10 years...my first baby boy is a decade old...

Today is October 19, 2012...I haven't written in a long time...almost 2 months. It's been a very rough 2 months for us. This past August 31st, my husband lost his job. It's been tough but even in the hardest times, God is there and even when we don't understand, He does. So, I know that we will be ok and that one day we'll look back on this time and be thankful that we made it through. This is only a season in our lives...not our whole life...

But in the midst of hard times, there are still very, very happy times. Our children are the bright spots in our days. They are the reason we wake up and put one foot in front of the other...the reason we celebrate even when it seems a little hard to. And in the midst of this trial in our lives, my sweet, first born son is turning 10. This event has affected me more than when I turned 30 or 35. It is the craziest thing ever. I can't believe that a decade has gone by. People say it goes by in a blink and they are right. It may be even faster than that...

So, my oldest son, Will is turning 10 tomorrow...at 9:00am on the dot, to be exact. Will is my son and also my friend. He's the kindest, sweetest little guy. He is tender-hearted and that smile on his face...well, it's a real one and it shows way down into his heart. He's genuine...he is a gift. He helped me grow up and that little thing turned me into a mama :) I am so proud of him that I just about can't contain it. His sense of humor is just like his Daddy's and those freckles...well, they just keep getting better and better by the day :)

10 years ago, I was the dumbest soon-to-be mama on the planet...literally. I thought that when you had a baby, it would sting a little and then you would hold the baby and dress him up and show him off to your friends and take him to the mall. I envisioned myself walking around the mall in heels, pushing my son (who would be dressed in perfect baby blue outfits and hats) in a stroller, while he slept, of course and having the time of my life. Not one time, did anyone ever tell me that I might literally rip my insides out while giving birth and barely live to tell about it....or that he would have colic for over 6 months and that I would have to run a vaccum cleaner all day to make him stop crying. No one told me that my new favorite TV show would be Baby Einstein and that I would probably never walk around a mall again...especially not in heels :) I would have a new appreciation for late night TV, Dr. Brown bottles and pacifiers. I would grow to detest breast pumps and rear facing carseats...And nobody told me that I would absolutely fall in love with that baby and that I would die for him, easily. Nobody had to tell me those things (though it would have been nice to have a little heads-up on the childbirth part) but when I saw that little scrunched up face...well, he became my world. I just knew it. My dream had come true.

Will, the past 10 years have been precious and I pray that I have many, many more decades on this earth with you. You are a ray of sunlight in a world that needs it so much. You make me laugh everyday. I can't believe you are almost taller than me. I love you more than life.

Love, Mama

Summer's end and new beginnings...

Well, like a flash, summer came and went. It was a good summer but honestly, it seemed like a blur from start to finish. We had great times as a family and I wouldn't trade our little beach trip in June for anything. We went to our neighborhood pool...A LOT and went to Discovery Place, Chuck E. Cheese, Baxter's Bunch and lots of other places. But as fast as the summer came, it was over. I think we were all ready, though, to be honest. I think the boys were ready for new beginnings and new friends. I think Mollie was ready to get a decent nap and kiss the pool goodbye :) Overall, we had fun. We spent time together and made memories I'll cherish forever.

So, onto those new beginnings...my baby boy, yes, my 9 and a half year old baby boy started 4th grade this past week. I truly still can't believe it. I'm so happy for him and all he's accomplished these last few years, but I really, really can't believe my little buddy, my little chunky baby has turned into a 4th grader. He's very excited about his new class and new teachers and that makes it so much easier for me. But honestly, I just remember cuddling with him not so long ago and it kind of makes me sad....

