These are a few of my favorite things

When Becky and Raven announced their favorite things vlog link up, I knew I wanted to give it a shot. Let me start by saying I officially hate to see myself on video. It is so weird and no matter how many times recorded it (3), I picked it apart. Finally, I just decided it wasn't going to get any better so, here we go :)

Weekend Recap: Beach and Birthdays

This weekend was busy....full of 2 birthday parties, a trip to the beach/farmers market, church, and we even squeezed in time to check out a new house (still hoping to sell ours).  Friday, as usual, I took Mia to gymnastics and then we headed to the beach.  No pics this week. 

Saturday, Mia was invited to her friend, Ryan's 5th birthday.  They played mini golf and rode in bumper boats.  Mia had fun, though it was so hot and humid. 

Paxton had fun too and got lots of attention.

He also got another lollipop

Mia decided she didn't need a nap and instead decided to dress up as a butterfly princess.

Sunday, we went to church.  The kids love to play outside after the service. 

After church, Mia was invited to another birthday party.  This one was for Tucker, who also turned 5.  They kids played in a bounce house, played on the slip and slide and decorated cupcakes.  The kids had a great time.

We also checked out a house yesterday.  From the outside it had a lot of potential, brick, 2 story with a basement, great piece of land and a great neighborhood.  Unfortunately, the inside was a hot mess.  The walls were pink.  I love pink, but not in my kitchen, living room, and dining room.  The hard woods were all scratched, the carpet was stained and in a variety of colors.  We also found a dead mouse in the basement.  Needless to say...I think we'll probably pass.  I will say...it could be fixed up, but not sure it is worth the money and time. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend!



Celebrity Junk and Random Crap

I'm linking up with Kristen today at First Name Smith for Celebrity Junk.  If you don't read her blog yet....you are definitely missing out.  She's really funny. 

First up in Celebrity Junk....Roberto Martinez is going to be the next bachelor.  Um....yes please! 

I could not be happier.  I was a huge fan when he was on Ali's season.  I hope he finds love with a sweet girl who is not obsessed with being in the spotlight.

In other celeb news...apparently Kanye West recently turned 35.  Seriously, am I the only one who is sick of hearing about him and Kim Kardashian.  Ugh....so over it.  I am really sick of both of them.

Next up...Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. 

Ok, I'm going to say it now....I bet they never actually walk down the aisle.  I think it's sweet that he asked her Dad's permission and all, but even Miley's parents are saying wait a while before getting married. 

Now, in other news....Paxton sucked a lollipop for the first time (on his own) last night.  This is huge for him as he has some severe oral aversions.  We are sooo excited!

Mia also decided to paint my nails last night.  Or....to put it more accurately....painted my fingers. 

Lastly, my June Birchbox arrived.  I'm really not happy with my products this month, but was still totally excited to get the box in the mail.  To start receiving yours...click  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=g3mjq

 

This month, I got bandaids...really?  I would prefer the tan ones that match my skin.  I also got 2 antibacterial wipes.  As a mom, I keep those in my purse anyway.  They also gave me lotion for stretch marks.  While that is great....thankfully, I don't have stretch marks!  Yay!!  I also got lip stain and some face cream.  I like the face cream, but I really do not care for the lip stain.  It feels really weird.  I guess I'm just used to my chapstick :). 

Don't forget to link up with Kristen for Celebrity Junk!





Button Rings--my first successful DIY!

I saw this craft on the Meet the Dubiens and wanted to try to make some for Mia.  These are some made by the Dubiens.

Cute right?  Ok, mine aren't quite that awesome (and a are a little lopsided), but I am happy with the results and Mia loves them. 

I made a few---and even used some holiday colors. 

Ok, ignore my sad unpolished nails....here is the one I made for Mia for July 4th.

This is one of my favorites.  I love the bright happy colors.  It's perfect for summer!
Overall, I'm very happy with the outcome. 

So What Wednesday

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

• I've already read on Reality Steve who the final 3 are on the Bachelorette, but I still watch every week anyway. 
• I am totally jealous of all of the talented DIYers on the blogs that I read.  Stay tuned next week for another of my DIY projects (cake stand).  Chances are....mine will turn out disasterous.
• Speaking of DIY projects...I saw this awesome idea for fathers day...thumb print hearts made of clay.  We tried it last night....let's just say, the results are not what I had hoped for.  Pictures coming soon as soon as the kids paint them. 
• I'm watching Guilianna and Bill instead of researching blood drives (an assignment for work).  I'll do it as soon as I finish this post :)
• Now I'm feeling guilty about blogging knowing that I should be working. 

More tomorrow.  Link up with Shannon and tell us what you are saying so what to this week!

Before Ever After-Book Review

I'm linking up with Cole at All the Small Stuff for her book club.  In May, we read Before Ever After by Samantha Soto.  While I would not have chosen this book on my own, as it is not the type of book I usually go for, the main story line was sweet.  Below are my thoughts....

1. Did you like the book? Why/why not?
When I first started reading this book, I hated it.  I'm not going to lie.  I hated how the switched time periods and added new characters.  I found it confusing and felt like I needed to take notes in order to remember who all of the characters were.   However, once I got about half way through, I started to like it and really started to root for Shelley and Max. 

2. Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to them/ do they remind you of people you know?
Shelley seemed real.  I could relate to her grief and pain when she thought she lost her husband.  Max was somewhat believable as a character, but the story was still a little too far fetched. 

3. Is the ending satisfying? If so, why? If not, why not...and how would you change it?
Yes, I was satisfied with the ending.  I was rooting for them to be together and happy with the way that happened. 

4. If you could ask the author a question, what would you ask?
How did you come up with all of the "history" stories.  Are any of them based on true stories?  I love history so just curious where that came from. 

5. How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? If so, how/why?
I really have no idea.  I'm not sure they did change. 

Link up with Cole and join her book club for June!

Mom Fails

My post today was going to be about my 9872871 mom fails this weekend ranging including (but not limited to):
-forgetting Mia's shoes at Chris's softball game
-putting Paxton (my kid with extreme sensory issues) in flip flops and taking him to the softball game where there is a ton of dirt touching his feet (he was not happy)
-getting Mia 2 happy meals and letting her only eat tortilla chips for lunch Saturday...
and the list goes on.....
However, on my way to work this morning, I heard a song I hadn't heard in a while and I decided to change my mind about today's blog.  The song was:

Francesca Battistelli's "This is the Stuff".  The first verse is:

I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please
'Cause I can't find my phone

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust you know exactly what You're doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

This just serves as a reminder to me...that despite my many failures and setbacks, I am so lucky.  I have a great husband and 2 beautiful healthy children who love me regardless of whether or not they are shoeless for the day.  I also have to remember in those days when I think "why me....why does my child have to have all of these issues"....that God knows what he's doing.  It might not be the way I want it to be, but it is this way for a reason and I just need to do my best. 

So, this is a slightly different blog than I had originally planned, but I guess that is what happens when you get a new perspective on things. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend!