The Stauffer Shenanigans

Let's just file this under "best day ever".

2013-05-12T21:55:00.001-04:00

Because it was.

It really really really was.

Happy Mother's Day to all you beautiful women out there.

The one where I run. And I.Don't.Run.

2013-05-08T10:32:00.000-04:00

One week ago I made dinner, ate with my family, went upstairs and gave the girls a bath while Dustin cleaned up the kitchen (I know, it's grand), and got them all snuggled up in bed with a hundred smoochies before Daddy came upstairs for story time. And a hundred more smoochies. Usually at this time, I go downstairs and catch up on the DVR or write up posts. But that night, it was gorgeous outside. Warm and breezy and the colors in the sky were beautiful. I thought to myself it would be a perfect night to go for a run. There's just one thing there, self. You don't run, remember? You did the Color Run, sure, but since then the only thing you "ran" was to rush the stage at a Bruce Springsteen concert.

But I couldn't shake the urge to just get outside & move. I threw on my Nike's, downloaded the free Nike Running app on my phone, and drove over to the cemetary (sounds creepy, maybe, but there's a path around the perimeter that's perfect for running. plus I get to visit my Dad, so I feel very comfortable there.) I put my ear buds in, put on the Bruno Mars Pandora station, hit the red RUN button, and just ran.

Was it pretty? No. I'm quite positive people driving by thought I was seizing as I flailed about like Phoebe and breathed like Cartman. But I did it. I finished a mile. I looked a fool and it took over 12 minutes, but I did it. And in the past week, along with moving up to level 2 on 30 Day Shred, I feel stronger. Faster, more energized....I actually look forward to running and working out. Who am I?! Oh yeah, a mom of two who loves the peace & quiet. And wants a rockin' bod...or just one that doesn't "feel like pudding" (thanks, Brookie.)

Best of all? Look at my times. After just 4 runs, I've knocked 2 whole minutes off my mile. I still wouldn't exactly characterize myself as a runner because it still hurts. I still have trouble controlling my breathing, I still get an ache in my side, I still need to discover the concept of mind over matter when I think I'm physically dying. But I'm getting there.

P.S. Any other Weight Watcher-ers come to a stand still when you added exercise to your regimen? For the past almost 3 weeks I've stuck to my points, increased my water intake, added more power foods, and the scale hasn't moved one single ounce. I'm kinda really hoping to hear that my metabolism needs a wake up call and that I need to eat my weight in pasta & bread for just one day. Dustin told me I'm just building muscle. Fun sucker.

Sesame Street Live in Columbus {Giveaway!}

2013-05-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

For as long as I can remember, I've always known all the words to the Sesame Street theme song. I've always known each characters name, and I've always known precisely what time of day they were coming on TV (after breakfast, before The Young & The Restless.) That's because I grew up with them. In the days before Netflix and DVR's, there was PBS. I never knew that one day my own children would be sitting on the couch at 10 am waiting for Sesame Street to come on. That they'd know all the words to the theme song, know all the characters name, know exactly what time to change the channel.

In 2009 Dustin & I took 1 year old Brookie to see Sesame Street Live and loved it. (Well, I'm pretty sure us big kids loved it a little more than the youngin'. Nostalgia at it's finest.) So when I saw that "Elmo Makes Music" was coming to Columbus on June 15th and June 16th at the Palace Theater, I knew Emily had to experience it. This is the perfect show for her (and big sis) because not only will there be singing, dancing, and of course, their favorite characters right in front of them, the 90 minute show will have a 15 minute intermission...ya know, just in case they don't get their fill on popcorn and need a refill.

I'm pretty sure all of you local Ohioans have a little someone in mind who would just love this. And here's a few ways how you can get yourself there! (Already going? Print these to get your little ones excited for the show.)

When: Saturday June 15th (10:30 am and 2 pm) and Sunday June 16th (1 pm and 4:40 pm).

Where: Palace Theater, Columbus.

Ticket Info: Prices range from $20, $30 (Gold Circle), and $60 (Sunny Seats which include VIP seats and a pre-show meet & greet with 2 characters!) Call to order tickets by phone at 800-745-3000. Group sales of 10+ are available by calling 614-469-0939. Save $3 per ticket! Use the code ERNIE online at ticketmaster.com to receive this special offer. (Offer excludes Sunny Seats & Gold Circle. Cannot be combined with any other offer or used on previously purchased tickets.)

GIVEAWAY INFO: TWO of you will win a family 4 pack of tickets to see whichever show you'd like on either June 15th or June 16th. Yep, there will be two winners and they'll be chosen & emailed on Friday, May 10th. Good luck!

Huge thank you to VEE Corporation for supplying tickets for this giveaway & for my family and I as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So that happened.

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I picked up Brookie from school. She waved bye to her friends, hopped in her car seat, and started quickly rambling about her day.

"We read "The Gingerbread Man" story! It was fantastic! There was a fox, a cow, an old man, old woman, and a bitch! We're going to make gingerbread men too! In the oven! We had applesauce for snack! I peed once. And looksee here, I gotta stamp on my hand!"

Whoawhoawhoawhoa. Back that up there.

"A what??!"

"A ssstaaamp. See? Right here. On my hand."

"No no, not that. An old woman and a what?"

"Oh. A bitch!"

(Racking my brain, trying to remember the story. But all I can think of the gingerbread man & his gumdrop buttons in Shrek.)

"You mean a pitch? Like a pitch fork?"

"No. A bitch."

(Oh my God, she won't stop saying it. The 12 year old in me wants to laugh....hell the 27 year old in me wants to laugh. But that's, um, not right.)