 

 

Next, my sweet "middle" baby (I hate referring to him as the middle child), Cole, started kindergarten. Now, this was pretty tough...Cole is my little angel. He was my gift from God when my Nanni passed away. He almost didn't make it to this earth but when he did, he was the most beautiful and unique baby I had ever seen. I will never forget his laidback nature as a baby and his ginormous eyes. That same child is now beboppin' into a great big elementary school, with a big orange backpack on his back. I cried the first day...I cried the first night. I missed him really bad but I know this is life...this is growing up...this is what he needs. He is making friends already and loves his new teacher's pet rabbit. All in all, a big accomplishment for my baby boy. I am proud :)

 

 

Lastly, Mollie...oh Mollie, where do we start?  Mollie is 19 months old and is our princess. Our perfect, beautiful princess :) Is she spoiled?? Um, probably...but just like her brothers :) She's still obsessed with mermaids, which are her favorite things in the whole world. She talks and babbles all the time and walks on her tip toes all day. She loves "Juicy" to drink and has to have her "Pa pa" (pacifier) all day. She sleeps with 2 mermaids and 3 blankets. She loves Hap Palmer baby songs and can count to 3. She's my joy and my best friend. I didn't know what I was missing before she came along...oh I'm so glad I was curious ;)

 

So, that's an update on our little ones...August is here and fall is so close, I can taste it. We are ready for more adventures and more memories, just around the corner :) Are you ready for some pumpkin pie?? I am...almost :) 

 

 

 



July update :)

So, it's already July and the summer is already half over...yuck. I won't ever repeat that sentence again. I'm sorry you had to read that.

Ok, now onto a happier subject....today is July 11th and even though the first sentence I wrote is technically true...we still have over 5 weeks left of summer and that's a lot! I am hoping to really tackle that summer bucket list the next few weeks and enjoy every second I can :)

We just got back from a little beach time this past weekend. I could live at the beach, I do believe but this time I was ready to be home. I think I was a little beached out, if that is even possible. Mollie is super active and at the beach, it's no different. Plus, this past weekend, it was HOT and HUMID. I mean, really hot and humid. But we made memories and ate good food and saw God's beautiful ocean one more time. The boys played putt-putt and I ate another one of those glorious crabcakes at Beck's. We found a new little doughnut shop called Ahoy Doughnuts and I have to say the Key Lime Pie ones are the best :) I'm thankful for every chance I have to be with my little family doing something fun. I learned a long time ago that you have to live or you will end up watching the world pass you by. I think about that every single day. So, we lived this past weekend and it was great :)

So far, here are the things we have completed on our summer bucket list:

*Putt-Putt
*See the ocean
*Kids cooking day
*Kids craft day
*Chuck E. Cheese day
*get all 3 kids picture made together
*find a hunting place for the fall
*see a concert
*see fireworks on the 4th of July

We are still working on lots of things and I can't wait until we have done them all :)

Happy Summer!!
XXOO

July Must-Have Beauty Product

Happy July! Today is Monday, July 2nd and I have to say, our July has started out pretty good ;) Today we ate lunch with Daddy, took a quick trip to Walmart (for 4th of July stuff) and went to our neighborhood pool...in almost 100 degree heat. Now, it's about 7:30 pm...I'm exhausted beyond my wildest dreams and The Fresh Beat band just went off on Nick Jr. so that's my clue to get Mollie ready for bed. I'm almost there!!

Now on to one of the greatest beauty products I've found in a LONG time...I love lots of things and I rave about lots of things, but this product really deserves all the praise it can get. So, run, don't walk to your nearest Walmart, Walgreens, CVS or Target and pick up this fabulous product...

Here it is...Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain :) Instant love in my opinion and here's why...

1. It smells minty.
2. It is a creamy pencil shape that you don't have to sharpen! It twists up...super cool.
3. It comes in tons of really pretty shades...my favorite is Precious (the one in the picture). It's one of the prettiest nude colors ever.
4. It lasts. The shine won't last all day, but the stain will last a while.
5. It makes your lips feel great :) Not dry, not like you just put a dry stain on them and now they are stiff, no way. This stuff is creamy and light and feels amazing.

