The Year in Review....2011

Wow, it's been a while since my last post...let's see...we went to Disney World, came home, Little Will and Mollie caught pneumonia, Mollie got 2 ear infections, Mollie got RSV, Cole had a cough that lasted forever, Will got sick, I got sick, Mollie got sick again....and then it was Christmas....

You get the idea, what a month. I don't think I've ever had a month like that in my life. It seemed like every day there was something new and I developed a really close bond with our pediatrician...ha! Oh, did I mention that in the midst of this, I made 75 cookies for my boys' Christmas parties at school??? Anyway, through it all, we had a wonderful Christmas and even created a new tradition of going to the movies on Christmas day...that was seriously fun :) My in-laws came along which made it even more festive and fun and we saw The Muppets :) I laughed out loud through the whole movie and then almost cried when Kermit sang, "The Rainbow Connection"...it was a great day :)

So, here we are on December 28th...and I'm thinking about this past year and all that it included. It was a great year :) I don't say that often because in my life so many things have happened to me that usually on New Year's, I'm so thankful the year is over that I can't see straight. But 2011 was a good year and it was good to me in a lot of ways. So, here's my year in review:

1. In 2011, I had a baby girl :) Ok, that was the absolute highlight of my year, by far. I had her on January 8th, 2011 (Elvis' birthday too...if you didn't know that) and I got to spend almost all of 2011 with that precious, sweet, spunky baby girl. Oh, how I love that child. She is happy and snuggly and all I dreamed she would be. I don't know how you can top that, so I won't even try. So, Mollie Adalyn's birth is #1 :)

2. In 2011, we finally took our kids to Disney World. Wow, what a trip :) We made memories for a lifetime and walked about 100 miles in the process. I wouldn't recommend taking a 10 month old to Disney with 2 other kids, but we were sick of waiting. I mean, we have a 9 year old and an almost 5 year old...The best part was seeing their faces on It's a Small World...the fireworks at the castle...the amazing food on Thanksgiving day...swimming in November at our hotel....you get the idea :)

3. In 2011, I turned 35...ok, that's probably not a highlight but that was a big milestone. It didn't really bother me that much. I was too excited that I just had a baby girl 2 months earlier :)

4. I lost 20 pounds. Yes, I am so happy. I am seeing jean sizes I haven't seen in 5 years. I am by far no fashion plate and no "get-in-shape girl". I hate to exercise and could live on Reese cups but I stopped living on McDonald's cokes and sweet tea, stopped having full meals at 10:00pm and started drinking more water and eating healthier overall . So, I'm happy with how things are going in the weight department ;)

5. In 2011, I went to another Sylvan conference with Will. I don't know why, but I love those things. I never go to the actual conference, but I tag along for moral support. We went to Orlando (which gave us a dry run on what to do when we went as a family in November) and we had a lot of fun. I ate food that was the best ever...ask me about a little hole in the wall Italian place...YUM :) and found the absolute best baby store in the world (Macro Baby). I got to spend time with Cole and Mollie, although I missed Little Will like crazy (so, I probably wouldn't do it again unless all 3 kids could go). I learned to drive on the Florida turnpike and didn't even cry in the process. I've come along way baby :)

6. In 2011, I let all the past go with my family. Yes, this is a very serious topic when I usually just talk about food and fun, but in 2011, I started to grieve. I lost my grandmother (who was really my mother) in 2006 and my grandfather in 2009 and I had never really accepted it or started to grieve for them. I was sad and I was devastated but I hadn't started grieving yet. I was too overwhelmed by the horrible situation that was left for me when they passed away. Those of you who know me well know just how horrible that situation was. So in 2011, I let it go. Don't get me wrong, I still miss my grandparents everyday and pray every night that I will at least have a dream about them so they will still feel alive to me somehow. But I started living for the living this year and I'm not looking back :)

7. I got my first pair of skinny jeans. What a thing to write after #6 but being light-hearted is what I'm all about and after the several years I've had...a pair of skinny jeans is a big deal and it made me smile :)

8. I stopped homeschooling. Yes, that was a BIG deal for me. I stopped something that I never, ever thought I would start, much less stop. But after having Mollie in January, I saw my sweet 3rd grader long for friends, cafeterias and fire drills even more. He wasn't content to stay home with mama and his brother and newborn sister all day. He couldn't meet other homeschooling kids because I couldn't join a homeschool group in flu season with a newborn, so I swallowed all my pride and said no more...it was hard. I cried for 3 weeks. I prayed until I couldn't pray anymore. In all that craziness, God answered my prayers and gave Little Will a sweet, Christian teacher that I still love to this day. I handed my sweet boy over to her and she loved him and everything was alright. That child loves school so much now and he is overflowing with friends. I am so happy :) Will I ever do it again? We'll see...you  never know what each year will bring :)

9. In 2011, I learned to cook. I am still trying and sometimes what I make is almost not edible, but I started to learn to cook this year. I can make chicken salad that will make you slap your mama and chicken and dumplins worth fightin' over. I am learning and I love it. I want to be the kind of mama that my boys will grow up talking about eating my cookin'. I'm not there yet, but maybe by this time next year, I will be :)

10. In 2011, I found a lot of happiness. I had lost so much along the way and I had lost my smile. I had one on the outside but I was so sad on the inside. In 2011, I found my best friend and my dad. In 2011, I realized what was most important in life...Will, Little Will, Cole and Mollie. In 2012 and the rest of my life, I'll strive to love those closest to me and love God even more than that.

So, 2011 was a really good year. I am a blessed girl. I have a family that I always dreamed of, friends that are like gold and boy am I thankful :)

Disney Trip Day 1

Well, we made it...I thought this day would never get here. We actually did keep it a secret for 6 months. That was tough. But it was soooo worth it :) Those boys had no idea. Here's how today has gone...

Will and I woke up at 4:00 am. We had packed the car up last night and all we had to do was get dressed and get Mollie's pack and play. We got ready super quick...we both got NO sleep last night...so adrenaline was in full force. Around 4:45 am, I woke up the boys while Will and Mollie ran to the store to get some gas for the van. I told them that we were going to church EXTRA early today :) They actually got up and didn't argue....they were getting ready for church...at 4:45 am! It was pitch dark and so cold. When they were done, Will was back and waiting in the van. I locked up the house and brought the boys outside. They got in the van...looked around...saw all the luggage and looked totally confused. Will had the video camera ready and told the boys that he had something for them and then showed them the Disney tickets. It was magical :) They were shocked...they didn't scream or jump up and down, they were truly shocked and couldn't believe that we were leaving for Disney right that second. Little Will immediately was worried about missing school...he's so much like his daddy :) We told them that we had thought of everything and that everything was worked out. About 2 hours down the road (remember we told them around 5:00 am...) it really hit them and they were giddy, plain ol' giddy. They were literally spinning around in Hardees at breakfast today. I think Disney World just seemed like such a fantasy to them...it couldn't be real, right? Well, it is and it was today for my 3 sweet blessings. I am so lucky.