"A witch?"

"Nooo. Say it with me. Buhhh. It. Chhhh."

(Oh no she is not sounding it out! Divert!! Change the subject!! What is happening?!)

"....Um....well.....alright. What do you want for lunch?"

"I'm serious. That's what it was. We can ask my teacher when you drop me off next week. Let's go to Wendy's!"

So we did. Then we came home, I sat both girls down with their chicken nuggets & frosties and googled the story. Nada. I asked friends & family. Their conclusion? My kid had a potty mouth. And that it was probably just a witch. I didn't bring it up again, and neither did she.

Fast forward to the next week where, long story short, we came to realize that it was a butcher in the story, not a bitch. A butcher. Oh and bitch was also said two more times by my child. At the Christian preschool. Inside the church. Where people pray.

Yyyeah. So that happened. And how are you?

Bedazzled.

2013-04-29T21:55:00.000-04:00

A certain girl, who I don't remember giving permission to go from looking like a little toddler to an actual kid, made a big decision last weekend.

A "leeeeeettle pinch", few tears, and a lollipop later? She has "pretty ears like Sissy". Couldn't wait to spread the good word to anyone she came in contact with at the mall. That includes the lady in the stall next to us who I'm sure was just trying to pee peacefully. Good news needs spread, ya know.

Cake. Guilt free. (You read that right.)

2013-04-25T15:53:00.000-04:00

I'm a little over a month in on this go around with Weight Watchers, in a good groove, back in a good routine. Oh and 7 pounds down (shimmyshimmy!) A pair of jeans that fit like a glove once, then for a period of time had to be kept up with the hair tie trick (you Mommies remember that one from your first & second trimester, don't ya?) now button again. And I can also breathe whilst wearing them, so that's a big perk.

When it comes to food with Weight Watchers, I feel like there's so much for breakfast, lunch, & dinner I can enjoy and feel full on. The one thing I struggle with is dessert. Sure there's sugar free pudding, there's fruit, there's smoothies. But sometimes? I just want to tear into some friggin' cake. And I've found a guiltless way on how to. Pineapple cake with french vanilla "frosting". Super easy, super delicious, and only 4 points a serving.

When I said easy, I meant it. For the cake, all you do is mix together the cake mix (don't follow the directions on the back of the box) and add in the can of crushed pineapple, juice and all. Mix by hand, and after about a minute you'll have this frothy, airy batter. Pour into a greased cake pan (the cake will rise, so make sure you have one big enough), and pop into the oven at 350 degrees for about 25-28 minutes.

Now for the "frosting". Also ridiculously easy. I use the term loosely because when you think of frosting, you think of this sugary concoction that makes your kids run laps around their room at 9 pm. This "frosting" barely has a bit of sugar in it, but you won't miss it. It's still the perfect amount of sweet. Mix together a container of lite Cool Whip (you could also use sugar free, but we like the taste of lite better) and a package of sugar free french vanilla pudding mix (again, don't follow the directions on the box. Just use the dry mix.) It'll thicken but still stay light & fluffy.

Once the cake is semi cooled (because this is insanely delish warm), slice yourself up a hunk, dollop a spoonful of "frosting" on top, and there you go. 4 points, happy tummy. Also? This recipe is very versatile. You can use mandarin oranges, peaches, anything canned in it's own juice will work. Same with the "frosting", any flavor mix would work.

Enjoy! Have seconds!

Content.

2013-04-14T23:01:00.002-04:00

Much like Beth Anne recently wrote, "HI! I'm still here. Alive & well. And also, the ute is vacant, thankyouverymuch." {Sorry to disappoint to that someone who wants another grandbaby so bad she can taste it...ahem, Mom.}

This has been an ongoing thing for awhile now (I shared my feelings about this 6 months ago), and I'm honestly happy to say that I feel content. Content with my blog & content with my feelings towards my blog. I don't feel ran by it, I don't feel like I need to look at my stats religiously, I don't feel like I need to post about xyz 5 days a week.

I'm also happy that my readers seem to understand. You know that sometimes you just need to pause, re-evaluate, and begin again. Or that sometimes you just need "a break." A "sabbatical." To just for a little bit.

Best of all, You're Still HERE! And that means so much to me. So thank you. Yes, you.

SO! What have we been up to the past few weeks? Dustin & I went to see Fleetwood Mac for the third time together. Memories of love letters from our months apart during our first 2 years together rushed through us and I came to the realization that partying with sixty something Stevie Nicks and then having her sing me a raspy lullaby needs to be bumped up to the top 20 on my bucket list.

The girls are as awesome as ever.....86% of the time. What is up with chicks?! The bickering, the tattling, the whining, the slapping, the screaming, it's all very dramatic. And annoying...moreso annoying. Nothing makes them more upset than being seperated after an arguement. They beg & cry out "sisterrrrrr", embrace each other once time out is over, then 5 minutes later ensue a brawl over which song they want to hear on the Sophia the First CD. Chicks, man. Wow.

Then these moments occur and I'm all like Awww, they're the two best friends that anyone ever had!

Now that tax season is done & over (breathe a sigh of relief all you number people!), there's the decision on what to do with the return. Go on vacation? Get a head start on a Christmas fund? Spend aimlessly on random trips at Target? Or finally tackle that living room you promised yourself you would when you moved in almost three years ago?

D. Definitely D. We're in the very early stages but a whole living room makeover is in the works. Fingers crossed that by June, gone will be the days of shaggy puke green carpet that just.won't.look.clean. and honey oak trim everywhere. EVERYWHERE. (It's everywhere.)