Ok, now, go get you one. I mean it. I got mine last night. I've worn it all day and will tomorrow too :)

Happy July!!
XXOO

Friday eve mini-makeup haul :)

Happy Friday eve! This has been one long week for me...I don't know why, but it seems like I've been tired all week and a little stretched more than usual. We've been to the pool almost every day this summer and today, I think I got a little "pooled" out. So, tonight when Will came home from work and had dinner, we took a little trip to Target and grabbed some smoothies at McDonalds. For some reason, this helped perk me up (as trips to Target, usually do) and we all enjoyed being together and getting out of the house. So, here's what I got (only 2 makeup products) but I wanted to share because they both are REALLY good :)

1. Milani baked blush in Dolce Pink...this is a BEAUTIFUL blush and it is very similar to the Laura Gellar baked products that are much more expensive. This little number was $6.99 at Target and well worth it. This blush was reviewed by Emily Eddington http://www.beautybroadcast.com/ . I think this is going to be my favorite blush ever :)

2. Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume mascara in the NEW Olympics packaging...probably the best mascara ever...really...and for the 2012 Olympics, they have put it in neat little white packaging. I'm a sucker for packaging...but really this is an excellent mascara that is worth buying. The rubbery brush is unique and there is no smudging, clumping and great color. I got it in blackest black (not waterproof) and I'm sure I'll purchase again. It's that good :)


Ok, these 2 products were all I found tonight, but I'm sure I'll be back with a few more sometime soon...I have a small list in the back of my mind at all times! Let me know if you try these...and let me know what your favorites are!

Happy Friday eve!

XXOO

Father's Day...a little late :)

Today is Wednesday, a few days after Father's day, which was this past Sunday. I thought I would write today about my husband, Will, who is literally the best daddy I have ever seen. Part of the reason I write this blog is for my children, so that one day, they'll be able to read these posts and understand our little family. They'll be able to read about all the fun things we have done and they'll be able to read how much we love them. So, this blog is really for them and this post is about their daddy.

Will is the best daddy ever.period. He is genuine. What you see, is what you get. He is the same all the time. He was meant to be a daddy. I know I am lucky everyday. I know our children are lucky everyday. I will never take him for granted. I know what it's like to not have a daddy and I NEVER wanted that for my babies. I never wanted them to feel that ache in their hearts. So, I married the most perfect man ever. The sweetest man, the kindest man, the funniest man, the best man.

Will, I love you more than all the stars in the sky. You truly saved me and together we started a life that I dreamed of as a little girl. I am more than thankful for you and I pray for many more days on this earth with you. Rocking with you on the front porch, when we're old and gray, will be the cherry on top of a wonderful life. I love you.

XXOO

The best vacation ever...

Well, today we came home from the best vacation ever. We didn't go on a cruise and it wasn't another Disney trip...we went to Oak Island, NC and stayed in my husband's grandparents' house. It was just my kids, my husband and me this time. The weather was perfect, not a drop of rain or a cloud in sight. There were no crowds and we even got to bring our dog :) It was just perfect. So, I won't forget anything, I'm going to write down what we did in this blog post. I have some great suggestions for places to go if you ever head over across the bridge into that sweet spot....I hope you enjoy :)

Wednesday, Day 1: We left our house around 3:00 and headed to Oak Island...we were over the moon excited. The only thing that went wrong was that I let Mollie take a nap before we left and she didn't sleep a wink the whole way there...that made for a long 4 hours, but with the help of Hap Palmer baby dvds, we made it! We ate junk food and didn't get in the bed until midnight, but it was ok...I mean, it's vacation, right? So, there are no bedtimes on vacations.