So, here's the run-down of today, after the surprise...

We drove to Orlando in about 8 hours...not too bad...that's a record for us. Thank the Lord for Navigation on my phone.

We got to our hotel early and got our room early...it's the best room in the hotel...I have no idea how we go this lucky, except for the fact that the hotel had messed up and essentially double booked our old room. I was so upset at first...remember, I had planned this for 6 months!! But God was watching out for us..We got a new room...this one is unbelievable and for an awesome deal. Once again, I am lucky.

We made it to the Magic Kingdom today...yay for 6 day hopper passes ;) The boys got to ride the Monorail, It's a Small World and the Mad Hatter's teacups. Plus, we saw the show at Cinderella's castle that even included fireworks and all the princesses for Mollie :) And to top off the most perfect night, we saw Mickey's Electric Parade at 9:00 tonight. We had great seats...Cole fell asleep and Mollie clapped the whole time. Little Will was practically on the front row. We all ate fried shrimp and fries...strawberry banana smoothies and the best vanilla iced coffee I've ever had.

Now, we are back at our condo...Cole's asleep, Mollie's asleep, Little Will's asleep and even Will is asleep but I just had to take a second to write...I can't let today pass and not document this perfect day. We sure had waited long enough...I hope I never forget the smiles, the tears (from me), the chills and the magic. That's what being a mama is about right? Making the most of every day with God's most perfect gifts and letting them feel the magic every once in a while :) Until tomorrow....

Where I have been??

Where have I been? Well, let's see...sick with tracheitis (yeah, what in the world is that?), under a pile of laundry, in the car rider line at my kids' schools, in the kitchen hovered over a good homecooked meal that none of my kids will eat, with my nose in book full of mulitiplication facts, in the bathroom trying to get a quick (and I mean quick) shower while Mollie sleeps (for all of 15 minutes)...the list goes on and on....it's been a crazy few days. We are all on the mend now but what a terrible few days it was. I'm just glad this is all behind us...we leave for Disney in 10 days and I definitely do not want to cough on Mickey ;)

Disney Planning...

Planning a Disney vacation is a lot of work...but I have never, ever been this excited in all my life. Sure, when Will and I went on our honeymoon, it was perfect and then for our first anniversary is was awesome (except that our debit card # was stolen!). But this time, it's with our babies. That's what I always dreamed of. When you think of Disney, you think of children and magic. I can't wait to see those faces light up when they see that castle. I can't wait to see Cole's little wide grin when he eats lunch with Special Agent Oso and Mickey Mouse. I can't wait to see Little Will become a Star Wars trooper. I can't wait to see Belle and Cinderella hold my baby girl. I guess I just can't wait...can you tell?? Only a few weeks away....Mickey, we'll be there soon!!

Justin Bieber...Under the Mistletoe...Christmas Season Kick-off!

Today is the first day of November...so that means it's officially the holiday season in this house! As soon as Halloween is over, I pull out the Christmas stuff. I'm trying hard to keep my tree in the garage until after we come home from Disney (in 3 weeks) but I'm already itching to get it out. One year, my tree was up at Halloween...yes, I was 27 years old then and had a one year old and we were just too excited and I apparently had too much time on my hands....ha!

To kick off the season, I bought Justin Bieber's brand spankin' new Christmas CD today...at 8:00 am to be exact. Imagine being 35 and standing in line at Walmart first thing in the morning with a gallon of milk, baby food and a Justin Bieber CD...oh well, I was super excited...you know I love JB. I know it's a little crazy, but he's super talented, squeaky clean and just too cute for scoot. I've already listened to it in the car and shared it with my bff. I hope to memorize it today in all my spare time (ha!).

Happy Tuesday! Super easy Cheeseburger Pie recipe coming soon!!

Happy Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween! Well, tonight was a great night. I had so hoped this day would be fun for the kids and it sure was. Yes, Little Will had school today but that was ok. He got his homework done in a flash and played outside a little until it was time to go. Cole's best buddy, Jo Jo came over and we all went trick or treating around our neighborhood together. We started early (I think we were the first ones out!) and trick or treated for 2 hours straight! Fun night, best friends...I couldn't ask for better times for my kids and for me :) We are lucky. Hope you all enjoyed your holiday too!

Pinterest...Just another obsession...

Oh my Lord...I love Pinterest. I had no idea. I tried that website about 2 weeks ago and had no idea what was going on. So, I instantly gave up. Then, 2 days ago, I decided to give it another try. This time, my eyes were opened to it's wonderful world. Pinterest is amazing. You can find any craft/DIY idea in the world. I have found solutions to my headband ball (now I know I can use an oatmeal container wrapped in fabric to make a headband holder), my ribbon mound (now I know you can use a tie hanger) and I have found the cutest snack ideas on the planet. I'm addicted. I may even become that mom...you know the one that has it all together?? Well, I'll probably never be all that, but I can at least look like I have it all together to my 3 munchkins :) Now, I need to go...it's Friday eve and I have 10 minutes before I have to wake up Mollie and go pick up Little Will from school...Pinterest is calling!!!!!

Fall Friends...

Here's a picture of my baby boy, Cole and his best buddy in the world, Jo Jo. These two found one another last year at preschool and it was a friendship at first sight. They get along and always have fun. Today, they both just looked so stinkin' cute, pumpkin pickin' together. I thank the Lord for a friendship like this for my little boy :) Another answered prayer...one grateful mama :)

Pumpkin Mollie

This is the cutest ever...I just had to share...my friend, Kathy took this picture today at the pumpkin patch. She captured Mollie at her cutest...a little mischievious and always happy...and p.s. I made that bow :)

Daughters and Daddies...

I am one lucky girl...I have a wonderful husband, 3 beautiful, healthy children and now, I have my Daddy. I never thought this day would come. I am 35...35 year old women don't all of the sudden get a chance like this. I thought my chance had passed. I had almost given up.

Then, one day things changed. My step-mom, Donna, who I had never met, reached out to me. She opened the door and made a way for that huge gap to close. God used her that day. She thought beyond her own life and took a chance on a complete stranger...me. She didn't know me. She didn't know if I was nice or weird or crazy. She just took a chance. I believe God led her to do that. I will always believe that.

