a huge variety of cards to choose from. I'm going to have a hard time choosing, I can already tell. Ya'll know how indecisive I can be! And I haven't yet decided whether I'm going to do a kids only picture, one of the whole family, or a mix of both. We shall see, but as of now I'm leaning towards the kids only one.

When choosing a card, first and foremost, I need it to say "Merry Christmas" and not "Happy Holidays". Take that and run with it however you wish.

Here's some of my favorites if I choose a kids only picture for our card:

And if I get a wild hair and choose to throw in a family shot or two, here's some that I love:

Can you see a recurring theme? COLORFUL!

Wouldn't it be just like me to end up choosing a totally different Shutterfly Christmas card than the ones I've posted here? I have no idea why, but don't put it past me. I drive myself crazy sometimes.

If you're a blogger and would like to receive free cards of your own, go HERE to find out how!

Her colors aren't brown and brown...

2010-11-12T16:23:00.000-05:00

...but apparently mine are?

Seriously. Be honest. Should I go with brown, brown, brown, or brown?

Or

brown?

We're considering repainting our bedroom. I am completely over the super dark green color on my walls. It's dated, to say the least. Plus, I think I actually described it as 'depressing' the other day. I need something more neutral, more natural, more....well, brown.

I need the perfect shade of boring brown, or...basic beige? Something that will stand the test of time and the changing of my bedding over the years.

Since when did the color of dirt become so popular that it needed a million gazillion shades?

Well, Kate wasn't feelin' as much brown as she was sparkly blue and purple, circa my middle school makeup years.

She didn't want to go upstairs to sit in front of the bathroom mirror, so we set her up a little makeup vanity at the kitchen table, with the help of Hamp's formula can and an old compact of mine. Old? Who am I kidding? I'm still digging at the corners of that thing trying to get every last drop of powder out that I can. But I'll call it 'old' because I plan on getting a new one TODAY. Or tomorrow. Hold me to it.

Putting on makeup first thing in the morning? She's way ahead of her mama.

Simply gorgeous.

Makeup by 7am - You're my hero, Kate.

But who could ever be grumpy in the mornings when they get to see this little cutie staring up at them?

And Mr. Man was sportin' his blue jeans today.

Only he could make jeans with a drawstring waist look cool.

His best 'surprised face'

Can someone please come and rescue that family of dust bunnies living underneath my benchseat?

And the winner is...

2010-11-11T19:56:00.000-05:00

I was going to use the Random Number Generator to choose the winner of the bow giveaway, but then I decided it'd be fun for Kate to be able to help!

So, we went old school.

And the winner (38th comment) is....

Natalie from Team Tristan!!!!

Congratulations, Natalie! Please email Jennifer at Hallesbows@gmail.com to provide shipping information for your Thanksgiving bow, Christmas bow, and bow of your choice!

Now, for everyone else out there that loves Halle's Bows as much as I do, I've got a little something for you!

As promised, I have a coupon code for you that will provide you with 25% off your total purchase! That is EXCELLENT savings!

It's not so much of a coupon 'code' as it is simply mentioning All Things in Moddy when placing your order to receive your discount! It's that easy!

Reminder: To order, visit Halle's Bows on facebook to view color options, etc..then message or email her with your order.

hallesbows@gmail.com

****The 25% off special expires Monday at noon, so place your orders before then!

Congrats again, Natalie!

M to the Izz-A sleeps with sandpaper

2010-11-10T11:23:00.003-05:00

Listen, no one's ever accused me of being a foot model. I've got my dad's feet, which means long and bony and fingers for toes. And unfortunately for Kate (and maybe Hamp, I can't tell yet) it appears that I've passed that sweet trait on to her.

But long toes have become the least of my worries.

While I've always been one to get pedicures, that little splurge has recently taken a seat on the back burner. Being a stay at home mom with two kids has moved a lot of my priorities around, to say the least. Well, it's looking like I may need to bump that pedicure back up near the top, at least for M to the Izz-A's sake.

The other night we were joking around and I put my cold feet on him to warm them up a little, and through his laughter he says, "Get those sandpaper feet off of me!"

Oh. no. he. didn't.

But wait. Yes he did.

Ya'll, I wish you could have seen my face. Better yet, his face - because at that point, I smashed it between the two nearest pillows.

And since in all reality it's not looking like monthly pedicures are gonna make it back into the budget anytime soon, please share if you know of some excellent foot cream that softens even the highest grade of sandpaper. Because dang, apparently I could save a carpenter a lot of money just by providing the services of my feet.

On a happier note, I went with my pals to LNO last night and had a blast.

Don't forget to sign up for the giveaway by midnight tonight, if you haven't already! Winner announced tomorrow!

Giveaway!!

2010-11-09T11:02:00.001-05:00

I am currently on my third cup of coffee this morning and am feeling a bit hyper.

Bear with me here.

So now for the giveaway details...

I am happy to have the pleasure of working with Jennifer Keene of Halle's Bows to present you gals with a wonderful giveaway! Jenn is beyond talented when it comes to making bows and would love to share some with you!