So that's been our lately. Me scouring Pinterest for inspiration while the girls attempt to scratch each others eyes out in the corner with "Go Your Own Way" playing in the background. Content, yo.

Easter...and a realization.

2013-04-03T22:56:00.003-04:00

Easter Sunday was great. The girls woke up excited, ooohed & ahhed over their baskets (especially their new Sophia the First CD, new Littlest Pet Shop buddies, and North American Bear Co. goodies), found all 50 eggs hidden in the living room & dining room within 3.5 minutes, enjoyed a beautiful church sermon, another egg hunt outside in the bitter cold, and braved through car naps so we could go 45 minutes out of town to have dinner with both sides of our family. I even stayed within my daily WW points with all the glorious food everywhere, which was pretty unexpected on my part. Didn't even need to dig into my weekly points. My one & only complaint was all on me.

The fact that these were the only two pictures I got last Sunday. And that they were taken with my iPhone.

I had my Canon all charged ready to go. And never picked it up once.

This has been the current trend these days. With the exception of a few random times, I honestly haven't really used my DSLR since our Disney trip & Christmas. iPhone cameras are great, sure. Instagram? Even better. Nothing like the Walden & Nashville filter. But there's a huge chunk of time missing from my picture folders stored on my lap top, and that bums me out.

Maybe it's because it's been so cold & dreary here, or because we've mostly been indoors that I haven't been inspired. The natural lighting in our house stinks. There's dog fur all over our badly needing to be replaced carpet. Juice stains on our couches. Toys everywhere. And finger smudges on the walls. Who wants to photograph that?

But there's also hugs that need captured. Laughs and moments that I never want to forget. So along with taking my camera off auto (yes, my lazy face is STILL on auto), it's my goal to just take my camera out more. To forget about where we are. What's in the background, on the floor, in the corner. What we're wearing, what's stained, what's out of place, what's not ideal. I just want to capture the now.

North American Bear Co. Review & Giveaway!

2013-03-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Remember when you were a kid & in your Easter basket you got a giant chocolate bunny that lasted til summer in the freezer & half a dozen smelly dyed hard boiled eggs? And you were completely stoked? Well, those days are long gone (at least around here there are.) Along with the usual orange Reese's Pieces in a bag to resemble a carrot, jelly beans, Peeps, & a Cadburry egg are what the girls love best.

Toys.

The usual suspects will make their appearance (ahem, anything Littlest Pet Shop or Lalaloopsy.) But also? Some new amazing, fun, & unique goodies.

When Samantha at North American Bear Co. emailed me about sending Brook & Emmy some new fun toys, I was excited. Being an overgrown child myself, I have a eensy weensy bit of a toy hoarding obsession, and love new additions. Never in a million years did I expect what I saw when I opened that big white box last weekend.

I had briefly mentioned in my email that Brookie's recent love is The Wizard of Oz (so much so that she's already requested that be her birthday party, 6 months from now, theme.) And that Emily loved dollies (she loves playing Mommy. it's insanely adorable.) Sam took it from there....

I mean, WOW. The entire Wizard of Oz cast? And the witches? I squeed with delight when I saw all these, I can't imagine what Brook's gonna do Easter morning. The dollies? Emily is going to love feeding, rocking, & burping them. She especially loves tucking them into bed, and shushing us all very loudly to be quiet (kind of a double negative, but hey! she's the mom.) Then will scream GOOD MORNING!!!! in the dolls faces two minutes later. My teenage grandchildren are just gonna love her. And the adorable ice cream cone purses? Are the perfect size for the girls random spring & summer collections. I love opening up their little bags now & finding rocks, goldfish crackers, a little My Little Pony, and a hair tie.

So. Absolutely adorable goodies, eh? Would you like the chance to win some for yourself...errr I mean your kiddo? Yep, thought so.

The awesome people at North American Bear Co. are giving one lucky winner a $75 giftcard to do some shopping! Entering this contest couldn't be any easier because there's only one mandatory entry mainly because, well I'm nosy and wanna know what you'd buy. Good luck!

>>While I was given these items to review at no cost, my opinions are & always will be 100% my own. And I don't fib.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Working {again.}

2013-03-28T07:30:00.000-04:00

I think it's safe to say I'm settled back in complete Weight Watchers mode. The first few days are a bit overwhelming--counting, measuring, tracking, writing. It's hard to break the habit of just grabbing a bag of something & subconsciously munch away. Not worry about fat, fiber, protein, carbohydrates. Just enjoy the Nutella on the corners of your mouth.

But now, I feel like I'm in a good groove. The most frequent question I get asked is if I'm starving. Nope, not at all. There are SO many foods that are worth zero points (majority of fruits & vegetables are all nada. my favorites being strawberries, pineapple, grapes, bananas, apples, broccoli, green beans, edamame, cauliflower, carrots, & zucchini) that it would kind of be impossible to starve. I wrote a post a little while back with 10 of my favorite WW snacks, and they're still my favorites now. Along with:

>>Half an avacado (4 points) smashed, sprinkled with salt & pepper on top of a piece of toast (2 points.)

>>Lean Cuisine's fajita chicken spring rolls (5 point for 3 rolls.)

>>Mini pizzas---1 english muffin (2 points) toasted with a tbsp of pizza sauce (0 points) loaded with as many zero veggies I want, a few slices of turkey pepperoni (1 point for 5), and topped with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese (1 point.) Broil til cheese melts.

>>Naked green machine smoothies {looks disgusting, tastes amazing, yes. and very filling.} 8 ounces for 4 points.

>>Frittatas. 2 egg whites (0 points), 1 whole egg (2 points), and whatever veggie you wish to saute & throw in there along with 1/4 cup of whatever cheese you like (2 points.)

>>Basically anything (and everything) off of Skinnytaste's blog. My recent favorites being her spinach lasagna roll ups, baked chicken parmesan, & turkey sausage, white bean, & kale soup.

>>For that sweet tooth? Individual wrapped Dove chocolates. 1 square=1 point. Also bomb pops & fudgesicles are only 1 point. And Jello's sugar free chocolate mousse cups are only 2.

See? Not starving here at all. Craving? Oh definitely. My 49 weekly cheat points are usually already spent in my head weeks in advance. But this plan, this life style change, it works. And for me, it's already working again. 11 days in, 3 pounds gone.

Because it's been awhile. And, well, just because.

2013-03-26T19:24:00.001-04:00

{via Instagram}

Outside? Less than ideal. Spring, shmring.

The past few weeks? And the pictures up above? Couldn't care less about the weather. Spring, shmring. {Well...the sun would be nice.}

I know it's been a little quiet 'round here, but sometimes a little break is necessary (and, um, sanity saving.) No worries though, a Weight Watchers update & awesome giveaway is coming soon. And I'm happy to report I'm back to normal 23% sanity level.

Cheers.

2013-03-20T21:08:00.000-04:00

I've debated with myself over this decision time and time and time again, especially over the past 6 months. Couldn't I just do it on my own? Not spend the money? The answer is no. I need accountability. Need motivation. I need help.

When I decided to join Weight Watchers in 2011 to help shred the last of my Emily baby weight (plus crappy eating pounds), I felt great after losing 17 pounds in 3 months. Over the next 3 months I lost an additional 6 pounds and was a mere 3 pounds from hitting my goal weight.

I never reached that weight.

Instead, over the next 15 months, I maintained. A pound or two up, back down a pound or two. I stayed consistent and took what I had learned over my 3 month membership and applied it. It wasn't merely a diet, but a lifestyle change.

Then something happened. One day before the local dairy bar closed by my office closed, I decided to have an old pregnancy craving favorite. A cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. It was glorious and I loved every single grease covered calorie of it. A few days later....I had another. And a hot fudge milkshake. The next day, I hopped on the scale and no weight gain. Hmm...maybe my body had adjusted to this weight. I was that awesome that I just didn't gain weight anymore.

I want to punch that Ashley in the face. Because what came from that thinking was the addition of old bad eating habits. I saw a few more pounds creep on, but my clothes were still fitting so I didn't worry much about it. It snowballed from there. And before I knew it? 12 pounds, back on. My jeans were getting snug, I felt sluggish and blegh. I started feeling unhappy & uncomfortable again. Honestly, nothing feels as good as feeling comfortable & confident with yourself. Other peoples compliments, going down a size in clothes, nothing. Nothing felt better than the self confidence I had, even up to last summer.

I miss it. Want it back. Deserve it back. And last Saturday, made the first step into getting in back.

I'm actually really excited about this. The online program has changed so much for the better since I was a member, and I can basically do everything on my iPhone. There's great tips (even ones for panic moments like eating out), and it's so easy to track my daily points. It's only been 3 days, but I've already felt a change (within of course. but wouldn't it be nice to see instant results?) Yesterday at work, it was temptation central. Like all the drug reps just knew....

They stared at me, all delicious looking and warm and so ahhmahhgahh. Watching every single co-worker eat one, eat two, it was tough. I wanted one. I looked up how many points one would be.

9. It would be my entire lunch.

I held off. I cannot believe I held off! Instead of making sweet pie hole love to that vanilla cream filled one, I took a big whiff of the box (maybe two), went back to my desk, turned my back to them, and enjoyed a sugar free vanilla pudding with strawberries for 2 points. Just as good? Um. No. But I didn't care. I over came my first temptation.

See, I could of had that donut. With Weight Watchers, you're given a weekly allowance for small splurges like this. But that's not the point. The point is I didn't want to HAVE to have it. I want to gain back the will power I once had. After today, I think I'm on my way. 3 months, 20 pounds, goal weight. Finally goal weight.

So cheers to being back on track. Cheers to feeling worth it. Cheers to Weight Watchers. And cheers to mommas like Jennifer Hudson who make it look so insanely good.

2 girls, 2 favorites. {Aunt Jemima Lil' Griddles}

2013-03-20T21:06:00.001-04:00

In this house, we are huge breakfast fans. We'll eat it morning, noon, or night (brinner happens here weekly.) The thing is most mornings we're all in a rush out the door. Mondays & Tuesdays, the girls are headed to their grandparents house with Dustin & I headed to work. Thursdays it's a rush to get Brookie off to school. Friday to early morning ballet {yep, ballet. more about that later.}

Needless to say during the week, we eat a lot of breakfast on the go. But on Wednesdays, we get to sleep in a bit and enjoy breakfast together. And? Aunt Jemima Lil' Griddles covers all those days. For mornings where we eat in the car, and for Wednesday where we want to sit at the dining room table before it's time for cartoons. Best of all? Every batch is made from scratch, with real ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar. And there's 3 delicious options--blueberry mini pancakes, buttermilk mini pancakes, and cinnamon french toast sticks.

My girls? Divided on their fav. Brook is a french toast kinda gal while Emmy is pancake obsessed.

Usually I have to fight the girls to stay seated, not try to poke each other with their forks, and not make towers with their food. But this morning, the only thing I heard was yummy mmm sounds.

Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast Lil' Griddles are a big help for moms who want to serve her family a warm breakfast in the morning, just like she'd make herself. Try them for yourselves for FREE with this coupon. And be prepared to hear lots of yummy mmm sounds from your kiddos (maybe even from you yourself. They do smell awfully good.)