Now, after 35 years, I have a relationship with my daddy. He is everything I hoped he would be...funny, smart and affectionate. He hugs. He hugs me a lot :) That makes me smile. That makes up for lost time. We are so much a like, it's nuts. Even simple things like what his favorite candy is (Reese cups), is my favorite too. I don't take those little things for granted. They are all special and important to me. The best part of all of this is that my children have a wonderful grandfather now (Pops, as they call him). They always had a wonderful grandfather in my husband's father, but now I have something to offer too. They get to see my side. I needed that in this life. Now, I have it.

So, today, Monday, I'm sitting here missing my dad but things are different than they used to be. I don't miss him the same way. I know I'll see him really soon. I know I can pick up the phone and call him. I know that he thinks my baby girl is the most beautiful girl in the whole world. I know that he loves my boys more than I could have ever imagined. I know that he is my real daddy and that can't ever be taken away. God answers prayers. Prayers of a little 8 year old girl and prayers of a 35 year old woman....all my prayers. He answers and I am grateful :)

My baby boy...9 years old?

Tomorrow, my baby boy will be 9 years old. I can't believe it. Didn't we just bring him home from the hospital yesterday? I know everybody says that time flies, but after you have a baby, time really does fly. The last 9 years have gone by like a flash. I truly feel like I just blinked and now, my baby is standing almost as tall as me.

On October 20, 2002, William Walter James III was born at exactly 9:00 am. He was 8 pounds and 10 ounces and 21.5 inches long. I can't believe I survived to be totally honest. He was a week late (actually due on October 13th). My water had broken at home and two very scared twentysomething soon-to-be parents rushed to the hospital and waited all night to hold that sweet baby. He was precious and perfect and a true "piece of gold" as Nanni used to say. Everybody loved Will. Everybody still loves Will. But to me, his mama, that was my first baby....and the love I felt the day he was born has only grown over the last 9 years.

Here are some neat things about my firstborn son:

1. He loves science...I mean, he truly loves it. He wants to be a scientist when he grows up. I'll be on the front row for every science experiment, I promise.

2. He has a beautiful singing voice. My baby can sing. He sounds like an angel. I am so glad. I wish he would sing more but he's a little bashful nowadays. One of these days, I'm going to hear him belt it out and once again, I'll be on the front row.

3. He has a tender heart...he cries when he sees a commercial about kids with cancer. He begs to give food to hungry people. He worries when we see a homeless man or a child without good clothes. He cried in the movie Soul Surfer and Dolphin Tail....I love his tender heart.

4. He loves Jesus. Will gave his heart to the Lord when he was really little. I wondered if he even knew what he was doing back then, but now I know he knew exactly what was going on. He prays everyday and if you're his friend, I can guarantee that he prays for you. He tells little Cole Bible stories and listens in church, like he was 35 years old. One more reason that I'm proud...

5. He's just like his Daddy...yes, if you have seen my husband, then you have seen my son. They are identical, not only in looks but in personality. I have always wondered what it would feel like to have someone look so much like you and also act the same...it's really neat to see. I am proud of those two. Little Will sure lucked out to have such a good Daddy to be like :) I wouldn't change that for the world.

6. Will loves to read...I mean, he LOVES to read. He is surrounded by books this very moment in his bed. Science books, history books, baseball books...you name it. He usually falls alseep with a book under his pillow. I hope he never loses that eagerness to learn. I'm so proud of him :)

7. He loves his family...Will would do anything for his family...anything. He loves his baby brother and has set such a good example for him. He is like a mini-daddy to Mollie, who absolutely adores him. He would give his right arm for time with his grandparents. Will is a family boy and I know one day, he'll turn into a family man.

8. He has the cutest freckles in the world :) Enough said. They are literally the.cutest.things.ever

9. He can hit a baseball like nobody's business...yep, I'm a proud baseball mama every spring. I love cheering him on and the best part is his smile from ear to ear the whole time. He would do anything for his team. That's my guy.

10. We grew up together...yeah, I was a complete ignorant mess when I gave birth to that sweet boy. I had no idea what I was doing and couldn't believe the nurses were actually going to let us take him home. I grew up real fast...I learned most things the hard way with Will but it was worth it. I remember rocking him for literally hours and hours (since, remember I learned everything the hard way) but those days of just us...well, I wouldn't trade it for the world. It was never that way again.

So, there are just a few of the wonderful things about my baby boy...yes, he's still my baby boy until the day I'm gone. Little Will, if you ever read this, remember that I am so proud of you and I love you. I love you more than all the stars in the sky and all the grains of sand on the beach. I love you as far as the ocean and the sky. I cherish every day with you. You are my piece of gold.

Love, Mama

The Office...Episode 4...much better

Ok, this week's office episode was MUCH better...sorry I'm so late with this blog (cause I know you all are all on the edge of your seats). The Garden Party...funny idea. I loved Andy's parents and the fact that Josh Groban was his brother...good casting there. His dad and mom had been on about 100 Lifetime movies in the past and who could have forgetten Andy's dad from 7th Heaven? Anyway, very cute episode...not the best it's ever been, but better than last week. But really anything would have been better than last week...

Alrighty, enough of The Office for today...it's Monday already and I'm just not feeling it...I'm more in a Sing-Off mood now ;) Maybe I should blog about that!!??

Happy Monday!!

Fall Babies

These are my 3 babies at the pumpkin patch, South Forty Farm near our house. They are precious and perfect...enough said. I love this picture and just had to share :) Happy Friday Eve!!

Top Ten Favorite Songs of All-time

Well, I love favorites...I love it when someone asks me what my favorite (color, song, movie...etc.) is...so, here is my favorite list of pop songs. I have about 100 more that I like but here are my top 10 that I love...what are your favorites??

1. Belief by Gavin Degraw...the best song ever. I love it and it always takes me back to when my son, Cole was born. One of the truly happiest moments of my life...I've seen Gavin Degraw in person and he didn't sing this song, much to my dismay, but it's his best...really.

2. Down to Earth by Justin Bieber...don't laugh...it's really that good. He has a flawless voice and you have to admit, he's just a kid. The lyrics are heartfelt and the melody is so sweet. I love it and it makes me cry.

3. Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae...the anthem of girls everywhere, at least in my world :) I love it and it's my little summertime song...can't wait for Mollie to hear it one day.

4. I'm Like a Bird by Nelly Furtado...This song is more than 10 years old but I remember the day I bought the CD at Kmart :) I used to sing it at the top of my lungs way before I had kids. It reminds me of my baby blue Volkswagon Beetle...oh how I loved that car and that song :)

5. Somebody to Love by Queen...I love Freddy Mercury's voice...I remember my grandmother telling me his voice sounded like an angel. She was right.

