Mission Impossible

Guess What??

Wednesday of this week I had a challenge put before me. A challenge I gladly accepted. Although, nervous, I had confidence that I could pull this off. I also had TomTom. Besides the point. I had to get my kids to a new location for their doctors visit. *Insert Mission Impossible music here.* But I found it, no problem. And I didn't have to call one person in a panic or crying or angry at myself but taking it out on them. Not a single one.
Mission Impossible, accomplished.

Guess What else??

Last week, or maybe the week before, my sister called me in a panic. She needed some paperwork brought to her but could not leave the location where she was. I was happy to oblige. I got directions from Nick and started to head out the door. My phone rings. I answer.

Me: Hello
Mom: Hey, did you talk to Lisa?
Me: Yep, I'm coming by there to get the paperwork and then heading out there.
Mom: Are you sure? Because I'm off today and I can go.
Me: Mom...it's fine. Seriously. Lisa does a lot of stuff for me and I would like to be able to help her out.

One. Long. Pause.......

Mom: Well Lisa called me. She's worried you are going to get lost.
Me: (sigh) Fine.

Ummm...I have four words in response to that.
Rude. & I. Get. It.

So I couldn't decide if I was going to blog today or not. I ran 4 miles this morning. (I know...I'm awesome.) And I need a shower. But, obviously, I decided to sit down and write. Because, today was a good day. And I wanted to celebrate that.

Like I said, I started out my morning with a really good run. Slow run. But a good one nonetheless. When I was done running I had a text message from my MIL that put a smile on my face. And then I went to pretend shop at Hobby Lobby. What is pretend shopping you ask? Well, I'm not sure if you are all aware of this little fact, but I'm married to a financial advisor. What that means is I'm married to a man whose life revolves around budgeting money for hundreds of people.(this is the laymen definition of a financial advisers responsibilities)  And what that means is that I am included in one of those people. Lucky Me. So pretend shopping is going in with my list of things that I need/want and writing down how much all of that cost. And leaving. With nothing. Except I didn't. I had a basket with one projects worth of supplies in there that totaled $5. But when I went to check out I didn't have my debit card. I wasn't so devastated by the fact that I couldn't get my supplies as I knew in that moment, I wasn't going to get my coffee when I left there. People, I haven't had a coffee in like forever. Forever. And so I left. With nothing.

But that all turned into an opportunity to have lunch with Husband. And that created a chance for
Husband to take Landon into a restroom and watch him fall in the toilet. (ewwww but funny)  And that made my day even better. Just to clarify not the toilet sinking thing but the lunch with Husband thing.

And I love rain. I love a dark house in the middle of the day. It could be blistering hot outside but a gloomy sky and a somber house in the middle of the afternoon makes you want to cover up and watch a movie and drink something hot. Like a coffee, for instance. But it's not hot outside. It's amazeballs outside and I love it. But it's dangerous. Because it absolutely means I will be needing new boots sooner than later. Just sayin.

And I made my chevron board. Mom, I love you but you have no sense of taste. Not really. And chevron is the bomb right now and I think my board turned out pretty good. Not perfect. But good enough for me. Yeah, I pretty much love it.

 Some Randoms to finish out the week -

 I'm 34 years old. I have never liked tomatoes. They are disgusting. They were disgusting. Until now. Now, I can't eat a sandwich without them. This just got real people.

My friends brother has grown out a mustache. I'm not sure what to do with this.

One of the best times to be alone is in your car, on a long ride, with cool weather and loud music. 

My sister has crazy baby fever. Like, I think she may be crazy. I will get back to you on this one.

New favorite nail polish. Essie - No place like chrome. It's da bomb!!

Jackson told me he liked a girl in school but she was dating someone else. Pffffft...5th grade girls don't date.  What does that even mean?

 Crystal Michelle got me hooked. Hooked like a fish to Sons of Anarchy. It's literally a SOA marathon in this house every night after 9 p.m. I have bags under my eyes. But so worth it.

I discovered turkey sausage. It's so good with hot sauce on it. Like sooo good. And I forgot my love for pineapple. Wouldn't recommend the hot sauce on that.

