If you really knew me...

If you really knew me...

I've seen this going around and figured since I'm still not feeling 100%, this was the perfect post for me today as I have nothing else to write about.
• You'd know that I have a strange obsession with plastic plates, bowls, and cups.  I love them.  I almost never eat off of my "good" plates and never drink out of a glass.  I love plastic tumblers.
• You'd know I have not had a pet since I was in Elementary School.  I have always wanted a dog, but I just don't feel like I could properly care for one right now.  We are never home. 
• You'd know that I've had the same BFF since I six.  We met in Brownies and went to Elementary, middle, high school, and college together.  We even lived together for 2 years. 
• You'd know that my favorite movie is the Sound of Music.  I've seen it over 100 times.
• You'd know that I listen to Christmas caroles year round.  I just love Christmas.  I would love to keep my tree up year round and decorate it for every holiday.
• You'd know that I wear yoga pants or shorts and a t-shirt every day after work. 
• You'd know that I have died my hair every almost every (blonde, auburn, brown), but I haven't colored my hair since before my wedding.
• You'd know that our wedding story is one of a kind (stop by September 30th to read about it)
• You'd know that I am shy. I am terrible at making small talk at parties or group settings.  I'm much better in 1 on 1 situations. 
• You'd know that I start Christmas shopping December 26th.  It's so easy to find great deals.
• You'd know that I love my home teams:  The O's, the Ravens and the Caps!
• You'd know that I love clothes and have a small shopping addiction. 

How many of those did you know?

Date Night Disaster

Where do I begin.....  If you read Friday's post, you know that Chris and I had an overnight date planned Saturday night.  He had made us reservations for a dinner cruise and we had a hotel room booked.  And then....everything fell apart.
Thursday evening, I started feeling sick.  My Saturday, I was a hot mess.  I could not keep anything down.  Did I mention Paxton is sick too?  How pathetic were we?

But...I decided to go out anyway.  If nothing else, it would be nice to be alone with my husband.  Besides being completely miserable, a storm rolled through and the hotel lost power.  We decided to give it a couple of hours and go to the movies.  My husband is so awesome....he took me to see Magic Mike. 
After, we went back to the hotel only to find out that the power was still out.  So...no AC, no lights, no TV meant no overnight date.  We headed home. 
The good news???  We got another night at the hotel so we get to try it again :).  Hope you all had a great weekend!

Date Night with the Husband...

Tomorrow night, Chris and I are going on an over night date.  This is pretty exciting considering we have had only 2-3 in the past 4 years.  He asked me to come up with ideas so....here is my brainstorming:

EAT (a hot meal with no interruptions or screaming kids).  Maybe some yummy buffalo wings? 

Maybe take a segway tour of downtown Annapolis??

I definitey want to get some ice cream...

and of course have some wine...

What would you do with your husband/bf on a date in your town?

Spreading some Sunshine

I'm linking up with my bloggy friend Summer again for the Sunshine Project.  Every year, Operation Second Chance hosts an event to support the wounded veterans from Bethesda Naval Hospital.  The soldiers are transported by bus to a restaurant on the beach.  County residents were asked to line the streets with banners and flags to let say Thank You and let them know that our American Heros will never be forgotten.  This is the 2nd year that our family participated. 

The kids loved waving their flags and seeing all of the firetrucks, motorcycles, and buses.  To all of those that have served in our military.... Thank you!  Link up with Summer and spread some sunshine this week :)

What I'm loving today

So, I've seen so many ideas on pinterest that I love for my new house--you know--the one we haven't bought yet.  Side note---our house has not sold (or have we had any showings).  But...does that deter me?  Nope, so here we go. 

How cute is this DIY welcome sign?  I love it so much that my husband is making 1 for me :)

I am obsessed with farm sinks right now.  I also love the grey cabinets.  I think it would be perfect with some pops of yellow. 

I am also obsessed with burlap and monograms.  I have now ordered 2 burlap banners for our mantal, but I really like the one above for fall. 

I love these curtains from Anthropologie.  I'm not sure what room I would put them in yet, but they are so pretty.

This bean bag chair looks so comfy.  I picture it in the sitting room off of our master bedroom. 

What are you loving this week?

Me....in ecards

I wanted to write a fun post today and got this idea while I was on pinterest this morning.  There are so many ecards that I swear....I feel like were written just for me!  Here are a few.

Everybody needs a little retail therapy

True

I can't understand why anyone would rather sleep on the ground than in a comfy bed. 

All the time....

OCD?  maybe a little

I'm a planner...

What ecards best describe you?

Heavy Heart

This morning, I got a call that no one wants to get.  My BFF, Amanda called this morning to let me know that Greg, a guy I dated about 10 years ago...and have remained friends with, shot and killed himself.  My stomach dropped.  I feel sick.  This is a guy who was the life of the party.  A guy with a million friends.  He came from a great family.  He was married to a beautiful girl and had 2 small children.  If I could say one last thing, I would tell him thank you.  Thank you for showing me that there was life outside of my small town.    Thank you for your kindness, your ability to have fun in any situation, and your friendship.  You will be missed.  RIP my friend. 