6. Umbrella by Marie' Digby...yes, it's a cover of Rhianna's song but it's better than the original...I'm serious. Rhianna's version makes me want to dance...this version makes me want to squeeze my babies and cry. I love it.

7. Dream a Little Dream of Me by The Mamas and Papas...I love Mama Cass. What a loss...She had another angelic voice and I like to think that in my dreams I can sing like that :)

8. Soul to Squeeze by Red Hot Chili Peppers...This song made me want to learn to play the bass guitar...it's the reason I bought a bass guitar...a mint green one at that. I listened to this "tape", yes, tape all the way to NY on my senior trip in high school. I never forgot that song. I remember every word that blasted through on my walkman.

9. Fireflies by Owl City...not only do I love the name of this group (I love owls)...I love this song. It's my 4 year old's favorite song in the world. I have a youtube video of him singing it...I was hoping Owl City would see it and give us free tickets to their concert...as of yet, he hasn't been discovered but I'm holding out hope...the best electronically created song ever

10. Somewhere Only We Know by Keane...I found this group a long time ago...before Winnie the Pooh grabbed this song for it's trailer...Keane was the VH1 artist of the month way back in 2005 and I fell in love with this song. Tom Chapin has a fantastic voice and this song makes me want to run through a field and twirl around...well, not really but I love it and even my kids like it :)

Seriously, send me your top ten! I would LOVE it :) Happy Tuesday!!

The Office...Episode 3 :(

I forgot to blog about this episode...it was that bad. My least favorite episode ever. I don't know what to write. I was so disappointed. I miss Michael. I had to rely on Jersey Shore for my Thursday night entertainment...do you know how ridiculous that is?

NBC...please don't make Daryl the lead in an episode again. He ain't funny. He's great as a supporting character but not as the main guy.

Also, NBC, please don't do this again. The Office is already hanging by a thread...Michael Scott is gone. He was The Office...step up the funny stuff...grease on a warehouse floor really isn't too funny. Go back to stuff like the Dundies,  Michael's birthday at the ice skating rink...now, that was funny.

So, this was a terrible, pointless blog post but I had to do it...until next week all you Office fans :)

Yard Sales...Oh How I Love Thee...

Yesterday was an insane day...I went to Kings Mountain State Park with Little Will's 3rd grade class...super fun and I loved the kids :) I so enjoyed going...beautiful day, great class, great teachers...then, the bomb dropped.

Last night, Cole slammed his finger in a door at our church...a heavy door...a really heavy door. I have never heard that child cry like that and if you know Cole, you know he cries alot (a fly touched me, my ear lobe hurts, somebody scared me...etc.) This was different. He was in real pain. It looked terrible...smushed and swollen. We knew for sure it was broken...fast forward to 2 hours in the ER, xrays and misery and we found out IT'S NOT BROKEN! Yay! Had to be a miracle :) So all you friends that I texted at 9:00 last night...thanks for praying. I love you all :)

So, today we needed a break....like some totally mindless fun. Oh I have an idea...YARD SALES! You know, you have $10 and you get $100 worth of stuff?? Yeah, that's my kind of mindless fun. The neighborhood down the road was having a neighborhood sale, so me and kids loaded up the van, got ourselves a McDonald's biscuit and were on our way. We totally scored...I mean, we really did.

Here's what we got and this should make you a yard sale believer too:

1 Lamaze Octopus baby toy
1 travel baby toy octopus
1 Little People Princess camping set with tin toy pail
3 Star Wars Lego sets...yes, 3 of them for $1 each! Even came with all the parts and directions!!
1 large bag of over 30 Star Wars action figures...oh my Lord, Yoda, Darth Vader...all the gang...my boys were uncontrollable :)
3 Christmas dresses for Mollie
1 Halloween shirt for Mollie bell
1 pair of Gymboree leggings
1 pair of black holiday tights
1 Carters pink jogging suit
1 Gymboree long sleeved body suit
1 Children's Place pink dress
1 white Sunday sweater
1 Old Navy fall long sleeved shirt

Ok, do you believe me? Yard sales can be great. Today was a hit day...sometimes you have a miss day. I spent only $25 dollars...I'm serious. Two of those action figures would have been that price at Walmart. So, my boys are happy...Mollie is happy on her 9 month birthday and I am happy....now, just stop by my house next Saturday when I have my yard sale and I'll probably give you anything you want for free...gotta make room for more junk :)

Bowtastic :)

Ok...today I attempted to make Mollie some hairbows...at least I had my friend, Meagan with me. Our baby girls are only 1 month apart, so this was our little adventure. Youtube is my friend. I have found out that ANYTHING you could ever need to know is on youtube :) We watched a video and started bow makin'. Anyway, I made an orange and white polka dot bow, a brown swirly bow and a Minnie Mouse bow...not perfect by any means, but it's a start. I gotta learn to do this...I have a daughter now...I could go broke on the bows alone...now, I'll just go broke on the ribbon ;)

Happy Friday Eve!! The Office episode 3 blog coming soon!

5 years later...Nanni is always in my heart...

Today is October 2...this is a sad day for me because it's the anniversary of the day my Nanni passed away. She died of lung cancer on October 2, 2006. I was 30 and she had just turned 70. She had been so full of life until about 3 months before she died. She was my best friend and the only mama I ever had. I was 5 months pregnant with Cole when she died...she got to see a 3D ultrasound picture of him in her last days but she couldn't say anything to me. My heart was broken. My life would never be the same.

My grandma (Nanni) was much more than just a grandma to me. She was my mom from the time I was 6 months old. She took care of me, washed my clothes, cooked for me, helped me with my homework, read the Bible to me and was the only person in my life who ever took me to church. She did more than just meet my needs as a child and teenager, she was my friend. We talked...we talked all the time...every single day. We did everything together. We loved the same shows on TV (except she hated The Office, which I never could figure out). We loved the same movies and Lifetime movies were our favorites :) She was a constant person in my life when things weren't always consistent. It was Nanni who I remember staying up with me until midnight studying for a history test and Nanni who took care of me when I threw up all over my bed when I was a kid. I depended on her and loved her more than she will ever know.

So, that horrible day when I found out she had stage 4 lung cancer and lymphoma...well, it was one of the worst days of my life. But to be honest, I didn't really realize what all that meant that day. I thought she would be fine. I thought she would never go away. I couldn't picture my life without her and I just knew everything would be ok. The crazy thing was 2 weeks after she told me she was sick...I found out I was pregnant. I remember her telling me that she would be fine by the time the baby came and that she would stay with me and help with Little Will (who was 3 at the time) and help with the baby. I just pretended that she was right and that everything would be ok even though I saw her falling apart every day before my very eyes.