Landon is my Rock Star!!! He is in big boy undies now and he knows what's up. He has only had a few accidents and on more than one occasion made it through an entire day with the same underoos on. Way to go Big Boy!!

For the sake of saving her from embarrassment I will not mention her name but I know a person, who knows a person who intentionally and purposefully watches Honey Boo Boo. I don't know what to make of this. It seriously confuses me.

I hope all of you are having a HAPPY day. Mine keeps getting better!!

With Love,

Amy Marie

Twilight Zone

It's Friday night and well I have been busy all day. And by busy I mean...like seriously pinning the crap out of stuff on Pinterest. What? Life is short. Gotta prioritize.

It's a little odd for me to be blogging on a Friday night. But...I figured I have two sick boys at home, and by home I mean at blockbuster with their dad, so why not. Remember, life is short. And I rarely have quiet.

I don't have much to blog about. I had a crazy, busy day yesterday and by crazy, busy I actually mean crazy, busy. Landon had to get chest x-rays done as a precautionary. I have been giving him breathing treatments for, at least, the last two weeks. So the doctor wanted to be sure he didn't have an infection in his lungs.  I knew it was his allergies. It's always his allergies. And we are on our 3rd ear infection in 6 weeks. X-Ray came up normal. Jackson waited for at least an hour and a half for me at the nurses office. We were all sure he has strep. He always has strep. So went to the doctor, no strep. Just a viral infection. Nothing we can do about that. Took my Grandma to the doctor. Her kidneys are not functioning properly. (due to diabetes) And she doesn't want to really do anything about it. (At 78, who could blame her) But man...I do not want to get old. Wait...I do not want my health to deteriorate. Getting old is out of my control. My health, for the most part, I can do something about.

Husband called. Wasted trip to BB. Jackson wants nothing there. Lame.

This means they will be home shortly. I'm hoping the guilt of me sitting here at the computer doesn't sink in until a good 30 minutes after they are home.

I am learning that sometimes it's just better to keep my mouth shut. Sometimes, peace is better than getting all crazy like and shouting out my opinions from the roof top. Actually...all the time and every time Peace trumps Opinions. Remember this Amy.

You know how every household has that "sock monster" ?? Missing socks galore before, during and after laundry is complete. (if in fact there is an actual time that laundry is complete) I have a different household monster. Mine likes towels. Bath towels specifically. It ate half of what I owned. Thanks idiot Bath Towel Monster. You suck.


Oh My Gosh...I just got a picture of my niece Abby in her first ever soccer uniform. May be the cutest thing I ever did see. Love it! (I feel old now - reminds me of when my younger sister started playing - Ewww)

 

Baseball is about to start for Jackson. . Baseball is about to consume 4 nights out of my 7 day week. FOUR. And it's not even select baseball.  Popped Collar, maybe takes it a little too seriously, old balls. 

That's okay because I will just gorge myself with these during each practice, batting practice or games.

These were da BOMB!!!

Hey hey...I am thinking that my little monkey is just about potty trained. We are purchasing the big boy undies this weekend people and he is going to rock the crap out of those undies. Hopefully literally. Crap out of undies...

So I am making this. I need all the backpacks to have a home up in this place. But... I don't have a clue how to do a Chevron pattern...or how to do it without it looking like my 2 year old painted it. I asked Crystal and she was no help. Her response was, "Oh no......it's hard......" Thank you Crystal. And that's what she said.

My husband just walked into this house (after going to the garage) with a paint tray and brush. Am I in the Twilight Zone? I feel confused. I mean I know he has some painting to finish but I didn't tell him to do that right now. Seriously, what in the hell is happening? Obviously I'm entering delirium now. This may be my cue to wrap it up. Besides, my guilt may have taken over. Who can blame me... Look at that face...oh  Squinky Ninja, I adore you. Landon's pretty darn cute too.

Have a good weekend Peeps!!

And remember.....

Peace trumps Opinions

Don't Judge Me

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!!!

So I have a bunch of randomness today!

First off...Ummm So I made this last night and it got gobbled up in seconds. It was deeeeelish!! Probably (Definitely not) the healthiest of choices but it was a easy peasy crock potter and that's what I needed.