One lucky winner will receive 3 free bows - a Thanksgiving bow, a Christmas bow, and one bow of 'your choice'!

Jenn always welcomes custom requests as well as all of your 'made to match' (M2M) bow needs. You can send her a picture of an outfit or a specific line of clothing from a company's website and she's sure to make a bow to match!

Here's a picture of my favorite M2M bow that she's made thus far. (I just figured out what M2M meant a week or two ago! I'm usually just a smidge behind when it comes to cool lingo.)

She made it to match Gymboree's Fall Homecoming line and Kate wears hers all the time. As a matter of fact, she wore it to preschool this morning!

Confession: We do not own the first piece of clothing from Gymboree's Homecoming line.

BUT it was the cutest bow I'd ever seen, Kate loves owls, and it matches nearly every outfit we have! The bow incorporates every color, so it goes with everything!

Here's just a few more, but there's tons to choose from!

All bows are made to order so they can be attached to alligator clips, french clips, or pony o's... whichever your preference.
And if you're looking for just a simple bow in the color of your choice, she can do that as well!

Halle's Bows has an etsy shop as well as a facebook page. The best way to see all of her work is through the fb page as she is currently in the process of updating her etsy shop.

Halle's Bows (facebook) (Click "Like" on her page so that you can see her updates and lastest bow designs!)

How do you enter?

***Simply leave a comment here and you'll be entered for the giveaway for 3 free bows that will be shipped out in time for Thanksgiving!

The winner will be announced this Thursday!

Make sure to share this giveaway with anyone you think would love to win cute hair bows for their little one(s)! Feel free to post on a link on your blog!

Please make sure you are entered my midnight on Wednesday!

****And because ya'll know I'm a fan of sales, I may just have a special coupon code for Halle's Bows to announce on Thursday as well. Stay tuned for that!*****

Probably one of the only posts I'll ever do without a picture but I think you'll like it anyway

2010-11-08T15:37:00.003-05:00

I've never really done a 'send me your questions and I'll answer them' kind of thing on here.  You know, when people send in all the questions they'd like to know about you? Maybe because the thought of it makes me a nervous wreck?   And then I started thinking, "I guess it could be fun, in a way?"

Well - I'm still not going to do it. What? Ya'll thought I got all brave and stuff?

Negative.

But I am making an effort to answer one of the most frequent questions that I receive weekly, either by comment or email.

"Where do you get Kate's clothes and/or hair accessories?"

While I'm not exclusive to one particular brand, I do love Matilda Jane Clothing. And the majority of the time I get asked about Kate's outfit is when she's wearing MJC. That's my 'go to' for when I need something cute yet a little funky, comfortable, and durable. I just feel like that company really matches Kate's spunky personality and makes truly adorable clothing. However, I've never been one to completely sell out to one particular brand, or style for that matter. I just love cute clothes, period - wherever I happen to find them, whether it be MJC or any kids clothing store in the local mall.  Heck, Kate's first pair of rainboots, the ones that we both fell in love with (the cowprint ones) came from Tractor Supply Co. And like everyone else, I'm always looking for a sale. A BIG sale.   And not just 10% off. I'm more of a 25% or more kind of girl. And actually, a lot of her everyday stuff comes from Target. Oh how I love thee and your forever-on-sale Circo playwear.

When Kate was younger, I couldn't get her to keep a bow in her hair for anything. I put it in. She pulled it out. I put in it. She pulled it out. Repeat that pattern 100 times and you would have had a day in my life. But thankfully now, Kate wears lots of headbands and flowers, as well as pretty little bows. And for all of her bow needs, I rely on Halle's Bows.

This is where I think you'll start liking this boring post.

Speaking of bows...

I'm doing a giveaway!

Wait. Maybe you didn't hear me...

I'm doing a giveaway!!!!! (Is it 'doing' a giveaway or 'having' a giveaway? Ahh who cares?)

So, for any of you out there who has a little girl, knows someone who has a little girl, will have a little girl at some point in the future, or if you just like bows, you will want to check in here tomorrow for our giveaway!

You do NOT want to miss this!! And it's just in time for all the upcoming holidays! Yeah we know ya'll love some cute holiday bows!

Sometimes I Turn To Cheetos

2010-11-05T16:07:00.000-04:00

I may or may not be sitting here with Cheetos Twisted Puffs and a Diet Coke as I type. What's wrong with that picture?

Absolutely nothing.

And have I mentioned to ya'll before that I prefer my cheese puffs stale? I can't remember. Well, I do. It's something about the texture. They get a little more chewy and a little more full of love, in my opinion. I used to go into my grandma's pantry as a child and open her freshly purchased bag of cheese puffs and leave them open to sit for a few days. She always wondered who left them open to "go bad". That would be me.

Oh, and the Cheetos "Twisted" puffs? Stealing my heart.

Did I really just waste over 10 sentences (yes, I went back and counted) on my love for cheese puffs?

Please help me.