Her cancer was bad...it was miserable for her and it took her pretty fast. She fought as much as she could but it had her every which way but loose. I lived in a pretend fantasy world back then...everything will be fine, everything will ok, she'll be fine...all the while carrying a little baby inside of me and taking care of my sweet 3 year old who pretty much witnessed everything firsthand.

The last weeks in September of 2006 were the worst. I stayed at her house everyday. I would sit with her and talk about everything we were going to do when she got better. She couldn't talk to me much. She looked so different. Little Will had started to get scared. My husband, Will had to do things that he never imagined and helped her in ways that I will never forget. I probably fell more in love with him in those days than every before. I knew how much he loved her and really how much he loved me.

So, on October 2, 2006, Nanni finally got some peace. She passed away at about 8:30 that night. I missed it by 5 minutes. I had prayed that God would let me see her die if I was supposed to and if I could handle it...and I always prayed that if the Lord knew I couldn't take it, to let me not be there. Well, God knew what was right. I couldn't have handled it...especially pregnant. She fought it until the last minute. She didn't want to leave us. God knew she needed some peace...some rest.

Now, 5 years later, it's just as fresh in my mind as the days that it all happened. I miss her voice. I miss her hugs. I miss her phone calls. I miss our trips to the mall. I miss meeting up with her at Walmart to get the babies a "prize". I miss her smell. I miss it all because she was my mama and I will never let that go. I still have 5 messages she left me saved on my answering machine...I listened to them yesterday. Her voice is still as precious as before. She told Will and me that she loved us. She said she was just calling to see how we were doing. I would give anything for a call like that today. I know I'll see her in heaven one day but the ache right now is still there. What I would give for her to hold Cole,who would have made her laugh like crazy and little Mollie, who she would have loved to pieces. We'll all get our chance one day. I know we'll all be together when it's God's time. But for now, I'll remember that sweet voice and that love of a mom that I'll never have again but that I can give to my own children.

I love you Nanni...

The Office...Episode 2

Just a quick office chat...last night's episode was really good...I only wish it lasted an hour and not 30 minutes. I have to say, Andy is GREAT as the new boss. I love how dumb but loveable he is...and that "Nard Dog" tatoo...well, that was just a great ending. Still not too crazy about Robert California...but when Erin kissed him on the cheek and then ran off...I about fell off the couch. Hopefully, he'll grow on me too :) Happy Friday ya'll!

Cake pops...phew!!

Ok, this is gonna be a short blog...I am so tired...I can hardly move my arms and legs ;) I just finished 31 cake pops. I would have had 36 but I messed up a whole bag of candy melts and ran out before I could finish. But the awesome thing is that I actually made 31!! I can't believe it. I honestly commend anyone who can do that for a living because it ain't easy. Those women on youtube and in books make it look soooo simple...oh my goodness...but in all fairness, it was my first try...I had 3 kids running around, one of whom wanted to be held the entire time (Mollie James...that is you) and my dog was at my feet trying to catch all my messes, which makes me trip every 5 minutes. So, with that being said, I accomplished a lot and even though the icing is kind of pitiful, they were made with love for a very special person's birthday (I'll tell who in a later post...they might be reading this blog!). Now for more spelling words and the countdown to The Office episode 2...

*UPDATE* What's for dinner tonight...Chicken Casserole...I did it!!

Ya'll...I did it. I made a new recipe and it wasn't terrible...it was actually delicious and one of the best things I have ever made. I can't believe it. I'm in shock. I usually make new things and they taste like I left out the main ingredient. Well, not this time. Even Will (who came home for a second between appointments), had a bowl and said, "Jenna...this is good. This is reallllll good. Don't forget how to make this." That's an A+ in my book :)

Here's the updated recipe because I changed it so much from Paula Deen's version that it really isn't the same thing anymore...

Good ol' Southern Chicken Casserole

1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 cup of mayonaise
1 box of Uncle Ben's long grain and wild rice mix (cooked)
1 can of sweet peas
2 cans of Tyson's 98% fat free chicken breast, shredded
salt/pepper
1 cup mozarella cheese

Cook your box of rice and seasonings according to the package. In a large mixing bowl, mix your mushroom soup, mayo, peas, shredded chicken, salt and pepper. When your rice is done, add it to your soup mixture and blend it all together. In a 9 x 13 pan (I use disposable ones sometimes), pour your mixture in and top with the shredded cheese. Bake @ 375 degrees for 35 minutes or until top is golden :)

This is seriously good...like really good...like warm and cozy good. Mollie had a bowl full tonight and she doesn't even have any teeth! I hope you all enjoy and happy Friday eve!!

My Friday Eve Adventure...Cake Pops!

Yay! It's Friday eve!!! My little adventure for the day is to learn to make cake pops....now, this is not an original idea of mine by any means. The first time I heard about cake pops was from my friend, Bonnie who has a great website of all the cake pops she makes for people http://www.sweetstellatreats.com/ (Talk about cute!). So, I've had it in the back of my mind for about a year and a half to learn to make these cute, addicting little pieces of heaven. I found this great video on youtube from the Bakerella (also recommended to me by Bonnie) and I have my supplies and I'm ready...you basically need cake mix, a can of frosting, lollipop sticks, candy melts in your favorite colors and sprinkles. So, I'll be back with my finished product, hopefully later today and let's pray this cooking adventure doesn't turn out like the chicken casserole, which I never made!

Mollie's first taste of REAL table food

Today is Tuesday and I thought I'd spend a second tonight to share a really cool thing that happened today....Mollie ate REAL table food! Macaroni and cheese to be exact...my homemade macaroni and cheese (see recipe from last week). I cut up a few of the noodles in half and put them on her highchair tray and before I could turn around, she had those yummy noodles in her mouth...and she didn't spit them out! We've been trying a few things here and there (Olive Garden breadsticks...not so great experience...mostly spit them out, Chicken and dumplin' broth...not the best experience, once again...). So, this was really cool...I'm so proud of my growing baby girl. She is just herself...her own little sweet, happy self all the time. Well, just a quick one tonight...still gotta do baths and a little more studying for 3rd grade math :( Happy Tuesday!!

Facebook Woes....

Well, this is definitely the social network age and I don't know about you, but I think I'm getting sick of it. I have always loved social networking (myspace was just awesome...like 5 years ago) and facebook was my favorite social networking site....not anymore. I have no idea what those facebook guys are doing but they are killing the site, one change at a time. It doesn't even resemble the way it was 2 years ago. Now, I'm not the greatest with change but these changes are taking away the cool things that made facebook fun. It's just a complicated mess now...

I've always been "Miss Facebook"...I load too many pictures, check-in, post videos, comment on randomness and "like" tons of statuses everyday. I think that for a stay-at-home mom with 3 little ones, facebook can be a huge outlet. You can see what's going on in the world without loading 3 kids in the minivan and packing up the diaper bag for the day :) You can keep up with childhood friends, highschool buddies and even your favorite teacher from first grade. You can find out what the special of the day is at your favorite restaurant and what's going on with your child's school PTA. All of those things are great things about facebook but now, I can't figure out where anything is and quite frankly, don't have the time...Every post you make is out there for the world to see and there's a huge chat bar on the right side at all times. So, oh well, facebook is getting crazier and my life is already crazy enough. I don't think I'll ever delete my account because I could never fiind all 647 of my friends again, even if my life depended on it. But, my days as a daily facebooker are numbered....

My Top Kid Shows :)

Yes, I love kid shows...I have 3 kids so kid shows are on in our house a lot...there are terrible ones, nutty ones and ones that I get embarrassed watching. So, here's my top list of the best (in my "mom' opinion)

1. Good Luck Charlie (Disney Channel)...a family show that is really a family show...super funny, all the characters are likeable and that Charlie is just the cutest baby. Teddy can sing and carries the whole show...I always love the endings of every show...just simply my favorite :)

2. Shake It Up (Disney Channel)...I LOVE this show! Fun music, 2 super funny lead characters (Rocky and CiCi) and neat dance moves that I want to learn even though I'm 35...We love this show...all of us and my 4 year old has his first crush on CiCi, I do believe :)

3. So Random (Disney Channel)...It's like Saturday Night Live for kids mixed with In Living Color (remember that all you 90's kids??)...the best show on Disney right now. I usually laugh until I cry and they have a new musical guest every week...LOVE it :)

4. A.N.T. Farm (Disney Channel)....Advanced Natural Talent..."I am, You are, We are...Exceptional, Exceptional" See, the theme song is STILL stuck in my head! These kids are funny and cute and this show is clean. China Ann McClain can flat sing and all the others are super cute in their own ways...totally worth a watch

5. Little Bill (Nick Jr.)...I love Bill Cosby, so of course, I love Little Bill. Bill Cosby based this show on his own childhood and it's just the best. My favorite episode was when Littl'e Bill's dad taught him to say "So!" when a bully called him a name and then the bully was so surprised that Little Bill didn't call him a name back and they became friends...can't believe I was paying that much attention to a Nick Jr. show but this one is worth it. Plain ol' animation with good ol' jazz music in the backgroud...love it

6. Max and Ruby (Nick Jr.)...Yes, we all wonder where their parents are but Max and Ruby are just too cute and I don't care. I love the simplicity and love Max ;) We even have a stuffed Max on my 4 year old's bed...Our favorite episode is the "Bad Egg" episode. I love the background music too.

7. Wild Kratts (PBS Kids)...Oh those Kratt brothers...we love them...we've seen them in person in a live show and they were awesome. This show is just neat...a mix of animation, real science lessons and adventures that only the Kratt brothers can make interesting. They totally need to put out a line of toys and books...we'd buy them all.

Ok...that's my list for now...gonna add more later...it's bedtime for Mollie bell and there's a new episode of Shake It Up coming on in 5 minutes!

The Office...new season...my thoughts

Ok, last night was the first episode of the new season of The Office...without Michael Scott. I have to admit..I wasn't buying the whole thing. Michael Scott is my all-time favorite idiot. The Office sure has made me laugh over the years and mostly because of Michael. So, last night, I was excited to see what the NBC people would try to do to replace the funniest man on TV....here's what I thought....

I love Andy as the new boss...no, he's not Michael, but he is the closest thing to an idiot boss they could do. Jim is too serious when he's in charge...Dwight is too mean...Kevin is just Kevin...Stanley doesn't care...you get the idea :) Andy as boss was kind of nice. He had a lot of funny lines and gave me that "oh my goodness, what is he gonna say" funny feeling I used to get when Michael was around. Andy has really grown on me over the years and now I just find him very likeable and funny...good combination :)

Now, James Spader aka Robert California...I don't really get him...a little too weird, a little too verbose, a little too laidback...not enough funny....Fix it, NBC. He's on the show now...make him funny.

I love Pam pregnant along with Angela...that's funny (I was always the Pam) and Erin is sweet and I sure hope she and Andy get together this season.

So, there are my Office thoughts...what a pointless blog today...but hey, it's dark and rainy and Will is off work playing hide and go seek with Cole, so I had a second :) All you Office fans....what did you think???

The Back-Up Plan....

So much for that recipe I posted earlier....I never got to the grocery store and now it's raining and Mollie hasn't had a nap all day and Cole is jumping off the couch and Little Will has to be picked up from school in 15 minutes...you get the idea. So, it's hotdog and chili night and you know what? My family will probably be happier :) My husband hates new recipes anyway, so the old tried and true hotdog dinner will suit him just fine. I do make my hotdog chili from scratch (it's so easy, I feel guilty) and we buy the good Hebrew National hotdogs and the honey wheat buns. Here's my chili recipe that you can literally whip up in less than 5 minutes :)

Hotdog Chili

1 pound of lean ground beef
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 cup ketchup (I kind of eyeball it...just make sure it's nice and tomatoey)

Brown your ground beef in a little pot. Drain off any grease and add in your vinegar and ketchup. Mix all together until it's the right consistency for you. Don't put too much vinegar or it will be too sour...just taste and add more ketchup if you mess up!

That's all you do...now fry, yes fry up those hotdogs (this is the south, baby) and top them with your chili and enjoy! We'll do the chicken casserole another day...

Paula Deen's Chicken and Rice Casserole...Southern Comfort!

Today, I'm going to try a new recipe...I was searching for something warm and cozy, since it's raining outside today and it's almost fall (yay!). I found this Paula Deen recipe online (http://www.foodnetwork.com/) and thought I would give it a try. If this falls through...I'll be making hotdogs and chili (always have a back-up, even if it's Chef Boyardee). So, here's her recipe, which I'll be changing a little to suit our family and our picky eaters :)

Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients

• 2 (14 1/2-ounce) can green beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 medium onion, diced and sauteed
• 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
• 1 (4-ounce) can pimentos, drained
• 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 (6-ounce) box long-grain and wild rice, cooked according to package directions
• 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
• Pinch salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix all ingredients together and pour into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Ok, I'm going to use peas instead of green beans, no water chestnuts and reduced fat Dukes mayonaise instead of regular. I have also heard it's great with cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of celery soup...oh yeah, and my kids and hubby are not pimento fans, so I'm leaving that out too...Is this even the same recipe now?? Oh well...we'll see!

Happy Hump Day!

What's for dinner tonight....Taco Soup!!!

It's Monday again...are you serious?? Wasn't it just Friday eve?? At any rate, here we are and it's almost 5:00pm...What's for dinner??

Tonight, is one of my favorites. This good ol' recipe was given to me by my friend, Whitney, about a year ago. When I gave birth to little Mollie, my friend, Rita brought this delicious dish to my house and it made all my C-sections pains go away (well, maybe with some extra strenght Tylenol). And then, at my son's baseball game last spring, I had ANOTHER friend talk about this soup....So, all that being said, this is some goooood soup. It's not really soup though, I must say. It's more like really good, meaty nacho dip. We eat it in a bowl with those scoop nacho chips. It's also good on top of a salad to make the best taco salad you've ever had :) Here's the original recipe I got a year ago:

Taco Soup

1 pound of lean ground beef
1 16 oz can black beans
1 16 oz can dark red kidney beans
1 16 oz can sweet yellow corn (you can also use fresh or frozen)
1 24 oz (the larger size) petite diced tomatoes
1 packet of powder taco seasoning (I use the Taco Bell kind)
1 packet of powder ranch seasoning

Brown your ground beef in a large stock pot (if you do this, you'll have everything in one pot). Once it's browned, add in your seasonings, tomatoes, beans and corn. Mix it all together and cook on low until everything is all simmering and blended. You can add water if it's a little too thick for you. I like it kind of thick...it scoops better that way :) Top with cheese, pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream or southwestern chipotle ranch dressing...YUM!

It's Monday...it's almost 5:00...make this and save yourself!! Have a good night ya'll :)

First Words...

My baby girl is a talker. She loves to make noises and she LOVES to hear herself. In one week, she has said, "Mama" "Dada" and "Baba" (for her bottle). I am so proud of her :) I love her little happy spirit. From what my grandma told me about when I was little...I was a talker. None of you would have ever guessed that right?? My grandma said I used to yell, "Hey!" at everyone I saw. I loved to talk and I was loud...2 things my baby girl got from me. That makes me smile :) Oh and just so you know...she's my first baby of the three that has said "Mama" first. Little Will said "Dada" first and Cole said "ball" first...so this was extra sweet. Hope everyone has a happy Monday...us girls are just gonna chat the day away :)

One Giant Macaroni and Cheese...yes please!

Today I made the biggest macaroni and cheese of my entire life....I can't believe I did it. I'm just not used to making for tons of people but today is a missions lunch at our church and my task was macaroni and cheese...and not just for 4 people. So, here's my GIANT recipe. It's yummy :) It's taken me 12 years of marriage to learn this southern tradition...If you are ever in need of a GIANT macaroni and cheese, just hunt down this ol' blog post and you'll be set!

Macaroni and Cheese for an Army

1 large box of elbow noodles (32 oz)
1 dozen eggs
1 stick of butter
1 large bag (not the regular size) of finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 cups of milk
salt to taste

Boil your noodles in a large stock pot. Once they are done, drain and place in an extra large, greased, disposable alluminum pan (get the one that is for pasta...mine was from Food Lion). In a large mixing bowl, beat your dozen eggs and milk together with a little salt. You can even add a little cheese into the mixture (I did). Chop up your stick of butter into little cubes and place in the egg/milk mixture. Then, pour it all over your noodles. Place more shredded cheddar cheese on top. There should be A LOT of cheese on top. Then, bake @ 425 degrees for 40 minutes.

Now, if you're ever in a jam and need more macaroni and cheese than you think possible to make...use this recipe and be sure to save some for yourself!!

Friday Eve...

Today is Friday eve...I'm so glad...I have missed you, Friday. I can't wait for you get here...this has been a crazy week. Little Will had 4 tests this week, so lots of studying, lots of math, lots of reading, lots of Tylenol...just kidding :) Anyway, back to Friday eve...Years ago, when Will and I were both teachers we didn't really celebrate Friday eve, like we do now. We were more Saturday people. Then, Will changed jobs and was off work every Friday and we started the whole Friday eve thing. I would literally get Japanese take-out and we would watch Survior (in the days of Richard Hatch...it's been a while) every Thursday night and we would celebrate Friday eve. Then, we moved on to The Office and on every Thursday we would celebrate again. I think it's more the anticipation of what fun might be had on the weekends that I just love. I don't know, but in this day and age, we all need some reason to celebrate, right? So, today is Friday eve...go celebrate and take a deep breath because Friday is almost here :)

What's for dinner tonight...

Today was a crazy day....all day. So, when dinner time came around, yet again, I pulled out this little number. I am so not original, so I have to confess that I got this recipe from none other than the Duggar family on TLC. I saw them make it years ago and thought, "My kids would eat this!" So, tonight is tater tot casserole night. Let me know what ya'll think :)

Mama Duggar's Tater Tot Casserole Recipe (with a little bit of Mama James thrown in)

1 package of frozen tater tots
1 can of evaporated milk
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup (I buy the 98% fat free)
1 regular sized bag of finely shredded cheddar cheese
1 pound of lean ground beef

Brown your ground beef in a large deep pan. Drain off the excess fat and add in your evaporated milk and 2 cans of mushroom soup. Mix together in the pan. Place your tater tots in a greased (I use Bakers spray) 9x13 casserole dish.  Pour your soup and meat mixture over the tater tots. Place the shredded cheese on top. Bake @ 425 degrees for 30 minutes. Then, eat!!!

This is a real simple recipe. My kids love it. I love it...even Maggie, my dog loves it. My husband came home tonight and said he was hoping that I was making it :) That made me smile. Oh yeah, and you'll probably have leftovers and it's better the next day :)

A year later...being a mama of a baby girl

Well, on this day last year, I found out that I was having a baby girl. That was one of the happiest days of my life. I never thought I'd be the mama of a girl. I sure love my boys. I thought that I was a boy mama only. God had another idea :) That ultrasound day was surreal. I cried. I cried an ugly cry. I was so happy. So, today, I watch little Mollie, now my 8 month old baby girl, bounce in her saucer and smile that toothless grin and I thank the Lord that I can be a girl mama too :)

Chicken and Dumplins kind of day...