Weekend in Pictures

This weekend was filled with fun.

Fun with cousins and friends

and

Fun in the pool.

How was your weekend?



Friday Letters

Dear Veronica Roth,
Please publish the 3rd book in the Divergent series before the Fall of 2013!  Seriously, the suspense is killing me.  I need to know how the series ends.

Dear compulsive liar at work,
Everyone is on to you.  Please stop telling everyone in my chain of command that I am the reason you did not get paid.  You did not get paid because you do not have any leave, crazy woman.  It would be in your best interest to be nice to people who are in a position to help you.


Dear husband,
I love you.  Let's please figure something out about this moving/house situation.  I am not the most patient person.  Let's also plan a date night soon.  xoxo. 

Dear bloggy friends,
Would anyone like to write a guest post for me the week of August 9-17???  I'll be visiting family in Dallas and would love to have a few people to write while I'm away. 


Dear McDonalds,
You make the best cinnamon buns and have the best fountain cokes.  Do you put crack in them or something to keep me coming back?  I'm totally addicted.

Book Review: Friendship Bread

Friendship Bread by Darien Gee was a really sweet and heartwarming story about how sharing "amish friendship bread" brought a family and a town together.  Together with friends and family, the small town of Avalon bands together in need. 

The main characters were Julie, Livvy, Edie, Hannah, and Madeline.

Julia is a stay at home wife who lost her first son in a tragic accident.  I can totally relate to her grief and feelings of guilt.  She blames her sister for the accident since her son, Josh was under her care and can't seem to get past what happened. 

Livvy is Julia's younger sister.  She was watching her son Josh when he died.  She feels guilt and the loss of both her nephew and her sister who know longer speaks to her. 

Edie is a young reporter who becomes friends with Livvy and through the story of the friendship bread, learns that living in a small town and being a mom isn't all that bad.

Hannah is a professional musician who's husband left her.  She learns to make friends and find other interests in a new town.

Madeline is the owner of a small restaurant that becomes the "headquarters" of the Amish Friendship Bread Club.  She is the glue that keeps them together and also...has a secret past and story of her own.

All in all, I loved the book.  The story was uplifting and I love how everyone pulled together for the same cause.  It made me want to make some friendship bread of my own :).  The individual story lines made you love and root for each character.  You could feel Julia's grief, but also feel their happiness throughout the novel.  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming story. 

It's that time of year again....

This week, I ordered decorations and invitations for Mia's 4th birthday.  For most people, this is a fun and happy task.  For me, it is a reminder that I should be ordering supplies for Parker's birthday as well.  It was hard.  I cried.  I am still sad.  Sometimes the grief hits so hard it tasks my breath away. 
I want to be happy and celebrate my sweet beautiful daughters life.  She is so excited for her Repunzel party and I want it to be so special for her, but even after 4 years, it does not get easier.  Here's to hoping her party is as amazing and special as she is and that her mommy can pull herself together to celebrate.

My 411 Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I love that Becky is hosting a 411 all about me and my life link up!  I love getting to know other bloggers and hopefully, you guys feel the same way.  I'm going to go ahead and use some of her questions as that is just the easiest way for me.  So...here we go :)

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? I guess I really started a few months ago??  I'm not sure.  I started for 3 reasons.  1. To document our families lives and 2. as an outlet to vent and share ideas.  3.  To meet and make new friends online.
2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?  I went to Salisbury State University and studied Communications.  LOVED IT!
3. Where have you traveled?  I wish I had traveled more, but unfortunately, I've only been to Canada, Mexico, and Jamaica. 
4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?  First...a new house. 
5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?  Lying.  Whining.  Selfishness
6. What is your favorite movie?  The Sound of Music is my all time favorite.  I also love the Notebook and Elf
7. What is your drink of choice;  I love fountain coke. 
8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?  Shopping for sure.  Followed by reading and watching some good reality TV
9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?  There are too many.  I love J Crew, Target, the Limited, Pottery Barn....I guess it depends on what I'm looking for.   
10. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?  I would hope for Reece Witherspoon--though we look nothing alike :)
11. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?  In middle school and high school I was a bus girl, baby sitter, I delivered newspapers, and I worked at Arbys.  In college I was a hostess and waitress at a really nice steak house next to my college.  I also worked as a bank teller. 
12. Show us a picture from high school or college.  Ok, how dorky was I??  The first picture is from 10th grade.  Nice bangs, right?  Keep in mind, this was 1992 or 1993. 

This next lovely picture is from my junior or senior year.  It was twin day.  I do not usually try to wear 2 different hair styles and weird clothes.  My friend Lisa and I decided to dress alike during spirit week. 

13. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?  I would go on a cruise around Italy and Greece14. Show us the most current picture of you or you and your family.  This picture is from Easter Sunday. 

15. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?  I see us in our forever house and hopefully, if I can convince my husband....with one more child.  NO....I do not plan on getting pregnant ever again; however, I would love to adopt a child with HIV or another serious health condition.  I just think those kids deserve a loving family who will get them the healthcare they need and love them unconditionally. 

