Mommy Style: Playdate

It's 3:00 am. I'm still awake. It's 5:45 and I'm awake again. Ahhh...it's 6:30 and I am finally snoring. That is how some of my nights roll now that I'm the mother of two. Uh-huh...I'm still up all night long, but my soundtrack no longer involves DJs and strobe lights. It's littles and ear aches, or something of that variety. What's a mommy to do when she's had 4 hours of sleep and has a playdate scheduled? Pile on lots of under-eye concealer, drink loads of coffee and sport my hat and beloved chucks.

Now, before I get things started, I should inform you that Dallas peeps like to get dressed up. Going to the mall can be turned into NY Fashion Week. Gratefully, I no longer get sucked into that vortex. Anyway, back to my day. It's now 11:00 and I'm meeting my bestie for a playdate with her little. Location - mall. When the forecast calls for rain (thunderstorms to be exact) the mall is the next best thing to Disney World. Luckily my fave has an outdoor area, a pond full of ducks and turtles, Chick-fil-a and a children's library! Win. Win. Win.

Uh-huh, that's my guy with his red shorts on backwards!

 hat: old, shirt: estate sale, pants: target clearance rack, shoes: converse

You'll notice there are no accessories... if I've had minimal sleep and know I'm gonna be running after my little and then rolling around on the floor in our tent - why bother?

It should be said, this mommy thing... it's the Good Life! xo

(PS - the rain finally came at 8:30 pm for all those wondering why I'm squinting outside when I talked up a big rain event.)

Happy Birthday Mom.

Mom, here are a few things to remember today:

1. You are 64.

2. You have been married 44 years.

3. Release the curl, never pull.

4. Arm bands can help us remember where we're going.

5. Laughing is good for the soul.

6. It's ok to show weakness.

7. Let your nail polish dry before getting into the shower.

8. I learned how to be a lady from you. (And yeah, I've forgotten most of what you taught me.)

9. From ages 3 to 19, your grandsons think you're cool.

10. I love you. Infinity.

xo

S.O.S. and the Black Hole

logs

"HELP!" That's the text that I got from my MIL the other day. Her hubs had taken the tacky brass cover off of their super dope mid-century modern fireplace and it left them with a big gaping hole. One that, in all honesty, might be a cozy little lounge spot for one of their three ginormous dogs. Should she decide that's not an option... I thought I'd supply her with some inspiration.

logs in a basket

storage tubes

cover

randomness

shelves

candles

books

It's all about thinking outside the proverbial box. (Psst. Gramma, I like the last image. It gives you some ideas for the storage on the sides too. Oh, maybe you could put all your vintage vases inside?) xo

Obedience and the "L" word.

Life is often marked by a series of events that are either joyful or sorrowful. Chasms. Mine is marked by several. Most recently, an act of obedience and one that I never saw coming in a million years.

Several weeks ago Bonnie, of Revolutionaries, asked me to share my story of grace with her readers. As much I desired to do so, something was holding me back... I had never shared my story with my Dad. There was so much fear of his response and hurting him that I just couldn't do it. I am proud to say that I was obedient to the Lord and finally told him everything two Thursdays ago. Instantly I felt complete freedom as that weight, that burden, was removed. One week later, my Dad was hospitalized with Leukemia. To have shared my story with my Dad and ask him for forgiveness before he got sick was nothing short of a miracle. God's timing is perfect.

Yesterday Bonnie shared my story with her readers here.

Here's a snippet: 

As I poured over the pages I realized...I am Gomer. I am Israel. I have prostituted myself in a number of ways: drugs, alcohol, materialism, control and anger, just to name a few. Hosea 4:1-2a says, "Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel! The Lord has brought charges against you saying: 'there is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your land. You make vows and break them; you kill, steal and commit adultery...'" That was me. But before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you a little bit about how I got there.

For the complete story (it's a long one) check out Revolutionaries.

xo

Interrupted

***

My life has been interrupted by a fallen world where there is pain, sorrow and tears - my Dad is in the hospital and we are waiting for a diagnosis. I will trust in the Lord and His goodness. And, be back when things are a bit more settled and clear. 

In the meantime, please pray for my family - my Dad and Mom specifically.  Thank you sweet readers. Have a wonderful weekend embracing family and friends. Life is shorter than we think. xo

Yeah...It's Like That.

Living with boys means that my life is never dull. Never. Yesterday I heard, "Oh no! Awwww. Moooom! I accidentally peed on the toilet lid. Now it's all over and you have to come help." All of this is said with the most endearing Elmer Fudd voice due to "Ls" and "Rs" being super difficult for my little three year old. 

Once school got out and the grueling task of practicing for our first ever spelling test was concluded, I looked up from the kitchen to find this...

Really? Seriously, what in the world goes on in their little brains? Whatever it is, I know it's wonderful and way too short lived.

Long live little boys! Oh, and ninjas too. xo

Around the House:Vacation via Hipstamatic

Six months ago I agreed to do a week and half, two-leg vacation with my sister and her family over Christmas and New Years. Pretty sure I should have been diagnosed as completely insane, but it actually turned out great! First leg: Drive to Des Moines, Iowa through the night with 5 adults, 2 littles and a ton of gear crammed into a Suburban. Talk about a family truckster!

Christmas in Iowa with the hubs family was a delight as always. Good laughs, good food and news of twins - plus late night Christmas light viewing.

Leg two: Rent minivan, drive 8 hours with family and in-laws to sister's cabin in Michigan. Hello? Where the heck is all the snow we came to see?

 I didn't purchase or eat these, I just couldn't resist taking a picture of bright pink pickled eggs. Who eats this stuff?

lots and lots of this with my new Nook in hand

return trip home - 21 hours in the family truckster on New Year's Eve with 5 adults, 2 kids and lots of coffee

How we spent New Year's Day: Wiped! Completely wiped!

All in all it was a successful trip with lots of memories, tons of milage, a little thrifting and only one injury that should have resulted in stitches but didn't. Who wants to stop all the fun to go to the Emergency Room? Happy New Year peeps! xo

Last Minute DIY Gifts Under $5.00

Yesterday I told you that my little elves and I were busy making all of our gifts for Christmas. Well, I'm sharing a few with you today in hopes to inspire you or give you some ideas for last minute gifts that are all under $5.00. Awesome Sauce, right?

Salt Dough Ornaments and Gift-tags - easy and fun. We got our recipe here and it's super easy.

Chalkboard Jars and Mugs: Great for teachers. I got the containers and the mug at the Dollar Tree.And I think it's time that I tell you, if you haven't picked up on this already, a can of chalkboard paint is the BEST craft staple next to the hot glue gun! Fo realz!

Top-tastic Goodie Pouches: A great gift for all the littles at school. Here's how I did this one...

Mini Candy Canes (Dollar Tree)

Top Party Favors (Dollar Tree)

3M Craft Paper (Dollar Tree)

Stamp

Thread

 1. cut your paper strips and fold in half.

2. Stamp all your folded papers with a design you like.
3. Sew edges and write message.

 4. Stuff with goodies and seal edge at top with tape.

 5. Deliver with joy!

I hope I've provided a little inspiration. If not, at least our gifts are all complete and we've had a ton of fun. And yes, it's true... I have zero idea what I'm doing in Lightroom, but I'm having fun! (Sorry for the inconsistency in my images.)

Happy Gifting. xo

Ahh...CHOO!

***

I have a whale of a cold. My head might just explode!  Here's a few pics from the past week. Sorry...it's all I could muster in this condition.

Gobble. Gobble. I love my little pilgrim.

We took our annual family Christmas card photo this past weekend and this little Christmas tent is all that is left of the shoot... Liam thinks it's the prefect place to watch an afternoon show. Yesterday's pick - Wallace & Grommet.

I hope I'll be back tomorrow... I'm off to battle this cold. May the Force be with me. xo