Thank you to Aunt Jemima Frozen Breakfast for being a sponsor. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Google gone? Ensue panic? Nah, not so much.

2013-03-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Odds are if you've been on your favorite blogs Facebook pages within the past 24 hours, you've read that Google is ridding itself of Google Reader which means no more Google Friend Connect which means you wonder how are you going to subscribe to & read the blogs you love?!

No worries. While yes, GFC will be gone come July 1st, you can still follow and read your favorite blogs {like? mine?} via Bloglovin.

It's super simple to sign up for and quite honestly, a much better format and much easier to read. I know what you must be thinking. How long it's going to take to go to all the blogs from your reader list and click their "follow me on bloglovin" button.

Again, no worries. Because one button click is all it's gonna take.

After your sign up, go to the 'settings' option under your name in the top right corner. Scroll to the bottom of the page where you'll see this.

With one click, you'll be following all the blogs you do on GFC now through Bloglovin. And what's awesome about BL is that you can divvy up blogs into categories like fashion, recipes, awesome girl moms with great hair. Ya know, whatever you want.

See? Easy peasy! I hope y'all continue to follow along these shenanigans. {Pssst....I hear all the cool kids are doing it soooo......}

Easy Like Thursday Morning

2013-03-14T11:21:00.000-04:00

Breakfast dates. Target runs. Snuggles on the couch. Just me and my youngest baby.

That's what Thursdays have consisted of since Brookie started school last August. I've loved being one on one with her. I barely remember the only child days. And with Em being the second babe, she's never really had that time with just Momma, apart from the occasional grocery run.

But now? These mornings are close to coming to an end. Not only will school be out for Brook in just 9 weeks, we got a little something in the mail for Emily yesterday.

Yep. Her preschool acceptance letter. Didn't THIS just happen with my big girl? And now my baby? Come August, her Thursday mornings will be spent with her teachers and friends. Not with Momma. On one hand, I'm awfully excited about the thought of 3 hours to myself once a week. Just me. And Netflix. 3 hours of no Nick Jr, no bum wiping. Just me.

On the other hand, I'm going to be by myself. I'm losing my morning buddy. Isn't it a little early to feel empty-nesty? Is this when my mind will go into over drive with the ever popular question? Will I get lonely? Resort to conversations with the dog?

For now, it's hard to think about. Hard to imagine watching not only one, but both my girls with book bags on almost as big as they are letting go of my hands & walking away from me into a classroom. So for now, I'm going to soak up every Thursday morning minute.

The surprise that almost wasn't

2013-03-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Let me preface this by saying my husband is unsurpriseable. In the past almost ten years together, I may have only surprised him once or twice and he kinda already sorta had a hunch anyway. He guessed I was pregnant with Brookie before I tested. He looks at a wrapped Christmas present and remembers that he did mention how much he loved MASH and wow, that box over there looks about the right size as the whole series.

The first few times it was kinda cute. Like Ohhh gosh! How do you always knooow?! Now? It's annoying. More like Farking A, how you ALWAYS know? It started getting to the point where gift cards became his go to present and I just gave up on the element of surprise. But for his 30th birthday? I had to at least try.

In the end? Trying to maintain sanity was my main goal. Thank goodness for Dustin's best friend, who was a huge help in planning this, or else I think I would've blown the surprise (and a gasket in the process.) It took 2 months, countless fibs, rescheduling out a week (he picked up being on call the weekend the party was supposed to occur. It was honestly a blessing in disguise because that was the weekend we all caught the norovirus), some unnecessary family drama over the invite list, and a mole in his office texting me last Friday letting me know where he was and when he'd be home so I could set up.

Needless to say, it was chaotic. And totally worth it. Dustin was late coming home from work Friday, I called him to tell him the girls and I were going out to dinner with my mom (even going as far as asking him if he'd like me to bring some Olive Garden dessert home), his best friend was waiting for him in our driveway when he got off work to take him out to dinner, they were headed out of town when "someone from work" called with "an emergency". Did I mention his best friend owns part of a restaurant? And that we were all hidden in the back?

It worked out perfectly.

I took all these shots within a matter of 15 minutes....then didn't take my camera out again for the rest of the night. I guess that's a sign of being too busy having a good time, right? Great food, great family, great friends, and celebrating a great man.

Best of all for him? While my husband is now eligible for a golden buckeye card and has to eat dinner at 4pm, at least he still has a wife in her twenties*.

*bazinga!

Mother Nature? Tease.

2013-03-10T22:07:00.001-04:00

It got up to 60* today. For those of us up north who physically and emotionally crave this vitamin D, we soaked up every single millisecond. Some more than others (it's March, hun. Supposed to snow on Wednesday. Shorts and flip flops aren't a keen idea.) So even though we lost an hour, it stayed light out until 7pm. Here we took total advantage of the day by grilling steaks, cracking the windows in the car, running off stuckinsidethehouseclimbingthewalls energy, just being out in the fresh air.

And for one, wearing a crown was necessary.

I'm ready for this weather everyday, mostly so I can start leaving the house without wearing socks. Alas, Wednesday is showing snow. Alas I'll need socks to avoid gangrene.

And alas, Mother Nature is a bipolar wench.

March Makeover >>$100 Sephora Giveaway!

2013-03-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Let's start this month off right, shall we?

To many of us (especially those of us up north), March is the light at the end of the miserable winter months tunnel. Where we can finally start thinking about going outside without wearing socks and considering a cardigan a jacket.

And what better way to celebrate this than....

the chance to win $100 to Sephora! Just for YOU!

Meet Jenni, Katie, Meg, Myndee, & Stephanie aka Tottums. All fellow Mom bloggers. All incredible ladies. All who know that Sephora is a Mommies Only place. Where we can't go in thinking we're going to buy for ourselves, but inevitably leave with bags full for our kiddos. Ohhh no no no. Sephora is for us.

And for one of you lucky winners, $100 will be for you. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

what three means to me

2013-03-01T11:34:00.002-05:00

{I'm about to get pretty sentimental on a Friday. But it's a good kind of sentimental. Because, I believe, it's magical.}

For most, three is just an odd number. After two, before four, uneven. For some, three is the perfect number of children to have. The perfect amount of Splenda to add to your coffee. The perfect long weekend. The perfect number of meal courses. Perfect amount of charms.

To me, the number three is much more than that. It signifies protection. It signifies a sense of something, someone, I had for such a short period of time. It makes me feel like I'll never truly be alone. That he'll always be with me.

It'll be 24 years on Sunday. While most around me are saying they can't believe how fast it's gone by, I'm thinking about how slowly it's dragged on. While they're sharing stories, I'm feeling jealous that they have memories that live in their mind of being with him, while all I have is a few hours of VHS tapes I have zero recollection of. I can't be too hard on myself because really? Who truly remembers anything before they were three? But then there's the guilt I can't shake.

I don't remember anything about my dad. How he smelled. What his hugs felt like. The sound of his voice. The sound of his laugh. If it weren't for pictures, I wouldn't even remember what he looked like. I only have one memory of my dad. The day we said goodbye. I remember being in an all white room. White walls, white floor where I could hear the clicks of shoes walk around me. There were those red velvet rope lines up. I was holding a piece of paper. Someone, I don't know who, lifted me up from behind and carried me to a box. And I taped the picture I drew (of what, I don't remember) to the inside of the box. Next to a drawing of a football player, I remember.

That's it. It's not even a complete memory. When I told my mom about my first memory, she couldn't believe I remembered that. The room was all white, the rope lines were up. There was someone who picked me up from behind to tape a drawing I made. The box, my dad's coffin. The picture of the football player next to it? One my brother had already drawn and taped inside. We were decorating the inside of my daddy's final resting place. So he wouldn't be lonely. So a piece of us will always be with him.

And even now 24 years later, he does the same for us.

I see signs of him everywhere. And 99% of those signs are threes. You see, my dad died when he was 33 years old. On the third day of the third month. I was three. Multiple times a week I'll wake up in the middle of the night, and it's 3:33 am. Same during the day. I'll be at work, taking a quick breather from a crazy day, look at the clock and it's 3:33. Brooklyn was born exactly 3 months to the day of my 23rd birthday. Emily was born on the 30th.

To some? These are pure coincidences. Ones I'm just craving to believe in. That I'm reaching. Choosing flights with the number 3 in them? Walking down the aisle at my wedding at exactly 3:33 pm? Filling up my gas tank (even though I just got gas the other day) because it's $3.33 a gallon? These give me a sense of comfort. A sense of him. Growing up without a father, I do whatever I can to feel that.

So the number three. It means everything to me. It's a sort of safety net. It's protection.

It's my fathers arms.

Dirty Hurr. Don't Curr.

2013-02-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

If you've been a fan of this blog long, you are awesome. And have lovely taste (if I do say so myself.) You'll also know that I'm a fan of not washing my hair. Not to be misconstrued with not showering, because ew and weird.

Back to hair. Before I chopped & donated a foot of hair last month, I showed y'all my favorite hair products for when I want to curl my hair with a flat iron {tutorial.}. Before I chopped, I would wash my hair max 3 times a week. And even now with shorter hair, it's still max 3 times. Most weeks? Twice. Mainly because of this glorious cheap product.

Dry shampoo. I've tried other more expensive brands & they've either made my hair sticky or smell funky. But this? Is $4 worth not spending on a grande iced vanilla cafe latte with 3 splenda's (yes, I'm aware of my addiction.) We all know how amazing day 2 hair is, especially day 2 curls. With dry shampoo, my day 4 curls look just as good as 2. Sometimes, day 5. I don't have to slick my hair back in a pony tail & hairspray the bejesus out of it just to try and hide the grease because this bottled gold takes care of that (although with dirty hair, any updo is going to last longer.) Remember, a little goes a long way with this stuff. Don't get too excited. Apply only to the crown of your head. Lift a section, spray, work your hands through and shake a bit, ~~don't~~ wash, rinse, and repeat all the way around.

Now. Do I feel gross not washing my hair everyday? No. Because I know I'm helping my hair. Helping it grow & stay healthy. Keeping it's natural moisture. Have I gone earlier than 2-3-4 days with washing? Kinda. I'll wet my hair in the shower, sometimes condition the ends a bit, but won't use shampoo.

{Day 4 hair. That's not teased oomph, my friends. Or hairspray. It's texture......well, and bed head.}

The fact is I like the feel of dirty hair. I like the texture, the oomph, the fact that it looks clean. Don't have thick hair like me? That's alright! After about a month, your hair will become used to only being washed a few times a week. You won't look like you'll go up in flames next to an open fire, I promise. If you're an every day washer, try every other day. Then every 3 days. Your hair will become less oiler the less you wash it. Plus you'll save on shampoo, conditioner, and water (high give, green people!) And you'll look amazing.

So try it out. Maybe this weekend?

Hoarding. Smuggling. Mommy Guilt. Yep.

2013-02-19T20:59:00.000-05:00

Intense concentration. Tongue sticking out of the corner of their mouth. Tight grip on that crayon. Perfect attention to colors & details. When your child excitedly hands you something that they created, spent precious time on, you beam.

Exhibit A. {Honestly? The eyebrows and grin on Hello Kitty? Aw mushy goodness adorable.}

These are priceless. These, among with many other similar drawings & crafts, are what I have stockpiled in 2 storage bins from Target for each girl.

Then there's the 237 pieces of random paper with her name on it. Anything the girls can find, they'll color & draw on. Receipts. Menus. Envelopes. They draw puppies. Smiley faces. Rainbows. Hearts. Scribbles. All great, of course. But our fridge is only so big. So inevitably, they go in the trash. (God that sounds incredibly harsh.) But when Brook & Emmy are 30 and want to look at their memories, do they really want to see a picture on the back of a faded receipt from Target showing that their mom spent an asinine amount of money on the most random crap? I don't think so. So, I throw them away. (Seriously, I feel like an asshole mommy writing that.)

Or perhaps I should say....I try to sneak them into the trash. Because if Brooklyn goes to throw something away and sees one of her masterpieces in there? Hell=broken loose.

"MOOOOMMA!! WHY?! WHY did you throw THIS away?! I NEEEED this!" She shrieks as she holds up a TJ Maxx receipt from Christmas she found in my purse that has seven B's and a flower on the back of it.

Whoa now.

I've tried hiding them under actual trash, but then the third degree starts.

"Mom. Did you throw my beautiful drawing away? Are you sure? You promise? Why won't you answer me? Moooom? If you didn't throw it away then where.is.it?!"

So now? My 4 year old has become a hoarder. And we aren't only talking about the scrap papers. We're talking broken crayons ("they still work!"), stickers that no longer stick due to being pulled on and off her shirt 20 times, and any other random thing that suits her fancy. She stashes this stuff in the play kitchen, jewelry box, book bag, under her pillow, wherever. I feel like a dirty criminal, but I've had to wait until after dark when she's asleep so I can smuggle these things out of the house.

And when the third degree begins and the bright light is shown in my face, I plead the fifth. Not only am I a fibber, I'm a masterpiece thrower outter and night time smuggler. And I've given my kids oatmeal cream pies for breakfast before. And tell them we're out when they ask for one the next day when really, I have one stashed and plan on eating it while hiding in the bathroom.

::time to close the confession flood gates::

Valentines Day Pinspiration

2013-02-14T22:42:00.001-05:00

I know, I know. Pinterest for Valentines Day. Ain't nobody got time for that, myself included. Only? I did. Because these were a cinch. And super cheap.

All the vday rave circa 2011 sucker cards. Picture edited in Picmonkey, printed under an hour at Wal Mart for $2.88, glued onto leftover construction paper, cut with fancy scissors. Add in a sucker {$1 for a bag of 10 at Target}, Brookie's signature, and there you go. Granted, I only had to make 10 of these (thank goodness for small classes!), but it cost me under 4 bucks and took less than 20 minutes to put together.

Brookie was in charge of bringing a sweet treat to her party. Ever since her cowgirl birthday party last fall, she's loved marshmallow pops. So that's what we went with. Kids love anything on a stick, right? A bag of marshmallows at Target for $1, bag of leftover semi sweet chocolate, lollipop sticks (50 count) for $3, and random sprinkles/jimmies for $5 (with lots leftover for next year.) This made 22 treats. Well, 28. But Emily had to make sure they were just right. And maybe Dustin and I put one in our hot chocolates tonight. Maybe.

So see? Pinterest may certainly be the devil sometimes. Sometimes make us mommas feel like the judgey eye is on full radar. The store bought vs hand made war. Psh. Can't we just all have fun with our kids? By doing something that doesn't take hours of time or oodles of money? Well, yesterday & today I did. And hope all you mommas out there did too.

Win/win for everyone.

Thinking Spring (and Steals!) with #OldNavy

2013-02-13T13:10:00.003-05:00

It's no secret that I love shopping at Old Navy for my girls. (And for Dustin. And myself. But mainly? The girls.) Not only are their clothes extremely well priced, but they always have a great kids clearance section (that smells delicious. Seriously, has anyone else picked up on this besides my possibly crazy self?) and the girls always walk out with a balloon in hand. Plus they get to visit with their best friends.....the mannequins by the registers. Their favorite, of course, being the dog. We can't leave without saying bye to him.

One of the awesome things about Old Navy is their versatility & options. You can get one pair of bright skinnies and they have so many different tee/top/cardigan combos to go with it. Plus their clothes wear well, wash well, and always get the best compliments.

I went to Old Navy's Kid & Baby sale last weekend on a mission. It may be dreary, rainy, wet, cold, and windy outside....but I was thinking spring. (And obviously stripes.)

2 long sleeves tees, 1 sleeveless flutter top, 2 pairs of hi top sneakers, 2 pairs of flip flops, 1 dress, 2 pairs of skinnies, 3 tees, and a headband. Some on clearance, some not. Total spent (with a $75 giftcard and save $10 off $50 coupon)--$80. Well worth shelling 5 bucks out of pocket. The most I spent on one single item was $14 on Brookie's mint skinnies and I consider that a steal. (We also realized over the weekend that Brookie can only fit into the socks & shoes on the toddler side. Clothes wise? All xs & 5's on the big girl side. How can this already be?!)

So, if you're into your kiddos looking stylish (and your wallet looking happy), make sure you hit up Old Navy's Kids & Baby Sale going on in stores (and online where you always get free shipping over $50) until February 20th. And if you're like me & have already gone....you're considering going again, aren't you? Thought so.

