Florida Recap...

Last week, we took a trip to Bradenton, Fl to visit my Dad, Stepmom, my sister, Kelly and her family.  My kids did great!!  I had previously sworn off all travel until they were at least 5 after our last disasterous vacation; however, my kids proved me wrong.  Minus a couple of meltdowns, they were fantatic  Wednesday, we went swimming.  Paxton did not want to get out. 

Thursday, we went to the outlets.  The kids had fun riding a couple of rides. 

Friday, we visited the local winery.  Yum....

 Saturday, my sister Kelly came by with her kids and we played outside, played at the park, and posed for family pictures.  Of course, I thought we were done so I'm in my pj's for a few.  Oops. 

One of my favorites is the picture I got of my Dad with Paxton

We also stopped to smell the flowers....

We painted our nails

We stole Grandpa's chair



We played dress up....

and finally, we watched Mickey Mouse Club and slept (some more than others)....

Of course, no trip is without tantrums...

But overall, we had a great time and the kids loved spending time with their grandparents.



What I'm loving right now...

There are a few products that I am absolutely in love with right now so I wanted to share that info in hopes that you will love them too...

1.  Perfekt foundation --  It is a little pricey, but in my opinion, worth every penny.  It is light and covers flaws well.  I use it in radiant and I almost always get compliments on my skin when I wear it.  Seriously love it. 

2.  Surface root boost.  This stuff works great!!!  I have flat hair that normally does absolutely nothing except look flat and dull.  This stuff gives me extra volume and helps my hair hold curl.  It is so much better than any other root boost product I have used in the past.

3.  Paul Mitchell Protools flat iron.  LOVE LOVE LOVE it.  It makes my hair shiny and straight.  I don't use it every day as some days I prefer curls, but it really works well.  My hairdresser uses this one and recommended it.  It has been one of the best purchases I"ve made this year. 

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4.  Lock and Lock Ceramic Pots/Pans.  I had been using the same pots and pans that I got at my bridal shower 6 years ago.  This year, my friend Julie introduced me to lock and lock.  She is absolutely right...they clean so easily!!  I don't know about you, but I hate cleaning pots and pans.  These wash so easy and cook everything evenly.  Plus....they always have good sales so you can get a great deal!

5.  I don't know what I did before I got my iphone.  Seriously.  It is the best thing ever.  I am still looking for new apps to use, especially a great grocery list app! 

6.  These are the most delicious, fantastic treat ever.  I hide them in the freezer and eat them when no one is home (or I hide in the bathroom with the shower running and eat them) just so I can have them all to myself.  While they are not in my budget, they are worth every calorie!



Firm Friday week 3

So, I'm on vacation this week, so let me start by saying this week was a big fat failure! Also....My iPad will not let me save the firm Friday button. Ugh! Nonetheless, i am linking up with Kristen at firstnamesmith.
Here are my failures for the week...
Monday, I missed yoga due to the Snow. So really, not my fault since it was cancelled.
I did no crunches or any other exercises.
I did walk a lot and I've eaten somewhat healthy. I am on vacation though so I'll get back in the swing of things next week. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy some margaritas and Chico tacos.

You know you're a mom if....

You find random kid crap in your purse.  I was going through my purse at work today and this is what I found:

Yes, that would be old fruit snacks and an empty wrapper and crushed peanut butter crackers.  Yum.

I also found a scrunchie (hanging my head in shame), a prescription I no longer take, 2 match box cars, expired coupons, and cough drops.

Another view of the snacks, my wallet, and my make up bag (failing my new years resolution to wear make up daily btw). 

What's in your purse?

And this is what my daughter thinks of me....