Link up with Becky at From Mrs. to Mama and give your 411 :)

Weekend Recap

It was a pretty uneventful weekend.  Friday we had our usual summer routine....gymnastics for Mia and then we went to the Farmers Market.  Before that however, Mia had fun playing dress up with Paxton.  These two are too much!

We did change Paxton's carseat around so he is now facing forward.  I think he likes it!

My little man is quite the jokester.  Instead of saying I love Mommy, he says I love Bubbles and thinks he is so funny.  I love that kid

Saturday, Mia went to a birthday party for her friend, Elizabeth at school.  She had fun. 

Saturday, we also went to talk to a builder.  Crossing my fingers that this works out for us.  I am so ready to move. 

Yesterday, we went to church and then just hung out at home.  How was your weekend???

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Spreading Sunshine and Dallas TX...woo hoo!

To spead sunshine this week....I am coordinating my first blood drive at work.

No, it isn't today as this sign suggests....that is a picture I took of the blood drive happening next door to my office.  But, I met with the lady in charge of scheduling and booked one for my company for August.   Donating blood is so important and can really impact the lives of others!  As a parent of a child who has received 3 blood transfusions, I know just how important it is to donate, especially if you have a rare blood type.  So next month, I plan to do my best to make this blood drive a huge success!

On a side note...I"M GOING TO DALLAS, TX for a week in August!  Woo hoo!!  If anyone wants to meet up, let me know :).  Also, if you have any recommendations for family friendly activities I'd love to hear them. 

Bauble Swap

I linked up with Shanna a while back for a Bauble Swap and I'm so glad that I did.  I got to meet Jamie from http://www.thebluehourfashion.blogspot.com/  Jamie is so sweet and got me the most gorgeous necklace!

Ignore my hair that is sticking out and my cheesy smile.  I hate self portraits, but just focus on the necklace. 

Beautiful, right?  Not only is pink one of my favorite colors, it is also perfect because I didn't have any jewelry in that color!  What is best about this swap is the sweet and thoughtful way that Jamie picked this out for me.  She took the time to look for something to represent my 3 children and she liked the 3 colors in this necklace (and I do too!).  How sweet is she???  I love that she took the time to read my blog and get to know more about me.  Thank you Jamie!! 

**Head over to Shanna's blog today--she is hosting a great jewelry giveaway!

So What Wednesday...

I'm linking up with Shannon again from Life After I Dew for So What Wednesday.  This week, I'm saying so what if...

- My son didn't eat cake on his 2nd birthday.  We tried, but this was his reaction:

Pathetic right? 

-My son is totally obsessed with his Dad.  So much so, that he pulled a chair from the kitchen, into the dining room, climbed on top just to watch Chris cut grass.  I'm a little jealous, but it is so sweet.

-after my son stood on said chair watching Chris cut grass, he fell and busted his lip.  Mother of the year right here.  I felt terrible.   

-We still haven't given Paxton his birthday present.  It's a tricycle and is still in the trunk of my car.  At least I bought it ahead of time, right?

-Mia will only let her teachers at school fix her hair.  This is so annoying.  Any thoughts on how to get to convince your 3 year old to let you fix her hair?  She looks so cute when she comes home from school.

-I am buying "stuff" for the "new" house which we have yet to buy (or even sell our house).  Did I mention we have also had zero showings?  But has that deterred me....Nope.  I think if I stay optimistic, it will happen. 

-I'm totally obsessed with burlap right now.  Am I the only one??  I just bought the cutest burlap table runner and pillows from Rustic Living. 

-If I cannot wait until Big Brother tomorrow night!  I can't wait to find out who is returning this season!

Link up with Shannon and tell us what you are saying so what to this week :)

Paxton's Birthday Party

Saturday, we celebrated our little man's 2nd birthday.  The theme was Mickey Mouse and I think it turned out great!  I did not plan for the 100 degree temps so our "party at the park" was moved to our house.  Here are some pictures of the food/decorations.

I chose Mickey Mouse characters for each "dish".  We had "Pluto's Pizza", "Mickey's Munchies", Minnie's Marvelous Fruit Salad, Goofy's Garden Veggies, Daisy's Dips, and Donald's Quakers and Cheese.  I also made some fruit kabobs for the kids. 

Kristen, at Little Laws prints supplied most of the decorations, including the signs for this party, invitations, and favor tags. 

Since we had to move the party to our house, I had to come up with some activities for the kids.  Thankfully, I had already arranged for one of Mia's preschool teachers to come and paint faces/hands.

We were also able to borrow a giant slide from some friends so we set that up along with 2 smaller kiddie pools and Paxton's play house.  Overall, I think it went well. 

Next we had cake.  Paxton didn't of course as he still refuses solid food, but he did enjoy trying to blow out the candles. 

No cake for Paxton



Lastly, we had a pinata.  The kids loved it!

Overall, I think it was great!  Paxton and Mia had a great time!  I think the other kids did as well.