 Winner Winner Chicken Salsa Dinner!! I added black beans like she suggested. I never knew that I liked black beans until I discovered Chipotle and I never knew I liked Chipotle until about a year ago. To think....all this time...I have been missing out....Anyways...it was really good. All my kids loved it. My husband, of course, had seconds. Highly recommend giving it a whirl. Oh...and I also did the homemade taco seasoning she suggested as well.

And then....you can do this with the left overs....Double Nummmy!

You're welcome. ;-)

School has started and all seems to be going well with my crew. Landon and I are back in a routine and much to my surprise my oldest actually enjoys going to school!! I was a little concerned at first. He really seemed to be dreading going but after that first day he said, "I don't know what it is Mom. Everyone seems different this year. The kids, even the teachers!!" So I ask him in what way. His response: "It's hard to explain really. It's like...it's like...everyone is HAPPY!! Even the teachers MOM!!" Well Holy BaJeezus!! WE have a miracle folks. I'm not naive though - it is only the first week of school. I just didn't want to ruin that for him.

We started working out again this week. It feels awesome. Like really good to be back at it. I'm sore again. I'm sleeping good at night. I sleep so much better when I work out. My body is just physically exhausted. Although, we did Body Pump (weight lifting) for the first time in two weeks on Tuesday. My husband said it was like setting the reset button. He was right. It was hard. I didn't feel strong like I did when I was consistently doing the classes before my kidney infection. Curse you infection of the kidneys. Curse you!!!

Ask and you shall receive. And I did...because my husband loves me...Or maybe he was just in a super good mood last weekend...Or maybe he wanted to get the hell out of Hobby Lobby with three kids and a wife that could do some serious damage in there. You know that chalkboard that I wanted with the fun, bright colored chalk markers. I got it!! And I love it..and I get so excited when I have to add something to the board. Like, really excited. : )

 

 

 

Isn't she lovely....Isn't she beautiful???

Go ahead...sing Stevie out loud now. You know you want to. Okay I know he is singing about the birth of a child, maybe even his child. Totally not the same....but maybe.

Today is my husbands birthday. Have I mentioned how much I love my husband? Because if I haven't you don't want me to start now. I do though. Like I love him so much sometimes it scares me. I cannot imagine my life without him. I know how blessed I am that God put him into my life and the lives of my children. I know that I could never find another human being like him. No one would ever love me the way he does. Ever. And I could not love someone else the same way that I love him. It's a rare love. It's a best friend love. It's a for real I didn't even know it existed soul mate love. I hope you have a wonderful birthday Jacobi. You deserve it. And okay fine, you can have a "birthday weekend" as much as I am against Birthday weekends and Birthday weeks...(seriously, grow up) And maybe even a "STPA" weekend...;-) I love you more than most!!

Love is a temporary madness,
it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides.

And when it subsides you have to make a decision.

Heart smiling...

You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together
that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.
Because this is what love is.
Love is not breathlessness,
it is not excitement,
it is not the promulgation of eternal passion.
That is just being "in love" which any fool can do.
Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away,
and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.
Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground,
and when all the pretty blossom have fallen from their branches,
they find that they are one tree and not two.







Confession: I totally like the new Taylor Swift song. 'We Are Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together'
Like Ever.

I have a Pinterest Party to attend in like 4 weeks. I am so super duper, over the moon, excited about it. I don't even have a friggin' craft to make or know what I want to make yet...not another wreath...not another wreath...not another wreath....But I don't even care. Maybe I will do another wreath.

So um yeah sorry that I was all over the place but I had some time so I thought I would take advantage. And by time I mean I am putting off folding the towels, putting the clothes in the dryer, making my bed, emptying the dishwasher, cleaning my bathroom and sweeping the living room.What? Don't judge me. I can feel the judgement from here. Rude. 

Have a fantabulous week peeps!!

With Love,

Amy

Beautiful and Bittersweet

Beautiful and Bittersweet - this growing up business.

 A 2nd grader and a 5th grader. Where has the time gone? 

My heart wants it all to slow down... 

But my brain knows it's not happening.