Happy Monday! Today is a chicken and dumplins kind of day for us...Mondays are always hard...Daddy goes back to work. Little Will goes back to school. I go back to chasing my tail all week. So, today we all thought it would be so neat to make a big ol' pot of chicken and dumplins to make this Monday feel better. I'm not a good cook...I'm a terrible cook...no one ever showed me a single thing growing up. The closest I ever came to getting a cooking lesson was eating the Crisco off of my great-grandmother's mixing spoon while she made a cake one time (I think that huge bite of Crisco is still in my stomach). I have learned what I know now (which is very little) by trial and error...lots of error :)

This recipe is super easy and I'm sure some grandmas out there would gasp at the thought of using frozen dumplins but oh well...here's my semi-homemade edition:

Chicken and Dumplins (and yes, leave off the "g")

3 skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts
1 stick of butter
1 box of Annie's frozen dumplins
water
salt to taste

Boil your chicken breast in a large stock pot filled almost to the top with water. Add your stick of butter to the water and chicken and maybe a little salt to taste.

After the chicken is done, remove it from water and onto a large plate. Remove the skin and all the bones (look for little ones) and shred the chicken. Place the shredded chicken back into the pot with the good ol' buttery chicken stock you just made!

Get your frozen dumplins and remove them from the package. They will be perforated. Break them up into 3 and then break those pieces in half. Each sheet will give you 6 dumplins. Use the WHOLE pack! That makes it good :) Place them in the stock with the chicken and stir. Stir alot. Cook on low for about 30 minutes or so, just check the dumplins and make sure they are tender. Then....ENJOY!!!!!

9/11...10 Years later...

Today is September 11, 2011...I can't believe it's been 10 years since that terrible day. I remember exactly where I was when the world stopped. I was teaching kindergarten and my little students were playing in centers. My classroom was right across from the library and the librarian peeped into my classroom and said, "Jenna, turn on your TV. The World Trade Center had an explosion.". At that point, we all didn't realize what was going on. I turned on our classroom TV and started watching...I couldn't believe what I was seeing but the worst was yet to come. I was standing in the class watching with my friend, Cindy and we saw the 2nd plane crash into the 2nd tower. We were in shock...we immediately got our children outside onto our classroom playground to protect them from seeing anymore. I was married to Will and he was in Baltimore, Maryland for a conference for work. I couldn't call him (we didn't have cell phones) but we had these mini text machines (the pre-texting age) and I sent him a message on it telling him what was happening. He had no idea...that was a message he'll never forget. From that day forward, life was different. I was scared. I bought American flags. I held onto my husband tighter than before. I'll never forget that day. How could I? How could anyone?

Now, 10 years later. We all take time to remember that day. I'm dressing my children in red, white and blue today. I am going to watch every bit of TV coverage today and I am going to explain to my babies that on this day in 2001, our world changed but we got stronger. I am thankful today for the innocent sacrifce of 9/11. I am thankful and I will never forget....

My Top Mommy/Baby Products

Ok, I love hearing about things people love, so here's my Mommy/Baby "can't live without" list...it's taken 3 kids to get this list right, so enjoy!

1. City Mini Single Stroller by Baby Jogger...the ABSOLUTE best stroller in the world, hands down. I can't believe how easy it is to fold, open, clean and steer. I have bought many a stroller and this one is the best...I only wish I had this thing 8 years ago!

2. Dr. Brown baby bottles...the.best.bottles.ever  These things are amazing and affordable. You can get them anywhere (Walmart, Target...) and they are the really only ones, in my opinion that eliminate air. Yes, there are more bottle parts, but it's so worth it. 2 more minutes of cleaning may mean 2 more hours of sleep!

3. Chicco Key Fit Carseats...excellent, safe, cute and well worth the little extra money...oh and EASY to install!

4. Evenflo Exersaucers....a complete lifesaver and the only way I get a shower most days ;)

5. Fisher Price Newborn Rock and Play Sleeper...ok, I can't say enough about this thing. My baby slept in this and this bed only for the first 7 months of her life. It is so neat. It has an elevated back so the baby is propped up and not flat (great for stuffy noses, reflux, you name it). Easy to fold up, easy to clean, cute. I love it. I'll never get rid of it because it's just the best and I never want to forget it. It was my baby girl's first bed ;)

6. Soothie Pacifiers...ok, I know many people might think I'm nuts because those things can be UGLY but let's face it, they are the cleanest things around (only one piece and no crack and crevices) and now they come in pink, purple and even blue...so you're not stuck with just hospital green. Pair them up with my #7 pick and you are set!

7. Boogin Head Pacifier Clips...simply the best, the easiest, the cleanest. I love them. Go to their website and you can get most any color you need and lots of cute patterns. They work with any pacifier but are a lifesaver with Soothies.

8. Skip Hop Dash Deluxe Diaper Bag...It's taken me ALOT of diaper bags to get here, ALOT. But I made it...This bag has tons of room, magnetic closures, a cute changing pad, insulated bottle pockets, and those wonderful, amazing stroller clips. I love those things. Clip that bag on your City Mini and you are set :)

9. A Crocheted Granny Square blanket...2 of my babies are addicted to one and these are the best. Your baby can rub their tiny fingers on the blanket and through the holes. It's lightweight enough to carry anywhere and you can get them made in any size. A friend makes all of mine but go on Etsy.com if you don't know someone who crochets and you can find whatever you like. Just make sure you get CARON yarn...please. That is the best and softest. The yarn has almost a sheen to it and it only gets softer with each wash and will last years :)

10. Baby Einstein DVDs...the old tried and true DVDs that have been around for probably 9 or 10 years. These are still the best and still can calm any crying baby...hey, you watch a swinging dolphin pendulum for 30 seconds and see if you don't want to fall asleep! No, really they are great and GREAT for the car.

Ok, that's my top 10 baby list...in no particular order, well maybe...the City Mini is #1.

My first blog...

Well, this is my very first blog experience...I have wanted to do this for a long time, but just never seemed to get the chance. Maybe I couldn't tear myself away from facebook long enough when I was online...or maybe I needed to wash just one more baby bottle. Whatever the case, this is it :) I have no idea if anyone will ever even read this but we'll see. It doesn't matter because right now, this is for me.

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Jenna. I am 35 years old and the happy wife of Will and the very thankful mother of 3 beautiful children...2 boys and one baby girl. I was raised in the south and loved growing up with barefeet and a bowl of cornbread and buttermilk for dinner. I am a stay-at-home mom and have been for 9 years. I thank the Lord everyday for this chance and wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world. This is my one shot and I'm gonna take it, whatever the sacrifice.

So...happy reading and I'll be happily blogging away...as soon as I change this diaper ;)