Well, in my defense, I am going a bit loopy. Ever since Hamp has had his ear infections, which are thankfully now gone, his sleeping habits have been way off. He stopped sleeping through the night and therefore he and I both are a little sleep deprived. Before I was a parent I used to hate hearing moms talk about their baby's sleeping patterns. Now, I'm one of them. So let's move on, shall we?

Don't you all wish I had a point to this post? You're not alone. It's seems to me I've been a little scatter-brained here lately, really more to the point of anxious.

So I've been really trying to reflect on a few verses of Matthew 6, specifically verses 19-34. Sometimes I'm a worry wart and my mind just goes ninety to nothing.
I'm working on it.

But for now, here's some pics of my precious kiddos, whom I love more than Cheetos.

...and the Oscar goes to...

It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)

We're #1!

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6: 27 & 34

And this is why we are grateful for leaves

2010-11-02T10:51:00.001-04:00

I needed a day to recover from Halloween 'week'. So to help me out, I spent yesterday digging through Kate's candy basket. I was happily surprised to see that we hit the chocolate jackpot!

That jackpot is no more.

But know this - it was delicious.

We went on our annual trick or treating hayride on Saturday night with our family and friends and Sunday had a little festival at our church for Reformation Sunday.

Kate with her aunts (Sal Gal and Ali)

Doesn't Kate look so much like her cousin Lillie?

What happens when the hayride completely fills up and there's not an inch of room left?

You're stuck riding a pink bike.

With a child's seat on the back.

The hayride was scheduled to leave around 7pm, but this was unfortunate timing because the Florida Georgia game was tied and it's simply not an option to depart from the TV screen in such situations. So we actually loaded up with a quickness and headed to where we knew we could stay updated on the game, while the kids got their trick or treat on.

We decided to take some pictures and act super interested in all of their Halloween yard decor while we had someone stand in the doorway of their home to keep us updated on the game.

Alas, we were able to continue trick or treating with HUGE smiles on our faces. The Gators won! That makes this Gator a very happy mama!

And well, in case you were wondering, I didn't weasel my way out of dressing up for Halloween.

Adam and Eve

It appears someone got a little overzealous with the magic marker on M to the Izz-A's shirt, does it not?

Moral of the story: Stay away from friends that make homemade costumes.

my little man's first Halloween

bringin' him up right

Runnin' on fumes

2010-10-29T17:23:00.001-04:00

Ya'll, it's only Friday and Kate's already worn her costume twice. We've got two more parties to attend (yes, one is actually on Halloween night) and by the end of the week the costume should be able to walk by itself.

Hamp wears his in small increments of time, as his hot-natured self tends to get sweaty quite easily, and it doesn't really go with his no-fuss wardrobe requirement. But I think we chose the cutest little costume for him. He really rocks it.

Kate's had her mind made up since August on what her costume would be, and she never wavered.

Children's department costume party at church on Wednesday night

Kate's preschool party was on Thursday, so Hamp and I joined her for some festive fun.

performing their songs

This is actually turned out to be an unintentional picture of all three of us. There we are, we're the lady-with-a-baby-on-her-hip shadow. Look closely, my sweat droplets probably have a shadow of their own.

The party was lots of fun. We even went on a hayride that put Mr. Mister right to sleep.

Kate's soccer season is almost over with only a couple of games remaining. She had a game last night and as you probably guessed, she and cousin Lydia were side by side.

I don't know if they ever really play an entire game without digging in the dirt, playing chasing, or better yet, breaking out their baby dolls on the sideline.

After the game, we went to dinner at Papa T and Grammy Shirley's house. Thankfully, they live just right across the lawn.

Feeding the ducks with Papa T

me, kate, and the never ending tootsie roll

M to the Izz-A and I have gotten into the habit of drinking coffee in the evenings.

I have become my parents.

I also enjoy going to bed early, like by 9pm or so, but not on Tuesdays because I can't miss my show, Parenthood. I simply love that show.

And we finally got around to carving our pumpkin this week.

Originally, it started out with all of us outside involved in the carving process. Then, Hamp got hot, or the wind was maybe bothering his ears, or the gnats were gettin' bad, or something like that. I can't remember the excuse I actually ended up going with. There's something incredibly wrong about having temperatures in the high 80's in late October. We were melting.

So Kate and Daddy finished up on their own. They LOVE having full creative control.

And look how cute they turned out.

Meet Sad Face and Happy Face.

So adorable, right?

Wait. Are they making fun of my mood swings?

They probably are, but I'll take it. Today.

Tomorrow may be a different story.

Now with Halloween coming this weekend, M to the Izz-A and I decided to just skip the costumes this year. Some of you will remember that last year the whole family dressed up as pirates.

Up until last weekend we were still going with the no costume plan, until a few of our friends had a different idea in mind for us.

You guys are going to DIE when you see us dressed up this year. Seriously, it is a hoot! Let's just say, long johns have never been tampered with in such a way. Let's hope I don't chicken out.

Anyway, I gotta run. Matt just brought me a big ol' cup of hot coffee and a handful of pumpkin seeds that he and Kate just baked in the oven. Let's hope it keeps me up 'til 9.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-27T10:50:00.000-04:00