I was crying as I typed that as my Facebook status last night. And I had so much more to say but FB wasn't really the place to do it.  So I thought I would extend that thought here. I can't believe it's been over a month since I have come here to write. I mean normally I have to be moved by something to write. Inspired, I suppose. Inspired by sadness. Moved by happiness. Motivated by anger. Compelled by something. Anything. Or maybe I have just been lazy. If this blog ever feels like something I "have" to do. I won't do it anymore. Which is kinda why I love it. I can do what I want with it...and you can't stop me. Nah Na Nah Na Boo Boo!! I digress...

I think the most difficult thing for me is having a 10 year old boy and a 2 year old boy. Landon constantly reminds me of Jackson when he was little. Snuggling in bed with me. Raising his arms and and saying "hold you", when he wants to be held. Jackson holding just my single finger with his entire little hand. I try so hard to find contentment with the older version of Jackson. I look really hard for things that I can cherish now that I couldn't when he was younger. But those things are just so different. There is so much less need there. Other than help with math homework (and really we all know my husband comes in to play here) and an occasional desire to snuggle with me when he gets home from his Dads house. I just can't seem to find it. I know its there but I can't seem to find something to grasp on to. To make me feel satisfied that he still needs me just as much as he did when he was younger. I'm still learning as I go. I have never had a 10 year old or a 5th grader before. This is all new to me. I will constantly be learning and evolving and that's okay. 

In other news: 

I had a freaking Kidney Infection. I say "freaking" because I would rather say "fracking" and eventually get to what I really mean...if you know what I mean.  However, my mother in law reads this blog infrequently so...I have to respect that. But Damn!!!! Those kidney infections hurt like a mofo!! I have never had one and I never want one again. I also was sure it wasn't one. I didn't have the normal bladder infection symptoms that usually preface a kidney infection (or so I thought). I rarely drink soda. In fact, I was sure I pulled a muscle. I had added more weights to my back in Body Pump that week and I had done another cardio class that involved "throwing" around medicine balls and I specifically remember turning to my SIL and saying, "That hurts my back". This just goes to show you that we really don't know shite about our health. Our bodies. Go to the doctor. Get your stuff checked out. Better safe than sorry.  P.S. Ummm....although I felt like I was in crack whoreville at the ER, that really blunt doctor with the horrible bedside manner gave me some wonderful medicine in my IV to make the pain go away, even if just but for an hour...I as in the land of Unicorns and purple clouds. 

* I have already lost sleep trying to figure out what I want to be for Halloween this year. This is serious business people. 

* I have not been able to work out for two weeks. TWO WEEKS!! Holy Balls! That is like forever and I cannot wait to get back at it Monday. And I love that I can't wait to get back at it!! 

* I now desperately want a big chalk board with colored chalk markers. Like, I'm pretty sure I'm going to need them before school starts just for me to get all organized. (thanks Crystal and Lisa) 

* I have officially run out of time...my kids want the computer, Landon is running around  the house (with a red ring pop I might add) And Jackson is a good for nothing babysitter. 

The End.

 

Happy Thoughts, Happy Life

 

So True and extremely difficult to pull off. Actually, I only assume it's difficult, I have never really tried it for a long period of time. Maybe I should do that before saying it's difficult or discouraging anyone from doing it. Okay, so I take it back. So True. The End. 

 For example, while my daughter and nephew are building semi-awesome forts in my living room it's difficult for me to keep happy thoughts in my head. I see my living room being destroyed, all the sheets from the linen closet (that were meticulously stuffed in there) strung up on chairs and couches now, all while the play room is being completely unused. The play room - a place that is hidden from any of the numerous guests that may arrive at my house at any time now to see the mess in my living room.  What? It could happen. 

Or my husband sends me a text with good intentions behind it. The first thought that comes to my mind, "Same story, different day." Seriously, that's rude. He's trying to be kind and nice and hopeful and I just tear him down with my not so happy thoughts. I tried to recover but he knew I was spreading the sarcasm on thick. The man knows me well. 