Speaking of stylish.....

::sigh:: All this girl is missing is a glitter clutch & fierce z snap.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Budget vs Vice. We all know who's gonna win here.

2013-02-07T16:30:00.000-05:00

February is the shortest month of the year. Hence it's the easiest month of the year to save money & stay on budget, right? For us, there aren't any February birthdays or anniversaries. Dustin & I celebrate Valentines Day but we choose to just enjoy a gluttonous dinner & late movie--gone are the days of V Day jewelry and overpriced cologne.

Plus Christmas was just 6 weeks ago. What else could I possibly need?

Shoes. Shoes is what I need.

But not for me. I love a great wedge or pair of riding boots, but my vice is buying shoes for my girls. Flip flops in every color, mary janes, chucks, sneakers, flats, slip ons, sandals, snow boots, riding boots, furry boots, fringe boots, rain boots, i don't need a job i don't need a boyfriend i've got great boots boots. I love them all. And I cannot resist them what.so.ever.

Again, hence....

I couldn't not.

Zoom in. Are you seeing these prices?!?! $45 boots for $8.99. Boots I was thisclose to buying on Zulily a few weeks ago because I thought $24.99 was a good deal. SO glad I held off because I walked out of Kohls spending only $52 on all these PLUS received $10 in Kohls cash. Can I get a slow clap? Hell, can I get a Judd Nelson victory air punch?

So tell me mommas, what's your buying vice for your kids? Do you break budget just to fit it in? If not, lietomelietomelietome.

the clouds parted, and the sun shone down...

2013-02-04T23:23:00.001-05:00

And all the angels sang beautifully in unison. "Paaaahahahaaatty Traaaaained."

Then there's me there dancing a jig. Maybe Irish, maybe not. I'm just flailing about like a giddy fish out of water to the beat of my own drum because IDIDNOTHAVETOBUYDIAPERSTHISWEEK. Mahgah!

This excitement lies two fold. One. Hello extra Target cash I haven't seen in four and a half years. Missed you.

And two. Emily, my beautiful ~~really really you sometimes make me wanna spork my ear drums~~ stubborn Emily. You caught on so quickly. And I love how even if it's just a dribble or two, your whole face lights up and tightens into a huge grin and you can't wait to run into the next room any person is in and announce "I went pee pee in the potty!!!" I love how you now prefer to go pantless because walking by a mirror is much more fun now when you've got such a good view of your biscuits rockin' those Wonderpets briefs.

I know many of you are nearing the end of diapers, or are right smack dab in the awesomeness that is potty training. This too shall end. Here's a few tips that really helped us.

We followed the 3 day potty training method and what that basically told us was when you know your child is ready and when you yourself are ready to train, go 100%. Pitch all the diapers. Pitch all the pull ups. Do this together with your child. Tell her "You're a big girl now!" Bust out the big boy/big girl undies and prepare yourself for a golden day (pun very much intended.) I mentioned in my last post that Emily went through 4 pairs of undies in under an hour. I wanted to quit, put her back in a diaper fresh from the trashcan, and call it a day. But I was already an hour in. She was already starting to hate feeling of being "ew.yuck." So we moved forward.

Remember that no diapers/pullups means just that. Not just during the day. All day. All night. Yep. Night one she soaked the bed around 5am. Was pretty upset about it, but after a quick wash up, sheet change, and successfully then going in the potty, she's had no more middle of the night accidents. It was also immensely helpful to stop liquids 2 hours before bed. Emily was used to going to bed with a sippy full of water, and we had to cut that too.

Your child is probably going to get a little 'tude with you. Wouldn't you after being asked the same question 4933 times a day? Stick with it though. Remind them to let you know when they have to go, and ask ask ask. Look for those familiar blank stares into space or corner hiding and run them to a potty.

Lastly, don't just have them sit on the potty until they go. They need to recognize the feeling & urge. And the first time they actually tell you they have to go, and successfully do so? Seeing your reaction & how ecstatic you are for them? It'll click. I promise. Make that celebration a big one. Have a dance party! Call Grandma! Let's make rice krispie treats! Celebrate that victory with them. And for them.

As a mom, you know you lost your bathroom privacy rights long ago. Now there's actually a good reason for your nosy minions to be in there with you. You don't know how many times last week I said "What am I doing? Well I'm going pee pee in the big girl potty. And it's SO much fun! Look at me! I'm a big girl. Do you want to be a big girl too? This is kinda weird but hey, if it gets me out of changing your smelly bum, I'm in! Yaaaay! Peeee!" Also get your other kids involved in helping & celebrating. My heart was so happy just listening to Brooklyn tell Emmy "You can do it! I'm proud of you, big girl. Way to go, Sissy!" They'd clap and dance together, and then Brooklyn would also demand a treat for being a good helper.

Bottom line is, your floor will be peed on. You will be too (ahh, memories of the glorious infant stage). You'll have alot of laundry to do over 72 hours. And you'll be mainly house bound. Your husband will come home and think why in the dirty hell are there multiple pairs of character underwear soapily soaking in both bathroom sinks? Just keep going!

And soon, not only will you be pocketing that diaper cash. You'll feel so proud of your child. Of your (not so much now) baby. Wonder where the time has gone. Think about doing it again. Then remember that wad of cash in your wallet & think "Hmmm...maybe next year. Or the year after. Or um, maybe never."

p.s. Mother Nature? Now's not the time to try and go on with your sneaky tomfoolery. Jinx. Infinity and beyond times a oh my god we're sleeping through the night AND totally out of diapers?! million.