Thursday, Day 2: We got up and had breakfast at the beach house and then headed to the beach. Mollie was mesmerized by the sand and ocean and let me tell you, that baby has no fear. I mean, none. She runs straight to the water, unlike her brothers who used to scream if I got them anywhere near it when they were that age. It makes for a very tiring beach time, but it's worth it to see all of our kids so happy. I love it. I don't want it to ever end. We ate a late lunch at Bob's Dogs on the island. That is the best place in the world to get a meatloaf sandwich. Weird, I know, but it's so good. Little Will had his first one and almost ate the whole thing but then said, "Man vs. Food...Food wins!" and took the rest home in a box :) We made our trip to Walmart (of course) and got some junk...Mollie an Ariel barbie, Cole a spiderman and Little Will wanted to wait to get his prize at the beach shop. We always get the kids junk on trips. That's part of the fun :) I always remember my grandfather buying me barbies when he took me to the beach. So, I have to carry on the toy tradition. Little Will ended up getting a boogey board at Sands Beach shop that afternoon. We rode to Southport, NC to look around (it's so peaceful there) and then came home and the boys went back to the beach. Oh, I did find Jennelle Evans' (from Teen Mom 2) house on Oak Island. She lives pretty close to Will's grandparents...she had a new Camaro out front...kind of silly, but you know me, I had to see it. Will got carry-out fish and shrimp for dinner from Jones Seafood on the island....yum! GREAT DAY :)

Friday, Day 3: Our Calabash day...I love Calabash, NC. That is the neatest place ever. We got up early and went there for most of the day. We got there when the shops opened and looked around for a little bit. I took Mollie in the stroller and the boys went with Daddy. We met back up a little later and Will got me a Kamelon ring for our 13th anniversary (which is next week!). I was beyond surprised and nervous because stuff like that always makes me nervous. I picked out a beautiful silver ring with a sparkly center, which was actually called Carribean Wave. How perfect :) We ate lunch at Beck's in Calabash (thank you, thank you Kim Taylor for telling us about that place). I had the best crabcake sandwich of my life. The boys got fish sandwiches and Mollie had her first taste of fish... and loved it! She hated slaw though :) She gets that from her daddy, not me. I could eat slaw everyday of my life. We drove to Myrtle Beach after that and walked around Broadway at the Beach...really just to go to It's Sugar, of course. The boys always fill a bag with sugary, sour stuff. We drove back to Oak Island and I took a walk to Crazy Cake Chicks which is about a block from our house. I got a 6 cupcake special and brought them back to everyone...yum....red velvet...key lime....oh my goodness...We ended the night at Pizza Hut and more beach time and we took the kids to see the Oak Island lighthouse. Perfect day :)

Saturday, Day 4: Our Wilmington day....We got up early and made it to the first departure of the Southport Ferry at 10:45. So fun :) I remember riding that same ferry for the first time about 3 months after Will and I were engaged. I had never been on a ferry in my life. This was Mollie's first time. She loved it. Cole was a little scared of all the birds (He hates birds...gets it honest from me). He was ok after we went inside and on the opposite side where the birds weren't hovering. We got to Kure Beach and ate at the Kure Beach diner. We had hamburgers and corn nuggets...another yummy thing. Mollie had her first taste of cantelope and loved it. We then rode on to Wilmington and the boys went to see the U.S.S. North Carolina while Mollie and I went to Independence Mall...I couldn't get a stroller all around that ship :) The boys LOVED the ship and Mollie and I had some girl time. I bought my first MAC lipstick in the color Creme de Nude (love it!) and went to Gymboree. One Chicfila cookie later, and we were back on the road and picking up the boys. We came home and then went on the beach (we saw tons of jellyfish that day!) and had leftovers at home for supper with ice cream. We went to the park on Oak Island and let the kids play...Mollie loved the swings. Cole learned how to slide down the super high pole on the playset. We watched the Queens Concert and ate more cupcakes from Crazy Cake Chicks. Another perfect day :)

Sunday, Day 5: Time to head home...ate breakfast at the Boathouse (yummy pancakes) and hit the road to come back to Lake Wylie. It was a great vacation. Nothing fancy...nothing that most people would write a blog about, but it was perfect to me. We were all together. We were all healthy. We were all smilin'. The air smelled salty and our bellies were full. We got up early and went to bed late. Mollie took 3 and half hour naps sometimes because the sun and sand wore her out. It was the best. I can't wait to go back and just think, summer just started :)