You know what though...I did apply this, "Happy Thoughts, Happy Life" theory the other night. I was unsettled about something going on and I took a step back and realized it could be different. It could be worse. It's temporary and in the bigger picture, it's really not so bad. So I have done it, and it does work. I felt at peace after I had that conversation with myself. I was....well...Happy. The trick is to do this continuously and today, I'm not off to a good start. But the day ain't over yet!!

It would help if I had a coffee. Or a brownie. Anything chocolate at this point. I'm not being picky. And a coffee. And some new Essie nail polish in Bikini  so Teeny, Mojito Madness, No Place Like Chrome, Picket Fence and whatever coral color Erin put on my nails last Saturday. And yes, I knew the colors off the top of my head. ; )  Because I'm cool like that.

Seriously, everyone is going through something. EVERYONE. And maybe that something is like a darkness for them. Like they can't quite see the end of the tunnel, they aren't even sure if there is an end to the gloomy fog they are in. And I just want to be the person that offers them a flash light. I don't have to BE the actual LIGHT at the end. I don't even have to know how long the damn tunnel is. I just want to be a different perspective. And I think everyone needs that. A new outlook. A different window to look out of. A different door to open. They don't know it's there but that's what we are here for. As friends, as daughters, as mothers, as sisters. We just have to keep them going.

Since my last post was such a hit, I thought I would add a few more Pinterest recipes and give you my thoughts on them. (I'm kidding, I think I heard from like 2 people...WAIT...Happy thoughts...) It was a hit because I know at least two people who read it and got something out of it..Boom...Be gone negative Nancy's in my head...

Four Ingredient Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

 Ummmm so these were really delicious!! But, I cannot tell a lie. There isn't anything healthy about them. I just made this meal for my husband and myself so I used two chicken breast in the crockpot. I used half a bottle of the hot sauce for the two pieces of chicken and no water.  It was nummmmm...EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Pizza Quesadillas 

 Loved these!!! And what I loved best about them is I was able to make a healthier variation of them. I got Tomato Basil tortillas that are really low in calorie and can be found at Wal-Mart. I used turkey pepperoni and low fat or reduced fat mozzarella cheese. I added mushrooms and jaleps to the quesadillas but you could add whatever you wanted.(bell peppers would be good too) Highly Recommend for a quick and easy meal. 

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes 

It has been so long since I made this I had to go back and look at the recipe. I know I used ground turkey instead of ground beef (lets just assume I do every time) and I would not have used an onion but instead onion powder. They were good. I haven't made them since though, not sure why. I remember them tasting pretty close to an actual Philly Cheesesteak, which I love. Good for a football game day!! Ughhh....Can't wait for fall!!! 

Been There...Tried That!!

I told you I was going to post about the delicious or not so delicious things I have tried on Pinterest. You just didn't expect it to be so soon did you?

Side Note - On our way to Nebraska, as soon as we got the kids settled in the car and headed out my oldest, Jackson yells, "You bring the Jack!" and Ella, my 7 year old answers with...yep, you guessed it, "I'll bring the COKE!" - Proudest Mom Moment EVER.

Side Note to my Side Note - This morning I had to drop the kids of at VBS. On the way, Ella mentioned wanting to go see the Katy Perry movie in theatres. (Actually I now also want to see this) I tell her that I will NOT watch it in 3D and Jackson says, "I wouldn't want to watch it in 3D either. It makes my ding dong hurt. Like when I ride a roller coaster or something. That makes my ding dong hurt too."  - I was left speechless

Okay....On to more important things. Like.....what's for dinner, Mom? Well maybe I can give you a few ideas..or perhaps taketh away a few. However, if I failed at any of the meals I attempted it wasn't the foods fault or the person who created the recipe. 9 times out of 10 it's sure to be my error. So keep that in mind when I mention things like, "vomit or ewww or thumbs down".

Here are just a few I have tried:

Homemade Toasted Ravioli

So these were my first, "Give it a Whirl" and they were...okay. Just okay. I did some in oil on the stove top and it was too heavy, to "fried" tasting for me. So then I did the other half in the oven and broiled them. That batch was better. I just think at that point I was done with them. Must have ranch and or marinara to dip in.