Interview with Mia, age 3 (January 2012)

1. What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?  Play with me.
2. What is mommy's favorite food?  Potatoes (wrong).
3. Were is mommy's favorite place to go?  Home
4. What does mommy say to you often?  Hello (??)
5. How does mommy show you that she loves you?  I don't know.
6. What do you like to do with mommy?  Huggy
7. How do you show mommy that you love her?  I don't know.
8. What would mommy like to do today?  write my name on paper.
9. What is mommy's favorite color?  Pink (actually it's yellow)
10. Does mommy have a nickname for you?  Sweet potato
11. If mommy could be an animal, what would she be?  Monkey cause I want you to be a monkey and I can be a horse.
12. What does mommy like to wear?  Dress (wrong and I'm shocked as I'm always in pj's or yoga pants)
13. What does mommy always buy at the store?  presents
14. What does mommy look like?  Mia
15. What do you see mommy do a lot?  The Itsy Bitsy Spider
16. What is your dream day with Mommy?  Play with toys and my soccer ball.

SWW

Today, I'm linking up with Shannon again for another edition of So What Wednesday. 

Today, I'm saying:

-So what if I am planning to bribe my kids with Dora videos on my ipad and snacks as a way to hopefully get 10 minutes of peace and quiet on our flight to Florida today.

-So what if I plan to buy a few glasses of wine if the above mentioned plan fails. 

-So what if I packed everything under the sun for our trip (including a nebulizer, my entire medicine cabinet, toys, etc.).  Our last trip included 2 trips to urgent care.  I'm taking extra precautions this time around.

-So what if I left our house a wreck.  It isn't like it is ever really clean for more than 5 minutes anyway. 

Bradenton Florida...here we come :)

What a MESS Monday

I didn't know there was a link up for Messy Mom Monday until I saw Shannon's vlog this morning. 

I love this link up.  It makes me feel so much better knowing I am not the only one who doesn't always have it all together.  So, here is my messy mom Monday.  I can assure you....this is only a small portion of the mess that my kids make!

I swear I pick up toys constantly, but my kids are like mini tornadoes that dance through the house destroying everything in their cute little paths.  This is what my house looks like on a daily basis...no joke ...this picture could be taken any day of the week.

Seriously....how do you guys do it?  We want to put our house on the market this spring, but this is what it looks like approximately 30 seconds after I pick up. 

Our kitchen is currently clean, but on even given day, toys can be found on the floor.  Our bedroom is always a mess.  Our bed is never made and currently, on top of my dresser, you can find:  a new nightlight for Mia, my jewelry box, a bag of travel size crap that I'm packing for my trip to Fl, travel clothes that I've set out for everyone, Mia's vitamins, Paxton's new pillow, and 2 scarves.  Yup...a big fat mess.  Looking forward to seeing everyone elses messy mom Monday!

Firm Fridays

Today I'm linking up with Kristen again for Firm Fridays...

I have not done my best this week. Because of the holiday Monday, I missed my yoga class, but I will make it up next week.  I have done 50 crunches 2x this week.  I also walked around the mall for a couple of hours carrying a 3 year old--that should count for something too, right. 

On a positive note, I've done great with eating healthy! 

I have managed to get through the week with no chocolate candy or choco tacos.  This does not count my breakfast of either a cinnamelt from Mickey D's or a chocolate donut from the cafeteria at work.  I cannot go wtihout those.  I've done great wtih lunch and dinner though.  I've made healthy meals with whole wheat pasta, ground turkey (instead of ground beef), and lots of fresh veggies. Though my goal was NOT to lose any weight, I have also managed to lose a few pounds in the past few weeks as well. 
My goal next week is to take Yoga on Monday, continue with my crunches, and maybe do some laps in my Dad's pool next week.  Let's hope it's warm in FL!!!

Bradenton Bound...

In 5 days, we will be flying to sunny Florida , kids in tow.  Please remind me again why I decided to take my kids again knowing what a catastrophe our last trip was (strep, double ear infection, croup, 2 trips to urgent care).  Oh well, since my Dad is recovering from surgery, we wanted to visit and spend time with him.  Nothing like a cancer scare to really put things into perspective. 
Any advise on how to keep my kids entertained for our 2 hour flight?  Tranquilizers (for me or them)?  I'm excited to spend time with my family and let my kids get to know their Grandpa and rest of the family.  They have only met Mia 3x and Paxton once so I'm hoping this will be a good bonding experience for them and maybe a little relaxation for Chris and I???  Have a great weekend!