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Two thumbs up for sure. When my two older ones are with their dad, my husband and I try to plan small easy meals for the two of us. This is one of our favorites. I also love spicy foods!! However, I did follow the directions the first time and I found the peppers to be sort of bland. I was hoping for spicier. So now I just put in jalapenos from a jar. Dip the sandy in some tomato soup and you are set!! Nummy!!

Ranch Greek Yogurt

Mix 1 packet of Ranch Dressing Mix with one container of Greek Yogurt and you will have a tub of BLARF!! I'm all for making things healthier, I do that with most of the recipes when I can but this does NOT taste like Ranch dressing. Not at all. Unless the Ranch dressing you eat taste like straight up vomit. The End.

Dried Strawberries

Taste like Candy!!! Bahahahahhahahaha!! Hilarious...and also Ewwwww...Now, I will admit that when I was making these and following the instructions I questioned adding the salt and pepper but I did it anyways. Because...someone knows what they are doing right?? Whelp..No..Not this person. By this person I mean me. Maybe should have gone with my gut and not added the salt and pepper to taste but even then, I'm not sure I would have been a fan.

Frozen Yogurt covered Raspberries

So she used blueberries but I used raspberries. I thought they would be less sour. I don't do sour. I do sweet. My kids like raspberries and they did not like these. I think, honestly, it was because they were too cold to eat. I, personally, didn't like them but I don't like raspberries so blueberries would not have been any different for me. I may try strawberries next time because I really liked the yogurt. Husband loved these!

Cafe Rio Chicken

This is, by far, the entire family's favorite meal. I just made this last night actually, with lots of left overs today. :) It is so easy and it's a crockpot meal, makes it even better! It's mindless work when it comes to dinner. I have made this with soft and crispy tacos (we prefer the crispy) and if there are left overs then you can make it like a dip and mix it with refried beans or sour cream and dip tortilla chips in it. It is so flavorful and the chicken is so moist. We all love it!!

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

I'm positive I have already posted about these delicious wraps previously in my blog but I love them so much I'm doing it again. The only thing I would recommend is being sure you get a good, fresh crisp lettuce head. It's crucial to keeping these wraps from falling apart. I also never use ground hamburger meat anymore. I am ground turkey all the way. It is so good!!

Cheesy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

This one is Momma's favorite!! Which surprises me because it is a little more work for me. But I never knew how much I love wild rice. The recipe calls for 2 cups white rice and 2 cups wild rice but I do 3 cups wild rice and 1 cup white or brown rice. Either one. Wild rice just has way more flavor to it. And the cheese sauce is to DIE for!!!! Secret: I don't do any of the vegetables. I want my kids to eat this stuff. I do flavor with onion powder and serve green beans or corn on the side but I skip the vegetable part for the dish all together. This is a ~ winner winner chicken dinner~ in my tummy and at the table!! Seriously, you must try.

Crockpot Cubed Steak

Mmmmm....this was delicious and another crockpot easy peezy one!! Seriously, it doesn't get much easier than a crockpot meal right? Anyways, I wouldn't change a thing about this at all!! I served it over rice and we loved it! So good!!

Four Ingredient Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

 Ummmm so these were really delicious!! But, I cannot tell a lie. There isn't anything healthy about them. I just made this meal for my husband and myself so I used two chicken breast in the crockpot. I used half a bottle of the hot sauce for the two pieces of chicken and no water.  It was nummmmm...EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Pizza Quesadillas 

 Loved these!!! And what I loved best about them is I was able to make a healthier variation of them. I got Tomato Basil tortillas that are really low in calorie and can be found at Wal-Mart. I used turkey pepperoni and low fat or reduced fat mozzarella cheese. I added mushrooms and jaleps to the quesadillas but you could add whatever you wanted.(bell peppers would be good too) Highly Recommend for a quick and easy meal. 

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes 

It has been so long since I made this I had to go back and look at the recipe. I know I used ground turkey instead of ground beef (lets just assume I do every time) and I would not have used an onion but instead onion powder. They were good. I haven't made them since though, not sure why. I remember them tasting pretty close to an actual Philly Cheesesteak, which I love. Good for a football game day!! Ughhh....Can't wait for fall!!! 

Alright, well I have tons more but I think I will stop here. If you follow me on Pinterest you can go to my 'Been There Tried That' board. I try to repin everything there once I have done it so if you want to try something on the board and want to know how it ended up before trying it out just ask!!

Laters Gators!!

Enjoy the Chaos

If I wait until I get all my thoughts gathered in a nicely, organized, presentable fashion I will never write. In other words, I'm going to be all over the place today. Enjoy the chaos.

The Trip

We survived 'The Trip'. Yes, we did. We actually did more than survive the trip. We enjoyed ourselves. We saw family, we spent time together, we spent time in the sun, watched a city parade, found some shade while the kids played in water on the street, had the perfect view to watch an awesome fireworks show, we had pizza by the pool, Margaritas in the middle of the afternoon, long, meaningless talks by the fire pit, watched wild turkeys roam the land, murdered a cat (sorry if that offends anyone), tried RumChata (why have I never heard of this) and met a man named Rodrigo. (aka Pedro, Jose and Rico) Yep, fun was had by all.

Jackson on his 10th birthday, Scavenger Hunt game in the travel binders, Jackson and Landon at parade, Field of endless sunflowers we passed in Kansas, Me and cousin Jill at parade, (below that - corn fields in Nebraska), Jackson in hat at parade, (below that - view from back balcony at my Aunt and Uncles house - we use to sled down that hill in the winter) , Landon waving at pretty much everyone at parade, Ella with her cotton candy - Ewwww, My babies at parade, Uncle Stevie and Jacob on the last night we were there enjoying a beer in the cheese koozies by the fire pit

 

 

 

 

 

Randoms

I loathe unpacking and all the laundry that comes with it but this momma got that done in 2 days. Boom!

Tried something new at Starbucks. Green Tea Frapp. Vomit. Fail. Gross.

My dad would have been 57 today.

 Landon is crazy. Like cray, cray crazy. He makes us laugh all the time.

Is it Fall yet?

I want to craft something.

And go on a date with my husband. Desperately.

I cannot go to sleep with my hair wet. It looks like I have bump its randomly placed all over the top of my head. It's not pretty. Anyone want a pic of that?? Haha. 

I heart Pinterest. If not for the simple fact that there are a gazillion different recipes all in one place for me. And I have tried several. I am going to post about that. And you can't stop me.

Jackson is such an amazing big brother. And he turned 10.  TEN Freaking years old. I contemplated writing about that but there is no way I could keep it together for that one. I know how emotional it is for me and if you are a mother you know how emotional it is too. No need to dwell on it. I'm thankful that he has made it to 10. I hope he keeps on growing.

Sorry for the quality - this is me taking pics of pics. (July 3rd, 2002 - July 3rd, 2003 in Nebraska, and then 10 years later we were in Nebraska again for his bday. Crazy right!!!)

 Okay, seriously though, raspberries are disgusting. It doesn't matter if they are fresh, frozen or put in a blender. They are disgusting. 

I made travel binders for the kids. Life savers. Serious, sanity savers. If you want to know where I got it from or what I included in the binders let me know. Otherwise, I will just call my girlfriend that asked me about that (promise Steph) and save you all the time of reading about it. You're Welcome. 

I want to get a little heart tatt on my toe. Have you seen it on Pinterest? Freaking cute.

 I got to see my dad's side of the family. His dad and brothers and sisters. My cousins. My heart seems to briefly stop beating every time I see my Grandpa. It usually has been years in between visits but he looks so much like my dad it takes my breath away. I have to really try to keep it together when I am hugging him. And sitting next to my Uncle Kent, who to me, always reminded me so much of my dad, also a little hard to endure. It's a very bitter sweet emotion. As I sat in that room with my Aunts and Uncles and Grandpa and cousins I realized how unfair and cruel life can be sometimes. Not that I didn't enjoy it but there I sat in between my cousin Lindsey and my cousin Ellen and all three of us have lost our dads. One family, three different men.  Three men who didn't get to quite see their girls grow up or get married or have babies. Life can be cruel and a blessing all at the same time. And that, my friends, is just the way it goes.

(Uncle Kent, Dad, Grandpa - rocking the stache)