Considering a tattoo....

Today I am linking up with Raven at http://www.amommasdesiresandpacifiers.com/ for her tattoos link up.  While I do not have a tattoo, I have contemplated getting one for the past 3 years, specifically after losing Parker.  I always said I'd only get one if it was something really meaningful to me.  About a month ago, I thought about getting my kids names written in the shape of a heart.  I like the idea of a heart because with all 3 of my kids together again, my heart would be whole and with Paxton's heart issues, I thought it would be appropriate.  This is the only one I've found that is even close to what I was thinking...just to give you an idea.

If I decide to get it, mine will be different.  I would have their names in a pretty cursive font and it would be small and located where it would not be seen.  

SWW

Today I'm linking up with Shannon at http://www.lifeafteridew.com/ for so what Wednesday. 

This is what I'm saying so what to this week...
-  So what if the button doesn't work (hopefully it does).  I am so clueless with this stuff.  If not...the link is above for Shannon's blog. 
-  So what if I annoyed the CVS pharmacist by asking for the liquid form of amoxicillian.  I hate large pills and who doesn't love bubble gum flavored medicine.
-  So what if I am such a dork I am re-reading the Hunger Games in preparation for the movie coming out March 23rd.  Now I just need to find a babysitter so I can go on opening night.
-  So what if I gave in to Mia's whinning last night just so I could have some peace and quiet.  She loves coming in our room "for a minute" before bedtime.  Chris told her no then left her in her room crying while he went to work out and left me listening to her screaming.  She went to bed happy after her one minute in our room and I got to go to sleep in peace.  Sometimes you just have to pick your battles.
- So what if I sent my daughter to preschool today in mis-matched clothes.  She is in a phase where she only wants to wear "soft" (aka-cotton) pants and not skirts, dresses, or jeans.  I can't tell you how frustrating this is.  Today we compromised on purple khaki style pants and a Dora shirt.  Whatever. 

What are you saying so what to this week?

Shoe Shopping play date...

I think my bff from high school, Amanda must have read my mind.  I sooo needed a girls day!  I was so happy to get her text asking if I could meet up.  Yesterday, Mia and I went to the mall to meet up with Amanda and her cute little man, Oakley. 

This is Amanda and Oakley.  He is a cutie, right?  You should see him now...

Adorable...

So...we met at the mall and did some shoe shopping.  Stride Rite had a fantastic sale!  We got these purple sneakers for Mia...

She loves them.  Purple is her favorite color. 
We got these for Paxton...hopefully they will fit his xtra wide feet...

I could not resist.  The best part???  On sale for $9.99.  I didn't think stride rite had anything under $10.  So, we are all happy.  New shoes for the kids and girl time for me :).



Weekend Recap...

Friday...we made a trip to Target.  Toys were 70% off and we cleaned up.  2 carts for JHH for Parker's toy drive every Sept. 11th and a few for Birthdays and next Christmas....including a $27 Train table.  Woo hoo!!

Friday night, we had a couple of friends over for pizza and fondue.  I was looking for an excuse to use my new fondue set.  It was so delicious!

Saturday morning started with one of my favorite breakfasts...a cinnamelt and coke from Mickey D's. 

After our McD's run...we had a dance party.  Mia and Paxton love to dance. 

Mia likes to pretend she is still a baby.

Paxton fell asleep in his high chair...in his usual position with his hands behind his head.  Seriously though...isn't that the cutest???

Sunday morning we went to church.  Paxton loves to flirt with the ladies in the nursery. 

Mia and I stayed for Sunday School and then we play outside for 5 minutes before going home.  She was unhappy because the slide had dirt on it.

The rest of the day was spent spending time with my favorite little princess and my 2 handsome men.  Hope you all had a great weekend too!